California Food And Agricultural Code Section 6050

The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following: (a) The introduction of the light brown apple moth represents a clear, present, significant, and imminent danger to California`s natural environment and agricultural industry. This is an insect species that feeds on over 250 species of native and ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. (b) The introduction of the light brown apple moth also represents a clear, present, significant, and imminent threat to California`s native areas as it will feed on alder, ceanothus, columbine, cottonwood, cypress, ferns, fir, hawthorn, honeysuckle, lupine, madrone, oak, pine, poplar, redwood, spruce, and willow. (c) The general area of the infestation contains numerous sensitive plant and animal species and habitats. There is an imminent threat for adverse effect and ultimate extinction to some of these sensitive species if this pest becomes permanently established in California. (d) The State of California has a great interest in protecting its native species and agricultural products from further harm caused by the introduction of the light brown apple moth. (e) The light brown apple moth is currently found in the urban and natural areas in all parts of nine California counties and could move into agricultural croplands. (f) Valued at $31.7 billion in 2005, California`s agricultural economy continues to rank first in the nation constituting 13.3 percent of the total United States agricultural economy value in 2005. It is estimated to have a minimum potential impact of $133 million to only four of the potentially impacted crops (apples, pears, oranges, and grapes) and environmental impact from increased pesticide use. (g) To avoid potentially catastrophic loss to some of California`s most important industries and to native species, the Legislature declares that this article is in the interest of the public health and welfare. (h) This article is not intended to establish a precedent, or to supersede, reduce, or in any way alter government funding related to plant pest eradication and control in this state.