Amid a quickly changing research funding landscape in the United States, ASPB continues to be a vocal and engaged advocate for federal funding that supports plant scientists.
The Society recently joined academic, agriculture, and food stakeholder groups in a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Members recognizing their past support of the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and calling for a 5% increase in 2026 funding.
“ARS has a proven track record of delivering science-based solutions to critical agricultural challenges facing our Nation and improving the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of U.S. agriculture,” the letter states. “Long-term federal investments in agricultural research are essential for addressing complex challenges that require sustained attention and investments.”
The 5% increase translates to $1.877 billion in funding in 2026, which would be used to support ARS salaries and expenses, according to the letter. “This level of funding will ensure that ARS can respond effectively to new plant and animal pests and diseases, weather and environmental stresses, and food safety and nutrition security concerns.”
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