Illinois Secures $187K from USDA to Enhance Plant Pest and Disease Defenses

In a significant boost to agricultural biosecurity, Illinois has been granted nearly $187,000 in federal funds to bolster its defenses against invasive plant pests and diseases in 2024. This funding is part of a larger $70 million investment by the USDA in 374 projects nationwide, aimed at enhancing plant protection measures. The announcement was made by Jenny Moffitt, Under Secretary for USDA’s marketing and regulatory programs, during the policy meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on February 6.

The funds allocated to Illinois will support a variety of critical projects, including high-risk pathway surveys by the University of Illinois, forest pest outreach initiatives by The Morton Arboretum, and efforts to detect and track infections by biocontrol pathogens like Ovavesicula popilliae by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. These projects are integral to the state’s strategy to prevent, detect, and manage invasive species and diseases that threaten its agriculture and natural resources.

The nationwide program, funded through the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721, underscores a comprehensive approach to plant health that includes the deployment of detector dog teams, ongoing surveillance, and securing infrastructure to combat pest infestations effectively. Managed by a diverse coalition of universities, state and tribal organizations, and federal agencies, the initiative spans all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Highlighting the importance of these efforts, Moffitt emphasized the role of these projects in safeguarding American agriculture, protecting growers, and opening up more export opportunities for U.S. products. The USDA’s commitment is reflected in the broad scope of projects funded this year, with 353 managed by the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program and 21 supported through the National Clean Plant Network. These projects are strategically focused on critical needs to strengthen defenses against, prevent, and mitigate the impacts of invasive pests and diseases.

Significant allocations include $6.2 million for agriculture plant pest detector dog teams and $1.5 million for conducting a national honey bee survey, highlighting the diverse approaches being undertaken to protect U.S. agriculture from various threats.

As Illinois and other states embark on these funded projects, the USDA’s investment represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing battle against invasive plant pests and diseases, ensuring the health and resilience of American agriculture for years to come.