USDA correct to keep Mexican Hass Avocados out of California
Santa Paula News
Published: December 03, 2004
Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) today commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its decision not to allow imports of fresh Hass avocados from Mexico into California for another two years.
Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) today commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its decision not to allow imports of fresh Hass avocados from Mexico into California for another two years.
On Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture published a rule allowing Hass avocado imports from Michoacan, Mexico, into all 50 states, with the exceptions of California, Florida and Hawaii. The exception extends for two years. The previously proposed rule would have allowed Mexican avocado imports into all 50 states.
On several occasions after the rule was proposed, Gallegly asked Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman to continue the ban on Mexican Hass avocado imports into California until there has been ample time to assure that the USDA has not miscalculated the risks associated with the expanded program.
“I appreciate that Secretary Veneman has recognized how important it is to protect the California avocado industry from fruit flies and other insect pests detected with regularity in the growing regions of Mexico,” Gallegly said. “California leads the nation in the production of avocados. It was the state’s 17th leading agricultural crop in 2003, with a worth estimated at $364.6 million.
“The industry in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties accounts for more than 40 percent of the state’s production. The avocado industry in Ventura County alone is valued at $100.8 million, and in Santa Barbara County it’s valued at $55.4 million. In both counties, it was the fifth leading agricultural crop in 2003.
“The effect on the state and local economy if crops and trees have to be destroyed due to an infestation would be catastrophic,” Gallegly said. “I will keep a close eye on the program during the next two years to ensure California remains protected.”
Gallegly also thanked other Congress members from California, Florida and Hawaii for their efforts in persuading the USDA to modify the rule.
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