Editorial: Open Access on the move

Finally, the open access movement has fully reached United States, with White House announcing that by 31 Dec. 2025, scientific publications and supporting data resulting from federally funded research should immediately be made publicly accessible upon publication (The House, 2022, August 25). The new policy will require generated to freely accessible. This boost model for publications, brings States more in line Europe, which adopted a similar policy, Coalition S program (European Science Foundation, 2022), stating national, regional, international funding bodies must published access. While U.S. does not directly demand journals, journals provide an ideal platform implement policy. Vadose Zone Journal embraced since 2018 publishes articles under Gold Open Access model, meaning final version of article is available online anyone, anywhere download read. drawback individual authors, however, levy processing charge (APC), paid prior authors or their institutions. As Editors, we have heard many times are hesitant publish journal because APC, given alternative free subscription-based, non-open-access journals. valid argument, as limited may funds pay costs. Nonetheless, “free” subscription-based cost ultimately libraries, subscriptions S, well while requiring immediate public access, also help cover APC providing additional added costs incentives agencies make transformational deals publishers waive authors. Such between universities/research already common Europe allow researchers without having themselves. Currently, such rare but likely change that. Some deals, particularly hybrid puts like at disadvantage, unilateral discouraged. Also, offering would lead increased if fees libraries still need subscribe Publishing step ensuring equitable all embraced, valued, cherished. However, needs further developed improved. Existing programs expanded, initiatives developed, ensure equal susceptible misuse, shown existence plethora predatory aggressively solicit submit then profit APCs regard quality. misuse prevented, instance through legal interventions recent ruling District Court Nevada (a affirmed Appeals Ninth Circuit) against publisher (Federal Trade Commission v. OMICS Group Inc., 2019). Authors aware only trusted publishers. committed publishing high-quality its accessibility all. In addition, society-owned journal, supports Soil Society America, member-owned society provides quality research-based educational programs, certifications, science initiatives, meeting forums, professional home scientists. America including Journal, recently partnered commercial John Wiley & Sons, who taken over marketing production aspects (management journal's website, advertising, marketing, typesetting), editorial process (review, manuscript approval, policy) remains society's responsibility. turn, receives some revenue services, another portion journals’ flows into activities. Thus, commitment testimony support opposed those owned for-profit