OPENING STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN LARRY COMBEST

Good morning and welcome to everyone here. I would first like to thank all of the witnesses for their time and efforts to share their views with us on this important subject.

Today is the first in a series of at least four hearings we have planned by this Subcommittee to review agricultural research, education, and extension programs. I have always felt that our cutting edge technology, which is dependent on strong research and development efforts, is what gives American agriculture the advantage over the rest of the world. While we have some of the most productive land in the world and very hardworking people who produce our food and fiber, we cannot and will not stay competitive on the world market without continued investments in agricultural research, extension, and education.

I believe that all of the components of our agricultural research portfolio do an excellent job and are something we should be very proud of. I view agricultural research as the stabilizing roots of our agricultural system. It is the foundation of the system that has brought us to where we are today and the foundation to build on into the future. Agricultural research has led to a sixfold increase in agriculture labor productivity since 1948. Almost 50 years ago, the number of people fed by one farmer was 15. Today, one farmer is able to feed 96 other people.

That being said, I also believe that periodic review of all government programs is necessary. Likewise, I believe that we have a difficult but very important job ahead of us as we approach this endeavor. While there has been some review and incremental adjustments in research programs during the regular farm bill process over the last several years, it has been nearly 15 years since a comprehensive review of these programs was undertaken, and 20 years since comprehensive legislation addressing agricultural research programs passed through the Congress. Further, with passage of the 1996 farm bill came fundamental changes to federal farm policy which will expose farmers to additional risk in the marketplace.

In light of this substantial change in farm policy, it is even more critical that strong support for research programs is maintained to ensure that we keep that competitive edge in the technology arena. While this is our goal, the degree of difficulty involved is multiplied by our tight budget situation and numerous competing needs. No matter what good intentions we may have in this

Opening Statement of Chairman Combest

June 17, 1997

Page 2

committee, I will remind all of our witnesses and observers that the specific funding decisions

are made in the Appropriations committee. With that framework in mind, I intend to explore any and all suggestions for improvements that can be made in our research efforts. While I will continue to encourage our colleagues on the Appropriations committee to consider the vital importance of investments in agricultural research, I think we need to focus the debate at hand on efforts to improve current research and accomplish more with the same or fewer dollars.

As I stated earlier, the Subcommittee will hold at least four hearings in the coming weeks on this topic. Today's hearing should give us a good overall look at the profile of ongoing research efforts by engaging the three main elements of the agricultural research structure - federal, state, and private - in a discussion about their current and future role. Today's witnesses will represent the U.S. Department of Agriculture's in-house research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service; research conducted by our nation's universities; research funded by farmer supported foundations and corporate and other foundations; and a general view representing all stakeholders in ag research from the Vice-Chairman of USDA's Advisory Board.

Tomorrow morning's hearing is intended to give us a better understanding of how the different roles of research can best benefit from leveraging their investments through the formation of partnerships between the public and private sectors. After the July 4^th recess, the Subcommittee will convene and look at models for coordination between the public and private sector in agricultural extension and education. Finally, the Subcommittee will convene to hear testimony from agricultural organizations regarding their specific recommendations for re-authorizing the research title of the 1996 farm bill.

Again, I appreciate the time that our witnesses have taken to prepare their testimony and appear before the Subcommittee. I look forward to the testimony and the discussion.