Iowa State could receive good news from the federal appropriations committee by the end of this week.

Several ISU studies could receive part of the $2 billion authorized by Title VIII: Research, Extension and Education, part of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The bill is also known as the 1995 Farm Bill.

David Topel, ISU dean of agriculture, said the appropriations committee can allocate money for research and education if it so desires.

“The [Farm Bill] that was passed doesn’t provide any money, but it says that [research] is an important issue and should be given consideration,” Topel said. “A lot of states are encouraging elected officials to put it in the budget,” he said.

All educational, research and extension provisions under Title VIII were originally authorized only through the fiscal year 1997, and require reauthorization and appropriations.

Topel explained that after debate in the House and Senate, the decision went to conference committees.

“[Iowa State] would particularly benefit if the money is actually appropriated,” Topel said. He said ISU was one of the universities asked to put together project proposals for the bill, and that several ISU proposals for studies have been submitted and approved.

Topel said some of the proposals submitted deal with food safety, the environmental impacts of surface runoff in Iowa, rural development and environmental issues facing the swine industry. He said all the studies would be done in cooperation with other universities.

“These are really important projects, and if funding would become available, there’s a good chance that they would be done,” Topel said.

Two of the eight purposes under research, extension and education stated in the bill are to support agricultural research and extension and to support higher education in agriculture.

“It covers all three areas of the university,” Topel said.

Topel said while no money is available yet, the program could be funded this year or next.

Carole Bradley, director of governmental relations, said the conference committee could reach a decision yet this week.