Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be providing over $581,000 to Mississippi to combat pests and diseases that pose a threat to the state's agricultural industry. The funding, which comes from the USDA Plant Protection Act Section 7721, will support various programs administered by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and Mississippi State University (MSU).

Hyde-Smith emphasized the importance of these funds in addressing the destructive impact of plant pests and diseases on Mississippi's crops. She stated, "Anyone driving around Mississippi today can see the destruction that the drought and pine beetles are doing to our timber. These Plant Protection Act awards will help our state and the public work with USDA to detect and fight the plant pests and diseases that threaten crops."

The funding will be allocated to several projects aimed at pest and disease management and disaster prevention. Some of the key initiatives include the MSU Mississippi Entomological Museum Screening Center, which will receive $170,000, and the MSU Mississippi Bug Blues program, which will receive $77,825. Other programs that will benefit from the funding include the MSU Asian Defoliator Survey, the MSU Palm Commodity Survey, the MDAC Pine Commodity Survey, and the MDAC Exotic Bark Beetle Commodity Survey.

In addition to these programs, the MSU-Pontotoc Mississippi Sweet Potato Clean Plant Program has been awarded $160,000 through the National Clean Plant Network. This program specifically targets plant pathogens and pests to ensure the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop producers.

These initiatives will play a crucial role in protecting Mississippi's agricultural foundation and ensuring the viability of the state's specialty crops. The USDA funding will allow for enhanced detection and prevention efforts, helping farmers combat the destructive impact of plant pests and diseases.

The announcement of this funding comes as Senator Hyde-Smith continues to advocate for Mississippi's agricultural interests. As a member of both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith is dedicated to supporting the state's farmers and ensuring the resilience of Mississippi's agricultural industry.

With the implementation of these programs and the support of the USDA, Mississippi is taking proactive measures to address the threats posed by plant pests and diseases. By investing in research, surveillance, and prevention efforts, the state is working towards safeguarding its crops and preserving the livelihoods of its farmers.