As people travel back and forth from the United States and Mexico, the risk of carrying serious diseases increases for Rio Grande Valley citrus crops.
USDA officials said millions of citrus trees in the United States have already died and many more are at risk if travelers do not follow the rules.
They said it is critical that people are careful about what products they introduce into this area because one unwanted entry could result in a massive tragedy for citrus farmers.
“Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, limes are not enterable,” said CBP Chief Agricultural Speicialist Diane Vlasik. “Not only do they run the risk of introducing diseases---they can also carry insects that can impact and harm our agriculture.”
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