Communities across California struggle with health and wellness disparities due to the presence of both food deserts and a lack of affordability. Decreasing bee populations, impacted dramatically by pesticides, directly affect our crop yields and food prices. This impact falls heaviest on low-income families, who often cannot afford fresh, nutritious, and locally grown foods. As a result, health declines and obesity rates continue to spiral upwards. 

In October 2023, California joined the ranks of 11 states that implemented laws partially restricting the use of bee-toxic neonicotinoid (neonic) insecticides, with the enactment of CA AB 363 into law. Designed to ban over-the-counter sales of lawn and garden neonics by 2025, these measures restrict the use of neonics to licensed pesticide applicators. Despite this positive step, we must do more to prevent further damage.

The new legislation empowers the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CA EPA) to take broader action on neonics up until June 30, 2029, if necessary. Given the alarming downswing in bee populations and the accompanying threats to our communities' health and food accessibility, we truly believe a more comprehensive action plan is necessary. Waiting until 2029 to assess the grave impact of neonicotinoids could have catastrophic ramifications.

We need to address this issue with the utmost urgency, for our bees, our crops, our health, and the future of our society depend on sustainable measures towards pesticide regulation. Our plea, therefore, is to the CA EPA for the faster and more comprehensive restriction of neonicotinoids. Save our bees, protect our crops, and secure the future of food and health in California. Sign this petition and play your part in urging for a swift change in pesticide regulation.