The role of public agricultural R&D is analyzed in a mixed oligopoly model framework with strategic interaction among innovating firms and the government. Selective subsidization of innovating firms (i.e., targeted subsidies) is also examined. Analytical results show that the existence of public applied research can enhance the arrival rate of innovations while mitigating the socially undesirable consequences of market power in applied R&D production. Under certain conditions, direct government involvement in applied R&D is equivalent to the provision of targeted subsidies to less efficient firms.