Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026

H.R. 7734 would amend federal agricultural law to add four new research priority areas for land-grant universities and colleges. The bill would allow these institutions to apply for competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop and evaluate technologies for mechanizing agricultural processes, with special emphasis on harvesting specialty crops. The legislation would also create grant opportunities for research into agricultural applications of artificial intelligence, methods to manage and eradicate invasive plant and animal species, and aquaculture research initiatives.

The bill is designed to address challenges facing American farmers, including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather. By directing federal research funding toward these specific areas, the legislation aims to help farmers adopt new technologies and remain economically competitive. The bill has bipartisan support and is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Agriculture.