USDA launches feral swine research and control program with federal cost-sharing

What it does

This bill creates a new federal program to study, control, and eradicate feral swine populations that damage agriculture, ecosystems, and public health. The Secretary of Agriculture will establish the program, provide financial assistance to farmers in affected areas to implement control methods, and contract with land-grant universities to conduct research and coordinate eradication efforts—with the federal government covering up to 75% of costs.

Why we flagged it

The bill's core mechanism is establishing a federal research and cost-sharing program to address feral swine damage. It is a straightforward agricultural management initiative, not a tax provision, subsidy carve-out, or deregulation.

What the text implies

• The 75% federal cost-share may incentivize states/producers to overstate damage or inflate project costs, since federal funds cover three-quarters of expenses.
• Land-grant university contracts concentrate research authority in institutions meeting specific criteria (existing Wildlife Services relationships, state-funded programs), potentially excluding other research entities or smaller institutions.
• The bill does not specify funding levels, appropriations, or sunset dates, leaving the program's actual scope and duration dependent on future congressional action.

Who it affects

The bill addresses a documented public problem (feral swine damage to farms, ecosystems, and wildlife) by funding research and control efforts that benefit agricultural producers and protect natural resources. The cost-sharing requirement (25% local/state contribution) ensures shared responsibility and reduces pure federal subsidy capture.

Who stands to gain

• agricultural producers in feral swine-affected regions
• land-grant universities with existing Wildlife Services partnerships
• state wildlife agencies with cooperative agreements

Named in the bill

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services, land-grant colleges and universities, State technical committees, Food Security Act of 1985

Where it stands

4 cosponsors: 3 Democrats, 1 Republicans.

• May 15, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• May 15, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Agriculture · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.