3-17 IAN PCN Eradication

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) received official word last week that $400,000 in additional federal funding is being allocated to Pale Cyst Nematode (PCN) eradication efforts in eastern Idaho. The additional funding follows efforts by Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to work with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to secure the funding.

 

Over the past six years, federal funding of PCN eradication efforts has fallen from a high of over $9 million per year to $4.2 million per year. Last year, ISDA issued a deficiency warrant covering a nearly $1 million shortfall to keep the program on track. 

ISDA spokesperson Lloyd Knight“Pale Cyst Nematode (PCN) and is a federally regulated pest that affects potatoes. it is a pest of concern especially when we export potatoes to other states and countries. There has been an ongoing effort to take care of a very small area in Eastern Idaho so there is a federally regulated program in Idaho Falls. This is tremendous news for potato growers in eastern Idaho and for Idaho’s agriculture industry. This year the program faced a $400,000 shortfall. The additional $400,000 in federal funding will keep the program on track and avoid the need for ongoing state funding.”

 

“PCN poses a real threat to our state’s most iconic crop and keeping the eradication program on track is critical to maintaining and growing export opportunities,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson.

For more information on PCN, please visit ISDA’s PCN website at:  http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/NewsEvents/PCNquestions.php