Mexican Fruit Fly in San Diego and U.S. Meat Exports to Columbia Strong
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A 77-square-mile area of San Diego County is under quarantine to guard against a Mexican fruit fly infestation.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture reported six fruit flies and one larva were detected in and around Valley Center.
The Mexican fruit fly can infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, which could severely impact agricultural exports.
They’re introducing some 250,000 sterile male flies into the area to reduce the fruit fly population.
**The EPA is proposing to remove 12 chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS’s from the current list of inert ingredients approved for use in pesticides.
The EPA’s Michael Feedhoff says, ensuring these 12 chemicals can no longer be used in pesticides is an important step to protect workers, the public, and the planet.
EPA says it will also do a thorough review of previously approved chemicals.
**After a slow start to the year, U.S. pork exports to Colombia rebounded strongly in the second quarter and are now 10% ahead of last year’s record pace, reaching $120 million through June.
Beef exports to Colombia are also soaring, up 55% in volume and 78% in value, at $26.3 million over 2021.
U.S. Meat Export Federation’s Don Mason says inflation is definitely challenging the spending power of Colombian consumers, but meat demand has been very resilient.
