Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
01/14/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/14/2025 13:40
USDA Grants More Than $1.5 Million to Protect Idaho Crops and Natural Resources
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USDA Grants More Than $1.5 Million to Protect Idaho Crops and Natural Resources
Press Release
Media Contacts:
Cecilia Sequeira, 202-494-5083
[email protected]
Suzanne Bond, 301-538-9322
[email protected]
WASHINGTON, January 14, 2025 - Idaho is set to receive more than $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combat invasive plant pests and diseases and protect the state's vital agriculture and natural resources. This funding is part of a $70 million nationwide initiative supporting 357 projects across 49 states, Tribal lands, Guam, and Puerto Rico, authorized under the Plant Protection Act Section 7721.
"Idaho has about 11.5 million acres of farmland, and Idaho potatoes alone contributed more than $1.3 billion to the local economy in 2023," said USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. "Protecting Idaho's agriculture is vital to the state and our national agricultural economy. These projects will help Idaho protect its harvests, which will also safeguard our national food security."
The funding will support projects covering a range of plant health protection activities, including:
- $800,000 toward developing pale cyst nematode immunity;
- $455,533 to support the Nez Perce Tribe's effort to produce and release biological controls on their lands as part of their integrated weed management strategy, and distribute biocontrol agents to partners within the region; and
- $309,366 to support potato cyst nematode research.
These efforts are part of a broader mission to ensure U.S. agriculture thrives in the face of new challenges. Since 2009, USDA has invested nearly $940 million in more than 5,800 projects to detect and respond to invasive plant pests and diseases quickly. This work also ensures specialty crop producers have access to certified, disease-free plants.
For a full list of projects funded in Idaho and nationwide, visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website(562.98 KB).
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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.