Pembina, N.D. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted a special agricultural enforcement operation at the Pembina port of entry on the Victoria Day and Memorial Day weekends which resulted in 83 fruit, plant and meat seizures.
The operation was conducted at the port of Pembina focusing on the interception of prohibited agricultural materials that may serve as carriers of foreign plant pests and exotic animal diseases.
The operation also focused on educating the traveling public about the pest risks associated with fruits, plants and meats from foreign countries. Some of the agricultural products seized included: pears, grapes, apples and other citrus fruits.
Examples of possible pests that could be found on foreign agricultural products include the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, or Medfly, and/or citrus diseases such as citrus canker or citrus greening. A widespread infestation of these exotic pests in the U.S. could cause agricultural and economic issues including losses in the form of export sanctions, lost markets, treatment costs and reduced crop yields.
Travelers are encouraged to leave fresh fruit, live plants, firewood and foreign meat products at home when they travel to the U.S. Always check the CBP website for the latest information on what kinds of agriculture products are allowed into the U.S.