107 



b. If tfae proposed research proerun/fadlity have technical 

 merit and wbetlier tfae proposed research is appropriate for 

 the institution's research objectives. 



c The national level of funding available from public sources 

 for the proposed research program. (This is to guard 

 against over investment in some areas.) 



d. Determine the projected benefits that wiD result from tfae 

 proposed research activity, including contributions to 

 regional and national agiicultural growth and ac^ustment 



e. Determine, in the case of smaller or emerging institutions, 

 the acceptability and reasonabloiess of ttie proposed method 

 of matdiing the federal fkmds. 



5. The Secretary of Agriculture shall institute an indq>endent process to conduct 

 feasibility studies and on^te evaluations of all proposals recommended for funding. 

 The costs incurred for such feasibility studies amd site evaluations sliaD be borne by 

 the applicant Successful applicants may apply such costs as part of tfadr required 

 non-federal match. 



CONCLUSION 



The overriding objective of this proposal is to specify ways to improve the research and 

 graduate student training capacity of the public agricultural research system to ultimately 

 improve the competitive position and profitability of U.S. agriculture. Improved 

 coordination and enhanced efficiency in tfae use of federal and state researdi facility fiinds 

 will result in a more effective researdi response to tfae increasingly complex problems fadng 

 U.S. agriculture. National investment in agricultural research facilities wiD assist 

 agriculture in cost control, product and market development, and tfae safer, more effective 

 use of our resources. All are essential if the United States is to have a viable, sustainable, 

 profitable agricultural industry in the 21st century." 



Copies of the original report of the Special USDA/NASULGC Committee entitled "American 

 Agriculture in the 21st Century Depends on Cuirent Research Investments" are available from: 



NASULGC Board on Agriculnire 

 Suite 710 



1 Dupom Circle, NW 

 Washington, DC 20036-1191 

 Telephone: (202) 778-0858 



-3- 



