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oosters. This leads to a better understanding of avian reproductive physiology, which will indicate whether development of new vaccines is necessary to enhance fertility in the broiler industry. SCIENTIFIC OPPORTUNITIES Greater investment in basic and applied agricultural research is critical, as the demand for a safer and more nutritious food supply continues to increase. Below are some areas of current scientific opportunity that could greatly benefit from additional federal investment. Nutrition and obesity. Obesity among adults and children has increased to epidemic proportions over the past two decades. This is despite a national health objective to reduce the prevalence of obesity and to decrease the proportion of children who are overweight or at risk of being overweight. The total annual cost of obesity for 2001 is estimated at $123 billion, rising from $117 billion the previous year. However, despite intense focus of the problem through innovative programs developed by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service at USDA, research strongly suggests that the situation is worsening. Through the Partnership Obesity Prevention Initiative (POPI), a cooperative venture between USDA and universities nationwide, NRI-funded research may lead to a better understanding of the genetic and metabolic factors associated with obesity, as well as identifying factors governing interaction of nutrition and food-related behaviors. In food science research, there are boundless opportunities related to new or genetically modified foods with increased health benefits. Unique obesityintervention projects are being carried out in some highrisk communities, including Native American reservations, African American communities in the South and rural towns in three Western states. Such programs have proven successful, but further research dollars are needed to move forward and expand. Most of the promising areas of research have been identified through POPI; there is now a great need for sufficient funding to accomplish the goals of the program. The USDA, including the NRI, is uniquely suited to deal with the most likely solutions to the problem of obesity, with its focus on prevention and its ability to address the total food system. Expected outcomes of the NRI segment of POPI are increased understanding of appropriate dietary practices and the factors that affect nutritional needs, focusing on basic metabolism; expanded knowledge that aids in the development of highly nutritious, affordable foods with superior sensory attributes and the identification and development of areas of science and technology that could have an impact on obesity prevention. 1 Agricultural biosecurity. The primary goal of any successful agricultural biosecurity program is to prevent entry of a pathogen or pest species into a susceptible population of plants or animals. If preventative measures fail, it is imperative to have early detection, rapid and accurate assessment and immediate implementation of various interventions that prevent spread, control infection and then begin the recovery phase. The current scientific status of diagnostic methods for plants or animals does not meet these criteria for many pathogens or pests. Accelerated, specific and low-cost diagnostic methods are still a rarity in agriculture (compared with those available for human health problems). The NRI is uniquely suited to develop the knowledge and expertise required to ensure biosecurity of agricultural and rural communities and to secure and safeguard the food supply as well as the water supply. Increased funding in this area will result in technologies helpful in controlling diseases or pests. Expected outcomes of additional support for agricultural security include a rapid, on-site diagnostic to detect new diseases and pests; reduced use of antibiotics and replacement with new treatment modalities; reduced pesticide chemical use and new biocontrol systems for plant diseases new and more effective vaccines for animals; increased ability to trace the origin of the pest or disease and informed communities that assist in surveillance and detection of pests or diseases. All of these outcomes will promote enhanced safety and security of the food supply. Genomic and molecular research. Genomics (including genome sequencing, functional genomics and bioinformatics) provide a basis for examining biological phenomena in ways that were not possible previously. Continued development of this technology holds great 1 POPI White Paper, (http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/white_papers/obesity_Aug04.pdf). 12 Federation of American Societies For Experimental Biology
potential for solving production problems in agriculture and increasing our ability to defend the nation’s food supply from the introduction of diseases or pests. There is a fundamental need to sequence the genomes of animals and plants as well as the pathogens and pests that interact with these organisms to establish the foundation of knowledge needed to advance agricultural technologies. Apart from model species, the genomes of very few agriculturally relevant organisms have been sequenced. Additional studies of functional genomics and proteomics are critical to providing specific information that can be used to manipulate the physiology of the plant or animal to enhance production efficiency, provide protection from disease and alter nutrient composition of food products. Furthermore, this information can be used to develop new and improved diagnostic techniques and preventative and control strategies such as vaccines and biocontrol agents. Increased funding in this area will raise agricultural genomics to the same level as counterparts in medicine and energy. Expected outcomes of additional support for agricultural genomics include development of genomic tools such as physical and comparative genetic maps, along with draft and finished genome sequences for agriculturally relevant animals, plants and microorganisms; expanded repositories and availability of genetic stocks; increased knowledge of gene structure and function of biological processes in agriculturally important species; standardized data management and bioinformatics analytical capabilities; education and outreach efforts to producers, consumers and the public and a more efficient and sustainable food and agricultural system. National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Fundamental research in agriculture establishes the scientific basis required to provide a safe, nutritious food supply in a manner that reduces environmental pollution, promotes sustainable production, improves human health and promotes the competitive position of U.S. agriculture internationally. A National Institute of Food and Agriculture, recently proposed by the USDA task force on this topic, would establish a structure to support high-quality, basic research, allowing advancement of current knowledge and enhancing the superiority of American agriculture. Establishment of a National Institute of Food and Agriculture with a program of competitive/peerreviewed grants directed toward fundamental agricultural research would significantly enhance and improve the research efforts of the USDA; attract talented scientists who are not currently funded by the Agricultural Research Service, formula funds, NRI or special grants and provide the expansion of the science base, which is needed to solve critical research problems. Higher education. Training students in the agricultural sciences is critical if the United States is to maintain its leadership position in an increasingly competitive, global food and agriculture industry. Unfortunately, the number of doctorates awarded in agricultural sciences to U.S. citizens has decreased significantly in recent years (Fig. 1). 1 The National Needs Graduate Fellowships program (NNGF) trains world-class researchers who can interact effectively with agricultural producers and consumers. This program allows institutions to recruit outstanding graduate students in targeted areas of research, including plant and animal biotechnology, agricultural engineering and food science or human nutrition. Despite its importance, this program is funded at low levels, allowing only a fraction of the qualified Ph.D. applicants to be supported. The decreasing pool of young scientists with backgrounds in agriculture and the critical need to recruit and train the next generation of agricultural researchers make it imperative that this program be supported adequately. 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Figure 1. Number of Agriculture Ph.D.s Earned by U.S. Citizenes 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1 Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2003. Consensus United States Conference Department Report of Agriculture 13
Page 2 and 3: FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BIOMEDICAL AND
Page 4 and 5: TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page 6 and 7: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MISSI
Page 8 and 9: ecent discovery of the three-dimens
Page 10 and 11: RECOMMENDATION We need to maintain
Page 12 and 13: properties of forest-lined streams.
Page 14 and 15: RECOMMENDATION Our technology-cente
Page 18 and 19: The expected outcome of additional
Page 20 and 21: of radiation exposure allows develo
Page 22 and 23: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMI
Page 24 and 25: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MISS
Page 26 and 27: SCIENTIFIC OPPORTUNITIES Just as ad
Page 28 and 29: AGENCY REVIEW COMMITTEES AND ACKNOW
Page 30 and 31: Gloria A. Gronowicz, Ph.D. Universi

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