Industry groups and scientists have urged the Trump administration to reconsider its plan to close a renowned Agriculture Department center in Maryland and disperse its work around the country. The center, located in Beltsville, has been instrumental in agricultural research for over a century, focusing on pollination, crop resilience, and sustainable farming practices. Stakeholders, including beekeepers and farmers, argue that its closure would disrupt critical research and undermine efforts to address challenges such as declining bee populations and climate-related agricultural threats.
The administration’s proposed plan to disperse the center’s operations has raised concerns about the potential loss of expertise and the fragmentation of research efforts. Advocacy groups are urging the administration to preserve the center’s legacy and ensure it remains a national resource for agricultural innovation. The debate has sparked conversations about the role of federal research institutions in supporting rural communities and advancing food security. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders remain hopeful that the Trump administration will reconsider its decision to safeguard this historic center.