National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson spoke to thousands attending the Washington, D.C. March for Science over the weekend that also included former Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. Johnson spoke at the flagship march held in Washington, D.C., saying: “Farmers Union members are acutely aware of the important roles that science and science-based policies play in the success of American family farm operations.” Johnson says that by joining the March for Science movement, he hoped to “to highlight the need for life sciences research, science-informed policy, and effective communication of the latest advancements in science and technology.” Johnson called on the federal government to base policy on sound science and facts, noting that family farm operations are heavily impacted by federal policy. Johnson also said there should be more publicly funded, independent and peer-reviewed agricultural research to inform both farmers and policymakers. More than 70 percent of U.S. agricultural research is financed through private dollars. In a news release, Johnson noted that other Farmers Union leaders participated in marches in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.
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