Legislators act to protect fruit

Twenty-four bipartisan California members of Congress sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting the government not weaken safeguards that prevent the shipment of canker-infested citrus from Florida.

The letter, which was sent to USDA acting Secretary Charles F. Conner, states that citrus canker is a serious threat to the California citrus industry.

Most Florida growers produce for the processed (juice) market, which will accept infected fruit. California growers sell produce primarily for the fresh market.

The letter was in response to USDA-proposed new rules that would reduce controls on fresh citrus originating in a known canker-infected produce area.

"Lemons and Valencia oranges, two of Ventura County's top 10 crops, accounted for more than $200 million of the county's economy in 2006," said U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Thousand Oaks), one of the bill's signers.