The award supports the ohio department of agriculture in conducting a comprehensive box tree moth (BTM) response program, including rapid delimitation and statewide surveys, regulatory inspections,…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded the Ohio Department of Agriculture $300,000 in a Cooperative Agreement (AP26PPQFO000C367) on July 9, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive Box Tree Moth (BTM) response program across Ohio.

The award funds rapid delimitation, statewide surveys, regulatory inspections, trapping with approximately 124 deployed traps, sample screening, outreach and education, and coordination with USDA and regional partners to prevent BTM spread and protect Ohio's nursery industry and boxwood resources. Deliverables include sample processing, enforcement of compliance agreements, stakeholder outreach, and required reports and data submission to inform detection, regulatory boundaries, and pest-spread mitigation.

The funding breakdown covers personnel ($163,075), fringe benefits ($81,537.50), travel ($9,000), supplies ($7,526.25), other direct costs ($14,400), and indirect costs ($24,461.25). Work is performed in Ohio with a period of performance running through June 30, 2027. The assistance type is a Cooperative Agreement. Without this work, BTM could spread unchecked, threatening commercial nursery operations, historic and ornamental boxwood plantings, and statewide plant health protection efforts under both ODA and USDA's invasive pest mitigation mandate.

The award supports the ohio department of agriculture in conducting a comprehensive box tree moth (BTM) response program, including rapid delimitation and statewide surveys, regulatory inspections, trapping, sample screening, outreach, and coordination with USDA and regional partners to prevent the spread of BTM and protect ohio's nursery industry and boxwood resources. The project will deploy approximately 124 traps, process samples, enforce compliance agreements, deliver outreach and education, and submit required reports and data, resulting in improved detection, informed regulatory boundaries, reduced pest spread, and better stakeholder preparedness. Without this work, BTM could spread unchecked, threatening commercial nursery operations, historic and ornamental boxwood plantings, and statewide plant health protection efforts, undermining both ODA and USDA's mission to mitigate invasive pest impacts. Cost analysis: personnel-$163,075.00. Fringe benefits-$81,537.50. Travel-$9,000.00. Supplies-$7,526.25. Other-$14 ,400.00. Indirect cost-$24,461.25.