Despite concerns about how this will affect the quality, quantity and objectivity of agricultural research, the USDA is in a hurry to move the National Food and Agriculture Institute (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service (ERS).

These two major research agencies outside of Washington, DC, and reorganize the ERS under the jurisdiction of the Chief Economist.

In a letter sent to Congressional leadership yesterday, May 16, the National Farmers Union (NFU), the country's oldest nationwide farming organization, reiterated concerns about the proposal and called on Congress to take "decisive action" to halt the process.

In a statement, NFU President Roger Johnson said the following.

“NIFA and ERS support mission-critical research that ensures the economic and environmental sustainability of family farming. The USDA's random decision to relocate and reorganize these agencies lacks meaningful public input and is already undermining ongoing research. If this process continues, as planned, we fear that it will further undermine the core mission of the agencies. ”