U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack announced that USDA's Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has allocated
$58.25 million from Section 10007 of the 2014
Farm Bill. This money will support 434 projects
that prevent the introduction or spread of plant
pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture
and the environment and ensure the availability of
a healthy supply of clean plant stock in the United States.
Funding will be provided to 50 States plus Guam and Puerto Rico to implement projects suggested by universities, States, Federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, non-profits and Tribal organizations.
"Through the Farm Bill we are working with our partners and stakeholders to not only ensure the global competitiveness of our specialty crop producers but to fight back against the destruction caused by invasive pests," said Vilsack.
This year, funded projects include:
- Old world bollworm (Helicoverpa Armigera): $420,725 to delimit the infestation in Puerto Rico and collect and study samples of the pest; and $470,004 for survey and response planning activities in Florida;
- Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer/Fusarium Dieback in avocado: $175,000 for survey, early detection, and educational outreach in California;
- Grapes: $465,145 to enhance surveys for grape commodity pests and diseases in 15 states.
- National Clean Plant Network: $5 million to support 22 projects in 17 states that focus on providing high quality propagated plant material for fruit trees, grapes, hops, berries, citrus, roses and sweet potatoes free of targeted plant pathogens and pests.
The Farm Bill provided $62.5 million for these programs in fiscal year 2016, though funding was reduced by sequestration. The FY 2016 Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill spending plan is available on the APHIS Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/farmbill.