Supporting the Clean Plant Network

Supporting the Clean Plant Network. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has awarded $5 million to support 19 projects under the National Clean Plant Network with funding secured in the Agriculture Act of 2014 better known as the farm bill.  NCPN-funded facilities ensure nurseries can provide safe, virus-free plant materials to orchards, vineyards, and other growers.  Studies have shown that the cost of continued research to improve detection and eradication of viruses is significantly less than the potential millions of dollars it would cost to eradicate a virus in an established vineyard, orchard or farm. Senator Patty Murray applauded the action saying quote: "In Washington state, our vineyards and orchards are the economic backbone of many communities." Gary Grove from WSU-IAREC is on the front lines when it comes to making sure vineyard and orchard stock is clean.

GROVE: The Clean Plant Center NW was formed as a result of funding in 2008 that had since expired and we had gone through some pretty rough times but that to our people that govern us that appears to be over.

Senator Murray was instrumental in creating the NCPN, which brings together scientists, researchers, nurseries and growers to support U.S. specialty crop production at WSU-Prosser and throughout the nation.

That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.