Maloney Pushes for Additional Research Funding to Combat
Invasive Species Threatening Orange County Farmers
Newburgh, NY — Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) has renewed his collaboration with local researchers to secure additional funding to combat the Allium leafminer, an invasive species of pest which threatens Orange County’s multimillion dollar onion industry. In a letter to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Rep. Maloney has formally requested a federal investment through the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Program to support a local research project led by Cornell Professor Dr. Brian Nault.
“Dr. Nault is off to a great start on finding ways to stop this threat, but we have too little existing science on these pests, and we have to prioritize research investments when we’re talking about a $25 million industry in Orange County,” said Rep. Maloney, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “I’m keeping on this and will do my part in Washington to make sure research funds are available, and that they’re being directed to projects that we need in the Hudson Valley.”
“Congressman Maloney’s support of previously funded research grants has improved our understanding about the biology and future management of Allium leafminer in New York,” said Dr. Brian Nault, Professor in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and lead Allium leafminer Researcher. “I am very grateful for Congressman Maloney’s continued support of our efforts to leverage research funding that will lead to immediate solutions for controlling this economically damaging pest.”
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. Local agriculture experts warn that the insect could inflict major damage on the Orange County onion crop, but more research is necessary to determine how growers can protect these crops from the pest. Orange County produces half of New York State’s onion crop, generates $25 million in annual sales, and employs hundreds of residents.
Dr. Nault and fellow Cornell Cooperative Extension educators Ethan Grundberg and Teresa Rusinek have partnered with researchers at Penn State University on a new project entitled “Solutions for managing Allium leafminer: a new invasive threat to Allium crops in North America.” The project aims to identify potential solutions to managing the leafminer in New York and surrounding states and is seeking federal funding for the project.
The CPPM program, administered through NIFA, supports projects that will increase food security and respond effectively to other major societal challenges with comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses pest management challenges with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies supporting more vital communities.
In October, Rep. Maloney announced that he had secured a total of $130,000 in investments from the New York State Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) and Federal Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR). Rep. Maloney also met with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in May 2017 to secure his commitment to assisting Hudson Valley farmers in their fight on the leafminer and joined local leaders to call for federal investments.
The full text of the letter is below, and an original copy is available here.
Dear Mr. Bolton:
I write in support of Dr. Brian Nault and Dr. Shelby Fleischer’s application to receive funding through the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program. Their project, “Solutions for managing Allium leafminer: a new invasive threat to Allium crops in North America,” is of great interest to my district in New York’s Hudson Valley, as our farmers and economy are reliant on the local onion crop.
As you know, the allium leafminer is an invasive species of pest that threatens crops nationwide. The pest destroys plants in the allium family, including: onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks. Collectively these crops account for millions of dollars in economic impact and represent the livelihood of thousands of farmers across the country. In my District alone, an allium leafminer infestation would impact farms that are responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in local revenue.
Investing in effective management techniques is critical to stopping this problem before it spreads. The Crop Protection and Pest Management Program is the ideal vehicle to do just that. With the support of this program, research efforts led by both Cornell Cooperative Extension and Penn State University can be synergized by the expertise of career vegetable entomologists and cooperative extension educators from both institutions.
I remain committed to finding effective and sustainable solutions to this problem. Given the potential threat these insects pose, an investment in preventing their spread would be money well-spent. I ask that you give your full and fair consideration to this funding request. Thank you in advance for your time and attention.