Washington, D.C. -- Agriculture research continues to be a vital investment enabling farmers to be more productive, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) said today during a speech to members of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

Cochran told Farm Bureau members that "Congress would support continued federal funding for agriculture research at laboratories and research centers in the State of Mississippi."

"We have enjoyed more growth in the agriculture research area in our State at universities and colleges than any state, and the research efforts at these facilities in Mississippi are making a big difference for the future of American agriculture, which is a continued source of pride," Cochran said.

Senator Cochran also said that these research programs are designed to increase the efficiency of agriculture production, so the United States can maintain a competitive edge and provide safe, nutritious food products at lower costs enabling farmers to continue to compete more effectively with competitor countries around the world.

The Senator told the group that U.S. farmers and exporters must take advantage of a growing economic opportunity outside of U.S. borders.

"Ninety-five percent of the world's population live outside of the United States, so we have to design our programs to ensure that we take advantage of this growing market," Cochran said. "At the same time, the federal government has a responsibility to make sure that trade programs are administered fairly to ensure that other countries do not erect barriers which would deny U.S. farmers and exporters access to global markets."

Cochran added, "It is important that we maintain the kinds of programs that will be effective and protect our farmers in times of need."

Approximately 100 members of the Mississippi Farm Bureau and their families traveled to Washington to attend today's event.