Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt from Alabama and John Cornyn of Texas, alongside other Senate colleagues, have introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act to extend and make permanent a pilot initiative. This program aims to protect public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems from the impact of feral swine.

Senator Britt emphasized her dedication to Alabama farmers, stating, "I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s incredible farmers, including by addressing the devastating economic and environmental impacts of feral swine. The Feral Swine Eradication Act would establish a permanent program to eliminate this threat." Britt highlighted the agricultural damage caused by feral swine in Alabama, amounting to an estimated $50 million annually.

In Alabama alone, approximately 255,000 feral hogs impact all 67 counties, causing significant damage. The initial Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) originated in the 2018 Farm Bill to tackle increasing feral swine outbreaks. The program was administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and involved feral swine removal, restoration efforts, and producer assistance in feral swine control through non-federal partner grants. These pilot projects were conducted in ten states.

Senator Cornyn expressed the difficulties faced by agricultural communities, "Feral hogs can inflict serious economic and environmental damage to our agricultural communities by destroying crops, trampling farmland, and threatening other livestock. This legislation would support our farmers, ranchers, and producers in Texas and across the country by promoting removal and restoration efforts to mitigate the risk posed by this invasive species."

Britt, as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has advocated for funding to counter the rising feral swine issue. The Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act included allocations to sustain the National Feral Swine Damage Management program and to devise new strategies against this threat.

Senator Britt's dedication to Alabama's farmers was recently recognized when she received the "Outstanding New Member of Congress" award from the American Farm Bureau Federation for her agricultural work. Upon receiving the award, she reiterated her support, stating, "I am proud to be an unwavering champion for the hardworking men and women who tirelessly work to feed, fuel, and clothe America. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have the necessary resources and support to tend to their land for generations to come."