Bill funds robots and automation for fruit, vegetable and nursery crops

What does this do?

The bill extends the Specialty Crop Research Initiative through 2031 and creates a new grant program for mechanization and automation of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nursery plants. USDA would award competitive grants for building prototypes, field-testing equipment, and speeding industry adoption of new technology. Priority goes to projects that train farmworkers on the new equipment and share results publicly.

Who does it affect?

Farmers and businesses growing specialty crops, farmworkers whose jobs may change due to automation, and agricultural researchers, universities, and technology developers who could receive grants. USDA will administer the program and distribute funding.

Why does it matter?

Increased automation could reduce manual labor needs while changing job duties and conditions for farmworkers. The program's grant priorities will shape which technologies and research institutions benefit most.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• At least $30 million per year
• Funded 2026 through 2031
• Plus existing research initiative funds