Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act of 2023

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act of 2023

This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the coffee plant health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei).

Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for

• developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
• establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
• surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health;
• investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
• conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune systems and other serious threats to coffee plants.

Bill 118 s 371, also known as the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to make amendments to the Coffee Plant Health Initiative, which was originally established to address the threats facing coffee plants from pests and diseases.

The amendments proposed in this bill aim to strengthen the Coffee Plant Health Initiative by providing additional funding for research and development of new technologies to combat these threats. The bill also seeks to enhance collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and coffee growers to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the challenges facing the coffee industry.

Furthermore, the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act of 2023 includes provisions to promote sustainable farming practices and support the livelihoods of coffee farmers. This includes measures to improve access to resources and training for farmers, as well as incentives for the adoption of environmentally friendly practices. Overall, the goal of this bill is to protect the long-term viability of the coffee industry in the United States by addressing the threats posed by pests and diseases, promoting sustainable farming practices, and supporting the livelihoods of coffee farmers. It is currently under review in Congress and has garnered bipartisan support for its efforts to strengthen the Coffee Plant Health Initiative.