Originally ONE infected tree in California had been found. That discovery was in Hacienda Heights in 2012. Recent reports have updated this to 18 out of 12,000 plant samples as of April 2016. But citrus growers who are part of the state's industry, which produced $2 billion annually, are understandably nervous about the situation since Florida's infection rate has been so high. Yet, individuals still should be able to make informed choices for their families.
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We are currently working towards halting the mandatory spraying of residences in San Bernardino County for the Asian Citrus Psyllid. This page is to keep concerned citizens updated on developments of this spraying event. We would like to see residents have alternative options, including mechanically removing infected trees.
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On December 24, 2014 the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) approved a statewide Pest Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). The PEIR provides advance approval for the state to spray pesticides in our communities and on our food when and where they want, for any insect they consider a threat, anywhere in the state, for years into the future, and the public’s ability to challenge these programs would be severely restricted or in many cases, completely eliminated.
CDFA is currently spraying private home yards, public land, and schools yards in Los Angeles and, at least, 14 other counties across the state for the Asian Citrus Psyllid (an established insect that it considers a threat to citrus) with pesticides that pose a risk to human health and the environment.
The CDFA has admitted that all of Southern California from San Diego to Santa Barbara is considered heavily infested with the psyllid, despite previous pesticide spraying events. The notice only says that they will spray a 400 meter radius surrounding each detection site. Being that all of Southern California has been found to be infested, residents need to ask the location of the trap which triggered the spraying of their home, office, or park.
The CDFA has mandated the spraying of residential yards and other areas in San Bernardino with three pesticides (cyfluthrin, imidacloprid, and glyphosate) that are linked to cancer, birth defects, miscarriages and are extremely toxic to bees and aquatic life. The spraying, aimed at killing Asian Citrus Psyllid, has been conducted numerous times throughout California without success of CDFA’s stated goal of eradication and increases the risk of resistance.
The Univ of CA has released over 40,000 Tamarixia, a parasitic wasp of the ACP at over 200 different sites. Yet, they admit that it is too early to tell what the impact is. However, how will they make an impact if they are killed with pesticides? In addition, the Univ of CA also admits that organic protocol, less toxic and safer, are effective if applied every 7-10 days. The Univ also admits that all substances should only be applied if a heavy infestation is present on a host plant. They do NOT recommend the blanket door to door spraying of all plants regardless of infestation.
Since the program continues to be ineffective and only reduces the numbers of the psyllid, the CDFA should reconsider the current spraying protocol and should allow residents to choose a comprehensive pest management plan that protects public health and non-target animals from the effects of these toxic substances.
CDFA are not allowed to apply the pesticides where there can be run-off into storm drains, over-spray, spray of non-host plants, or spray of outdoor equipment. Please document any such off-label application with photos and send them to [email protected].
The CDFA has admitted that all of Southern California from San Diego to Santa Barbara is considered heavily infested with the psyllid, despite previous pesticide spraying events. The notice only says that they will spray a 400 meter radius surrounding each detection site. Being that all of Southern California has been found to be infested, residents need to ask the location of the trap which triggered the spraying of their home, office, or park.
The CDFA has mandated the spraying of residential yards and other areas in San Bernardino with three pesticides (cyfluthrin, imidacloprid, and glyphosate) that are linked to cancer, birth defects, miscarriages and are extremely toxic to bees and aquatic life. The spraying, aimed at killing Asian Citrus Psyllid, has been conducted numerous times throughout California without success of CDFA’s stated goal of eradication and increases the risk of resistance.
The Univ of CA has released over 40,000 Tamarixia, a parasitic wasp of the ACP at over 200 different sites. Yet, they admit that it is too early to tell what the impact is. However, how will they make an impact if they are killed with pesticides? In addition, the Univ of CA also admits that organic protocol, less toxic and safer, are effective if applied every 7-10 days. The Univ also admits that all substances should only be applied if a heavy infestation is present on a host plant. They do NOT recommend the blanket door to door spraying of all plants regardless of infestation.
Since the program continues to be ineffective and only reduces the numbers of the psyllid, the CDFA should reconsider the current spraying protocol and should allow residents to choose a comprehensive pest management plan that protects public health and non-target animals from the effects of these toxic substances.
CDFA are not allowed to apply the pesticides where there can be run-off into storm drains, over-spray, spray of non-host plants, or spray of outdoor equipment. Please document any such off-label application with photos and send them to [email protected].
An industry insider has reported that CDFA plans on 3 foliar applications of cyfluthrin and 1 systemic application of imidacloprid every year until they believe the threat has subsided. The systemic neonicontinoid will be applied in August.
THIS SPRAY CAMPAIGN
According to the CDFA Mandate Notice:
"All treatment will be applied to residential properties, common areas within residential development, non-agricultural commercial properties, and right-of-ways.
Residents are notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance of any treatment in accordance with the Food and Agricultural Code (FAC Section 5779). After treatment, completion notices are left with the residents detailing precautions to take and post-harvest intervals applicable to the citrus fruit.
For any questions related to this program, please contact the CDFA toll-free telephone number at 800-491-1899."
NOT SAFE: The pesticides being used (cyfluthrin, imidacloprid, carbaryl and glyphosate) are linked to cancer, birth defects, miscarriages, and nervous and reproductive system damage and highly toxic to bees and lethal to aquatic life (spray zones are adjacent to rivers; storm drains in that spray zone drain to the rivers and watersheds). Storm drains in the San Gabriel spray zone, where CDFA commenced spraying private home yards this August are among the major tributaries to the San Gabriel River watershed. Their risk assessment applied a 10-fold margin to account for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and other sensitive populations. They say that this is standard USEPA procedure, but a percentage margin does not account for the specific vulnerabilities of those populations.
NOT EFFECTIVE: CDFA has been spraying for the insects in these and adjacent areas of Sacramento and Los Angeles at least since the early 1980s, claiming that the toxic pesticides "eradicate" the insects each time, but they have been reappearing in the same areas for decades. CDFA's approach is not working and is creating a chronic toxic exposure in neighborhoods. Each application increases the risk of resistance which further puts citrus at risk in the future and destroys the beneficial insects that need to reproduce to safely reduce psyllid populations.
Violates Rights According to the 4th Amendment
THERE ARE SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE THE NUMBERS OF PSYLLIDS
The US Dept. of Agriculture recommends safe alternative (predator insects, mass trapping, other non-toxic methods). Concerned residents are striving to seek safer alternatives to mandatory spraying to limit the impact of these insects on commercial growers while protecting their families. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, those with autoimmune diseases, chemical sensitivities, etc. should be able to make an informed decision for their families.
According to the CDFA Mandate Notice:
"All treatment will be applied to residential properties, common areas within residential development, non-agricultural commercial properties, and right-of-ways.
Residents are notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance of any treatment in accordance with the Food and Agricultural Code (FAC Section 5779). After treatment, completion notices are left with the residents detailing precautions to take and post-harvest intervals applicable to the citrus fruit.
For any questions related to this program, please contact the CDFA toll-free telephone number at 800-491-1899."
NOT SAFE: The pesticides being used (cyfluthrin, imidacloprid, carbaryl and glyphosate) are linked to cancer, birth defects, miscarriages, and nervous and reproductive system damage and highly toxic to bees and lethal to aquatic life (spray zones are adjacent to rivers; storm drains in that spray zone drain to the rivers and watersheds). Storm drains in the San Gabriel spray zone, where CDFA commenced spraying private home yards this August are among the major tributaries to the San Gabriel River watershed. Their risk assessment applied a 10-fold margin to account for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and other sensitive populations. They say that this is standard USEPA procedure, but a percentage margin does not account for the specific vulnerabilities of those populations.
NOT EFFECTIVE: CDFA has been spraying for the insects in these and adjacent areas of Sacramento and Los Angeles at least since the early 1980s, claiming that the toxic pesticides "eradicate" the insects each time, but they have been reappearing in the same areas for decades. CDFA's approach is not working and is creating a chronic toxic exposure in neighborhoods. Each application increases the risk of resistance which further puts citrus at risk in the future and destroys the beneficial insects that need to reproduce to safely reduce psyllid populations.
Violates Rights According to the 4th Amendment
THERE ARE SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE THE NUMBERS OF PSYLLIDS
The US Dept. of Agriculture recommends safe alternative (predator insects, mass trapping, other non-toxic methods). Concerned residents are striving to seek safer alternatives to mandatory spraying to limit the impact of these insects on commercial growers while protecting their families. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, those with autoimmune diseases, chemical sensitivities, etc. should be able to make an informed decision for their families.
Tempo (Cyfluthrin)
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Merit & CoreTect (Imidacloprid) Products PageThese products are extremely toxic to bees and aquatic life. They are a neonicotinoid that have been banned in the European Union. Visit this page for more information.
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Glyphosate & Other Products PageGlyphosate has been labeled by the World Health Organization as a "probable" carcinogen. Visit this page for more information.
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Although this video documents the mandated spraying for the Japanese Beetle in other communities, the same pesticides and methods will be used in San Bernardino for the Asian Citrus Psyllid spraying. Share with others to help raise awareness.