|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
UC APPLAUDS EFFORTS TO INCREASE AG RESEARCH FUNDING FRESNO - In a letter to Congressman Calvin Dooley (D-Fresno), University of California President Richard C. Atkinson commended Dooley for his leadership on behalf of California agriculture and, in particular, agricultural research, education and extension. Atkinson wrote: "Sustained support for research across the entire range of scientific disciplines is the most important step that Congress can take to maintain America's world leadership in scientific discovery, technological innovation, and economic growth in the 21st century." Congressman Dooley is gearing up to play a leading role in directing more federal funds to the research, education, and outreach programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At a Fresno appearance with Rep. Dooley before a Farm Bill hearing today (June 18), UC Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources Henry J. Vaux, Jr., praised the congressman's efforts to boost funding for agricultural research and development. "There has been no growth in the agricultural research budget for more than 15 years and when inflation is accounted for, the real value of our investment in agricultural research is declining," said Vaux. The
UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources works closely with
USDA, farmers, and the agricultural industry to conduct research
and deliver results to farmers, dairy operators and ranchers, who
use the science-based information to improve food quality, agricultural
production and efficiency. UC scientists are currently addressing such pressing agricultural issues as foot and mouth disease, Pierce's disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, sudden oak death syndrome, international competition and trade, and water management. They are studying genomics to learn what role it may play in improving human health, alleviating world hunger, and cleaning the environment. Vaux noted that Rep. Dooley will be involved in a legislative effort to reauthorize the Farm Bill this summer. "We know he is going to be working hard to ensure that the Farm Bill contains provisions that strengthen the research, education and outreach programs that are competitively available to all colleges and universities," Vaux said. Dooley's priorities for the Farm Bill legislation are:
### |