Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026

This bill would expand the Department of Agriculture's high-priority research and extension areas to include grants for the development of agricultural artificial intelligence and mechanized technologies, particularly for specialty crop production. It also proposes funding for land-grant colleges and universities to research methods for managing and eradicating invasive species through biocontrol and other techniques. Additionally, the legislation would support research into aquaculture methods for the propagation of economically and ecologically significant aquatic and marine species.

This bill primarily affects land-grant colleges and universities, which would be eligible for grants to research invasive species management and aquaculture methods. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also affected as it is authorized to award grants for the development of agricultural artificial intelligence and mechanization technologies. Additionally, producers of specialty crops and stakeholders in the aquaculture industry may be impacted by the research and technological advancements funded under these new priority areas.

• Mechanization of agricultural processes. Authorizes the USDA to award grants for the development and evaluation of technologies that mechanize agricultural processes, with a potential emphasis on harvesting specialty crops.
• Artificial intelligence in agriculture. Permits grants for research into agricultural applications of artificial intelligence, including uses intended to improve the production of specialty crops.
• Invasive species management and eradication. Supports research projects at land-grant colleges and universities to develop methods for managing and eradicating invasive plant and animal species, including through biocontrol.
• Aquaculture research and development. Provides for grants to land-grant institutions for the study of aquaculture methods, specifically the propagation and rearing of economically and ecologically significant aquatic and marine species.

The bill expands existing Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension areas to include new grants for agricultural mechanization, artificial intelligence, invasive species management, and aquaculture methods.

The bill aims to expand Department of Agriculture research and extension priorities by authorizing grants for the development of agricultural mechanization and artificial intelligence technologies, with a focus on specialty crops. Additionally, it seeks to support land-grant institution research into managing invasive species and advancing aquaculture methods for economically and ecologically significant species.