In an aggressive move to halt the Oriental fruit fly's spread, California's Department of Food and Agriculture has declared a quarantine in Redlands, targeting 2,000 properties for fruit removal. This pest, known for its appetite for 230 types of fruits including avocados and tomatoes, has prompted large-scale removal efforts on the city's south side, as confirmed by CDFA spokesperson Steve Lyle. The selected areas for this operation are within a critical proximity to detected fruit fly activities. Despite the state's intervention on private properties, city-owned groves await similar actions, with plans to juice the stripped fruit in compliance with state guidelines, according to Redlands spokesperson Carl Baker.
While the current efforts are concentrated in Redlands, Riverside's agricultural sector faces its own challenges under the quarantine, affecting local farmers and farm-to-school programs. The quarantine, crucial for protecting California's significant citrus industry, entails not only the loss of produce but also the financial burden of compliance for growers. The CDFA urges community cooperation with the ongoing fruit removal, essential for eradicating the pest and mitigating its economic impact.
Source: redlandsdailyfacts.com