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Researchers and growers press Congress to sustain and speed Specialty Crop Research funding
Summary
Witnesses praised the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) and IR‑4 program, urged predictable requests for applications, expanded funding, and faster release of RFPs to enable multidisciplinary, multistate projects addressing pollinators, pests and mechanization.
WASHINGTON — Scientists and growers told the House Agriculture Committee that federal research programs tailored to specialty crops—especially the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) and IR‑4—are vital but need improved predictability and more funding.
Ramesh Seguili, professor of horticulture at Oregon State University and SCRI grant recipient, said, "The Specialty Crop Research Initiative is unique among the USDA NIFA competitive programs because of its targeted focus on specialty crops," and described SCRI's value for…
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