ACE Agriculture Act
Sponsored By: Representative Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
Introduced
Summary
permanent authorization of AGARDA would reauthorize and make permanent the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority and refocus it on long-term, high-risk agricultural technologies that advance sustainability, water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, and resilience to drought, pests, and disease. The bill would also raise AGARDA's funding authority to $100 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2032 and tighten rules on reporting and personnel within the Department of Agriculture.
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- Farmers and rural communities: Could gain access to new tools and technologies aimed at water conservation, climate resilience, and pest and disease management that improve productivity and environmental outcomes.
- Researchers and agricultural technology companies: Would get a clearer, longer-term launchpad for high-risk projects with targeted funding and hiring flexibility, including an explicit $100 million annual authorization for 2027–2032.
- USDA operations and leadership: Would reorganize oversight so the AGARDA Director reports to the Chief Scientist and allow the Secretary to appoint highly qualified scientific staff under existing personnel authorities.
*Would increase authorized federal spending by establishing $100 million in annual funding for AGARDA for fiscal years 2027–2032, raising the program's authorized level compared with prior law.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More funding for agricultural tech
If enacted, this would authorize $100,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2032 to carry out AGARDA. It would replace the prior statutory $50,000,000 authorization for fiscal years 2019–2023. The Secretary could also use other available Department funds to run AGARDA. The bill would expressly bar use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds for AGARDA. This authorization would not itself appropriate money; Congress would still need to approve actual spending.
New goals and staffing for agricultural research
If enacted, this would rewrite AGARDA's purpose to focus on long‑term, high‑risk agricultural technology and tools. It would add water conservation, environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas mitigation, export competitiveness, and resilience to pests, disease, drought, and extreme weather to the list of priorities. The bill would remove the word "pilot" from the program text and heading. It would require the AGARDA Director to report to the USDA Chief Scientist and bar other USDA program heads from reporting to the Director. The Director would need qualified staff, and the Secretary could hire top scientists on the same terms referenced in section 620 of the 1998 Agricultural Research reform law. The Secretary would also have to use the program strategic plan when running AGARDA.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Feenstra
IA • R
Sponsored 1/16/2026
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 1/27/2026
Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
OR • D
Sponsored 4/2/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov