A new report from the Presidential Council on Science and Technology (PCAST) said that the federal government needs to launch a coordinated effort to boost American agriculture science by increasing agricultural research investments by $700 million per year and by rebalancing USDA’s research portfolio so that external funding is increased.

The “Report to the President on Agricultural Preparedness and Agriculture Research Enterprise” concluded that the U.S. is the undisputed world leader in agricultural production today, but must invest in more technology to maintain this position. The report prioritizes the top scientific challenges facing agriculture, including the need to manage new pathogens, reduce ag’s environmental footprint; adapt to a changing climate and accommodate demands for bioenergy while producing safe and nutritious food at home and abroad.