Svetlana Bohorova and Frank ScrimgeourUniversity of Waikato, New Zealand Significant productivity gains are achievable from the improvement of kiwifruit. Genetic engineering is perceived as a tool for product diversification associated with alterations in quality attributes and the seasonal growth of kiwifruit. Benefits…
Talah S. Arabiyat, Eduardo Segarra, and David B. WillisTexas Tech University A county-wide dynamic optimization model is used to evaluate the potential contributions associated with the adoption of sophisticated irrigation system technology and anticipated biotechnological advances in crop production on ground water…
Drew L. KershenUniversity of Oklahoma Biotechnology is the latest historical example of a scientific discipline creating enormous cultural, social, and public policy controversies. By comparing biotechnology to these past controversies, and by comparing biotechnology to present-day computer technology, Professor Kershen argues that…
Cassandra Klotz-Ingram, Sharon Jans, Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo, and William McBrideERS/USDA Herbicide-tolerant and Bt cotton varieties may offer farmers many benefits, including decreased pesticide use, increased yields, and greater planting flexibility. Farmer benefits appear to outweigh costs, translating into rapid adoption of these cotton…
Nicholas KalaitzandonakesUniversity of Missouri For over one hundred years, Land Grant Universities (LGUs) have pushed the frontiers of knowledge; have translated new knowledge into practice for the benefit of farmers, agribusiness and consumers; and have prepared the next generation of agricultural scientists…
Gordon RausserUniversity of California The traditional research paradigm represents discoveries flowing linearly from basic science conducted in public institutions to applied research and commercialization undertaken largely by private industry. This characterization fails to accurately portray the nonlinear and chaotic nature of research…
Donald A. Holt and J. Bruce BullockUniversity of Illinois & University of Missouri Increased collaboration between private firms and State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAES) raises fears that the independence, objectivity, and credibility of SAES and their scientists may be compromised. Likewise, there…
Chris Buller and William TaylorICAM Centre, Australian National University & CSIRO Plant Industry, Australia We discuss an innovative scheme, the Cooperative Research Centers Program, established by the Australian government in 1991, which has a major objective of delivering research output of direct…
Cassandra Klotz-Ingram and Kelly Day-RubensteinERS/USDA Agricultural research has experienced increased industry spending and public-private collaborations. Private incentives for public goods research are limited. Public-private ventures can foster socially beneficial research. Joint research opportunities must attract firms, yet conform to public goals. A…
Steven Sonka and Steven PueppkeUniversity of Illinois The potential for market failure resulting from under-investment in research is one justification for public agricultural research. This justification seems less germane given recent developments regarding intellectual property protection and the size of private biotechnology…
