Although the decision to fund a particular program rests with state producer-directors, state councils often ask national staff to review research proposals received for funding. This review accomplishes several important goals for the state council. Second, it assures that the proposed effort does not duplicate work currently underway by either the national program or another state council. At the same time, if similar proposals surface from states, it provides an opportunity to coordinate these proposals to assure maximum utilization of checkoff dollars. Third, it provides the state council with an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal, to help in the funding decision process.
Contractual guidance is another means of support available from the national program level.
National grants management staff have negotiated contracts with many research institutions, and can provide framework examples of previously negotiated contracts to facilitate state negotiations. In many cases, this can shorten the negotiation process undertaken by state staff significantly. As the challenge to develop funding for the industry research agenda grows, state beef councils have stepped forward to help meet funding shortfalls. Coordination between state and national staff is an essential step in assuring that producer checkoff dollars are invested effectively. A new feature is being added to the NCBA Quarterly Research Update with this edition.