Agricultural Research Service (USDA/ARS)

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day, from field to table. Here are a few numbers to illustrate the scope of our organization:

 

  • 800 research projects within 18 National Programs
  • 2,200 scientists and post docs
  • 6,200 other employees
  • 90+ research locations, including overseas laboratories
  • $1.1 billion fiscal year budget

ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to:

  • ensure high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural products
  • assess the nutritional needs of Americans
  • sustain a competitive agricultural economy
  • enhance the natural resource base and the environment, and
  • provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.

Key
Contacts

Dr. Robert Fireovid
National Program Leader - Biobased Products and Biorefining
t: 301-504-4774
Robert.Fireovid@ars.usda.gov