DATE: April 23, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Proclamation and Ratification of the existence of a Local Emergency - Beet Leafhopper insect in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming and ratifying a Local Emergency proclaimed by the Emergency Services Director on April 17, 2024, due to the need for the Agricultural Commissioner to authorize commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on an emergency basis on tomato crops to combat the Beet Leafhopper insect in Fresno County.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure that the local emergency status proclaimed by the Emergency Services Director on April 17, 2024, remains in effect and allows for the Agricultural Commissioner to authorize commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on an emergency basis on tomato crops to combat the Beet Leafhopper (BLH) insect in Fresno County. The BLH insect is the vector of Beet Curly Top Virus, a disease known to cause serious tomato crop damage. The affected areas are mainly in the west side of the County but this item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options can be identified.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and the authorization for commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on tomato crops on an emergency basis to combat the BLH insect in Fresno County.
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code (GC), section (?) 8630 authorizes proclamation of a local emergency by your Board or by an official so designated by ordinance when your Board is not in session and cannot immediately be called into session. Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44, designates the County Administrative Officer as the Emergency Services Director. Pursuant to County Ordinance, your Board is requested to co...
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