Title
Consider options to provide funding for research into agricultural pests affecting the Salinas Valley agricultural industry in response to Referral No. 2021.10, and provide appropriate direction to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Consider options to provide funding for research into agricultural pests affecting the Salinas Valley agricultural industry in response to Referral No. 2021.10, and provide appropriate direction to staff.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) is a virus spread by thrips, it has devastated large swaths of leafy greens in the Salinas Valley. Research is needed to determine the appropriate response to this invasive pest, and other threats to the local agricultural industry. State sources of funding are no longer available for this important research. On May 20, 2021, Supervisor Lopez submitted a referral asking County Counsel to investigate sources or streams of funding that could be generated by the local agricultural industry to fund the critical research needed to respond to this challenge and others like it. A copy of the referral is enclosed as Attachment 1.
A description of the previous program, paid for through the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and the Cooperative Extension, is enclosed as Attachment 2.
A discussion of the options is enclosed as Attachment 3. The Board may direct staff to move forward with any or none of the described approaches.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
FINANCING:
The referral asks for an analysis of funding from the local agricultural industry. County funding is therefore not required.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This proposed program correlates to the Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of improving health and quality of life outcomes to individuals and families, and to address the immediate threat to the publ...
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