Rep. Neguse Introduces Bill to Support Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Research

Washington, D.C. — Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Mike Flood (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan Sustainable Agriculture Research Act, to provide federal support for sustainable agriculture and soil research through the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) program. The bill amends the legislation authorizing AgARDA to add goals that explicitly address carbon sequestration and reduction of emissions. 

Best practices for sustainable research have been mentioned multiple times during Congressman Neguse’s Farm Bill Listening Sessions– meetings being held across Colorado’s 2nd District with local ranchers, farmers, and agriculture producers. 

“I’ve heard from Colorado’s farmers of the innovative approaches they are taking to help tackle the climate crisis through carbon sequestration and to grow sustainable agriculture and soil research,” said Congressman Neguse. “America’s farmers and ranchers can be active partners in solving the climate crisis – and this bill helps support their efforts.”

“Nebraska is the number one ag economy in the nation when it comes to receipts per capita. Our farmers and ranchers have achieved this by relying on cutting edge technology to grow the food we need to feed the world. The Sustainable Agriculture Research Act takes the next step we need to ensure America continues to lead the world in ag research and innovation, so we properly steward our land and resources to pass this great tradition on to the next generation of ag producers,” said Congressman Flood.

“This investment will fund publicly available research to increase sustainable and efficient use of water, soil, and other resources in food production,” says Rocky Mountain Farmers Union President, Chad Franke. “This is especially important as farmers and ranchers work to stay in business while adapting to a changing climate. We thank Congressman Neguse for his ongoing commitment to increase agriculture’s resiliency by bringing forward this important bill.”

"Farmers and our global food systems have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years due to the global pandemic, international conflicts, and extreme weather events. Agricultural research and innovation are more important than ever to protect farm livelihoods and ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable food supplies for consumers in the face of increasing risks," said Katie Lee, Vice President of Government Affairs for Farm Journal Foundation. "Farm Journal Foundation is proud to support the Sustainable Agriculture Research Act as an important step for making sure our agricultural sector remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to support a strong and vibrant agricultural economy."

Read bill text HERE. 

Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) was authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and is an effort designed to generate and deploy advanced agricultural technologies, research tools, and qualified projects and products. AgARDA ensures continued growth in new agriculture and invests in tackling the climate crisis. 

###