Agriculture briefs

<p>Panel will help protect honey bees</p><p>California is establishing a commission to help identify ways to protect honey bees.</p><p>Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed legislation by Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, to create the California Apiary Research Commission. Its tasks will include educating beekeepers on integrated pest management practices in order to reduce honey bee diseases.</p><p>The seven-member commission will be funded through fees assessed on bee colonies, not to exceed $1 each. The fees must be validated by a referendum among the state's beekeepers.</p><p>Colony Collapse Disorder has reduced the nation's bee population by 25 to 30 percent in the past three years, according to a news release from Evans' office.</p><p>Honey bees are a critical component of California agriculture, pollinating more than 37 percent of farm production, the release said. The state ranks among the top four in the nation for producing honey, and the state's beekeepers provide half the queen bees, bulk bees and starter colonies to beekeepers throughout the U.S. and Canada.</p><h3>Grazing workshop for sheep ranchers</h3> <p>Sheep ranchers can attend a workshop Oct. 18 in Woodland to learn about the potential benefits of providing grazing services.</p><p>The workshop, sponsored by the California Wool Growers Association, will help ranchers evaluate the legal and financial issues surrounding grazing services, as well as available insurance for such work.</p><p>The workshop will be held 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Norton Hall, 70 Cottonwood St. The cost is $30 for association members and $50 for nonmembers.</p><p>Friday is the deadline to register. Registration forms can be found on the "industry events" section at www.woolgrowers.org. For more information, call (916) 444-8122.</p><h3>Sharpshooter in San Luis Obispo County</h3> <p>A portion of San Luis Obispo County is under quarantine after county farm officials discovered the presence of a vineyard pest, the glassy-winged sharpshooter.</p><p>An adult insect was found last month in a trap in a residential neighborhood. Further surveys and traps found three more glassy-winged sharpshooters and multiple egg masses.</p><p>The pest is a strong threat to the wine grape industry. California's first major infestation occurred in Riverside County in 1999, where more than 300 acres of vineyards were destroyed. The insect spreads a bacterium that causes Pierce's disease, which is fatal to grape plants.</p><p>The county plans to spray an insecticide on 55 properties in February, when the insect is active in feeding. The state Department of Food and Agriculture will pay for the eradication efforts.</p><p>-- Staff and wire reports</p>