Sponsors (3)
The bill provides targeted federal funding to boost plant and microbial biology research, training, and nonprofit participation—potentially advancing agricultural innovation and workforce development—while increasing federal spending and creating risks of shifted research priorities and competitive pressure on some private firms.
Scientists and researchers will receive new, dedicated competitive grants totaling $150 million per year (FY2026–FY2031), increasing available funding for plant and microbial biology research.
Universities, research institutions, and students will be able to expand programs and train more graduate and undergraduate students using the new competitive grant funding.
Farmers, consumers, and the broader public could benefit if accelerated plant and microbial biology research produces agricultural and biotech innovations that improve crop yields, resilience, or food security.
Taxpayers face an explicit increase in federal spending of $150 million per year for six years, adding to federal budgetary commitments.
Scientists and other research areas could be disadvantaged if NSF funding priorities for this program crowd out or reallocate resources away from other scientific needs.
Small private-sector firms and startups may face increased competitive pressure from grant-funded academic and nonprofit projects when attempting to commercialize related technologies.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes NSF to award competitive grants for plant and microbial biology research and tools, and authorizes $150M annually for FY2026–FY2031.
Introduced March 16, 2026 by Josh Riley · Last progress March 16, 2026
Authorizes the National Science Foundation to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to universities, nonprofits, private companies, and government entities to support fundamental plant and microbial biology research and development of related tools and resources for agriculture, food, or biotechnology. Establishes a six-year funding authorization of $150 million per year for FY2026–FY2031 and defines “nonprofit organization” as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization.