[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 105 (Tuesday, July 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EARMARK DECLARATION

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                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2009

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, Pursuant to the Republican Leadership 
standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information 
regarding earmarks I received as part of HR 2997, the Agriculture 
Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2010. I would note that many of my 
Michigan colleagues signed a letter requesting these amounts.


                           Apple Fire Blight

  Department: Agriculture
  Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University
  Address of Requesting Entity:
  Description of Request: Fire Blight is a major threat to Michigan's 
apple trees and has reduced apple acreage in Michigan by an astounding 
24%. Michigan and New York researchers are taking aggressive measures 
against fire blight including development of blight-resistant varieties 
and new, environmentally responsible control strategies. Finding ways 
to control and curb fire blight is of critical importance to apple 
growers in my district and elsewhere. This research is very promising, 
and its results will help apple growers significantly increase their 
yields.
  Amount: $346,000
  Financial Breakdown: Approximately, $148,000 is for the salaries of 
laboratory and field research personal; and $36,000 is for materials 
and supplies. Michigan State University has obtained funding from the 
Michigan Apple Committee and industry sources and will continue to fund 
the fire blight research at MSU at a level of $52, 500 in FY09.


                          Phytopthora Research

  Department: Agriculture
  Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University
  Address of Requesting Entity:
  Description of Request: Researchers at Michigan State University are 
leaders in the fight to control Phytophthora capsici, a fungal-like 
pathogen that lives in the soil and causes numerous plants to rot. 
Phytophthora management has been complicated by its longevity in soils 
(10 or more years), its ability to spread in water, its resistance to 
key fungicides and lack of disease resistant varieties. Michigan State 
University has developed new techniques for control and resistant 
varieties. However, losses caused by Phytophthora have become so large 
throughout the nation in recent years that the economic viability of 
the vegetable industries in many states is at risk, and more research 
is necessary. Since 1996, researchers have leveraged private, state and 
federal funds to significantly advance disease management. The 
widespread crop loss caused by Phytophthora capsici will be lessened, 
keeping family farms and their communities viable. Spread of 
Phytophthora to new sites will be stopped. Ways to remediate/treat 
infested ground and water sources will be identified. Integrated 
management strategies that emphasize cultural methods and 
environmentally friendly practices will be developed.
  Amount: $346,000
  Financial Breakdown: This money will provide $346,000 in funding for 
Phytophthora research at Michigan State University. Approximately 85 
percent of the funding will go to researchers, technicians and 
students. Approximately 15 percent will be used for materials, supplies 
and administration. Michigan State University has received outside 
sources of funding for Phytophthora research as well. This funding is 
consistent with the authorized purpose of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education and Extension Service.

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