Plant Science Job Horizon Dimmed By Lack Of Funding

Researchers are perturbed by the weak support being given to a discipline that they consider vital to planet Earth's survival

The job market for agricultural scientists has shown little or no net growth over the past several years. Fortunately, in a sense, the same weak economic climate that's slowed job creation has also slowed the flow of students through the agricultural science departments, say university officials nationwide. Thus, the production of Ph.D.'s today generally matches the number of jobs available for most graduates, even in a period when few new positions are being created. But while the current downturn in the quantity of graduates may suit today's weak employment picture, it may damage the field in the long run, some agricultural scientists say. These researchers project a possible shortage of qualified agricultural scientists if the economy strengthens during the coming decade.

Warren Wessels, assistant dean of the College of Agriculture...