Agency/Congressional Briefings
      Protecting Agriculture, Protecting America (2003 pdf)
      Agricultural Research: Guarding America's Food and Fiber Security - pdf

In March 2006, CoFARM participated in a joint Congressional Visits Day (CVD) with the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) to promote federal support of non-medical biological and social sciences research. The first day participants were briefed on current issues from a panel including: the House Science Committee, National Science Foundation, and USDA s CSREES Competitive Grants Programs. In addition, BESC and CoFARM jointly sponsored a reception in honor of Congressman Vernon Ehlers (MI) and Congressman Rush Holt (NJ) for their dedication to scientific research and education.

The second day of events began with a breakfast in the USDA Secretary s dinning room (pictured). Participants heard budget updates from leadership at CSREES, ARS, ERS, and Undersecretary Pierson. Following the breakfast, scientists broke into multi-disciplinary groups to meet with their congressional delegations. Overall, CoFARM participants visited over twenty Congressional offices. CoFARM and BESC met their objective of underscoring the importance of agricultural and biological sciences through meetings with congressional decision makers.

CoFARM Meeting w/ USDA-REE Undersecretary Joe Jen
In July, 2004 delegates from CoFARM met with Dr. Joseph Jen, Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics, at USDA to discuss increases in research funding for competitive programs at USDA.

Congressional Visits Day
     Congressional Visits Day 2007
     Congressional Visits Day Fall 2004
     Summary and Photos 2003