The USDA says there are many ways agriculture research has improved our daily lives. Sabrina Hill takes a closer look.
Click to open or download audio report.
For the past century, federally-funded agriculture research projects have helped improve the lives of Americans, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. USDA scientist Dr. Catherine Woteki says a good example is cotton.
She points out cotton is used in much of our daily lives, and a relatively new process allows for cotton fabric to be thrown in the dryer to remove wrinkles.
Woteki says the research isn’t just about making life easier, but healthier as well. Because of this research, carrots are 75 percent richer in provitamin A and even apple slices are improved because they don’t brown as quickly.
Ag research is in the spotlight right now, as Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack encourages lawmakers to keep it in the Farm Bill budget.