Q:
How will the new USDA animal research facility in Ames help Iowa agriculture?
A: Iowa agriculture has long cultivated a global reputation for producing an abundance of high-quality, affordable food. The opening of a new state-of-the-art animal health center in Ames will reinforce Iowas agricultural leadership tradition to provide wholesome foods for generations to come. As part of a $460 million investment by the USDA, a newly opened $85 million building is equipped with top-notch security and safety features to conduct research, test vaccines and evaluate veterinary biological products. With continuing concerns about agro-terrorism and wavering consumer confidence questioning the safety of food supplies, this first-rate animal research facility and its highly trained workforce in Ames will have an important impact on the nations $100 billion livestock industry and the thousands upon thousands of jobs it supports. As the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, which has legislative and oversight authority over matters of international trade, I often butt heads with international trading partners who shut out U.S. meat exports based on political science instead of sound animal science. This new facility in Ames sends a rock-solid signal to our trading partners around the world that the United States and American agriculture are 100 percent committed to food security and we intend to continue fighting for market share, feeding a growing world population and providing U.S. farmers with the tools necessary to strengthen consumer confidence at home and abroad. The way I see it, the highly trained and educated scientists and researchers employed at the USDA animal research facility in Ames serve a vital link in the food chain. Iowa has an enormous economic stake in the national effort to safeguard our food supply from disease, contamination and pests. The same goes for thwarting terrorism threats aimed at jeopardizing U.S. food security. From the feedlot to the slaughterhouse gate, this new research facility has all the high-tech bells and whistles to respond to such threats and strengthen American agriculture in the 21st century.
Q:
Whats the next step for the USDA animal research complex in Ames?
A: Construction is expected to finish by 2009. At that time, the facility will be one of the largest animal health centers in the world. With one million square feet of laboratory and research space, the complex will secure Iowas leadership position as an agricultural powerhouse. Iowa farmers are committed to producing the best food available in the marketplace and Iowa scientists and researchers are committed to helping guarantee its also the safest food consumers can put on their tables and serve to their families. As a lifelong family farmer, I make it my business as a federal lawmaker to represent the interests of Iowans whose livelihoods are linked to the agricultural fields, whether on the farm or in academia. Beefing up our national commitment to animal research and veterinary science is smart public policy. The USDA facility in Ames houses Americas cream of the crop when it comes to trouble-shooting animal diseases and researching animal health sciences. Iowans can take pride.