Caterpillar Attack Not Threatening Plantation

A widespread outbreak of plant destroying caterpillars has yet to have any impact of Bridgestone Americas’ rubber plantation in Liberia, said the company.

“Firestone Liberia has not been affected to date by the caterpillar plague that is currently making headlines,” said Christina Gaines, director of pubic affairs for the company’s Firestone Diversified Products unit. “Our rubber trees are presently safe from this threat. We have received reports that the caterpillars appear to be attacking banana trees and other food crops. We will continue to work with the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture to monitor this situation.”

The Ministry reported that the outbreak has affected some 400,000 people in more than 100 villages. Reports say that the caterpillars are clogging wells and eating crops including banana, plantain, coffee and cocoa. “Definitely we have a crisis on our hands,” said U.N. Food and Agriculture Representative Winfred Hammond. (Tire Review/Akron)