American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025
Summary
The American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025 aims to bolster agricultural research and security by establishing centers of excellence and providing grants for food protection. It amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. The Act focuses on various areas, including aquaculture, training for new farmers, biosecurity, biotechnology, and digital agriculture.
It also addresses food quality, foreign animal diseases, and forest productivity. The Act authorizes appropriations for both the centers of excellence and the agriculture and food protection grant program, each receiving $10,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030.
Expected Effects
This act will likely enhance agricultural research capabilities and improve the nation's ability to protect its food supply from various threats. The establishment of centers of excellence will foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. The grant program will provide resources for research, education, and facility upgrades related to agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity.
These measures could lead to increased agricultural productivity, improved food safety, and a more resilient agricultural system. The focus on training new farmers and ranchers could also help to address the challenges of an aging agricultural workforce.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced agricultural research and innovation through centers of excellence.
- Improved food security and protection against biosecurity and cybersecurity threats.
- Support for new farmers and ranchers through training and technical assistance.
- Increased collaboration between institutions, federal agencies, and industry groups.
- Workforce development and job creation in rural areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in establishing and managing the centers of excellence and grant program.
- Risk of funding being directed towards specific interests or institutions rather than the most promising research.
- Limited funding may not be sufficient to address all the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
- Possible overlap or duplication of efforts between the centers of excellence and existing research programs.
- The act does not address broader issues such as climate change impacts on agriculture.
Constitutional Alignment
The American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025 appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. By promoting agricultural research and security, the act aims to ensure a stable and safe food supply, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
Furthermore, the act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. The establishment of research centers and grant programs falls within the scope of Congress's enumerated powers and does not violate any constitutional restrictions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).