American agriculture is often described as a modern miracle, and for good reason. Over the past century, farmers have grown more food on fewer acres, improved environmental stewardship, and strengthened food security both at home and abroad. These gains didn’t happen by accident. They were made possible in large part by sustained public investment in agricultural research and by the scientists working at land-grant universities across the country.
For wheat growers, that partnership between farmers, land-grant researchers, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is indispensable. Together, they translate cutting-edge science into real-world solutions that help growers manage disease pressure, improve yields, conserve resources, and stay competitive in global markets.
Unfortunately, public investment in agricultural research in the United States has declined significantly in recent decades, while our global competitors are moving in the opposite direction. According to USDA analysis, China now outspends the United States 2:1 in agricultural research and development. That trend should concern anyone who cares about the long-term competitiveness of American agriculture. Reinvesting in research here at home is one of the most effective ways to strengthen our domestic food system and ensure U.S. farmers remain the most productive in the world.
In wheat, the value of this research partnership cannot be overstated. Several federal programs play a vital role in coordinating efforts across states and institutions to address the challenges growers face in the field.
Here are a few examples. The United States Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative coordinates national research to combat Fusarium Head Blight – one of the most damaging diseases affecting wheat and barley. The Wheat Resiliency Initiative focuses on emerging pest and disease threats that can significantly impact wheat yield and quality, including stripe rust, bacterial leaf streak, Hessian fly, and wheat stem sawfly. Meanwhile, the Small Grains Genomic Initiative supports cutting-edge genetic research that accelerates the development of improved wheat varieties with stronger yields and greater resilience.
The return on these investments is significant. Research supported through the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative alone has generated an enormous return on investment for farmers. Economic analysis shows for every $1 invested through the initiative, farmers and the broader economy realized approximately $71 in value through reduced crop losses, improved varieties, and better disease management tools.
In just a few days, NAWG will host the National Wheat Improvement Committee for a visit to our nation’s capital. During this visit, wheat farmers will walk the halls of Congress alongside university researchers to discuss the importance of these programs and to encourage Congress to sustain, even increase, funding for research farmers cannot do without. These programs are not abstract investments – they are essential to the strength of the U.S. food supply and global food security.
We’ve already seen the impact of this research. Earlier this year, USDA announced a new spring wheat germplasm with the potential to significantly reduce economic losses caused by Fusarium Head Blight, a disease that has challenged growers for decades. Breakthroughs like this do not happen overnight, and they do not happen without federal investment in research.
American agricultural competitiveness relies on innovation – not only from the private sector, but also from the public sector. As Congress begins considering FY27 appropriations and the Trump Administration seeks to strengthen our position in an increasingly competitive world, seriously recommitting to public agricultural research must be a priority.
For wheat growers and for American agriculture, research is not just an investment in science. It’s an investment in the future of our farms, our rural communities, our food security, and our national security.