By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced new research and development priorities aimed at protecting American agriculture, improving food security, and supporting farmers, ranchers, and consumers. These priorities guide future USDA-funded research and focus on five major areas that address current challenges in agriculture.
The first priority is increasing farm profitability. Farmers face uncertainty due to rising costs and market changes. USDA will support research that helps reduce production expenses, improve efficiency, and encourage the use of modern equipment and automation. These improvements will help farmers maintain stable incomes while continuing to supply food at affordable prices.
Expanding markets is another major focus. With strong crop yields in many regions, USDA recognizes the need to create new market opportunities. Research will support efforts to remove trade barriers, open new export markets, and develop new uses for crops. This includes supporting bioenergy and biobased products that increase demand for U.S. commodities.
Protecting crops and livestock from invasive pests and diseases is also critical. Threats such as avian influenza, citrus greening disease, and the spread of invasive insects continue to challenge farmers. USDA will invest in research that improves early detection, control strategies, and prevention methods to reduce damage and protect food supplies.
“When he created the People’s Department and the land-grant university system in 1862, President Lincoln had a vision for American agriculture rooted in agricultural innovation and education. Since that time, research coming from USDA and our colleges of agriculture have successfully helped American farmers and ranchers address countless challenges,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The priorities we are announcing today further reiterates President Trump’s commitment to put Farmers First and provides our agricultural researchers with a strategic roadmap to help keep our producers at the forefront of productivity.”
Soil health remains a priority because healthy soil supports long-term productivity. Research will promote conservation practices, improved water efficiency, and sustainable land management. These practices help protect farmland while reducing the need for costly inputs.
The final focus is improving human health through better nutrition and food quality. USDA will support research in precision nutrition to better understand how individual dietary needs affect health. The department will also encourage studies that improve the nutritional value of foods, making healthier choices more available to families.
By focusing on these five priorities, USDA aims to strengthen American agriculture, protect natural resources, and ensure that consumers continue to receive safe, nutritious, and affordable food while supporting farmers across the nation.
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Categories: National