Thanks, for jumping on this, Kevin. I'll volunteer. I am particularly interested in the outreach and educational components of GDR, which will never get funded unless GDR receives funding well above the keep the lights on level. I agree we need to deal directly with NSF and USDA, as well as consider other funding sources. The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission and the California Citrus Research Board have already committed some funds for GDR-related activities, not enough for an entire railroad crossing, but at least a couple ties...we and others could do more and highlight industry's support for this critical activity. I confirmed with our national commodity group that we can approach Congress and USDA directly once we have a clear strategy and plan, with priorities. NSF is not as approachable, but we can at least provide an assertive informational initiative. We will also be working in Washington State to generate awareness of, and more support for GDR, channeled through WSU.

##### Jim McFerson, PhD Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission 1719 Springwater Ave Wenatchee, WA 98801 off: 509-665-8271 mob: 509-669-3900 web: www.treefruitresearch.com http://www.treefruitresearch.com/

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From: Folta, Kevin M. [mailto:kfolta@ufl.edu] Sent: Thursday, 24 May, 2007 6:07 PM To: Bert Abbott; ballard@CLEMSON.EDU; cpeace@wsu.edu; dorrie@wsu.edu; iezzoni@msu.edu; korban@uiuc.edu; Jim McFerson; Ralph.Scorza@ARS.USDA.GOV; rhardwi@CLEMSON.EDU; rosexec-list@bioinfo.wsu.edu; SGardiner@hortresearch.co.nz; tom.davis@unh.edu Subject: GDR Subcommittee

Hello everyone,

I'm glad we had a chance to share ideas on the GDR today and begin to consider next strategies to federal support as well as potential alternatives. As discussed, it is critical that we immediately form a sub-committee of RosEXEC that pursues the next steps. This is a call for volunteers.

Behind the scenes, months ago, I approached our UF-IFAS lobbyist about how to approach state governments to obtain funds to support an endowment. The goal is to capture a source (or sources) of support that would simply maintain GDR at a minimal level into perpetuity. We're not asking for much here, about the cost to improve an intersection or a railroad crossing.

My request got lost in the UF administrative shuffle and nobody was kind enough to follow up a reaching request from a lowly Assistant Professor.

So, we need to put our heads together and we need honest answers from NSF and USDA so we can make perfect decisions going forward.

Any takers? Please drop me an email and we'll discuss a time to meet.

Kevin