United States Senator Gary Peters of Michigan promoted legislation in West Michigan on Friday that would help reduce the spread of an invasive insect on area blueberry farms.
Designed to attack the spotted wing drosophila. (SWD) Officials say, the microscopic insect is wreaking havoc on fruit growers and their crops both in Michigan and across the country. Sen. Peters plans to push for the legislation to be included in the 2023 Farm Bill.
The spotted wing drosophila is an invasive pest from East Asia that lays eggs in soft-skinned fruit crops, including cherries and blueberries, and since it has made its way to America, has caused an estimated $700 million in economic loss per year nationally. That’s because if a single larva is found on a batch of fruit, farmers can’t sell the produce to vendors.
Sen. Peters used the first U-Pick Day of the season at Crossroads Blueberry Farm in West Olive to discuss the legislation.
“I’ve heard from Michigan growers about how these invasive insects continue to damage their blueberries, cherries, and other fruits – and pose a serious threat to their livelihoods and businesses,” said Senator Peters. “I’m reintroducing this much-needed, bipartisan bill to help keep down costs for fruit growers, mitigate the spread of this invasive pest, and prevent their crops from being spoiled in the first place.”
Peters’ Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act would establish a fund managed by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to advance research and strengthen efforts to reduce the species’ population in the U.S. The fund would be authorized at $6.5 million annually for five years.