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Light Brown Apple Moth |
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EIR released for LBAM program
Tools used to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth in California pose no significant threat to the environment. Instead, doing nothing about LBAM poses the only real environmental threat. The EIR was released July 31, 2009. You can find it at CDFA's website by clicking here. Meanwhile, increasing evidence of harm by LBAM demonstrates that opponents of eradication misled the public and the courts about the threat this invasive pest posed. "What we have learned is that the unfounded fears of a small, uninformed minority can cause unprecedented harm," Monterey County Farm Bureau recently wrote to Secretary of Agriculture A. G. Kawamura. Farm Bureau worried that a court ruling that stymied treatments on the Central Coast could set a precedent, particularly if the court is influenced by misinformation. "This situation also foreshadows future problems, when the next invasive pest appears. It raises doubts about CDFA’s ability to prevent, detect or eradicate the next pest. It raises the further likelihood that future threats will be evaluated by a more relaxed standard, that no tool will be accepted no matter how effective and safe, and finally that any opposition can so easily stop CDFA from doing its job." Farm Bureau directors recently heard reports that LBAM has caused significant damage in organic blackberries in Santa Cruz County. President Jason Smith said, "This situation gives proof to our fears that LBAM would cause direct harm to agricultural commodities, would disrupt organic production and would require significant increases in pesticide use to control the pest." The obvious damage in Santa Cruz County raises the likelihood of further and perhaps unpredictable harm across the United States. This experience also suggests there may be other as-yet-unidentified host commodities across the nation that will be susceptible to LBAM, and the authorities and growers in those areas have no voice in California’s decision to allow LBAM to spread. Agriculture is already suffering ridiculous costs to monitor, trap and diagnose LBAM, to comply with quarantine requirements, and to apply more chemicals. Nurseries are paying for treatments designed to kill everything. Grape growers are encouraged to apply chemicals that may not even be necessary to be sure they are clean. Grape growers are following quarantine requirements to tarp trucks and prepare paperwork that must be certified with the grower and the receiving winery, adding unnecessary new costs. This new experience with agricultural losses also worries Farm Bureau that damage to the environment in native plants may prove to be more extensive and serious than previously imagined.
Sterile moths to eradicate pest
Sterile moth releases will replace aerial pheromone applications as the primary tool for eradicating the Light Brown Apple Moth, announced California Department of Food and Agriculture on June 19. Mexico and Canada already said they are comfortable with the program. Accelerated research has made it possible to shift to the sterile insect technique, which is proven technology for other pests that will be used for Light Brown Apple Moth for the first time. Developing the insect rearing facilities and producing the quantities of insects has started, with the first insect releases in a pilot program set for December and widespread releases following beginning next spring and peaking in 2011. All available eradication tools, including aerial application, will continue to be used in appropriate areas. The aerial treatments will no longer include urban areas.
See http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/invasives/
Monterey
County on front line of pest battle
Court ruling put agriculture in jeopardy California agriculture has been jeopardized by a court ruling that undermines protection against invasive pests, said Monterey County Farm Bureau President Jason Smith. He applauded an announcement by California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura that his department will aggressively seek an expedited appeal. A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge ruled April 24 that aerial spraying to control the light brown apple moth could not continue. “I’m confident this ruling will be reversed. Our defense against unwanted pests is at stake here,” Smith said. “If our state and national pest prevention system can be vetoed by a local court, we will have no protection at all. “The moth presents an emergency threat to agriculture and our natural environment. It will infest our forests, natural vegetation, urban landscapes and farms. “If we wait for more crop damage it could be too late to eradicate this pest. This is why we have an approved process to detect, identify and eradicate unwanted pests as soon as possible.” Monterey is one of nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Coast that are infested with this new pest, which threatens native plants, many garden plants and a wide variety of crops. Moth-related restrictions on exports to two of California’s top trading partners, Canada and Mexico, make it harder for Monterey County farmers to export their crops. With $3.5 billion in farm production, mostly in fresh vegetables, strawberries and grapes, Monterey depends on national and international sales to support jobs and keep land in agriculture. “The restrictions have made it much more difficult for farmers to sell their fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and nursery plants to customers in the two nations that have been our biggest customers,” Smith said. Monterey County Farm Bureau is the private nonprofit association of farmers and ranchers. Monterey County is the fourth most productive farm county in the U. S. Farm leaders applaud health study Farm leaders in Monterey County applauded a state health study that concluded pheromone applications to eradicate an invasive pest, the light brown apple moth, could not be linked to any reported illnesses. The study confirms the pheromone – which is an alternative to conventional pesticides – is safe, said Monterey County Farm Bureau President Jason Smith. “This study reassures us that this is the right approach to eradicating light brown apple moth in California.” The report by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Department of Pesticide Regulation and Department of Public Health, shows there is no basis for claims that the pheromone is the cause of illnesses, said Smith. At the same time, Farm Bureau lauded the state’s continuing work to collect and analyze all reports of possible illness. “We support the recommendations in the study as effective responses to community concerns,” said Smith. The study included five specific recommendations: 1. Have clear communications to local government officials and the public; 2. Provide information and recommendations for people who may want to avoid exposure; 3. Coordinate effectively with local and state agencies and officials on collecting illness reports; 4. Establish a centralized system for collecting, analyzing and sharing reports; and, 5. Communicate effectively with community health care providers on recognizing and reporting possible symptoms related to pesticides. The complete report, “Summary of Symptom Reports in Areas of Aerial Pheromone Application for Management of the Light Brown Apple Moth in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, September, October, and November 2007,” is available on OEHHA’s website at http://www.oehha.ca.gov. Extensive information on the LBAM eradication program is available at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/lbam_main.html. Citing worries about harm to the environment and to California’s economy, Farm Bureau continues to support state and federal efforts to eradicate the light brown apple moth. Smith said, “We must eradicate this invasive pest to protect our natural environment and to sustain our rural economy. The light brown apple moth threatens to infest our forests, natural vegetation, urban landscapes and farms. If unchecked, the moth would damage native plants and would undermine our efforts to reduce pesticide use and improve water quality. It would raise international trade restrictions, erecting barriers to our farm exports and further weakening our rural economy.” Monterey is one of nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Coast that are infested with this new pest, which threatens native plants, many garden plants and a wide variety of crops. New restrictions on exports to two of California’s top trading partners, Canada and Mexico, make it harder for Monterey County farmers to export their crops. With $3.4 billion in farm production, mostly in fresh vegetables, strawberries and grapes, Monterey depends on national and international sales to support jobs and keep land in agriculture. The restrictions have made it much more difficult for farmers to sell their fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and nursery plants to customers in the two nations that have been their biggest customers. “Eradication is the only option,” said Smith. “This is far more than a farm pest. The light brown apple moth will also harm home gardens and the Central Coast’s pristine natural environment. It’s understandable that other countries don’t want this moth, and they will restrict our farm products to keep the moth out. This is a real difficulty for organic farmers and small-scale farmers. “Other states and nations must be convinced that California is committed to eradication,” added Smith. He praised agencies for using the newest, most environmentally sensitive tools for eradication. “We have to assure residents and elected official that the moth can be eradicated safely and effectively. We have to show people how invading pests and diseases can damage California’s landscape and economy.” The light brown apple moth infestation has prompted trade restrictions from two of the top foreign customers for California farm products. Canada, the number one foreign market for Monterey County growers, buys 340 million pounds of local commodities annually. Mexico buys more than 41 million pounds of Monterey County farm products each year.
Farmers urge eradication Worried about harm to environment, economy Worried about harm to the environment and to California’s economy, farmers in the “Salad Bowl of the World” today called on state and federal agencies to complete the eradiation of the light brown apple moth. Directors of Monterey County Farm Bureau voted unanimously to voice support for the eradication effort that is being mounted by California Department of agriculture and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Citing both environmental and economic dangers, Monterey President Jason Smith said, “We must eradicate this invasive pest to protect our natural environment and to sustain our rural economy. The light brown apple moth threatens to infest our forests, natural vegetation, urban landscapes and farms. If unchecked, the moth would damage native plants and would undermine our efforts to reduce pesticide use and improve water quality. It would raise international trade restrictions, erecting barriers to our farm exports and further weakening our rural economy.” Monterey is one of nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Coast that are infested with this new pest, which threatens native plants, many garden plants and a wide variety of crops. New restrictions on exports to two of California’s top trading partners, Canada and Mexico, make it harder for Monterey County farmers to export their crops. With $3.4 billion in farm production, mostly in fresh vegetables, strawberries and grapes, Monterey depends on national and international sales to support jobs and keep land in agriculture. The restrictions have made it much more difficult for farmers to sell their fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and nursery plants to customers in the two nations that have been their biggest customers. “Eradication is the only option,” said Smith. “This is far more than a farm pest. The light brown apple moth will also harm home gardens and the Central Coast’s pristine natural environment. It’s understandable that other countries don’t want this moth, and they will restrict our farm products to keep the moth out. This is a real difficulty for organic farmers and small-scale farmers. “Our trading partners must be convinced that federal and state agencies are committed to eradication,” added Smith. He praised agencies for using the newest, most environmentally sensitive tools for eradication. “We have to assure residents and elected official that the moth can be eradicated safely and effectively. We have to show people how invading pests and diseases can damage California’s landscape and economy.” The additional restrictions from Canada and Mexico affect shipments to two of the top foreign customers for California farm products. Canada is the number one foreign market for Monterey County farms and ranches, purchasing 340 million pounds of local commodities annually. Strawberries, one of our leading farm exports to Canada and Mexico, are grown primarily in counties now affected by light brown apple moth quarantines. Mexico purchases more than 41 million pounds of Monterey County farm products each year. The Canadian and Mexican quarantines affect a wide variety of local crops.
Detailed answers about the Light Brown Apple Moth eradication program were provided in an October 4, 2007, letter from California Secretary of Agriculture A. G. Kawamura in response to an October 4 letter from Assemblyman John Laird. Among the highlights of Kawamura’s letter are:
To read Kawamura's detailed answers in full, click here.
Information previously released by CDFA said:
Why does eradication involve urban areas? Urban residential areas are part of this front line, because the Light Brown Apple Moth thrives on so many landscape plants, including roses, columbines, bottle brush, chrysanthemums, mums, baby’s breath, ivy, privet hedges, honeysuckles, lupines and jasmine. The list of potential host plants is long, and chances are you have some of these plants in your yard. Until the Light Brown Apple Moth is completely eradicated, it poses a threat.
What damage does the moth cause? Environmental damage will follow if Light Brown Apple Moth is allowed to remain in California, including likely harm to native plants and trees and to threatened and endangered plant species, and increased pesticide use statewide by homeowners and commercial growers. The list of identified host trees includes oak, pine, redwood, cedar, cypress, alder, citrus, eucalyptus, spruce, cottonwood, poplar, fir, acacias, ash, spruce, and willow, plus fruit trees including citrus, pear, peach, nectarine, almond, apricot, cherry, plum, avocado, macadamia, apple, mango, kiwifruit, olive, persimmon and loquat. Crops threatened include grapes, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, cress, mustard, radish, turnip, chile pepper, cucumber, pumpkin, carrot, potato, corn, kumquats, strawberry, celery, blueberry, blackberry, boysenberry, raspberry, parsley, bean, pea and alfalfa, to name a few. Damage is done by moth larvae – caterpillars – that eat the leaves of the host plant. They feed principally on the undersides of leaves inside silken webbing and construct "leaf rolls" as they mature. The larvae may web together leaves, fruits, a bud and one or more leaves, leaves and fruit, or may simply fold and web individual leaves.
How safe is eradication? The pheromone treatments use the female moths’ own natural attraction to confuse male moths, so no offspring are produced. This is the safest, most innovative technology ever applied to this kind of pest. This is the kind of eradication program that farmers and mainstream environmental groups alike have sought.
Why do I care about damage to agriculture? Farming is the principal employer in Monterey County and a linchpin in the local economy. Jobs, business, and tax revenues all depend on a thriving farm industry here. Beyond Monterey County, California is the top farm state, supplying most of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, a vital contributor to U. S. food security. Establishment of new pests like Light Brown Apple Moth can mean: (1) more reliance on imported food; (2) lost jobs and income from farming, possibly leading to fewer farms and changes in land use and local communities; and, (3) increased use of pesticides to protect the remaining crops. Loss of markets due to quarantines and trade actions would limit our export opportunities, reduce our balance of trade and harm our national economy.
Secretary of Agriculture approves eradication In a September 4, 2007, letter to Monterey Mayor Chuck Della Sala, Secretary of Agriculture A. G. Kawamura announced that aerial treatment for Light Brown Apple Moth would begin September 9. Kawamura wrote: "Thank you, again, for traveling to Sacramento last week for a meeting about the Light Brown Apple Moth project. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your concerns and those of the Monterey City Council, and I was grateful for the opportunity to further explain the emergency nature of the prescribed pheromone treatment in Monterey County. As we discussed, invasive species threaten our environment, our food supply, and public health, and our efforts to prevent invasive species like the apple moth from becoming established in California remain a high priority. "When I visited Monterey last week, I promised the community that I would carefully consider the opinions and concerns expressed before making a decision on whether or not to move forward with the program. My staff and I have worked diligently to digest that information and consider our options. "I have determined that aerial application of the moth pheromone, Checkmate OLR-F, will begin in Monterey County on Sunday, September 9, at 8 p.m., weather permitting. The operation that night will cover just part of the eradication area. To complete the initial application throughout the rest of the area, additional plane flights are scheduled to occur on September 10 and September 11. "I am confident in the science that has been presented about the safety and efficacy of Checkmate OLRF. I believe this to be the most environmentally friendly pest eradication project in the history of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. We have chosen an approach that addresses unique local environmental concerns, such as the monarch butterfly and the proximity of local sea life. "I appreciate the concerns and the passion demonstrated last week by some of the citizens of Monterey County. They have raised some important questions about the project, and we have posted them—along with answers—on our web site: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/lbam_main.html The California Department of Food and Agriculture is committed to protecting the life systems of this state. We will stay in communications with the people and municipalities of Monterey County. Please contact me if I may be of further assistance."
Light Brown Apple Moth affects growers and nurseries
Growers and nurseries in Monterey County are affected by quarantine restrictions following finds of the Light Brown Apple Moth in the county. Host commodities within designated quarantine areas and within 1.5 miles of a Light Brown Apple Moth find must be inspected and certified by the Agricultural Commissioner within 30 days prior to shipment out of the area and must show evidence of an integrated pest management program. Nursery products are believed to be the primary vector for movement of Light Brown Apple Moth, so nurseries will bear the brunt of this pest problem. Florida and other states, and Canada and Mexico are watching the situation, but as of early May 2007, there was no disruption of Monterey County fruit and vegetable shipments while federal, state and local officials develop the quarantine, inspection and eradication programs to deal with this new pest. The quarantine follows a March 2007 discovery of Light Brown Apple Moth in the Bay Area, the first on the United States mainland. If left uncontrolled, Light Brown Apple Moth could cause significant damage to many different kinds of crops, including stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and apricots), pome fruit (apples and pears), grapes, and citrus. For a host list, click here. California proclamation of eradication area CDFA information about Light Brown Apple Moth USDA information about Light Brown Apple Moth Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner State Plant Health Director's office of USDA, APHIS, PPQ. California
Department of Agriculture (quarantine maps and other information for
California) Regulatory Communications and Information
On-Line Resources
Friday, July 31, 2009 06:00:54 PM
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