Agricultural Research Service Research Participation Program

**About the Agricultural Research Service (ARS)** The [Agricultural Research Service (ARS) \[ars.usda.gov\]](http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/main.htm "Visit external website") is the [U.S. Department of Agriculture’s \[usda.gov\]](http://www.usda.gov/ "Visit external website") chief scientific in-house research agency responsible for developing and transferring solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority. The ARS seeks to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day, from the field to table. 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. ARS research is organized into National Programs that serve to bring coordination, communication, and empowerment to 800 research projects carried out by ARS in approximately [90 locations \[ars.usda.gov\]](http://www.ars.usda.gov/pandp/locations.htm "Visit external website") in most states. The National Programs are grouped into four main areas of focus: - Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality - Animal Production and Protection - Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems - Crop Production and Protection The ARS vision is to lead America towards a better future through agricultural research and information. The ARS Research Participation Program is managed by the [Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)](https://orise.orau.gov/about/index.html) through an agreement between the [U.S. Department of Agriculture \[usda.gov\]](http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome "Visit external website") (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).