Making science more effective for agriculture

Abstract

The challenges facing global agriculture via population increase, climate change anddietary choices are unprecedented and urgent. In the context of declining publicfunding for research and development in agriculture (ag R&D), we highlight the histor-ically high returns on such investments and outline an economic rationale to continuegovernment involvement through support and policy ag R&D. Next, we illustrate thesubstantive agricultural impact of science and technology, and reveal cases where over-simplification, reductionism and lack of rigor compromise returns on investment.Ex situconservation of genetic resources, organic agriculture, soil health and the water foot-print illustrate issues that need attention because they feature flaws in importantaspects of agricultural theory or practice with implications for policy and investment.We conclude with high-level propositions for improved allocation of ag R&D resources.