By Scout Nelson
During a visit to the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute on the University of Minnesota campus, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced funding secured through the Senate-passed Agriculture Appropriations bill to support agricultural research in Minnesota.
The legislation includes $1 million for the USDA Cereal Disease Laboratory in St. Paul. Of this amount, $500,000 is dedicated to advancing industrial hemp fiber research, aimed at supporting Minnesota’s hemp growers and processors who contribute to the state’s $445 million hemp industry. The remaining $500,000 will fund efforts to address crop losses caused by mycotoxins, a significant challenge for cereal crop production.
“This funding ensures Minnesota continues to lead in ag research and emerging crops like industrial hemp. This funding for the Cereal Disease Lab will help farmers expand markets and tackle the most pressing challenges they face in this uncertain moment through innovation,” said Klobuchar. “I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure this funding passes the House and is signed into law.”
The Cereal Disease Laboratory, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, specializes in studying diseases that impact cereal crops such as wheat, corn, barley, and oats. The newly secured funding will allow the lab to accelerate research projects that benefit Minnesota agriculture and develop new partnerships to improve industrial hemp fiber processing.
The bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support in an 87-9 vote. If approved by the House and signed into law, this investment will strengthen Minnesota’s leadership in agricultural innovation and provide vital tools for managing crop health and expanding economic opportunities.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy