California Fresh Fruit Association Thanks USDA for Emergency Funding to Combat the Exotic Fruit Fly; Daniel Hartwig Shares
FRESNO, CA - The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently used emergency funding in response to the growing number of outbreaks with the exotic fruit fly. The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) released a statement thanking the organization.
“CFFA is grateful to APHIS for taking a lead to address this issue on behalf of California agriculture,” President Daniel Hartwig stated. “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 of $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.
A press release stated that CFFA looks forward to continuing to engage on this issue with APHIS and the California Department of Agriculture.
As we learn more about the situation, AndNowUKnow will be sure to report.
