http://cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-048

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss invasive species policies, initiatives and partnerships at its meeting on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, 95814.

“The ability to protect California’s farms and natural landscapes from invasive species is essential,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.  “It is a network and system that encourages diverse food production, maintains distribution for small and large farmers, and promotes environmental stewardship.”

The detection, exclusion and management of invasive species are critical functions of the CDFA. Working together with federal, state, and county partners, CDFA implements a variety of programs that support invasive species surveillance and inspection.  The federal government has defined ‘invasive species’ as species whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

“As a farmer, I understand the on-farm challenges of dealing with invasive species,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.  “California’s leadership in protecting our farms, waterways, and public landscapes is a role model for the nation.”

This meeting will provide the State Board with a briefing on California invasive species policies and lay the foundation for future discussions on this issue.

Speakers for the meeting include: Helene Wright, USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Doug Johnson, California Invasive Species Advisory Committee; Dr. Robert Leavitt, CDFA ; Robin Wall, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol; Barry Bedwell, California Grape and Tree Fruit League; and Richard Matteis, California Farm Bureau Federation. Additional invited speakers include representatives from the University of California, Davis – Department of Entomology; University of California, Riverside – Center for Invasive Species Research; and University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the Governor and CDFA Secretary.  The State Board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

Follow the board on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

The first case of west Nile virus in a horse this year has been reported. The four-year old unvaccinated gelding is recovering at Santa Anita, in Los Angeles County. West Nile virus is not transmissible from horse-to-horse. They contract the disease from infected mosquitoes.  Horse owners are urged to make sure their animals are vaccinated. For more information, please click on this link:  http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/wnv_info.html

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-046

http://cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-045

SACRAMENTO, August 10, 2011 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is administering a treatment program for the Oriental fruit fly in the Westminster area of Orange County. This is the fourth treatment program for this pest underway in Southern California.

Two Oriental fruit flies were detected recently in the community. The treatment program will be carried out over approximately 18 square miles surrounding the sites where the insects were trapped. A map of the treatment area is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/treatment/treatment_maps.html

Treatment of the Oriental fruit fly primarily relies upon a process known as “male attractant,” in which workers squirt a small patch of fly attractant mixed with a very small dose of pesticide approximately 8-10 feet off the ground to light poles, street trees and similar surfaces.   Male flies are attracted to the mixture and die after consuming it.

 “Our system to detect invasive species like the Oriental fruit fly is working well, and according to design,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The key is to move quickly and take action before the pests can cause widespread damage.”

The Oriental fruit fly is known to target over 230 different fruit, vegetable and plant commodities.  Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots that tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.

While fruit flies and other pests threaten California’s crops, the vast majority of them are detected in urban and suburban areas.  The most common pathway for these pests to enter the state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions around the world. The Oriental fruit fly is widespread throughout much of the mainland of Southern Asia and neighboring islands including Sri Lanka and Taiwan.  It is also found in Hawaii.

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http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-044

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing 13 vacancies related to the department’s Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch.  The branch promotes the environmentally safe handling and sound use of fertilizer material through oversight and research.

Six vacancies are available on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. The board oversees the department’s Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program which works to ensure that consumer fertilizing materials are safe, effective and meet the quality guaranteed by the manufacturer. Applicants should hold a current California Fertilizing Materials License or be a representative of a licensed firm.

Seven vacancies are available on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee. This subcommittee reviews and recommends fertilizer research and education projects for funding and implementation to the department’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board.

Subcommittee applicants must demonstrate knowledge, technical and scientific expertise in the fields of fertilizing materials, agronomy, plant physiology, production agriculture, principles of experimental research, and environmental issues related to fertilizer material use.

The term of office for advisory board and subcommittee members is three years and members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses. The advisory board and subcommittee are funded entirely through user fees and assessments. The application deadline is August 22, 2011.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should sent a brief resume to Maria Hicks, California Department of Food and Agriculture – FFLDRS Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814 or via e-mail at mhicks@cdfa.ca.gov.  Clearly indicate the advisory board or subcommittee vacancy for which you are applying.

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-042

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-043

SACRAMENTO, August 5, 2011 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is preparing for a treatment program for the Oriental fruit fly in the Alhambra area of Los Angeles County.

Three Oriental fruit flies were detected recently in the community. The treatment program will be carried out over approximately 20 square miles surrounding the sites where the insects were trapped. A map of the treatment area is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/treatment/treatment_maps.html

Treatment of the Oriental fruit fly primarily relies upon a process known as “male attractant,” in which workers squirt a small patch of fly attractant mixed with a very small dose of pesticide approximately 8-10 feet off the ground to light poles, street trees and similar surfaces.   Male flies are attracted to the mixture and die after consuming it.

 “Fruit flies are a serious threat to our state’s crops, and also to our environment and our backyard gardens,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Fortunately, we have a system in place to detect them quickly and take action before they can cause widespread damage.”

“We urge Californians who travel abroad not to bring back fruits, vegetables, seeds or other prohibited plant material,” Ross said. “Every invasive species we can keep out saves our state money, reduces pesticide use and protects our environment and food supply.”

The Oriental fruit fly is known to target over 230 different fruit, vegetable and plant commodities.  Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots that tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.

While fruit flies and other pests threaten California’s crops, the vast majority of them are detected in urban and suburban areas.  The most common pathway for these pests to enter the state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions around the world. The Oriental fruit fly is widespread throughout much of the mainland of Southern Asia and neighboring islands including Sri Lanka and Taiwan.  It is also found in Hawaii.
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What better way to savor the taste of summer than to enjoy delicious California grown watermelon. 

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross

I took this opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of CDFA employees in protecting California agriculture and assisting our farmers and ranchers in producing a safe and secure supply of food.

Last year California growers harvested approximately 11,000 acres of watermelons statewide. Mostly grown in the Central Valley and southern California deserts, this summertime fruit is the most-consumed melon in the United States.  Elizabeth Somer, nutritionist for the National Watermelon Promotion Board, has stated, “ Where else can you get a wealth of nutrition, help keep your heart healthy, stay hydrated, and satisfy a sweet tooth, all for so few calories!”

CDFA Watermelon Day - August 4, 2011

Nutrition is vital for all Californians and the nation. Yesterday, the USDA released food stamp data indicating that once again, food stamp levels rose to a record 45 million people in May.  Improving food access and expanding consumer choice in healthy food options (like watermelon) is key to better health and well being  for individuals across this state. From certified farmers markets accepting  CalFresh EBT payments to donations of farm products to local food banks –farmers support a healthy California.

CDFA Watermelon Day - August 4, 2011