Agricultural Research and Extension in the 2025 Farm Bill

As Congress prepares to reauthorize the 2025 Farm Bill, agricultural research and extension programs stand as critical pillars of federal support for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The CRS Report IF12023 offers a concise overview of how these programs are structured and funded, and why they matter now more than ever.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a central role in administering federal research initiatives. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS), and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) each lead efforts in agricultural innovation, food security, and climate-resilient farming. Key programs include:

• Hatch Act Funding: Supports agricultural experiment stations across land-grant universities.
• Smith-Lever Act Programs: Extend research through cooperative extension services.
• Competitive Grants: Administered primarily through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).

These programs support the development of pest-resistant crops, advanced conservation techniques, rural technology expansion, and more. As lawmakers debate how to modernize the Farm Bill, research and extension will remain a flashpoint for innovation, food policy, and rural prosperity.