3-Attachment B Scope of Work.pdf

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)

Plant Industry Division

Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) sampling contract

Statement of Work (SOW)

9/3/2025

Attachment B Scope of Work

Introduction

Certified seed potatoes have been produced in northern Utah's Cache county since 2007. Typically, about 700 acres are planted each year of multiple high value diverse varieties that are marketed throughout the U.S. and Canada. This area is remote from other potato growing areas and was sought after to ensure phytosanitary health and disease-free status. Cyst nematode surveys have been conducted by the USDA-APHIS-PPQ PCN project housed in Idaho Falls previously. Due to staffing shortages the surveys will now need to be overseen by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This project will enhance survey efforts to support early detection and support survey needs to satisfy phytosanitary requirements of trading partners. This survey would follow the procedures and protocols as set forth by the USDA in the National PCN Survey guidelines. The results of the survey will assist producers in shipping potatoes to foreign markets concerned about PCN, by demonstrating UDAF's commitment to survey and utilization of the data resulting from the survey. Negative data will be used by USDA to negotiate market access based on pest freedom from these nematodes. To meet specific phytosanitary requirements set by some countries, survey data showing a field is free of PCN will be used as evidence. Should PCN be found in Utah, the survey results would be utilized to direct regulatory and mitigation actions. The contractor company will work closely with UDAF, to identify fields to be surveyed and samples to be delivered.

Background

Potato Cyst Nematodes or PCN (Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis) have the potential to cause exceptional damage to the Utah potato industry. PCN, like other cyst nematodes, can survive in soil for long periods as eggs in the dead bodies of female nematodes called "cysts". Even in the absence of the potato host crop, viable cysts may remain in field soil for years. PCN can go undetected for months, years, or even decades without vigilant surveillance. PCN can reportedly cause up to 80 percent yield loss if left uncontrolled and can be spread to PCN free soils through infected seed and soil. If a new detection of PCN occurs, cooperative regulatory actions would begin, such as quarantines and eradication measures, to protect other potato fields and minimize the impact on the overall potato industry. A find of PCN in Utah would severely limit interstate and international trade in both commercial and seed potatoes. The current U.S. distribution of pale potato cyst nematode (G.

pallida) is limited to Idaho, while golden potato cyst nematode (G. rostochiensis) is only known to occur in New York. The discovery of PCN in Idaho in 2006 resulted in the immediate closing of some foreign markets to U.S. potatoes. Those markets have mostly reopened to most U.S. potatoes, but the U.S. must continue to survey for these pests to maintain pest free areas to keep markets open.

Scope of Work

The contracted company will survey 100% of total certified seed potato production by soil sampling, approximately 700 samples at one sample per acre. Aerial GIS field maps of each section containing fields to be sampled will be provided to the contractor. Sample sites and records will be provided to UDAF by contractor.

Contractor will provide all of their own sampling and safety equipment, UDAF will provide sample bags and labels. Sampling will take place after harvest and prior to wet winter like weather.

By surveying fields in which seed potatoes are grown, interstate and international trade of seed potatoes will not be impeded if detection of PCN occurs in a state. One composite sample comprised of at least 100 25-gram sub-samples (cores) taken per acre of each field. This sampling method will produce five pounds of soil per acre.

Each sample will be processed in its entirety. Most samples will be collected using mechanical sampling equipment provided by the contractor. All soil samples will be sent to the Idaho Falls PCN Lab for analysis. Any suspect samples will be sent onto appropriate lab for final analysis.

• Survey will be conducted fall 2025

• Samples will be sent to the USDA PCN Lab in Idaho for analysis

Requirements

The contractor must provide all equipment necessary for the job. All work will be completed prior to December 1, 2025. All data and information will be provided prior to December 31, 2025.

Compliance

The contractor must meet USDA in the National PCN survey guidelines and is requested to sanitize equipment as needed.

Project Deliverables

Protecting this crop from the introduction of foreign pests, and maintaining its trade markets, is vital for the economic health of the industry in Utah.

• Presence/absence data.

• Early detection of the PCN.

• Documentation to support export certification of seed potatoes.

• Survey will be conducted fall 2025

• Samples will be delivered to the USDA PCN Lab in Idaho for analysis

Project Budget

The USDA agreement has budgeted $32,000.

Mandatory Minimum Requirements

1. Vendor must meet the proposed timeframe?

2. Vendor acknowledges that they must meet and follow the procedures and protocols set forth by USDA in the National PCN survey guidelines?

3. Vendor must have GPS/GIS capabilities to track sample collected.