Maloney Secures $1 Million in Additional Funding for Hudson Valley Farmers to Combat Invasive Species

Press Release

Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney announced he successfully fought to secure $1 million of additional funding in the Agriculture appropriations package for the Crop Protection and Pest Management program under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This vital program supports research and extension efforts to address pest management challenges with new and emerging approaches.

"Invasive pests like the Allium leafminer threaten the success of Hudson Valley farmers and the jobs and economic activity they support. We need to be doing everything in our power to get our black dirt farmers the research and resources they need to combat invasive species and protect their crops," said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. "I am proud to announce I've successfully secured $1 million in additional funding to support this vital program in our next appropriations bill and will continue to use my position on the Agriculture Committee to advocate for our farmers."

The Crop Protection and Pest Management program coordinates pest control and response with researchers and agricultural producers at the federal and regional levels. Representative Maloney has been a longtime champion for increased research funding to combat invasive species like the Allium leafminer, which threatens Orange County's multimillion-dollar onion industry. He has secured funding for research projects facilitated through Cornell University, and has met with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to secure his commitment to assist Hudson Valley farmers in their fight against the leafminer.

The Allium leafminer is an invasive species of insect which destroys the foliage and stems of onions, leeks, garlic, chives, shallots, and green onions. The first pests were discovered in Orange County in April of 2017.

The House is expected to vote on H.R. 7608, the first "minibus" appropriations funding package tomorrow. The funding package consists of four combined appropriations bills: State-Foreign Operations, Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA, Interior-Environment, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.

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