NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chairwoman Pam Johnson prepares her testimony Wednesday before a House subcommittee.

Funding for the National Science Foundation Plant Genome Research Initiative needs to increase to $150 million in order to achieve the initiative’s goals, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

In testimony Tuesday before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee regarding Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 appropriations priorities, NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chairwoman Pam Johnson spoke on the importance of increasing funding from its current level of $101 million, in order to complete mapping of the corn genome. The plant initiative will also add to the understanding of the structure and function of all plant genes.

A complete corn genome sequence and the application of its information will provide a wide range of benefits, said Johnson. “Industry, both public and private, will be able to expedite their breeding programs and increase their knowledge of corn’s important agronomic traits. Corn growers will be able to plant varieties that are better suited to market and environmental needs, such as pest resistant traits. Quality researchers will continue to be attracted to the field of plant genomics and genetics.”

In addition to the wide support of corn growers for the genome project, the academic research community, grain handlers, and seed companies all support the sequencing project, she said.

Initiative goals include breakthroughs in the study of a particular organism; understanding the structure and function of all plant genes at all levels from molecules to organisms and to ecosystems; unprecedented increases in the understanding of the genomics and genetics of plants; and, attracting a new generation of scientists to the plant sciences field at U.S. colleges and universities.

“Consumers benefit through a more abundant and sustainable food, feed and fuel supplies,” Johnson said. “Corn is not only grown for food and feed, it is converted to a myriad of processed food products - literally thousands of products in the typical supermarket contain corn.”

Johnson concluded by saying improved funding and research into crop systems is more important than ever as growers work to meet the demands facing the agriculture industry. “As agriculture drives forward in providing a safe and secure supply of resources for human and animal nutrition, fiber, bioenergy, and industrial feeds, the government must strongly engage and invest in agricultural research if we are to remain robust.”

To read NCGA’s written testimony, click here.