Efforts to quarantine spotted lanternflies in Virginia have been deemed ineffective.
The state’s Department of Agriculture repealed the quarantine last month after efforts to slow the pest failed. The quarantine was established back in 2019 when the pest was first detected in Frederick County.
Sixty-seven Virginia localities now face the pest which feeds on grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees.
Spotted lanternflies have also been found in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and Connecticut.
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“Farmers want to feed people. They want to keep farming. They’re counting on Congress to live up to its obligations.”
“It keeps the land in ag production and provides our retiring farmers with a viable retirement option.”