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USDA picks Kansas City area for ERS/NIFA

The USDA has picked the Kansas City area for the relocation of its Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture from their Washington, DC locations.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson says he’s thrilled Ag Secretary Perdue chose Kansas City with its “thriving agribusiness environment.”  Parson says the area is close to farmers and the agencies “will remain rooted in agriculture.”

Missouri and Kansas lawmakers have praised the decision. Missouri Senator Roy Blunt says the agencies will bring hundreds of “good paying jobs to the area” and enhance Missouri’s role as a national leader in ag research.

Missouri Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, of Kansas City, praised Perdue and said the move will help save taxpayer dollars and improve customer service for farmers.

Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas says Kansas City, with its established ag research labs and Animal Health Corridor is a natural fit.

The other two finalists for the ERS/NIFA relocation were sites in Indiana and North Carolina.