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  For Immediate Release  
  Contact: Matt Bisbee  
  Phone: (217) 403-4690 / (217) 649-1754  
July 20, 2004
 
Rep. Johnson, U.S. House Approve Nearly $4 Million for University of Illinois Ag Research Programs
 

Four programs in the U of I College of ACES would receive federal money to continue research

 

Washington, D.C. - The University of Illinois College of Agriculture Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) will be able to continue important research in several areas, all designed to achieve better and safer food products for a global marketplace.  U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (IL-15) has obtained $3.85 million in federal funding for four different projects at the College.

“The U of I has world class scientists working in all departments, but it is truly the leading institution in the country when it comes to agriculture sciences,” said Rep. Johnson.  “The U.S. House has passed a measure that will send millions of dollars back to the University so our researchers and scientists in the College of ACES can continue creating the world’s healthiest, safest and most abundant food supply.”

The federal dollars passed through the agriculture appropriations process in the House last week, come to the University of Illinois in the form of four separate grants.  Those include:

  1. Livestock Genome Sequencing Initiative -- $971,000

    This ongoing project is mapping genetic identification for cattle and swine, which will ultimately lead to better, safer and more nutritious food products and in turn, increased public health.

  2. Soybean Disease Biotech Center -- $955,000

    Researchers here continue working on fighting crop disease, primarily in soybeans. 

  3. Future Foods Project (In conjunction with the Illinois Soybean Association) -- $650,000

    The goal of this project is to examine the makeup and compounds of food products, study the processing and storage systems and make changes where there are problems.  It is designed to reduce food contamination and create a healthy, safe and abundant food supply for our future.

  4. Illinois/Missouri Biotech Alliance -- $1,279,000 million

    This project led by the University of Illinois, also includes the University of Missouri and other regional institutions with agriculture programs.  It is focused on creating new research, uses and markets for corn and beans.  Additionally, it is assessing the economic and social issues surrounding biotechnology.

Rep. Johnson, the only Illinois member on the House Committee on Agriculture, said he is hopeful the Senate will pass the appropriations and keep the grants funded at the existing levels.

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