MANHATTAN, KAN. (May 2, 2023) – U.S. Congressman Tracey Mann and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Glenn “GT” Thompson met today with Farm Journal Foundation and leaders from Kansas State University for a discussion on opportunities to advance agriculture research and development in the 2023 Farm Bill.
The event focused on how agricultural innovations being uncovered at the university and other research institutions can mitigate global hunger and malnutrition. Katie Lee, Farm Journal Foundation’s Vice President of Government Affairs, moderated a panel discussion with Rep. Mann; Chairman Thompson; Dr. Ernie Minton, Kansas State University’s Dean of the College of Agriculture; Ambassador Gregg Doud, former Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and currently the Vice President Global Situational Awareness and Chief Economist at Aimpoint Research; and Farm Journal Foundation’s Kansas Farmer Ambassador Tyler Lund.
“Investing in agricultural innovation and research today creates a stronger safety net for both producers and people around the world tomorrow,” said Rep. Mann. “Producers know that their businesses live or die by their ability to innovate and adapt, and since our national security depends in large part on our food security, the return on investment of ag research dollars is unparalleled. Institutions like my alma mater, Kansas State University, understand this well too as they often pave the way in conducting cutting-edge research in food and agriculture. It was an honor to host Chairman Thompson in Kansas to showcase Kansas’ rich agricultural contributions and heritage. Thank you to the Farm Journal Foundation for providing this opportunity to elevate the importance of ag research, innovation, and food security as Congress works to address critical problems and reauthorize the Farm Bill.”
“Food security is national security, and the research conducted by our nation's land grant universities, including Kansas State, is critical to continued innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Chairman Thompson. “I'm grateful for Congressman Mann's commitment to this issue, and for Farm Journal Foundation sparking these important conversations."
According to the World Food Program, as many as one in ten people worldwide are affected by hunger. These issues have strong effects for the U.S. in terms of national security, international trade, and global prosperity. Congress is currently discussing the next Farm Bill, which provides a timely opportunity to support agricultural research and development and help ensure that global food systems remain resilient in the face of increasing challenges.
“Public investments in agricultural science and technology are critical for maintaining healthy global food systems and ample supplies of safe, affordable food for consumers around the world,” said Katie Lee, Vice President of Government Affairs at Farm Journal Foundation. “Innovations taking place at Kansas State University and other institutions across the U.S. show why agricultural R&D should be prioritized in the next Farm Bill.”
In addition to the panel, participants joined a roundtable lunch discussion hosted by Kansas State University President Dr. Richard Linton and toured some of the university’s research facilities. Highlights of the tour included the Meat Lab, a U.S. Department of Agriculture certified meat processing facility on campus, the Hal Ross Flour Mill, the only mill of its kind on a university campus in the U.S., and the Call Hall Dairy Bar, where participants enjoyed locally sourced ice cream.
“K-State’s College of Agriculture is among the nation’s best agricultural colleges, and we have long been focused on discovering and enhancing ways to increase production while concurrently helping farmers mitigate risk and manage input costs. Collectively, these are important topics to be considered in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension. “We are honored to support the Farm Journal Foundation’s Kansas Ag Research Discussion and Tour and host this important conversation between Kansans, panelists and legislators.”
To watch a replay of the event, visit https://www.k-state.edu/media/farmbill/.
Media Contact
Whitney McFerron, Communications Director
Farm Journal Foundation
About Farm Journal Foundation
Farm Journal Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to achieving global food security by sustaining modern agriculture’s leadership role and ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population. The organization works to advance this mission through key issue areas, including global food and nutrition security, agricultural research and innovation, rural development, and conservation and sustainability. To learn more, visit www.farmjournalfoundation.org.