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LEESBURG – Second District U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym spoke Tuesday with farmers, industry stakeholders and students at an Indiana farm event to discuss the urgent need for greater investment in agricultural research and development to improve global food security and, in turn, help ensure U.S. national security.
In a fireside chat, Yakym spoke to what's already been done to improve food systems and nutrition, what long-term solutions are still needed, and what's happening on Capitol Hill to address global food security and national security, according to a news release from Farm Journal Foundation. He was joined by Kip Tom, former ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture; Kassi Tom Rowland, Farm Journal Foundation farmer ambassador; and Kelsey Barnes, Farm Journal Foundation director of government affairs.
"Food security is national security, and here in Indiana our farmers and ranchers grow and raise the agricultural products that feed America and ensure we don't have to rely on other nations for one of our most essential needs," said Yakym. "I enjoyed visiting Tom Farms and partnering with the Farm Journal Foundation for this important and timely conversation about the R&D investments we can make today to help ensure U.S. food security can remain strong well into the future."
Today, the global food system is facing multiple challenges due to geopolitical conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and severe weather events, the release states. Now, 10% of the global population experiences hunger and 3 billion people are unable to afford a well-balanced diet, according to a recent Farm Journal Foundation report. However, U.S. public investment in agricultural R&D has declined in real dollars over the last two decades, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Agricultural research has one of the highest returns of any public investment, returning on average $17 in benefits for every $1 invested. China and Brazil now outspend the U.S. on public funding for agricultural research, threatening America’s competitive advantage in agriculture, according to a report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Agriculture is particularly important to Indiana, where the sector contributes $35.1 billion to the state's economy, the release states.
"Today's conversation was a critical one with farmers, Congressional leaders, and agricultural and policy experts, about the pressing need for increased public investment in agricultural research and development," said Rowland. "It showcased how innovation has revolutionized global food systems and nutrition, as well as provided an opportunity to get an update from Capitol Hill. All who participated are a part of shaping the future of agriculture."
