WASHINGTON, D.C. – Spotted lanternflies have been an issue for farmers across the US for more than a decade. Officials said they are invasive and could devastate our agriculture industry. A couple of Senators on both sides of the aisle are pushing to prioritize research for the spotted lanternfly.
Spotted lanternflies are hard to miss. They can be about an inch long with distinguishable markings. These little things can cause big problems. They were first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. The US Department of Agriculture said this invasive planthopper feeds on a wide range of plants including grapevines, hops, stone fruit trees and hardwood trees. As of today, 19 states and DC have some degree of infestation.
One grape grower in Pennsylvania said so far they’ve been lucky to avoid this problem. “We’re just working on what are we gonna do if they do get here,” said Nick Mobilia, a grape grower.
The USDA said grape grower and wine industries contribute an estimated 300-billion to the US economy.
“Anything that threatens the largest part of our economy, agriculture, we want to stay on top of it,” said Senator John Fetterman (D- PA).
Both of Pennsylvania Senators including Senator Dave McCormick (R- PA) and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY) are teaming up to tackle this issue by pushing legislation to designate the spotted lanternfly as a high priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
“The spotted lanternfly likes our grapes and it can create a devastating impact on our vineyards and our wine producers across New York,” said Sen. Gillibrand.
“It’s the appropriate research in particular risk for grapes and things like that,” said Sen. McCormick. “So, this is a proactive measure the Senator was leaning on which I am happy to support him that we preemptively get in front of what can be a bigger problem down the road.”
These Senators said by investing in research to combat spotted lanternflies, this bill will help protect our farms, strengthen the agriculture economy and better control this invasive species. But for now, officials said to do your part and if you see one:
“I keep stomping them,” said Sen. Fetterman.
