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Source: USDA, 1/13/21 The U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) is 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 Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi,
Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.This pilot program is a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This second round of funding is for partners to carry out activities as part of the identified pilot projects in select states. “These awards enable landowners to address the threat that feral swine pose to natural resources and agriculture,” NRCS Acting Chief Kevin Norton said. “The projects we have identified will be key to addressing the feral swine problem.” Similar to the first round, 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. Between the first and second round of funding, there will be a total of
34 active projects across 12 states for the life of the 2018 Farm Bill. 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 and areas were selected in coordination
with NRCS state conservationists, APHIS state directors and state technical
committees to address feral swine issues and damage in areas with high
densities. Pilot projects consist broadly 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. Projects are planned to conclude at the
end of September 2023. All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those
that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center
visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, Farm Service Agency or any
other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment.
Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based
on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social
distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering
during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue working with
our producers by phone and email and using online tools. More information can
be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus
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