WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to select the Research Triangle as one of three finalists to become the new home of the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

The USDA received expressions of interest from 136 parties in 35 states across the nation. The USDA has held a rigorous site selection process, basing the criteria on quality of life, costs, workforce, and logistics/IT infrastructure. 

“It’s a testament to North Carolina’s agriculture industry and our public university system that the Research Triangle is among the three finalists for the relocation of ERS and NIFA,” said Senator Tillis. “Since it was first announced, I have supported USDA’s plans to bring federal resources closer to stakeholders. I applaud USDA for considering North Carolina and I will continue to support USDA as it makes a final decision.”

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