This award will be utilized by increasing the state's capacity to detect, prevent, and eradicate invasive species, including insects, diseases, and plants on state, private, and tribal forestry lands,…

The Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Florida received a $160,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Region 8 (Southern Region) under the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680). The award, effective September 5, 2025 through September 4, 2030, will fund activities to increase the state's capacity to detect, prevent, and eradicate invasive species, including insects, diseases, and invasive plants across state, private, and tribal forestry lands, as well as National Forest System lands and research and development initiatives in Florida.

The Forest Health Protection program supports comprehensive forest health management activities designed to protect forest resources from damaging invasive species through integrated pest management approaches. Eligible recipients, including state forestry agencies and state agricultural officials, utilize funding for detection surveys, monitoring, prevention and suppression treatments, workforce development, capacity building, and ecosystem restoration efforts. This award aligns with national priorities to reduce wildfire risk, enhance forest productivity, and maintain forest health across diverse land ownership types throughout Florida's forest ecosystems.

This award will be utilized by increasing the state's capacity to detect, prevent, and eradicate invasive species, including insects, diseases, and plants on state, private, and tribal forestry lands, national forest system lands, and research and development.