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The Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences, under the direction of the Assistant 

 Secretary for Science and Education, has been the interface for policy discussions between the 

 land-grant community and the USDA science and education administrators. The priorities 

 developed each year by this council play a significant role in directing USDA and land-grant 

 colleges of agriculture activities. A continued and expanded role for this congressionally 

 mandated joint council should be a priority for the USDA of the future. 



In addition we recommend that the new USDA make a very special effort to forge a closer link 

 between the mutually agreed-upon priorities of the Joint Council and subsequent USDA funding. 



Finally, we would like to point out that the functions of research and teaching, whether formal 

 undergraduate instruction or non-formal extension education, are complementary activities and 

 are best organized in conjunction with each other. Thus any discussion of priorities should 

 thoughtfully consider the necessary close working relationship of research and education. 



Again 1 appreciate the opportunity of participating in these hearings and pledge to your 

 subcommittee the support and expertise of the Academic Programs Section of the NASULGC 

 Board on Agriculture. 



