Sioux City Times

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra has introduced the Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization Act to support ongoing agricultural research focused on crop and animal genetics and phenomics. This initiative, which includes research activities at Iowa State University, aims to enhance crop yields while managing costs for farmers in Iowa.

The legislation reauthorizes funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Genome to Phenome Initiative, originally part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This funding, set at $40 million, targets research on genomes and phenomes of crops and animals vital to American agriculture. According to Feenstra, this investment is essential for ensuring productive and secure agricultural sectors.

Reflecting on efforts in Iowa, Feinstein remarked, "Last year, I invited House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to Iowa to meet with our farmers, producers, and agricultural community. In addition to attending the Farm Progress Show in Boone to see the newest advancements in farm technology, we had the opportunity to learn more about research taking place at Iowa State University through the Genome to Phenome Initiative. In part, this initiative studies plant genetics – particularly corn – to determine how to increase yields and make crops more resilient." He emphasized the importance of agricultural research investments for Iowa's economy and agriculture's long-term success. "Representing the second largest agricultural-producing congressional district in the nation, increasing yields, lowering input costs, and supporting our farmers are important priorities for agriculture and our rural communities."

Stu Swanson, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Galt, Iowa, also highlighted the progress made through this initiative: "In Iowa, we continue to grow more with less and this progress is largely due to our ongoing efforts to enhance corn's resilience against various environmental challenges through Genomes to Phenomes research," he said. Swanson expressed appreciation for Congressman Feenstra's leadership, recognizing the significant role of funding in advancing corn research and production.

Feenstra, a member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee for Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, has prioritized investment in agricultural research. He recently co-introduced the Future Funding for Agricultural Research, Mentorship, and Education Reauthorization (Future FARMER) Act as part of the Farm Bill, which aims to promote agricultural research and education initiatives further.