Washington, D.C. - The Senate Agriculture Committee today passed the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997, which will reauthorize federal agricultural research, education and extension programs, according to Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS).

“This bill will ensure that we have the continuity, coherence and certainty of resources necessary to maintain the national commitment to agricultural research that is needed,” stated Cochran.

This five year bill maintains the current system of allocating research, education and extension formula funds to land-grant colleges and universities, including Mississippi State University and Alcorn State University. The bill also provides $780 million in new competitively awarded agricultural research grants over the next 5 years.

Another important provision of the bill is the establishment of a new program for research on management and eradication of imported fire ants which cause tremendous damages each year.

“I am very pleased that the committee has approved this bill to assure a bright future for American agriculture,” Cochran said.

The bill will next be considered by the full Senate.