CA Food & Agric Code Section 6025.5

(a)

The secretary shall establish and administer a research program to control vertebrate pests that pose a significant threat to the welfare of the state’s agricultural economy, infrastructure, and the public.

(b)

The specific purposes of the program include all of the following:

(1)

The investigation of effective and economical alternative materials for the control of vertebrate pests, including carbon monoxide to control burrowing rodent pests.

(2)

The solicitation and consideration of research proposals for alternative humane methods of control.

(3)

The continuation of current vertebrate pest control product registration at the state level until alternative products are developed that prove to be effective and economical.

(4)

The funding of research for the development of scientific data to fulfill registration requirements.

(5)

Cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture in funding research programs to maintain, develop, and register vertebrate pest control materials used in this state.