Persistence Pays Off – ASAFS Funded at $4 Million, Increase for ARS, & Special Report Language

We are pleased to announce alfalfa fared well in the recently passed 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Not only did the bill provide a $500,000 increase in research funding for the Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems Research Program (ASAFS), which now stands at $4 million, but it provided an increase in recurring funds for alfalfa research at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) as well. Due to NAFA's continued effort to enhance alfalfa research, these research programs continue to grow.

Additionally, the bill contained important report language urging USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) to "explore the creation of a revenue and/or quality alfalfa crop insurance policy to ensure producers have a safety net that they need to produce this important crop," as well as urging the Secretary of Agriculture to "incentivize the use and integration of alfalfa in NRCS programs to capitalize on the unique environmental and conservation benefits it brings to the agricultural landscape" - both critical in the ongoing effort to grow alfalfa acres nationwide.

Thanks to those who helped in our effort to secure these valuable funds and much needed report language through our DC Zoom-In: Tom Barcellos, CA farmer; Charlie Brummer, UC-Davis; Kim Cassida, Michigan State University; Ron Cornish, Alforex; Dan Funke, IA farmer; Keith Herndon, GA farmer; Mark Hockel, MN farmer; Tim Holmes, FGI; Clayton Janicke, KS farmer; Brent Johnson, S&W; Barb Kinnan-Baier, NE Alfalfa Marketing Association; Ben Kuhn, ND farmer; Leonard Lauriault, New Mexico State University; Wayne Leis, WI farmer; Mike Lauwers, MI farmer; Ed McNamara, MN farmer; Emily Meccage, FGI; Dan Miller, MN farmer; Fran Miron, MN farmer; Robin Newell, S&W; Mark Rogen, SD farmer; John Ruedinger, WI farmer; Matt Sowder, FGI; David Sterrett, NM farmer; Pete Theisen, FGI; Jennifer Tucker, University of Georgia; Darrin Unruh, KS farmer; Mark Wagoner, WA farmer; Doug Walsh, Washington State University; Randy Welch, CROPLAN; Dan Wiersma, Corteva. It takes a village.

Happy New Year – we’re off to a great start!