Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Koren J. Widdel, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Subject: Agreement (#26-0318-033-SF) with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the Pest Detection Trapping Program for FY 2026-27
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for the detection and trapping of regulated insect pests that can significantly affect agricultural crops and the environment, for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $658,498 in reimbursement for services performed; 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:
On December 1, 1981, this Board first approved an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (“CDFA”) to initiate the insect Pest Detection Trapping Program. Through its annual agreement, San Mateo County pest detection program staff perform various pest detection trapping services, and CDFA reimburses the County for personnel costs for providing those services.
The agreement between the County and CDFA has been renewed each year. The statewide insect pest detection trapping program protects the agricultural industry, home gardens, and the environment by providing early detection of exotic state regulated pests that may be introduced into California.
DISCUSSION:
Proposed Agreement #26-0318-033-SF (the “Agreement”) with CDFA for FY 2026-27 provides that the County will receive up to $658,498 in reimbursement for personnel hours expended by San Mateo County pest detection program staff on eligible Pest Detection Trapping Program activities. Such trapping activities include placing and monitoring 543 Mediterranean fruit fly traps, and 2,376 other pest traps per year (e.g. Japanese beetle, Spongy moth, Oriental fruit fly, and Melon fly). The insect traps are placed throughout the County on residential and rural properties, and are serviced at regular intervals from April through November. When a state regulated pest is found, additional delimitation traps are set to determine the extent of the infestation.
CDFA periodically places insect specimens in County pest detection traps for training purposes and to test the identification abilities of Pest Detection Specialists. During FY 2025-26, Pest Detection Specialists recovered 88% (22 out of 25 of all exotic insect quality control specimens planted by CDFA). It is anticipated that Pest Detection program staff will be able to recover at least 90% of exotic insect quality control specimens planted by CDFA during FY 2026-27.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing further amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Actual |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percent of exotic insect quality control specimens recovered by Pest Detection Program staff |
88% |
90% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The establishment of target pests can detrimentally impact the livelihood of those working in production agriculture and raise food prices that disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Revenue in the amount of $658,498 authorized by this agreement was included in the Department’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.