Asian Citrus Psyllid News and Updates

Director Glenn Fankhauser reminds local cotton growers that December 20th has been established as the Cotton Plowdown deadline again for 2024.

2025 Restricted Material Permit/Op ID issuance will begin December 02, 2024. Growers may call for an appointment beginning November 19, 2024.

All licensed individuals and companies intending to do business in Kern County must register annually. All Registrations expire December 31st of each calendar year. Before performing any work in Kern County for the 2025 calendar year, you must first be registered for that calendar year. Registrations for 2025 will begin December 02, 2024. Information and forms are available on our website for the following licenses: farm labor contractor, maintenance gardener, pest control adviser, pest control business, pest control pilot, and structural pest control business.

Help plant vegetative barriers in your community to improve air quality! The Valley Air District is seeking applicants interested in implementing vegetative barriers projects in the Arvin/Lamont and Shafter AB 617 Communities. A vegetative barrier is one or more rows of trees or shrubs that are planted strategically to block pollution, dust, chemicals or odor to improve air quality. Funding is currently available up to $500,000 for the Arvin/Lamont AB 617 Community and up to $800,000 for Shafter AB 617 Community and can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, such as supplies, materials, construction or contracted services. Please see the fact sheet for more details. If you are interested or have any questions, please email David Lopez at David.Lopez@valleyair.org or call (559) 230-6144.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner is proud to announce the annual Spray Safe Event to be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Kern County Fairgrounds starting at 7:00 AM. Spray Safe's primary goals are to promote safety and best practices within the agricultural industry. All industry members are encouraged to attend the free event which includes lunch.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2024 Fall Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. The first presentation will begin October 16, 2024. Please see the English and Spanish Announcements for more information about these Continuing Education Sessions, including times, dates, and locations.

It's the pleasure of the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner to release the 2023 Kern County Crop Report.

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District requesting proposal for eligible entities to implement Vegetative Barriers projects in the Arvin/Lamont AB 617 community. Please click on Request for Proposals for more information.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would like to remind you of the regulations in effect for the 2024 Cotton Defoliation Season. Compliance with these regulations and prudent selection of method and timing of applications will reduce complaints and regulatory response.

US EPA announced Tuesday August 6, 2024, an emergency suspension of the sales and use of DCPA. For an informational link to their announcement click here.

Help plant vegetative barriers in your community to improve air quality! The Valley Air District is seeking applicants interested in implementing vegetative barriers projects in the Arvin/Lamont and Shafter AB 617 Communities. A vegetative barrier is one or more rows of trees or shrubs that are planted strategically to block pollution, dust, chemicals or odor to improve air quality. Funding is currently available up to $500,000 for the Arvin/Lamont AB 617 Community and up to $800,000 for Shafter AB 617 Community and can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, such as supplies, materials, construction or contracted services. Please see the fact sheet for more details. If you are interested or have any questions, please email David Lopez at David.Lopez@valleyair.org or call (559) 230-6144.

The Local Emergency declared in Kern County for Beet Curly Top Virus allowing for neonicotinoid pesticides to be applied to crops susceptible to the beet leafhopper (BLH), the vector of Beet Curly Top Virus, has been extended for another 60 days. Please click here.

Kern County residents – It is important to regularly care for your homegrown citrus and follow best practices to help protect it from the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and the fatal citrus plant disease it can spread, Huanglongbing (HLB). During Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, take some time to learn more about how you can help combat this dangerous pest and disease that could be in your own backyard.

For More information click here and here.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the north side of citrus trees for all citrus groves North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the north side of citrus trees for all citrus groves South of 7th Standard Road.

Temporary Local Emergency Declared in Kern County for Beet Curly Top Virus allowing for neonicotinoid pesticides to be applied to crops susceptible to the beet leafhopper (BLH), the vector of Beet Curly Top Virus, a disease known to cause serious crop damage Please click here for detailed information regarding this local emergency declaration, and the conditions of use for neonicotinoid pesticides to treat for BLH in Kern County under this declaration.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2024 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus South of 7th Standard Road.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2024 Spring Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. The first presentation will begin March 25, 2024. Please see the English and Spanish Announcements for more information about these Continuing Education Sessions, including times, dates, and locations.

Director Glenn Fankhauser reminds local cotton growers that December 20th has been established as the Cotton Plowdown deadline again for 2023.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner is proud to announce the annual Spray Safe Event to be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Kern County Fairgrounds starting at 7:00 AM. Spray Safe's primary goals are to promote safety and best practices within the agricultural industry. All industry members are encouraged to attend the free event which includes lunch. For more information click here

2024 Restricted Material Permit/Op ID issuance will begin November 27, 2023. Growers may call for an appointment beginning November 14, 2023.

All licensed individuals and companies intending to do business in Kern County must register annually. All Registrations expire December 31st of each calendar year. Before performing any work in Kern County for the 2024 calendar year, you must first be registered for that calendar year. Registrations for 2024 will begin November 27, 2023. Information and forms are available on our website for the following licenses: farm labor contractor, maintenance gardener, pest control adviser, pest control business, pest control pilot, and structural pest control business.

Beekeepers doing business in Kern County are required to register with BeeWhereCalifornia by January 1 or within 30 days of moving their hives into the county.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2023 Fall Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. The first presentation will begin October 16, 2023. Please see the English and Spanish Announcements for more information about these Continuing Education Sessions, including times, dates, and locations.

It's the pleasure of the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner to release the 2022 Kern County Crop Report.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would like to remind you of the regulations in effect for the 2023 Cotton Defoliation Season. Compliance with these regulations and prudent selection of method and timing of applications will reduce complaints and regulatory response.

The Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigant (BVF) Examination is now available. Prior to taking the BVF subcategory examination, an individual must have taken the Initial Private Applicator Certificate Examination demonstrating that they meet the revised competency standards described in 40 CFR Part 171. The BVF Examination Study Manual is now available and can be downloaded for free. Examinations are by appointment only. Please contact our office at (661)868-6300 to schedule your examination(s). Please refer to the attached notifications.

Upcoming Regulatory Changes for Private Applicator Certificate.

Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigant (BVF) Study Manual (English).

Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigant (BVF) Study Manual (Spanish/Español).

United States Department of Agriculture granted a Secretarial Disaster Declaration due to losses caused by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Please refer to the attached notifications. Kern Notification Letter, Kern Notification Letter Amendment, USDA M4699, and USDA M4699 Amendment.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 08, 2023 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the north side of citrus trees for all citrus groves North of 7th Standard Road.

Disaster assistance, due to recent weather events in Kern County, is available through USDA Service Centers. These locations are where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development for your business needs. If you've experienced crop loss, please contact our department. For more information about financial assistance and other types of aid available, the Bakersfield Service Center is located at 5080 California Avenue, Suite 150, Bakersfield, CA 93309. You may also contact them via phone: Farm Service Agency (661)336-0967, Natural Resources Conservation Service (661)281-2765, and Rural Development (661)336-0967.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 01, 2023 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the north side of citrus trees for all citrus groves South of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus South of 7th Standard Road.

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to discuss winter storms and flood impact at upcoming meeting on April 4, 2023. Please click here for more information.

If you have experienced any crop loss caused by a natural disaster, please contact our Department.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2023 Spring Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. The first presentation will begin April 4, 2023. Please see the English and Spanish Announcements for more information about these Continuing Education Sessions, including times, dates, and locations. COVID-19 guidelines and protocols are subject to change depending on State and local restrictions (including facility requirements), and attendance caps may be in effect. Available seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Regardless of vaccination status, masks are strongly encouraged.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner is proud to announce the annual Spray Safe Event to be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at the Kern County Fairgrounds starting at 7:00 AM. Spray Safe's primary goals are to promote safety and best practices within the agricultural industry. All industry members are encouraged to attend the free event which includes lunch.

Director Glenn Fankhauser reminds local cotton growers that December 20th has been established as the Cotton Plowdown deadline again for 2022.

2023 Restricted Material Permit/Op ID issuance will begin November 28, 2022. Growers may call for an appointment beginning November 14, 2022.

All licensed individuals and companies intending to do business in Kern County must register annually. All Registrations expire December 31st of each calendar year. Before performing any work in Kern County for the 2023 calendar year, you must first be registered for that calendar year. Registrations for 2023 will begin November 28, 2022. Information and forms are available on our website for the following licenses: farm labor contractor, maintenance gardener, pest control adviser, pest control business, pest control pilot, and structural pest control business.

Beekeepers doing business in Kern County are required to register with BeeWhereCalifornia by January 1 or within 30 days of moving their hives into the county.

It's the pleasure of the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner to release the 2021 Kern County Crop Report.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2022 Fall Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. The first presentation will begin October 18, 2022. Please see the English and Spanish Announcements for more information about these Continuing Education Sessions, including times, dates, and locations. COVID-19 guidelines and protocols are subject to change depending on State and local restrictions (including facility requirements), and attendance caps may be in effect. Available seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Regardless of vaccination status, masks are strongly encouraged.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would like to remind you of the regulations in effect for the 2022 Cotton Defoliation Season. Compliance with these regulations and prudent selection of method and timing of applications will reduce complaints and regulatory response.

Licensing and Registration Requirements for Sanitizing and Disinfection Services Click Here.

Requisitos de Licencia y Registro Servicios de Higienización y Desinfección Haga Clic Aquí.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2022 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the north side of citrus trees for all citrus groves North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 09, 2022 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the north side of citrus trees for all citrus groves South of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Sunday, April 03, 2022 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2022 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus South of 7th Standard Road.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2022 Spring Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. They will begin March 21, 2022. For more information about these Continuing Education Sessions including times, dates, and locations, please see the English and Spanish Announcements. COVID-19 guidelines and protocols are subject to change depending on State and local restrictions (including facility requirements), and attendance caps may be in effect. Available seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Regardless of vaccination status, masks are strongly encouraged.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner is proud to announce the annual Spray Safe Event to be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at the Kern County Fairgrounds from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Spray Safe's primary goals are to promote safety and best practices within the agricultural industry. All industry members are encouraged to attend the free event which includes lunch.

2022 Restricted Material Permit/Op ID issuance will begin November 29, 2021. Growers may call for an appointment beginning November 15, 2021.

All licensed individuals and companies intending to do business in Kern County must register annually. All Registrations expire December 31st of each calendar year. Before performing any work in Kern County for the 2022 calendar year, you must first be registered for that calendar year. Registrations for 2022 will begin November 29, 2021. Information and forms are available on our website for the following licenses: farm labor contractor, maintenance gardener, pest control adviser, pest control business, pest control pilot, and structural pest control business.

Beekeepers doing business in Kern County are required to register with BeeWhereCalifornia by January 1 or within 30 days of moving their hives into the county.

Director Glenn Fankhauser reminds local cotton growers that December 20th has been established as the Cotton Plowdown deadline again for 2021.

It's the pleasure of the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner to release the 2020 Kern County Crop Report.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2021 Fall Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. They will begin October 19, 2021. For more information about these Continuing Education Sessions including times, dates, and locations, please see the English and Spanish Announcements. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn by unvaccinated individuals. However, it is recommended that all individuals wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. COVID-19 guidelines are subject to change depending on State and local restrictions, and attendance caps may be in effect. Available seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would like to remind you of the regulations in effect for the 2021 Cotton Defoliation Season. Compliance with these regulations and prudent selection of method and timing of applications will reduce complaints and regulatory response.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the North side of citrus trees for all citrus groves North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the North side of citrus trees for all citrus groves South of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 05, 2021 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 29, 2021 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus South of 7th Standard Road.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2021 Spring Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. They will begin March 22, 2021. For more information about these Continuing Education Sessions including times, dates, and locations, please see the English and Spanish Announcements. Due to Covid19 Restrictions, masks must be worn and temporal tempratures will be taken prior to entry at all locations. Also, the number of attendees will be capped depending on venue location.

2021 Restricted Material Permit/Op ID issuance will begin November 30, 2020. Growers may call for an appointment beginning November 09, 2020.

All licensed individuals and companies intending to do business in Kern County must register annually. All Registrations expire December 31st of each calendar year. Before performing any work in Kern County for the 2021 calendar year, you must first be registered for that calendar year. Registrations for 2021 will begin November 30, 2020. Information and forms are available on our website for the following licenses: farm labor contractor, maintenance gardener, pest control adviser, pest control business, pest control pilot, and structural pest control business.

Beekeepers doing business in Kern County are required to register with BeeWhereCalifornia by January 1 or within 30 days of moving their hives into the county.

Director Glenn Fankhauser reminds local cotton growers that December 20th has been established as the Cotton Plowdown deadline again for 2020.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2020 Fall Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. They will begin October 19, 2020. For more information about these Continuing Education Sessions including times, dates, and locations, please see the English and Spanish Announcements. Due to Covid19 Restrictions, masks must be worn and temporal tempratures will be taken prior to entry at all locations. Also, the number of attendees will be capped depending on venue location.

It's the pleasure of the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner to release the 2019 Kern County Crop Report.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would like to remind you of the regulations in effect for the 2020 Cotton Defoliation Season. Compliance with these regulations and prudent selection of method and timing of applications will reduce complaints and regulatory response.

Cal/OSHA is offering a free webinar, COVID-19, Cal/OSHA, and Agriculture...What You Need To Know as an Employer, designed specifically for the agricultural industry, to address employer responsibilities to effectively implement their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), COVID-19 Plans, and industry best practices to allow essential employees to work safely.

People across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China; USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to mail those seeds to the location listed in the "Unsolicited Seed Package Mailing Guidance" document, found at the following website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2020/sa-07/seeds-china.

Please read our Advisory for Kern County Agricultural Worker Protection During Covid-19 Crisis in English. and Spanish.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2020 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the North side of citrus trees for all citrus groves North of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020 is the date establishing 75% petal fall on the North side of citrus trees for all citrus groves South of 7th Standard Road.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2020 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus North of 7th Standard Road.

In an effort to protect Kern County citizens from the virus that causes COVID-19, beginning March 17, our office will postpone or eliminate altogether all non-essential functions. Our department will be closed to the public and personnel not associated with essential functions will be asked to isolate themselves while working from home. This new effort reflects the fast-moving nature of the public health crisis and the complexity of how to respond in protecting citizens. This effort is expected to continue until May 15, 2020 at 5pm. Should you require services that qualify as essential functions for our department, please call during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we will route and evaluate your request. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Kern County Commissioner, Glenn Fankhauser, announced that 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2020 is the date establishing the 10% bloom stage for all citrus South of 7th Standard Road.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces the CANCELLATION of its 2020 Spring Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. The Department will keep you posted of when/if the classes will be rescheduled. Please see the English and Spanish Announcements.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2020 Spring Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. They will begin March 23, 2020. For more information about these Continuing Education Sessions including times, dates, and locations, please see the English and Spanish Announcements.

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner is proud to announce the annual Spray Safe Event to be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Kern County Fairgrounds from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Spray Safe's primary goals are to promote safety and best practices within the agricultural industry. All industry members are encouraged to attend the free event which includes lunch.

2020 Restricted Material Permit/Op ID issuance will begin December 2, 2019. Growers may call for an appointment beginning November 18, 2019.

All licensed individuals and companies intending to do business in Kern County must register annually. All Registrations expire December 31st of each calendar year. Before performing any work in Kern County for the 2020 calendar year, you must first be registered for that calendar year. Registrations for 2020 will begin December 2, 2019. Information and forms are available on our website for the following licenses: farm labor contractor, maintenance gardener, pest control adviser, pest control business, pest control pilot, and structural pest control business.

Beekeepers doing business in Kern County are required to register with BeeWhereCalifornia by January 1 or within 30 days of moving their hives into the county.

The Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards announces its 2019 Fall Applicator Continuing Education Presentations. They will begin November 4, 2019. For more information about these Continuing Education Sessions including times, dates, and locations, please see the English and Spanish Announcements.

Director Glenn Fankhauser reminds local cotton growers that December 20th has been established as the Cotton Plowdown deadline again for 2019.