What's with all the California agricultural inspection stations at our state borders? (Castro Valley: crime, how much)

[MIKEETC]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

We'll let every illegal and their grandma into the state, but God forbid somebody brings in fruit from somewhere else!

They go together: protect the fruit from pests so that they are in good condition for when the illegals* harvest them.





*Not all agricultural workers are illegal but you know what I mean...hee...hee...

[KC6ZLV]

They confiscate things, and turn away commercial deliveries. They catch people smuggling illegal animals into California at times.

Most states don't have a natural geographic barrier, so it is really pointless to have an inspection station when an insect can fly from Nebraska to Mississippi without encountering 10,000 ft mountain ranges, and the climatic conditions which also help prevent the spread of these pests. The desserts in the south third of California is a good barrier, and the Sierra Nevada along Eastern California is another barrier.

[Twinkle Toes]

Originally Posted by KC6ZLV

They confiscate things, and turn away commercial deliveries. They catch people smuggling illegal animals into California at times.

Most states don't have a natural geographic barrier, so it is really pointless to have an inspection station when an insect can fly from Nebraska to Mississippi without encountering 10,000 ft mountain ranges, and the climatic conditions which also help prevent the spread of these pests. The desserts in the south third of California is a good barrier, and the Sierra Nevada along Eastern California is another barrier.

Mmmmmm ..... desserts!!!!

[KC6ZLV]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

Mmmmmm ..... desserts!!!!

Yeah, I actually thought about how I spelt it as I was driving to the store.

Oh well. At least I know the difference between there, they're and their.

[Lifeshadower]

Originally Posted by KC6ZLV

They confiscate things, and turn away commercial deliveries. They catch people smuggling illegal animals into California at times.

Most states don't have a natural geographic barrier, so it is really pointless to have an inspection station when an insect can fly from Nebraska to Mississippi without encountering 10,000 ft mountain ranges, and the climatic conditions which also help prevent the spread of these pests. The desserts in the south third of California is a good barrier, and the Sierra Nevada along Eastern California is another barrier.

Sounds like the most plausible explanation I've heard. I just find some irony in the "do you have any fruits or vegetables" part of the extremely short interrogation, since most likely that fruit or vegetable came from California to begin with

There also seems to be differing attitudes depending on where the inspection station is. I notice that the ones coming from Nevada seem to wave people through or aren't even manned (at least in my experience on I-15, US 50, and I-80), while the ones I've been through from AZ (I-10 and I-40) and OR (I-5), they actually stop cars.

CDFA > PHPPS > PE > Helping to Protect California's Agriculture and Environment

I find it weird that many rodents and ferrets are restricted from entry into California. I can understand why rodents would be restricted, but why the ferrets? I mean, they are just as carnivorous as some species of dogs, but they aren't as restricted.

Not that I own a ferret, but I find it odd.

[bentstrider]

I especially hated the ones that had a weigh-station or "Super Coop" right down the road from it.
However, really no sweat even in a tractor-trailer.
Either a BOL, or just plainly stating what I was carrying was enough to tell me to get lost.

Only cargo that ever gets searched in the checkpoints as already mentioned is food, or agricultural products.

The other state that has these checkpoints going in is Florida.
Santa Monica to Jacksonville in a semi-tractor governed at 65mph is a drag, especially through the "75mph for all vehicles" states.

[mongoosedn]

I'm no expert on these things, but I imagine a generally warmer climate that allows exotic and invasive species to live and reproduce contributes to CA having inspection stations. That's the main reason Florida has so many invasive species, and I imagine Hawaii as well.

With CA being the largest producer of our nation's food, it would not be a small deal if some disease or bug came into the state from elsewhere and infested its farms.

[eureka1]

It may surprise you to know that Hawaii used to have a major citrus industry. Totally destroyed by fruit flies because they let down their guard.

[Twinkle Toes]

Oh how I miss the days of Malathion spraying!

[Lovehound]

I don't understand what's not to understand about agricultural inspection stations. It's not just California, I've encountered them when entering other states in the Southwest. Sometimes they select which vehicles to check either at random or by profiles. They're seasonal, and sometimes they operate only part of the day. Some inspect only commercial vehicles and allow private vehicles to pass unimpeded.

They're there to keep bugs out. That's what they're with.