Contact: Jane H. Larson (608) 224-5005
MADISON–Wisconsin is the newest member of a multistate compact formed to assist in the battle against plant pests such as diseases, insects or weeds.
The Interstate Pest Control Compact (IPCC) is an organization supported by nearly 40 states. The compact provides financial support when states may not have the necessary resources to combat outbreaks or infestations of plant diseases that threaten a state’s agricultural or natural resources.
“The IPCC is something like an insurance policy. The member states pay into the fund, much like an insurance premium,” explained Brian Kuhn, plant industry bureau director with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “If a state is faced with an outbreak of a plant disease or an invasive pest is found, the compact can be a source of financial support especially if there are gaps in state or federal funding or if emergency funding is needed to address the problem.”
Since the compact began in 1968, more than $1 million has gone to member-states to support projects such as pest surveys to determine the range or spread of an invasive pest; eradication activities or control efforts targeted to a specific insect, weed or plant disease outbreak.
One request funded by the compact can quickly regain the cost of a state’s premium. For example, in 2007, Michigan received $75,000 to combat Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an insect from Asia that can kill hemlock trees in 4-10 years. The loss of hemlock was a threat to Michigan’s timber industry and their forest ecosystem, and it also threatened hemlock trees in adjoining states. When Michigan first identified HWA, there was no state or federal money available to take action. With letters of support from adjoining states including Wisconsin, the IPCC was able to fill that gap. Using IPCC funds, Michigan conducted a survey to determine the extent of the infestation and then worked to eradicate this invasive plant pest.
“The IPCC gives us some additional peace of mind in our fight against plant pests that can threaten our crops or forests,” Kuhn said. “Member states can request funding for other states since plant pests don’t stop at the border and a plant disease or insect issue in a neighboring state can easily become our problem if it is not addressed quickly.”
For more information on the compact, contact Brian Kuhn, 608-224-4590.
