Rep. Scholten Introduces Friends in the Field Act to Strengthen Pest Control on West Michigan Farms

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced the Friends in the Field Act. This legislation would strengthen biological pest control practices on farms in West Michigan and across the country by encouraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to engage in further research and development around its best uses. 

In West Michigan, cherry farmers have already been working symbiotically with a breed of falcon called the American kestrel to protect their crops through biological pest control. Farmers have set up nesting boxes throughout their fields for the birds, which then prey on the pests that wreak havoc on the crops. 

“February is National Cherry Month, and I’m shining a spotlight on how West Michigan’s cherry farmers are leading the way in innovative agricultural practices,” said Rep. Scholten. “I’m proud to lead this commonsense legislation, inspired by the great work already happening in my home district, which will strengthen our national research and development around biological pest control. This initiative will help protect our crops, keep families well-fed with local, nutritious food, and strengthen economic security for our farmers.” 

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