News

Study says ERS/NIFA move would cost taxpayers

A study of USDA leadership’s claim that moving two of its agencies to Kansas City will save taxpayers money says the move would end up costing taxpayers money.

Economists with the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association say the cost-benefit analysis for the move is flawed for two reasons:  By overstating the cost of keeping the agencies in D.C. and not taking into account the lost value of research from staffers who resign or retire, instead of moving

Their report says the move to Kansas City will cost taxpayers between 83-million and 182-million dollars. Ag Secretary Perdue says the move will save $300-Million dollars.

The USDA referred Brownfield Ag News back to the original announcement for response to the study.