What's with all the California agricultural inspection stations at our state borders? (Yreka: to buy, school)

[Lifeshadower]

It's weird, but it almost gives the illusion that California is some kind of independent nation. What I mean of course are these things:


(Taken on I-5 going toward Yreka, CA)

I understand that the California Department of Food and Agriculture want to prevent invasive species to come in and potentially harm California's agriculture, but I don't know of ANY other state that does this right at the state border (if there are, then mention it)

Do these checkpoints actually help STOP invasive species? It always looked like a bit excessive, considering what its objective is "Do you have any fruits of vegetables?"

Maybe someone could give me an answer? I'm interested in finding out!

[majoun]

I think Arizona also has agricultural inspection points at their borders. (Insert SB 1070 joke...)

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by Lifeshadower

it almost gives the illusion that California is some kind of independent nation.

wait ......... it isnt?

[Highnlite]

Yep, it works. in a state that provides 25% of the food the nation eats, keeping bugs out is a big deal.

[1200RT]

let me also add .... that i've never had to stop at one of these, and i travel state-to-state by car often. Maybe its the CA plates, or the fact that i'm not driving a truck full of oranges that gets me through them?

[Lifeshadower]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

wait ......... it isnt?

Originally Posted by 1200RT

let me also add .... that i've never had to stop at one of these, and i travel state-to-state by car often. Maybe its the CA plates, or the fact that i'm not driving a truck full of oranges that gets me through them?

I mean, I have California plates too, but it really depends on the time of day AND how many people are coming over that determine whether or not you get waved through quickly or they go through every car and ask you if you have fruits or vegetables.

Usually, its painless for me because its kind of pointless to buy fruits out of state when I can get them fresher here (chances are, those fruits and vegetables originated in California to begin with!)

It also helps that most people in California don't live ANYWHERE near any state border, so it shields most people.

Anyways, not too many states have this practice. I've traveled all across the Northeast from VA to ME, and to almost every single Western state and California is ALONE in this practice.

Anyways, if California DOES declare independence at some point in the future, then these would make great doubles for border checkpoints. All you need are the electronic signs, and voila!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs419.snc4/46201_434179111856_655271856_5402908_5280403_n.jpg (broken link)
US-Canadian Border

Just imagine it with a HUGE bear insignia..I can see it now Oh the possibilities!

Originally Posted by Highnlite

Yep, it works. in a state that provides 25% of the food the nation eats, keeping bugs out is a big deal.

True, but I'm not too sure if the big agricultural Midwestern states does this as well. I've heard Texas has them as well, but I don't know.

Anyways, if someone really wanted to avoid them, they can. There is usually one or two exits before the checkpoints where its easy to simply go around. I never do, but I could imagine if you owned a "pest" you would.

[californio sur]

They do intercept quite a bit of fruit that could be harmful to our state's huge agricultural industry. I'm sure certain fruit flies get into California regardless but it would be a disaster if we had no controls on the border or in the ports.

[bhcompy]

When they sprayed for these suckers when I was a kid my school was loaded with thousands of dead roaches.

[FresnoFacts]

Originally Posted by Lifeshadower

but I don't know of ANY other state that does this right at the state border (if there are, then mention it)

The US government does ag inspections at Hawaii airports when heading to the mainland. So I guess that makes Hawaii an independent nation too.

Agriculture Inspection — Hawaii Airports

[Twinkle Toes]

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