Schmitt Introduces Bill to Boost Support for University of Missouri Food and Agricultural Policy Research Center

Bill Would Extend Program Authorities and Increase Authorized Funding to $15 Million

U.S. SENATE - Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced legislation to extend and increase authorized funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Policy Research Centers program, which houses the University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Center (FAPRI-MU). Since 1984, FAPRI-MU has been a trusted worldwide leader in providing Congress, USDA, private industry, and global partners with objective economic and policy analysis to support sound decision-making in the agricultural sector. The bill would extend the program's authorization until 2031 and increase funding to $15 million per year.

"Missouri is proud to house the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at Mizzou, a worldwide leader in agricultural market research and policy analysis. For decades, FAPRI-MU has provided decision-makers at all levels of government and industry with sound research and economic modeling to ensure policy options are grounded in a clear-eyed view of the challenges facing our farmers and ranchers every day. The work being done in Columbia and across Missouri doesn't just inform debate in Washington-it helps safeguard the future of our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across the country, and I'm proud to support their vital work," said Senator Schmitt.

"FAPRI-MU has served as a trusted resource for Congress and America's farmers and ranchers for more than 40 years, providing the data-driven analysis needed to support strong farm policy and a competitive U.S. agricultural economy. We are grateful to Senator Schmitt for his leadership in supporting the continued work of our Policy Research Centers and strengthening American agriculture," said Christopher Daubert, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri.

Background:

· FAPRI-MU has provided economic models and analysis of key markets to estimate how different agricultural policy options affect prices and quantities, producers, consumers, and government costs. FAPRI-MU supports strong agricultural policy through quantitative research on the implications of trade, farm income, and biofuel policy, providing Congress with critical resources to inform legislative decisions.

· The University of Missouri recently celebrated the return of Dr. Seth Meyer, USDA's Chief Economist from 2021-2025 and a graduate of Mizzou's College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, to lead FAPRI-MU's flagship research.

· FAPRI-MU fills frequent requests from Congress, alongside conducting analysis for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and several other federal agencies, as well as state government officials.

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