Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) hosted a briefing for Members of Congress and their staff today about the benefits of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) for America’s farmers and our nation as a whole.

“As we debate the budget and America’s future, we need to keep these facts in mind: It’s the American farmer who has fed the world for over 100 years, kept our nation's food prices low as a percentage of income, and done the most to combat poverty around the world – and that’s in large part due to scientific breakthroughs in agriculture research,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “The research facilitated by ARS scientists at Washington State University and elsewhere provides everyone from farmers and ranchers to beauticians and pharmacists invaluable analysis and findings that help make our nation’s products and food supply safer, more efficient, and durable.”

ARS operates over 100 research facilities around the world.

The Congresswoman invited Mike Miller, the Washington Grain Commissioner, and Dana Herron, the Tri-State Wheat Commission Representative to speak at today’s briefing. They discussed the applicability of the ARS research conducted at WSU.

Other speakers at today’s event were Dr. Caird Rexroad, Associate Administrator for Operations, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ARS and Dr. Kay Walker Simmons, Deputy Administrator, Crop Production and Protection, USDA, ARS.

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