In this episode, pesticide safety expert Lisa Fox joins the show to demystify what it really means to “be organic” and how California’s strict pesticide regulations shape everyday farming. Lisa is a licensed Pest Control Advisor and Qualified Applicator, and the founder of Eatwell Consulting, where she trains growers, farmworkers, and municipalities in pesticide compliance and safety. We dive into integrated pest management, what the term “pesticide” actually means, and how California’s regulatory system is both complex and one of the most protective in the world.
Episode Overview
From City Life to Crop Protection
Lisa shares her unconventional journey—from growing up in the San Gabriel Valley to falling in love with entomology at Cal Poly Pomona. Her pivot to agriculture wasn’t planned, but her passion for science and safety led to decades of fieldwork, consulting, and training across California.
What a Pest Control Advisor Actually Does
Many people assume pesticide use is a quick fix—but Lisa explains how integrated pest management (IPM) is a structured, scientific process. Advisors don’t just recommend products—they monitor crop health, evaluate environmental conditions, consider economic thresholds, and often delay or avoid chemical use entirely.
Layers of Licensing and Oversight
California’s pesticide system is multi-tiered and highly regulated. Lisa walks through the distinctions between Pest Control Advisors (PCAs), Qualified Applicators, and private ranchers—each of whom must be licensed, trained, and monitored. Every pesticide use is reported to the county, and inspections can happen anytime, unannounced.
Correcting Misconceptions About Pesticides
This episode addresses common myths—like the idea that farmers casually “spray first, ask questions later.” In reality, pesticides are a last resort, and even organic farms can use approved pest control products. Lisa outlines how even organic growers face pest pressure and often integrate chemical-free strategies alongside biological and cultural controls.
Spray Safe: Building a Culture of Safety and Trust
Lisa also helps organize Spray Safe, a large-scale, bilingual training event for farmworkers and growers. With over 350 attendees in past years, the program covers PPE, emergency response, and proper calibration—fostering transparency and safety from the ground up.
Regulations with Real Impact
We unpack how California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and county ag commissioners enforce the most rigorous pesticide laws in the U.S.—and perhaps the world. Lisa emphasizes that noncompliance isn’t just fined—it can result in revoked licenses, lost contracts, and peer accountability among growers.
Farming with Science, Safety, and Stewardship
Throughout the conversation, Lisa champions the value of science-based farming and reminds us that most growers aren’t looking for shortcuts—they’re doing the hard, often unseen work of stewardship. As farming evolves, Lisa hopes continued education, honest dialogue, and shared responsibility will keep the industry strong, sustainable, and safe.
