150 likes | 259 Views
Scientific Excellence – Foundation of USDA Policy. Dr. Antoinette Betschart Associate Administrator Agricultural Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. . The Role of Science in Government. Improve the nation’s ability to Innovate Enable discovery
E N D
Scientific Excellence – Foundation of USDA Policy Dr. Antoinette Betschart Associate Administrator Agricultural Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C.
The Role of Science in Government • Improve the nation’s ability to • Innovate • Enable discovery • Sponsor development of critical technologies • Maximize returns through cooperation • Ensure national security • Strengthen the economy • Improve health and well-being • Ensure an educated society
Influences on Policy Societal Issues Economics Policy Politics Science Keough 2001 – Canadian Council of Science and Technology
USDA Strategic Plan Objectives • Expand markets and support economic development • Enhance food safety • Improve nutrition • Manage and protect public and private lands • Rural development
Agricultural Research ProgramChallenges • Obesity • Food safety • Environment • Bio-energy • Homeland Security
ARS National Programs Natural Resources & Sustainable Agricultural Systems (~20%) Animal Production & Protection (~15%) Nutrition, Food Safety & Quality (~30%) Crop Production& Protection (~35%) • Water Quality & Management • Soil Resource Management • Air Quality • Global Change • Rangeland, Pasture & Forages • Manure & Byproduct Utilization • Integrated Agricultural Systems • Bioenergy and Energy Alternatives • Plant, Microbial & Insect Germplasm Conservation & Development • Plant Biological & Molecular Processes • Plant Diseases • Crop Protection & Quarantine • Crop Production • Methyl Bromide Alternatives • Food Animal Production • Animal Health • Arthropod Pests of Animals and Humans • Animal Well-Being and Stress Control Systems • Aquaculture • Human Nutrition • Food Safety • New Uses, Quality & Marketability of Plant & Animal Products
Prioritization of Research Presidential Initiatives Congressional Initiatives ARS Research ARS Leadership/ Scientists Scientific Community Customers, Partners, Stakeholders
Research & Development Investment Criteria 1. Relevance ARS Research 4. Quality (Retrospective) 2. Quality (Prospective) 3. Performance Office of Management and Budget
Scientific Excellence Policy Peer Review Anticipate Key Issues Inclusiveness Scientific Excellence Uncertainty/ Risk Transparency/ Openness Sound Scientific Advice Keough 2001 – Canadian Council of Science and Technology
“In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Iroquois Law