The Natural Science Collections Alliance, the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), the Mycological Society of America, the Society of Nematologists, and 13 additional scientific organizations have sent a letter to Congress urging oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) planned relocation of several nationally significant scientific collections.
The letter raises concerns about the future of the U.S. National Fungus Collection, the USDA Nematode Collection, the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center, and the National Soybean Germplasm Collection. The organizations emphasize the need to protect these irreplaceable scientific resources and preserve the expertise required to maintain them before, during, and after any relocation process.
The letter calls on Congress to hold oversight hearings and ensure that detailed relocation plans, appropriate facilities, and long-term staffing commitments are in place before any transfers proceed.
“Together, these collections and their associated experts make the United States a world leader in scientific research that safeguards the future of American and global agriculture,” the letter states. “We are confident that with appropriate oversight and planning, these transitions can be managed in a way that preserves these extraordinary resources for future generations.”
Identical letters were sent to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture.