October 17, 2019 (Washington, DC)—The Farm Journal Foundation (FJF) today applauded Sen. Durbin (D-IL) and Reps. Bustos (D-IL), Schrier (D-WA), and Panetta (D-CA) for introducing the America Grows Act, into the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, respectively.
“This proposed legislation provides a path to critical ag research funding over the next five years and will help address issues like production, food security, and nutrition which are vital to U.S. producers and global consumers,” said FJF CEO Tricia Beal.
The America Grows Act authorizes a 5% annual funding increase for the next five years for agriculture research activities within USDA, specifically the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), National Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS), and Economic Research Service (ERS).
“Currently, most agriculture research within the U.S. is funded by private sector corporations, even though the return on investment for agriculture research is estimated at $20 to $1. We thank Sen. Durbin and Reps. Bustos, Schrier, and Panetta for their support and commitment to publicly-funded U.S. ag research and the producers and consumers who will, in turn, benefit from this vital investment.”
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About Farm Journal Foundation
Farm Journal Foundation is an independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and advocacy. To build support for sustaining American leadership in agriculture, Farm Journal Foundation engages with farmers and other producers, educates young people about agriculture, and helps policymakers understand the vital importance of agriculture to the U.S. economy and global stability. To learn more, visit: www.farmjournalfoundation.org