USDA blocks cherry imports from Quebec, fruit fly emergency

10 Apr 2024
2087

Effective immediately, the United States has banned the entry of cherries from Quebec, Canada, following the detection of the European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) in the province.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Monday the decision to ban the entry of any potential host produce, including black cherries (Prunus serotina), mahaleb cherries (P. mahaleb), sour cherries (P. cerasus) and sweet cherries (P. avium).

"APHIS is taking this action in response to ECFF's findings in Quebec and theexpansion of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA)regulatory area to Quebec. APHIS has determined that Quebec, Canada is subject to the same bans currently in place for Ontario, Canada,' the USDA said on Monday.

The European fruit fly warning expands the import ban, established in 2017, which already affected cherries from Ontario due to the pest.

Other Canadian provinces must certify the origin of their cherries before they can enter the United States.

Source: Fresh Fruit Portal
Image: Fresh Fruit Portal


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Phenolics from sour cherry concentrate and pea proteins: new formulation strategies for the functional food sector

Processed

03 Jun 2026

Pea protein combined with sour cherry phenols can improve solubility, emulsion stability and nutritional value. The study points to fresh opportunities for plant-based emulsions, functional beverages and innovative nutraceutical formulations for sustainable food markets.

Early cherry varieties in Spain: ANA Chile® explores new promising genotypes

Varieties

20 Jun 2025

During the 2025 Technical Tour in Spain, ANA Chile® evaluated very early and low-chill cherry varieties, already present in Chile. Selections like the promising Selection 10 and Ibergen genotypes showed excellent quality, productivity, and commercial potential.

In evidenza

Reducing cracking and improving sweet cherry quality: the potential of 24-epibrassinolide

Tech management

28 Aug 2026

In Alicante, pre-harvest 24-BL treatments reduced sweet cherry cracking by up to 50% while improving fruit size, firmness, red color and anthocyanin content. Tests on ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Skeena’ suggest a promising strategy to protect orchards from extreme rainfall events.

Robots will help elderly Japanese farmers to grow cherries

Tech management

28 Aug 2026

In Nishikawa, Yamagata Prefecture, robots, drones and sensors promise to support winter sakura growers. Yet an aging workforce, depopulation and mistrust of technology reveal how uncertain the future of Japanese agriculture remains despite smart farming investments.

Tag Popolari