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Agricultural Research Service 

 Program Plan 



6- Year Implementation Plan— 1992-1998 

 Executive Summary 



I. Introduction 



The Agricullural Research Service (ARS) Implementalion Plan is a principal means of 

 informing ARS personnel, funders. clientele, and cooperalors about the agency's research 

 program objectives. This plan updates two previous plans covering 1984-1992.' ' It estab- 

 lishes areas of research emphasis for 1992-1998 and outlines ARS policies and strategies to 

 achieve them. This updated plan reflects changing national needs and priorities including 

 those presented in the 1990 Farm Bill.' 



As the in-house research arm of the U.S. Depanmeni of Agriculture. ARS has a mission to: 



Develop new knowledge and technology iteeded to solve technical agiicuhural pcoMems 

 of brood scope and high national priority in order to ensure adequate production of high- 

 quality food and agricultural products to meet the nutritional needs of the American 

 consumer, to sustain a viable food and agricultural economy, and to maintain a quality 

 environment and natural resource base. 



ARS has primary responsibility to: 



• Provide initiative and leadership in agricultural research. 



• Conduct research on broad regional and national agricultural and related problems. 



• Conduct research in support of Federal action and regulatory agencies. 



• Provide technical expertise to meet national food, food safety, and environriKntal 

 emergencies. 



• Serve as an agricultural science resource to the executive and legislative branches. 



ARS programs are centrally planned and coordinated. The agency manages the scientific 

 and operational activities of 1 29 locations, which comprise a network of geographically 

 dispersed national and overseas laboratories. Supported by appropriated funds. ARS 

 provides: 



• Ability to perform long-term, high-risk research. 



• Ability to respond to stable and changing technical goals. 



' Agricultural Research Service Program Plan. 6- Year Implementation Plan. 1984-1990. U.S. 

 Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service. 1983. (Out of print.) 



• Agricullural Research Service Program Plan. 6-Year Implementalion Plan, 1986-1992. U.S. 

 Department of Agriculture. Agricullural Research Service. I98S. (Out of print.) 



' Public Law 101-624: November 28. 1990. Food. Agnculturc. Conservation. Trade Act of 1990. 



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