Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on the announcement today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will locate its Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in Kansas City. Rep. Estes joined the Kansas and Missouri Congressional Delegation in writing a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue on May 20, 2019, supporting the selection of Kansas City to be the site of these agencies.

"This is monumental news for Kansas and our country," said Rep. Estes. "In addition to new jobs for our region, this move brings vital agencies within the USDA closer to farmers, ranchers and producers in the heartland and shows a commitment by the Trump administration to hearing from voices beyond the Washington beltway. I thank President Trump and Secretary Perdue for selecting Kansas City and look forward to supporting this transition in Congress."

According to the USDA, the mission of the Economic Research Service is to anticipate trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America and to conduct high-quality, objective economic research to inform and enhance public and private decision making. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.