SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With Asian Americans making up about 33.8% of Alameda County’s population, the Lunar New Year holds significant cultural importance in our community. Fruits and vegetables are central to these celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and health. However, it’s crucial to protect these cherished foods from invasive pests that threaten our local agriculture.
An invasive pest, called the Mediterranean fruit fly, has been found in the Bay Area, prompting the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to establish a quarantine encompassing parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties to eliminate the threat they pose. These non-native flies can infest and destroy over 250 types of fruits and vegetables, jeopardizing backyard fruits and vegetables and threatening California’s agricultural community.
This Lunar New Year, ensure your celebration remains pest-free by following these essential guidelines:
- Please do not bring produce or plants into California from other states or
countries. - Do not ship homegrown plants or produce into or out of California.
- Buy fresh produce and plants only from local, licensed retailers and nurseries.
- If you live within the quarantine area:
o Do not move homegrown fruits or vegetables off your property.
o Support agriculture crews working to protect your garden.
o Inspect your homegrown produce and report any signs of fruit flies or
maggots by calling the Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
By working together, residents can protect the fruits and vegetables that symbolize abundance and prosperity during Lunar New Year and beyond. Let’s preserve these traditions and California’s agricultural legacy for generations to come.
Learn more at CAFruitFly.com.