Sponsors
The bill directs federal support toward research and outreach on biological pest control to boost yields, sustainability, and food safety, but it requires additional spending and risks uneven benefits unless smaller producers are intentionally reached.
Farmers and agricultural producers gain federal funding for research and outreach on biological pest control, which could reduce crop losses and increase yields.
Growers and extension services receive grants to develop and distribute education materials, helping more producers adopt safer, sustainable pest‑control practices that support long‑term farm resilience and environmental protection.
Consumers—especially in rural communities—could face a lower risk of food‑borne illness if improved pest‑control methods reduce contamination of food products.
Taxpayers may face higher federal spending if appropriations rise to support the expanded grant scope and new awards.
If funded projects disproportionately benefit larger or better‑resourced operations, small and resource‑limited farmers may receive fewer direct benefits without targeted outreach or equity measures.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Adds biological pest control to the list of high‑priority topics eligible for competitive USDA research and extension grants under 7 U.S.C. § 5925.
Introduced February 24, 2026 by Hillary Scholten · Last progress February 24, 2026
Adds biological pest control to the list of high‑priority research and extension topics that the USDA may fund through competitive grants under existing authority. The change allows the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for research, development, education materials, information, and outreach on biological pest control to reduce crop damage and foodborne illness, without changing existing grant rules or funding levels.