A diverse set of stakeholders, including AIBS, have sent a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees urging that they support $8 billion in mandatory funding for research in the Farm Bill to “spur scientific breakthroughs, keep pace with our global competitors, modernize facilities, and ensure nutrition security and a sustainable food system.”
The Farm Bill, passed by Congress every five years, is a legislative package that sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy. The stakeholder letter urges Congress to prioritize robust investments in food and agriculture research, facilities, extension, and education in the next Farm Bill.
The letter notes that federal investments in food and agricultural research in the U.S. has fallen by one third since 2002. At the same time, China’s funding has grown to more than $10 billion – double what the U.S. spends. Additionally, the letter points out that agricultural research infrastructure in the U.S. is in disrepair.
“Without immediate investment in food and agricultural research, we are facing an uncertain future where food and nutrition security is no longer guaranteed,” the stakeholders noted. “The Farm Bill is our opportunity to secure this critical funding before it’s too late.”
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