Economic Significance of Barley
One of the strengths of the U.S. economy is its crop production and agricultural based industries. Crop and value-added product exports reduce the unfavorable trade balance and generate new employment, grower income, and federal revenue.
Maintenance of U.S. dominance in agriculture requires continuing efforts to improve crop productivity and quality. This effort assures that U.S. agricultural production can supply domestic demands and U.S. agricultural products can compete in world markets. This can only be accomplished by investing in strong agricultural research programs that keep the U.S. at the forefront of the development and implementation of new agricultural technologies.