Overview
Data for public and private funding
of agricultural research and development cover the years
1970-2007 (public) and 1970-98 (private). Data are
available as nominal figures and adjusted for
inflation.
Public funding is based on data from two sources:
Private funding estimates are constructed
by ERS, based on the methodology presented in "Private-Sector
Agricultural Research Expenditures in the United States,
1960-92" (Staff Paper AGES9525).
The research deflator (used to convert current
dollars to real) is constructed by ERS, based on the
methodology described in Pardey
et al. ("U.S.
Agricultural Research Deflators: 1890-1985." Research
Policy 18, October 1989).
For more details, see the complete
documentation.
Data File
| Agricultural
Research Funding in the Public and Private
Sectors |
 |
AgResearchFunding.xls.
Data are available as nominal figures and adjusted
for inflation for 1970-2007 (public) and 1970-98
(private). See also the documentation. |
d
Definitions
The detailed definition of agricultural R&D can
be found in the Current
Research Information Systems Manual of Classification.
Essentially, public agricultural R&D focuses on the
plants and animals used in agricultural production; the
natural resources that are used or affected by agriculture
production; production systems and their support; food
and non-food products; human nutrition, well-being, and
food safety; families and community systems; economics,
marketing and policy; and research administration. Private
R&D includes many of the same research topics, specifically
plant breeding, agricultural chemicals, farm machinery,
animal health, and food and kindred products. The National
Science Foundation data are defined by agency, in this
case, USDA's research agencies. Both NSF and CRIS exclude
outlays on "R&D plant," or expenditures on long-lived
capital assets.
Agricultural Research DeflatorA price index that accounts
for inflation in the cost of research inputs. The costs
of conducting research have risen faster than the general
rate of inflation.
Private Sector Agricultural R&D FundingAgricultural
R&D funding of non-public institutions, generally
private firms. (Private funding of research at public
institutions is included under public sector R&D).
Public Sector Agricultural R&D FundingAgricultural
R&D funding that flows through or to a public institution,
whether at the federal or State level.
Related Resources
|