Jeffrey Armstrong

Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong, a 1981 Murray State University graduate and 2003 MSU Outstanding Agriculture Alumnus, on March 7 testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, in relation to the CREATE-21 proposal at the “Investing in Our Nation’s Future through Agricultural Research” hearing. Armstrong, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University , testified on behalf of the Board of Agriculture Assembly as acting chair.

The hearing was called to discuss possible changes to the Agriculture Department’s research programs. The three proposals discussed were from the Bush administration, one emerging from an independent federal committee’s 2004 review and the CREATE-21 proposal representing a coalition of university groups.

Dr. Tony Brannon, dean of the MSU School of Agriculture, said, “Armstrong is leading the efforts to reform the Land Grant Research System and rewriting the new Farm Bill to allow competitive funding for regional institutions like Murray State.”

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to show the value and worth of teaching, research and Extension,” says Armstrong. “Our capacity has eroded, and we especially need to enhance competitive funding. CREATE-21 will enhance efficiency and integration while providing a platform for enhancing economic development and quality of life for our citizens.”