There’s good news from Washington for floral industry members who care about first-rate flowers and plants, helping the green industry be globally competitive, protecting our environment and ensuring top-quality imports. (Hint: That’s everyone.)
More than $58 million in funds has been tagged to support 434 research projects across the nation, all aimed at achieving those goals and helping to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that might threaten U.S. agriculture or the environment.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that The Society of American Florists and AmericanHort, through their participation in the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, were key players in supporting this portion of the Farm Bill.
“This money, part of the so-called Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill, is critically important to floriculture and nursery businesses,” said SAF Chief Operating Officer Drew Gruenburg. “Industry, including the green industry, is given a strong voice in determining research priorities, and SAF was an active participant in that process. Once again, it shows the importance of industry involvement.”
Last fall, SAF and AmericanHort joined other agriculture sector representatives, along with APHIS and state regulators and scientists, to help recommend and identify priorities for the current year’s funding cycle as new research proposals were considered.
Research on pollinator health, neonicotinoid alternatives and biocontrol, Phytophthora ramorum (“sudden oak death”), the Light Brown Apple Moth, invasive whiteflly control, boxwood blight, Impatiens and cucurbit downy mildews, greenhouse and nursery “best management practices,” and the National Clean Plant Network are among the new and continuing projects funded this year.
Review a list of specific projects funded through the Farm Bill.
