Sen. Pat Roberts’ talk at Kansas University today was filled with jokes and lighthearted moments, and the unmistakable message that Kansas has to fund research if it wants to be competitive in the current world

He spoke to the School of Engineering’s advisory committee and explained to them the areas in which Kansas can set itself apart from other states, particularly in how it can help safeguard the national food system.

Roberts is a major advocate of locating the National Bio- and Agro-Defense facility at a location in Kansas, either in Leavenworth or Manhattan.

“I think it’s going to be an essential component in protecting the national economy against a bioterror attack on our food supply,” he said. “It’s so easy to do.”

Roberts’ speech also included the challenge global warming, the loss of educated individuals from the state and the importance of moving forward with biofuels in a responsible way.

“United States has been blessed with the most inexpensive food supply and best quality in the history of the world,” he said. “We can’t jeopardize that.”