Guarding the Green | Pest Control Advisors and Farming
By now, the value of insect monitoring in commercial agriculture is no secret and as the industry expands into the realm of automated pest monitoring, the question that many farmers are left asking is, “okay…I know what insect pests are in my fields. How do I deal with them?” This is the point where farmers intersect with one of the unsung heroes of agricultural insect pest control — pest control advisors (PCAs) and crop consultants. Considering the significant role that PCAs play in the success of commercial agricultural operations, we’ve decided to spend this month’s blog chatting with IPM Innovator Award recipient, licensed pest control advisor, and entomologist, Cliff Kitayama, Ph.D., who is FarmSense’s VP of Field Research and Design and owner of Kitayama Ag Services, LLC.
What is a Pest Control Advisor (PCA)?
PCAs have become an essential component of operating a successful, profitable, and sustainable farm or commercial agriculture operation. For example, in the state of California, a licensed PCA offers recommendations on any agricultural use of pesticides, holds themself as an authority on any agricultural pesticide use and solicits services or sales for any agricultural use. By using a combination of science, technology, and field expertise, pest control advisors serve as a valuable knowledge base when it comes to effective and efficient insect pest control. PCAs play a pivotal role in not only diagnosing and managing insect pest issues but also in implementing strategies that help prevent future infestations. Farmers often rely on pest control advisors for recommendations surrounding the type, rate, and timing of pesticide applications. The expertise and experience of PCAs is critical in providing pesticide recommendations that are both effective and environmentally sustainable. Beyond advising pesticide use, pest control advisors also collaborate closely with farmers to monitor fields, identify pests and diseases early, and implement preventative measures. This proactive approach not only protects crops but also supports ecological balance and ideally reduces the reliance on broad-spectrum chemical interventions. The work of pest control advisors plays a vital role in maintaining the health of crops, ensuring both yield quality and compliance with regulatory standards. In California, acquiring a PCA license requires specifical educational and/or technical experience. Once an applicant is approved, they must then pass an exam on relevant laws, regulations, and basic principles as well as at least one pest control category exam. It should also be noted that pest control advisors licensing/certifications vary from state to state and are sometimes referred to as certified crop advisors.
Commercial Agriculture from the Perspective of a Pest Control Advisor
We spent some time chatting with licensed pest control advisor, entomologist, and IPM Innovator Award recipient, Cliff Kitayama, Ph.D., who is FarmSense’s VP of Field Research and Design and owner of Kitayama Ag Services, LLC. Dr. Kitayama specializes in tree crops such as almonds, walnuts, prunes, and occasionally grapes, apples, and oranges.
FarmSense: Thanks for taking the time to provide some insight on commercial agriculture and farming from a PCAs perspective. We would like to begin by getting your thoughts on how you’ve seen the PCA industry change during your career?
Dr. Cliff Kitayama: It has changed dramatically. In California there was a major age gap for several years. My generation, which is now mostly retired, was followed by what is now the senior group. The group that falls into the 40–50-year-old range is very small. A few years ago, there was a surge of young PCAs. Unfortunately, I think the current state of the commercial agriculture economy is really tough on the new PCAs. We may again find ourselves in a shortage of PCAs in the near future.
Do you feel like PCAs are trending towards remaining independently operated or are we moving towards PCAs working under a more corporate, large-scale style setting?
CK: About 20 years ago there was definitely a trend toward independent PCAs. I think that it is still moving in that direction but there is more competition now. The PCAs working for chemical companies are mainly the older, experienced PCAs. Currently, with internet sales, depression of the agricultural economy, and increased chemical costs, it is difficult to become an established PCA. As corporate farms keep growing, the trend toward independents may change. When a corporation is large enough, the economies of scale trend toward in-house PCAs. Large companies can also absorb the costs of the young PCA’s learning curve. Young independent and chemical PCAs both need mentors to learn the trade. This can sometimes lead to the awkward situation where a mentor is training their future competitor.
Can you describe any tools or systems that PCAs currently want or need?
CK: As with most industries, agriculture is moving toward more and more automation. Commercial agriculture is incorporating new technology as fast as possible to become more efficient. AI is being applied to insect monitoring and research, along with irrigation scheduling. Disease management is catching up. Since labor is a major cost, ideally PCAs would be able to track everything from a central location. Nothing currently available can replace being in the field, but having large areas under automated monitoring could keep PCAs ahead of any developing problems.
It sounds like automated insect monitoring and AI is the future of commercial agriculture. Why are these important for PCAs?
CK: Monitoring insects is labor intensive and requires lots of expertise and experience. Any tool that can expedite monitoring will be invaluable. Timing is the basis of insect control. The best equipment and chemicals will fail with poor timing. Ideally, PCAs would like real time data. Fortunately, this is beginning to become available.
In your opinion as an accomplished pest control advisor, what steps do you think are necessary at this point for the commercial agriculture industry to transition from a system that is heavily dependent on pesticides to a sustainable green platform?
CK: We can reduce pesticide use and use less toxic chemicals, but consumer expectations of produce that is cosmetically perfect needs to be changed. The availability of more accurate and timely data and more efficient farm equipment will move us closer to a sustainable system.
What do you envision for the future of “sustainable organic” and/or “regenerative organic” crop products?
CK: It can be done at a cost. Consumer acceptance will dictate the market, which will drive the direction of farming practices.
Based on that, what are your thoughts surrounding the future of biopesticides? What — if anything — do PCAs expect out of biopesticides?
CK: Biopesticides are a step in the right direction to reduce pollution. However, biopesticides are difficult to use. They require more knowledge and expertise to use them efficaciously. Biopesticides are usually more host-specific, have a short residual, and have more sensitivity to environmental factors than traditional pesticides.
Do you believe that biopesticides could eventually replace synthetic pesticides?
CK: We will most likely always have synthetic pesticides. They won’t be broad-spectrum and long-lasting but will mimic biopesticides.
Since you’re based in California, what is your opinion of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California Almond Board’s (CAB) “sustainable pest management” push that includes integrated pest management (IPM) as a foundational piece?
CK: It is the direction we need to go. Unfortunately, what many call IPM [Integrated Pest Management] is not the true definition and implementation of IPM. Part of the agency’s program is to pay PCAs to record their day-to-day activities so that they can analyze what successful PCAs are doing. Agencies want to know what a PCA does so they are offering $5000.
But PCAs sell information for a living! The best PCAs build a reputation by developing successful programs for farming. I would guess that most successful PCAs would not want to sell their competitive advantage and have it in the public domain.
We certainly appreciate your time and insight! Is there anything we’ve missed about the world of PCAs that you would like to add?
CK: We are overlooking the field of biological control. Biopesticides are fine but the foundation for all IPM programs is natural control. We are no longer very supportive of biological control research. When synthetic chemicals failed, the agriculture industry used to turn to classical biological control programs. Now, they just look for the next new generation of agricultural chemicals.
The Takeaway
While many who aren’t involved in the industry may assume that commercial agriculture and farming operations are solely managed by those on-site daily, the reality is that a successful agriculture operation involves a network of essential roles, including the vital work of pest control advisors (PCAs) and crop consultants. These professionals provide critical expertise that extends beyond the farm, integrating scientific knowledge with practical solutions to protect and enhance crop health. As Dr. Kitayama highlighted, the future of agriculture is being shaped by advances in artificial intelligence and automation, revolutionizing how PCAs and other key players operate. These technologies enable more precise pest monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and innovative pest management strategies, driving efficiency and sustainability. As we look ahead, the synergy between human expertise and technological innovation will be paramount in propelling the commercial agricultural industry towards a sustainable future with greater productivity and ecological balance.