Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Advancing Cutting Edge Agriculture Act to support high-risk, high-reward agricultural research and development at USDA.
The sponsors say the act will help “secure America’s food supply” and give farmers and ranchers the tools to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
“Now more than ever, Americans have seen how vulnerable the nation’s food system can be,” Marshall says.
“Targeting the many risks our food system faces through research will ensure that the U.S. continues to provide a safe, secure food supply for a growing world population.”
Bennet also notes that family farmers and ranchers face persistent drought, higher costs, extreme weather, and increased global competition, saying, “That makes it more important than ever to invest in cutting-edge research to spur agricultural breakthroughs, including practices to conserve water and cut greenhouse gas emissions.” Companion legislation will be introduced into the House.