Key Takeaways:
- Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) leaders visit Capitol Hill to highlight concerns over recent federal funding cuts.
- Member survey reveals substantial disruptions to agricultural research and workforce stability.
- Key issues include halted research projects, job losses, and reduced collaboration.
- A segment of members supports budget reductions, emphasizing fiscal responsibility.
- WSSA underscores the importance of maintaining agricultural research funding for food security and global competitiveness.
WSSA Meets with Legislators Following Concerns About Federal Budget Cuts
The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) recently sent representatives to Washington D.C. to meet with legislators and key staff from agricultural committees, addressing the impacts of significant federal funding reductions initiated in the first quarter of 2025. The organization’s visit was informed by results of a comprehensive member survey conducted in March and April.
Representing over 2,000 professionals, including researchers, academics, government personnel, industry specialists, and students, WSSA has emphasized the consequences of funding cuts on U.S. agricultural research and weed management efforts.
Survey Highlights Broad Impact of Federal Budget Reductions
WSSA’s recent member survey revealed widespread concern about disruptions caused by federal funding cuts. Hilary Sandler, Ph.D., president of WSSA, stated, “Our survey results reveal widespread concern and disruption in the weed science and agricultural research communities due to recent federal government actions.”
Respondents highlighted several key areas of disruption, including:
- Funding Instability: Many reported delayed, cancelled, or frozen federal grants from agencies like USDA, NIFA, NSF, and EPA, resulting in halted or discontinued research projects.
- Workforce Reductions: Significant layoffs, forced retirements, and contract non-renewals have impacted both federal and academic personnel.
- Collaboration Breakdown: Cuts have significantly disrupted research networks and extension partnerships, especially involving federal entities such as the USDA and Forest Service.
- Morale and Trust: Members expressed declining morale, anxiety, and diminished trust in government agencies, affecting the attractiveness of public service careers.
- Student and Early Career Challenges: Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers face increased uncertainty regarding funding and job stability.
A Segment Supports Fiscal Responsibility
While the majority of respondents highlighted negative impacts, some WSSA members indicated support or neutrality toward the federal budget reductions. These individuals emphasized fiscal responsibility and the need for controlled government spending.
Legislative Outreach By WSSA to Advocate Agricultural Research Support
In response to the survey findings, WSSA leaders traveled to Capitol Hill, engaging directly with lawmakers to communicate the essential nature of sustained funding for weed management and agricultural research.
“Recent federal government actions and their impact on long-standing initiatives to support weed management research and education are of great concern,” Sandler noted. “We have shared our priorities for continued weed management research, extension, and education funding for the rest of 2025 and beyond.”
The delegation included Hilary Sandler (WSSA President), Ian Burke (WSSA President-Elect), Dawn Refsell (WSSA Vice-President), and Lee Van Wychen (WSSA Executive Director of Science Policy), among other society leaders.
