Driscoll's Commitment to the Pajaro Valley

Thank you for your interest in farming—and especially in organic farming—in the Pajaro Valley. Our roots in this community run deep. We live here, work here, send our children to local schools, and care deeply about the health and safety of our families, employees, and neighbors.

We want to assure our local community that the use of pesticides, including their application near schools, is strictly regulated and closely monitored by multiple government agencies. This includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR), and the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Offices. All of Driscoll’s independent growers are required to follow regulations and the law, working with government agencies to ensure full compliance.

Every pesticide used must have approval by EPA and CDPR. These products are reviewed and approved only after rigorous scientific evaluation for safety, including potential impacts to workers, children, and other sensitive groups. If a product is registered for use, both the EPA and CDPR have determined it to be safe when applied according to the label. In California, CDPR monitors pesticides in the air, surface water, and ground water as well as new scientific information. This data is incorporated into their continuous evaluation process to address impacts of registered products.

Determining whether pesticide laws or buffer zones should be updated rests with independent scientists and public regulatory agencies—like the EPA and CDPR—who are responsible for protecting community health through rigorous, science-based oversight. If the public has concerns or believes changes are needed, we encourage the public to direct those requests to the appropriate agencies, where they can be formally reviewed and addressed through the proper regulatory channels.

Driscoll’s is committed to advancing certified organic farming beyond compliance. We believe the future of farming lies in collaborative innovation. That’s why one of our key initiatives is “More Berries, Less Resources”—a strategy to grow food more efficiently and with fewer inputs. We're collaborating with research institutions like UC Santa Cruz and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to develop non-chemical solutions for pest and disease management. At the same time, we’re making significant progress in berry genetics to breed naturally resilient plants that require fewer pesticide applications. We are also testing and deploying ag-tech solutions developed by startups and innovators from around the world.

These advances take time, research, and investment. But we are committed to leading the way toward more sustainable farming practices.  We continue to engage with our independent growers about land management practices that include options to transition some fields into organic production. You can learn more about our organic growing practices and commitment on our website.

We also encourage you to learn more about pesticide usage and regulations by visiting the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and/or reach out to your county Agricultural Commissioner.

We all share a common goal: a healthy, thriving community where families, farmers, and the environment can coexist and prosper.