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agInnovation research network seeks long-term support

Land grant universities across the country are strategizing where the next decade of agricultural research needs to focus.

Michigan State University AgBioResearch director George Smith is the agInnovation chair representing a nationwide network of more than 70 agricultural research stations in the U.S.

“Historically, the U.S. used to lead the world in agricultural innovation, but we are falling dramatically behind China and the European Union in terms of federal investment and agricultural research,” he says. “That puts our food security at risk.”

He says agricultural research infrastructure funding earmarked in draft farm bill proposals is encouraging, but institutions need stronger commitments to support long-term investments.

“What we’re requesting each year over 10 years is only an increase equivalent to 1 percent of the total federal R&D budget,” he explains. “The federal government invests over $193 billion a year into research and development.”

The organization released its 10-year Agricultural Research Roadmap this week in D.C. to increase federal funding of sustainable food systems, water resiliency, and climate solutions in the coming decade.

agInnovations says about 70 percent of publicly funded research and development is conducted by universities and other nonfederal institutions.

AUDIO: George Smith, agInnovation, Michigan State University AgBioResearch