Northern California Summer Fig Exchange

[The Fig Hunter]

Come join in the fig celebration

Please come join this event, sponsored by The Fig Hunter, Trees of Paradise (finder of the Yolo Bypass Fig), and many more. We invite all fellow fig enthusiasts wanting to share with others, to join us for a fun, family friendly, afternoon in the outdoor lawns of the Green River Taproom. Seats, shade, and food/drinks are all available on site.
4513 Putah Creek Road
Winters, CA 95694

We would love to see all of your, but if coming from So-Cal, please only bring yourself. If coming from anywhere else, please feel free to bring cuttings for giveaway, trade or sale. NOTE: in light of recent forum discussed pest issues, more specifically BFF, please verify the health of any plant material before bringing. Please check with your local AG Department with questions or to seek more information on the pest.

Along with exchanging, we will be holding a raffle for some of these fig items, with proceeds being donated to the California Nursery Historical Park, home to Niles Nursery and the Roeding Family.

For more information, check out the link

[Evdurtschi]

Sounds like a lot of fun.

Please discourage the exchange of any trees and certainly don’t allow any trees with figs on them. Bare root anything else as well, since they pupate in the soil, unseen. I would even be careful about having anyone bring in fresh figs as they can also spread from those.

it would be truly devastating to have this introduced up north as a result of a fun get together. It’s such a bummer but critical that we take all necessary precautions to avoid further dissemination of the BFF. I have already lost hundreds of figs to this new threat.

Cuttings are safe.

[Skagitslim]

Im there! I will come down from Seattle. Westcoast figfest is canceled correct?

[Sod]

Please be very mindful of BFF. Follow the advice listed above if you go. It is absolutely imperative that we don’t do anything to further the spread of that pest until we know more about its overwintering habits. So far it hasn’t been present in the NW. All it takes is one screw up.

[ramilviax]

There is a planned summer fig meet here in Seattle. The plans is for two events, one in August and another in September.
If you still want to go to that Northern Cali event please follow the advice given above. BFF is not welcome in the PNW 😜

[Fig Gazer]

BFF precations :best to not have figs or figlets on any trees exchanged ,cuttings and clean bare roots are safe ,keep ripe figs in concreat area/parking lot away from soil and put all fig parts /scraps and discarded figs in heavy plastic bags seal and leave in sun for a week before disposing . FALLING green figs are a laging indicator of BFF infestation ,by the time you see this the BFF worms have already entered the soil below and around (jumping distance) your trees ! BE EXTER VIGALANT and slice up any fallen figs looking for the telltail signs of BFF study the photos in the BFF sticky . IF you have BFF dont move figs or soil and prepare a defence/offence plan ! SORRY TO RAIN A LITTLE ON THE FIG MEET ,.

[Brian M]

Cancel please!

[Fig Gazer]

iDO NOT THINK THEY NEED TO CANCELL BUT IT SHOULD NOT BE BUSNESS AS USUAL ,TAKE FULL PRECATIONS AS NOTED !

[Brian M]

We don’t need another super spreader. My whole livelihood is figs. This fly is detrimental once it gets established!

[aaron]

I’ve been trying to talk to the Burke’s on some of the Facebook platforms. My wish has been to get them to encourage their guests to take precautions around the possible dissemination of BFF. I expect my “success” can be seen by the vague “Note” about some pest in the description of their event.

They are still encouraging all invited to bring fresh figs and plants to their event without specific information regarding this pest.

At first, I just hoped that they would encourage caution and add specific language about the spread of BFF but I am about to lose all confidence in the Burke’s. They seem to catch more beef than any other fig grower I see online. And I’m starting to understand why. They have not thoughtfully engaged with people’s concern around spreading this pest and seem to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of the BFF. Their continued insistence to market their event this way looks like carelessness to me. And if that carelessness brings the BFF to Northern California I will never let anyone forget it.

[oat]

I completely agree with you. If they get established up here, it’s not just hobbyists that will be affected 😕

[aaron]

I appreciate the considered response from the Burke Family lower on this thread. It certainly inspires more confidence.

[Foodtreefield]

Putah Creek is a stones throw from the Wolfskill Repository. Do not do anything careless there please. Not a good idea.

[cvarcher]

BFF ----Bass Favorite Fig??? or???

[Rewton]

Haha, Corrado, consider yourself lucky that you don't know. That's what I thought a couple weeks ago but unfortunately it stands for Black Fig Fly.

[cvarcher]

Oh ,I see. Another Foreign Invasive. Unfortunately this will never end . The world loves diversification. LOL !! Mans Manipulation or Natural Selection.

[pyroelfears]

I would seriously think about prohibiting all tree and fruit exchange. Its way to close to the usda repository, Harvey’s farm, and a straight gateway to Sac and the Bay Area. Cuttings, bareroot, or airlayers with no fruit only.

The fig seemed to spread from fresh figs from mexico, so brining fresh figs there is too dangerous imo. Better safe than sorry.

[Brian M]

I feel confident he will cancel it

[fisherman]

It is beginning to look like the Covid-19 deniers have discovered figs. Any responsible rationale person would call this potential spreader event off.

[Evdurtschi]

I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Unless he has been active on the forums lately, he likely had no idea about the BFF since it is so new.

[Brian M]

The fb post has all been deleted now

[Fig Gazer]

For the record it is posible to hold a fig get together safley .BUT and this is a big BUT every one attending has to follow strict protocals . TO many members do not fully grasp the dangers and ease of BFF spread at this time .the full protacalls are complicated and one screw up could hasten the spread of BFF .NOTICE I SAID HASTEN ! Sorry to say that from what ive seen BFF will spread state whide by next year if the conditions are right .IF IT GETS OVER THE COAST AND TRANSVERSE RANGES INTO THE CENTRAL VALLEY ITS OVER AND WE WILL LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT LIKE THEY DO IN THE MEDITERANIAN REGION .It is posible that with all the trafic from Mexico up the I-5 that its already there in small spots .EITHER LEARN AND FOLLOW THE PROTOCALLS OR DO NOT MEET . IF YOU LIVE IN THE CENTRALL VALLEY STUDY THE BFF STICKY AND GO OUT AND INSPECT EVERY FIG TREE YOU CAN ACCESS IN YOUR AREA SAY 20 MILES IN EACH DIRECTION ONCE EVERY MONTH SHURE YOU WILL BE AHEAD OF THE CDFA CAN NOT HURT TO NOTIFY THEM WITH ANY SHURE FINDS OF BFF .

[JCT]

David gave me a call this morning about his gathering and the BFF. He's been very busy with work and hasn't had a chance to read through all the posts here on the forum. We discussed the transmission vectors and the dangers of the BFF. I'm sure he'll make the right call.

[Alastair]

I think either the event should be cancelled OR it proceeds under the strict agreement that there will NO fresh figs, NO potted trees and NO airlayers (because of the soil). I suppose sterilized cuttings are safe? I would be happy just to meet all these faceless names. But if there is no consensus on leaving all risky materials at home, then the event should be cancelled.

[Julian]

For all those who are against government interference, this is can be an example to show that we, the people, can be entrusted to make the right decisions to protect our community and economy and not have the heavy hand of enforcement involved. If we, as a community fail (and IF BFF were aided in its spread across Northern California because of our collective failure), it would just prove the notion that "this why we can't have nice things". So please, for the sake of the fig community - including commercial growers - be careful. The citrus psyllid is now in Northern California, threatening our orchards and our backyard trees with HLB - let's not have something similar happen to our figs.

[goodfriendmike]

I believe the show should go on. If you are from SoCal just bring cuttings or bareroot. Be responsible. To say others can not get together and share because you can not seems selfish to me.

[aaron]

Seems to me “The Fig Hunter” views this as an opportunity to market his business. He has not even adopted your stance “if from SoCal just bring cuttings or barefoot”. He is non-communicative about people’s concern about the spread, encouraging people to bring potential vectors of a destructive pest to the doorstep of Wolfskill’s fig repository, the USDA germplasm fig repository, and Harvey’s farm, all gems of our fig community. Because he wants to share? That’s what all 3 of these orchards do. Because he wants to have a good time? Because he wants to market his business? No one on here who has the BFF has said don’t have the event. If we want to dissect motives, I have a different view on who is being selfish here.

[goodfriendmike]

aaron all proceeds go to the park. Not to him. The park needs the funds. I am not going to argue about this anymore.

[aaron]

For the record, no argument, I said he’s marketing his business. Not that he’s directly funding his business.

[ginamcd]

Given the BFF situation, I was a bit surprised to come across this thread. After reading it through, it raised a question in my mind -- if the organizers of this event are (were?) unaware of the BFF situation and the danger their advertised format poses to fig crops and growers, who's to say all who attend will have any clue what a BFF is and what it's capable of.

I'm betting not every fig grower in CA is a member of this forum or in a FB fig group. How many of these unenlightened fig growers will show up with baskets of figs and potted trees sporting figlets, and who will have the difficult task of educating them after the damage is already done?

[ginamcd]

Sod I'm basing it on the fact that he made up a flier. Usually when someone takes the time to do so, it's because they want to spreading the word beyond the usual channels. Though I could be wrong and it was advertised exclusively here and on FB...

[ginamcd]

It is posted on the Burke Family Farm FB page, and wouldn't be surprised to hear fliers have been given out to farm visitors in recent days. Possibly even handed out or posted around town and neighboring towns, to people they see at their day jobs, family member, friends of family members.... and if fliers were distributed, they would have gone out in the original version which vaguely alluded to "pests."

[aaron]

Gina, I think you’re spot on, but just to clarify, the original version said nothing about pests or taking precautions. The generic “pest” was added after comments were posted on FB yesterday and then “BFF” was added today after comments here on Ourfigs.

[Figland]

I love you The Fig Hunter Fig but I am really surprised by this. Ignorance is not bliss but it can lead to some very dangerous behavior. I have been immersed in all things BFF and fruit fly and pesticides and environmental factors for the last month now. I can understand why some people would be unaware and even defiant about their need and want to get together and share their favorite things, especially after the pandemic lockdowns, ( that is not over either guys and gals)! HOWEVER, this is not a "Southern California" problem. Please don't make that mistake. Don't let your desire to not have the problem overcome your sense and reason. I am in the southern most part of "southern California", and I have not seen it -yet. The way that this will spread is by people who are either unwilling or unable to identify the signs of it. We believe it came into the country from Mexico in imported fruit. It is a fly, a "fruit fly" type of insect, so it has advantages and it is exploiting those advantages now. Silba adipata is showing us what it is like to live in a "conquered" landscape. Is that what you want the state to become? Rest assured that gatherings like this will bring plant material and fruit from far away, into the area. All growers and farmers should be saying a loud "OMG NO!" right about now! There is a new post from Spain about an infested tree! I am praying for some wisdom and good judgement. Think of your food supply! Organic farms will be ruined and stopped dead in their tracks by this! Please check the CDFA blog for the new announcement https://blogs.cdfa.ca.gov/Section3162/?cat=17
'

[mwhight34]

Hopefully someone will listen to you. I had a similar comment yesterday but was ignored And so I ultimately deleted it

[BurkeFamily]

Hi all. Just wanted to drop in and let you know that we are not tone-deaf on this subject. As pointed out, David has not been active on many forums in over a month, as he has been working in a remote mountain area and has poor service. He may post a live video when we are out and about with the family. I am almost never on, as I have three small children and a farm to manage. We have been unaware of the BFF situation.

At the point that the first screen grab was made and posted here and on Facebook, basic information was being texted to me. After which, another sponsor involved in planning made suggestions to alter what to bring, and was thus edited to reflect their wishes. They were also not aware of the BFF situation. Once the comments started coming in, I began editing this post in real time while we also tried to do some research on the subject and reach out to others with some knowledge of the situation.

We began contacting Ag Departments between us and San Francisco. So far we have found that none have had any sightings. Our local assistant Ag Commissioner, found that the various counties had not had any detections, but have trappers on the lookout. She also had a direct email with the lead entomologist handling the BFF problem at the CDFA, who stated that they are not aware of any finds outside of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. That they are currently experimenting with lures and have already started the McPhail traps with torula yeast and borax. We have also read the recent advisories and proposals. We have also spent 3 days in the seat, driving to familiar wild seedling finds, looking out for any of the tell-tale signs that we have been given.

This wasn't a singular decision when originally posted, and couldn't be a singular decision to change the event. Again, we are not the only ones invested in it, and had to make sure that others were aware, their input, and then revise accordingly. We simply posted, because we acknowledge that we have the social media platform to do so.

All of that said, I am spending time today trying to find posts regarding the event, and edit them accordingly. Because of the recent information, the event planners have collectively decided that we would love to see everyone who can make it. However, if you are from any of the 4 counties with detection, or any county directly surrounding, please only bring yourself. If you are from any other areas, please feel free to bring bare cuttings that are free of any leaves or figlets.

Thanks to those of you gave a little grace while the rest of us got caught up on the situation.

Priscilla Burke

[aaron]

This makes sense to me and I really appreciate the adjustments you are making in consideration of this pest. I hope this event is a good time and a success.

[MJFIGS]

Hi all. Just wanted to drop in and let you know that we are not tone-deaf on this subject. As pointed out, David has not been active on many forums in over a month, as he has been working in a remote mountain area and has poor service. He may post a live video when we are out and about with the family. I am almost never on, as I have three small children and a farm to manage. We have been unaware of the BFF situation.

At the point that the first screen grab was made and posted here and on Facebook, basic information was being texted to me. After which, another sponsor involved in planning made suggestions to alter what to bring, and was thus edited to reflect their wishes. They were also not aware of the BFF situation. Once the comments started coming in, I began editing this post in real time while we also tried to do some research on the subject and reach out to others with some knowledge of the situation.

We began contacting Ag Departments between us and San Francisco. So far we have found that none have had any sightings. Our local assistant Ag Commissioner, found that the various counties had not had any detections, but have trappers on the lookout. She also had a direct email with the lead entomologist handling the BFF problem at the CDFA, who stated that they are not aware of any finds outside of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. That they are currently experimenting with lures and have already started the McPhail traps with torula yeast and borax. We have also read the recent advisories and proposals. We have also spent 3 days in the seat, driving to familiar wild seedling finds, looking out for any of the tell-tale signs that we have been given.

This wasn't a singular decision when originally posted, and couldn't be a singular decision to change the event. Again, we are not the only ones invested in it, and had to make sure that others were aware, their input, and then revise accordingly. We simply posted, because we acknowledge that we have the social media platform to do so.

All of that said, I am spending time today trying to find posts regarding the event, and edit them accordingly. Because of the recent information, the event planners have collectively decided that we would love to see everyone who can make it. However, if you are from any of the 4 counties with detection, or any county directly surrounding, please only bring yourself. If you are from any other areas, please feel free to bring bare cuttings that are free of any leaves or figlets.

Thanks to those of you gave a little grace while the rest of us got caught up on the situation.

Priscilla Burke

Thanks for the updates. But I understood from reading more on this topic that areas impacted are not limited to these 4 locations or surrounding locations.

Wish you all the best and hope you make the right decisions.

Im officially not going to purchase any fig plants from CA ( cuttings only)

[MJFIGS]

aaron And we expect everyone going there to read this here or follow this "recommendation"

[aaron]

I can understand your skepticism. And I have no opinion on anyone who wants to speak out against fig gatherings taking place at all. If you think no one should get together “period”. That’s cool with me. But I’m social and love getting together with my fellow passionate fruit growers. The way I’m likely to do this is to just invite a couple people to come hang out with me in my orchard, no figs or trees welcome at this time.
If BurkeFamily & The Fig Hunter include this new information in their invitations/announcements/fliers, I expect people who see those promotional materials to also see what they can, and cannot, bring to the event. I hope that the Burke’s and other attendees will also keep an eye out for anyone bringing figs or trees to the event.
Meanwhile, we all need to continue talking about this new pest. People want to get together and we can share the responsibility of educating the public.
We all live downstream. I’m encouraged to see more and more of our upstream brothers and sisters sharing our concerns. We all share this passion.

[MJFIGS]

aaron Im not against the gathering. If Im close, I would come, Im expecting a clear and straight forward rules to not exchange or bring any trees or fruits, or leave with any trees or fruits.

Get together, hangout, have snacks and drinks, sample fruits onsite and be safe.

[FloraFig]

It still can be transmitted ( or maybe already happened just not detected yet) , with or without this event happening.

A fig growing person from affected areas could have been bringing fresh figs and trees to family & friends without being aware of the whole BFF.

[Julian]

That's certainly possible. But at the same time, it's possible it hasn't, so it's better to take precautions to limit spread, but really more importantly, to broadcast the message load and clear so that people take notice.

You're right that people in this state frequently travel very far within the state - my relatives from San Diego are visiting, for example. They like to share plant material and fruits. I've chided them for bringing citrus leaves and branches up here in the past, breaking quarantine. They've also brought figs from their gardens in the past, as well. If people organizing and attending these events are made aware of how serious this is, they may not only take more care, but they may also spread the word.

At the end of the day, I think the vast majority of the most outspoken people are just trying to ensure that people understand just how serious this matter is. No one is saying that people can't meet or share plant material, but everyone should be made aware of the issue and adjust appropriately - especially those who haven't yet "read the memo".

[FloraFig]

Julian, I understand. And it's better to prevent then to be looking for a cure.


But imho, an event like that can be used in a positive way: bringing awareness to the people who are not on fora or social media.

And , this is so going to result in me being tarred and feathered , but as long as humans grow food they have been confronted with pests and diseases. Its just part of life.. And most of the time they have battled them. Nature is dynamic and we don't live in a sterile dome.

People can take precautions and do the best they can to prevent it, but there is no way knowing whether it hasn't spread already.


But that's my 2 cents.

[Julian]

I agree with you. And you are right. I'm also happy to see the Burkes making adjustments and hope that it will be an opportunity to spread the word.

Having said that, humanity has shown a penchant for wiping out whole species, so I don't think it's completely impossible for us to control pest infestations. California has very strict agricultural controls, and they work decently. So let's do what we can - for the sake of people like Brian and Harvey, and transitively, hobbyists like us appreciate all that they do to keep the hobby accessible.

[Figland]

BurkeFamily thanks for responding, getting up to speed and modifying your event. I am sure the many fig farms in that area will be grateful. There is one farm that I know of that has the Black Fig Fly and will not be able to market their crop this year. I hope that the entire state will soon have direction from the CDFA and the University team that is working on solutions and testing of treatments. This caught everyone by surprise, but due to the quick thinking of a few people across the state who recognized what was happening, and were in contact with these agencies, they were warned and are working on the problem. Many of us are actively working to educate the public, discover treatments, bait recipes and protocols, and identify locations of infestations. The counties named are not the only places where the symptoms are being reported. At bare minimum, taking precautions not to spread fruit, or soil with potted fig trees is the only way to protect your own property from this infestation.

It's really good news that the northern parts of the state are for warned and being pro active, when I contacted others, they had not heard of it and were unprepared. That did not give me confidence that we were going to be successful. Things are different, now there is awareness and that is a good thing. Still seeing plant groups bringing fig trees in soil to their plant sales though, so there is potential for spread and a lack of listening and thinking..

We all want everyone to be able to return to normal ASAP. We have to eradicate this pest first. If I have to, I will destroy the over 300 trees I have right now. Thought I was going to have a crop this year, but if the fly gets to our property that will be gone. This is a certified organic farm and we can't use the "nuke options". I understand that my responsibility to the food supply is bigger than my own farm or hobbies. I wish everyone the best of good fortune and success in eradicating this pest. Wish us luck on the bait treatment experiments! I hope we can still enjoy our figs and get along with each other!

[Californiacuban]

If it comes to destroying trees (which I fiercely hope we will never get to that point), we can make it an event at your farm beforehand! "Come try to find figs that are not infested, eat and enjoy.... and then burn the beautiful trees!" Oh man, that is a sad thought! I think many of us would actually not be able to do it. It would be too painful!

[Figland]

Californiacuban I agree, I do not wish to be destroying my hard work, the help of others and the work of the little "ecotone" here that includes about 100 wild fig trees. I had to face the fact that I might HAVE to do it after the realization hit me that I could not be part of endangering the large agricultural community here. I have a responsibility to my neighbors. I fully understand that. So many wonderful small farms in this county, more than any other county in the country, and maybe the world. Once you are "changed" by the realization about the potential of this pest, you cannot go back to being ignorant. Thank you for your efforts in this and for being present and pro-active!

[Figland]

From the CDFA lead Entomologist yesterday "at least one property in Burbank" That is Los Angeles County but closer to Pasadena than Los Angeles proper. That means the person I talked to in Riverside has not reported yet.

[BlueEagle1967]

FloraFig No need to be tar and feathered for speaking common sense. Just doing a bit of research on-line and I see that before the BFF, there was the African Fig Fly and it spread from Florida in 2005 to numerous states throughout the country. We have been introducing invasive species (snakes, animals, insects, plants, etc.) from the time people first settled in the US and people started traveling the world. I know this may sound bad and maybe I'll be tar and feathered as well, but humans are just arrogant enough to believe that they can control the eco-system. BFF will spread, just as other pests have.....just as diseases and viruses have.

The Spotted Lantern Fly infested my area last year and I read reports that it was spreading to my area a year or two before they arrived. Now I spray all my trees, both fruit and landscape, early in the season before the SLF matures. It's kept them at bay. Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, this may be something that we'll have to live with, just like the SLF, BFF, the Mediterranean Fig Fly, hornets, wasps, beetles, etc.

Yes, we should take precautions. But unless we want to ban importation of fruits and vegetables, as well as ban state to state and international travel, we'll always be faced with a similar problem by a different name in the future.

[FloraFig]

BlueEagle1967, I'm usually hesitant to get in this type of discussions. The obvious dynamics can be a slippery slope and I don't like to step on people's toes.

As you say many, many (invasive) types plants and animals have been imported to America, figs included. And yes, they come with their own eco system. We can not pick and choose which parts we want and which ones we don't want, we can learn and try to improve , until the next challenge comes along.

After the BFF I'm sure there will be something else. That's just reality.

[Julian]

This is not about vilifying people, and I would hope that we can disagree civilly, but California actually does enforce restrictions on the movement of fruit and plant material. Just because people can and do break our laws does not mean that we should abandon them and allow pests to enter and circulate throughout the state without any sort of controls or countermeasures. And just because officials have not done much yet does not mean that we should not be cautious about protecting our hobby.

Being the largest producer of food in the whole country means that California needs to protect its own agricultural and economic interests, as well as those of the whole country. So yes, especially because we've been "bitten" before, we're (collectively, but not unanimously) extremely cautious here.

What I would hate to have is something like HLB destroying the hobby. Folks outside of California and Florida are probably still able to trade citrus scions, but we can't - we need to rely on approved sources like CCPP or secondary, approved nurseries for our propagative material.

It may not be BFF that does the hobby in, but maybe the next thing does, so we should be vigilant and prepared. And I don't think it's a futile effort - the BFF is probably unlikely to spread to areas outside of California because there aren't enough fig trees between California and other states, but if we can contain it to SoCal, we'd be able to protect the NorCal farms and nurseries that keep our hobby affordable and accessible. Also, even if spread is inevitable, control measures are still useful. HLB was first detected in SoCal in 2012, but we haven't detected it in NorCal yet (even though the psyllid has spread to NorCal).

[The Fig Hunter]

We have no direct relationship other then without the work Roeding and Rock we would not be able to find wild seedlings in California .
Also make sure you designate it goes to the archives