USDA Opens $90 Million Funding Pool to Combat Invasive Pests Threatening Texas Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened the application window this week for $90 million in federal funding aimed at stopping invasive plant pests and diseases before they devastate American agriculture. The announcement, made July 27 by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), creates opportunities for Texas institutions and agencies to secure resources for early detection, rapid response, and long-term safeguarding solutions.

The funding flows through two distinct channels. The Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program (PPDMDPP) will distribute $80 million to projects that expand surveillance networks, improve detection capabilities, and strengthen community response to emerging threats. A separate $10 million allocation supports the National Clean Plant Network, which provides disease-free propagative material for high-value specialty crops including berries, grapes, citrus, and fruit trees.

"Safeguarding America's crops starts with early action and strong partnerships," said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, in the agency's announcement. "We're calling on partners across the country to bring forward practical, science-based ideas that strengthen our rapid response capabilities and protect American agriculture."

What This Means for Texas

Texas agricultural producers and researchers have until September 21, 2026 to submit project suggestions for PPDMDPP funding. Eligible applicants include state and federal agencies, Tribal nations, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, and industry partners. The application process requires an e-Authentication account and submission through USDA's ServiceNow platform.

APHIS has outlined six strategic goals that successful proposals should address:

• Enhancing plant pest and disease analysis and survey capabilities
• Targeting domestic inspection activities at vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum
• Strengthening pest identification and detection technology
• Protecting nursery production systems
• Conducting targeted outreach and education
• Improving mitigation and rapid response capabilities

The funding announcement comes as Texas continues grappling with multiple invasive threats. The pasture mealybug has now spread to 70 counties, threatening more than 20 million acres of grazing land. The New World screwworm outbreak has reached 42 confirmed cases in Southwest Texas. Meanwhile, feral swine cause an estimated $3.4 billion in agricultural damage annually across affected states.

Virtual Training Available

APHIS will host virtual training sessions throughout the open application period to help prospective applicants navigate the submission process. Resources, templates, and detailed guidance are available at the agency's dedicated funding portal.

The National Clean Plant Network operates on a separate timeline, with applications accepted through October 19, 2026. This program specifically targets land-grant universities, non-land grant colleges of agriculture, state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations working to maintain clean plant stocks.

For Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research, the funding represents another potential resource in an already active year of invasive species response. The agency has led educational programming on screwworm identification, coordinated with the Texas Animal Health Commission on quarantine protocols, and conducted field research on emerging pests like the pasture mealybug.

Interested organizations can subscribe to APHIS email updates on the "Plant Protection Act Section 7721" topic to receive notification of training dates and deadline reminders.

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The application period for PPDMDPP funding runs July 27 through September 21, 2026. Detailed guidance and submission materials are available through the USDA APHIS funding portal.