UC Davis Highlights The Value Of Federally Funded Research

Throughout much of 2025, the value of federally funded research came under scrutiny, not only from members of the Trump Administration, but others across the country that question how the dollars are being spent.  And that led to tabled projects and pulled research dollars impacting universities across the country, including agricultural research.

In response UC Davis launched its From Labs to Lives campaign, highlighting the important role these federally funded research projects play for farmers across the United States and beyond.  Ashley Stokes, Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, said the research they focus on is very relevant and gets to the heart of what producers do day in and day out.

“When we look at the topics of our research, it's really driven by what our farmers really need," Stokes said.  "We listen to that and that really directs what we do.  We complete this research. We have incredible researchers and faculty and students that work in these areas. And then we get that information right back out to people across our farming communities.”

Stokes added the federal government and universities nationwide have worked together for generations, collaborating on research projects, allowing the American people to benefit from a long list of scientific advancements.

“There's been an understanding that instead of the federal government having to set up research all across the country, they can make investments into our universities and do really relevant work, you know, through the expertise of our universities," Stokes said.  "And it's been a great investment that the federal government has made. It's very strategic.”

Stokes stressed this research is not done in a vacuum, and farmers provide feedback and insight to research that will help them produce a better crop.

Click Here to learn more about the Labs to Lives Campaign.

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