The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(a)
The introduction of Mexican fruit flies into California presents a serious threat to California’s economy.
(b)
The use of alternative methods for pest control is generally preferred to the aerial application of pesticides over urban areas.
(c)
The use of sterile flies has proven to be one of the most effective nonchemical procedures in the successful control and eradication of Mexican fruit flies.
(d)
California does not have a reliable source of sterile Mexican fruit flies that may be used to control future infestations of this pest.
(e)
The federal government, other states, the agricultural industry, and the country of Mexico would all benefit from a reliable source of sterile Mexican fruit flies.