Aug. 18, 2000

Bob Elliott, Contract Manager
Department of Pesticide Regulation
830 K Street Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Contract #98-0326

Dear Bob:

In accordance with the terms outlined in the grant awarded June 4, 1999 to the Almond Pest Management Alliance (PMA), I am enclosing the fourth quarterly status report on the Alliance’s activities for the period of May 1, 2000 through July 31, 2000.

Under separate cover, I have submitted an invoice in the amount of $10,164.72 for reimbursable expenses incurred by the Almond PMA during this time period. Additionally, I have enclosed a separate document showing the projected budget by category, cash flow and the budget balance as of July 31, 2000.

The Almond PMA Advisory Team met June 14 at the Almond Board of California office in Modesto. Here is a recap of the highlights of that meeting:

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.

Kern County

Neither Walt or Mario were in attendance to give a report. Mark received email messages from both concerning the Spring Field day and they reported it was successful, with some 80 growers and PCA’s in attendance.

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.

Fourth quarter field reports have been filed by the Stanislaus and Butte project field scouts. I have enclosed copies of those reports. The Kern field scout report is expected to be filed in a few weeks.

Our next PMA Advisory Team meeting is planned for Sept. 7 at UC Davis. We will focus our attention on refining our year Three work plan, with special emphasis on planning the upcoming dormant spray field days. We will also discuss articles for our fall newsletter, with particular emphasis on dormant OP research findings by Dr. Lynn Epstein.

Please let me know if I can provide you with any further information.

Sincerely,

Mark Looker, Project Administrator
Almond Pest Management Alliance

Cc: Almond PMA partners

Rodger Wasson

Tom Krugman

Enclosures