USDA/APHIS image by James Gathany, CDC
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an investment of funding to support projects to address plant pests and diseases. The announcement included more than $90 million under Section 7721 of the Plant Protection Act and includes 441 projects that “ will strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to invasive plant pests and diseases; safeguard the U.S. nursery system; and enhance pest detection, diagnostics, and mitigation efforts.”
Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs said, “This investment equips our partners nationwide with the tools they need to safeguard U.S. agriculture, natural resources, and food security. These projects strengthen our collective ability to combat invasive plant pests and diseases, support growers, and open new export opportunities for American agricultural products.”
According to the department, “Of the 441 projects, 421 fall under the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program (PPDMDPP) and 20 support the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN). PPDMDPP projects address critical needs across the safeguarding continuum—prevention, early detection, rapid response, and mitigation of invasive pests and diseases. NCPN projects maintain the infrastructure needed to produce clean, pathogen tested planting materials that support the long-term health and competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop industries.”
USDA will reserve $17.2 million to support rapid response to address invasive pest emergencies and in the past response efforts have included the box tree moth, spotted lanternfly, Asian longhorned beetle and invasive fruit flies.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.