The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week they are investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine as part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. This investment expands the pilot program to new projects in various states, including Alabama. This program is a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
NRCS will provide funding to partners who will provide financial assistance, education, outreach, and trapping assistance to participating landowners in pilot project areas. All partner work will be closely coordinated with the APHIS operations in the pilot project areas. Each project is unique, and additional information about the expectations for individual projects can be found at www.nrcs.usda.gov/FSCP.
These new pilot projects were selected to address feral swine issues and damage in areas with high densities. This consists 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.
Other states involved in this pilot project are Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Projects are planned to conclude at the end of September 2023.