Hoyer Announces Federal Funding to Sustain Maryland's Leading Role in Agriculture Research
"As a strong supporter of the work being done at BARC, I am pleased that the House continues to recognize the value of the research conducted at this world-class facility to addressing agricultural problems of high national priority," stated Rep. Hoyer. "In spite of the President's proposal to gut support for BARC, this federal funding sends a signal of commitment to continuing this critical research and further solidifies BARC's strong roots here in Prince George's County."
"I am also pleased to have secured additional funds for the Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology. Like its namesake, this center work to develop effective partnerships to ensure that agriculture industries in Maryland are sustained, and that protecting our environment remains a priority," said Rep. Hoyer.
"Also included in this legislation is funding to explore non-smoking alternative uses of tobacco. For centuries, tobacco has been harvested in Southern Maryland fields, serving as both the economic and cultural backbone of the region," said Rep. Hoyer. "However, as tobacco production for smoking purposes becomes increasingly unsustainable, tobacco farmers require new options to keep the crop economically viable. This $400,000 represents an important federal investment in the livelihood of Southern Maryland farmers and to saving agriculture in our region."
"I will continue to work to ensure that these investments in Maryland's Fifth District are included in the final legislation when it is signed into law," Hoyer concluded.
Congressman Hoyer helped secure funding for the following programs in Maryland's Fifth District:
Beltsville Agriculture Research Center (BARC) Research Programs, $14.5 million
The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is the flagship of the Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service, and is world-renowned for its plant, animal, and nutrition research capabilities. This research provides information to ensure that our food is safe and of high quality, to assess the nutritional needs of Americans, to sustain a competitive agricultural economy, to enhance the natural resource base and the environment, and to provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities and the nation. Rep. Hoyer has helped secure millions of dollars for critical research programs at BARC. In addition, Rep. Hoyer has helped obtain over $124 million for renovation and modernization of BARC facilities and has helped to protect the almost 5,000 acres of forest and farmland on BARC property.
The President's budget routinely eliminates funding for many research programs conducted at BARC, which would terminate this important research. However, at the request of Congressman Hoyer, funding for the following important research programs will be restored: Barley Food Health Benefits Research, Biomedical Materials in Plants Research, Biomineral Soil Amendments for Control of Nematode, Bioremediation Research, Bovine Genetic Research, Coffee and Cocoa Research, Dairy Genetic Research, Floriculture and Nursery Crops, Food Safety Research, Foundry Sand By-Products Utilization Research, Johne's Disease Research, Lyme Disease 4 Poster Project, Medicinal and Bioactive Crops, Minor-Use Pesticides Research, National Germplasm Research, Natural Products for Human Health, Obesity Intervention, Potato Disease Research, Poultry Disease Research, Tufgrass Research, and Weed Management Research.
Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology $713,000 to encourage research and implementation of projects to balance the environmental needs of Maryland's rural communities with their agriculturally-based economies. The Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology was established to convene environmental, business, and elected leaders to develop a consensus on research, education and policy programs in the agricultural and forestry sectors. The Center provides competitive grants and works to educate key officials and the public about the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of our farms, forests and other open spaces and the need to protect and enhance open space-based industries in Maryland.
Since Fiscal Year 2003, Congressman Hoyer has secured more than $2.5 million for the Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology to support vital initiatives that protect Maryland's open space, the Chesapeake Bay, and farm and forest-based enterprises which are significant contributors to Maryland's economy.
University of Maryland Alternative Uses for Tobacco Program- $400,000 for research to develop new non-smoking uses for tobacco and explore the many valuable uses of the plant for the purpose of maintaining an agricultural base in Southern Maryland and devising a model for other tobacco-producing areas. For over 350 years tobacco production has been the heart of agriculture in Southern Maryland. As tobacco production for use in cigarettes becomes increasingly less profitable, farmers will require new crop options if agriculture is to remain viable in Southern Maryland and other traditional tobacco-growing regions. Since 2002, Congress has provided $1.08 million for the program which has made significant progress in identifying potential health, nutrition, commercial and alternative energy uses for tobacco.
The House Agriculture Appropriations bill must now be reconciled with the Senate appropriations bill, before returning to the House for a final vote.
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