As Congress considers the next Farm Bill, Glenda Humiston, University of California Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, spoke before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Thursday, June 22 about the importance of university agricultural research and innovation.
Humiston speaking to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture
In her address, Humiston highlighted the fact that California is the country’s top agricultural state. “California’s $47 billion agricultural sector has depended on UC ANR, in partnership with our UC campuses, for the stream of new technologies and research breakthroughs needed to stay competitive and be responsible stewards of the land,” Humiston stated.
Listen to Humiston’s opening statement.
Humiston Opening Comments
Humiston referenced a recent study that showed the return of investment for federal funding of the public land-grant system averages about 21:1, which corresponds to annual rates of return between 9 and 10 percent. She also urged Congress to authorize an additional $200 million for the programs offered through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
During her speech, Humiston cited the new strategic UC ANR plan to continually develop research and extension programs that will have a direct impact on the lives of many Americans. She also noted some of the breakthroughs that would not have been possible without the support and resources provided by the UC ANR program.
Humiston concluded her testimony by stating, “Members of this House Committee on Agriculture can be confident that every dollar of federal investment authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and expended at land-grant universities will be a wise investment. That investment is guaranteed to be leveraged further, and to spawn innovation and discovery that will be translated into solutions to improve the lives of U.S. citizens.”