What Is National C-FAR?
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National C-FAR -- Strategy

Who? Stakeholder “owned” national

How? Via a broad-based coalition to

When? Now working with Bush
coalition
put doubling food and agricultural
research on national agenda
administration and congress
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National C-FAR -- Goals


Increase and enhance national funding of
U.S. food and agricultural research
funding by doubling federal support over
the next 5 years
Expand role of stakeholders in priority
setting, funding and accountability
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National C-FAR -- Why?

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Evident that food and agricultural
research has been a neglected national
priority
NIH and NSF are drawing researchers
away from food and agriculture
Current and future research capacity is
being eroded
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Millions $
Real (Inflation Adjusted)
USDA Food & Ag Research
Flat
For
20
Years
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
1978 1983
1988 1993
1998
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Total Federal Research Grows While
Food & Ag Share Shrinks
40
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
Ag Share of total
Bil $
30
20
10
0
1982
1987
1992
Ag Share
Total research
1997
SOURCE: National Science Foundation/Division of Science Resources Studies, Survey
of Federal Funds for Research and Development: Fiscal Years 1998, 1999, and 2000 . In
constant Dollars.
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Will We Lose Our Edge?
Rest of World Is Expanding Investments In Food &
Agricultural Research Much Faster Than U.S.
Millions of 1985 constant international dollars
U.S.
Rest of
World
1971
1993
1,230
6,075
2,074
12,892
%
Increase
41%
53%
Source: Julian Alston, et al “Paying for Agricultural Productivity,”
Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1999, pages 56, 61-63.
Note, these data include both state and federal research.
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Research & Education Will Result In
A Better Tomorrow




Safer and more secure food supply
More nutritious, convenient and
affordable foods
More efficient and environmentally
friendly food, fiber and forest production
Improved water quality, land
conservation and environment
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Research & Education Will Result In
A Better Tomorrow
 Less dependence on non-renewable
sources of energy
 Expanded global markets and improved
balance of trade
 More jobs and sustainable rural
economic development
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How Invest the Increase?
 Build the scientific and infrastructure
capacity to do quality research and
education
 Maintain a balanced portfolio of federal
research and education including
competitive grants, formula funds and
intramural programs
 Maintain a diversified research and
education system for a biologicallybased and site specific industry
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National C-FAR &
Food and Society Project



We have common goals – expanding federal
support of food and agricultural research
We are jointly sponsoring a series of
stakeholder meetings to build a broad base of
support
The distinction is that N C-FAR is a
stakeholder coalition of those who benefit
from research and education
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Why Join National C-FAR NOW?

Legislative and funding decisions on food and
agriculture research now being debated

Leverage your influence on major federal
legislative and funding decisions


Build relationships with influential food and
agriculture organizations with a combined
total of members in the millions
Gain access to expertise, resources, ideas,
news, and information on food and
agricultural research
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Membership
Open To All Who Support Our Mission


A National Member is a not-for-profit stakeholder
organization. Dues are $2,500 for those with budgets
over $5 million and $1,000 for all others.
An Affiliate Member may designate one non-voting
representative.
 A not-for-profit state or local stakeholder
organization. Dues are $500.
 A government agency or university. Annual dues
are $1,000.
 Individuals. Dues are $100.
 Corporate. Dues are $2,500.
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Progress Since
January 30, 2001 Founding

114 members now and still growing




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30 major national food and ag organizations & 40+
universities
Gaining visibility and clout via testimony and
meetings with Administration
Working with Food & Society Project
Gaining rapport of Congressional staff
Web site (www.ncfar.org) to communicate our
mission and solicit support for food and ag
research
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Progress Since
January 30, 2001 Founding




Co-sponsored two regional stakeholders
meetings at Ohio State University and Texas
A&M
Legislative Committee meets on monthly
basis with Congressional staff and members
Research Committee developing examples of
benefits food and ag research
Met with the National Agricultural Research,
Education, Extension and Economics
Advisory Board
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National C-FAR
Legislative Recommendations

Include research title in new farm bill

Have sense of Congress for doubling
funding

Strengthen and expand stakeholder
participation

Federal food and ag research programs
be more clearly identified and
coordinated
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Summary & Conclusions





Seek a better tomorrow by teaming with
over 100 others in National C-FAR
Food and ag research is under funded
Broad-based constituent owned and
driven coalition is key to success
Need new money for food and ag
research
Become a National C-FAR member
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National C-FAR Contacts & Info




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Terry Wolf, President,
(217) 896-2515, [email protected]
David Graves, Vice President,
(202) 626-8700, [email protected]
Joe Coffey, Secretary/Treasurer,
(804) 744-1486, [email protected]
Ellen Jansen, Support Staff,
(217) 333-6575, [email protected]
Web site, www.ncfar.org
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