Excerpts from the report: The Committee was asked by Administrator West to focus on two principal objectives: 1. Identify major areas of economic research and information needed to assist in development of the food and fiber industries in the 1970's. This included identifying the research and information needs of the various participants involved in production, marketing, and distribution of food and fiber, the needs of those responsible for formulating and operating public programs bearing directly upon the food and fiber industries, and the needs of individuals outside of, but affected by, the food and fiber sector. 2. Appraise current research and information programs for commercial agriculture in ERS, and develop recommendations for changes which might be appropriate in such programs to meet future research and information needs as identified by the Committee.
