Jason Myers-Benner owns a family-run six acre farm in Keezletown, Virginia. Last spring, the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded him a little more than $18,000 to support the farm's work breeding winter peas that could increase soil's ability to trap carbon.
The article from MSN discusses the impact of former President Donald Trump's policies on agricultural research in the United States. Trump's administration proposed significant budget cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), particularly targeting research and development programs. These cuts have led to a reduction in funding for critical areas like climate change adaptation, sustainable farming practices, and innovation in crop and livestock management. Farmers and agricultural scientists are expressing concerns over these reductions, noting that they hinder the ability to address modern challenges such as extreme weather, pest resistance, and soil degradation. The article highlights how these cuts could jeopardize long-term food security and the economic stability of rural communities, with many in the farming community feeling that the lack of investment in research is a direct attack on their future viability. Additionally, the piece touches on the broader implications of these policy decisions, suggesting that they reflect a broader trend of diminishing support for science and technology in agriculture under the Trump administration.
Politics & Government
Tue, March 25, 2025
