Cooperative Agreement Pest Survey

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service states that South Carolina crop production in 2016 exceeded $843 million in cash receipts. Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, and Tomatoes are all commodities represented in this survey and they account for the bulk of crop production revenues in South Carolina. CAPS survey efforts will help to protect these economically important industries from intentional or accidental injury from exotic invasive species.

These survey efforts are intended to provide for the protection of South Carolina’s agricultural industry. Survey is essential in the effort to counter the destructive potential of invasive plant pests. Found early, it is more likely that a new pest can be eliminated or controlled, and damage can be negated or minimized. The surveys will also provide official data for the presence of absence of the target pests. This data is critical for commodity and export certification.