Issa Leads California Call to Restore Essential Pest Inspections for Imported Avocados

March 28, 2025 Press Release Escondido – This week, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) led a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins calling for the reinstatement of essential USDA pest inspections on avocados bound for U.S. import. In 2024, USDA-certified pest inspections in Mexico were abruptly canceled by USDA’s APHIS.  As a result, a greater number of destructive weevils have been detected at packing facilities which has increased the likelihood of pest infested avocados slipping into the United States threatening California’s avocado industry. California is the top state producer for avocados, with Issa's district representing large constituencies of growers. Congressman Issa was joined by Congressman Ken Calvert, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Congressman David Valadao, and Congresswoman Young Kim. Congressman Issa recently held an avocado and citrus industry roundtable in San Diego County to hear directly from constituents on their challenges. Read the full letter here . ### Issues : Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Fire