Call for Experts: State Staff Academy on Emerging Technologies — Artificial Intelligence Module
Seeking Peer Reviewers for Study on Pre-Plant Fumigant Use in California and Alternatives to Fumigation
September 4, 2025 | Calls for Expertise  | Contact: Rhianna Hohbein
Overview
The California Council on Science and Technology has been contracted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to produce a peer-reviewed report on current fumigant use in California and a comprehensive assessment of available alternatives to these fumigants.
Study for Review
The Phase 2 report on pre-plant soil fumigation, which focuses on pre-plant soil fumigants methyl bromide and the methyl isothiocyanate generators (dazomet, metam sodium, and metam potassium).
Learn More:
Details about the report scope and study team.
Areas of Expertise Sought
CCST is seeking nominations of individuals (including self-nominations) with expertise relevant to the following topics:
- Agricultural plant pathology
- Agricultural economics
- Agricultural entomology
- Environmental toxicology
- Community & Farmworker Exposure and Epidemiology
- Sustainable and organic agriculture
- Pesticide Regulations and Policies
- Marketing and Communications
- Agricultural Extension and Education
- Alternatives to fumigation
Timeline and Effort
Reviewers will be asked to evaluate the sections relevant to their expertise. Upon publication of the study, reviewers will be named and acknowledged, but specific comments will not be attributed. Reviewers will be asked to complete their reviews within two weeks of receiving the report.
Honorarium
For those who are eligible, we will provide a $50-200 honorarium (depending on scope of review) for individuals selected as reviewers. No travel is expected.
Deadline
By Friday, September 12, please submit names, affiliations, relevant area(s) of expertise (see bullets above) and contact information for individuals who are qualified to serve in support of this study. Self-nominations are welcome.
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.
