RESEARCH ON BASIC COMMODITIES A significant portion of the research efforts of the Agricultural Research Service, State Experiment Station Service, and Agricultural Marketing Service is devoted directly to the six basic storable commodities. In 1962, these commodities accounted for about one-fourth of total gross farm income as follows: As of February 28, 1963, over 50 percent of Commodity Credit Corporation inventories were made up of excess supplies of the three major crops corn, cotton, and wheat-as follows: Corn... Cotton (upland) Wheat.. Total____ Millions $1, 049 810 1,998 3, 857 The research expenditures of these three research agencies for fiscal year 1963 devoted directly to the six basic commodities is as follows: In addition, many of the other research programs of the Department contribute indirectly to the six basic commodities. Research on soil and water conservation, research on methods for controlling and eradicating plant and animal diseases and insects, and nutrition and consumer use research are all of a general nature affecting the six basics. Research on handling, storing, transportation, and wholesale and retail markets also benefit the six basic crops. (A detailed breakdown of the research programs for the six basic commodities and the specific locations at which performed is attached as exhibit IV.) |