APHIS Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for the National Fruit Fly Cooperative Control Program

Washington, D.C. – November 16, 2018. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed the final environmental impact analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act for its National Fruit Fly Cooperative Control Program, which protects U.S. agriculture from exotic fruit fly incursions. With this action complete, APHIS is issuing an environmental impact statement so it can continue to apply the latest technology and science to its efforts to control and eradicate exotic fruit flies and support U.S. farmers. 

The National Fruit Fly Cooperative Control Program protects the health and value of American agricultural resources by preventing exotic fruit fly populations from becoming established in the United States. Fruit flies pose a serious economic threat to agriculture because they feed on flowers and fruits, are highly mobile, and have a high reproductive potential. APHIS works in cooperation with State agriculture officials to detect and eradicate non-native fruit flies.

APHIS last published an environmental impact statement for its fruit fly program in 2001. The newly released environmental impact statement addresses the many technological and scientific advances that have occurred in the past 17 years. It also incorporates feedback received during the 45-day public comment period this spring. View the final environmental impact statement here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/ff.