The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is appreciative of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for using emergency funding in response to the growing number of outbreaks of exotic fruit flies.
“CFFA is grateful to APHIS for taking a lead to address this issue on behalf of California agriculture,” said association president Daniel Hartwig. “This funding will increase preventive activities in areas of our state and help stop the spread of outbreaks in other regions. The exotic fruit fly is one of the most destructive pests in the world and if not eradicated, they will have a detrimental impact on California’s fresh fruit industry and with our trading partners.”
Out of a total $213 million to combat exotic invasive pests, APHIS will use $103.5 million to address known outbreaks of the fruit fly in California and will begin protective activities in other areas of the country that might be susceptible to these pests. CFFA looks forward to continuing to engage on this issue with APHIS and the California Department of Agriculture.
For more information:
Courtney Razor
California Fresh Fruit Association
Tel: +1 (559) 226-6330
crazor@cafreshfruit.com
www.cafreshfruit.com