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Mar 29, 2018
The American Soybean Association (ASA) signed onto letters in support of funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) at $525 million for FY 2019 to strengthen rural economies, public health and U.S. national security.
The letters, signed by 50 organizations, were submitted to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committees last week.
“This program funds the competitive science that is key to solidifying the foundation for America’s agricultural greatness,” the groups state in the letter, adding federal investment in agriculture research has fallen for over a decade.
The letters emphasize the importance of research and innovation as the agriculture community is called on to grow more food with less, improve nutrition and preserve natural resources.
“These calls can only be answered if we commit to meaningful investment in agricultural research,” the letter says.“AFRI funds all facets of agricultural research, from cutting edge genomics, to precision agriculture, to innovative conservation practices. Funded projects are already making a difference in our fields and markets. For instance, AFRI funding led to the development of hypo-allergenic peanuts as well as fifteen percent of wheat cultivars planted in the U.S.”
