SWAT Act of 2024

This bill, officially titled the "Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act of 2024" (though nicknamed the "SWAT Act"), creates a $6.5 million fund within the USDA to address the spotted wing drosophila fruit fly pest. It directly affects fruit growers of berries, cherries, and stone fruits by funding research and mitigation efforts to combat this invasive species, which causes an estimated 20% revenue loss across targeted crops. The fund will support cooperative agreements and grants for research and pest control activities over five years (enactment year plus four subsequent years). The bill does not change existing regulations but allocates specific federal funding to address a documented agricultural threat.