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high-priority research
programs
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Key changes Twenty new High-Priority Research and
Extension Initiative areas are added to the 24 existing areas,
including 5 new areas in natural resources and the
environment. A Bovine Johne's disease control program and a
program on Karnal Bunt research are added.
Economic implications Congress influences the
direction of public agricultural research with
member-specified grants in the appropriation process (known as
earmarks). However, recent farm acts have included increasing
numbers of "high-priority research areas" that have also
restricted the competitive grants programs, which were
originally designed to fund fundamental, science-driven
research. Some new high-priority research areas are highly
specific compared with the intended broader purpose of
competitive grants programs. For example, specific areas, such
as "dairy pipeline cleaning" and "agrotourism," may be
difficult to address under broad research solicitations.
For more information...
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