WSSA Unveils its Weed Management Priorities Amid Concerning Federal Cost Cuts to Agriculture Research

30 May 2025, Westminster: The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) sent its leaders to meet with key ag committee legislators and staffers in Washington, D.C., this month, shortly after garnering results from a recent member survey; the goal was to better understand the impact from sudden, first-quarter 2025 federal funding cuts to agriculture.

WSSA surveyed its members during March and April for feedback about those cost cuts. “Our survey results reveal widespread concern and disruption in the weed science and agricultural research communities due to recent federal government actions,” says Hilary Sandler, Ph.D., and WSSA president. “Many respondents noted impacts related to funding instability, job losses, and the breakdown of collaborative research networks. Most respondents warned that the scale and abruptness of cuts are undermining U.S. agricultural research, education, and food security.”

With more than 2,000 members, WSSA is a non-profit professional organization that represents academic (extension, education, and research faculty and staff), government, industry, private consultants, and independent researchers, in addition to students and federal, state, county, and private land and aquatic plant managers. All are dedicated to fostering an awareness of weeds, their impact on vital ecosystems, and how best to manage them.

The WSSA’s survey results indicated a membership segment was unaffected and/or supported federal budget cuts, citing the need for fiscal responsibility and reduced government spending. The majority indicated an array of concerns, including:

• Widespread Disruption: Most respondents reported significant negative impacts from recent federal government actions, especially funding freezes, grant cancellations, and workforce reductions.
• Funding Uncertainty: Many also cited delayed, cancelled, or frozen federal grants (USDA, NIFA, NSF, EPA, among others), leading to halted research, inability to hire or retain staff and students, and project terminations.
• Job Losses: Layoffs, forced retirements, and non-renewal of contracts were reported as common, impacting both federal employees and those in academia or private research reliant on federal funds.
• Collaboration Breakdown: Many noted that a loss in federal partnerships (such as USDA, Forest Service, ARS) have disrupted collaborative research and extension activities.
• Morale and Trust: Numerous members described low morale, anxiety, and loss of trust in federal agencies, with some noting a loss of institutional knowledge and a declining interest in public service careers.
• Student and Early Career Impact: Many graduate students and postdocs reported funding insecurity, loss of positions, and uncertainty about future opportunities.
• Research on Hold: Numerous members reported that several programs related to weed science, invasive species, and agricultural innovation have been paused or downsized.
• Broader Concerns: Some respondents noted negative impacts on the farm economy, food security, and U.S. global leadership in agricultural research.

“Recent federal government actions and their impact on long-standing initiatives to support weed management research and education are of great concern,” says Sandler. “In response, WSSA has met with ag committee legislators and staffers in Washington D.C. to share our priorities for continued weed management research, extension and education funding for the rest of 2025 and beyond.”

WSSA’s current policy priorities can be found online at this policy weblink. These priorities include focus areas on extension and research; integrated weed management; crop productivity and sustainability; and workforce competency. More information about WSSA policy positions can be found on its science policy webpage.

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