ASPB, together with a coalition of 56 other scientific societies, academic institutions, and industry partners, recently sent a letter to to House and Senate Appropriations leaders to emphasize the critical role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and request necessary funding to keep ARS running. In the letter, the coalition requests $1.877 billion for ARS salaries and expenses—a 5% increase over current funding levels—to ensure the agency can continue delivering the critical research that underpins U.S. agriculture.
“As USDA’s chief intramural research agency, ARS conducts food and agricultural research at more than 90 research locations nationwide and delivers science-based solutions that support American farmers, ranchers, consumers, and rural communities,” the letter states. ARS research has led to significant, long-term impacts, from developing disease-resistant crops and improving livestock management to advancing soil health practices and enhancing food safety. The agency also maintains essential national research infrastructure and datasets that enable innovation and deliver lasting returns on federal investment.
Investments in ARS sustain scientific capacity, preserve long-term experiments, and ensure the United States remains globally competitive in agriculture and food systems innovation.
ASPB is proud to be part of this coalition effort to advocate for robust funding for ARS.
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