Global private-sector research is considerably larger for crop inputs than for livestock

In recent years, the gross value of global crop production has been about 70 percent higher than the gross value of global livestock production. However, private-sector research expenditures directed at crop production inputs -- crop genetic improvement and biotechnology, crop protection chemicals, farm machinery, and fertilizer -- have been 3.5 to 5.5 times higher than those directed at livestock production inputs -- animal health, animal genetic improvement, and animal nutrition. Furthermore, private-sector expenditures for crop-related research have grown in real terms in the last 5 years, while private sector expenditures for livestock-related research have remained essentially flat. This chart appeared in the June 2012 issue of ERS's Amber Waves magazine.

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