H.R. 7712: Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources Support Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources Support Act of 2026, aims to enhance support for nurseries and seed orchards by creating a collaborative framework and establishing a grant program. Below are the key components of what the bill would do:

Partnerships and Collaboration

The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, will:

• Partner with federal and state agencies, Indian Tribes, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private nurseries to offer training and technical assistance for reforestation and tree establishment programs.
• Promote sharing of information regarding reforestation needs, seed and seedling management, the impact of climate change, tree genetics, and other relevant topics.
• Assist international nursery and tree establishment programs using resources from the Forest Service and other agencies.
• Collaborate with other federal departments to provide assistance related to nursery and reforestation efforts.
• Coordinate departmental efforts to tackle challenges in the reforestation supply chain, including workforce development.
• Expand reforestation supply chains through research, seed collection, workforce development, and nursery operations.
• Streamline the permitting process for seed collection on National Forest System lands.

Grant Program for Nurseries and Seed Orchards

Within two years of enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture will establish a grant program to provide financial support to eligible recipients for the following purposes:

• Developing and enhancing nursery capacity and infrastructure, which may include improving seed collection and storage, increasing seedling production, and ensuring better management of genetic resources.
• Establishing or expanding nurseries and seed orchards, including the acquisition of necessary equipment.
• Implementing quality control measures at nurseries and seed orchards.
• Promoting workforce development throughout the reforestation supply chain.
• Conducting any other activities deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Funding from the Reforestation Trust Fund

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate up to $5 million each year from the Reforestation Trust Fund to support the specified activities outlined in the bill, provided those funds are not already obligated for other purposes.

Definitions

The bill defines key terms such as:

• Eligible Recipient: This includes state forestry agencies, Indian Tribes, and private nurseries with experience in growing native trees and plants.
• National Forest System: Refers to the collection of national forests as defined in existing federal law.
• Nursery: Defined as a place that grows trees or native plants.
• Seed Orchard: An area where trees are grown specifically for seed production.

Relevant Companies

• DOW: Their operations in agricultural sciences might be directly impacted by changes in regulations surrounding seed and plant genetics.
• Bayer AG (BAYRY): As a major player in agricultural products, Bayer could see changes in business operations related to seed development and distribution.
• Monsanto (part of Bayer, but still often referenced as MONS): Similar to Bayer, as a major producer of seeds, Monsanto could be affected by the enhanced regulations and support surrounding nurseries and seed orchards.