Decisions to close or consolidate USDA research labs almost always face stiff opposition from local lawmakers and that is certainly true these days. Sabrina Hill has more.
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Lawmakers in the House Ag Appropriations Sub Committee grilled Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the topic of research this week – specifically the closing of some ag department research facilities, the moving of some research efforts to other facilities, and the antiquated state of some labs. Vilsack says budget cuts are leading to tough decisions.
Vilsack has proposed more money for research in next year’s budget, however most of that is for competitive grants to universities.