Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025
Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would expand federal support for organic farming research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It would create a new coordinating initiative to oversee and improve USDA's organic agriculture research efforts. Every five years, this initiative would assess what organic research is currently being conducted and produce a report with recommendations on how to expand research, improve coordination between projects, and make the research more effective.
The USDA would then consider these findings when planning its annual budgets. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions** The bill would benefit organic farmers, ranchers, agricultural researchers, and land-grant colleges and universities. It requires the USDA to consult with the National Organic Standards Board, academic institutions, and both organic and conventional farmers when developing its research strategy and reports. The bill also reauthorizes funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's existing Organic Agriculture Research program, ensuring continued financial support for this area. **Current Status** The bill (S. 1385) was introduced by Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025This bill expands Department of Agriculture (USDA) support for organic agricultural research.USDA must establish the Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative for USDA resources dedicated to organic agricultural research. Every five years, the initiative must survey USDA's organic agricultural research and produce a report, including findings and recommendations on expanding research and increasing project coordination and effectiveness. USDA must take the findings and recommendations into consideration when preparing USDA's annual budget recommendations.In carrying out its work, the initiative must consult with the National Organic Standards Board and land-grant colleges and universities. In preparing each report, the initiative must consult organic and conventional farmers, ranchers, handlers and the organizations that serve them.The bill also reauthorizes the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative through FY2030 and increases funding for the initiative. Further, eligible grant projects are expanded to include (1) facilitating the identification and adoption of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices, and (2) identifying how organic agriculture can adapt to and mitigate climate change.The bill also reauthorizes, and extends funding for, USDA's organic production and market data initiatives through FY2030. The Economic Research Service must conduct an economic impact analysis of organic agricultural management conducted in accordance with the National Organic Program.USDA may make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities relating to the transition from nonorganic production systems into organic agricultural production systems.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.