By Jamie Martin
State agriculture organizations representing all U.S. states and territories have outlined their Fiscal Year 2027 funding priorities to Congress. These recommendations aim to strengthen food systems, support farmers, and improve rural development across the country.
A key priority is increasing investment in food safety programs through cooperative agreements with states. NASDA requests funding of at least $200 million for FDA Human Foods Program activities including inspections, training, outreach, and implementation of safety rules.
These funds would expand state participation in routine inspections and improve efficiency in public health protection.
Additional support is requested for meat and poultry inspection programs through FSIS totaling $82.5 million. This helps maintain state inspection systems and ensures processing facilities remain operational.
NASDA also supports $400 million for animal health programs and $390 million for plant health programs under APHIS to prevent disease outbreaks and pest infestations. Funding is also recommended for laboratory networks, preparedness programs, veterinary stockpiles, and biotechnology regulation systems.
Food and nutrition programs remain a major focus. NASDA supports funding for SNAP, school meals, TEFAP, and local food procurement initiatives.
Programs such as GusNIP and farmers market support expand access to healthy food while benefiting local producers. School nutrition programs and food assistance services are also strengthened through updated reimbursement structures.
Research, innovation, and trade are essential components of NASDA recommendations. Funding is supported by USDA Agricultural Research Service and NIFA programs including AFRI grants, veterinary services, and food safety research.
Trade promotion programs such as MAP and FMD are encouraged to expand U.S. agricultural exports and global market access.
Other priorities include agricultural statistics services, wildlife health research, urban agriculture initiatives, cybersecurity programs, pest management policy support, mediation services, biobased market development, pesticide monitoring, and rural development programs.
NASDA emphasizes that these investments are critical for ensuring a safe, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system for the future.
These priorities collectively aim to strengthen food security, support rural communities, enhance research innovation, and ensure farmers have access to stable markets while improving public health and environmental protection across the United States in the coming years overall long-term growth.
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Categories: National