Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 24, Issue 01 | April 30, 2024

Policy Memo:  ​Labels that limit: A framework for reducing sales of ornamental invasive plants 

Nathan Teich (1,2), Kellye Eversole (1,3), Cynthia S. Brown (1,2)
  1. Colorado State University, Department of Agricultural Biology, Fort Collins, CO, USA
  2. Colorado State University, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Fort Collins, CO, USA
  3. Eversole Associates, Arlington, MA, USA
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Corresponding author: [email protected] ​​​
Keywords: science policy, invasive plants, ornamental plants, labeling, policy framework
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG240115 ​​

Executive Summary

Invasive plants cost the US billions of dollars each year due to ecological and economic impacts as well as management costs. One of the most common pathways of introduction and spread of invasive plants is through ornamental plant sales. While solutions such as regulations and voluntary self-bans have been implemented in some instances to mitigate this problem, widespread adoption has not occurred. As such, new alternatives should be explored. Opt-in labeling programs are commonly used throughout the agricultural industry to better inform customers about the products they are purchasing. An opt-in labeling program that consists of a partnership between retailers and governments or non-profit organizations could help reduce the spread of invasive plants by influencing customer behavior. This approach would be less costly to retailers than regulations, create new invasive plant prevention opportunities for governments and nonprofits, and better inform consumers about specific invasive plant species.

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Background header image courtesy of VTInvasives.org
Nathan Teich is a PhD candidate at Colorado State University enrolled in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Nathan’s research focused on invasive plants and species distribution modeling. Nathan has a growing interest in policy based solutions for ecological problems, and hopes to continue incorporating this lens into his career moving forward. 
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Cynthia S. Brown is a Professor at Colorado State University in the Department of Agricultural Biology and the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. She is a plant ecologist and specializes in invasive plants and restoration ecology. She and her lab members seek solutions to practical problems while testing ecological theory in collaboration with human communities where they work. 

Kellye Eversole is a pioneer in agricultural genomics, biotechnology, and public-private collaborative projects. After professional training in political science and philosophy (Oklahoma State University, George Washington University, and Georgetown University), working in the US Senate, and leading a Federal commission, she founded Eversole Associates in 1991 with a focus on science and technology and agricultural biotechnology regulations. She helps public and private entities address regulations related to agricultural biotechnology, genome/gene editing, and genetic engineering related to plants and plant- associated microbes. She has led several USDA projects aimed at developing science to support regulation of plants and microbes. 

Acknowledgements 
We would like to thank Elizabeth Brown (NAISMA), Mark Frey (NPS), Doug Johnson (PlantRight), Anthony Koop (USDA-APHIS), Sylvan Kaufman (Sylvan Green Earth Consulting), Anne Lebrun (USDA-APHIS), Paul Lewis (USDA-AMS), Dana Rhodes (SANC), Ross Shrigley (PlantSelect), and Craig Regelbrugge (AmericanHort) for their expertise, time, and assistance with this publication.

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