Chapter 7.28 PLANT DISEASE CONTROL

(A) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to plant any lettuce seed in the unincorporated area of the County of Santa Cruz which is not mosaic-indexed seed.

(B) “Mosaic-indexed seed” means seed which does not carry more than one-tenth of one percent of seedborne mosaic virus and which is so labeled. [Ord. 5304 § 5, 2019; Ord. 561, 1958; prior code § 8.03.200].

7.28.070 Permit required to plant seed not mosaic-indexed.

(A) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person, firm or corporation desiring to plant lettuce seed other than mosaic-indexed seed may apply to the Agricultural Commissioner for a permit to plant such seed. The application shall be in writing and shall be in such form and give such details as the Agricultural Commissioner may require. If the Agricultural Commissioner, after investigation, finds that mosaic-indexed lettuce seed of any variety is not then obtainable, the Agricultural Commissioner shall issue a permit authorizing the applicant to plant some other lettuce seed which is obtainable and which creates the least danger to lettuce crops in the County.

(B) In conducting the investigation, the Agricultural Commissioner may call upon other growers, or committees of growers, or other qualified persons, for their advice and counsel. [Ord. 5304 § 5, 2019; Ord. 561, 1958; prior code § 8.03.210].

7.28.080 Planting for home use.

This chapter shall not prohibit any person from planting lettuce seed which is not mosaic-indexed seed for such person’s own home use. [Ord. 5304 § 5, 2019; Ord. 561, 1958; prior code § 8.03.230].

7.28.090 Notice to destroy field—Conditions.

Whenever the Agricultural Commissioner, after investigation, finds that a field upon which lettuce has been grown is abandoned or on which the harvest of lettuce has been completed and has not been disced, the Agricultural Commissioner shall give the owner, tenant or occupant of such field notice in writing that the field shall be disced or otherwise destroyed. The discing or other destruction of the field shall be accomplished as soon as possible in a manner satisfactory to the Agricultural Commissioner. [Ord. 5304 § 5, 2019; Ord. 561, 1958; prior code § 8.03.220].

Article III. Lettuce Inspection

7.28.100 Inspection required.

Prior to harvesting any head lettuce which is packed or prepared for market, the harvester, packer, or company representative shall notify the Agricultural Commissioner and arrange for inspection. [Ord. 5304 § 5, 2019; Ord. 3620 § 33, 1985; Ord. 2247, 1976; Ord. 1623, 1971; Ord. 778, 1962; Ord. 429, 1951; prior code § 8.03.300].

7.28.110 Inspection fees.

Fees for lettuce inspection shall be as established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The fees shall be paid to the County of Santa Cruz through the office of the Agricultural Commissioner. [Ord. 5304 § 5, 2019; Ord. 2551, 1978; Ord. 2247, 1976; Ord. 1822, 1973; Ord. 778, 1962; Ord. 586, 1959; Ord. 429, 1951; prior code § 8.03.310].

7.28.120 Fees—Payment.

Repealed by Ord. 5304. [Ord. 1628, 1971; prior code § 8.03.320].