Senate Moves Forward with $27.1 Billion USDA Funding Package
The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has advanced the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, a bill allocating $27.1 billion in discretionary spending to key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the measure is designed to strengthen animal agriculture, enhance food safety, support rural communities, and assist low-income families with nutrition needs.
Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet reports:
Funding Highlights for Animal Agriculture and Food Security
The bill provides significant funding to support critical USDA programs and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on protecting and advancing animal agriculture. Key allocations include:
- $3.6 Billion for Agricultural Research
This includes $1.9 billion for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and $1.7 billion for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). These funds will support continued scientific innovation, disease prevention, and productivity improvements in agriculture. - Full Funding for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
Designed to protect U.S. livestock from foreign animal diseases, this state-of-the-art facility plays a pivotal role in national biosecurity. - $1.2 Billion for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
APHIS funding will help prevent and control the spread of pests and diseases threatening U.S. animal and plant resources. - Support for Disease Traceability
The bill allocates funds to help ranchers cover the costs of electronic identification (EID) tags. These tags are essential for improving animal disease traceability and ensuring rapid response in the event of an outbreak. - $223 Million for Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
AMS will use this funding to support domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural goods, assist with domestic commodity purchases, and provide crucial market intelligence to producers.
Strengthening Food Safety Inspection
- $1.2 Billion for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
This funding supports a workforce of nearly 8,000 inspectors across more than 6,800 meat, poultry, and egg product facilities. FSIS ensures that the nation’s $186 billion meat and poultry sector maintains the highest standards for food safety.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The appropriations bill now heads to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. If passed, it will deliver critical support to producers, processors, and rural communities across the country.
The bill’s provisions reinforce the federal government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding America’s food system, promoting rural prosperity, and supporting the continued success of the agricultural industry.