Rep. Randy Feenstra introduced the ‘‘Genome to Phenome Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025’’ in his second attempt to pass legislation Wednesday, according to a press release from his office.
Feenstra, whose district predominantly lies in northwest Iowa and includes Story County, introduced the legislation with cosponsor Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents Des Moines and parts of central and southern Iowa.
“This information will help farmers and ranchers determine the best combinations of genetics and management practices to improve the resilience, productivity and profitability of their businesses,” according to the bill.
The reauthorization would restore $40 million to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Genome to Phenome Initiative, according to a press release from Feenstra’s office.
“The Genome to Phenome Initiative is an invaluable research project that helps ensure that farmers have the resources they need to manage harsh weather conditions while producing higher yields with less inputs,” National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said in a statement provided by Feenstra’s office.
The bill would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by replacing the existing expiration date of 2023 with 2030. The initiative was originally authorized through the Agricultural Improvements Act of 2018.
Stu Swanson, the president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, stated in the press release that genomes to phenomes play an “important role” in advancing corn research.
“In Iowa, we continue to grow more with less and this progress is largely due to our ongoing efforts to enhance corn’s resilience against various environmental challenges through Genomes to Phenomes research,” Swanson stated.
The act was originally introduced by Feenstra in 2023 and referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research and Biotechnology but did not advance further. Nunn also cosponsored the 2023 legislation.
Feenstra stated in the press release that in 2024, he invited House Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pennsylvania) to Iowa State to learn about ongoing university research through the initiative.
“In part, this initiative studies plant genetics–particularly corn–to determine how to increase yields and make crops more resilient,” Feenstra stated. “Investments in agricultural research are critical to our farm economy and the long-term strength of Iowa agriculture. It’s why I introduced legislation.”
Now sitting on the subcommittee the 2023 bill was referred to, Feenstra stated in the press release that “promoting critical investment in agricultural research” is “a priority” for him.
“Representing the second largest agricultural-producing congressional district in the nation, increasing yields, lowering input costs and supporting our farmers are important priorities for agriculture and our rural communities,” Feenstra stated.
