MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A report from the National Science Foundation ranks Mississippi State University fifth in the nation in funding for research in the agricultural sciences.

The university generated $68.4 million in research and development expenditures for the agricultural sciences in fiscal year 2000, an increase of almost 18 percent over fiscal year 1999 figures. MSU previously ranked eighth in agricultural sciences research.

Vance Watson, interim MSU vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said the achievement reflects the commitment the state has to agriculture, and the economic importance of the agricultural sector in Mississippi and the region.

"Our move up to the No. 5 spot is a direct result of the dedication of our faculty and staff. They have stepped up and leveraged the investment made by the state of Mississippi. Their commitment has increased the quality and level of agricultural research conducted at this university," Watson said.

Agricultural research dollars at MSU are divided among the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, College of Veterinary Medicine, Forest and Wildlife Research Center and MSU Extension Service, which provides the university's main outreach effort.

Other universities included in the top five list are the University of California at Davis ($128 million), University of Georgia ($87.4 million), University of Florida ($87.3 million) and North Carolina State University ($70.1 million).

Writer: Charmain Tan Courcelle