By Scout Nelson
The Feed the Future Initiative, launched during the Obama administration, connected agricultural research at 17 labs across the U.S. with global partners to address hunger. These labs, primarily based at land-grant universities, focused on improving global food security.
However, after the Trump administration paused funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in January, many of these labs faced significant financial challenges.
Currently, only one of the 17 labs, the Climate Resilient Cereal Innovation Lab at Kansas State University, continues to receive federal funding. Other labs, such as the University of Illinois’ Soybean Innovation Lab, have been forced to scale back operations.
Director Peter Goldsmith explained that a $1 million anonymous donation allowed the lab to continue its work, focusing on adapting soybean farming for Malawi’s hot, low-elevation environment. However, Goldsmith recognizes that future funding is uncertain.
“At the moment, we’re thankful for this donation, but we need to secure additional funding to keep the lab going,” Goldsmith said.
At Michigan State University, the Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research has also been affected by the funding cuts. While the lab continues some work, it has been reduced to a much smaller scale without USAID support. Director David Tschirley emphasized the importance of these programs but noted the challenges in rebuilding after such cuts.
Meanwhile, the Climate Resilient Cereal Innovation Lab continues its research into improving cereal crops such as wheat, rice, and sorghum. Lab director Timothy Dalton emphasized that long-term investment in agricultural research is vital for both global food security and U.S. agricultural innovation.
“These research efforts are critical to combating global food insecurity and supporting U.S. farmers,” Dalton said.
Photo Credit:pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Soybeans, General