THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF AGRICULTURAL-RESEARCH

Contemporary agricultural research is founded upon short-term controll ed studies to examine, screen, and rank performance of genetic improve ments or managerial processes. This approach has performed admirably i n support of the resource-intensive, high-yield paradigm which has gui ded agricultural development since the second World War. Changes to th is paradigm, which may occur in response to economic, societal, or env ironmental issues, may require increased emphasis on farm-based, syste m-oriented research to complement the experiment-station-based researc h which has proven so successful to date. Corresponding changes to the form, structure, intent, and ultimately, the beneficiaries of agricul tural research are discussed.