SWAT Act of 2026

The Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act of 2026 creates a new funding source within the Department of Agriculture to combat the spotted wing drosophila, an invasive insect that damages crops like berries, peaches, and cherries. This bill establishes a specific fund authorized to receive $6.5 million annually for five years to support research and mitigation efforts against the pest. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will manage the fund by awarding grants or cooperative agreements to eligible recipients for these activities. The legislation aims to address the estimated 20 percent revenue loss in affected fruit crops caused by this invasive species.