California has the most stringent standards in the nation governing the approval and use of pesticides.

In addition to state laws, local agricultural commissioners have authority to impose further restrictions on pesticide applications based on local environmental conditions, neighboring homes and schools, weather and soil types.

Pesticides must be extensively evaluated for safety by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) to protect farm workers, residents and consumers, with special consideration given to infants and children.

California's system is unique in its protective approach and serves as a model for other states.

Strawberry farmers and their families live, work and go to school in the same communities where they farm and protecting the health and well-being of our communities is a top priority.

For generations, farming families have been committed to growing food responsibly while helping protect residents and the environment.

The California strawberry industry reviewed information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding PFAS and food safety.

According to the FDA:

• No PFAS were detected above testing method limits in more than 95% of the fresh and processed foods sampled.

• Fruits and vegetables were among the foods sampled.

• The FDA has stated it has no indication that PFAS, at the levels found in its limited produce sampling, present a human health concern.

According to the EPA:

• All ingredients, including PFAS substances, must be approved by EPA before they can be included in a pesticide.

• If a pesticide is used on food or animal feed, a food tolerance (safety standard) is required for each ingredient in the product.

For more information, visit: Pesticides Containing a Single Fluorinated Carbon | US EPA

As members of the community, California strawberry farmers understand how concerning it is to hear claims about childhood cancer. Children are precious and their health must be protected.

When claims were made that childhood cancer rates may be higher among children living near or attending schools next to farms in the Pajaro Valley, the California strawberry industry sought scientific review of publicly available data.

Scientists with expertise in pesticides, epidemiology and toxicology reviewed data from the California Cancer Registry. Their findings were later reviewed and verified by state and county public health officials.

The reviews by state and county health departments found:

• Cancer rates among Hispanic individuals ages 0-19 in Santa Cruz County were in line with or below the state average.

• No minority group in the county had elevated childhood cancer rates.

• Cancer incidence among children and adolescents in South County (Pajaro Valley) was not higher than expected during the 2018-2022 study period.

• Childhood cancer incidence rates in Santa Cruz County were generally consistent with statewide patterns.

• Overall childhood cancer rates among Hispanic children remained stable during the study period.

The follow-up review was conducted by the University of California, San Francisco Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry and the California Department of Public Health and verified the CSC scientists’ conclusions: Childhood Cancer Study 

California strawberry farmers remain committed to growing berries responsibly, protecting their communities and following science-based practices.

For generations, farmers and their families have lived, worked and attended school in California's farming communities. Safety has been their priority for decades and continues to be today.