Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C., NOVEMBER 18, 2011 – American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America applaud Congress’ support for critical agricultural, natural resource, and environmental research and education programs.
The importance of agricultural and natural resource research is evident in the first Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 “minibus” appropriations bills, which include funding for basic and applied research for the agricultural sciences. The bills include increased funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and maintain funding for critical U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs.
Increased funding for the NSF marks a significant victory for stakeholders who partner with and benefit from public sector research. The NSF is funded at $7 billion, a $173 million increase over fiscal year 2011. NSF’s core research program received a boost of $155 million to enhance innovative research that is critical to U.S. economic competitiveness.
“Investments in basic science research are the first step in rebuilding the economy,” said Maria Gallo, President of the Crop Science Society of America. Strategic investments in science research and education programs, like those administered through NSF, will help ensure that a strong foundation remains intact to support future innovation and renewed economic growth needed for national prosperity.”
“NSF Directorates for Biological Sciences and Geosciences support research fundamental to the development of science-based solutions that enhance soil ecosystem properties and help to sustain our natural resource base and conserve our environment. Furthermore, NSF’s Directorate for Education and Human Resources plays a critical role in providing resources to train tomorrow’s scientists and maintain America’s competitiveness in the global economy,” maintained Charles Rice, President of the Soil Science Society of America.
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture budget maintains funding for key research, extension, and education programs such as the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative and Hatch and McIntire Stennis formula funds. “Considering the challenging budgetary environment this year, we applaud Congress’ resolve to continue to show strong support for USDA research and education programs focused on increasing productivity and keeping American agriculture competitive,” stated Ken Barbarick, President-elect of the American Society of Agronomy.
****The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) www.agronomy.org is a scientific society helping its 8,000+ members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy by supporting professional growth and science policy initiatives, and by providing quality, research-based publications and a variety of member services.
The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) www.crops.org, founded in 1955, is an international scientific society comprised of 6,000+ members with its headquarters in Madison, WI. Members advance the discipline of crop science by acquiring and disseminating information about crop breeding and genetics; crop physiology; crop ecology, management, and quality; seed physiology, production, and technology; turfgrass science; forage and grazinglands; genomics, molecular genetics, and biotechnology; and biomedical and enhanced plants.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) www.soils.org is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. It provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use. Founded in 1936, SSSA celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year (2011). For more information, visit www.soils.org or follow @SSSA_soils on Twitter.
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