Dear Chairman Harris, Chairman Hoeven, Ranking Member Bishop, and Ranking Member Shaheen:
The undersigned research institutions, scientific societies, and agricultural stakeholders respectfully request $500 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) in FY 2027. AFRI is USDA’s premier competitive grants program that supports merit-based, fundamental and applied research, extension, and education that strengthens U.S. agriculture across crops, livestock, food systems, and rural economies. Increased investment in AFRI is one of the most effective ways Congress can help American producers remain competitive, protect animal health, and grow demand for U.S. products.
In recent years, AFRI funding has experienced reductions even as producers face tighter margins, evolving animal disease threats, and intensified global competition. We therefore urge you to at least restore funding to the program’s highest appropriated level of $455 million for FY27. Restoring these cuts is essential to maintain the pipeline of innovation needed to keep U.S. agriculture globally competitive.