Rick Brenner reminds the audience that the USDA helps drive continuous innovation through science and technology by forming Cooperative research and Development agreements (CRADAs) with research institutions and the private sector. The Office of technology transfer in the ARS is key in facilitating these partnerships and in transferring research outcomes for broad beneficial use by the public and agricultural industries of the United States and other nations. Given recent concerns about rising petroleum prices, the United States will be increasing research emphasis on new, environmentally favorable crops for industrial uses representing new economic opportunities for farmers and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. There is renewed hope that the most prosperous era in American agricultural history is dawning to meet continuing and expanding national needs.