UC Davis leads all other U.S. universities in external research funding in the agricultural sciences, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF). In the fiscal year 2000, UC Davis received $128.1 million in contracts and extramural grants for agricultural research -- a 22 percent increase from the year before.

The second highest total was the University of Georgia's $87.4 million, followed by the University of Florida at $87.3 million. Grant dollars go to qualified researchers for specific areas of study and cannot be used for other purposes.

"We are excited to lead the country in this important yardstick of research abilities," said Neal Van Alfen, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "It is reflective of the creative inquiry of our faculty, academic staff and students that they are able to attract this level of research funding. Research grants are highly competitive."

The $128.1 million included $34.9 million in funds from the federal government -- also a 22 percent increase over the previous year. The figures were made available in the NSF's publication, "Academic Research and Development: Expenditures: Fiscal Year 2000." The report was published in December 2001. The UC Davis ranking is at .