11 August 2026, Sacramento: The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has announced the beginning of a phase-out of paraquat-dichloride, after manufacturers voluntarily cancelled registrations for all pesticide products containing the active ingredient in the state.
The move follows a DPR reevaluation of paraquat initiated in November 2024 under California’s Food and Agricultural Code. The review was mandated by legislation requiring the department to assess whether continued use of paraquat poses unacceptable risks to human health or the environment.
DPR released preliminary scientific assessments in December 2024. The assessments identified potential associations between paraquat exposure and thyroid effects and birth defects. They also found potential risks to other organisms, with birds identified as facing some of the most significant environmental risks.
“For years, communities have fought to end the use of paraquat, a weedkiller associated with negative impacts to human health and wildlife,” said Yana Garcia, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. “California will keep moving toward pest management practices that protect health and our ecosystems.”
DPR Director Karen Morrison said the review process is intended to ensure that regulatory decisions are based on available scientific evidence.
“We need the right data to identify where there are risks to people and the environment,” Morrison said. “This is a cornerstone of our continuous evaluation process to respond to evolving science on the impacts of pesticides.”
California’s reevaluation originally covered seven paraquat products registered in the state. Under the state’s legislation, DPR was required to complete its reevaluation by January 1, 2029 and determine whether registrations should be retained, cancelled or suspended, or whether additional restrictions should be introduced.
The voluntary cancellation of registrations by manufacturers now moves California toward a phase-out of paraquat use, ahead of the original statutory deadline for completing the regulatory review.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
