To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the matching funds requirement under the specialty crop research initiative, and for other purposes.

# HR 3656 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to waive the requirement that grant recipients match federal funding dollar-for-dollar when applying for Specialty Crop Research Initiative grants. Currently, if an organization receives a federal grant for research on specialty crops (like fruits, vegetables, and nuts), they must contribute their own matching funds equal to the grant amount.

This bill would give the USDA flexibility to skip this requirement in certain cases. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects agricultural research organizations, universities, and farming groups that pursue federal grants to study specialty crops. By removing the matching funds requirement, smaller or less-funded organizations might find it easier to access federal research money. Specialty crop farmers could indirectly benefit if more research projects are conducted on improving their products. **Current Status** HR 3656 was introduced by Representative Kim Schrier (D-Washington) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.