South Iowa News

U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra have introduced a bill aimed at sustaining investment in agricultural research at land-grant universities. The proposed Genome to Phenome Reauthorization Act is intended to foster innovations at Iowa State University and similar institutions, helping to boost crop yields while reducing expenses for farmers in Iowa.

Representative Zach Nunn emphasized the importance of understanding crop and livestock genetics in enhancing the resilience and productivity of Iowa's agricultural sector. "By reauthorizing this program, we will ensure Iowa State University and other land-grant universities can continue critical agricultural research that improves the way we grow and raise America’s food supply," he stated.

The bill seeks to renew the Genome to Phenome Initiative, originally part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This initiative is a competitive grant program with a $40 million fund dedicated to genomics research, which aims to enhance crop and livestock productivity while cutting input costs for farmers.

Representative Randy Feenstra highlighted the impact of this research during a visit alongside House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson. "Investments in agricultural research are critical to our farm economy and the long-term strength of Iowa agriculture. It’s why I introduced legislation to reauthorize the Genome to Phenome Initiative," noted Feenstra.

Originating from Iowa State University, the initiative assists producers in maximizing yields and adapting to climatic changes to keep the U.S. competitive in global food production. Amidst increasing research investments by countries like China, this legislation positions Iowa—and potentially the United States—at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

Kenneth Hartman Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association, advocated for the initiative, noting its role in supporting farmers against adverse weather conditions while increasing production efficiency. Stu Swanson, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the funding for ongoing progress in corn resilience research.

Further details about the bill can be accessed online.