Grassley: Federal Dollars Dedicated to Ag-Based Research and Initiatives in Iowa


? Sen. Chuck Grassley said that a Senate committee has approved federal funding for a number of agriculture-related projects in Iowa.

Grassley urged that the Appropriations Committee give its support to these initiatives as part of the annual spending bill for agriculture. "These programs represent the kind of cutting-edge work going on in Iowa to further improve food safety, protect the environment, enhance productivity in farming, and develop new, value-added uses for ag commodities, including alternatives sources of energy. These programs are an investment in the future well-being of Iowans and people living across the country. They're a good investment for the taxpayers," Grassley said.

In action today, the Senate committee approved:

  • $40 million to modernize the National Animal Disease Center/National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames. Earlier this year, Grassley successfully worked to include language in the budget blueprint to give priority to this effort. "Bringing this center up-to-date is an important part of the national effort to combat the diseases that threaten livestock and poultry in the United States," Grassley said.
  • $247,000 for research at Iowa State University to identify possible additives to anhydrous ammonia that would prevent its use in methamphetamine production without raising the cost of anhydrous ammonia to farmers.
  • $150,000 more than last year for the Hungry Canyons Project to prevent stream erosion in the Loess Hills.
  • $349,000 to the Ag-Based Industrial Lubricant research program at the University of Northern Iowa. Started in 1991, this leading program develops and seeks commercial applications for soybean-based industrial lubricants. This funding will help ABIL improve the ability of these products to compete in the marketplace.
  • $225,000 for the Linear Accelerator Facility at Iowa State University. The program located here conducts research and demonstrates food irradiation on meat. It's the only such program at an educational institution in the United States.
  • Continued funding for the Food and Agriculture Policy Institute at Iowa State University. Established in 1984, this joint venture with the University of Missouri has distinguished itself as the nation's premier agricultural policy analysis center. FAPRI studies have been presented to the Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Congress, public conferences and seminars, and to foreign governments.
  • $1.63 million to fund the Food Safety Consortium. Iowa State University plays a major role in this consortium to enhance the safety of pork products from production and processing to distribution and consumer-handling.
  • $820,000 million for the Rural Policy Research Institute. This is a multi-state consortium that includes Iowa State University. It conducts research on how various public policies affect rural communities.
  • $427,000 to fund the agricultural trade analysis initiative at the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University.
  • $600,000 million for the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development at Iowa State University. One of four regional centers focused on the declining rural population, this program seeks alternatives based on local agricultural and natural resources for people living in rural areas.
  • Encourages the establishment of the Rural Technology Assistance Program at Iowa State University.
  • $427,000 for work at Iowa State University to develop guidelines for scientists to develop foods with improved nutritional properties that will maintain optimal health and prevent disease.
  • $1.5 million for the Iowa Biotech Consortium at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the City of Cedar Rapids. The program conducts research on how to reduce the burden of waste products on municipal waste management systems.
  • $645,000 for the Midwest Agriculture Products program at Iowa State University. This program conducts export-enhancing market research and research on the effects of export changes on consumers.
  • $190,000 for work at Iowa State University to develop technologies that will add value to soybeans by using industrial enzymes.
  • $237,000 for the Northeast Iowa Community Dairy Based Foundation. A research lab conducts in-depth research to benefit Iowa's dairy industry.
  • Continued funding for the Little Sioux and Mosquito Creek Watershed projects.

    The House of Representatives approved its version of the agriculture appropriations bill last week. Following action on today's measure by the full Senate, the two chambers must reconcile the legislation before it can be signed by the President.