Research Priorities for Disciplinary Research
 Some priority has been given to the disciplines sup-
porting the plant sciences, including cellular biology, cell
microbiology, genetics, plant pathology, etc. In absolute
terms, the emphasis is probably not misplaced. DISC
research in support of PS and SM research in soil science,
food science, the animal sciences, agricultural engineer-
ing, institutional change, human development and
capital growth have all been relatively neglected,
however, and need increased support.



Achieving a Balance Between
Problem-Solving and Subject-Matter
Research, and Disciplinary Research
 Present levels of funding for agricultural research in
the United States provide modest support for PS and SM
research and less support for the necessary undergirding


DISC research. The problem cannot be solved by
reallocating research resources from PS and SM research
to DISC research. Such a reallocation would reduce PS
and SM research to disastrously low levels. The answer
has to lie in increased and balanced support for all.

Disciplinary Research
Both Within and Outside the
Agricultural Research Establishment
 We need DISC research relevant to agriculture that
supports PS and SM research in the agricultural and food
systems. Conduct of DISC research should be both
within the ARE's agencies and departments, which
know the needs of agriculture and have the facilities and
competencies for DISC research, and outside the ARE
in institutions, departments and agencies, which also
have substantial facilities and capabilities for doing
DISC research of importance to agriculture (National
Academy of Sciences, 1983b).