Wenatchee Times

WASHINGTON, DC – On June 14, 2023, U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced The AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful Act, or the AG RESEARCH Act, a bipartisan bill that will increase federal investment in agriculture research institutions.  

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. A 2020 analysis by the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities found that 69% of buildings at land-grant universities and non-land-grant colleges of agriculture are at the end of their useful lives. Without specific investment in research facilities – many of which are located at research facilities from the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. will not keep pace with international competitors or recruit the next generation of researchers. 

Congresswoman Schrier’s bill solves this issue by authorizing $1 billion in mandatory spending and authorizing an additional $1 billion in discretionary appropriations over 5 years to provide infrastructure grants to agricultural research facilities. These investments will help local institutions like Washington State University, Central Washington University, Kansas State University, and Haskell Indian Nations University. 

“Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength and security. In the face of a changing climate and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support farmers in any way we can,” said Rep. Schrier. “Research institutions discover the solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges. They are fundamental to successful food production and soil health during this time of extreme weather patterns, novel pests, and drought. For far too long these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. This legislation will adequately invest in research institutions and provide much needed assistance for our farmers.”

“American land-grant universities lead the world in agricultural research,” said Rep. Mann. “The idea for land-grant universities was originally proposed in the 1850s to educate students and increase agricultural expertise and U.S. productivity. Over the years, these universities have surpassed that original vision, and now conduct the cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, agricultural research returns $20 in benefits to the economy for every public dollar spent. Despite this, federal funding for food and agricultural research has declined in real dollars over the past two decades. I am proud to introduce the AG RESEARCH Act alongside Representative Schrier, as we must continue to support agricultural research, development, and innovation. When we make strong investments like these, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.” 

“APLU thanks Representatives Mann and Schrier for their leadership in championing the AG RESEARCH Act. This bill would provide much-needed support for state-of-the-art research facilities to ensure the United States leads international agricultural innovation at a time of mounting global competition and increased instability in global food supply,” said APLU President Mark Becker. 

“WSU works hard to support Washington’s agriculture community and their research needs. But it's undeniable that our aging infrastructure impacts our ability to maintain our competitiveness and push forward with cutting-edge technologies,” said Washington State University President Kirk Schulz. “This critical funding would move our facilities into the 21st century so we can continue to contribute to a strong agriculture economy that is globally competitive, feeds our state and the nation, and educates the future agricultural workforce. We applaud Congresswoman Schrier’s leadership and look forward to working with our partners in the federal government and other land grant institutions to ensure our facilities are safe, accessible, and operable.” 

“The proposed legislation provides a significant opportunity for the entire Land-Grant system to even more greatly fulfill its mission of service to the people across our nation,” said Kansas State University President Richard Linton. “With this additional funding of the nation’s ag experiment stations and research centers, Congress will be signaling its support for the critical knowledge transfer that fosters community vitality and fuels economic prosperity — and maintains U.S. global competitiveness and leadership in agriculture.” 

“We are very grateful for Representatives Mann and Schrier to be doing this work and proposing this legislation,”President of Haskell National Board of RegentsBrittany Hall. “Any and all support for Haskell Indian Nations University is greatly appreciated and hope this legislation is supported by all as our students all deserve the opportunities available especially as our people have been traditionally forgotten. We are also very grateful for Carrie Billy and all the work the AIHEC team does for Native American and Indigenous students and their communities and testifying for this great work.” 

“We applaud this meaningful recognition of the critical research infrastructure needs at our public colleges of agriculture supported by 1890 institutions. Each year our researchers are being asked to do more with less. Funding for the Research Facilities Act is vital to ensure American agriculture has the scientific workforce that can drive the next generation of agricultural innovation.” Mortimer Neufville, President and CEO of 1890s Universities Foundation.

This legislation is endorsed by the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities.  

Original source can be found here.