Almond Pest Management Alliance

Advisory Team Meeting

Tuesday, June 14, 2000

Conference Room, Almond Board of California

Minutes

Attending:

Roger Duncan, Farm Advisor, Stanislaus County
Lonnie Hendricks, Farm Advisor, Merced County
Mark Cady, Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Wes Asai, Pest Control Advisor
Susan Brooks, Almond Board of California
Chris Heintz, Research Director, Almond Board of California
Mark Looker, Almond PMA Project Administrator

Introduction of Advisory Team Members and guests

Mark Cady of CAFF is sitting in for Molly Espley.

Analysis of PUR data

Chris Heintz discussed the recent workshop held by DPR on Pesticide Use Reports (PURs.) Dr. Lynn Epstein, UC Davis, gave a presentation on the success of IPM techniques which showed that almonds have been one of the few success stories in terms of reducing higher risk pesticides.

There was consensus that there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when analysis of PUR data is done. Those factors include weather, timing of applications, economic considerations and the crop size.

There was general agreement that there needs to be further analysis of almond PUR data along the lines of research done by Dr. Epstein. She is scheduled to make a presentation to the Board's Production Research Committee at UC Davis Aug. 3 and there may be an opportunity for a research project analyzing PUR data to be funded by the Committee and PMA funds. Chris will look into this possibility further. It was also agreed that PMA representatives meet with Dr. Epstein to discuss the scope of the research project with regular reports back to the PMA Advisory Committee.

Review of PMA project from March to present

• Stanislaus County

Roger Duncan gave an overview of the most recent activities. The May 19 field day was very well attended with more than 130 growers and PCA's in attendance. Roger gave an update on the project to date, a copy of which he distributed to members. A copy of this report has also been posted to the PMA web site.

• Butte County

Joe Connell discussed the field day held May 9 at the cooperators' orchard in Chico. There were nearly 100 in attendance. Secondary pests discussed were oblique leaf roller and the "new" pest of European Fruit Lecanium. There is very little known about EFL and a satellite project will be set up to study it.

Year Three Work Plan

Mark Looker reminded everyone that Year Three funding had been granted by DPR effective with the next crop year Aug. 1, 2000. Because of a change in the way DPR is funding the PMA grants, the RFP for Year Four will be issued July 10 with the Year Four Work Plan due in November 2000. This shortened timeline will be discussed with Nicole Darby, who wrote the Year Three Work Plan.

Chris Heintz said she had talked with Bob Elliott, who could not be present at today's meeting. He asked the group to consider the merits of possibly adding satellite projects in Year Four that would look at runoff issues. There was considerable discussion about how best to measure runoff and make the data meaningful. Concern was expressed about finding qualified hydrologists and entomologists to work on such a runoff project. Chris and Mark said they would discuss this issue further with Bob Elliott and at future Advisory Committee meetings.

Fall dormant spray field days

Mark reminded the farm advisors that they need to start thinking of setting dates for the fall dormant spray field days. These field days will be publicized in the fall PMA newsletter.

Fall PMA Newsletter

Dr. Epstein has agreed to write an article for the fall PMA newsletter on her analysis of almond PUR data. The newsletter will also carry information on the upcoming dormant spray field days. Any other article ideas should be forwarded to Mark.

Announcements

• Chris discussed a possible tour of tree nut growing areas by the EPA in early October. This tour of nut harvesting and processing, ground and aerial pesticide applications and fumigation would give EPA representatives a first-hand look at the industry.
• Mark presented information on the California Biological Ag Initiative which is being spearheaded by the Sustainable Ag Working Group. It has two parts: a state budget proposal asking for increased funding of $11.95 in FY 2001 for five UC sustainable ag programs and AB 2663 which will request that the UC provide ongoing funding to various sustainable ag programs.
• Mark presented information on a proposed forum sponsored by DPR and other stakeholders on the future of sustainable ag in the state. The forum would be held in Feb. 2001 in Sacramento or Davis. The goal is to increase awareness of sustainable ag programs through various partnerships. Bob Elliot sits on the planning committee.

Next meeting date

Sept. 7 or 12 were discussed as possible dates for the next meeting at UC Davis DANR building. Members will be asked as to their preference and notified via email and fax as to the date selected.

Submitted by Mark Looker

June 27, 2000