96 



4. How much of a priority should be placed upon renovation of 

 existing facilities as opposed to construction of new? 



Answer ; Too many existing and proposed facilities are supported 

 for their limited geographic locations vs their ability to address 

 critical issues. Funds for brick and rortar, whether is be new or 

 renovation, should be evaluated in terms of the contribution the 

 laboratory will make in advancing the objectives of the overall 

 strategic plan. This should be the highest priority and the 

 guiding hand. 



5. We appreciate your understanding of the budget realities we are 

 facing. If we fail to begin prioritizing research and facilities, 

 how effective do you feel our agriculture research will be in 5 or 

 10 years. 



Answer; The lack of a prioritized list of research goals and 

 facilities means that U.S. agriculture isn't making the best and 

 most intelligent use of the technologies that have been developed 

 over the last ten yeeurs. Our comparative advantage will be 

 seriously threatened in 5 or 10 years. Here again, Mr. Chairman, 

 we're eating our seed corn. 



