McKnight Crop Research Program


planning proposals, the Foundation asked researchers in less developed countries to identify local or
regional food needs to which research can contribute, to join forces with appropriate U.S.-based
scientists, and, together, to prepare their request for a planning grant."


The program has been shaped and is overseen by an Oversight Committee of distinguished plant,
agricultural, and social scientists from six countries. Chaired by Robert M. Goodman, Ph.D., a
professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Oversight Committee will evaluate the
proposals funded by the planning grants, make recommendations to the Foundation directors for
funding, and monitor the progress of the projects during the six-year life of the program.


Professor Goodman said, "The McKnight Foundation's commitment launches an exciting experiment
in advancing the cause of world agriculture. The focus is on strengthening plant biology in the
agricultural sector of developing countries through the creation and support of high-quality research
and training programs. The program puts major emphasis on nurturing genuine partnerships between
developing-country scientists and their colleagues in the United States. Participants in the developing
countries are taking the lead in designing the projects and seeking out the U.S. partners with whom
they will work.


"The planning grants cover an exciting range of topics that are of both applied and fundamental
importance," Goodman added. "Examples include the ecology of sustainable cropping systems,
molecular approaches to plant breeding and germplasm improvement, and efforts to reduce losses to
diseases, pests, and drought. Research and training supported by this program will make lasting
contributions to the agricultural, environmental, and nutritional status of the developing world by
investing in carefully chosen research projects that are scientifically fertile, are well suited to
education and training, and have promise of medium- and long-term benefits to society."


Except for proposals developed with planning grants awarded in April 1994, the Foundation is
accepting no further applications in this program.


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