APLU and our 115 Board on Agriculture Assembly member institutions continue our efforts to advance RFA funding in the upcoming Farm Bill. We are encouraged by the inclusion of mandatory RFA funding in the proposals put forth by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for historic investments in agricultural research. 

To address the substantial deferred national maintenance backlog of over $11.5 billion, the proposed mandatory funding levels as of August 22, 2024 are:

• House Agriculture Committee — $2.5 billion
• Senate Republican framework — $1 billion
• Senate Democratic framework — $100 million

The RFA is a program that provides funds for construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the agricultural research facilities at 1862, 1890, 1994, and insular land-grant and non-land-grant colleges of agriculture. RFA is administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

RFA investment in robust research infrastructure will help address and solve current and emerging agricultural threats and:

Increase Farmers and Ranchers’ Production and Profits
Farmers and ranchers face rapidly evolving, difficult problems as they work to provide a safe, affordable, ample, and nutritious food supply. Through world-class science, LGUs help producers improve their operations, lower expenses, and boost profits. Scientists are advancing cutting-edge tools and technologies that optimize farmers and ranchers’ efficiency and productivity. For example, researchers are advancing precision agriculture that utilizes technologies (e.g., GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics) to equip producers so they can make stronger data-driven decisions.

Attract and Retain Talented Students to Build the Workforce of the Future
LGUs prepare students to embark on productive careers focused on solving complex agricultural challenges. There is a high demand for and low supply of prepared graduates with expertise in food, agriculture, and natural resources. Current and prospective students want to conduct experiments and learn in state-of-the-art labs and facilities. This helps attract and retain students who will fulfill workforce needs, drive future innovation, and launch entrepreneurial endeavors.

Advance Climate-Smart Solutions
Cutting-edge research at LGUs is at the forefront of making the agriculture system more efficient, resilient, productive, and sustainable. This research mitigates the impacts of extreme weather events, protecting animals, crops, people, and the environment. For example, research focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing carbon sequestration on agricultural lands, collecting and improving data for climate modeling and predictions, and breeding crops and livestock to withstand climate and water stresses.

Fortify Food Safety
LGU scientists are developing state-of-the-art technologies and strategies to improve food safety. For example, several universities with strengths in agriculture and engineering are actively involved in interdisciplinary nanotechnology research (e.g., design sensors to rapidly detect, monitor, and control foodborne pathogens; advance purification systems, etc.) to enhance food safety.

Lower the Risk of Zoonotic Pandemics
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, LGU researchers are focused on preventing future zoonotic pandemics by addressing existing and emerging diseases and strengthening animal health. Their work includes advancements in precision animal agriculture, antibiotic resistance, vaccines, and nutrition. These efforts also safeguard human health by reducing the risk of another pandemic.

Improve Public Health
LGU scientists work to ensure a nutritious food supply by developing more nutritious and biofortified plant varieties through plant genomics and gene editing. Researchers are also on the cutting-edge of precision nutrition, which moves from a “one size-fits-all” to a personalized approach for dietary and lifestyle recommendations to improve health outcomes.

Strengthen U.S. Economic Development and Competitiveness
Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed approximately $1.53 trillion (5.6 percent share) to U.S. gross domestic product in 2023. The output of America’s farms contributed $203.5 billion.¹ LGU research accelerates technology adoption, market growth, and public-private partnerships. Improved infrastructure to support agricultural research is a strong economic driver.

• • • Rural economy: Construction jobs and on-going operations of research facilities contribute to a robust local workforce.
    • National economy: Public ag R&D returns on average $20 in benefits to the U.S. economy for every $1 of spending (1900-2011).²
    • Global Competitiveness and Leadership: China dramatically surpassed U.S. investment in agricultural research R&D. China’s public sector spending on agricultural R&D was approximately double the level of US public sector spending (2019–2021).³

Protect National Security by Advancing Science to Feed a Growing Global Population
Regional conflicts arise when people do not have access or cannot afford food and other essential staples. As the world’s population continues to rapidly grow, the U.S. can strengthen its national security by providing the science that helps countries feed their people.

Land-grant universities’ critical work to create breakthrough solutions requires RFA investments to retrofit and build sophisticated U.S. research facilities. APLU urges Congress to include mandatory RFA funding in the next Farm Bill.

_{1. USDA ERS - Ag and Food Sectors and the Economy 2. USDA ERS - Investment in U.S. Public Agricultural Research and Development Has Fallen by a Third Over Past Two Decades, Lags Major Trade Competitors 3. World Spending on Agricultural Research and Development | Agricultural Policy Review (iastate.edu)} 

How might RFA funding for cutting-edge labs accelerate agricultural science breakthroughs on your campus?  Please send your stories to aputman@aplu.org.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Before, during, and after disasters, @SCHOOL Extension is here to help. Explore our research-based resources for STATE to better prepare our communities for [natural disasters and/or public health emergencies]: LINK #NPM2024 

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
In honor of #HispanicHeritageMonth, @SCHOOL celebrates the achievements of NAME for THEIR contributions to the advancement of agricultural research: PROJECT   

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK
.@SCHOOL is dedicated to farm safety and health. From providing mental health resources to conducting hands-on equipment trainings, we strive to protect the well-being of STATE agricultural workers: LINK #NFSHW24 

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