Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.-17) introduced the Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025, legislation that strengthens America’s organic agriculture sector by expanding federal research, improving coordination across the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and supporting producers transitioning to organic production.
The bill directs USDA to elevate organics research within its core scientific mission — ensuring the department better coordinates research across its agencies, includes organic priorities in its annual budget, and expands opportunities for universities and producers to advance innovation in the field.
“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to be a voice for our farmers in Congress,” said Vindman. “Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing and most innovative sectors in American farming. This bipartisan bill ensures that federal research keeps pace — strengthening support for producers, boosting sustainability, and helping secure the future of American agriculture for generations to come.”
“Organic farming represents one of the most innovative sectors in American agriculture,” said Lawler. “By improving coordination at USDA, this legislation helps advance the correlation between crop science and the family farms that utilize it to strengthen their business. Supporting agriculture research today means a more competitive agricultural economy tomorrow.”
Specifically, the Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 would:
- Improve coordination of organic research across USDA and require the department to include organics in its annual research and budget planning.
- Boost funding for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative to $100 million annually by 2030 and expand its focus on climate resilience and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
- Create new grants to support farmers and universities studying how to transition to organic production and overcome barriers to certification.
- Strengthen data and economic analysis of organic agriculture, helping policymakers and producers better understand market trends and rural impacts.
BACKGROUND
Organic agriculture represents a $60-billion-a-year industry and one of the most dynamic sectors in U.S. farming. Virginia’s Seventh District is home to a growing number of organic and transitioning producers — from small family farms to regional suppliers — who rely on research, innovation, and USDA partnership to remain competitive.
The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 builds on Vindman’s ongoing work to strengthen federal agricultural research, expand market opportunities for Virginia producers, and ensure the federal government keeps pace with the rapidly evolving organic industry.
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