WASHINGTON D.C. — Critical research that would boost America’s ag economy will be the focus of the federal Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), newly created under the 2014 farm bill.

Midwest leaders assigned to the 15-member board spoke about their hopes for the future of ag. One of the unique aspects of FFAR is its designation as a nonprofit corporation, to gather private funds to match the $200 million provided through Congress as new research projects are developed.

FFAR board member Douglas Buhler said the new foundation, announced last week, initially will need to develop specific guidelines and objectives for its funding.

"My simple hope is that we design a program that will attract unique collaborative projects that will make significant impacts on the food and agricultural system. I hope that the private sector steps up and is an integral partner. Time will tell," said Buhler, director of AgBioResearch at Michigan State University.

Partnering with the private sector to collaborate on ag research is a novel approach, said board member Michael Ladisch.

"To my know-ledge, this is a new concept and a way to expand investment into agricultural research with more flexible funding. It would require cost-sharing and help in vetting the choices of the board over the long term," said Ladisch, director of the Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering and professor of ag and biological engineering at Purdue University.

He hopes to address gaps in research into potential needs such as plant and animal health, food safety and security, renewable energy and ag systems and technology.

"I’m really excited and honored to work with this board, which has some of the top scientists in the country and world, and to have the opportunity to contribute to lots of different research needs," Ladisch said.

"Purdue University is one of the top universities in agriculture, but this will give us a bigger perspective on what’s going on in other parts of the country."

He emphasized the research needs determined by the board will look ahead to the next 3-5 years, at least. Other national leaders named to the board also are optimistic FFAR will accomplish much.

"Advancing American agriculture cannot be done without advancing the critical research to make sure we increase production in an economically and environmentally sustainable way," said farmer Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa, chair of the National Corn Growers Assoc. and its past president.

"As someone who has long held an interest in ag research and has long believed in its importance, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my country and my industry in this foundation."

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of FFAR and the appointment of the board of directors last week. He is one of the five ex-officio members of the board.

"Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research creates $20 in economic activity," he said. "Investments in innovation made over the past several decades have developed new products and new procedures that have been critical to the continued growth of American agriculture.

"We must continue to make strategic investments in research and technology if we are to remain leaders in the global economy," Vilsack continued.

Visit www.usda.gov/farmbill for more information on provisions of the 2014 legislation.