AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION
Agricultural research and development can help solve the biggest challenges facing farmers and our food system today. Drought tolerant seeds, new solutions to pest and disease outbreaks, high-tech machinery and precision agricultural tools – these solutions and many others are vital for feeding our global growing population and cushioning against unexpected shocks.
Public agricultural R&D has an extremely high return on investment, unlocking $20 in benefits for every $1 spent by taxpayers, yet spending has been declining in real dollars over the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farm Journal Foundation works to educate policymakers and other key stakeholders about the importance of agricultural innovation, both for farmers in the U.S. and smallholders abroad, and how public R&D can complement and support innovations in the private sector.
Our Work on Agricultural Innovation
Farm Journal Foundation works to advance agricultural innovations through a range of thought leadership, education, and advocacy efforts. Some examples of this work include:
IN-STATE EVENTS
We meet with federal policymakers in their home districts, hosting them on tours of our Farmer Ambassadors’ farms and at agricultural research facilities at leading universities. Holding localized events allows us to have deeper, more personal discussions on pressing issues, and get into specifics about how solutions can be put into action.
POLICY RESEARCH
We commission and produce in-depth studies that demonstrate the impact of investing in agricultural research and provide policy recommendations for how the government can focus resources. We pair this research with meetings and briefings on Capitol Hill to build coalitions and drive support among important decision makers.
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MEDIA & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
We pitch news stories and write op-eds about the importance of agricultural research in global efforts to meet rising food demand. Our Farmer Ambassadors and staff also speak at public events to raise awareness about the need for increased public-sector support for agricultural innovation.