As some may have heard from recent news announcements, Stockton is currently in a quarantine area due to Oriental Fruit Fly specimen findings in the are. The Stockton Certified Farmers' Market Association's farmers markets will continue to stay open. We will be implementing some protective measures in the weeks to come in order to ensure produce is not infected and the Oriental Fruit Fly does not spread. Produce currently offered for sale(produce that is a host to the Oriental Fruit Fly) at the market is from outside of the quarantine. You may notice netting, plastic coverings and covered booths the next time you attend market. This is a preventative measure in attempt to combat the spread of the Oriental Fruit Fly to other regions of California.
Oriental fruit fly
The adult Oriental fruit fly is somewhat larger than a housefly, about 8 mm in length. The body color is variable but generally bright yellow with a dark "T" shaped marking on the abdomen. The wings are clear. Almost 230 fruits and vegetables have been attacked. Fruit that has been attacked may be unfit to eat as larvae tunnel through the flesh as they feed. Decay organisms enter, leaving the interior of the fruit damaged.
Federal, state, and county agricultural agencies are working together to get the problem under control.
For more information on the oriental fruit fly please visit
Are there bugs in the produce that have netting on them?
No, the netting is a preventative measure taken to keep the Oriental Fruit Fly(OFF) from infecting the produce.
Why do some people have netting on their produce and others don't?
Netting is only being placed on host products, as they are the only product that would be effected by the OFF.
Should I buy my produce in the grocery store instead? Is it safer?
The produce being offered for sale at the Farmers' Market is safe for human consumption. No host produce from within the quarantine zone is allowed to be sold at any of our Farmers' Markets at this time(as enforced by the USDA). The produce found at the market is safe, fresher, and a lot tastier than produce found at the grocery store.
Why is there a quarantine? Is the OFF dangerous? Poisonous?
The OFF is not dangerous to consumer's health or poisonous. The reason there is a quarantine is to try to prevent the spread of the OFF. Preventing the spread of the OFF and eradicating it is very important to the agricultural community and to you, the consumer. If not eradicated, farmers can loose between $44 and $176 million dollars in crop damage annually and the consumer will loose the ability to buy local, fresh, quality produce at an affordable price.
Should I be worried?
The OFF is not something to take lightly. However, California has been exposed to and successfully eradicated the OFF since 1966.
How long will the quarantine be in effect?
Until July 2012
STOCKTON CERTIFIED FARMERS' MARKET ASSOCIATION "Serving Stockton's Farmers & Consumers since 1979" Webmaster: Linn Groom Updated: September 2011
Office Location: 2707 East Fremont Street Suite #9 Stockton, Ca 95205 Office:(209)943-1830 Cell:(209)481-7421 Fax: (209)943-0160 e-mail: scfma@att.net
