Building a Resilient, Food Secure Future:

The Case for Agricultural Research Investment in the 2023 Farm Bill

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Agricultural & Applied Economics Association

American Association of Mycobacterial Diseases

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

American Dairy Science Association

American Feed Industry Association

American Institute of Biological Sciences

American Phytopathological Society

American Pulse Association

American Seed Trade Association

American Society for Horticultural Science

American Society for Nutrition

American Society of Agronomy

American Society of Animal Science

American Society of Plant Biologists

American Veterinary Medical Association

Supporters of the Farm Bill Research Letter

 Aquatic Plant Management Society

Association of 1890 Research Directors

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

Biotechnology Innovation Organization

Corn Refiners Association

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)

Crop Science Society of America

Ecological Society of America

Entomological Society of America

Farm Journal Foundation

FASS

FMI - The Food Industry Association

Friends of Hemp

Glenn Family Farm

Global Hemp Association (GHA)

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

Mycobacterial Diseases of Animals - Multistate Initiative

National Association of Plant Breeders

National Barley Growers Association

National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research

National Corn Growers Association

National Grange

National Pork Producers Council

National Sunflower Association

National Wheat Improvement Committee

North American Craft Maltsters Guild

North American Millers' Association

North Central Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors

North Central Weed Science Society

Northeastern Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (NERA)

Northeastern Weed Science Society

Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences

Plant Based Products Council

Soil Science Society of America

Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors

Southern Weed Science Society

Spark Climate Solutions

Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) Foundation

Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council

The Breakthrough Institute

The Good Food Institute

U.S. Canola Association

US Dairy Forage Research Center Stakeholder Advisory Committee

USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council

Weed Science Society of America

Western Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors

Western Society of Weed Science

Agriculture holds the solutions to some of our world's greatest challenges.

Agriculture feeds a rapidly growing world, improves our health, drives rural development at home and abroad.

Agricultural advancements rely on a continuous pipeline of innovations made possible through cutting-edge research.

Public funding for agricultural research in the U.S. has plummeted by 30% since 2002 and is now at the lowest funding levels since the 1970s.

Meanwhile, China has doubled their investments in agricultural R&D, making them the largest funder of agricultural R&D globally.

Through scientific breakthroughs, farmers and ranchers can become resilient to extreme weather events, incorporating sustainable production methods and ensuring global food security - without sacrificing the productivity that has made U.S. agriculture the envy of the world.

Without immediate investment in agricultural research, we are facing an uncertain future where food and nutrition security is no longer guaranteed.

The Farm Bill is our opportunity to secure this critical funding before it's too late.

The State of Agricultural Research

Global Leadership

  • U.S. public sector agricultural research drives agricultural productivity worldwide through technological spillover, positioning us as as global leader in agriculture.

  • Increased productivity growth will allow the U.S. to keep up with global and domestic food demand.

  • Agricultural research contributes to a flourishing supply chain, helping to bring down the cost of food, fiber and fuel.

Research Stories

A cohort of 20 universities led by Virginia Tech used gene sequencing to manage and fight off diseases that can quickly destroy soybeans, generating billions of dollars in savings globally.

Diverse Workforce & Infrastructure

  • Cutting-edge research opportunities attract the brightest scientific minds including often underrepresented populations in the science and agriculture fields.

  • Investments in upgraded research facilities will create 200,000 new jobs.

  • A diverse, well funded workforce will re-establish the US as a leader in agricultural science and ensure the longevity of our food system.

Research Stories

University of Minnesota researchers are analyzing how precision zonal field management systems can capture carbon, reduce GHG emissions, and improve production at lower costs than other GHG reducing methods.

Economy & Resiliency

  • Every dollar invested in agricultural R&D spending creates $20 in economic benefits.

  • Agriculture, food, and related industries contribute $1.1 trillion to America’s economy and support 22 million jobs.

  • Breakthrough innovation in fertilizer will stabilize global markets, lower prices for farmers, and increase productivity.

  • Investments in climate smart agriculture research can create resilient systems to withstand the changing climate - without compromising productivity and profitability.

Research Stories

Researchers at Iowa State developed vaccines for strains of salmonella, helping prevent diseases like E. coli in both chickens and humans.

Food Safety & National Security

  • Scientific breakthroughs ensure the U.S.’s role as a global leader, strengthening food and national security at home and around the globe.

  • R&D investments ensure our food system is resilient to shocks such as global conflict and disease outbreaks.

  • Sustained, increased investment in food and agricultural research will ensure a continuation of the safe, nutritious, and plentiful food supply we enjoy today.