As many readers know by now, raspberries destined for sale in Canada have been included in the European grapevine moth (EGVM) quarantine. Raspberries are on the host list for European grapevine moth in Canada (but not the USA) and quite likely this has something to do with the rather nebulous description of Rubus spp as being a host in one or more older papers (like early 1900's sort of old) on this pest. Raspberries are Rubus ideaus, while blackberries arise from a wide number of species within Rubus.
Currently, raspberry growers within the quarantine area, loosely described as being to the west of Green Valley Road, Dalton Rd and on out to Casserly (see attachment below), are not eligible to ship into Canada.
At any rate, the USDA Project will not be inspecting raspberries within the quarantine, they will only continue to inspect blackberries. Raspberries within the quarantine that would be eligible for export to Canada will be undergoing inspections and subsequently be issued compliance agreements next week by County Agricultural Commission personnel. I do not yet know how this inspection will be done, but we will find out that out very early next week.
7/6/11 Update: It looks like shippers who have raspberry fields within the EGVM quarantine area from which they want to export fruit to Canada would be subject to the same inspection regime as for all blackberries- ie 20 lbs of fruit from 40 acres of raspberries. These fruit would be inspected by County Agricultural personnel rather than USDA personnel.
It is of course very advisable to growers that they keep their fields clear of leafrollers to the extent possible.
So, questions about export of blackberries should be directed to the USDA Project 796-9699 and questions about the export of raspberries should go to the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner's office 763-8080.
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