AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER- K. GRIFFIN
1. Adopt Resolution ratifying proclamation that a state of emergency still exists within the County due to the presence of thrips and beet leaf hoppers that vector diseases and weevils that feed on the plants and fruit that may cause significant to catastrophic damage to pepper and tomato crops in San Benito County and declaring the local emergency through December 12, 2026, and during that time period, the need for a state of emergency shall be reviewed by the San Benito County County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors to determine whether to continue the local emergency or to terminate it; and
2. Authorize Chair to sign the resolution.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 1.1
RESOLUTION NO.: 2026-131
CONSENT AGENDA
The neonicotinoid regulatory package (3 CCR sections 6990-6990.16) that went into effect January 1, 2024, restricts and limits certain uses of neonicotinoid pesticides on various crop groups beyond the label requirements. The regulation(s) have restricted such use. The local emergency declaration would supersede these regulations. Applications can be made to address the local emergency declaration by allowing for applications of neonicotinoid pesticides, which would normally be subjected to the restrictions imposed by the regulations indicated above, so that pepper and tomato growers can specifically treat for thrips, beet leaf hoppers and pepper weevils in San Benito County. Western Flower Thrips and Beet Leaf Hoppers must be controlled to prevent Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) infections resulting in crop failure and virus spread. Pepper Weevil must be controlled to prevent feeding on fruit and leaf buds causing destruction of flower buds and immature fruit, premature dropping of young fruit, reducing yields and contamination of larger fruit. The pepper crop is extremely reliant on the neonicotinoid chemical class and other related products necessary to combat Western Flower Thrips and Pepper Weevil to prevent the spread of diseases and damage and/or catastrophic crop failure.
1.) The migration of these pests became of concern to growers as numbers escalated from June 30, 2026, and is anticipated to continue throughout the production season.
2.) (a.) San Benito County Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has the authority to declare a local emergency pursuant to Government Code section 8630 and Title 3, California Code of Regulations (3 CCR) section 6990; allowing for neonicotinoid pesticides to be applied to crops defined in 3 CCR 6990. (b). The County Executive Officer signed the Local Emergency Declarations on June 3, 2026, and August 5, 2026.
N/A
1. Adopt Resolution ratifying proclamation that a state of emergency still exists within the County due to the presence of thrips and beet leaf hoppers that vector diseases and weevils that feed on the plant and fruit that may cause significant to catastrophic damage to pepper and tomato crops in San Benito County and declaring the local emergency through December 12, 2026, and during that time period, the need for a state of emergency shall be reviewed by the San Benito County Chief Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors to determine whether to continue the local emergency or to terminate it; and
2. Authorize Chair to sign the resolution.