URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A USDA lab in Urbana that focuses on enhancing crop quality may be facing closure due to governmental budget cuts. Some officials are opposing these cuts and advocating for the continued operation of the research facility.

This facility is part of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, known as ARS. The Urbana lab is home to the national soybean germplasm collection as well as the global change and photosynthesis research unit.

In the event of a shutdown, its research responsibilities will be transferred to another ARS lab in the country. Adam Davis, who leads the Department of Crop Sciences, stated that 30 employees would lose their jobs immediately. The broader implications could be more severe; these labs are instrumental in developing more resilient strains of soybeans and corn, which yield better results for farmers. By managing the trials and risks themselves, the labs play a crucial role in maintaining high production levels in the U.S., ultimately helping to keep prices affordable for consumers.

“We have had for decades a policy — an ag policy for the US — which supports really high levels of production.” Davis said. “So that both we can sell abroad, but also we can protect our food supply and have stability in times of geopolitical conflict. So it gives us some independence for our food supply as a nation.”

Davis is worried moving the ARS could negatively affect that ability. He also said Illinois is the ideal climate for producing soybeans. Wherever the next home would be might not have the best atmosphere to develop new breakthroughs.

WCIA asked Davis when the labs would be shutdown if that decision is made. That date has not yet been released, but if the new budget passes, changes would happen in 2026.