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| Maldonado: Apple moth poses economic threat | | Print | |
| Written by Chuck Anderson | Press Banner | |
| Friday, 23 May 2008 | |
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The light brown apple month, a major player in a controversy over aerial spraying, is a major threat to California agriculture, state Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, said during a Scotts Valley visit Thursday, May 15.
 MALDONADO In town to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Tree Circus Center commercial building on Scotts Valley Drive, Maldonado had harsh words for A.G. Kawamura, the state’s secretary of food and agriculture. But the senator and farmer, whose five-county district includes Scotts Valley, declined to oppose the idea of spraying the synthetic pheromone CheckMate to eradicate the moth. "I’m not necessarily against it," he said in an interview, "but I’ve told Secretary Kawamura that there needs to be good science and good communication." "A.G. has done a bad job of communicating the program to the people affected," Maldonado said. "I’ve told him he needs to communicate better. But once you’re behind the eight ball in communication, you’re lost." Maldonado conceded that he isn’t "an expert on pheromones," and people need to be able to rely on solid scientific evidence in this case. All in all, though, he said he thinks the moth is an economic threat to the state’s crops, which is the state’s rationale for the eradication program. Whether sufficient scientific evidence will be collected remains to be seen. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered a standard set of toxicology tests, known as the "six-pack," to be performed on CheckMate by a Texas laboratory. But these are less complete than an environmental impact report, which two judges — one in Santa Cruz and one in Monterey County — have said is necessary before the state can conduct the spraying. Despite calls from several legislators in addition to Maldonado, Kawamura has been steadfast. Last week, in a published response to opponents, Kawamura called the moth a "ravenous pest" and arguments against spraying "misinformation." "Secretary Kawamura’s response repeats the pattern of talking at the people instead of listening to them," said John Russo, founder of StopTheSpray.org. "This program is a disaster for the rights of Californians." The proposed spray area has been expanded from last summer’s and now includes Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley. Last year, only a portion of Scotts Valley was affected, along with other areas of the county.
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  written by ottis, May 23, 2008
Sen. Abel Maldonado are you deaf? Have you notheard anything about the hard facts? The CDFA is not truthful and 2 Judges have not found the CDFA Guilty of violating the Law. When is Sen. Abel Maldonado up for re election? If he is not listening he has to go!
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 written by Roy Upton, May 24, 2008
It is easy to understand why Senator Maldonado feels LBAM is a major threat to crops because he has likely only received information from CDFA and USDA. It is sad to see that he has not taken the time to research beyond the Agency rhetoric which amounts to unfounded allegations. The published scientific literature is very clear on this subject; LBAM is not a moth of mass destruction as portrayed;it is easily controlled in agricultural settings; often times controls are not needed as treatments for other pests, such as codling moth also control LBAM; and there are many trading partners that require monitoring for other pests. In the world of pests, LBAM is a relative wimp. It is a bit disconcerting that Secretary Kawamura claims that LBAM has a ravenous appetite. Again, the scientific literature is clear. It is not. Biologically it is a superficial leaf roller that only nibbles, does not "attack" fruit and vegetable commodities, never destroys a crop; and and rarely causes significant economic damage. The only real example CDFA could produce as far as numbers go was a single batch of chardonnay grapes in 1992 negatively affected. Where is the devastation in any country where LBAM is endemic? There is none. Sadly, it is the CDFA and Secretary Kawamura directly, who has been the primary source of disinformation in this campaign, likely to defend access to the $90 million he took from the federal budget for an emergency two courts ruled did not exist. It would be nice for Senator Maldonado, as an advocate for agriculture would understand this. The farmers and California residents are equally victims of this misguided program.
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 written by Mike De Lay, May 24, 2008
I agree LBAM poses a economic treat but not the way you state. Our tourism and related businesses will suffer greatly if the aerial spraying resumes. It is clear to me that you are only listening to AG Kawamura and CDFA with the information you provide. I find when one is informed on LBAM, the truth becomes real and it is clear to see where the misinformation is being spread. It is coming from CDFA and AG Kawamura and to some extent, by you as you spout CDFA fears. I have seen 26 city councils and 3 county boards review all the issues with LBAM and independently come to their own determinations that aerial spraying must stop. Many more cities are following as they become informed. I would encourage voters to watch which representatives inform themselves, especially on LBAM, and if they continue to spout CDFA jargon, they must go at the next election. Aerial spraying is not about CDFA providing clear information, it is just plan wrong and people should never be sprayed. If Senator Maldonado really cared for us, he would inform himself and stand up against the CDFA program because after being informed, one clearly determines it is not right, not safe, not necessary and not effective.
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 written by Mary Anne Gaskins, May 26, 2008
Communication?! Is that all this is about? No. What we are having problems with is not communication but with state officials who rarely open their mouths without telling untruths. It is also about politicians who don't do their homework. If the citizens of the cities which have been and will be sprayed can learn about pheromones, then I think politicians might put in a little time on the subject also. Officials like Maldonado wrap themselves in a cloak of ignorance so they don't have to contradict someone who could help them politically. Oh, that describes Gov. Schwarzeneggar too, doesn't it?
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