Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Agriculture Research
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. This bill aims to support our farmers and strengthen our agriculture industry by increasing federal investment in agriculture research institutions such as Washington State and Central Washington University. Congresswoman Schrier was joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), and a companion bill was introduced by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).
“Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success - they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.”
Today’s farmers face unprecedented challenges such as extreme droughts and floods, increased pest and disease pressures, and feeding a growing population with less working land. Research institutions play a crucial role within the agriculture industry, providing innovative solutions to the obstacles that our farmers face. Unfortunately, funding for these institutions has stagnated, with the United States falling billions of dollars behind China and other nations in agriculture research investment. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill solves this issue by authorizing $2.5 billion in mandatory spending and authorizing an additional $1 billion in discretionary appropriations over 5 years to provide infrastructure grants to agricultural research facilities.
“Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Congressman Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.”
“Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Senator Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”
“For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”
“Investment in the Research Facilities Act will be transformative, and we applaud Senators Moran and Hirono, as well as Representatives Mann and Schrier, for their commitment to ensuring our agricultural scientists have the tools they need to spur the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Doug Steele, Vice President of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU.