The discovery of several Light Brown Apple Moths in northern San Benito County has lead to a quarantine area being established. The Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) is a destructive pest that is native to Australia and was first found in California in 2007. More than two-thousand plant species are known to be susceptible to attack by this pest including, broccoli, lettuce, cherries, apricots, walnuts, tomatoes and peppers.
To help prevent the spread of LBAM, quarantine zones are established when two or more moths are found within the same area. Within the quarantine area, the movement of plants and plant products is restricted. All movement of products can only be done under the conditions that are specified by the quarantine.
All agricultural and nursery producers must have a Compliance Agreement issued by the US Department of Agriculture. The Compliance Agreement will specify the conditions for movement of commodities. Producers need to meet with a USDA representative to obtain a Compliance Agreement for their operation. USDA representatives will come directly to the individual farms and meet with the grower to develop the Compliance Agreement.
To see if your field is in the quarantine area, click on the respective maps. If you should have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment with a UDSA representative, please call our office at (831) 637-5344.
September 25, 2009 Update:
Due to the finding of three Light Brown Apple Moths in the San Juan Bautista area, most of the San Juan Valley is now in the quarantine area. Growers in the San Juan Valley are encouraged to contact this office as soon as possible to make arrangements for the USDA to develop a compliance agreement for them.
In additon, a Light Brown Apple Moth was recently found in the Union Road area west of Hollister. Since this area is between the Hollister and San Juan/Aromas quarantine areas, the two quarantine areas are now merged into one larger zone that will encompass a large portion of northwestern San Benito County.
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