Seeking Participants for Post-Harvest Commodity Fumigants Roundtable

Overview

In Fall 2025, CCST will convene a 1.5-day expert roundtable in Sacramento, bringing together 8–12 invited participants to evaluate the use of post-harvest commodity fumigants in California. Attendance is by invitation only, and all participants will undergo conflict-of-interest (COI) review to ensure objectivity and independence.

Format and Publication

The roundtable will operate under Chatham House Rule, where the group can freely and frankly explore the policy, pest, and trade drivers of post-harvest commodity fumigant use; assess existing and emerging alternatives; identify barriers to broader adoption of alternatives; and elucidate key areas where further research or support are needed. Participants will also assess emission reduction measures and their effectiveness. Insights from the roundtable will be synthesized into a proceedings document to be delivered to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation as a standalone product within the Fumigants Alternatives Study conducted by CCST.

Timing

The roundtable is tentatively planned for October 2025, with exact dates to be determined based on participant availability.

Areas of Expertise Sought

CCST is seeking individuals with expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Post-harvest pest management (e.g., entomology, plant pathology, pest control strategies)
• Commodity fumigation practices (e.g., application methods, logistics, facility operations)
• Alternative treatments (e.g., controlled atmospheres, heat, irradiation, biopesticides, IPM)
• Pesticide regulation and trade policy (state, national, or international experience)
• Agricultural economics or supply chains (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, market access, trade impacts)
• Food safety and quality assurance (e.g., post-harvest handling, commodity preservation)
• Infrastructure or logistics related to storage, transport, or export of treated commodities
• Grower, packer, or handler operations and decision-making
• Environmental justice
• Public health

Selection Process

CCST will review all nominations through a multi-step process designed to support a constructive, balanced, and independent roundtable discussion. Initial assessments will be based on the information provided in the nomination form, including the nominee’s statement of interest, relevant expertise, and professional background.

In selecting participants, we will strive to achieve a diversity of perspectives and experiences across disciplines, sectors, and fumigant-related roles. To that end, we may limit participation from any one stakeholder group to ensure a well-rounded discussion.

Invitations

Nominees whose expertise and background align with the roundtable’s goals may be invited to participate in a brief exploratory conversation with CCST staff. These conversations help us better understand each individual’s interest in the topic, relevant experience, and commitment to collaborative, good-faith engagement with others who may hold differing viewpoints.

Please note that not all nominees will be contacted for a conversation, and not all who participate in conversations will be selected. All final decisions regarding participation rest with CCST.

Transparency

To support transparency and objectivity, all confirmed participants will undergo a conflict-of-interest (COI) review. While a potential COI does not automatically disqualify someone from participating, we will work to ensure that any such circumstances are appropriately disclosed and managed.

Submit a Nomination

We welcome self-nominations from academic researchers, technical experts, practitioners, and other professionals with relevant experience in California or comparable agricultural systems.

Submit a Nomination

Download this call for experts (PDF)

About CCST

The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers — ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation. Established via a unanimous vote of the Legislature in 1988, CCST has been making California’s policies stronger with science and technology for nearly 40 years.