Las Cruces, New Mexico – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture has scheduled rule hearings in order to receive public input on the newly-developed rule regarding the pecan weevil interior quarantine.

The Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine Rule (Rule 21.17.36 NMAC) establishes quarantine areas, restrictions and treatment options on regulated articles, disposition protocol and fees.

The hearings will be held as follows:

• 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10 at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, located at 3190 S. Espina, in Las Cruces on the corner of Espina and Gregg
• 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 at the Agnes Kastner Community Center, located at 200 E. Park St. in Hobbs
• 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 at the Artesia Public Schools Administrative Office, located at 301 Bulldog Blvd. in Artesia

Individuals may provide comments regarding the proposed rule at the hearing and/or submit written comments via email at comments@nmda.nmsu.edu. Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14. Early submission of written comments is encouraged. Individuals providing written comments in person at the meeting must provide two copies for the hearing officer.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing, please contact NMDA at 575-646-3702 at least one week prior to the hearing.

The full text of the proposed rules is available at http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/ or at NMDA, located at 3190 S. Espina in Las Cruces.

Pecan Weevil Background:

Pecan weevil is considered the most significant insect pest of pecan producers. Previous periodic introductions of pecan weevil into New Mexico have triggered grower-specific quarantines and eradication procedures. Pecan weevil was recently confirmed in approximately 200 residential pecan trees in several eastern New Mexico pecan-growing counties and several commercial pecan orchards. This recent widespread establishment of pecan weevil has dictated a more comprehensive approach to maintaining New Mexico's pecan weevil-free status. In order to address the pecan weevil infestation, the department proposes the establishment of an interior quarantine.

To view pecan weevil frequently asked questions, go to http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/pecan-weevil-emergency-quarantine-f-a-q/.

For more information about NMDA, visit www.nmda.nmsu.edu. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @NMDeptAg.