Research Funding

The budget process

The annual process by which the government funds all of its various discretionary programs is called the budget process. The budget process determines funding for everything from the military, to the postal service, to aid programs, and to research programs like those at USDA and the National Science Foundation. 

Understanding and engaging in the budget process allows ASA, CSSA, and SSSA members to advocate for federal research programs at the right time and to the right people.

The President’s budget

The annual budget process unofficially starts with the release of the President’s budget early in the calendar year. The President’s budget outlines their administrations priorities and can eliminate programs, propose new programs, or provide increases in funding to existing programs that align with those priorities. However, the President’s budget is more of a political document rather then an actual guide to federal spending.

Annual funding process

While the President puts forward their budget proposal each year, it is Congress who has the “power of the purse” and actually decides federal spending amounts. The Science Policy Office tracks the annual budget process for food, agriculture, and natural resources funding agencies, specifically U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and Department of Energy Office of Science.

• Read this CSA News article for an overview of the annual federal funding process.

Federal funding chart

Get the latest updates on funding for federal food, agriculture, and natural resources research programs. 

Updated August, 2024.

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

*Values listed in billions of dollars

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

*Values listed in billions of dollars

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies