As Oriental fruit flies threaten South Florida agriculture, leaders across the Sunshine State are taking action.
First spotted at the end of last month, so far more than 150 fruit flies have been detected, mostly around Redland. Oriental fruit flies lay eggs in fruits and vegetables, making them a major threat to produce.
On Tuesday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam declared a state agriculture emergency, insisting the Oriental fruit flies are threatening the state’s tropical plant and produce industries.
“The Oriental fruit fly is one of the world’s most destructive pests and poses a significant threat to Florida’s $123 billion agriculture industry and the 2 million jobs it supports,” Putnam said on Tuesday. “Miami-Dade County’s agriculture industry is a $1.6 billion industry, and we will use every weapon in our arsenal that’s necessary to eradicate this pest and protect Florida agriculture and our economy."
The state will be helping treat areas where the flies have been found in an effort to quarantine them, including adding bait to lure and kill male flies and spraying.
Up in Washington, D.C., 20 members of the Florida delegation sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack, urging his department to continue efforts to eliminate the flies.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., signed the letter and explained why the USDA needed to help eradicate the flies.
“On August 28, 2015, 40 Oriental Fruit Flies were found in Miami-Dade County, resulting in the immediate quarantine of the 1.5 square miles surrounding the fly detection area,” Curbelo said. “It is crucial that the U.S. Department of Agriculture continue working with state and local officials on the ground towards a solution to ensure the complete eradication of this invasive pest. These fruit flies are considered to be one of the most dangerous species to the crops of Florida, and if allowed to spread, could have detrimental effects on our agriculture community. I was proud to lead this letter and have the support of nineteen fellow Florida members of Congress in seeking an immediate remedy to ensuring the Oriental Fruit Fly does not impede our agriculture community.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
