Morelle seeks more federal resources to stop invasive Spotted Lanternfly, which threatens agriculture

Photos courtesy of NYS Department of Ag & Markets: The adults are about 1-inch long and half-inch wide with wings folded. Adults can hop several feet if startled. SLF feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky “honeydew,” which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, negatively impacting agriculture and forest health.

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Joe Morelle on Wednesday introduced legislation to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the American agricultural economy in places like New York State.

“It’s hard to visit the Finger Lakes without enjoying our amazing vineyards and orchards, but sadly, they’re under serious threat from the Spotted Lanternfly,” Morelle said. “My legislation would provide additional support for both local and national organizations committed to fighting back against this invasive, destructive pest. I’m grateful to my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—for joining together to support this critical bill, and I hope to see it passed and signed into law soon.”

Morelle’s bipartisan legislation, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, designates the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species so we can find creative solutions to stop the spread before New York’s cash crops are further decimated.

This is the latest in a series of actions Congressman Morelle has taken to combat the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, including advocating for this legislation in previous legislative sessions and securing funding from federal agencies to support eradication efforts.

“Congressman Morelle’s decisive action through this legislation demonstrates his profound understanding of the challenges facing New York’s agricultural sector,” said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “As New York’s Land-Grant institution, we are committed to developing science-based solutions to combat the spotted lanternfly threat. His leadership in securing crucial funding will strengthen our research and extension efforts, providing both our agricultural and residential communities with essential resources to protect New York’s rich agricultural heritage.”

How you can help stop the spread:

Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly. Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses. If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.

Report sightings by completing this form (click here). If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it.

Joining Morelle in supporting this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives are Representatives Mike Kelly (R, PA-16), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), and Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23).

“The invasive spotted lanternfly continues to pose great risk to New York’s vineyards, fruit orchards, hops production and forestry,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President. “As with all invasive and harmful species, research and education are essential to mitigating the spread of the insect and to helping reduce its impact on crops and forestland. New York Farm Bureau thanks Rep. Morelle for sponsoring the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which prioritizes funding in the Farm Bill and expedites the grants necessary to combat this serious problem.”