Rate of growth highest since 2008.

$6.3 million in funding is being made available.

Recognized for work using large scale genomic approaches to identify genes with crop traits.

Former Georgia governor has strong rural ties as owner of three agribusiness and transportation firms.

U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Wheat Associates and American Soybean Association among groups set to receive funding.

The awards are made through crop protection and pest management programs.

Total feed grains in all forms was up 34%.

The programs increased total average annual U.S. economic output by $39.3 billion.

Sales of certified organic foods increased 13% in 2015.

National Corn Growers Association awarded $1 million to develop greenhouse gas insetting framework.