The bill aims to enhance organic agricultural research, establish the 'Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative', prioritize indigenous ecological knowledge, identify alternatives to listed substances, and address climate change impacts. It promotes research, education, and extension activities to support the transition to organic farming. The bill also requires an economic impact analysis of organic agricultural management, including impacts on local economies, labor markets, environmental quality, and social dynamics. It authorizes $10,000,000 for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 for this purpose, doubling the previous allocation.
Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025
This 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.
