Through its 
development of 
new methods, tools, 
and intelligence, 
APHIS continues 
to look toward 
the future. 
——— 
The Center evaluates damage situations and 
develops methods and tools to reduce or 
eliminate damage and resolve land-use con- 
flicts. NWRC scientists study birds, mam- 
malian predators, rodents, and other wildlife 
that cause serious but localized damage 
problems. The Center designs studies to 
ensure that the methods developed to allevi- 
ate animal damage are biologically sound, 
effective, safe, economical, and acceptable to 
the public. 
NWEC scientists produce the appropriate 
methods, technology, and materials for 
reducing damage caused by animals. 
Through the publication of results and the 
exchange of technical information, the 
Center provides valuable data and expertise 
to the public and the scientific community. 
APHIS’ PPQ unit also conducts methods- 
development and intelligence-gathering 
activities for its work in protecting plant 
health. 
Methods and policies developed for use 
in an emergency outbreak situation by 
USDA's rapid response teams must be envi- 
ronmentally acceptable and in compliance 
with Federal, State, and local laws such as 
those governing pesticide use and notifica- 
tion to enter or treat private property. A 
Mediterranean fruit-fly find or outbreak of 
Karnal bunt has potential to excite concern 
among our trading partners, who need to be 
reassured that U.S. commodities will not 
introduce pests or diseases into their ecosys- 
tems. Emergency response methods must 
bring our exports into compliance with 
international standards as established by the 
World Trade Organization and trade pacts 
such as the North American Free Trade 
Agreement. 
APHIS—PPQ carries out methods develop- 
ment to translate research findings into 
operational program activities at 10 different 
field stations known as plant protection cen- 
ters. These field stations are located at 
Edinburg, TX, Gulfport and Starkville, MS, 
iture Trends in Agricultural Trade 
Gainesville and Miami, FL, Waimanalo, HI, 
Otis Air National Guard Base (Cape Cod), 
MA, Phoenix, AZ, and Oxford, NC. There is 
one PPQ methods group working outside 
the country, in Guatemala. PPQ also works 
collaboratively on international projects 
with organizations like the North American 
Plant Pest Organization and other coopera- 
tors or trade partners. Pest advisory groups, 
science panels, and other ad hoc advisory 
and regulatory organizations are formed by 
PPQ to respond to new pest finds, evaluate 
current pest programs, and deal with other 
phytosanitary issues. 
Other scientific information and methods 
development work is done through PPQ’s 
Center for Plant Health Science and 
Technology. The Center, with headquarters 
in Raleigh, NC, serves as the umbrella organ- 
ization for PPQ labs and the National 
Biological Control Institute. The Center’s 
multidisciplinary staff concentrates on ana- 
lyzing scientific and technical elements of 
plant protection programs and systems and 
identifying needs and appropriate ways to 
meet present and future phytosanitary chal- 
lenges. PPQ forges collaborative working 
partnerships with Federal and State agen- 
cies, academic institutions, and the private 
sector to accomplish its work. 
Through its development of new methods, 
tools, and intelligence, APHIS continues to 
look toward the future. Invasive species, 
biotechnology, and a number of other trends 
point the way toward the agriculture of 
tomorrow. APHIS intends to be there, on the ~ 
forefront, ready to serve stakeholders in an 
ever-changing world. 
For more information about APHIS 
programs, visit the APHIS homepage at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov 
