The methyl bromide ban: Economic impacts on the California strawberry industry

California strawberry production accounts for 18% of total methyl bromide use in U.S. agriculture. Under the Montreal Protocol, methyl bromide was slated to be banned in the United States in 2005. A critical use exemption was obtained for U.S. agriculture for 2005 and 2006, but the phaseout of methyl bromide continues. We examine the ban's effects on the California strawberry industry, and on individual production regions in the state. Under the most likely scenario, industry revenue will decline by 6-17% due to the ban. The effects will differ by region, due to seasonal differences in demand and production, and the possibility of increased foreign competition.