May 11, 2017Omnibus bill increases potato breeding funds
Before leaving Washington, D.C., for a one week recess, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed a $1 trillion omnibus spending bill that funds the government through the end of September. The conference report includes an increase in the NIFA Potato Breeding Research line item to $2.25 million.
During the Potato D.C. Fly-In, National Potato Council (NPC) attendees advocated for $2.25 million to be included in the final agreement. This level mirrors the amount that Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee initially had recommended, according to NPC.
NPC is pleased that the requested amount for this appropriations cycle was included.
“Funding from the Potato Research Special Grants has supported the development of varieties that have improved levels of resistance to pests of concern including late blight, early blight and potato cyst nematodes, and improved market quality,” said NPC CEO John Keeling. “This increase will further help the industry address emerging pests and diseases.”
Source: National Potato Council Insider Report
