USDA research, extension, education, and international programs currently (FY 2006) receive approximately $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 will integrate ARS, CSREES, ERS, and USFS-R&D in a new National Institute and increase funding over seven years from about $2.676 billion per year to $5.352 billion per year.
The growth will come mostly in competitive programs (70%). However, capacity programs – both for in-house (intramural) USDA laboratories/ facilities and land-grant and related universities/institutions – would also receive substantial increases (30% of the total).
Competitivefunding will (afterseven years) reach $2.126billion per year, with full indirect cost recovery:
Fundamental (NIFA-like) research will constitute 55% of the total, rising eventually to $1.169 billion per year, with 20% reserved for the 1890, 1994, and small 1862 land-grant universities.
Integrated (IFAFS-like) programs will constitute the remaining 45%, rising eventually to $957 million per year with 20% also reserved for the 1890, 1994, and small 1862 land-grant universities.
Capacity funding will (afterseven years) reach $2.937billion per year:
With respect to new capacity funds, 77.5% will be distributed by the same percentage breakdown as presently occurs among the various current funding recipients.
The remaining new funds would be distributed: 17.5% for institutional enhancement at the 1890, 1994, and small 1862 land-grants, and the AASCARR institutions; and 5% retained in a “Director’s Enhancement Fund.”
If CREATE-21 is enacted and fully funded, at the end of seven years, the competitive/capacity ratio – considering both existing funds ($2.676 billion) and new funds ($2.676 billion) – would be 42% competitive and 58% capacity.
This will be a significant change from the current situation where approximately 10% is spent on competitive programs vs. 90% on capacity.
