USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) chief scientific in-house research agency. Established in 1953, ARS is dedicated to finding solutions to agricultural problems affecting Americans daily, from field to table. The agency operates over 90 research locations, including overseas laboratories, and employs approximately 9,600 staff members, including 2,000 scientists and post-doctoral researchers. In fiscal year 2023, ARS's budget was approximately $1.9 billion.

Mission and Vision

Mission: ARS delivers scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges.

Vision: Global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Core Values

ARS upholds values such as scientific excellence, creativity, innovation, integrity, leadership, collaboration, accountability, transparency, diversity, respect, inclusiveness, and public service. These principles guide the agency's commitment to providing cutting-edge scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

ARS focuses on:

Ensuring high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products.

Assessing the nutritional needs of Americans.

Sustaining a competitive agricultural economy.

Enhancing the natural resource base and the environment.

Providing economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.

Areas of Specialization

ARS's research spans several national programs, including:

Nutrition, food safety, and quality.

Animal production and protection.

Natural resources and sustainable agricultural systems.

Crop production and protection.

Key Technologies Utilized

ARS employs advanced technologies such as:

Genomic and proteomic analyses.

Biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS).

Data analytics and machine learning.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

ARS's research addresses challenges in various agricultural sectors, including:

Crop and livestock production.

Food safety and quality.

Environmental sustainability.

Rural economic development.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

ARS's funding is allocated annually by Congress based on the President's proposed budget and research priorities. In fiscal year 2023, the budget was approximately $1.9 billion.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a federal agency, ARS's funding comes from the U.S. government, with no external investors.

Utilization of Capital

The allocated funds support:

Research projects across various agricultural domains.

Maintenance and operation of research facilities.

Collaboration with universities, companies, and other organizations.

Pipeline Development

Key Research Areas

ARS's research pipeline includes:

Developing pest-resistant crops.

Improving livestock health and productivity.

Enhancing food safety and quality.

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Stages of Development

Research projects progress through stages such as:

Basic research.

Applied research.

Technology transfer and commercialization.

Target Conditions

The research targets conditions like:

Crop diseases and pests.

Livestock diseases.

Environmental challenges affecting agriculture.

Anticipated Milestones

Milestones include:

Publication of research findings.

Development of new agricultural products or practices.

Implementation of sustainable farming techniques.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

ARS develops proprietary technologies in areas such as:

Biological control agents.

Advanced breeding techniques.

Food safety testing methods.

Significant Scientific Methods

ARS employs methods like:

Genetic engineering.

Molecular diagnostics.

Ecological modeling.

AI-Driven Capabilities

ARS utilizes AI and machine learning for:

Predictive modeling of crop yields.

Disease outbreak prediction.

Optimization of resource use in agriculture.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Dr. Simon Liu: Acting Administrator.

Dr. Steven M. Kappes: Associate Administrator, National Programs.

Mr. Joon Park: Associate Administrator, Research Management and Operations.

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

Dr. Simon Liu: Experienced in agricultural research and policy, leading ARS's strategic direction.

Dr. Steven M. Kappes: Expert in animal health and production, overseeing national programs.

Mr. Joon Park: Specializes in research operations, managing ARS's research infrastructure.

Leadership Changes

As of September 2025, Dr. Simon Liu serves as the Acting Administrator. Dr. Steven M. Kappes and Mr. Joon Park hold their respective positions as Associate Administrators.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

ARS operates in the public sector, focusing on agricultural research without direct commercial competition. However, it collaborates with private industry, universities, and other research institutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ARS collaborates with: