Potential threat of fruit pests and diseases spread in Dominican Republic

This week, Dominican citrus producers denounced that the Ministry of Agriculture has authorized the import into the Dominican Republic of agricultural products infected with diseases and pests.

They affirmed that the Minister of Agriculture, Limbert Cruz, does not fulfill his promise to protect the country’s citrus industry by allowing the importation of citrus fruits from countries that have diseases that do not exist in the Dominican Republic.

Producers indicated that they have photos and official documents with the traceability of cargo from Chile and Peru, which puts the country in potential threat by bringing fruit and veg from areas affected by Fusarium Race 4 that ruins the banana industry of nearby countries.

According to Dominican farmers, Colombia is positive for the Defoliation Ant, and Chile is positive for Leprosis and the Mite that transmits this disease.

They warned that mentioned diseases would come to the country if the authorities continue to grant import permits without careful inspection.