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Earmarked: The Political Economy of Agricultural Research Appropriations

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  • Marc T. Law
  • Joseph M. Tonon
  • Gary J. Miller

Abstract

Since 1965 a significant portion of the US Department of Agriculture's extramural research budget has been earmarked by Congress for particular research projects. We analyze the process by which a minority of Congress induces the USDA to carry out its budgetary suggestions. We present evidence demonstrating the influence that appropriators possess over the allocation of earmarked grants. Finally, we argue that this program provides an excellent illustration of path-dependence in government policy, and that an understanding of the special grants program may shed light on the decline of science at the USDA and Congress's reluctance to increase agricultural research funding.

Suggested Citation

  • Marc T. Law & Joseph M. Tonon & Gary J. Miller, 2008. "Earmarked: The Political Economy of Agricultural Research Appropriations," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 30(2), pages 194-213.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revage:v:30:y:2008:i:2:p:194-213.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/j.1467-9353.2008.00400.x
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    1. Wallace E. Huffman & Richard E. Just, 1999. "Agricultural Research: Benefits and Beneficiaries of Alternative Funding Mechanisms," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 21(1), pages 2-18.
    2. Wallace E. Huffman & Robert E. Evenson, 2006. "Do Formula or Competitive Grant Funds Have Greater Impacts on State Agricultural Productivity?," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 88(4), pages 783-798.
    3. Ronald N. Johnson & Gary D. Libecap, 2001. "Information distortion and competitive remedies in government transfer programs: The case of ethanol," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 101-134, July.
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    2. Carolan, Michael S., 2010. "Ethanol’s most recent breakthrough in the United States: A case of socio-technical transition," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 65-71.

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