The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new public education initiative dedicated to stopping the spread of pests and other invasive species that could potentially harm crops and other agricultural assets.
The new multi-year campaign entitled "Hungry Pests" is being launched to coincide with Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month in April. As farmers know, pests can present a great risk to their crops, especially those that come from other areas. Unfortunately, regular citizens can help spread these pests by traveling between states or countries with items like firewood, food or plants.
"Invasive pests hit close to home and threaten the things we value," said Rebecca Blue, deputy under secretary for USDA's Marketing and Regulatory Programs. "During one of the most successful periods in history for U.S. agriculture, it is important that we step up our efforts to educate Americans about USDA's good work to protect our nation's food, fiber, feed and fuel from invasive pests."
The new campaign will feature a public service announcement on TV, portraying the pests as hitchhikers who ride with unsuspecting motorists. The ad urges citizens to declare fruits and vegetables when returning from abroad, buy firewood locally and take a number of other steps to cut down on pests.
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