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Weed Science Society shares funding cut concerns with lawmakers

The Weed Science Society of America is urging lawmakers to consider the consequences of federal funding cuts to agriculture.

Hilary Sandler, an Extension Professor Emerita with the University of Massachusetts, is president of the Society.

“Our policy is to promote a safe, reliable food system for the United States, and to have good research, science-based information. And to promote workforce competency.”

During a recent visit to Washington D.C., she tells Brownfield members of the Weed Science Society told key ag committee legislators and staffers the funding cuts could jeopardize that work.

“Because people in, say USDA, were being terminated. Grants were being paused or eliminated, and this impacts our research as well as our education of our graduate students.”

The Weed Science Society of America conducted a member survey ahead of the trip to D.C. and Sandler says most respondents warned that the scale and abruptness of cuts are undermining U.S. agricultural research, education, and food security.