(Columbus) -- Inspectors working at the Columbus port of entry discovered an agricultural pest in a shipment of red peppers from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said stink bugs were found during an inspection of the peppers at the Luna County port.
Agricultural specialists say stink bugs can ruin entire
crops if introduced into the fields.
The shipment of red peppers was refused entry and promptly returned to Mexico.
Customs and Border Protection acting field director David Higgerson said agricultural inspections help safeguard farmers by stopping potentially devastating pests and diseases from spreading to U.S. crops. He noted the significance of the region's chile crop.
Interestingly, a flea beetle was found in a bulk shipment of red peppers inspected at the Presidio, Texas, port of entry the same week. That shipment also was refused entry and re-exported
to Mexico.
Beetles reportedly can damage crops in a number of ways.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said stink bugs were found during an inspection of the peppers at the Luna County port.
Agricultural specialists say stink bugs can ruin entire
crops if introduced into the fields.
The shipment of red peppers was refused entry and promptly returned to Mexico.
Customs and Border Protection acting field director David Higgerson said agricultural inspections help safeguard farmers by stopping potentially devastating pests and diseases from spreading to U.S. crops. He noted the significance of the region's chile crop.
Interestingly, a flea beetle was found in a bulk shipment of red peppers inspected at the Presidio, Texas, port of entry the same week. That shipment also was refused entry and re-exported
to Mexico.
Beetles reportedly can damage crops in a number of ways.
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