CRAE calls for coordinated invasive species strategy for California
April 2009
Climate change and the increased trans-border movement of goods conspire to greatly exacerbate the threat of invasive pests to California agriculture. In August 2008, CRAE members called on California Secretary of Food and Agriculture A.G. Kawamura and Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman to move forward with establishing an inter-agency California Invasive Species Council to better coordinate pest exclusion and management. In February 2009, the formation of the California Invasive Species Council was announced by state officials. CRAE applauds the move and looks forward to collaborating as the Council becomes established.
Federal funds for managing invasive species must focus on areas of risk
September 2008
The 2008 federal farm bill includes a landmark provision to improve early detection and surveillance of invasives, with $12 million earmarked for 2009, rising to $50 million/year by 2012. CRAE wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Ed Shafer applauding the move and requesting that the funds be allocated based on the risk posed by invasives in various regions of the country. Such a risk-based allocation would greatly improve the effectiveness of the program in excluding and responding to invasive pests.
CRAE convenes panel on LBAM
June 2008
CRAE held a panel discussion on the light brown apple moth to build understanding and help guide future action. Panelists included Robert Leavitt from CDFA, Ted Batkin from the Citrus Research Board, Paul Schramski from Pesticide Watch, and James Carey, an entomologist from UC Davis. The panel was also joined by Nan Wishner from the City of Albany. The discussion served to illuminate diverging perspectives on the infestation and ideal responses. CRAE launched a project to better safeguard against invasive pests in the future and promote improved and well-coordinated responses.
LBAM and management of invasive pests new focus
May 2008
For several months, CRAE has been discussing the discovery and treatment of the invasive pest Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) in the greater San Francisco Bay area. The problem of invasive pests that are likely to affect California agriculture is expected to increase as products are increasingly being shipped across state and federal borders. CRAE is currently working to develop recommendations to mitigate against these impacts in the future.
CRAE investigates Light Brown Apple Moth conflict
October 2007
John Connell, Division Director for Plant Health and Pest Prevention at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, gave a presentation to CRAE about the light brown apple moth infestation in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Department’s eradication efforts. CRAE members initiated a work group to further investigate key issues related to the LBAM infestation.
CRAE Calls for Budget Increase for Pest Management
July 2007
CRAE members recently called on Governor Schwarzenegger to support the budget augmentation of $1.5 million to county agricultural commissioners for pest detection and exclusion, and $0.7 million for border inspection stations. You can find the letter here. This is an important first step in protecting California agriculture from invasive pests such as the Light Brown Apple Moth. CRAE will continue its efforts to promote pest management approaches that support a healthy future for agriculture in California.