Gwen Graham Urges Federal Efforts Against Oriental Fruit Fly

From her perch on the U.S. House Agricultural Committee, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., joined U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo’s, R-Fla., letter urging U.S. Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack to ramp up efforts against the Oriental Fruit Fly in South Florida. 

Graham joined Curbelo and 18 other members of the Florida delegation in urging more federal help against the insects. 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. 

“Farmers are the backbone of North Florida and our state. When one farmer in South Florida is threatened by a pest or disease, it poses a threat to the entire state’s agriculture industry,” Graham said on Tuesday afternoon. “We need all hands on deck, working together, to make sure we eradicate these flies before they spread any farther or cause more damage. 

“As a fighter for Florida farmers and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I want to thank my friend Rep. Carlos Curbelo for taking the lead on this vital issue for our state,” Graham added.