REPORT OF THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW & EVALUATE THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SEED PROJECT - AID/607 : SEED PROCESSING & TESTING (ON CAMPUS REVIEW)

Proj purposes were to: 1. assess present LDC seed needs & improve LDC programs; 2. develop task order financing methods & future program funding requirements, and 3. develop seed & crop improvement project proposals responsive to LDC"s changing needs. Evaluatn methodology undefined. Evaluatn team feels MSU assistance has resulted in steadily increasing budgets over the past 12 years. MSU has assembled and trained a staff of qualified people on all phases of work and been responsive to technical assistance & training requests. Program has resulted in the development of a prototype seed dryer & handbook on seed drying, seed processing installatn plans, seed testing equipment, and seed processing handbook. Other beneficial activities have been a seed storage & packaging study; design & specificatn of seed facilities; advice on seed programs; design & testing of low-cost walk-in germinators; assistance of missions, contractors, and sponsored visitors; seed improvements; officer sector training; etc. Team feels that past MSU performance warrants that contract activities be renewed, redefined, and expanded. Recommendations are that: 1. the 5/27/70 speech of "Changing Seed Program Needs of LDC"s" be edited & distributed to all USAID"s; 2. an in-depth evaluation be made of 2 Latin American countries assisted by MSU; 3. a study and report be made of successes & failures of seed programs in 3 AID-assisted countries; 4. examples identified of profitability which offer sufficient inducement as well as too-low profitability; 5. rural devel, food, and agricultural personnel receive adequate briefing concerning seed programs at regional meetings; and 6. missions receive policy guidelines & implementation instructions on all phases of LDC changing seed program needs and on any "New Contract Instrument with MSU".