Agricultural scientists have paid more attention to the food crops of underdeveloped countries in the past 25 years than ever before. Twelve internationally funded agricultural research centres have been established to carry out basic research and to advise upon existing national agricultural research systems. However, the impact upon nutrition of the products of this research system is not known. Furthermore, many basic questions regarding food policy remain unanswered. This article reviews the relationships between agricultural research and nutritional state, including the present role of nutritional science in agricultural research. The article then goes on to explain and comment upon a strong body of recent advocacy to change in these relationships. (CabDirect)