By Jamie Martin
The Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act has been proposed to ensure the U.S. agricultural system continues to grow stronger and more sustainable. Organic agriculture represents a growing share of food production and consumer demand, yet organic research receives less than two percent of USDA research funding. The OSRI Act seeks to address this gap and reinforce long-term support for sustainable agriculture.
A key part of the Act involves coordinating USDA organic research programs to prevent duplication and expand the reach of new findings. The bill increases funding for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) from $60 million to $100 million over the next several years. This funding supports research on climate impacts, organic pest and weed management, and crop systems that help protect biodiversity and improve soil health.
The Act also provides funding for programs that help farmers transition to organic systems. These programs offer guidance, field trials, and region-specific research to ensure farmers have access to reliable, practical information. In addition, increased investment in the Organic Data Initiative will support better national data collection on organic markets, prices, and risk management.
While the bill supports organic farmers, its benefits extend to the entire farming sector. Many organic practices are now widely used by conventional farmers seeking to lower input costs, build healthier soils, and strengthen sustainability. Techniques like cover cropping, diversified rotations, and biological pest management originated in organic research and are now part of broader farming strategies.
Agricultural research is also important for rural economic development. Every research dollar generates long-term benefits for farm profitability and local job creation.
“The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition strongly endorses the Organic Science and Research Investment Act (OSRI Act). The OSRI Act makes meaningful investments in providing organic producers with the research and tools they need to continue to improve upon already resilient farming systems and meet the growing market demand for organic products. A boost in funding for scientific research and economic data and analysis within NIFA and ARS will support both organic and conventional agricultural producers so they can sustain and improve their operations while helping us reach meaningful solutions for the climate crisis,” said Nick Rossi, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC).
The OSRI Act has strong backing from farming organizations, businesses, and advocates. Supporters encourage contacting representatives, sharing information, and publicly voicing support for agricultural research in the next Farm Bill.
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Categories: National