USDA Highlights Critical Role of Agricultural R&D

USDA’S Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-young led the U.S. delegation to the Meeting of G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists (G20 MACS) in India this week where leaders from around the world convened to discuss critical global agricultural science and technology issues. At the meeting, Jacobs-young stressed the importance of investments in agricultural research, development, and deployment, as well as the importance of forging strategic partnerships, to tackle the overlapping global challenges of food insecurity and climate change.

“G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists facilitate the advancement of agricultural research and innovation for climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said Jacobs-young. “Research collaborations between countries and partnerships between the public, private and philanthropic sectors expedite the development of regionally tailored solutions and the ability to implement these innovations at a global scale.”

Jacobs-young highlighted key international progress toward common goals including the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), co-led by the United States and United Arab Emirates, which seeks to catalyze greater investment and support for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation.

“AIM for Climate continues to grow rapidly, and we look forward to hosting the AIM for Climate Summit this May in Washington, D.C., as a steppingstone underscoring the importance of investing in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation at COP28 later this year,” Jacobs-young said.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www. usda.gov.