USDA Highlights Importance of Agricultural Research and Development

The U.S. Department of Agriculture highlighted the importance of agricultural research and development (R&D) and the need for G20 agricultural science leaders to actively advocate for science-based decision making. Agricultural science leaders from around the world convened virtually this week during the Meeting of G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists (G20 MACS) to discuss critical global agricultural science and technology issues. 

“I have had the honor of attending G20 MACS since it was launched in 2012. Now in its 10th year, G20 MACS continues to demonstrate its value by serving as a platform to raise the profile of agricultural research and development,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA’s Acting Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE) and Acting Chief Scientist, who led the U.S. delegation. “I was pleased to hear my G20 counterparts encourage science-based understanding of genome editing and advance policy approaches that support the safe research and development of genome edited products in agriculture.” 

The G20 MACS is an excellent forum for identifying challenges and setting priorities for agricultural research that underpins food and nutrition security both nationally and globally. 

‘We are pleased to see in the G20 MACS communique support for greater investment in agricultural R&D and innovation to help raise global ambition and underpin more rapid and transformative climate action in all countries, which aligns with the goal of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate,” said Dr. Jacobs-Young. 

Dr. Jacobs-Young also emphasized the important role of the Agricultural Chief Scientists in promoting science-based, data-driven decision and policy-making globally and stressed the need for effective research collaboration between countries, and between the public and private sector, to find solutions to help farmers mitigate and adapt to climate change. 

Source: USDA