WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2023) – The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) applauds congressional leaders today on passing a Continuing Resolution that includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, a legislative measure that will protect farmers, ranchers and consumers. The bipartisan legislation includes $37 million in 2024 for agricultural research through FFAR’s unique public-private partnerships.
“FFAR is extremely grateful to Congress, and especially Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking member John Boozman (R-AR) in the Senate and Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) in the House for their exceptional leadership and commitment to supporting American farmers,” said Dr. Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University and chair of the FFAR Board of Directors. “I also want to commend Congress on their creativity. This is the first time, at least that I’m aware of, that orphan programs, like FFAR, have been included in a Farm Bill extension. This additional funding will ensure that research continues while the 2023 Farm Bill is negotiated.”
FFAR was created in the 2014 Farm Bill to build public-private partnerships that advance bold food and agriculture science. Since then, FFAR has partnered with industry, nonprofit and academic institutions to fund research that benefits agricultural producers and consumers.
“Research is vital to ensuring that America’s farmers remain productive, competitive and profitable. I am beyond thrilled to see that FFAR was included in the Farm Bill extension as they are driving the innovation we need while amplifying much needed investment in food and agriculture research,” said Dr. Doug Buhler, associate vice president for research and innovation at Michigan State University, and vice chair of FFAR’s Board of Directors.
“The funding I received from FFAR and its related consortium, the Greener Cattle Initiative, has allowed me fast-track the transformative research necessary to advance our understanding of enteric methane emissions in order to mitigate these environmentally important emissions,” said Dr. Alexander N. Hristov, Penn State’s distinguished professor of Dairy Nutrition. “FFAR’s investment in my research represents the forward thinking we need to develop novel ways to move the dairy and beef industries toward low emission systems and help these industries meet their sustainability goals.”
In addition to funding critical research, FFAR’s public-private partnership model further amplifies federal dollars. FFAR matches every federal dollar allocated by Congress with at least a dollar from non-federal funds; on average, FFAR matches each federal dollar with $1.40. These partnerships also bring diverse stakeholders to the table to conduct pioneering, multidisciplinary research.
“I am honored that congressional leaders value FFAR and are continuing to support FFAR’s bold science. In 2023, FFAR expects to award over $145 million, including over $60 million in public funds and an additional $85 million leveraged from partners. This additional $37 million investment from Congress allows us to continue forming partnerships to fund innovative research in 2024, generating outcomes that are much needed by the food and agriculture community,” said Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin, FFAR executive director.
Since its creation, FFAR has awarded 360 grants to address the needs of the food and agriculture community across animal systems, health and nutrition, local food systems, next generation crops, soil health and water sustainability. Including FFAR in the extension allows the Foundation to continue funding critical research that helps produce nutritious food, grown on thriving, profitable farms.
