Escalating budget shortfalls and drastic cuts from federal agencies to state agencies are currently underway.

These reductions are resulting in widespread job losses at the state level, wiping out millions of dollars in investments . Additionally, the replacement of efficient, cost-effective state-run systems with more expensive, non-local federal personnel drives up federal costs and weakens essential prevention measures. This erosion of state programs and infrastructure is putting the integrity and security of the U.S. food supply at risk.

NASDA urges Congress to restore and increase funding for cooperative agreements. By strengthening these state-federal partnerships, we can bolster the U.S. food system’s resilience and security.

What Are Cooperative Agreements?

Cooperative agreements are a collaborative funding instrument used by federal agencies to provide money to other entities for specific programs that benefit the public. Unlike grants, they involve shared responsibilities and active collaboration between federal agencies and recipient organizations (e.g., state governments, nonprofit organizations and universities). The use of fully-funded cooperative agreements ensures successful and impactful outcomes, particularly in the vital areas of food safety, biosecurity and public health.