USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Funding Opportunity
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a major new funding initiative aimed at protecting American livestock and safeguarding the nation’s food supply. The program, called the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge, focuses on innovation, preparedness, and long-term prevention of the destructive pest that poses a serious threat to cattle and other livestock.
Secretary Rollins emphasized the national importance of the effort, stating, “This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security. These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go towards rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves.”
She also highlighted the need for continued innovation despite existing control methods. “We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success,” Rollins said. “Together, through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the funding will be administered through USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The department said, “As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.”
The New World Screwworm Grand Challenge will support a wide range of research and development efforts. Funding priorities include enhancing sterile NWS fly production, developing novel traps and lures, and advancing the understanding of NWS therapeutics and treatments. These treatments may include products designed to treat, prevent, or control NWS infestations in animals.
Additional funding will be available for projects that develop other tools to strengthen preparedness or improve response strategies against potential outbreaks. USDA officials say these efforts are critical to keeping the pest out of the United States, protecting livestock producers, maintaining trade stability, and ensuring long-term food security.
The announcement underscores USDA’s commitment to proactive agricultural biosecurity and highlights the role of science and innovation in protecting the future of U.S. agriculture.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.