USDA SETS 2026 RESEARCH PRIORITIES TO STRENGTHEN U.S. AGRICULTURE

On December 30, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins released a press release announcing new USDA research and development priorities for 2026, outlining how federal research investments will be focused to support producers, strengthen agricultural competitiveness, and improve long-term sustainability.

The priorities emphasize applied, producer-focused research across five key areas:

• Improving Farm Profitability by advancing technologies and practices that reduce input costs, increase efficiency, and support automation and innovation on the farm.
• Expanding Markets and Product Uses through research that opens new domestic and international markets and explores additional uses for U.S. agricultural products, including biobased materials and bioenergy.
• Protecting Crops from Pests and Diseases by strengthening early detection, prevention, and response to invasive pests and plant diseases that threaten crop yields and farm viability.
• Enhancing Soil Health and Water Efficiency with research that improves soil productivity, optimizes water use, and supports long-term land stewardship.
• Supporting Human Health through Nutrition Research by advancing science that links food quality, nutrition, and health outcomes.

Why This Matters to Washington Potato Growers

These research priorities directly align with the challenges and opportunities facing Washington’s potato industry. Investments in soil health, water-use efficiency, and pest and disease management support the long-term productivity of potato-growing regions across the state. Expanded market development and product innovation can help strengthen demand for Washington potatoes, while applied research focused on farm profitability helps ensure growers remain competitive in the face of rising input costs and resource constraints.

By prioritizing practical, science-based solutions, USDA’s 2026 research agenda helps ensure federal research dollars are delivering results that matter on the ground—supporting resilient farms, strong rural communities, and a sustainable future for Washington agriculture.

View U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Press Release Here.