$6M In Federal Funding Secured To Protect Beltsville’s BARC Facility

BELTSVILLE, Md. — The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) will receive $6 million in federal funding to modernize infrastructure and ensure continued operations at the nation’s largest agricultural research facility, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks announced Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Located in Prince George’s County, BARC is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) largest Agricultural Research Service (ARS) site and supports roughly 1,000 jobs in Maryland. The total funding includes $3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by the senators, with an additional $3 million allocated through the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which was enacted as part of the federal government funding package earlier this month.

The funds will support critical infrastructure repairs, including upgrades to the steam system, water towers, water treatment plant, and wastewater main lines.

The funding also helps shield the facility from potential closure, as BARC had been targeted under a USDA reorganization plan. The legislation includes language supporting the center’s continued operation and research mission.

“In partnership with community leaders across our state, we fought to secure direct federal investments in this legislation to advance local priorities,” said Senator Van Hollen. “We worked to ensure BARC can continue its vital efforts to bolster the success of America’s farmers while halting this Administration’s misguided attempts to shutter this crown jewel of agricultural research.”

Senator Alsobrooks echoed the urgency of protecting the research center.

“I am so proud to have worked alongside Senator Van Hollen in pushing back against this Administration to ensure the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center — a hub for agricultural research that supports 1,000 jobs in our state — was fully funded in the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill,” Alsobrooks said.

In addition to protecting BARC, the bill provides funding for numerous agriculture-related programs across Maryland and the nation, including nutrition assistance, conservation, and infrastructure projects.

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