Strengthening Organic Agricultural Research (SOAR) Act of 2023

The Strengthening Organic Agricultural Research (SOAR) Act of 2023 increases annual funding for organic agricultural research and extension programs, directly supporting organic farmers, researchers, and institutions. It authorizes $60 million in 2024, rising to $100 million annually after 2028, for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative, and creates a new $10-20 million annual program to study transitioning from conventional to organic farming. This new program requires grants to prioritize partnerships with organic producers and specific educational institutions (1890/1994 colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions) while focusing on barriers, ecosystem benefits, and improved transition methods. Finally, the bill mandates a USDA economic impact analysis of organic agriculture, examining effects on rural economies, labor, environment, and community dynamics, to be completed within three years of enactment.