This bill establishes a program to manage the problems caused by feral swine, which damage farms and natural habitats. It aims to help farmers and protect the environment from these invasive animals.
This bill establishes a permanent Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program. Under the current feral swine pilot program, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) respond to the threat that feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. Under the bill, NRCS and APHIS must continue the program. Among other things, this program (1) develops methods to eradicate or control feral swine or to restore damage caused by feral swine, and (2) may provide financial assistance to agricultural producers for these purposes. The bill directs NRCS and APHIS to contract with one or more land-grant colleges or universities to provide educational support and assistance with the control and eradication efforts under the program. The bill also provides funding for the program (through the Commodity Credit Corporation) through FY2030, with 40% of the funds allocated to NRCS and 60% to APHIS. Currently, the funds are evenly allocated between NRCS and APHIS.