Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Koren J. Widdel, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Subject: Agreement (#24-0526-000-SG) with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for high risk pest exclusion inspection services for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $591,728.18; and
B) Authorizing the County Agricultural Commissioner to execute amendments to the agreement with the CDFA which modify the State’s maximum reimbursement by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate) and/or modify the agreement term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provision, and provided no such amendment would require the expenditure or commitment of County funds.
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BACKGROUND:
In 1999, the Board approved the first agreement with California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to initiate the High Risk Pest Exclusion (HRPE) Program. The agreement has been renewed each year. HRPE program funding addresses the need for County inspection activities to prevent the introduction of exotic insects and diseases through identified high risk pest pathways.
DISCUSSION:
The County will receive $591,728.18 as reimbursement for 6,176 personnel hours to be expended on HRPE activities under agreement number 24-0526-000-SG. Staff will perform daily inspections of air freight shipments at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), nursery stock truck shipments at wholesale nurseries, and plant product shipments at parcel facilities. Pest exclusion work activities protect the agricultural industry and the environment from harmful exotic pests that may be introduced into California.
Industry shipping patterns continue to impact the types of agricultural shipments entering the County at SFO. It is anticipated that one percent of the shipments inspected during FY 2024-25 will be rejected due to presence of actionable pests that are subject to State and Federal quarantine law. Exotic pest introduction and establishment may adversely affect the environment, agriculture, and the economy of the State.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actual |
FY 2024-25 Projected |
|
Percent of shipments inspected with actionable pests at SFO |
1% |
1% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Revenue in the amount of $591,728.18 authorized by this agreement was included in the Department’s FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.