Posted: 12/19/2002 2:48:14 PM EDT
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By Michael Gardner COPLEY NEWS SERVICE December 19, 2002 SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gray Davis declared war on the Mexican fruit fly yesterday, delivering some much-needed hope to besieged San Diego North County farmers by declaring a state of emergency. "This is direction from the governor that resources aren't an issue, personnel aren't an issue. He's telling his people (to) get in there and get rid of the fly," said Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Davis' action allows state agencies to pool money and staff to fight the Mexican fruit fly, which lays eggs in orchards. The hatched maggots devour the fruit, rendering it impossible to sell. The order does not include financial aid for growers; that would take a disaster declaration, Larson said. Seeking containment, state and federal officials have imposed a 117-square-mile quarantine in North County, effectively bringing to a halt the avocado and navel orange harvest. More than 1,000 growers, mostly of avocados and citrus, stand to lose their crops if the fly is not wiped out. The infestation was discovered Nov. 18 in Valley Center. |