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 move reflects growing concern about the pest's impact on agriculture, particularly vineyards. In New York alone, the grape industry could lose more than US$14 million within the first three years of an infestation if the pest isn't effectively controlled.
For New Zealand kiwifruit growers, it's a timely reminder of why SLF remains on KVH's Kiwifruit's Most Unwanted list. While it is not present here, its rapid spread and economic impacts overseas highlight the importance of keeping it out.
The threat continues to grow internationally, with the first European detection recently reported in Moldova. Although the initial infestation was thought to have been eradicated, isolated populations were later found outside the original area.
The increasing political attention and investment in managing SLF overseas reinforce an important biosecurity message: preventing high-risk pests from entering New Zealand is far more effective and affordable than managing them once established.
Read about the proposed Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act here.