The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners about the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP). Signup continues until Aug. 19 for the program developed to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. The first round of pilot projects in the program are being offered in 10 states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. USDA is focusing efforts through this pilot program where feral swine pose the highest threat.
FSCP is implemented jointly by NRCS and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). Total funding for the program is $75 million over the life of the 2018 farm bill. Pilot projects will consist of three coordinated components: 1) feral swine removal by APHIS; 2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS; and 3) assistance to producers for feral swine control provided through partnership agreements with non-federal partners. These projects can last from one to three years.
This call for proposals is intended for non-federal partners to provide landowner assistance for on-farm trapping and provide related services as part of the pilot projects described above. Funding for these services will be provided through agreements between partners and NRCS.