CCOF Modifies Stance on Light Brown Apple Moth Treatment Program

CCOF is concerned about the impact of all pests on agriculture. In addition, we are concerned about the impacts of pest control actions on human health and the environment. As we have learned more about the ecology, chemistry, policies and politics surrounding the eradication program for the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), we question whether an eradication program can be successful, and we acknowledge that the repeated spraying of an untested material and its inert ingredients on a large populated area is not desirable. We also believe that the health impacts on people, pets and wildlife, as well as the ecological impacts on our ecosystems and watersheds, need further evaluation.

CCOF supports the use of pheromones in ground applications and other ecologically sound organic integrated pest management (IPM) approaches as far preferable to the use of dangerous organophosphates. However, CCOF does not endorse further aerial applications of pheromones in LBAM eradication efforts due to potential human health and environmental concerns.

One of the basic tenets of organic farming is to use a diversified approach to solve agricultural pest problems, with preference given to those that are the least disruptive to ecological systems. Lepidoptera pests such as the LBAM are successfully controlled on organic farms throughout California using cultural controls, natural predators, pheromone products, and proven biological insecticides. We urge the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to pursue a diverse and precautionary approach. Key to this is taking the steps necessary to alleviate the concerns of our trading partners so that the disruption of exports through embargoes and quarantines does not continue.

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About CCOF
CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1973 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest third-party organic certifying agencies. CCOF certifies, educates, advocates and promotes organic in California and elsewhere through:

* A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, handlers, and retailers.
* Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic products and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
* Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.