INTRA- AND INTER-STATE TRANSFERABILITY OF SOYBEAN VARIETY RESEARCH

An example of agricultural researching technology transfer and implications for the fiscal coordination and conduct of agricultural research programs is presented. Uniform Soybean Tests conducted in four Southern States are used to estimate the potential for transferability of soybean variety research among homogeneous sub-areas. The results indicate a high degree of transferability among the sub-areas. Coordinated management of soybean variety research could potentially provide more effective expenditure of soybean breeding research investments. Additionally, the concept or research transferability is not limited to soybeans or soybean variety research. Increased coordination of agricultural research investments by individual states may enhance existing benefits.