State agriculture leaders outline key federal funding needs for food safety animal health research and rural growth
State agriculture leaders under NASDA have shared their priorities for the Fiscal Year 2027 federal budget to support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across the United States. The recommendations focus on strengthening food safety, animal health, plant protection, research, trade, and nutrition programs.
A major request is increased funding for the FDA Human Foods Program through cooperative agreements with states. This includes at least $200 million for food safety programs to support inspections, training, outreach, and implementation of food safety rules such as produce safety and preventive controls. Funding would also help expand state roles in routine inspections and improve efficiency.
For meat and poultry safety, NASDA supports $82.5 million for state inspection programs under the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
This ensures processing facilities can continue operating and supporting farmers. In animal and plant health, NASDA calls for $400 million for animal health programs and $390 million for plant health programs to prevent and control diseases and pests.
Additional support is requested for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, disease preparedness, veterinary stockpiles, and biotechnology regulation.
Nutrition and food assistance programs are also a priority. NASDA supports funding for SNAP, school meals, TEFAP, and farm to school programs, along with increased support for local food purchasing, farmers markets, and nutrition incentives like GusNIP. These efforts aim to improve healthy food access while supporting local producers.
Research and innovation are another key focus area. NASDA supports funding for USDA research agencies, including ARS and NIFA programs, as well as grants for veterinary services, food safety research, and agricultural innovation. Trade promotion programs such as MAP and FMD are also supported to expand U.S. agricultural exports.
Additional priorities include funding for agricultural statistics, wildlife disease research, urban agriculture, cybersecurity in food systems, pest management policy, mediation programs, biobased markets, and pesticide monitoring programs.
NASDA emphasizes that these investments are essential for a safe, strong, and sustainable food system. These efforts also help improve rural economies, protect public health, and ensure long term stability for American agriculture and global competitiveness in future years and climate resilience growth efforts.
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