AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION
Global food production needs to increase significantly by 2050 to meet the demands of a growing population. In order to do this, the food and agricultural industry must continue to innovate. While the U.S. historically has been a global leader in public funding for agricultural research, support has been stagnant in recent years – putting us at risk of falling behind major global competitors including China.
The benefits of public funding for agricultural research are significant. A recent study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics showed that agricultural research has one of the highest returns of any public investment, estimated at $17 to every $1 spent. While private-sector research has been hugely beneficial for large crop and livestock markets, public-sector support is crucial to innovate in under-explored areas – including research to protect animal health, specialty crops, and food safety. Farm Journal Foundation supports increased public investment in agricultural research, so that our entire food system can remain productive and resilient for generations to come.
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 PAPERS
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.
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.