A State Department spokesperson confirmed that reengaging with American universities remains a priority:

"The U.S. government's partnership with American universities on agricultural research... is invaluable. The Department of State looks forward to both continuing and reestablishing relationships on Feed the Future this year."

Launched in 2010 and once a flagship of U.S. agricultural diplomacy, the labs became collateral damage in a federal cost-cutting campaign. Earlier this year, the Biden administration issued stop-work orders and terminated multiple grants, leaving over a dozen labs in limbo. These labs focused on everything from climate-resilient grains to nutrition systems and ag development policy.

Budget Battles and Political Support

Although the Feed the Future program faced risk in this year's rescissions package, it survived thanks to bipartisan support. In July, lawmakers successfully carved out its funding-approximately $72 million, according to Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart's FY26 proposals.

The program also escaped further cuts in the August "pocket rescissions," maintaining its current fiscal allocation despite scrapping prior-year development funds.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a vocal advocate, believes the innovation labs will continue receiving cross-party backing.
"Food security remains a sacred cow," one ag policy insider told Agri-Pulse, citing the consistent protection of the labs during budget negotiations.

Restart Challenges

While the money is intact, the road back to full operations is complex. One lab at Kansas State University, focused on climate-resilient crops, is the only one currently operating. Others depend on whether staff are still affiliated with universities or were let go during the freeze. Labs with high capital needs-like those handling livestock or greenhouses-face steeper restart hurdles compared to academic labs such as Tufts University's nutrition program or Michigan State's policy research.

Some labs have managed to stay afloat with private philanthropic support, but most remain on standby as agencies assess how and when to release the funds.

A Post-USAID Landscape

The USAID-State Department merger added a layer of complexity. The Feed the Future initiative now sits under the Office of Global Food Security, but many agricultural experts from USAID weren't transferred.

"They didn't keep a single person who is an agriculturalist," said a former senior USAID official, who is now lobbying the State Department to rebuild its in-house ag expertise.

Still, the momentum is cautiously optimistic. The fact that funding has withstood multiple budget showdowns reflects Capitol Hill's continued belief in ag innovation as a pillar of U.S. foreign policy.

Looking Ahead

As Congress debates another short-term funding bill, lawmakers like Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) are pressing for specific lab protections, including one focused on fisheries in Mississippi. Administration officials, including OMB Director Russ Vought, have reassured Congress that successful labs will not be scrapped.

While the exact timeline remains fluid, 2025 could mark a new chapter for U.S.-led global ag innovation, one that strengthens university partnerships, supports sustainable development, and furthers American leadership in global food security.