The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA APHIS) Medfly Program turned 50 years old in 2025. The pioneering international partnership has provided a critical line of defense against the destructive Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly).
Launched in 1975 in collaboration with Mexico and Guatemala, the Medfly Program has evolved into a global model for pest management. The Medfly, capable of infesting more than 350 types of fruit (including citrus) and vegetables, poses a serious threat to food security, trade and agricultural economies. But thanks to this enduring trilateral effort, the United States has maintained a protective barrier that prevents the pest’s northward spread.
At the heart of the program is the sterile insect technique — a revolutionary, environmentally friendly method of pest control. Operating out of the El Pino facility in Guatemala, the world’s largest sterile insect production center, USDA APHIS and its partners produce 1.2 billion sterile Medflies each week. These flies are released in targeted areas to disrupt reproduction and suppress wild populations.
This strategy has been instrumental in maintaining Medfly-free zones in California and Florida, while also reducing pest pressure in neighboring regions. The result has been fewer pesticide applications, healthier crops and stronger trade relationships.
The program has not only protected U.S. agriculture but has also set the gold standard for international cooperation and innovation in pest control. Its success has inspired similar programs around the world and positioned the United States as a leader in agricultural biosecurity.
Today, the program protects more than $18.5 billion in U.S. agricultural production and trade. And it continues to evolve, integrating cutting-edge tools and data-driven strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats.
USDA APHIS is inviting every American to play a role in protecting agriculture. “Whether you’re a traveler, grower or consumer, your vigilance matters,” the agency stated. “Simple actions — like following travel restrictions on fresh produce — help keep invasive pests like the Medfly out of our country.”
Get more Medfly information here.
Source: USDA
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