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Local Farmers Fear Stink Bugs During Growing Season

By: Armando Trull // April 3, 2011
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Leesburg winemaker Doug Fabbioli hopes his merlot will stay stink bug-free.
Armando Trull
Leesburg winemaker Doug Fabbioli hopes his merlot will stay stink bug-free.

Leesburg winemaker Doug Fabbioli is proud of the Bordeaux-style red wines aging in his oak barrels. The last thing he wants is the bouquet of stink bugs in next year's vintage.

"Not only will they hurt the fruit while it's hanging on the vine, but also while were picking the fruit then we have the possibility of them getting into the wine if we're not careful," he says.

Fabbioli and other growers know the smelly bugs have spread to 33 states and destroyed millions of dollars worth of crops.

Virginia Rep. Frank Wolfe will be holding a stink bug summit 7 – 9 p.m. on Monday, April 18 in Purcellville so farmers can learn about the latest techniques to deal with the infestation. The forum is free and open to the public in the auditorium of Woodgrove High School, located at 36811 Allder School Road.

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