Comment from Celeste Johansson

I am concerned about the balance between opening trade to South America, which I support, and with making sure that pests don’t hitch a ride on Peruvian avocados. Scientists don’t seem to have much of an opinion on the risk of importing Peruvian avocados because they say that not enough time has passed for them to study the pests and the potential threat they pose. I believe that without substantial inquiry into the effects of the pests, there can be no safety in allowing Peruvian avocados, and there can be very serious consequences on California avocado growers.