Legislation proposed on April 10 by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) would reauthorize the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) at $40 million to fund research concerning genomes and phenomes of both crops and animals critical to American agriculture.
Investing in this research, the congressman said, would ensure that America’s producers can reach their full potential through more efficient and secure agricultural production.
“Investments in agricultural research are critical to our farm economy and the long-term strength of Iowa agriculture,” Rep. Feenstra said. “It’s why I introduced legislation to reauthorize the AG2PI and ensure that this program receives funding to continue this cutting-edge research.”
The congressman sponsored the Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization Act, H.R. 2839, to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize the initiative and support continued agricultural research to expand knowledge of crop and animal genetics and phenomics.
This would include critical research taking place at Iowa State University to increase crop yields while keeping costs low for Iowa farmers and producers, according to Rep. Feenstra.
“Last year, I invited House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to Iowa to meet with our farmers, producers, and agricultural community. In addition to attending the Farm Progress Show in Boone to see the newest advancements in farm technology, we had the opportunity to learn more about research taking place at Iowa State University through the Genome to Phenome Initiative,” he explained. “In part, this initiative studies plant genetics – particularly corn – to determine how to increase yields and make crops more resilient.
“Representing the second-largest agricultural-producing congressional district in the nation, increasing yields, lowering input costs, and supporting our farmers are important priorities for agriculture and our rural communities,” Rep. Feenstra added.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association endorsed H.R. 2839, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for consideration.