Since President Trump took office, the USDA “has refused to publicize dozens of government-funded studies that carry warnings about the effects of climate change,” reports Politico on Sunday. In a lengthy piece, it said at least 45 studies produced by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) did not receive any promotion, including a groundbreaking report that rice loses its vitamins in a carbon-rich atmosphere.
All of the studies were peer-reviewed and dealt with the expected effects of climate change, said Politico. None were devoted to the causes of global warming, a divisive issue. “The administration, researchers said, appears to be trying to limit the circulation of evidence of climate change and avoid press coverage that may raise questions about the administration’s stance on the issue.”
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue declined to comment, said Politico. A spokesperson said the USDA employs thousands of scientists and “not every single finding or piece of work solicits a government press release.”
Politico said it found a “persistent pattern” in USDA publicity about its research. The ARS has issued releases for two climate-related studies since the change in administration in January 2017, and both had conclusions favorable to the beef industry. By contrast, the USDA discouraged its research partners from highlighting the rice study. Some 600 million people rely on rice as their staple food.