H.R. 3707: NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act

This bill, known as the NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act, aims to enhance collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address shared goals and needs through research and development. The key components of the bill include:

Collaboration and Research Activities

The Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the NSF will initiate collaborative research and development efforts focused on their combined mission priorities. This collaboration seeks to improve solutions in various areas, including:

• Plant, animal, and microbial biology related to agriculture
• Food and nutrition security
• Economic revitalization in rural areas
• Cyber-physical systems
• Smart and connected communities
• Advanced soil and plant processes sensing
• Food safety and environmental monitoring
• Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation
• Precision agriculture tools

Interagency Agreements

To facilitate these activities, the Secretary and the Director will create memoranda of understanding or other interagency agreements. These documents will outline procedures for competitive merit review and may involve various institutions, including:

• Federal agencies
• Higher education institutions
• Nonprofit organizations

Coordination and Support

The bill proposes several methods to enhance collaboration and coordinate research, including:

• Conducting joint research projects
• Sharing data and resources among relevant organizations
• Supporting research infrastructure such as facilities and broadband connectivity
• Developing technologies for commercial use
• Offering educational initiatives to improve STEM education and workforce development
• Providing grants to establish centers for agricultural research and workforce development

Reporting and Accountability

Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary and Director must prepare a report for Congress detailing:

• Interagency coordination
• Opportunities for expanding technical capabilities
• Achievements in collaborative research
• Future collaboration potential

Research Security

All activities must align with existing federal policies related to research security, ensuring that the research conducted is safe and reliable.

Definitions and Scope

The bill contains definitions for various terms and establishes the committees in Congress that will oversee its implementation.

Relevant Companies

• DE: Deere & Company is likely to be impacted due to its involvement in agricultural equipment and technology, which may intersect with the research areas supported by this bill.
• CAT: Caterpillar Inc. manufactures machinery and technology used in agriculture, which could see advancements from collaborative research resulting from this legislation.
• BG: Bunge Limited, a leading agribusiness, might be affected through potential improvements in food and nutrition security initiatives.