The bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act to prioritize research and extension initiatives for controlling the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species harming agriculture. It allows grants for developing and disseminating tools and treatments to combat the insect. Additionally, the bill extends the reauthorization for high-priority research and extension initiatives until 2028. This legislation will directly impact research efforts, agricultural practices, and pest control measures related to combating the Spotted Lanternfly infestation.
Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act
This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area and reauthorizes other USDA research and extension initiatives.
The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to Asia that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees).
Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028
- the Pulse Crop Health Initiative;
- the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network;
- pollinator protection research and extension grants;
- increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and
- a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.
