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Government Relations & Washington Update

Washington Update – November 2021

Agricultural Research Investments Scaled Back in New Build Back Better Framework

After tense negotiations, the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats have released a revised framework for the President’s Build Back Better initiative.  In response to concerns from Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Sinema (D-AZ), the overall funding through the budget reconciliation package was reduced from $3.5 trillion to $1.85 trillion.  As a result in the reduction in funding, revisions were made to many sections of the package, including programs related to agricultural research.  The original package included over $7 billion for agricultural research.  The new framework now proposes $2 billion in agricultural research investments.  Below is a summary of key agricultural research provisions:

Agricultural Research Programs in Build Back Better Framework:

  • $1 billion for grants to covered institutions (minority serving institutions including 1890 and 1994 Land Grant Institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions) for construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities under the Research Facilities Act.
  • $5 million to the National Agricultural Statistics Service for measurements, survey, and data collection to conduct the study regarding urban, indoor, and emerging agricultural production.
  • $210 million to fund agricultural education, extension, and research relating to climate change through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
  • $120 million for the Sustainable Agriculture Research Education program
  • $60 million for Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
  • $5 million for the Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education, and Extension Initiative
  • $5 million for 1890’s Centers of Excellence
  • $60 million for the Specialty Crop Research and Extension Initiative
  • $80 million for 1862 institutions agricultural extension activities and research relating to climate change, technical assistance, and technology adoption
  • $35 million for 1994 institutions agricultural extension activities and research relating to climate change, technical assistance, and technology adoption
  • $40 million for 1890 institutions agricultural extension activities and research relating to climate change, technical assistance, and technology adoption
  • $100 million for scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions
  • $15 million for grants to land-grant colleges and universities to support Tribal students under the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program
  • $30 million for the Office of the Chief Scientist, to carry out advanced research and development relating to climate through the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA)
  • $210 million for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, to carry out activities relating to climate change
  • $10 million for the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

While the revised numbers reflect significant decreases from the original proposal, they still reflect the opportunity for a major infusion of new investments in agricultural research related to climate change and resources to support research facility improvements at minority serving institutions.

Congress is still working through challenges on the timeline and procedure for advancing the framework.  The new framework has addressed many of the concerns of more moderate Democrats; however, the reduced spending level has raised concerns with some progressives who are pushing for larger investments.  Further complicating the situation is the bipartisan infrastructure package that passed the Senate months ago.  Moderates are insistent that the bipartisan package move forward, while progressives are standing firm that approval of the Build Back Better legislation be tied to passage of the bipartisan bill.  Democratic leaders had hoped to move both packages swiftly, but action has been delayed as the progressive and moderate wings of the party continue negotiations.