USDA Report Confirms Importance of Capacity Funding

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a report on the effectiveness of investments in land-grant universities through food and agriculture research, extension, and education projects.

NIFA commissioned the study to determine whether funding based on 100-year-old legislation is still a suitable model to support 21^st Century university needs. The report reviewed: quantitative and qualitative data to assess the types of research and extension efforts being funded; the impacts being generated; local, regional, and national relevance; and the strengths and weaknesses of the funding model.

The report, National Evaluation of Capacity Programs, was prepared by TEConomy Partners.

“We are pleased to have such a thorough evaluation on the efficacy of capacity funds at our land-grant universities,” said Ian Maw, APLU Vice President for Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We agree with the findings that capacity funds spur innovation, connect research with local and regional needs, support a broad range of research and development projects, and together with the competitive funding portfolios provide a rich resource for our nation.”

Among the report’s key findings, capacity funding remains a relevant program that offers multiple benefits. These investments respond to the specific needs of local, regional, and state agricultural producers. Capacity funds offer an essential funding stream for research and extension programs of relevance to producers that are unlikely to receive national-scale attention. Each dollar of capacity funding leverages $1.85 in additional investments from state, local, and private sector sources.

Click here to view a copy of the NIFA news release.

Click here to read a copy of the full report.