A group of more than 1100 scientists and economists have joined the National Farmers Union in opposing a USDA reorganization plan. That proposal by Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue involves the moving of the Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture out of Washington D.C. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says there are several concerns with that.
He says analysis should be conducted to determine what effect such a move would have.
Wertish says another concern is that moving the Economic Research Service to the Office of the Chief Economist will undermine the agency’s work to objectively collect and analyze important agricultural data.
The scientists and economists in their letter opposing the move of the agencies urged Congress to delay the reorganization until all stakeholders including USDA employees can provide proper input.
