H.R. 7949 directs the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants supporting plant and microbial biology research that could advance agriculture, food production, or biotechnology. The grants would go to universities, nonprofits, private companies, and government agencies at all levels, as well as partnerships between these entities. The bill authorizes $150 million annually from fiscal year 2026 through 2031 to fund this research initiative. This legislation amends the existing National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to formally establish this plant biology research program, which aims to develop fundamental scientific knowledge and new tools or technologies in the field.