[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AVOCADO IMPORTATION

  (Mr. CALVERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, it would seem Secretary of Agriculture Dan 
Glickman is on a one-man crusade to destroy California's multibillion-
dollar fruit and vegetable industry.
  That is exactly what will happen if he allows the importation of 
Mexican avocados. These avocados will bring fruit flies, seed weevils, 
stem borers, and other pests that will destroy California's economy.
  ``Not to worry,'' says Secretary Glickman, ``we have used good 
science.''
  That is not true.
  An independent report by University of California Riverside, Cornell 
University, Boston University, and Oregon State University states that 
``there is no rational basis for USDA's estimate of risk.'' The 
importation of Mexican avocados could mean catastrophe for California.
  The introduction of these pests will destroy our oranges, our 
avocados, and our grapes. Not for one season, but for a generation. 
This is bad public policy, based on bad science. Do not ruin 
California's economy.
  Mr. Secretary, institute a credible peer review process, now.

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