Senators Reintroduce OSRI Act for Organic Growth

OSRI Act to Expand USDA Support for Organic Science and Farm Innovation

The Organic Science and Research Investment (OSRI) Act is back with strong support from U.S. Senators and over 80 agriculture organizations.

This bill focuses on increasing investment in USDA organic research, boosting farmer-led innovation, and improving tools for a strong domestic food system.

Key objectives of the OSRI Act include -

• Establishing a USDA initiative to expand organic research programs.

• Increasing OREI funding from $50 million to $100 million annually.

• Renaming and supporting the Organic Transition Research Program, now called RTOP.

• Improving market data through the Organic Production and Market Data Initiative.

• Requiring analysis of the economic and ecological impacts of organic farming.

These changes aim to make organic agriculture more competitive, reduce reliance on imports, and keep profits in local economies. The bill also sends a clear message to universities and young scientists that organic farming is a national research priority.

A core feature of the bill is its support for farmer-led research. “The OSRI Act requires researchers to collaborate directly with farmers,” helping ensure results that matter at the farm level.

By funding methods like crop diversification and natural pest control, the act encourages environmentally friendly practices. It also includes Traditional Ecological Knowledge, recognizing Indigenous farming wisdom.

Organic food now makes up over 6% of U.S. food sales, yet receives less than 2% of USDA research funding. The OSRI Act helps align public investment with market demand—creating a more resilient, science-driven future for all farmers.