WASHINGTON – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is calling on Congress to fund $16 million to combat the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that threatens specialty crops, including grapes, across the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes.
Gillibrand called for full funding of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Specialty Crop Pest program in the final FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and specifically provide $16 million for the Spotted Lanternfly.
“The spotted lanternfly has proven to be an invasive and destructive pest that threatens New York State’s specialty crops, especially vineyards throughout the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley,” Gillibrand said. “If not contained, this pest will have devastating economic consequences on agriculture, tourism, and residential homes, at a time when our economy needs these industries for a recovery. Congress must ensure the Specialty Crop Pest program is fully funded to prevent further spread.”
