Last week, the White House released President Biden’s proposed budget for the fiscal year 2022, which calls for $6 trillion in spending as well as controversial tax provisions. The Hagstrom Report says Biden’s budget calls for USDA discretionary spending at $27.9 billion, a 16% increase from the previous year. Ag Secretary Vilsack says the proposal also has $700 million requested for the Reconnect Program to give better broadband access to rural areas. The proposal would invest in research and development for farmers.
Vilsack says U.S. farmers must be able to compete in world markets to thrive, all while protecting the health of soil and water. The budget request would allow for $4 billion to go to USDA’s research, education, and outreach programs to make investments in ag research in order to help give farmers more data and technology-based tools. The budget also increases funding for climate-smart agriculture, climate resilience, and clean energy by almost $1.5 billion. House Ag Committee Chair David Scott says these investments are important for the ag community. What do you think?
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