Political Quotes

“this amendment will increase by $2 million the funds available to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in their battle against the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, or medfly. I am, unfortunately, all too familiar with the devastation caused by these tiny pests, and I am particularly concerned this year, because Florida has experienced an unusual number of medfly infestations. In the past, medflies have caused significant damage to Florida fruit and vegetable crops. This year's infestation is particularly troubling, because it has occurred in the heart of Florida's citrus and tomato growing country. In Lake County, over 1,300 medflies have been detected since the end of April. In Manatee County, over 550 medflies have been detected since the first find in mid-May. In fact, just last week, a medfly was discovered in Highlands County, and as of today, over 100 new flies have been detected in this area. Unless fully eradicated, the medfly has the potential to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to Florida fruit and vegetable crops. In addition, medfly infestation provides our trading partners with a convenient reason to deny the entry of Florida fresh fruits and vegetables into their country. Florida's growers have spent a considerable amount of time and money in their efforts to gain access to important markets, like Mexico.”