AIBS, in partnership with the Natural Science Collections Alliance, the Mycological Society of America, the Society of Nematologists, and 13 additional scientific organizations, has sent a letter to Congress urging oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) planned relocation of several nationally significant scientific collections.
The letter raises concerns about the future of critical agricultural collections—including the U.S. National Fungus Collection, the USDA Nematode Collection, the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center, and the National Soybean Germplasm Collection—as USDA’s reorganization proceeds. It urges Congress to exercise its oversight role by holding hearings and ensuring that detailed relocation plans, appropriate facilities, and long-term staffing commitments are in place before any transfers occur.
The organizations emphasize that these collections and the scientific expertise required to maintain them are essential to agricultural research and biosecurity. “Together, these collections and their associated experts make the United States a world leader in scientific research that safeguards the future of American and global agriculture,” the letter states. “We are confident that with appropriate oversight and planning, these transitions can be managed in a way that preserves these extraordinary resources for future generations.”
Identical letters were sent to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture.
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