NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a formal collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation to coordinate joint agricultural research, data sharing, infrastructure, and workforce programs across technology and farming. It targets technologies like AI, sensors, robotics, and precision agriculture while supporting education and rural economic revitalization.
Show full summary
- Farmers and rural communities would gain access to research-backed tools and infrastructure support such as precision-ag technologies, soil and water monitoring, and broadband to help with rural economic revitalization.
- Students, teachers, and the agricultural workforce would see expanded STEM and career programs. The bill funds K–12 curricula development, teacher workshops, Cooperative Extension activities, and grants to create Centers for Agricultural Research, Education, and Workforce Development at colleges and community colleges.
- Researchers, universities, and industry would get coordinated, merit-based interagency funding, secure data sharing, translational technology support, and mechanisms for public‑private partnerships and reimbursable agreements to move discoveries toward commercial use.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
USDA and NSF joint farm research
If enacted, USDA and NSF would run joint research programs. They would coordinate by agreements and use merit review when appropriate. Work would focus on farm and food topics like AI, robotics, sensors, precision tools, food safety, and rural economies. They could sign reimbursable agreements with other agencies and follow CHIPS and Science Act rules.
Grants for farm tech training and centers
If enacted, the agencies would offer grants and partnerships to share data and build tools ready for market. They could support research facilities, equipment, and needed broadband. They would fund STEM and farm learning, like Cooperative Extension, K–12 teacher workshops, and new K–12 curricula. Colleges, community colleges, career schools, and nonprofits could get grants to start centers for research, education, and job training. They could also set up public–private partnerships to keep this work going.
Defines who can apply for grants
If enacted, the bill would define which congressional committees get reports on this program. It would set what counts as a community college, career and technical school, and institution of higher education. Those definitions would decide which institutions can apply for the new grants.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 9/3/2025
Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
CO • D
Sponsored 1/6/2026
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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