provided by Research Papers in Economics
Priorities in the Changing World of
Agriculture
I. Miley Gonzalez
Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics-USDA
Agriculture is undergoing major changes. The phase-out of the farm program
safety net, the growth of international trade, and the development of new crops and
varieties through biotechnology present farmers with a vast array of choices. Each
choice presents both opportunity and risk. Farmers look to USDA for effective,
research-based options: decision-making skills that make the difference between
failure and survival-and survival and success. USDA is in a position to provide the
leadership to address emerging problems that affect the spectrum of economic,
environmental, and social conditions in the United States and worldwide.
We must find answers to increasing agricultural productivity without damaging
soil fertility, fragile ecosystems, or our air and water quality. Population growth and
improving diets in third world countries has changed the world food situation from
one of surplus to that of near supply-demand balance. Science-based knowledge is
essential to the future success of agriculture and the land-grant community is the
foundation of that knowledge.
Farming is no longer the largest element in the economic base of most rural
communities in the United States. However, agriculture is clearly important to the
fate of these communities. Adequate numbers of off-farm jobs are key to the small
family farm and rural communities. Their viability can be addressed by job
decentralization, which is driven by fiber optics, fax and Internet communications,
and increased agricultural exports, particularly value-added products. Research,
teaching and extension provide real world solutions to these real world problems. I
repeat, new knowledge is key to success for U.S. agriculture.
Research, education, and extension programs must be strengthened to enable
us to achieve long-term sustainability in agricultural production that achieves and
maintains profitability, minimizes negative environmental effects, and develops and
improves strong rural and agricultural communities. We must respond quickly, and
with credibility, to broad public concerns for safe, nutritious and accessible foods.
As we approach the reauthorization of agricultural research, extension and
teaching legislation, there are 11 general principles which we are looking for in the new title:
• Using existing legislative and administrative authorities because of the
flexibility they offer.
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