Agricultural research offers consistently high return on investment, boosting the nation's economy while addressing pressing challenges in health, energy, environment, rural development, trade, and food safety. This Commentary is directed to Congress, the Administration, and the public, presenting recognized scholars' assessment of the high rate of return agricultural research has delivered to the American and global public—and why continued funding is in the public interest. As the authors note, "Plans for a better future start today."

This Issue Paper (IP 45), which includes a preface from Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, updates CAST Paper No. 1 written by Dr. Borlaug in 1973. The authors address future demands facing agriculture, the relationship between bioenergy and bioproducts, and major issues impacting U.S. and global agricultural productivity. Strategies to meet future food needs and examples of research that could enable the next Green Revolution are discussed. The authors question the commitment to agricultural research and underscore the far-reaching impact—or consequences of its absence—on the nation and the world.