What is the consequence of pest infestation in plant facilities?

Pest infestation in plant facilities can have serious ramifications, particularly leading to quarantines, financial loss, and a reduction in market access. When pests are identified in facilities, regulatory bodies often impose quarantines to prevent their spread, thereby halting operations and restricting movement of goods. This can result in significant financial implications due to interrupted production schedules and the costs associated with pest control measures.

Moreover, if pest infestations are prevalent in a facility, it may result in products being deemed unsafe or unfit for market, leading to the loss of access to important markets. Buyers may choose to avoid purchasing from suppliers with a history of pest issues, further compounding the financial risks.

In contrast, the other options outline scenarios that either downplay the issue or provide misleading interpretations. For instance, while increased production costs can certainly arise from pest management, this is just one aspect of a much broader set of repercussions. The claim that it "only affects the local environment" is inaccurate, as pest infestations can have widespread impacts on agriculture and economies. Lastly, the notion that pests improve plant resistance is contrary to basic pest management practices, which aim to protect plant health by eliminating pests rather than promoting any form of resistance through infestation. Thus, the response highlighting