Climate change and stagnant research funding threaten U.S. agricultural productivity, marking the first slowdown in decades, according to a new study. Researchers estimate that reversing this trend requires a 5% to 8% annual increase in public sector investment, or an additional $2.2 billion to $3.8 billion annually.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that rising temperatures have significantly reduced productivity. Without intervention, the U.S. risks falling behind nations like China and Brazil, which are ramping up research investments.
Publicly funded R&D plays a critical role in sustaining agriculture, offering broader benefits than private-sector innovations. Without increased investment, declining productivity could lead to more government bailouts, environmental harm, and increased reliance on imports. Researchers urge swift action to safeguard the future of U.S. farming.
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