SWAT Act of 2026

This bill would direct the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to create a fund dedicated to research and mitigation efforts regarding the spotted wing drosophila. The fund would address the negative impacts of this invasive insect species, which has caused substantial damage to various U.S. berry and stone fruit crops. Targeted crops include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, plums, and cherries.

The bill directly affects the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is tasked with establishing and managing a new research and mitigation fund. Additionally, the legislation impacts agricultural producers of berry and stone fruit crops, specifically those growing raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, plums, and cherries. Researchers and organizations involved in mitigating the effects of the invasive spotted wing drosophila are also affected by the creation of this fund.

• Establishment of a research and mitigation fund. The bill directs the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to create a fund dedicated to research and activities aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of the spotted wing drosophila.
• Management of invasive spotted wing drosophila. The legislation targets the spotted wing drosophila, an invasive insect from East Asia that damages various unripe berry and stone fruit crops, including raspberries, blueberries, and cherries.

The bill expands the current responsibilities of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by directing the agency to establish and manage a new fund dedicated to research and mitigation efforts for the spotted wing drosophila.

The bill aims to address the agricultural impact of the spotted wing drosophila, an invasive insect species, by establishing a fund for research and mitigation activities. This initiative is intended to protect berry and stone fruit crops from the significant damage caused by this species.