WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Idaho Congressional Delegation welcomed today's announcement by Secretary of Agriculture Johanns that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be providing $10.78 million to help eradicate potato cyst nematode in Idaho.
A year ago, PCN was discovered in tare soil originating from some eastern Idaho fields. Since then, an extensive survey determined that PCN is confined to just seven fields within a one-mile radius. Since PCN can cause up to 80 percent crop loss, eradication is essential.
The Delegation thanked Secretary Johanns for granting their request for this assistance. This is majore news for Idaho's potato industry and the producers whose farm operations were directly affected.
Secretary Johanns and the Bush Administration are to be commended for their excellent work in recognizing the urgency and severity of this problem and acting quickly to resove it. This will help preserve Idaho's potato industry."