CFANS champions crucial capacity funding on Capitol Hill
February 27, 2025
A delegation from the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for increased federal funding for agricultural research and Extension services. The group included Dean Brian Buhr, Associate Dean Joleen Hadrich, and CFANS alums and Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) delegates Pat Duncanson and Megan Roberts.
The group met with Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Brad Finstad, and with Minnesota Congressional staff during a joint briefing session with U of M Extension to advocate for increased agricultural research capacity funding. The group also underscored the crucial need to support the Research Facilities Act and the importance of a Farm Bill getting passed this session.
Long-term impact of research investment
The delegation underscored the need for increased funding, requesting $300 million for Hatch Act research which supports agricultural experiment stations, $420 million for Smith-Lever Act, which supports Extension activities and, and $500 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). They also called for $46 million for McIntire-Stennis forestry research. The CFANS team emphasized the long-term value of sustained research investments, pointing to the development of the Honeycrisp apple as a prime example of how research funded over decades leads to scientific breakthroughs that benefit both farmers and consumers.
CARET's role in advocating for agriculture
The CFANS delegation's advocacy was supported by CARET, a national grassroots organization of volunteers created as part of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. CARET is dedicated to engaging with lawmakers and advocating for the importance of agricultural research and Extension and works to ensure that critical funding continues to flow into agricultural programs that drive innovation, support farmers, and strengthen rural communities. By partnering with CARET, the CFANS team helped amplify the message about the importance of federal support for agricultural research and Extension programs, reinforcing their shared commitment to the future of agriculture.
Building relationships and securing the future of agriculture
In addition to securing vital funding, the CFANS and Extension team’s trip aimed to build relationships and foster a deeper understanding among lawmakers of the critical role agricultural research and Extension services play. They highlighted how these funds are essential for land-grant universities like the University of Minnesota, driving innovation and supporting farmers, rural economies, and sustainability efforts.
Adding to the visit, CFANS leadership and staff participated in the annual Big Ten Ag Alumni Reception in Washington, D.C., reconnecting with CFANS alumni in the area as well as colleague and alumni from other ag and natural resources colleges.
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