Tom Harkin: “50 years ago, James Watson and Francis Crick were identifying the double-helix molecule of DNA. The first embryo…”

“50 years ago, James Watson and Francis Crick were identifying the double-helix molecule of DNA. The first embryo transfers from donor cows to recipients were made. The Korean War ended. And the Agricultural Research Service was created. The creation of ARS was not the beginning of the Department of Agriculture's efforts in agricultural research. President Abraham Lincoln signed the act creating the department, which included the charge to "acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful information . . . and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people new and valuable seeds and plants." The Department's commitment to agricultural research reaches back nearly 150 years. The ARS itself was created by Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson through a reorganization of the former Agricultural Research Administration, on November 2, 1953. In its 50 years of service, the ARS has discovered dozens of ways to protect crops and livestock from pests and disease. It has improved the quality and safety of agricultural products. It has played a critical role in developing nutrition standards and carrying out nutrition research. It has also developed techniques to maintain the quality of our soil, perhaps our greatest renewable natural resource. Its research has helped farmers work more efficiently and profitably. And it has worked to develop ways to keep food affordable for consumers.”