U.S. Agricultural Preparedness and the Agriculture Research Enterprise

The United States is the undisputed world leader in agricultural production today, but as we look out across the 21st century, agriculture faces a series of challenges: managing new pests, pathogens, and invasive plants; increasing the efficiency of water use; reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture; growing food in a changing climate; managing the production of bioenergy; producing safe and nutritious food; and assisting with global food security and maintaining abundant yields. Meeting these challenges requires a new commitment to research, innovation, and technology development in agriculture. This book examines the challenges of agricultural preparedness and the required public commitment to agricultural research, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence to address some of the greatest threats to U.S. long-term prosperity and security.