Public Ag Research is Vanishing. Can the Industry Survive?

The article focuses on the critical role of land grant universities in supporting agricultural research and the challenges posed by ongoing funding cuts. It highlights a USDA-funded project led by Dr. Stephen Searcy and collaborators from multiple universities aimed at improving mechanical harvesting of short-day onions, which are prone to bruising. The research combines engineering tests with genetic evaluations to reduce damage during harvest, involving partnerships with growers and seed companies. The article also emphasizes that land grant institutions not only conduct research but also train future agricultural professionals, with funding increasingly reliant on competitive grants amid shrinking departmental support.