Key Takeaways:
- Legislative Proposal: The Breakthrough Institute endorses the Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act introduced by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX).
- Objectives of the Act: To establish a new scientific advisory committee on agriculture climate research, create a Rural Climate Alliance Network, and direct the USDA to assess the research and technical needs of the agricultural community.
- Enhanced Coordination: The act aims to align federal climate resilience research efforts and increase collaboration with private research entities to address climate challenges effectively.
The Breakthrough Institute Endorses The Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act
Overview of the Legislation
The Breakthrough Institute has expressed its support for the Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act, a new legislation introduced by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). This act proposes several key initiatives to strengthen the federal agriculture climate research framework, including the formation of a scientific advisory committee dedicated to agriculture climate research, the creation of a Rural Climate Alliance Network, and a directive for the USDA to compile a report for Congress detailing the research, data systems, and technical support needs of the agricultural sector.
Strategic Alignment for Climate Resilience
The proposed legislation seeks to streamline and enhance the coordination of existing and future federal climate resilience research efforts, such as those undertaken by the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. This increased coordination, including partnerships with private agriculture research entities, aims to bolster the USDA’s ability to address current and future climate challenges effectively.
Comments from the Breakthrough Institute
David Hong, the Federal Policy Director for Food & Agriculture at the Breakthrough Institute, emphasized the critical role of public agricultural research programs in bolstering the productivity of the U.S. food system amid escalating climate challenges. Hong lauded the legislation for promoting standardized data protocols and fostering collaboration with producers and regional stakeholders to fill research gaps. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of ensuring that climate-related agricultural technologies are accessible across all sectors of the agricultural system.
Call to Action for Congress
The Breakthrough Institute urges Congress to consider this legislation during the ongoing farm bill negotiations. As climate-smart agriculture practices gain traction, the imperative for USDA programs and agencies to synchronize their climate research, data collection, and monitoring activities has never been more pressing. This act represents a crucial step forward in enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural climate research and ensuring that efforts to combat climate challenges are well-coordinated and science-driven, ultimately benefiting farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities nationwide.
