Capito, Justice Applaud USDA Research Projects Relocating to West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s announcement to reorganize and restructure its Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area, which includes agricultural research investments in West Virginia.

"This reorganization by USDA will benefit our West Virginia farmers and producers," Senator Capito said. "I am glad to see this move happening, which will better align research with the communities it serves by placing more resources and leadership closer to the field. With opportunities to expand work in communities like Kearneysville, Leetown, and Martinsburg, USDA is ensuring that West Virginia can play a bigger role in agricultural innovation."

"Getting USDA research and resources closer to our farmers makes all the sense in the world. I've been in Washington for over a year now, and I've gotten to see a lot of things, but one thing I haven't seen is a farm. If we really want to help our farmers, we've got to get out of Washington and get closer to where the real work is happening. Bringing these resources, research, and leadership into West Virginia means we can deliver for our producers and keep driving our state forward to expand our agricultural footprint," Senator Justice said.

BACKGROUND:

• The USDA reorganization will move over $6 million in funding and jobs to Kearneysville, Leetown, and Martinsburg, West Virginia.

• The expansion strengthens USDA's presence in West Virginia and helps position West Virginia as a growing hub for agricultural innovation.

• West Virginia is situated close to two-thirds of the U.S. population, offers a great cost of living, and is home to wonderful people.

• Agricultural research closer to the farm gate should ensure greater food security, crop productivity, and innovation on the farm.

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