I believe some of the other panelists are in a better position to discuss this, and if they have not already done, they will do so. Suffice it to say that the two types of research should complement and support one another whenever possible-not duplicate or compete against one another. Where partnerships can be formed, so much the better. Traditionally, research supported by the private sector has been shorter-term basic and applied research. Longer-term basic research, through which quantum discovery leaps tend to occur, likely will need to continue to be part of the federally funded mandate.
Critical questions continue to arise, especially around the issue of genome research.
Three types of funding remain vital to the public-supported research systems. Special funding is not a euphemism for pork barrel funding, but rather a relatively flexible mechanism by which important state and regional research initiatives are supported. Ingenuity flourishes at the grass roots level, and although limited, the impact of federal support of special funding should not be discounted. Like all enterprises, agriculture is competitive, and economies of scale apply. Through research and education, we can help ensure that our producers have an opportunity to make a living wage, for regulations based on science help level the playing field for all producers.