The Agricultural Commissioner is dedicated to worker health and safety, the protection of environmental resources, and the promotion of the agricultural sector of Monterey County.

ANNOUNCEMENT!

An initiative aimed at providing additional pesticide safety protections for farmworkers was announced today during a press conference at the Agricultural Commissioner's Office.  "California has the toughest farm pesticide restrictions in the nation...but we are going to do even more to communicate our commitment to safety in the fields."   Press Release

NEWS

Asian Citrus Psyllid Detected in Monterey County

Monterey County had its first detection of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) on June 7, 2016, in a residential area of Northeast Salinas.  This will trigger the establishment of a five-mile quarantine area, a delimitation survey, and treatments within 400 meters of the find.  Affected homeowners will be notified and treatments are voluntary.  (Map)

Asian citrus psyllid is a threat to California’s citrus industry.  It transmits a disease called Citrus Greening or Huanglongbing (HLB) that is fatal to citrus trees.  HLB causes asymmetrical yellowing and splotching of leaves.  Affected trees produce bitter, inedible, misshapen fruit and eventually die.  The ACP is a small insect about the size of an aphid.  It feeds of citrus stems and leaves, especially tender new growth.  

HLB disease has been found in Southern California.  It can be spread through the movement of citrus trees, fruit or infected budwood.  Homeowners should plant only certified disease-free citrus from a reputable nursery and not move plant material around.  Inspect your citrus often and report any suspicious insects or symptoms to the Agricultural Commissioner or call the CDFA hotline at (800) 491-1899. 

For more information see: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/PDEP/target_pest_disease_profiles/ACP_PestProfile.html.

OTHER NEWS

• USDA Secretary Vilsack explains the value of rural America and our ag communities.
  

• Memorandum on Pesticides, Schools. The Agricultural Commissioner releases a memorandum on issues related to pesticide use near schools.
  

• El Nino Preparedness.  Ready or not, here comes the weather!  Check out this link to the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County’s Hillslope Farming Runoff Management Practices Guide for some help with getting ready.  For more information or to contact the RCD, visit www.rcdmonterey.org.  

This letter was sent to landowners and land managers in Monterey County as a reminder to prepare for the rainy season.

Accelerated erosion is a violation of Monterey County Code.
Keep your valuable soil and be a good neighbor – Be Prepared!

Issues Identified with CEHTP's April 2014 Report

Analysis of state report that raises ongoing concerns about agricultural pesticide use near Monterey County schools identifies flaws and limitations of the report. Read the ag commissioner's analysis here: High Resolution (60 MB) or Low Resolution (4 MB) 

Ranch Map books are now available for purchase at the Agricultural Commissioner's offices

The latest edition is current to 2014 data. The ranch maps are also available on a CD that has printable wall map versions.  For the web version and for more information click here.

2016 Fumigant Tarps (UPDATED 1/4/2016)

For the 2016 fumigation season, all chloropicrin permits will be conditioned to require the use of specific tarps.  If you will be conducting bedded tarped applications of chloropicrin, please see this list of approved tarps prior to purchasing tarps for the upcoming year.

Press Advisory: Farmworkers and Ag Commissioner Reach Accord

In a first of its kind for the state, the office of the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner, the agency that oversees pesticide regulations and other worker safety matters, and the Center for Community Advocacy (CCA), a farmworker advocacy group, will announce an accord establishing a Farmworker Advisory Committee for the office of the Agricultural Commissioner of Monterey County. There will be a press briefing at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the office of the Agricultural Commissioner in Salinas.  To see the entire press advisory, click here .

Farm Equipment Upgrade Screening Tool Released

Are you operating older diesel tractors and other farm equipment? Use this screening tool to assess options to modernize your equipment.

Save energy, reduce operating costs, and reduce pollution!