135 



2 



35% of the space was reported effective for most uses, but not scientifically sophisticated 

 research, and 39% of existing space required repair or renovation. 



Because agricultural research facilities at the Land Grant Universities and in the Agricultural 

 Research Service are among the oldest research facilities, the needs are even greater. As pointed 

 out in the 1992 edition of the NSF report on Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities, "The 

 fractions of research space assessed as requiring repair/renovation were greatest in the 

 agricultural sciences (49 percent), the social sciences (40 percent) the medical sciences (39 

 percent) the biological sciences (39 percent) and the physical sciences (38 percent)." 



Agriculture faces a multitude of challenges. It must produce efficiently to compete with other 

 nations with lower costs of production. It must produce food and fiber in a way which protects 

 our natural resources so future generations will enjoy their benefits. It must harvest and handle 

 foods in such a way that nutrition is maintained or enhanced and is safe for the consumer. New 

 products must be developed from agricultural commodities to ddd value to our bountiful harvests 

 of grains and fibers. Investments in research and education can play a key role in addressing 

 these challenges. Both traditional research approaches, along with the new tools of 

 biotechnology, can speed the development of new varieties and breeds with genetic resistance 

 to pests, product quality and nutritional value can be enhanced, as well as the development of 

 new, value-added products. And in the process of discovery and technology transfer, new 

 businesses and jobs can be created. It was in this spirit that the administration and Congress 

 launched the National Research Initiative in Agriculture, Food and the Environment (NRI) in 



