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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 omnibus bill that includes his request for funding for Rutgers University agricultural research projects.
Yesterday, the House approved a $410 billion spending bill that combines nine appropriations bills into one omnibus bill funding domestic programs and foreign operations for FY 2009, which officially began on October 1, 2008. The bill now goes to the Senate for its approval before heading to the president's desk for his signature.
The New Jersey congressman, whose district includes Rutgers University, requested the agricultural funding for the programs in a letter to members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture last year.
Blueberry and cranberry research in New Jersey will receive $451,000 in federal funds from special research grants for the Rutgers Blueberry and Cranberry Research Extension Center.
Pallone said research at the Center is aimed at developing technology to reduce pesticide use in the culture of these two crops and reducing the impact of their production on the environment. These types of crop and technological research are especially important in accommodating continued agricultural production near environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands, where these crops must be grown.
“Agriculture is a major component of the New Jersey economy,” Pallone said. “Much of the research work going on at Rutgers will produce important advances that will increase productivity and boost revenues in New Jersey and around the country. New Jersey ranks first in the nation in fresh market blueberry production and third in cranberries. The funding approved by the House today will benefit our farmers and our state’s economy.”
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