Research, Extension and Education
In comparison to the enormous opportunity that sustainable agriculture represents for farmers and rural communities, federal investment in sustainable agriculture research and extension has been miniscule. Without robust funding for public research that promotes ecologically-based production systems, scientific and technical innovation is stifled and U.S. farmers and ranchers are unable to fully participate in and benefit from emerging markets for sustainably-produced foods.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) has been working to secure increased resources for sustainable agriculture research and extension. Significant gains were made in the 2008 Farm Bill to increase research and extension funding for sustainable and organic agriculture, public plant and animal breeding, renewable energy and conservation, minority and beginning farmer outreach and development, agricultural and rural entrepreneurship, and food systems and public health. Despite the gains, however, there is still a long way to go to ensure farmers have the knowledge and information they need to implement and maximize their sustainable agriculture systems.
NSAC will continue to push to ensure the nation’s investment in agricultural research and extension supports sustainable agriculture systems, including organic and other ecologically-based production systems, and involves farmers and ranchers directly in research as primary investigators and beneficiaries.
Major Priorities for the Research, Extension and Education Committee for 2009 will be:
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (also a grassroots appropriations campaign priority)
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
Minor Priorities for the Research, Extension and Education Committee for 2009 will be:
Organic Research and Extension Initiative and Organic ARS
RE&E Long-Term Priorities in Context of New “Roadmap” Being Developed by New REE Office
ATTRA Funding (also a grassroots appropriations campaign priority)
Organic Data Collection and Analysis (also a grassroots appropriations campaign priority)
Recent Actions Taken by NSAC:
- NSAC submits comments on the 2010 Request for Applications of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, September 14, 2009.
- NSAC submits comments on the Roadmap for USDA Research, Education, and Extension, May 31, 2009.