REPRESENTATIVES MORELLE AND KELLY CALL ON USDA TO PROTECT FARMERS FROM DEVASTATING INVASIVE SPECIES

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) and Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16) were joined by colleagues and stakeholders to call on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Gregory Parham to take action to address the alarming spread of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive species that poses an existential threat to many of our nation's farmers.

"I am deeply concerned with the rate at which this invasive species has spread across our nation in recent years and the serious risk it poses to the future of our agricultural economy," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "Studies have shown that millions of dollars in damage to our crops and thousands of hardworking American's jobs are on the line unless we act now. That is why I am calling on the USDA to ramp up its efforts to address this issue and work to eradicate this invasive bug once and for all."

"Invasive species are a perennial problem for America's agricultural industry and family farmers," said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. "In Pennsylvania alone, the spotted lanternfly could cost hundreds of millions in economic damage and eliminate thousands of agricultural jobs. We must protect our farmers and harvesters from this dangerous threat."

Rep. Morelle and Rep. Kelly's previous efforts highlighting this issue helped secure a $4 million allocation to defeat the SLF within last year's FY2021 appropriation bill. That funding, provided to the APHIS, helped bolster federal aid to combat the spread and protect farmers. Despite this allocation, much more must be done on a national scale to halt the spread and protect our agricultural economy.

First discovered in 2014 in Pennsylvania, the SLF has since been found throughout the Northeast and Northwest regions of the U.S., and increasingly across the Midwest. Since then, the state of Pennsylvania has experienced the most extensive damage, with designated SLF infestations in 34 its counties. This devastation spans the entire state.

Tompkins County in New York has the only recorded SLF infestation, however there have been reported sightings of the SLF as far north as Monroe County, which Rep. Morelle represents.

Though not harmful to humans, the SLF's presence wreaks havoc on many of our nation's cash crops, including grapevines and hop plans, putting winemakers and brewers at serious risk. Without immediate action to stop the spread of this invasive species, the livelihood of our breweries, wineries, and so many other small businesses are in jeopardy.

"Growing grapes for wine is an inherently risky business subject to the vagaries of nature, and the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly is the most recent example. Vineyards in New York and many other states are at risk of significant damage in terms of potential crop reduction as well as long-term vine health. We are encouraged and grateful that Representative Morelle and his colleagues are strongly urging USDA to take aggressive action in this area. The American wine industry generates more than $220 billion annually for the American economy, so its continuing health is vital," said Jim Trezise, President, WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries.

"The New York State Brewing industry has grown to be the second largest in the country with nearly 500 breweries that contribute to a $5.4 billion economic impact on the state Over half of those breweries are farm breweries that rely heavily on the states hop and malted barley industries. The Spotted Lanternfly poses a significant threat to the growing hops industry specifically, which is working hard to keep up with demand. Congressman Morelle knows firsthand the important the hops industry is to our brewers and we ask the USDA and APHIS to please take action soon to help our hops industry before the SLF overtakes this growing, but young, industry in our state," said Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association.

"The rapid spread of the spotted lanternfly in New York state threatens the viability of some of our most successful crops — and the livelihoods of our growers," said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "We're grateful to the researchers, extension agents and community partners who've worked tirelessly to increase awareness and mitigate the damage this pest brings, but there's much work to be done. Federal coordination to bolster this effort and better protect our grape, apple, hops and maple industries, among others, would be a tremendous, welcomed layer of armor to fight this particularly virulent pest."

"According to the NY Wine and Grape Foundation, the New York State wine industry has grown to encompass 71,950 jobs, generating $2.79 billion in wages and $6.85 billion in direct economic impact. A hallmark of our industry is cooperation and collaboration, especially in the face of challenges. As an industry, we stand together, asking the USDA and APHIS to please take immediate action to address Spotted Lantern Fly and the potentially crippling effect it could have on agriculture, tourism, and other core industries across New York," said Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Association.

A copy of the full letter is below.