CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONERS
& SEALERS ASSOCIATION
PEST PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn,Sacramento,CA
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present:
Richard Price, Chair Harry Krug
Bob Rolan
Jerry Prieto
Gail Raabe
Steve Hajik
Ed Layaye
Gary Caseri
Greg Van Wassenhove
Rick Gurrola
Kurt Floren
I.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Price at 2:20 P.M.
II.
Approval of Minutes (August 17, 2005)
It was M/S/P to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2005, meeting.
III.
Old Business
a. Sudden Oak Death Update- Nick Condos
- Nick Condos discussed the “filthy five” hosts for Phytophthora ramorum
(cammelia, kalmia, pieris, rhododendron, and viburnum) and the National
Plant Board’s work on a mitigation proposal to prevent spread via these hosts.
One involves an “enhanced confirmed nursery protocol” for production
nurseries with two confirmed P. ramorum positive determinations within a
year, for which sentinel plants, biannual inspections, implementations of
BMP’s, and added restrictions on interstate movement may be components.
- Nick also discussed USDA examination of changes to trace forward
protocols, including definitions, rating plant risk levels, issues re: production
facilities vs. retailers, voluntary destruction of plants, and clarification of when
the Confirmed Nursery Protocol is to be applied.
- USDA working to revise P. ramorum domestic quarantine to combine
Emergency Federal Order and domestic quarantine into one regulation.
Amends restrictions re: interstate movement from nurseries in regulated areas
of Washington, Oregon & Calif., conditions for movement of regulated articles
from quarantined areas, restrictions on rootless trees (Christmas) from
quarantine areas, interstate movement from nurseries in quarantined areas, list
of regulated plants, and list of area quarantined.
- USDA revising guidelines re: 2006 P. ramorum national survey to prioritize
trace back nurseries from previous years with negative results, trace forward
nurseries from prev. years that were negative, & 20 previously uninspected
nurseries growing hosts
- July 2005, Santa Clara samples of white fir from known infested area found
positive. USDA intending to list white fir as associated host.
- Ag. Research Servkce, Oregon, and Oregon State U. seeking funds to
develop a P. ramorum research nursery.
CACASA Winter Conference
Pest Prevention Committee Minutes
Page 2
b. RIFA/Honey colony inspection/potential certification program issuesCarla Markman
Carla reviewed the RIFA-Free Certification Pilot Program started this year.
Texas was a core concern, but agreed to participate. Most states shipping bees
to northern counties claim not to have RIFA, but 7 of 12 have agreed to
participate in program. Arizona to harmonize w/California’s program.
Summary:
 If load certified and no ants found at border, may offload unsupervised
in county.
 If certified and up to 5 worker ants found, may proceed under 008.
(Facilitates getting hives to orchards while reducing introductions)
Some discussion re: concerns of potential scenario (e.g., Texas bees shipped to
other state, then shipped to California). Recommendation that certification is
only good if issued within 7 days of entry into California.
- Border stations developing tracking system to report interceptions.
- CDFA developing website w/1-stop bee info page. To include results of
County protocol survey, letter re: RIFA cert’n. protocol, contacts, & AHB info.
- Distributed handout of bee information sources (Phone, e-mail, websites)
c. Pierce’s Disease Program Update- Jerry Campbell
- Nursery Subcommittee meeting planned for industry and CAC’s to evaluate
the program. No major issues at present. Increased interest in encouraging
involvement in pilot treatment program. To date, 34 shipments of treated
nursery stock with GWSS egg masses have been transported to Sacramento
and San Joaquin Counties with no living lifestages discovered. There has been
some parasitism. Some eggs have hatched at destination, but no nymphs have
lived past partial emergence from egg.
- Citrus Subcommittee met in Bakersfield. Thanked by citrus industry for hard
work on GWSS/PD control, as 167 shipments were rejected the prior year and
no shipments were rejected this year.
- On urban front, Butte County to be declared eradicated as are areas of Santa
Clara County. In Solano County, two lifestages were discovered behind a
WalMart (origin of last year’s infestation). All foliage was removed and
results look good.
- With the FY 06 Federal budget in place, funding has gone from $23 Million
to $24.25 Million. Anticipate $600K to be available to California.
d. High Risk Pest Exclusion Workgroup Report- Gail Raabe
Gail provided recap of activity with HRPE funding. At Interim Conference,
the Workgroup was asked: (1) to look at a 2nd tier of funding (restored $597K
in CDFA budget for local assistance) and (2) to address Federal funding.
- 1st tier provided only $380K for HRPE (after $597K cut from $977K total).
Appropriated (with addition of $195K from CDFA cessation of program
staffing) to L.A. & San Mateo to support efforts at LAX and SFO airports.
CACASA Winter Conference
Page 3
Pest Prevention Committee Minutes
- Dept. of Finance restored funding. CDFA took back $195K contributed
through planned cessation of program staffing, leaving ~$402K available.
- Workgroup determined that truck shipments from southeastern states (namely
Florida) presented highest risk and inspections of such was best use of funds
for statewide benefit.
- 2 alternatives for consideration:
(1) Divide funds equally among 8 Counties w/highest Florida shipments:
(San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Mateo, Alameda,
Monterey, San Joaquin)
(2) Distribute funds to 6 counties w/highest Florida shipments, with $150K
going to San Diego County (having received over 60% of such
shipments) and the balance according to respective percentage of such
shipments received.
It was recommended that a portion of the $402,760 be utilized to inspect
incoming bee hive shipments for Red Imported Fire Ant 008 follow-ups.
It was M/S/P to recommend that the Board of Directors recommend to the
Secretary of Food and Agriculture that $40K of the $401,760 in available
High Risk Pest Exclusion funding be distributed in shares of $8,000 each
to the counties of Stanislaus, Fresno, Merced, Kern and Madera Counties
to inspect incoming truck shipments of bee hives for RIFA 008 follow-up.
After much discussion, a vote was presented to determine the membership’s
recommendation regarding the above two alternatives for distribution of the
remaining $361,760 in available HRPE funding.
It was M/S/P to recommend that the Board of Directors recommend to the
Secretary of Food and Agriculture that the $361,760 in available HRPE
funding (after distribution of $40K for bee colony shipment inspection) be
distributed in equal shares of $44,220 to the eight counties having received
the greatest number of Florida-origin 008 high-risk shipments in FY
04/05, those being:
San Diego County
Los Angeles County
Orange County
Ventura County
San Mateo County
Alameda County
Monterey County
San Joaquin County
The Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer representing San Diego County
(Kathleen Thuner unable to attend) respectfully requested that the item be
brought for reconsideration before the Board of Directors at its later meeting
following an opportunity for the County Agricultural Commissioner to submit
comment.
It was M/S/P to re-introduce the HRPE funding distribution item to the
Board of Directors for further discussion and reconsideration of Option 2.
CACASA Winter Conference
Pest Prevention Committee Minutes
Page 4
e. Asian Longhorn Beetle Update- Debbie Tanouye
Two live adult Asian longhorned beetles discovered outside of warehouse in
Sacramento County in June. Suspected hitchhikers in shipment from China
containing solid wood packing material. Warehouse and contents fumigated.
Traps established and 9-mile radius of trees visually inspected. Other
warehouses receiving similar shipments in Lancaster and San Diego being
monitored. Trees surrounding warehouse to be treated with imidacloprid.
f. Exotic Pest Update- Debbie Tanouye
- Debbie provided an account of the two Medfly projects active in San Jose
and Rancho Cucamonga, where mated wild flies and larvae have been found.
Ground level treatments and expanded sterile releases are underway.
- Diaprepes root weevil has been detected in the Newport Beach area of
Orange County and in Long Beach in Los Angeles County. Anticipate use of
carbaryl to combat adults and Telstar regarding eggs.
- Funding is being sought to address both the Medfly and Diaprepes
eradication efforts and $3.4 Million has been requested. E-fund is being
exhausted in the Medfly program. Department of Finance has indicated that
there will be no more deficiency appropriations.
- Guava fruit fly: 3 eradication projects resulted in eradication
- Oriental fruit fly: 14 total trapped; No eradication projects undertaken
- Mexican fruit fly: 3 adults trapped; Male annihilation successful
g. E-fund Update- Eric Lauritzen
Eric reported approximately $600K remaining. E-Fund Committee to meet in
November. Dept. of Finance sits on Committee and input is anticipated.
Accounting of disbursements provided:
- $758K for Asian longhorned beetle
- $195K for Guava fruit fly
- $151K for Avocado lacebug
- $70K for Japanese beetle
$1.8 Million initially appropriated to E-Fund. Statutory requirement for Dept.
of Finance to approve above $1 Million.
h. Federal Pest Prevention Funding Update- Eric Lauritzen
- H.R. 4049 was introduced October 7 by Congressman Pombo and joined by
Congressman Costa. 9 cosponsors signed on. Seeking additional cosponsors.
- Appropriation requests:
$12.5 Million for import/export inspection including $100K for
California detection program augmentation.
CACASA Winter Conference
Pest Prevention Committee Minutes
IV.
Page 5
New Business
a. Phytosanitary certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT)- Scott Hudson
Distributed handout on electronic Phytosanitary certificate system. Web-based
PCIT application enables creation of electronic Phytosanitary certificates, provides
data standards to facilitate data integrity for reporting and interfacing w/foreign
governments, and protects the PCIT data by incorporating defined security
requirements. Included numerous screen shots for demonstration.
PCIT 2.0 release focused on establishing core functionality, including creation of
user accounts, managing profiles and templates, supporting entering inspection and
treatment info, and generating Phyto’s on security paper. Future releases to build
on core functionality and provide for conversions of State certs to Federal, master
certificates, creation of reports in support of Grain Inspection, GIPSA inspections,
electronic payment and electronic transmission to foreign officials.
b. SOD Program GAO Review- CDFA/Gail Raabe/Participating counties
Promted by Congressman Pombo, Chair of House Resources Committee.
Wanted review of effectiveness and costs of three forest pest programs (Asian
longhorned beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Sudden Oak Death). Four-day tour
took place in California, including representatives from the nursery industry,
USDA, CDFA, and Gail Raabe (San Mateo) for CACASA. A role review was
provided to the Representatives. Discussed Federal pre-emption issues
regarding quarantines by eastern States and resulting constantly changing
requirements. Stressed that issue remains unresolved, with a continuing risk of
States imposing own requirements. Report anticipated in February 2006 and
will be posted on U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) website.
c. Nursery Advisory Task Force- CDFA/Gail Raabe/Stacy Carlsen
Now renamed the Nursery Pest Advisory Task Force, this is an ad hoc group
designed to advise and communicate with CDFA and the Secretary on nursery
issue research needs and enhance communication between industry and
regulatory officials. Chair: Dave Fujima. Vice-Chair: Karen Seslowe.
Secretary: Amber Morris. First meeting held August 23 and second meeting
held October 12. Secretary Kawamura, Nick Condos, and Pat Minyard
attended first. Among others, included Mark Stanley (CA Dept. of Forestry),
Robert Falconer (California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers),
Helene Wright (USDA), representatives from UC Davis, San Diego County
Flower and Plant Association, and San Diego County Farm Bureau. Will be
an elastic group to address emerging issues of concern to the nursery industry.
CACASA Winter Conference
Pest Prevention Committee Minutes
Page 6
d. Proposed Citrus importation from Peru/Federal Register CommentsCDFA staff
USDA proposed rule to permit Peru citrus imports from approved areas of
Peru, free from Citrus Canker, citrus black spot, etc. APHIS proposing
requirement for written permit and that fruit originate in approved production
zone and be cold treated. Citrus fruit borer is remaining pest, with proposed
mitigation of inspection only at first point of entry. Looking at assurances
regarding 2-day added cold storage. Much interest being shown from South
America regarding desire to ship citrus to North America.
e. Pest rating issues sub-committee- Richard Price/Dorthea Zadig
Problems exist in rating system regarding plants that are both pests and sold as
nursery stock. Two meetings held for brainstorming on proposal to address
plants moving as nursery stock. Studying “weediness” issue. Approximately
one-half dozen species under consideration. Intend to use Pest Rating Work
Group to evaluate proposal. Will post on CACASA website once approved.
Subcommittee to also look at plant diseases and insects. Next meeting
scheduled for December 1 – Will look at nursery regulations.
- Proposal would establish a temporary H-rating (Hold) and allows 30 days
maximum to develop a final rating (plants only).
- CACs to be closer to impetus for rating at beginning of process.
- Identifier can assign a Q or D designation if not qualifying as an H-rating.
- Starting point regards weeds; Ornamental grasses top list. Will expand to
diseases and insects.
It was M/S/P to recommend to the Board of Directors that the Board
recommend proceeding with the proposed pilot project for a pest rating
process regarding nursery stock, including establishment of a temporary
H-rating for pest risk assessment purposes.
f. Small hive beetle quarantine/survey issues- Richard Price/CDFA
Much of Florida and Southeastern U.S. has small hive beetle. Some northern
counties have bee queen industries that may continue marketing to Canada
only so long as there are no small hive beetles. CDFA has begun survey of the
state to determine presence of small hive beetle. Beekeepers claim there are
none in resident hives but some in transitory hives. To be a continuing issue.
g. Apple Maggot Ordinance/Organic apples from Washington - Hudson
Handout provided (See attachment). In September 2005, shipment of organic
apples from Washington delivered to San Joaquin packing facility. Rejected
per SJ’s Apple Maggot Ordinance as production orchards had not been
trapped. Discovered such shipments had been shipped for some time to
CACASA Winter Conference
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Pest Prevention Committee Minutes
retailers throughout California. Request for Regional CAC Groups to consider
options:
1)
Counties maintain and enforce provisions of Apple Maggot
ordinances
2)
Counties repeal Apple Maggot ordinances/quarantines
3)
Consider Washington State Dept. of Ag. request to accept
their statewide detection trapping program to establish pestfree areas as means of certifying organic apples for entry
into ordinance counties.
h. ACO Exam Pass/Fail Ratio – Scott Hudson/Bob Rolan
All Accredited Certifying Officers (Phyto-issuing officers) must be recertified
every 3 years. Process includes 1.5 days training plus a pass/fail test. A high
failure rate has been observed. Per Eric Lauritzen (Monterey), his staff issues
~17K Phyto’s each year and are experienced and educated. Of 8 taking exam,
5 passed and 3 failed. Barbara Maehler of Helene Wright’s office is seeking
info on problems regarding Phytosanitary certificate issuance – USDA
reviewing training materials. May need to looks at English-as-2nd-language
issues. For training/testing needs, contact: Barbara.E.Maehler@aphis.usda.gov
i. Issuance of “blue tags” on B-rated pests – Scott Hudson
Observed in shipments from Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Ventura, and some other
Southern California counties. A technical loophole exists in regulations that
allows shipments of nursery stock from infested areas to other infested areas
without issuance of blue tag. To propose regulations to amend the language.
Good cooperation seen from nursery industry. Hope to continue business as
usual, but want blue tags whenever shipping from infested areas.
V.
Additional Agenda Items
NONE
VI.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:01 P.M.