FARAD continues to be funded on a year-to-year basis and gratefully acknowledges stakeholders' support, notably the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA). FARAD funding is provided through USDA-NIFA authorized through the FARM Bill.

From 2018-2024, AVMA requested $2,500,000 for FARAD to carry out its vital services, which help keep the U.S. food supply safe, secure and affordable. FARAD was fully funded at the requested level from 2018-2023, but has suffered a devastating 20% reduction in budget appropriated for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. In 2023, FARADs highly trained scientists directly assisted with 5,833 inquiries impacting 5.8 million animals representing dairy, beef, swine, poultry, small ruminant and honeybee production systems. Compared to 2018, FARAD has had a 62% increase in inquiries, including a 33% increase from 2022 to 2023 alone. Although FARAD has operated at its authorized amount since 2018, it has been unable to invest and grow the program. With the cut in funding for 2024, the FARAD program has lost key personnel and will have fewer scientists available to respond to inquiries. AVMA is urging increased authorization to $5 million for FARAD in the 2023 FARM Bill, in order to help FARAD attract and retain scientists, keep pace with inflation, invest in technology and conduct critical safety validation studies. View the AVMA position statement for FARAD funding for 2025 and for the increase in funding for the upcoming Farm Bill. Stakeholders are urged to contact their US Congressional Representatives to voice support for the FARAD program.

You can find more information on our funding page.