Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 5703
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5703Agriculture and Food
Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025
INTRO OCT 6· LAST ACTION DEC 5
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to significantly boost scientific knowledge and practical solutions specifically for organic agriculture. Organic farming is a growing sector with unique challenges and needs compared to conventional farming, and dedicated research can help address these.
If this bill becomes law, it means more dedicated resources will go into helping organic farmers deal with issues like managing pests without synthetic chemicals, improving soil health, developing robust organic crop varieties, and adapting to climate change. This could make organic farming more efficient, sustainable, and better able to supply the increasing consumer demand for organic products. If it doesn't pass, organic research efforts might remain fragmented or underfunded, potentially hindering the growth and resilience of the organic sector and leaving farmers with fewer science-backed tools.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a new "Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative" within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This creates a dedicated body to oversee and direct government research efforts specifically for organic farming.
PROVISION 02
Directs the new Initiative to coordinate all organic research conducted by various USDA agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
This ensures a unified approach to organic research across different government departments, preventing duplication and maximizing efficiency.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Initiative to regularly survey existing organic research and develop strategic plans and recommendations for future research every five years.
This ensures ongoing evaluation of research gaps and priorities, guiding future investments and scientific discovery in organic agriculture.
PROVISION 04
Outlines specific research areas to be addressed, such as developing new organic plant and livestock varieties, improving pest management, enhancing food safety, and making farms resilient to climate change.
These targeted research areas address key challenges and opportunities for organic farmers and the organic industry.
PROVISION 05
Specifies the composition and eligibility of members for the Initiative, ensuring representation from key USDA research and organic programs.
This ensures that the Initiative is staffed with qualified experts from relevant agencies, fostering expertise and collaboration.
This bill matters because it aims to significantly boost scientific knowledge and practical solutions specifically for organic agriculture. Organic farming is a growing sector with unique challenges and needs compared to conventional farming, and dedicated research can help address these.
If this bill becomes law, it means more dedicated resources will go into helping organic farmers deal with issues like managing pests without synthetic chemicals, improving soil health, developing robust organic crop varieties, and adapting to climate change. This could make organic farming more efficient, sustainable, and better able to supply the increasing consumer demand for organic products. If it doesn't pass, organic research efforts might remain fragmented or underfunded, potentially hindering the growth and resilience of the organic sector and leaving farmers with fewer science-backed tools.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a new "Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative" within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This creates a dedicated body to oversee and direct government research efforts specifically for organic farming.
med
Directs the new Initiative to coordinate all organic research conducted by various USDA agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
This ensures a unified approach to organic research across different government departments, preventing duplication and maximizing efficiency.
high
Requires the Initiative to regularly survey existing organic research and develop strategic plans and recommendations for future research every five years.
This ensures ongoing evaluation of research gaps and priorities, guiding future investments and scientific discovery in organic agriculture.
high
Outlines specific research areas to be addressed, such as developing new organic plant and livestock varieties, improving pest management, enhancing food safety, and making farms resilient to climate change.
These targeted research areas address key challenges and opportunities for organic farmers and the organic industry.
med
Specifies the composition and eligibility of members for the Initiative, ensuring representation from key USDA research and organic programs.
This ensures that the Initiative is staffed with qualified experts from relevant agencies, fostering expertise and collaboration.
Not later than 3 years after the establishment of the Initiative, and every 5 years thereafter
Initiative to conduct a survey of all research relating to organic agriculture of the Secretary and submit a report containing the findings.
GLOSSARY
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Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
The primary internal scientific research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, focused on finding solutions to agricultural problems.
National Organic Program (NOP)
A program within the USDA that develops and enforces national standards for organically produced agricultural products.
Organic Agriculture
A system of farming that prioritizes ecological balance and biodiversity, avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, and aims for sustainability.
Transitioning-to-organic agricultural producers
Farmers who are in the multi-year process of converting their farms from conventional practices to meet the certification requirements for organic production.
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE)
A high-level official within the USDA responsible for overseeing its research, education, and economic agencies, including those involved in agricultural science.
Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS)
A USDA office that advises the Secretary of Agriculture on scientific matters and helps ensure that USDA research and programs are science-based.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
DEC 5, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
The many benefits that people gain from natural ecosystems, such as clean air and water, fertile soil, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
A USDA agency that funds research, education, and extension projects in food and agricultural sciences at universities and other partner institutions across the U.S.
