Sappey responds to PA Department of Agriculture Phorid fly mitigation order for New Garden and Kennett townships
Rep. Christina Sappey January 30, 2025
HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today said she continues to work closely with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture officials following today’s quarantine order for the Phorid fly on mushroom houses in New Garden and Kennett townships.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today ordered a mandatory treatment procedure for mushroom houses in those townships to help combat the ongoing migration of these flies at the end of their life cycle to residential areas. The quarantine, effective today, requires all mushroom farmers in these townships to undergo post-crop steaming procedures to kill adult flies and their eggs at the source, ending their migration. The department also is making $500,000 in grants available through the Chester County Conservation District to farmers subject to the order to help implement required treatment on their farms.
Over her term as state representative, Sappey has held several in person and online public meetings on Phorid flies to hear from residents and to provide information and updates. She also advocates annually for an increase in the research line item for Phorid flies in the state budget.
“I am extremely pleased that the Governor and the Department of Agriculture have heard our urgent requests for assistance and are taking action to help residents in the 158th impacted by Phorid flies,” Sappey said. “While Penn State has been making steady progress on mitigation research, we need to do more, and the direction coming down today will ensure this proven method is being adhered to and that smaller mushroom operations needing assistance to comply have access to grant funding.
“My direct outreach to the Ag Department requested an update to PA Agriculture Best Practice Management to include indoor agriculture, specifying methods for the mushroom industry to employ to mitigate negative impacts such as Phorid flies.
“It’s important to note that this quarantine order does not quarantine mushrooms or mushroom farms. It is the vehicle, prescribed under the PA Plant Pest Act, for this treatment order. Again, I’m very pleased with this action. It’s a fair and effective way to treat an issue that has plagued many residents for far too long. There are clear guidelines, help for small operators and accountability that will be enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
“I’m grateful to the Shapiro administration, our local municipalities and the American Mushroom Institute for their collaboration, and most importantly, our residents for their engagement and patience,” she said.
Sappey said she has also requested the Department of Agriculture to update the state agricultural best practice management to include indoor agriculture.