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East County News Network
August 5, 2010 (San Diego) – Four light-brown apple moths found in a single trap near Interstates 805 and 15, following discovery of another moth recently in Bonsall, will trigger a state-ordered quarantine of agricultural products, the San Diego Farm Bureau warned members this week. A state quarantine will likely lead to a federal quarantine that could restrict sale of crops grown throughout San Diego County.
Additional traps have been set to determine the intensity of the infestation should be ready today. Next week, the state will set quarantine boundaries extending out 1.5 miles from the site. However, the Farm Bureau predicts a far larger impact in statement on its website: “After the state quarantine is declared, there will be the declaration of a federal quarantine, and the feds are leaning towards placing the entire county under quarantine.”
The vast majority of crops produced in this county will be impacted once the quarantine is declared. Products produced inside a quarantine cannot be moved until the location has been inspected and declared LBAM free. That must then be followed by a trapping program to exhibit continuous lack of the pest. Recommended reading on this is at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/pdfs/FactSheets/LBAM_Q-Compliance....
Thirty-five additional inspectors are currently en route to San Diego from other parts of the state and country to assist with the project.
The Farm Bureau plans an informational meeting for San Diego County farmers and growers on August 10 at 2 p.m. in the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane in Fallbrook.
Light brown apple moths are voracious eaters that will consume a wide variety of produce crops and plants.
Treatment of past infestations have included aerial spraying of pesticides, which triggered more than 200 complaints of health impacts. California subsequently switched to release of pheromones, chemicals that interfere with the moths' abilities to find mates.
If you suspect Light Brown Apple Moth on any of your plants or trees, call the CDFA PEST HOTLINE at 1-800-491-1899 or 619-698-1046.
Comments
LBAM NOT A THREAT
There is NO THREAT caused by the LBAM ANYWHERE it is found in the world. The moth has been in the state for decades and has, by CDFA's own admission in their EIR, NOT CAUSED ANY DAMAGE in the state. The moth was misclassified decades ago and the USDA and CDFA refuse to respect modern research and knowledge regarding the real threat of this innocuous insect. In New Zealand, where it has been found for more then 100 years (this is true also for Hawaii, the UK, and everywhere it is native or has been introduced) farmers are required to provide only LBAM-free produce if they intend to export to the US. New Zealand farmers are not subject to quarantines, do not have to have LBAM-free farms, and the government helps these farmers with useful information on control. Our CDFA and USDA are not there to help just prevent farmers from doing their jobs and imposing restrictions. LBAM is easy to control with organic IPM methods.
The ONLY threat of LBAM is the inspections and draconian quarantines imposed on our farmers and the violation of our farms and businesses by the CDFA/USDA. The media needs to be educated about the facts and not simply continue the misinformation of the CDFA/USDA.
Resist the quarantines, ask questions, get educated (Northern California resisted after the CDFA sprayed regions of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties with synthetic chemicals never meant for or tested for exposure to humans and without any efficacy tests on how these treatments might work). Refuse to sign compliance agreements. Stand up and fight with legal challenges. LBAM is not a threat, our ag agencies are the real threat.
Thanks,if you have documentation for this please email
editor@eastcountymagazine.org.