Revised LBAM Plan Forthcoming

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Over the past four weeks, Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) has convened a series of meetings with federal and state officials to re-evaluate the eradication program for the light brown apple moth. He expects the state to release its revised eradication plan soon.

Rep. Farr released the following statement Thursday morning:

"I have expressed my concern to CDFA and USDA officials that the aerial application of pheromone as the primary agent of eradication has become a lightning rod for criticism and is placing the entire eradication program in jeopardy," Rep. Farr said Thursday morning. "With the future of aerial application uncertain, it's even more important that the state ramp up its use of tried and true ground-based efforts that have proven effective and acceptable to the public in the past.

"I expect an announcement soon by CDFA and USDA officials laying out their revised plan for eradication. I held these meetings in Washington to make sure state and federal experts were communicating, and to make sure Central Coast residents had a voice. During these discussions, all the tools for battling this invasive pest were laid on the table and investigated, and there was a consistent buzz that aerial application may not be the way to move forward.

"My role has been one of objective oversight. I continue to believe the goal must be to eradicate this moth. But it has become clear, through both our courts and public outcry, that aerial application of pheromone, particularly over heavily populated areas, is endangering the entire process. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to make sure eradication efforts proceed in a transparent way and that we have the safest possible resolution. I look forward to an announcement by state officials soon."