Investing in Research

This book provides an analysis of funding for agricultural research in the United States and presents a proposal to strengthen this system. Its premise is that a judicious but substantial increase in research funding through competitive grants is the best way to sustain and strengthen the U.S. agricultural, food, and environmental system. The proposal calls for an increased public investment in research; a broadened scientific scope and expanded program areas of research; and four categories of competitively awarded grants, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary research.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• 1 Executive Summary
• 2 The Proposal
• 3 Rationale for the Proposal
• 4 Challenges Facing the Research System
• 5 Program Areas and Scientific Opportunities
• 6 Institutional and Administrative Issues
• Appendixes
• A Public and Private Sector Programs and Funding Trends
• B Private Sector Research Activities and Prospects
• C Setting and Acting upon Budget Priorities
• D Statements of Program Objectives and Funding Response
• References
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