COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division

Date:

June 18, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

July 15, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Environmental Services Agency Director
Gail Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

SUBJECT:

Fiscal Year 2003-04 Pest Detection Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Plant Pest/Disease Prevention (#03-0062) in an Amount Not to Exceed $ 551,750

Recommendation

Approve the resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for detection and trapping of Mediterranean Fruit Fly and other economically important pests in an amount not to exceed $551,750.

Background

On December 1, 1981, the Board approved the first Pest Detection trapping contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the contract has been renewed each year. The statewide insect trapping program protects the agricultural industry, home gardens and the environment by providing early detection of exotic pests that may be introduced into California.

Discussion

Under the FY 2003-04 contract, the Agricultural Commissioner will receive funding in the amount of $551,750 to place and monitor 1083 Medfly traps, 900 Mexican fruit fly traps, and a total of 2078 other traps (including Japanese beetle, gypsy moth, Oriental fruit fly, and melon fly). The insect traps are placed throughout the County on residential and rural properties and are serviced at regular intervals from March through November.

This contract has been reviewed by County Counsel.

Vision Alignment

The Pest Detection Program state contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture keeps the commitment of Preserve and Provide People Access to Our Natural Environment and goal number 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship. The contract contributes to this commitment and goal by reimbursing the County for pest detection work activities that protect the agricultural industry and the environment from harmful exotic pests that may be introduced into California.

Fiscal Impact

This contract totaling $ 551,750 will reimburse the County for all expenses related to the state Pest Detection Program during FY 2003-04. The revenue authorized by this contractual agreement has already been included in the Division's FY 2003-04 Recommended Level Budget. There is no net county cost associated with this contract.