Research key to arid lands survival

by Congressman Joe Skeen

Since the beginning of civilization, people have understood that agriculture is the foundation for the most basic necessities of life. One of the first priorities for Earth's early inhabitants was to develop techniques that would provide them with an abundant food supply, clothing and adequate shelter.

Today, less than 2 percent of our nation's population is responsible for feeding and clothing the rest of the nation as well as a significant number of people throughout the world.

Agriculture has evolved into a sophisticated system that encompasses a network of scientists involved in vital agricultural research projects and programs, crop production processes involving the use of advanced technology, and efficient distribution systems of agricultural products throughout the nation and world. Accordingly, we are fortunate to enjoy a safe and affordable supply of food as well as an abundance of other agricultural products.

While I can be optimistic about the future of this vital industry, people who have been involved in agriculture have gone through many obstacles and serious challenges. I come from a family that has deep roots in agriculture. I have seen and experienced firsthand what the unpredictable forces of nature can do to people dependent upon the cooperation of Mother Nature. For example, drought can have a long and devastating effect on agriculture. Floods can also wipe out an entire crop in a matter of seconds.

As a public official, I often receive praise or criticism for my passion and support for agriculture. But I understand its purpose and know the significant impact agriculture has on our daily lives. It's vital that we continue to ensure the viability of this industry. One way to support agriculture is through research, particularly in the area of identifying plants and crop plants that can survive in arid lands.

As chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, I have insisted upon funding research projects throughout the country and, in particular, at NMSU. The university was founded as a land-grant college. It is one of the finest institutions of higher learning, particularly in the field of agriculture.

NMSU recently opened the Center for Sustainable Development of Arid Lands-a state-of-the-art teaching, laboratory and research facility for the purpose of research in this important area. One of the greatest challenges facing agriculture is identifying solutions to the development of sustainable crops in dry regions.

The university is working on a project that catalogues genes associated with drought resistance. For example, researchers are looking at plants that have evolved in arid environments and adapted to survive. The result of this research is to understand the molecular bases for favorable responses to drought so that researchers are able to transfer these characteristics to crop plants.

NMSU plays a significant role in the International Arid Lands Consortium, which coordinates activities in arid lands research and management. In addition to sustainable development, the consortium supports and promotes the Middle East peace process through its workshops and symposia.

I am confident that the new research building will provide researchers with the necessary tools to continue developing technologies and alternatives that will help our farmers and ranchers produce crop plants capable of surviving in arid lands. Not only is this research vital to the western United States, but also for countries in the Middle East that primarily have lands not conducive to a variety of crops.

I am proud and honored to have played a role in funding the infrastructure and research projects that will maintain the existence of agriculture. Without this important industry, we cannot survive.