Educate california residents, commercial growers, media, and elected officials about the risks posed by invasive plant pests and diseases and mobilize them to take action to prevent further…

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded $2.5 million to the California Department of Food and Agriculture under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This Cooperative Agreement funds a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign targeting California residents, commercial growers, media outlets, and elected officials regarding the risks posed by invasive plant pests and diseases, with particular emphasis on invasive fruit fly populations. The initiative mobilizes stakeholders to take preventive action against further introductions or spread of these destructive species. Given California's unprecedented surge in invasive fruit fly populations over the preceding two years, this awareness effort directly supports the state's pest prevention and eradication infrastructure.

The agreement addresses critical agricultural economic interests, as invasive fruit flies threaten more than 400 agricultural commodities produced statewide—including citrus, grapes, figs, tomatoes, avocados, walnuts, and stone fruits—collectively valued at over $24 billion annually. By educating key constituencies and mobilizing commitment to prevention strategies, CDFA leverages federal support to strengthen its innovation capacity and dedicated resources in combating ongoing invasive species introductions that pose significant risk to California's specialty crop sector and broader agricultural economy.

Educate california residents, commercial growers, media, and elected officials about the risks posed by invasive plant pests and diseases and mobilize them to take action to prevent further introductions or spread, especially of invasive fruit flies. In the last two years, california has experienced an unprecedented increase in invasive fruit fly populations throughout the state. These ongoing introductions underscore the importance of public awareness, committed resources, and cdfa's innovations to prevent infestations. These pests threaten more than 400 agricultural commodities produced statewide, valued at over $24 billion annually, including citrus, grapes, figs, tomatoes, avocados, walnuts, and stone fruits.