WASHINGTON (December 9, 2020) - House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Chair Stacey E. Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands delivered these remarks following today's subcommittee hearing on 1890 Land Grant universities:

[As Prepared for Delivery]

"We can all agree that our students are of primary concern as we work through this pandemic. Our next generation of farmers deserve substantive funding to support important research initiatives. Under my Subcommittee, I look forward to supporting existing farm bill provisions that will assist in the success of these agriculture programs and their students.

"Support for the 1890 institutions is strong on this Subcommittee. That was evident in the 2018 Farm Bill, with that legislation providing critical support for scholarships, centers of excellence, and addressing issues to ensure equity between the 1890s and their 1862 counterparts.

"While I am proud of the achievements we secured in the 2018 Farm Bill, there is more work to be done to support our students, our researchers, and our extension professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges associated with it, have underscored the fact that more work needs to be done to support these institutions.

"To the witnesses, thank you so much for your testimony. As we look ahead to the next Congress and to the next farm bill, I look forward to continuing to work with you all and my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee to further support the 1890 system and the communities you serve."