Division of Agriculture Entomologist Testifies Before Congressional Appropriations Subcommittee

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Robert Wiedenmann, head of the department of entomology, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Rob Wiedenmann, head of the department of entomology in the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, was invited to testify April 10 before a congressional appropriations subcommittee regarding fiscal year 2015 funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service.

Wiedenmann was invited to testify on behalf of the Entomological Society of America, for which he serves as past-president, according to a news release from the society. His testimony addressed the importance of scientifically based environmental oversight provided by the EPA regarding regulation of pesticides that support agricultural growers and EPA’s proposed involvement in the new Pollinator Health Initiative. He also provided details about the critical roles that the U.S. Forest Service plays in mitigating the effects of invasive insects and weeds in the nation's forests.

Wiedenmann testified Thursday before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and related agencies in the Rayburn House Office Building. The full news release from ESA, including a link to Wiedenmann’s testimony, is online.