H.R. 5703: Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to enhance the research and resources devoted to organic agriculture within the U.S. It proposes several key initiatives focused on organic farming, transitioning to organic practices, and addressing the economic aspects of organic production.

Establishment of the Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative

The Act establishes an initiative under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture. This initiative will:

• Coordinate research efforts related to organic agriculture conducted by various agricultural agencies.
• Assess ongoing and completed research projects on organic farming.
• Develop strategic plans for future research on organic agriculture.
• Conduct surveys and report findings on the state of organic research.

The initiative will consist of between 12 and 18 members who have expertise in organic agriculture, ensuring diverse representation from related agencies.

Increased Funding for Organic Research

The legislation authorizes increased financial resources for organic research from fiscal year 2026 to 2030, with specific funding levels set for each year:

• $60 million for 2026
• $70 million for 2027
• $80 million for 2028
• $90 million for 2029
• $100 million for 2030 and subsequent years

Research on Transitioning to Organic Practices

The Act allows for competitive grants to support research and educational activities focused on helping conventional farmers transition to organic practices. These grants may cover:

• Documenting the impacts of organic practices on ecosystem services.
• Overcoming challenges faced during the transition to organic agriculture.
• Developing new technologies or methods for improved organic production.

Economic Impact Analysis of Organic Farming

A requirement is set for conducting an economic analysis of organic farming. This analysis will consider:

• The diversity of farming operations and practices.
• The direct and indirect economic impacts of organic agriculture on communities.
• Factors like local economy vitality, labor market, environmental quality, and social dynamics.

Collaboration and Consultation

Throughout its implementation, the initiative will consult with stakeholders including farmers, ranchers, and organizations supporting agricultural communities. It will also seek input from educational institutions and boards focused on agricultural standards and policies.

Amendments to Existing Laws

The Act also proposes to amend existing agricultural legislation to facilitate the identification of traditional ecological knowledge, enhance cultural practices relevant to organic farming, and understand how organic agriculture can mitigate climate change effects.

Relevant Companies

• UNFI (United Natural Foods, Inc.): As a distributor of natural and organic foods, UNFI may benefit from increased organic product availability and consumer demand.
• SWM (Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.): This company, involved in producing materials for organic farming, may see increased demand for its products as organic research and production expand.