NRCS Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program was originally authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and later extended to continue funding availability through fiscal year 2031. It is designed as a coordinated federal effort to address the growing threat posed by feral swine populations across the United States. These invasive animals cause extensive damage to agricultural production, natural ecosystems, and water resources, with annual damages estimated in the billions of dollars. The program operates in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and state-level partners to implement targeted pilot projects in areas with high feral swine density. The primary purpose of the program is to support coordinated eradication and control activities, with a specific focus on restoration efforts and landowner assistance. Projects funded under this opportunity must align with designated pilot areas identified by USDA and state technical committees. Activities typically include providing financial assistance to agricultural producers for trapping operations, offering training on proper techniques, and supporting restoration of land impacted by feral swine damage. While APHIS retains operational control of direct removal activities, grant recipients play a critical role in implementing complementary services such as outreach, coordination, and landowner support. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with an expected total program funding of 35000000 dollars and approximately 25 awards anticipated. Individual awards range from 75000 to 3000000 dollars. Projects are expected to span four to five years, with an anticipated start date in December 2026. Funds may be used for activities such as training, equipment related to trapping, and restoration efforts. However, strict limitations apply. Funding cannot be used for lethal removal methods, aerial operations, toxicants, or independent third party trapping services. All funded activities must align with federal, state, and local regulations and must be coordinated with APHIS. A mandatory cost sharing requirement applies to all applicants. Recipients must provide at least 25 percent of total project costs through non federal contributions, which may include a mix of cash and in kind support. However, all projects must include some level of cash contribution. Cost share commitments must be documented at the time of application and supported by formal commitment letters from contributing partners. These contributions must be verifiable, necessary for project execution, and compliant with federal cost principles. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non federal entities such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Applications must be submitted by a single eligible entity, although partnerships are encouraged through subawards. For profit entities and foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet federal requirements including active registration in the System for Award Management and compliance with federal financial and administrative standards. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by September 21 2026 at 1159 pm Eastern Time. The application package requires multiple components including the SF 424 form, project narrative, budget documents, and supporting attachments such as commitment letters and conflict of interest disclosures. The project narrative is limited to fifteen pages and must include detailed sections such as project background, objectives, methodology, timeline, management plan, and evaluation strategy. Proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, cost effectiveness, and likelihood of success, with additional emphasis on community engagement and landowner participation. The review process involves both technical and administrative evaluation. Proposals that meet eligibility and submission requirements are scored based on defined criteria including project activities, feasibility, cost justification, and expected outcomes. Final award decisions are made by NRCS leadership in consultation with APHIS. Applicants can expect selection notifications by October 2026, with awards executed by December 2026. Funded projects must comply with federal reporting requirements and participate in national data collection efforts to assess program impact over time.

Focus on clear coordination with APHIS, demonstrate measurable outcomes, provide strong cost justification, and ensure detailed project timeline and partner roles are well defined