According to USDA ERS, the "unprecedented growth in agricultural productivity over the past century can be largely attributed to investments in production agricultural research and technology development." Because returns are so high, investment in agricultural research and technology is the most effective means for generating economic welfare. The National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research reports that the U.S. agriculture and food industry adds $1 trillion to our economy and accounts for 13 percent of U.S. gross national product.

Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Argiculture

According to the USDA National Agricultural Research, Education and Economics Advisory Board Report (2011), with a lag time of 25 years from research to commercialization, the U.S. is now paying for our lack of investment in agricultural research.

Their conclusions were:
• By 2050, worldwide demand for food and fiber is expected to grow by 70 percent.
• Funding for production agricultural research must be dramatically increased to keep American farmers competitive in future international markets and to continue being a net exporter of agricultural products.
• Worldwide demand for food, fiber and fuel cannot be met without a strong, well funded U.S. production agricultural initiative.
• High return on public agricultural research funding is due to its focus on improving production practices, genetic improvement and new uses, and unfortunately these areas of research are receiving less funding.
• Agricultural funding has moved away from production agriculture.
• China, India and Brazil are the largest public investors in production agricultural research and these countries will be the largest competitors to U.S. agricultural products in the future.