Barley groups submit comments on proposed rule that could negatively impact U.S. barley research
The American Malting Barley Association and National Barley Improvement Committee joined forces to submit comments on a Proposed Rule by the U.S. Management and Budget Office that impacts the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. Several elements of the Proposed Rule would have significant, devastating impacts to U.S. barley research infrastructure. Barley is particularly vulnerable due to its high reliance on federal funding to support research and development through key initiatives like the Resilient Barley Initiative, Barley Pest Initiative, and the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative.
Specific concerns include:
- The role of scientific peer review in discretionary awards - lessening reliance on scientific peer review and strengthening the ability of political appointees to make funding decisions.
- Expanded discretionary termination and suspension authority - allowing political appointees to terminate or suspend awards for up to 90 days whenever “in the interest of the Federal agency”.
- Foreign collaboration restrictions - jeopardizing legitimate international research partnerships that barley research relies upon.
- Cost allowability impacts to scientific communication and professional development - significantly impacting researcher's ability to cover costs to publish and attend scientific conferences.
- Engagement in issue advocacy or public messaging - undermining evidence-based policymaking and depriving the public of the full benefit of its investment in federally funded research.
The cumulative impact of these changes hampers the ability for U.S. barley to maintain and sustain global competitiveness. The combined effect of politicized decision-making, funding instability, and restrictions on collaboration makes the U.S. a less reliable partner in global innovation networks all while limiting the ability of our scientists to leverage the most timely and relevant advancements in science and technology. A stable, merit-based, and credible federal funding system is foundational to U.S. economic progress and leadership. These new conditions make the system deeply unattractive for organizations pursuing activities that they would not otherwise be able to afford or pursue without federal partnership. The certainty and predictability of federal assistance is essential to ensuring that qualified applicants continue to seek federal funding and carry out Congressionally-authorized activities that result in science and innovation used by the U.S. agricultural system.
Full comments can be viewed here.
