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USDA allocates $129.2 million to combat exotic fruit fly outbreaks and protect $14.8 billion industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is deploying emergency funding to counter the growing outbreaks of exotic fruit flies. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has approved the transfer of $129.2 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to APHIS to directly support emergency response efforts both domestically and internationally. This funding will be used to reinforce critical efforts in the U.S. and in buffer zones in Guatemala and Mexico to prevent the northward spread of these destructive pests.

"Fruit flies attack more than 400 different types of plants, destroying entire crops, disrupting trade, and causing major financial losses," said Michael Watson, Administrator of APHIS. "Dedicating emergency funds to address these outbreaks means the collaborative effort to protect U.S. agriculture from this unprecedented outbreak can continue. We are reinforcing prevention measures, investing in long-term solutions like improved sterile insect facilities, and bolstering our response to detections."

The Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to transfer funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation to address emergency outbreaks of animal and plant pests and diseases. APHIS is currently dealing with an increasing number of exotic fruit fly outbreaks across the United States.

The $129.2 million in funding will be used to safeguard billions of dollars in vegetable and fruit commodities. APHIS will collaborate with local, state, and international partners to eradicate exotic fruit fly outbreaks both within the U.S. and abroad. Efforts will focus on preventing the spread of these pests, protecting U.S. agriculture, and ensuring the stability of international trade. Additionally, the funds will be used to strengthen surveillance systems to detect new incursions and prevent further outbreaks.

To enhance the effectiveness of the program, the USDA is also investing in repairing sterile insect facilities in California and Texas, as well as replacing essential equipment. The timing of APHIS' response is crucial in preventing the spread of these invasive pests and monitoring their movement to safeguard a $14.8 billion industry that supports countless producers and communities.

The USDA, in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture, is actively working to combat an outbreak of exotic fruit flies in several counties across California and Texas.

Tephritid fruit flies, one of the most damaging fruit fly species, spend their larval stages feeding and growing in over 400 host plants. The introduction of invasive fruit fly species into the U.S. results in economic losses due to crop destruction, spoilage of host commodities, and increased costs associated with implementing control measures. Moreover, market share losses occur due to restrictions on the shipment of affected commodities.

By deploying emergency resources, strengthening surveillance, and investing in long-term pest control solutions, USDA and APHIS aim to mitigate the impact of exotic fruit fly outbreaks and protect the agricultural sector from further economic and trade disruptions.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: [email protected]
www.usda.gov

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