WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – joined U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) in introducing the Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would provide resources to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including Kansas State University.

“For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”

“Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Sen. Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”

“Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Rep. Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.”

“Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate, tariffs, input costs, and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Rep. Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success - they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.”

“The AG RESEARCH Act is an investment in America’s agricultural competitiveness,” said Richard Linton, President of Kansas State University. “As our research infrastructure ages, we risk falling behind global competitors. Modern facilities at land-grant universities drive economic growth across the nation, from rural farms to urban agribusiness, while developing solutions that keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation. This legislation will help transform outdated labs into economic engines that attract talent, create jobs and maintain our nation’s leadership in the global food system.”

A 2015 study reported that there was an estimated total of $8.4 billion in deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. A 2021 report confirmed the effects of the insufficient funding to address maintenance backlogs at these facilities, reporting that 69% of these agricultural school buildings were at the end of their useful lives and that the cost of addressing deferred maintenance grew to $11.5 billion.

To address the deferred maintenance of these facilities, the AG RESEARCH Act will do the following:

1. Provide $1 billion in mandatory funding per fiscal year over five years in grants (Senate bill)
2. Provide $500 million in mandatory funding per fiscal year over five years in grants (House bill)
3. Require a 1-to-1 match of grant funds unless waived by the Secretary of Agriculture
4. Direct that grants be distributed equitably to the maximum extent practicable
5. Limit grant funds awarded to any one state to no more than 20 percent

The AG RESEARCH Act is endorsed by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).

Click HERE to read the full text of the legislation.

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