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Ventura County Citrus Under Attack
While strawberry farmers in Ventura County and up the coast fight a possible state decision to use a pesticide they think it dangerous, citrus farmers have a problem of their own: Huanglongbing disease caused by the Asian citrus psyllid. "It is the most serious citrus disease in the world. It affects more trees quantitatively than other causes. You can't sell your fruit, and it kills every tree it infects," said John Krist, CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, according to Scripps. For those who shop at farmers markets, many providers come from the county. In California, the citrus industry is worth $12.2 billion.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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