Appropriations Requests

Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Pigweed) Research to Project Georgia Growers ($300,000). I would ban earmarks as we know them, but as long as these earmarks are available, I'm going to apply for them in an effort to pursue federal funding opportunities for my district. For non-defense projects in the current earmarking system, I work closely with local governments, civic organizations, non-profits and business development authorities to identify and prioritize projects important to local communities in Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District (and sometimes elsewhere). I only request funds for projects authorized by law for federal funding and do not do so for private parties or entities. This research project will develop cost-effective techniques to protect cotton, soybeans, and peanuts from glyphosate-resistant palmer amaranth (pigweed). This project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because glyphosate-resistant palmer amaranth is already eliminating tillage production in central Georgia, with an average loss of 42% in heavily ingested counties. If it continues to spread, it could pose the greatest management threat to cotton production since the boll weevil. Beneficiary: University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 109 Conner Hall, Athens, GA 30602.