The california department of food and agriculture (CDFA) will conduct a commodity-based survey targeting high-risk pests associated with berry production, including strawberry blossom weevil (SBW),…

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded the California Department of Food and Agriculture a $223,705 cooperative agreement on July 1, 2026, to conduct a commodity-based survey targeting high-risk pests associated with berry production in California.

CDFA will execute a proactive pest-detection program across four of California's highest-producing strawberry counties from April through September 2026, with survey completion by June 30, 2027. The survey targets strawberry blossom weevil (SBW), Australian grapevine yellows (AGY), and strawberry summer dwarf nematode (SSDN). Work includes visual inspection for pest damage and symptoms, trapping using 320 baited vaned plastic bucket traps for SBW, and molecular diagnostics of plant samples submitted to CDFA laboratories. CDFA will collect and test 300 leaf samples for each of AGY and SSDN.

The survey aims to enable early detection of these priority pests before establishment and spread into California agricultural production areas, support development of effective mitigative measures for any incipient populations identified, and generate negative survey data that reinforces existing state and federal regulations while supporting California's export program. Success will be measured by the number of sites surveyed, plant samples submitted for testing, and suspect specimens identified for follow-up analysis. Performance takes place in California.

Activities

Goals include (1) early detection of introductions of SBW, AGY and ssdn in california. (2) effective mitigative measures to prevent the permanent establishment of any incipient populations of SBW, AGY and ssdn found as a result of this survey. And (3) negative survey data that is beneficial because IT supports the validity of the existing state and federal regulations while promoting california's export program. Cdfa will select survey sites in four of california's highest-producing strawberry counties, which collectively account for a major share of commercial strawberry acreage in the state. The survey will take place april through september and will include visual inspection for signs and symptoms of pest damage, trapping for SBW, and molecular diagnostics of plant samples exhibiting symptoms for AGY and ssdn. A total of 320 baited, vaned plastic bucket traps will be placed for SBW. 300 total leaf samples will be taken for AGY and ssdn each. Samples will be submitted for cdfa laboratory analysis. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the survey will increase the chance of early detection of high-risk pests and pathogens of strawberries in four of california's highest-producing strawberry counties. Success will be measured through the number of sites surveyed, the number of plant samples submitted for testing, and the number of suspect specimens sent for identification. Negative data will support california's free-from status, protecting market access, and preventing potential regularity or trade disruptions. Intended beneficiary(IES): the california strawberry industry is one of the stat E's most economically valuable specialty crop sectors, valued at over $3.68 billion in 2025 and representing nearly 90% of the united states' fresh strawberry production. Major international markets are in mexico, canada, japan, and south korea. Early detection is critical to prevent economic losses, reduce pesticide reliance, and maintain domestic and export market access. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: four counties will receive subawards to assist with the survey. Cost categories: personnel: $28,355; fringe benefits: $14,384; travel: $338; supplies: $500; contractual: $127,075; other: $37,676; indirect costs: $15,377