Global private-sector research is considerably larger for crop inputs than for livestock
- by Economic Research Service
- 8/9/2012

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.