In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the integrity of U.S agriculture against invasive species and pests is one of the most important priorities for scientific research.
Hutchins believes that addressing soil health is necessary to regenerate productivity on U.S. farms. For him, USDA’s goal is to provide farmers with tools in a context that allows them to focus on their profitability.
The undersecretary also sees this as an opportunity to serve consumers through extensive research on nutrition. As he puts it, this can be a useful tool in understanding how food can impact chronic diseases.
Although increasing farm productivity and profitability seem to be the obvious goals of this USDA initiative, it is also important to note that it places great emphasis on protecting the environment through its commitment to addressing soil health issues and pest problems.
