A public-employee group petitioned the USDA to better protect its scientists from outside pressure and assure the integrity of its research, says DTN. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility says researchers “routinely suffer retaliation and harassment” from managers and industry when research conflicts with agribusinesses. DTN quotes the PEER executive director as saying, “It’s one of the worst agencies in terms of direct industry in how scientists are handled.” The article contends “suppression and alteration of scientific work for political reasons remains common at USDA.”
In an email to DTN, the USDA said it has “a strong scientific integrity policy to promote a culture of excellence within the department …. Claims to the contrary were incorrect.” The USDA employs thousands of scientists and underwrites research at universities. “The department prides itself on being one of the world’s premiere research institutions,” says DTN.