Legal Definitions - Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is responsible for conducting research to improve the quality and safety of food and agricultural products. The ARS works to develop new technologies and methods that can help farmers increase their crop yields, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and improve the nutritional value of food.

For example, the ARS has developed new varieties of wheat that are resistant to diseases and pests, which can help farmers grow more wheat with fewer inputs. They have also developed new methods for testing the safety of food products, such as using DNA sequencing to identify harmful bacteria in food samples.

The work of the ARS is important because it helps to ensure that the food we eat is safe, nutritious, and of high quality. By conducting research and developing new technologies, the ARS helps to support the agricultural industry and protect public health.