WSU’s cash flow is taking hits from all sides.

In a possible budget decision, WSU research funds could be slashed this legislative session, due to a little-known legislative loophole. The effects would be felt by students, researchers and individuals across the state.

Federal stimulus funding requirements place limits on the amount of cuts the Washington state Legislature can make to WSU’s budget.

However, there is no cap on research and development state funding. This means money lawmakers are lacking could be found in our research funding.

$26 million in WSU state research funds is unprotected from cut limits, of which $21 million has been allocated for the WSU Agricultural Research Center, according to a WSU Legislative Brief.

State legislators have yet to openly advocate cuts to agriculture research, but staff members in the House, Senate, and governor’s budget office all confirm cuts have been discussed.

The impact of such a decision would be catastrophic for agricultural research and state businesses.

The $21 million has resulted in approximately $40 million in new external grants and contracts this fiscal year. These grants initiate improvements in the food and agriculture industry, which is the state’s largest economic force.

WSU is the primary research and development vehicle for the industry, partnering with farmers and ranchers throughout the state. University research provides an advantage for small businesses and local economies that would not exist otherwise.

Not to mention, much of WSU’s reputation and prestige is based on agricultural achievements.

University research spearheads biofuel crop growth programs, expands the market for Washington apples and supports organic products. Ongoing work aims to make wheat products available to people with Celiac Disease, and research has already resulted in the creation of a sustainable, affordable supply of Taxol, a powerful cancer-fighting drug.

As a land-grant university, WSU depends on state research funds to carry out a long-established purpose. As designated by the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, states were given federally controlled land to establish institutions whose focus would be the teaching of agriculture, science and engineering.

WSU is the original and largest land-grant institution in Washington state and is one of the few remaining land-grant colleges in the country.

Its researchers work hard to maintain competitive programs for students, make groundbreaking contributions to the agriculture industry and sustain communities across the state.

A cut to WSU research funding would be unwise and underhanded. But with our state’s budget in tatters, it is not unlikely. Those connected to WSU and the sectors that benefit from its agricultural research programs should be wary of the possibility as this legislative session plays out.

Contact your legislator to voice your concern. In these unsteady financial times, we must act preemptively.