Congressman Valadao’s SWAT Act for Farmers | Bakersfield News

Congressman David Valadao’s new bill, the SWAT Act, aims to inject $6.5 million into USDA to battle the spotted wing drosophila — a tiny but devastating pest that’s ruining soft fruit crops in the Central Valley. This fly, also known as the Cherry Vinegar Fly, lays eggs inside peaches, plums, and cherries, turning them inedible and risking entire shipments. With buyers rejecting any batch containing even one larva, farmers are under immense pressure. Valadao, partnering with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, is pushing this bipartisan solution to protect California’s vital agricultural economy — and similar efforts are already underway in the Senate. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/cb5a7d78a982adfa