May 13, 2004

A couple issues have come up that require your attention.

1)       Vapam (metam sodium) Restrictions

2)       Deadline Approaching for Two New Air Quality Programs

Potential Vapam Restrictions

Vapam has been classified as a “toxic air contaminant” which has forced the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) to review the risks posed by off-gassing. Based on its risk assessment, it floated the following “technical options”:

• Limit the application to 40 acres every 36 hrs within a 2 mile radius
• Limit application block size to what can be covered with an inch of water at a min rate of 0.25 in per hr.
• Buffer zone of 160 – 3600 ft depending on method of application
• Re-Entry Interval of 48 hrs for soil injection and 72 hrs for sprinkler
• No persons allowed in buffer zones other than to transit and perform fumigation
• Adjoining property owners must give permission for buffer zones to extend to their land
• Commission must receive 48 hour notice and if application does not occur in 12 hrs the grower must re-apply with a min of 48 hour notice
• Limit application to 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset, but temperatures mustn’t exceed 90 degrees.

The most recent data we have indicates that 20% of processed tomato acreage uses Vapam. In order to fight these restrictions we will need feedback on the economic impact of these measures. Please note that other soil fumigants are being reviewed by the EPA, so be forewarned that even if you have replaced Vapam with another soil fumigant you may still be faced with additional restrictions.

The CTGA will be working with other trade associations and chemical companies to limit the impact of any restrictions. The CTGA will contact members to get feedback on potential impact.

Conservation Management Practice Plans and Clean Air Permits

The Air District’s 2003 PM₁₀ plan requires all ag producers with 100 contiguous acres or more to implement and file Conservation Management Practices Plans (CMP Plan).  Dust control practices must be implemented by July 1, 2004 and the CMP Plan must be filed with the Air District by December 31, 2004.  A CMP Plan may be developed with the assistance of the local NRCS & RCD personnel.  Growers who submit their CMP Plan to the NRCS/RCD for verification of completeness will receive a 50% discount on the Air District application fee.

The CMP Plans require that one farming practice be implemented in each of the following categories:  Land Preparation, Harvest, Unpaved Roads, Unpaved Equipment/Vehicle Yards and Other.  One Plan must be submitted for each crop currently grown or which will be grown within the two-year time frame of the Plan.

A list of the currently accepted practices to reduce PM₁₀ in each of the above-mentioned categories and specifically for a variety of commodities as well as the applications themselves will be available at the Agriculture A.I.R. Quality workshops listed on this flyer.         

Likewise, all farms and animal feeding operations must obtain SB 700 Local Permits To Operate from the air district if their facilities exceed half of the Clean Air Act Title V threshold – or 12.5 tons of NOx or VOC emissions or more. The workshops will include information on calculating whether you need a permit. The deadline to apply for permits is July 1. Stationary and portable internal combustion engines of all sizes (excluding tractors) must be included, as well as natural gas and propane engines. Gasoline storage tanks and other equipment may also trigger permit requirements.

Experts from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, USDA, University of California and agricultural organizations will be on hand to answer questions and assist.

Other News

The Food Institute Report projected per capita consumption of canned tomato products (see chart) to increase in 2004. This counters news indicated that “low carb diets” are having a negative impact. Time will tell whether the projection is accurate.

Crop Update

Reports from across the growing area indicate the crop is 7 to 10 days ahead of normal. Some areas suffered from the hot weather a couple weeks ago, but replanting has been limited. We should have a revised crop estimate within a couple weeks.

Trade Regulation Update

As reported previously the CTGA and CLFP contracted the Agricultural Coalition on Trade (ACT) to represent its interests on trade related matters. ACT will be making a presentation next week to the House Agricultural Committee regarding the reduction of tariffs, which keep our tomato products from competing in key export markets. It will also address the concern that the US Trade Representative is making trade concessions at the expense of US fruit and vegetable products.  Peruvian asparagus is an example that comes quickly to mind, which has directly impacted a number of California Tomato Growers.

Questions or concerns, call (209) 478-1761.

Ross D. Siragusa
President/CEO

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