Letter to Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, and Hon. Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader - Reps. Adams and Panetta Urge Congressional Leadership to Maintain $7.75 Billion in Agriculture Research Funding in Build Back Better Agenda

Letter

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer:

As you work with the White House to craft the Build Back Better Agenda, we write to
respectfully request your assistance in protecting the $7.75 billion investment in agricultural
climate research, agriculture innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure included in the
House Agriculture Committee's portion of the budget reconciliation legislation. This funding is
critical to maintaining President Biden's commitment to rebuilding our communities in both a
sustainable and equitable manner.

Investing in America's agriculture research and development programs will be essential to
addressing the climate crisis. According to a recent report from the Breakthrough Institute,
doubling agricultural research and development between 2020 and 2030 would reduce global
greenhouse gas emissions by over 100 million tons. By providing our farmers, ranchers, and
foresters with the tools they need to improve resiliency and scale climate-smart agriculture, we
can ensure our agricultural communities are not only better equipped to adapt to climate-induced
production challenges but also given the opportunity to be part of the climate solution. These
investments will, in turn, help ensure both the safety and security of our national and global food
supply.

The agriculture research provisions included in the House Agriculture Committee's budget
reconciliation markup are also critical to ensuring the Build Back Better Agenda is rooted in
President Biden's promise to improve equity and access to federal programs. Of the $3.65
billion included for research facilities, a substantial portion of this funding will be directed
toward minority-serving institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, and insular areas. We have
also included significant funding for cooperative extension and scholarships through minorityserving institutions. These investments will help ensure socially disadvantaged and beginning
producers -- many of whom have previously struggled to participate in federal programs -- gain
access to the tools and knowledge they need to be successful in the twenty-first century.

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to significantly fund food and agriculture research,
innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure. These investments are crucial for the United
States to achieve net zero emissions and address long-standing barriers to entry for socially
disadvantaged producers. We are proud to support the funding included in the House
Agriculture Committee's reconciliation markup, and we look forward to working with you to
ensure these investments are retained in any version of the Build Back Better Act.

Sincerely,