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Overview. Currently (F.Y. 2006), USDA research, extension, education, and international programs receive ≈$2.676 billion per year in funding (ARS = $1.124 billion (excluding facilities); CSREES = $1.199 billion; ERS = $75 million; Forest Service R&D = $277 million). The CREATE-21 proposal would consolidate ARS, CSREES, USFS-R&D (and perhaps ERS) into a new National Institute and double funding within seven years from ≈$2.676 billion/year to $5.352 billion/year. The growth will come mostly in competitive programs (70%). However, capacity programs—both for internal (intramural) USDA laboratories/facilities and land-grant and related universities—would also receive substantial increases (30% of the total).
Competitive Funding. Competitive funding (authorization) will reach $2.126 billion/year over seven years, with full indirect cost recovery. NIFA-like (fundamental) research will constitute 55% of total, rising eventually to $1.169 billion/year, with 20% reserved for 1890s, 1994s, Insular land-grants, and Small 1862 land-grants. Integrated (IFAFS-like) programs will constitute the remaining 45%, rising eventually to $957 million/year with 20% also set-aside for 1890s, 1994s, Insulars, and Small 1862 land-grants.
Capacity Funding. Capacity funding (authorization) will reach $2.937 billion/year over seven years. With respect to new capacity funds, 77.5% will be distributed by the same percentage breakdown as currently occurs among the various current funding recipients (see legislative outline). The remaining new funds would be distributed: 17.5% for institutional enhancement at the 1890s, 1994s, Insulars, Small 1862s, and AASCARR institutions; and 5% retained in a "Director's Enhancement Fund."
A More Balanced Portfolio. If the CREATE-21 proposal is enacted and fully funded, at the end of seven years the capacity/competitive ratio — considering both existing funds (≈$2.676 Billion) and new funds (≈$2.676 Billion) — would be 42% competitive to 58% capacity. This will be a significant change from the current situation where some 90% of funding is spent on capacity items, vs. 10% on competitive programs.
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