The USDA sponsors research and education programs, which meet
the USDA’s strategic goals of enhancing competitiveness and
sustainability of US agriculture; increasing economic
opportunities and improving quality of life in rural America;
enhancing protection and safety of the nation’s agriculture and
food supply; improving the nation’s nutrition and health; and
protecting and enhancing the nation’s natural resource base and
environment. U.S. agriculture faces new challenges, including
threats from emerging infectious diseases in plants and animals
such as avian influenza, as well as threats from climate change,
and public concern about food safety and security. It is
critical to increase the visibility and investment in
agriculture research to respond to these challenges. The ASM
urges Congress to provide increased funding for research
programs within the USDA in FY 2007. Microbiological research in
agriculture is vital to understanding and finding solutions to
foodborne diseases, endemic diseases of long sta