Funding supports competitive, merit-based potato breeding projects across the country
On March 14, the Senate approved 54-46 a House-passed Continuing Resolution that funded the government through Sept. 30. The action avoided a government shutdown, which would have occurred on Friday at midnight.
Of note to the potato industry, the CR included $4 million for NIFA potato breeding research – the same level as fiscal year 2024 – an investment that supports the future of U.S. potato industry through the funding of competitive, merit-based potato breeding projects across the country.
“During February’s NPC Washington Summit, growers met with their Congressional delegations to urge their continued support of this vital research funding,” said Dean Gibson, NPC’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs, “and we are pleased that Congress responded to this urgent request. As Congress pivots to focus on FY26 funding bills, NPC and our state potato association partners will continue to advocate for continued investments in research, which will keep our industry competitive into the future.”
