In the last century we have made more progress in a shorter amount of time than any previous time in human history. Many of our parents or grandparents remember a time when an automobile was a novelty. Since then we’ve invented new medicines, new forms of communication, household appliances that have replaced some daily chores and even landed on the moon. The family farm is no different, what was once done with a horse or oxen is now done with a John Deere or International Harvester.

As we consider the 2007 Farm Bill, we will have an opportunity to advance our knowledge of agricultural research. A task force recommended the creation of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) as an independent research institution within the Department of Agriculture.

This week, I will introduce legislation with the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, to create the NIFA. Missouri Senator Kit Bond and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin have introduced the measure in the Senate. The Institute could look into a broad range of topics to study including renewable energy, animal feed research, disease research, plant drought resistance and nutrition. Investing in research is about the agriculture of the future, not the agriculture of the past.

America has the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. In order to keep that edge we must never end our quest for knowledge. The National Institute for Food and Agriculture will ensure that we continue to be a leader in agriculture research.

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