Current state of the USDA/ARS organic research portfolio.
(A08-bull175733-oral)
Authors:
C.T. Bull* - USDA/ARS
Abstract:
Although organic agriculture is the fastest growing sector of the agricultural economy, organic
production far exceeds the proportion of public investment in research in these systems. The number of scientific articles published annually on organic agriculture is slowly increasing. The official research branch of the USDA, the Agricultural Research Service, has no formal organic research program and currently does not track research conducted on organic agriculture, despite an initiative started in the 1970s. A 2003 survey identified 188 scientists who were interested in organic agricultural research.
Eighty-eight of these scientists have conducted or are conducting research in certifiable organic production systems. Only one scientific position in the ARS is dedicated to work in organic production systems. The obstacles preventing researchers from conducting much needed organic research will be discussed. This survey and the resulting report will help to identify current research projects and opportunities for optimal impacts based on current research interests of ARS scientists.
Speaker Information: Carolee Bull, USDA/ARS, USDA/ARS 1636 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93905;
Phone: 831.755.2889; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 8:10 AM-12:00 PM Presentation Start: 11:00 AM
