Problems Plagued Department of Agriculture's Grasshopper Control Program in 1979

The Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) did not adequately manage the program to control grasshoppers in 17 Western States in 1979. Efforts by Federal and State officials and local participants were not sufficiently coordinated. Management weaknesses reduced the ability of the local project managers of APHIS to effectively identify areas to be sprayed to control grasshoppers, schedule spraying operations at the best times, and evaluate the effectiveness of the spraying. Although grasshoppers cause economic losses in the United States each year, the 1979 infestation reached levels unprecedented since the 1930s.

APHIS has initiated some actions to improve program management and has plans for others. These actions include: (1) developing uniform rules, information, and guidelines for nationwide use in administering and explaining the programs; (2) clarifying the responsibilities of all participants; (3) developing and conducting an annual training program for key personnel; (4) establishing a strike force of trained personnel; (5) evaluating the extent to which program benefits exceed costs; (6) establishing entrance and withdrawal deadlines for participation; and (7) encouraging the use of the best types and sizes of aircraft for each project's size and terrain. GAO believes these corrective actions will help prevent future programs from having the many problems experienced in 1979.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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