Groups want USDA to consider supporting private innovations

Some agricultural groups want Congress to allow start-up companies to compete for research funding opportunities at the USDA.

Legislative director Burton Eller with the National Grange, an agriculture and rural community advocacy group, tells Brownfield USDA needs to diversify funding to speed up the creation and adoption of emerging technologies.

“Some of the best thinking minds, innovations, and breakthroughs that could possibly come in the next four to six years could well be from a startup, private company, and Congress is well authorized to make appropriations that can include private industries to compete for grants,” he says.

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