By Andi Anderson
The future of the Farm Bill is causing concern for George Smith, director of Michigan State University’s AgBioResearch. Smith, who recently addressed agricultural journalists at the Ag Media Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, emphasized the critical role the Farm Bill plays in stimulating agricultural innovation and supporting the nation's ability to feed itself.
“I would bet there isn't a single person in this room who would disagree with that statement,” Smith said, stressing the importance of the Farm Bill. However, he pointed out that many people, including incoming college students, lack understanding of what the Farm Bill entails and its significance.
The delay in passing a new Farm Bill has raised alarms, especially since the bill is essential for funding programs related to commodities, conservation, and research. According to Smith, the bill's passage has already been delayed by nearly a year, with some sectors, like specialty crops, facing significant challenges.
“There’s hope in the farm bill for a solution,” Smith said, noting the proposed increase in funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, which focuses on research, automation, and mechanization.
The need for modern research infrastructure is another pressing issue. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a study conducted by land-grant institutions revealed that more than 70% of their research facilities had outlived their usefulness, with an estimated $38 billion required to replace them.
Smith emphasized that MSU’s AgBioResearch also needs this funding to support future inventions and practices that can increase productivity and ensure food security.
“Our job is to rally people behind the cause and have a plan in place for the next decade,” Smith stated. “If we get a new farm bill, it could be a really, really significant advancement and step forward for agricultural research.”
Kevin Kephart of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) echoed Smith’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of continued public investment in agricultural research. “We need additional investment of public dollars for future success,” Kephart said, noting that NIFA grants about $2 billion annually for public research and Extension efforts.
Smith underscored the need for advanced research infrastructure to tackle issues like tar spot, drought, and other weather-related challenges. “These are solvable problems, but we don't have the infrastructure to do the work that can not only make a difference for our farmers, but also in terms of food security and the livelihoods of people in this country,” he added.
The call for a new Farm Bill is clear: it is essential for advancing agricultural research, ensuring food security, and supporting the future of American agriculture.
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy