ASPB recently joined more than 50 food, farm, and conservation organizations in urging Congress to protect public investment in agricultural research.
“Investing in research at the intersection of agriculture and climate change is critical to both short-term and long-term efforts to protect the viability of the agricultural industry,” the letter reads. “Unfortunately, the U.S. is underinvesting in public agricultural research.”
The letter outlines the economic benefits of research investment as well as the climate impact, and highlights farmers and farmworkers as being particularly affected by climate change but uniquely positioned to scale unique tools, practices, and knowledge derived from agricultural research. “Public agricultural research is the first step needed to put new tools and innovations in the hands of farmers to address growing economic and environmental challenges and build resiliency,” the letter reads.
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