A bill to encourage new ag research through public/private partnerships was introduced Friday by US Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. The bipartisan bill, the Charitable Agricultural Research Act, is cosponsored by Senator John Thune of South Dakota.
The measure would amend the tax code to allow for a new type of charitable, tax-exempt agricultural research organization, or ARO. It would allow for partnerships between universities and private entities.
Stabenow says, “Research is critical in protecting the health and welfare of our rural and farming communities and expanding our agriculture economy.”
Public investment in ag research has not grown over the years and with limited federal dollars – Stabenow’s news release says – AROs will complement existing research and create opportunities for previously “underfunded projects” to be fully funded – especially those dealing with specialty crops and specific diseases.
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