By Andi Anderson
U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan has reintroduced bipartisan legislation to address the spread of spotted wing drosophila, an invasive fly damaging fruit crops across the country.
The Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act, known as the SWAT Act, aims to strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts to control the pest and expand research into long-term solutions.
“I’ve heard firsthand from Michigan growers about how these invasive insects continue to damage their blueberries, cherries, and other fruit crops, and pose a serious threat to their livelihoods and businesses,” said Senator Peters. “I’m going to keep pushing for this much-needed, bipartisan bill to help bring down costs for fruit growers and mitigate the spread of this invasive pest to prevent their crops from being spoiled in the first place.”
The proposed legislation would establish a fund managed by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The fund would authorize $6.5 million annually for five years to reduce the pest population and support research. The measure is supported by Senators Susan Collins, Jon Ossoff, and Jeff Merkley.
Spotted wing drosophila is an invasive insect from East Asia that lays eggs in soft-skinned fruits such as cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Since first being detected in the United States in 2008, it has spread widely, causing an estimated $700 million in annual economic losses.
Because fruit buyers have zero tolerance for the pest, entire shipments can be rejected if even one larva is found, increasing financial pressure on growers.
Industry leaders have emphasized the urgency of stronger solutions. “Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) continues to pose a significant threat to Michigan cherry growers, resulting in substantial crop losses due to this invasive pest. While extensive research has been conducted—and continues to be underway—a comprehensive, long-term solution has yet to be achieved,” said Emily Miezio, Cherry Marketing Institute.
“The invasive pest, Spotted Wing Drosphila, has caused substantial harm to the cherry industry in Michigan by not only destroying fruit on the trees, but forcing significant increases in costly crop protection practices. I applaud Senator Peters for reintroducing the SWAT Act. It is so important to find real solutions to these issues, instead of band aids. Research that benefits specialty crops will pay dividends in keeping American farmers in business and American citizens eat healthy food that is grown in the USA,” said Juliette McAvoy, King Orchards Farm.
Researchers from several universities and USDA officials have indicated that current funding levels are insufficient. The SWAT Act seeks to provide stronger federal support to protect fruit growers and ensure long-term agricultural stability.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy