TL;DR:
- President Biden’s fiscal 2025 budget includes a $29.2 billion allocation for the USDA, marking a $2 billion increase from 2023.
- The budget supports animal disease prevention, and agricultural research, and specifically addresses the pork industry’s needs, including efforts against African swine fever.
In a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to agriculture and food safety, President Biden has earmarked $29.2 billion for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in his fiscal 2025 budget proposal. This represents a $2 billion increase over the 2023 funding levels, highlighting a focused effort to enhance the nation’s agricultural sector and address critical issues such as animal disease prevention and food safety.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has expressed its support for the proposed budget, particularly praising the increased funding for USDA programs aimed at animal disease prevention and preparedness. Such programs are vital for maintaining the health of the US swine herd and ensuring the safety of pork products.
The NPPC’s endorsement reflects the pork industry’s appreciation for the administration’s proactive stance on addressing key challenges facing agricultural producers.
A significant portion of the proposed budget is allocated towards combating animal diseases, with notable investments in the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This includes $4.7 million for swine health programs, which encompasses $4.25 million for the establishment of the Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). SHIP is a national strategy designed to enhance biosecurity, traceability, and surveillance of diseases affecting swine.
Additionally, the budget proposes a $20,000 increase in funding for APHIS’s National Veterinary Stockpile to $6.5 million. This stockpile is crucial for responding to animal disease outbreaks, containing vaccines, antivirals, therapeutic products, and other essential supplies.
The budget also dedicates nearly $3.8 billion to agricultural research, education, and outreach, underscoring the administration’s commitment to advancing agricultural science and innovation. This investment is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the US agricultural sector.
It’s important to note that while the President’s budget serves as a comprehensive blueprint for funding priorities, it is subject to approval and modifications by Congress. The final budget may differ from the initial proposal, but the outlined priorities provide insight into the administration’s vision for the future of US agriculture.
By focusing on critical areas such as animal disease prevention, agricultural research, and food safety, the proposed budget aims to strengthen the foundation of the US agricultural sector, ensuring its resilience and capacity to meet the challenges of the future.
