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NFU opposes reorganization of ERS and NIFA

The National Farmers Union is against the USDA’s proposed reorganization and relocation of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

In a letter to Sonny Perdue, NFU President Roger Johnson expressed concern that moving out of Washington D.C. would affect the functions of the two divisions. He said the NFU fears relocation will cause the loss of knowledgeable and experienced staff and weaken the ability for the two divisions to help farmers and ranchers.

Johnson said the administration’s lack of detailed reasoning for the move and the absence of improvements to the divisions in the proposal is also alarming.

The NFU Board of Directors recently opposed the proposal saying public opinions should be considered before making a final decision on the relocation.