UMass Extension Fruit Program

UMass Amherst is launching a $120 million effort to address real-world concerns as the global food system faces critical challenges related to climate change and sustainability, food safety and a growing population expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. 

U.S. lawmakers push for spotted lanternfly invasive species status
A group of USA lawmakers is pushing for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) to be officially recognised as an invasive species, highlighting the significant risk it poses to the country's agricultural sector. The proposed legislation identifies SLF as a priority biosecurity issue and calls for increased investment in research and management to support long-term control and mitigation.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect originally from China and Vietnam. It typically thrives in urban areas, where it covers benches and trees in a sticky substance called honeydew. But in rural areas, the species is infamous for sucking the sap out of hops and stone fruits such as peaches and plums, and most commonly grapes.  

Program covers weather related losses from 2023-2024

Applications are now available for farmers who suffered losses in 2023 and 2024 due to weather may be eligible for this one-time loss-recovery program. Crop, infrastructure, timber, and other losses totaling more than $2,500 may be eligible.