08.15.24

Ranking Member Hoeven Organizes Field Hearing with U.S. Senators, USDA Leaders, Producers, Researchers & Agri-Businesses To Discuss Future Of Ag Tech Development

WHEATLAND, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a field hearing of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, titled Perspectives on the Future of Agriculture Research and Technology, at Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus. Hoeven organized the hearing through his role as Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee to discuss North Dakota’s role in advancing the next generation of precision agriculture technology and the broader benefits of bringing new innovations to market to benefit producers, consumers and agri-businesses.

The discussion included U.S. Senators, leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and producers, industry representatives and agriculture researchers. In particular, Hoeven highlighted efforts to further advance the expansive agriculture research partnerships he has supported across North Dakota. This includes priorities he secured in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Agriculture Appropriations bill, such as:

  • More than $50 million for agriculture research conducted across North Dakota.
  • $3 million for the AgTech Cooperative Agreement between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), a $1 million increase over FY23 funding.
  • $2 million for ARS to establish a Work Site at Grand Farm.
  • $2 million through the Office of the Chief Economist to continue standing up the ag policy research center at NDSU.
  • $3 million to support additional renovations at the ARS Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo.

“We have gathered these distinguished guests and witnesses to offer their perspectives on the future of agriculture research and technology, and we greatly appreciate them for the time they are giving to share their expertise of this important issue, which affects every American, every single day,” said Hoeven. “Innovations in agricultural research and technology empower our farmers and ranchers to produce more, with less. Every dollar invested into ag research is an investment in the future of U.S. agriculture and rural America, ensuring our country can compete on the world stage while providing food security for a growing global population.

“This is about investing in and helping our farmers and ranchers become more efficient, innovative and productive. At the same time, we are working to support industry and research in unlocking the next great technological breakthrough. Our witnesses have in-depth and unique insights to offer on this topic. Whether they will help write the next Farm Bill and our annual appropriations legislation, have dedicated their lives to ag tech development, or are carrying on the generational legacy of farming and ranching, these individuals understand that advancements in agricultural research and related technology are critical to ensuring our nation’s food security.”

The hearing’s three panels included:

Panel 1 – Senate Agriculture Committee Members
Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)

Panel 2 – USDA
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small
Dr. Chavonda Jacobs Young, Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics

Panel 3 – Ag Research, Producers & Industry
Greg Tehven, Co-Founder and Board Chair, Grand Farm
Dr. Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture, NDSU
Harrison Pittman, Director, National Agricultural Law Center
Josh Gackle, President, American Soybean Association
Harold Wolle, President, National Corn Growers Association
Jay Debertin, President and Chief Executive Officer, CHS

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