East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has joined other members of the State Legislature in a plea to Governor Gavin Newsom and other leaders for urgent financial aid. The request is for a $45 million emergency allocation from the 2024-25 State Budget to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This funding is intended to support a grant program aimed at assisting commercial citrus and other growers who are facing economic challenges due to the exotic fruit fly infestation impacting the Inland Empire.

The state of California is currently grappling with an unprecedented level of exotic fruit fly infestations. According to reports, there have been over 900 fruit fly detections in 15 counties since the beginning of 2024, a sharp rise from the usual seven flies found in a typical year.

In response to the crisis, Senator Ochoa Bogh emphasized the necessity of providing aid to affected local growers. She stated, "Local growers within quarantined areas in my district are suffering significant losses due to the recent exotic fruit fly infestation." Senator Ochoa Bogh further highlighted the importance of financial assistance in encouraging compliance with quarantine standards to curb the spread of these pests. She stressed the significance of such measures in safeguarding California's agricultural sector and preserving its competitiveness in the face of such threats.

The proposed $45 million grant would be allocated to growers in the quarantine zones who have experienced substantial crop losses and do not qualify for crop insurance to offset their damages. By extending financial support to these struggling growers, the initiative aims to incentivize adherence to quarantine protocols, thereby mitigating the spread of fruit flies and sustaining the competitiveness of California's agricultural industry.