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when we realize that the 1890 Land-Grant Capacity Building Grants and Minority Scholars 

 Programs, those programs specifically designed to enhance minority involvement in agriculture 

 and agricultural sciences, are a responsibility of this office. 



One of the questions you asked in your letter of invitation to testify, Mr. Chairman, 

 concerned optimum modes of funding. I would suggest that there is substantial merit in 

 continuing a combination of formula and competitive grant funding. Formula funds, along with 

 state funding, permit each state to maintain that essential core of faculty and staff that an 

 institution must have in place to provide a degree of continuity and the capacity to respond 

 immediately to crisis situations. 



It has been my honor and pleasure to present this statement today to the Subcommittee. 

 My colleagues of the NASULGC Board on Agriculture, who were also invited to testify today, 

 will address your specific questions in more detail. 



