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7 

 Systems continues to be considerably below the percentage allocations for the NRI. However, 



the more serious disjuncture is shown in Table II which shows the ten top states receiving NRI 



funds in 1991 and 1992 and the top ten states receiving funds for the Building and Facilities 



Program currently underway. Only four states which were in the top ten for competitive grants 



were also in the top ten for building and facilities funding. The funds are not going where they 



are needed. In an environment with scare resources we should do better. 



Some may argue that the disjuncture is purposely made to even out the geographical distribution 

 of research funds. However, it should be noted that the amount of competitive research funding 

 to each state relates closely to the number of research scientists within a state. Many states with 

 smaller populations or with agriculture representing a smaller component of the state's total 

 economy, have excellent scientists that compete well but because there are fewer scientists, the 

 funding for these states is below others in total dollars. A competitive program would reflect 

 both quality and where the agricultural research in concentrated. In addition, the NRI program 

 does provide strengthening grants to help states improve their ability to compete. 



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