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

• 1,200 research projects within 21 National Programs
• 2,100 scientists
• 6,000 other employees
• 100 research locations including a few in other countries
• $1.1 billion fiscal year 2009 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.

Address:	1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
City:	Washington DC
State:	Alabama (20250)
Telephone:	+1 202 720 3656
Fax:	+1 202 720 5427
Homepage:	Link to Homepage
Email:	kucharski@ars.usda.gov