Graves, Agriculture Chairman Introduce Measure to Increase Agriculture Research

Press Release

Graves, Agriculture Chairman Introduce Measure to Increase Agriculture Research

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves teamed with the House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (MN-07) to introduce legislation today aimed at increasing agriculture research.

"We have the safest, most abundant food supply in the world," said Graves, one of a handful of farmers serving in Congress. "In order to keep that edge we must never end our quest for knowledge. The National Institute for Food and Agriculture will ensure that we continue to be a leader in agriculture research."

The legislation implements recommendations from the USDA task force established in the 2002 Farm Bill. The Task Force found that an inadequate funding for American agriculture puts farmers and producers at a disadvantage when competing with foreign competition.

"As a farmer, Congressman Graves understands that research is a sound investment in the future of agriculture and our ability to feed and fuel the country, " said Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau President. "I am pleased he is helping lead the way in creating the National Institute for Food and Agriculture."

Agriculture research has a long history in the United States. Thomas Jefferson called agriculture research "a science of the very first order." The NIFA would supplement ongoing research and would be similar to programs at the National Institutes of Health. The legislation would authorize $3.44 billion over 5 years.

"There are growing demands on agriculture- from feeding the world to helping end our dependence on foreign oil," said Graves. "In order to meet those demands we must continue to find innovative solutions."

U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Tom Harkin of Iowa are co-sponsors of the legislation in the U.S. Senate. Graves is the only Missourian on the Agriculture Committee.

Source