Asm. Laird Reacts to LBAM Study by UCSC Scientist

SANTA CRUZ – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) released the following statement reacting to a report on the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) co-authored by Dan Harder, Ph.D. and executive director of the UCSC Arboretum.  The report concludes that in New Zealand (environmentally similar to California’s Central Coast and Bay Area), the invasive pest does not cause economically significant crop damage or detrimentally affect native flora.  The report is based on a three-week, 3,000-kilometer fact-finding study that took place following Assemblymember Laird’s call for independent, third-party scientific review of the California Food and Agriculture Department’s LBAM eradication plans.

“The results of this study are significant.  From the start, I’ve called for a more open public process that is based on sound science, including independent third-party review.  In his review, Dr. Harder questions whether the spread of LBAM is a serious threat to California and the nation.  I look forward to CDFA’s review and consideration of the report’s conclusions, especially with regard to the department’s 2008 plans.”  --Assemblymember John Laird

For to view the report and learn more about the LBAM issue, visit: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/moth.htm