Nematode control has traditionally depended on highly toxic contact and fumigant pesticides which have now been restricted or eliminated in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Similar restrictions have occurred in other countries. Organophosphate and carbamate contact nematicides are non-specific neurotoxins and are among some of the most dangerous pesticides for humans, birds, fish, bees, and other non-target organisms. Fenamiphos was removed from the U.S. market in 2007 due to its toxicity, carbofuran is also slated for removal, and use of aldicarb has been further restricted. Methyl bromide (MeBr) was the predominant fumigant used for nematode, disease and weed control in crops like tomatoes and strawberries. An ozone-depleting compound as well as broadly-toxic molecule, MeBr production and import ended in the U.S. in 2005 under the Montreal Protocol. Use of remaining stockpiles requires annual critical use exemptions from the international protocol. Other fumigants like Metam-Sodium and 1,3 dichloropropene are also highly toxic and are restricted in their use. It is estimated that the current market for nematicides is between $700 million and $1 billion each year worldwide. However, an analysis of the economic impact of nematodes and growers' decision-making indicates that, given effective and safe control methods, the nematicide market could grow to several billion dollars annually. Damage caused by nematodes is comparable to insects and world-wide insecticide sales are typically $8 billion annually. Divergence is discovering and developing nematicides with novel modes of action and superior safety profiles to current products. The EPA Reduced Risk Initiative allows for accelerated timelines for regulatory review for safer pesticidal products.