Iowa Leaders Urge USDA Relocation of Research Projects to Ames in Reorganization Plan

Iowa's entire congressional delegation, including Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, along with Governor Kim Reynolds, have urged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to relocate the USDA's Agricultural Research Service projects from Beltsville, Maryland, to Ames, Iowa, as part of the USDA's broader plan to move Washington-area staff to regional hubs. They emphasize that Ames, which already hosts a significant concentration of USDA facilities and employees, offers a smooth transition due to its existing collaboration with Iowa State University and its alignment with ongoing research at Beltsville. The delegation highlights Iowa's expertise in agriculture, its low cost of living, and the economic benefits the move would bring to the state. Senator Grassley noted the symbolic importance of relocating research to the home of Henry Wallace, a former Agriculture Secretary and native Iowan, whose name graces the Maryland facility. Meanwhile, Maryland lawmakers oppose the move, citing the need for congressional approval and concerns about wasted investments. The USDA's reorganization plan, unveiled in July, aims to close several Washington-area offices, including the Beltsville center, but progress may be delayed due to the federal government shutdown.