(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced the launch of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, a major new effort aimed at preventing the return and northward spread of the destructive livestock pest.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the initiative is a cornerstone of USDA's broader strategy to protect American agriculture, animal health, and the nation's food supply. The Grand Challenge will make up to $100 million available through USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to support innovative projects that improve sterile screwworm fly production, strengthen preparedness and response capabilities, and develop new tools to combat the pest before it reaches the United States.
Rollins said continued innovation is essential to protecting farmers and ranchers, rebuilding the nation's cattle herd, and reducing long-term pressure on grocery prices, while safeguarding U.S. trade and rural livelihoods. Funding priorities include expanding sterile fly production, developing new traps and lures, advancing treatments or therapeutics for animals, and creating additional technologies to bolster early detection and rapid response. Eligible applicants may submit proposals aligned with these objectives, with applications due by February 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. USDA officials said full application details, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions are available through the NWS Grand Challenge notice of funding opportunity and federal grants portals.