California’s pest prevention system—critical to protecting the nation’s food supply, natural landscapes, and urban environments—is under increasing strain, according to a new comprehensive report released today.

The report finds that while many elements of California’s system remain highly effective, they are being outpaced by a sharp rise in invasive pest threats driven by global trade and travel. At the same time, funding and investment have failed to keep pace with both the growing risks and the increasing value of what the system protects.

“California is essentially trying to protect more valuable assets with fewer real resources,” said Lindsey Carter, Executive Director of the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA).

The study—the Comprehensive Pest Prevention Program Analysis Project (C3PA)—is a joint effort between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and CACASA. It includes contributions from experts at the University of California, California State University, and other academic and state partners. Notably, this is the first comprehensive evaluation of the system since 1996.

“Over the past three decades, the scale and complexity of pest threats have increased dramatically,” Carter said. “But instead of keeping up, the system has been strained by budget cuts, staffing shortages, and outdated infrastructure and technology.”

The report identifies more than $90 million in immediate one-time funding needs and $25 million in annual investments to strengthen infrastructure, staffing, and pest exclusion programs. These figures reflect urgent gaps—not the long-term investment required to keep the system effective.

What’s at Stake

California plays an outsized role in feeding the nation and the world. The state produces:

• 99% of U.S. nectarines
• 95% of plums
• 90% of strawberries
• 70% of lettuce
• 40% of all U.S. vegetables
• One-third of the world’s tomato paste

Protecting this production is essential not only for the economy, but for public health.

“If we’re serious about improving nutrition and access to healthy foods, protecting California agriculture is non-negotiable,” Carter said.

The economic case is equally compelling. Since the last system review in 1996, California’s agricultural value has grown by 24%, exceeding $59 billion in 2023.

“The return on investment for pest prevention is already high,” Carter noted. “But when you factor in the potential losses—not just to agriculture, but to natural ecosystems and urban environments—the case for increased funding becomes overwhelming.”

A Critical Link to Reducing Pesticide Use

The report also highlights a key but often overlooked benefit: effective pest prevention reduces reliance on pesticides.

“When invasive pests establish, pesticide use rises,” Carter explained. “When eradication is successful, it drops back down. But when eradication fails, elevated pesticide use becomes the new normal.”

At the same time, California has phased out several key pest-control tools, leaving growers with fewer options when new threats emerge.

The report identifies several high-impact investments, including:

• Modernizing sterile insect rearing facilities, a proven, pesticide-free method of controlling invasive species
• Expanding Detector Dog Teams, which significantly improve pest detection at shipping facilities

Currently, dog teams inspect facilities only about 5% of operating days. Expanding coverage to major postal hubs could dramatically improve interception rates.

Conclusion

Overall, the report concludes that California’s pest prevention system delivers strong value—but is constrained by chronic underfunding relative to the scale of risk.

“The system works,” Carter said. “But it’s being asked to do more with less, and that’s not sustainable.”

CACASA plans to launch an education campaign to raise awareness among policymakers and build support for increased investment.

“With a gubernatorial election approaching, this is the right moment to address an issue that receives little attention but has enormous consequences,” Carter said. “California has the opportunity to lead the world in modern pest prevention—but only if we invest in the system that protects it.”