The Agriculture Research Service Coalition sent a letter to the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee asking it to support at least $1.103 billion for USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) – the same amount in President Obama’s fiscal 2013 budget request.  The coalition said, “ARS has a strong track record of providing science-based solutions to critical agricultural challenges faced by the Nation, thereby improving the competitiveness and sustainability of U.S. agriculture.   ARS intramural research is uniquely suited to conduct research that requires a long-term commitment investment leading to high-impact payoff, while maintaining the capacity and readiness to respond to emerging and pressing problems.”   Coalition members signing the letter included the American Seed Trade Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Health Institute, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Pork Producers Council, United Eggs Producers and USA Rice Federation.