Tag Archives: invasive species

If Bugs Took Vacations…

April 20, 2015   Nick Condos, Director, CDFA Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services

Note – April has been designated as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month by the USDA I’m going to tick off a list of some popular reasons why people from all over the world dream of coming to California (besides the beaches): mild weather, amazing food, a variety of landscapes to adventure, abundant natural resources, and a richly diverse …

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Giant, Fluorescent Pink Slugs Found on Mountain – from Yahoo.com

June 3, 2013   Office of Public Affairs

It would seem to be something you’d see only in a cartoon or at a Phish concert, but according to park rangers in New South Wales, Australia, dozens of giant, fluorescent pink slugs have been popping up on a mountaintop there. “As bright pink as you can imagine, that’s how pink they are,” Michael Murphy, a ranger with the National …

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The Award-Winning European Grapevine Moth Eradication Program

August 28, 2012   Dr. Robert Leavitt, Director, CDFA Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services

Several years ago, CDFA detected a new pest in California – the European grapevine moth, an invasive species that targets a number of plants, notably grapes. Because California is the leading grape producer in the country and one of the largest in the world, we understood immediately that the stakes were enormous for the wine, raisin and table grape industries, …

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Secretary Ross – We must work together to help prevent invasive species

April 3, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

The USDA has announced that it’s dedicating the month of April to sharing information about the threat that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America’s fruits, vegetables, trees, and other plants—and how the public can help prevent their spread. It’s great that we’re spending a month focusing on this enormously critical issue. I hope we ultimately reach …

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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Community-based Food System, Farmers' Markets, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Invasive Species, Specialty Crops, Trade | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

California Welcomes Dozer, Our Newest Detector Dog

January 30, 2012   CDFA Staff

Dozer the detector dog has reported for duty!  He brings our total to 13 dogs throughout the state that spend their working hours sniffing around package-delivery facilities, detecting parcels that contain fruits, vegetables, plants and other agricultural materials.  These dogs protect California’s citizens and its agriculture from harmful pests, diseases and weeds that could otherwise sneak into our state and …

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Firewood Videos Urge Californians to Buy it Where They Burn it.

January 24, 2012   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA is a partner in the California Firewood Task Force, which initiates and facilitates efforts within the state to protect our native and urban forests from invasive pests that can be moved on firewood.  The following link takes you to videos promoting the task force’s mission, urging people to “Buy it Where You Burn it.” http://www.firewood.ca.gov/outreach.html Other partners on the task force are the …

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Oriental fruit fly infestation in Stockton will trigger quarantine

September 15, 2011   Office of Public Affairs

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is preparing for quarantine and eradication measures in response to the Oriental fruit fly (OFF) infestation detected in the Stockton Area of San Joaquin County. “Our statewide array of pest traps has worked precisely as designed,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “In cooperation with local agricultural commissioner’s offices, we set and check traps …

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