Ag and Food Lobbyists Urge FFAR Renewal in Farm Bill

Add another topic that farm and food industry lobbyists want full funding for in the new farm bill. A coalition of more than 100 groups wrote House Agriculture Committee leaders to urge them to reauthorize and fund the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR). The National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research said the foundation, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, has been instrumental in coordinating and funding research on important agricultural questions. FFAR has leveraged the $200 million it was allocated by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill to fund more than $400 million in grants, the coalition said, noting the group deserves funding in the next farm bill.Some sources report a possible decline to $100 million for FFAR funding in the new omnibus farm bill, with some sources saying the amount could be $150 million, still down from the prior level. "FFAR matches every one of its public dollars with non-federal funding, meaning it delivers huge value for American taxpayers," the letter said. The foundation's efforts complement the research USDA conducts to promote "the long-term competitiveness" of U.S. agricultural producers," it continued. "The need for advanced solutions remains imperative if we are to continue to lead the world in food and agricultural innovation."