The battle against illegal pesticides in California. Sierra snow level is shrinking rapidly, worrying farmers about future surface water availability.

Don’t be fooled by those views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. With the lack of precipitation, that white stuff is shrinking rapidly, threatening summertime time agricultural water supplies. As a result, water talks are heating up here in Valley over who gets any available water. We talk with one influential valley farmer, and his hopes for a compromise. Illegal pesticide use, as well as counterfeit pesticides, are a growing business in Brazil. But it’s not just in South America. (audio). Val Dolcini, the Director of California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, tells us what California is doing to keep illegal pesticides out of the state as well as keep consumers here safe from any dangerous pesticide residues on imported food. And, an expert offers up valuable honeybee tips for getting the most of that buzzing army right now, during almond bloom. All that and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.