Sponsors (3)
The bill directs substantial new federal investment to plant and microbial biology research that can boost scientific capacity and benefit farmers, but it increases recurring federal spending and raises risks of private-sector competition and legal ambiguity for grant administration.
Researchers, universities, and students receive a dedicated $150 million per year (FY2026–2031) in funding to support plant and microbial biology research, increasing research opportunities and capacity.
Farmers and food-sector businesses could gain access to new tools and technologies developed from program-funded research, potentially raising productivity and creating market opportunities in rural communities.
The program expands national research capacity in plant and microbial biology, strengthening long-term innovation in biotechnology and resilience for food security.
All taxpayers face a recurring increase in federal spending of $150 million per year (FY2026–2031), which could crowd out other budget priorities or require offsetting revenues or cuts.
Small private-sector companies may face increased competition for talent, partnerships, and research collaborations as federal funding subsidizes academic and nonprofit research efforts.
Nonprofits and grant applicants could encounter legal ambiguity about eligibility because the bill's statutory definition references Internal Revenue Code language with a drafting error (a repeal reference), potentially delaying awards or triggering litigation until corrected.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Creates an NSF grant program for plant and microbial biology relevant to agriculture and biotechnology and authorizes $150M per year for FY2026–2031.
Introduced March 16, 2026 by Josh Riley · Last progress March 16, 2026
Creates a new competitive, merit-reviewed grant program at the National Science Foundation to support plant and microbial biology research relevant to agriculture, food, or biotechnology, and authorizes $150,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2026–2031 for that program. It also adds a statutory definition of “nonprofit organization” for program purposes. The act amends the NSF Authorization Act framework to establish program authority and funding levels; actual grant awards would require annual appropriations and NSF implementation through its usual competitive review processes.