This bill, the Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 , aims to significantly expand and coordinate organic agricultural research within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It establishes the Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative to oversee and integrate organic and transitioning-to-organic research across key USDA agencies. This initiative will comprise 12 to 18 members with expertise in organic agriculture from agencies like the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Its primary role is to coordinate, review, and develop strategic plans for future organic research. The Initiative is tasked with conducting surveys and submitting comprehensive reports to the Secretary every five years, starting three years after its establishment. These reports will include recommendations for expanding research opportunities, improving coordination, and developing data useful for both organic and conventional producers. Key research areas include new plant cultivars, integrated pest management, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving food safety for organic products. The Initiative must consult with the National Organic Standards Board, land-grant colleges, and a diverse array of farmers and organizations. The Secretary of Agriculture must consider the Initiative's recommendations in annual budget proposals and report to Congress on their implementation. Furthermore, the bill significantly amends the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) , extending its authorization through fiscal year 2030 and substantially increasing its funding to reach $100 million annually by FY2030. OREI's scope is expanded to include facilitating the identification and adoption of traditional ecological knowledge and researching how organic agriculture can adapt to and mitigate climate change. A new competitive grant program is created to support research, education, and extension activities specifically focused on the transitioning-to-organic agricultural production systems. This program aims to overcome barriers to transition, document ecosystem service benefits, and develop improved technologies, with authorized appropriations starting at $10 million and increasing to $20 million annually. Additionally, the bill mandates the Economic Research Service to conduct a comprehensive economic impact analysis of organic farming and certification, considering regional differences and impacts on rural and urban communities.
Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5703| House
| Updated: 10/6/2025
This bill, the Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 , aims to significantly expand and coordinate organic agricultural research within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It establishes the Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative to oversee and integrate organic and transitioning-to-organic research across key USDA agencies. This initiative will comprise 12 to 18 members with expertise in organic agriculture from agencies like the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Its primary role is to coordinate, review, and develop strategic plans for future organic research. The Initiative is tasked with conducting surveys and submitting comprehensive reports to the Secretary every five years, starting three years after its establishment. These reports will include recommendations for expanding research opportunities, improving coordination, and developing data useful for both organic and conventional producers. Key research areas include new plant cultivars, integrated pest management, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving food safety for organic products. The Initiative must consult with the National Organic Standards Board, land-grant colleges, and a diverse array of farmers and organizations. The Secretary of Agriculture must consider the Initiative's recommendations in annual budget proposals and report to Congress on their implementation. Furthermore, the bill significantly amends the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) , extending its authorization through fiscal year 2030 and substantially increasing its funding to reach $100 million annually by FY2030. OREI's scope is expanded to include facilitating the identification and adoption of traditional ecological knowledge and researching how organic agriculture can adapt to and mitigate climate change. A new competitive grant program is created to support research, education, and extension activities specifically focused on the transitioning-to-organic agricultural production systems. This program aims to overcome barriers to transition, document ecosystem service benefits, and develop improved technologies, with authorized appropriations starting at $10 million and increasing to $20 million annually. Additionally, the bill mandates the Economic Research Service to conduct a comprehensive economic impact analysis of organic farming and certification, considering regional differences and impacts on rural and urban communities.