Bill to combat invasive fruit fly reintroduced

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.