Bill Overview
Title: Floriculture and Nursery Plant Health Initiative Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a floriculture and nursery plant health initiative. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and pathogens that impact floriculture and nursery crops; establishing area-wide integrated pest management programs in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, invasive plant pests or pathogens; surveying and collecting data on the production of, health of, and markets for floriculture and nursery crops; investigating the biology, genomics, and production systems of floriculture and nursery crops; and conducting research on various factors that may contribute to (or be associated with) resilient floriculture and nursery crop systems, and combatting other serious threats to floriculture and nursery crops.
Sponsors: Rep. Kahele, Kaiali'i [D-HI-2]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved in the floriculture and nursery plant industries
Estimated Size: 800000
- The bill targets the floriculture and nursery sectors, focusing on enhancing plant health and pest management.
- Farmers and workers in the floriculture and nursery industries globally would benefit from better management practices and pest control as a result of this initiative.
- The improvement of plant health for floriculture and nursery crops can have a positive impact on food security, ecosystem health, and biodiversity.
- The research and developments from this initiative could impact agricultural sectors that interrelate with floriculture and nursery sectors.
Reasoning
- The targeted policy is designed to support the floriculture and nursery industries, a niche within the agricultural sector, affecting those directly involved within the United States.
- Although the floriculture and nursery segments form a small portion of the overall agricultural industry, they represent significant economic and cultural sectors in certain areas, especially those known for ornamental plants.
- The estimated population directly affected (800,000 in the US) includes business owners, workers, researchers, and associated industries, as improvements in plant health and pest management can impact these groups' finances and job satisfaction.
- The budget and duration considerations suggest a moderate rather than intensive nationwide impact, focusing on targeted grants that will likely affect select regions or high-priority pest areas first.
- The initiative's success depends on effective communication and implementation by grant recipients, such as universities, researchers, and extension services, reaching smaller communities of farmers.
Simulated Interviews
Ornamental Plant Nursery Owner (Sarasota, Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this initiative could really help us tackle the pest issues we've been struggling with for years.
- The grants could mean access to newer pest control technologies and improve our plant health overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Plant Scientist (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initiative could provide crucial funding for our ongoing genomics research, allowing more advanced studies.
- I'm optimistic about the potential collaborations and innovations this funding could bring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Nursery Worker (Austin, Texas)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this initiative leads to better pest management, it could mean more stable work for us.
- I'm hoping it also translates to better conditions and pay if businesses thrive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Floriculture Farmer (Salinas, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the pests we face every season; anything that helps manage them would be welcome.
- I'm cautious but hopeful this policy might lead to improved guidance and support for small farms like ours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Greenhouse Technician (Benton Harbor, Michigan)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These grants could potentially improve our greenhouse pest management protocols.
- I'm interested to see if new research will help us improve the quality of our displays.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Urban Agriculture Coordinator (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could directly support urban gardens that face similar pest issues as larger nurseries.
- Federal support would legitimize our efforts and perhaps expand our reach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired Floriculture Business Owner (Des Moines, Iowa)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step in the right direction, but I worry about its practical implementation.
- Consultants like me could play a role in disseminating research findings and effective practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Biotechnology Company Executive (Miami, Florida)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our company could benefit immensely from collaborations and new research this initiative fosters.
- This policy aligns with our current objectives to enhance global plant health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Environmental Scientist (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integrated pest management is critical; this funding is definitely justified.
- I hope there's ample focus on the environmental impacts intertwined with plant health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Landscaping Business Owner (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The stability and health of our supply chain are crucial, especially against pest threats.
- This policy offers potential improvements, but its success remains contingent on regional execution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $6100000 (Low: $5100000, High: $7100000)
Year 3: $6200000 (Low: $5200000, High: $7200000)
Year 5: $6300000 (Low: $5400000, High: $7300000)
Year 10: $6500000 (Low: $5500000, High: $7500000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Availability of advanced scientific research facilities and expertise is crucial for success.
- Coordination across different regions for integrated pest management could present logistical challenges.
- Resource allocation to survey and data collection must ensure comprehensive and unbiased results.
- The industry must actively participate and adapt to proposed research outcomes for maximum efficacy.