Scientific groups urge Congress to protect vital agricultural collections
A coalition of scientific organizations has called on Congress to closely monitor the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plans to relocate several nationally important agricultural research collections.
The letter was led by the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) in partnership with the Natural Science Collections Alliance, the Mycological Society of America, the Society of Nematologists, and 13 other scientific groups. The organizations expressed concern about how relocations could affect valuable research resources and scientific expertise.
The collections involved include the U.S. National Fungus Collection, the USDA Nematode Collection, the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center, and the National Soybean Germplasm Collection. These resources support research, crop improvement, pest management, and agricultural innovation across the country.
The organizations urge Congress to use its oversight authority to ensure that detailed relocation plans are prepared before any collection is moved. They also requested that suitable facilities, long-term staffing plans, and adequate support systems be in place to protect these scientific assets.
According to the letter, the collections and the experts who manage them play an important role in strengthening agricultural research and protecting biosecurity. They help researchers address crop diseases, improve food production, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
The organizations noted that the United States has become a global leader in agricultural science partly because of these collections and the specialized knowledge behind them. They believe careful planning and oversight can help preserve these resources for future generations while minimizing risks during the transition.
Identical letters were sent to leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees as well as Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees. The groups hope congressional review will help ensure that these nationally significant collections continue to support agriculture, science, and food security for years to come.
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