A Senate bill dubbed the "Spotted Winged Abatement Trust (SWAT)" to combat the spread of spotted wing drosophila, an invasive fly that hurts the fruit growers in Michigan, has hit the Senate floor, according to U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI).
“I’ve heard firsthand from Michigan growers about how these invasive insects continue to damage their blueberries, cherries, and other fruit crops, and pose a serious threat to their livelihoods and businesses,” Peters said.
If passed, the fund would be authorized at $6.5 million annually for five years, managed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for research and reduction efforts.
According to Peters, this bipartisan bill will help bring down costs for fruit growers and mitigate the spread of SWD.
“Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) continues to pose a significant threat to Michigan cherry growers, resulting in substantial crop losses due to this invasive pest. While extensive research has been conducted—and continues to be underway—a comprehensive, long-term solution has yet to be achieved,” Cherry Marketing Institute BLANK Emily Miezio said. “Michigan tart cherry growers emphasize that effective control of SWD remains a top priority in their ability to consistently produce high-quality fruit. The Michigan cherry industry and the Cherry Marketing Institute are grateful for Senator Peters’ continued leadership and commitment in reintroducing the SWAT Act.”
The spotted wing drosophila is an invasive pest from East Asia that lays eggs in soft-skinned fruit crops, including cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
SWD has caused more than $700 million in economic losses per year nationwide, sometimes ruining entire crops.
Peters authored and reintroduced the legislation along with Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
“The invasive pest, Spotted Wing Drosophila, has caused substantial harm to the cherry industry in Michigan by not only destroying fruit on the trees, but forcing significant increases in costly crop protection practices. I applaud Senator Peters for reintroducing the SWAT Act. It is so important to find real solutions to these issues, instead of band aids. Research that benefits specialty crops will pay dividends in keeping American farmers in business, and American citizens eat healthy food that is grown in the USA,” Juliette McAvoy, vice president of sales and marketing of King Orchards Farm in Central Lake, said.
