[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 141 (Monday, July 22, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37980-37992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18462]
[[Page 37979]]
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Part III
Department of Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
Agricultural Research Service
_______________________________________________________________________
Agricultural Research Services' Strategic Plan; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 141 / Monday, July 22, 1996 /
Notices
[[Page 37980]]
Agricultural Research Service
ARS Strategic Plan
AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture.
ACTION: Request for Comments on the Agricultural Research Services'
Draft Strategic Plan.
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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Research Service, in compliance with the
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 (Pub. L. 103-62),
has developed a five year strategic plan covering Fiscal Years 1998 to
2002. The proposed ARS Draft Strategic Plan presents the work of the
Agency against five broad societal outcomes and twelve general goals/
initiatives, most of the latter are taken, verbatim, from Section 801
``Purposes of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education'' of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-
127). When finalized, the ARS Strategic Plan will be supplemented by
one or more implementation plans that will link, in greater detail, the
scientific work of the Agency to this plan. Within the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has
been given lead responsibility for securing Departmental, Congressional
and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review of Subagency plans.
Each agency is responsible for securing input from its employees,
customers, stakeholders, and partners. The finalized Strategic Plan
will take effect on October 1, 1997. The ARS Draft Strategic Plan can
also be found, electronically, on the ARS Home Page on Internet (http:/
/www.ars.usda.gov).
DATES: Comments on the ARS Draft Strategic Plan must be submitted, in
writing or electronically, to the addresses shown below by August 21,
1996.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons should submit comments to David A. Rust,
Program Planning Advisor, Agricultural Research Service, Building 005,
Room 112, 10300 Baltimore Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705; FAX to 301-
504-6191; or electronically [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David A. Rust, Program Planning Advisor, Agricultural Research Service,
Building 005, Room 112, 10300 Baltimore Road, Beltsville, Maryland
20705; FAX 301-504-6191; electronically [email protected]; or telephone
301-504-6233.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ARS is the principal in-house research
agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Fiscal Year 1996, ARS
received an appropriations from Congress of $710 million which
supported 1,200 research projects at 104 locations involving
approximately 1,950 scientists.
Dated: July 11, 1996.
Robert J. Reginato,
Associate Administrator.
Contents
Background
Introduction
Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles, and Values
Key External Factors
Key Internal Factors
Customers, Beneficiaries, Stakeholders, and Partners
Strategic Plan
ARS Outcomes, General Goals, Explanatory Statements, Specific Goals,
Program Activities, and Performance Measures
Outcome 1. An agricultural production system that is highly
competitive in the global economy
Outcome 2. A safe and secure food and fiber system
Outcome 3. A healthy and properly nourished population
Outcome 4. Greater harmony between agriculture and the
environment
Outcome 5. Enhanced economic opportunity and quality of life for
farmers, ranchers, rural citizens and communities
Initiatives, Explanatory Statements, Specific Initiatives, Program
Activities, and Performance Measures
Initiative 1. Support Education
Initiative 2. National Agricultural Library
Initiative 3. Creative Leadership
ARS Resource Summary
ARS Customer Pledge
Background
Introduction
ARS Approach to GPRA
Since 1983, ARS has developed as series of multiyear strategic
plans to help guide development and management of the agency's work. In
1993, the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Public Law
103-62, was enacted. It seeks to make all Federal departments and
agencies more accountable to Congress and the U.S. taxpayers. The ARS
Strategic Plan, covering fiscal years 1998-2002, was developed in
accordance with the GPRA requirements.
In the spring of 1994, the agency established a work group to study
how best to implement GPRA within ARS. After completion of the work
group's report, ARS undertook an extensive outreach effort to gain
individual input from a broad cross section of the agency's customers,
stakeholders, and partners. This visioning process consisted of a pilot
conference in January 1995, followed by five regional conferences held
in June and July of 1995. The conferences brought together over 400
participants who worked in more than 30 breakout groups to provide
individual input regarding:
The key forces that will influence American agriculture
during the next 20 to 25 years.
How these changes will affect agricultural research.
More specifically how ARS should respond to these changes.
Using input and information gathered from this process ARS
identified 10 major issue areas that will affect agriculture and
agricultural research over the next 25 years:
International/Global Issues
Competition will increase for international markets and
resources.
International trade and treaties will influence the
profitability of U.S. agriculture.
The political climate in foreign nations will impact U.S.
agriculture.
Population/Demographics Issues
Growth in world population will increase demand for food,
fiber, energy, and land.
Environmental Issues
Resource competition among agricultural and industrial
users.
Need to address current and potential environmental
pollution.
Impact of pesticide and herbicide use.
Ecosystem management.
Maintaining biological and genetic diversity.
Sustainability of Production Systems Issues
Need to respond to changes in biological resistance
(resistance to pesticides).
Need to address environmental restrictions to expand the
range where plants can grow in response to changes in climate and other
circumstances.
Economic Issues
The profitability of U.S. agriculture is impacted by the
cost of labor, the transportation and distribution of foods, and the
quantity of food versus its price.
The concern over the federal deficit will continue to
impact agricultural subsidy programs.
The trend in U.S. agriculture is a shift from family farms
to agribusiness/corporate farms.
Government and Political Issues
Budget constraints are changing the relationship between
the federal, state, and private sectors.
[[Page 37981]]
Changes in demographics are resulting in decreased
political influence for the agriculture community.
There is a declining knowledge of agriculture among
agricultural policy makers.
There is concern about the type of regulations, their
interpretation, and the resulting increase in litigation.
Maintaining a safe and secure food supply will continue to
be a critical element of national security.
Consumer/Societal Issues
Consumers changing preferences, their needs and
expectations for food security, and their demands for better quality of
life will impact U.S. agriculture.
U.S. agriculture needs to increase acceptance of new
technologies and new products among consumers and to allay their fears
of science and technology.
Consumer perceptions and concerns over bioethics and
animal welfare will impact U.S. agriculture.
Food and Health Issues
Issues concerning nutrition, disease prevention, and food
security will influence U.S. food production.
--Food security issues encompass food safety, quantity, and quality.
Changing dietary consumption patterns will impact U.S.
food production.
Technological Advancement Issues
Some of the key technological issues influencing U.S.
agriculture are:
--Information and communication technology
--New uses of food and fiber and non-food uses of agriculture products
--Development of new production and delivery systems
--Intellectual property rights
The concern over ethics of biotechnology and genetic
engineering will influence the development of new U.S. technology and
its implementation.
Education and Information Issues
Education programs need to be developed to address the
following issues that influence the American public.
--The environment
--The economy
--Technology
--Nutrition, food and health
--Science and agriculture
In analyzing the input and information gathered at the five
conferences, nine major roles were identified for ARS in meeting the
research needs of the next 25 years. The nine roles are as follows:
provide leadership in the agricultural research agenda; strengthen
relationships with ARS partners; educate and relate to consumers and
other constituents; develop and transfer information systems and
technology; carry out and support strong, relevant science; focus on
long-term, high-risk research; address environmental issues; promote
interdisciplinary team and systems approaches; and develop and
strengthen institutional and human resources.
The ARS guiding principles that appear on page 14 are based on the
input and information gathered at the visioning conferences. In
addition, the visioning process provides a broad thematic framework
that runs throughout the ARS strategic plan. Shortly after the
visioning process was completed, the agency established a strategic
planning team (SPT) charged with drafting a new ARS strategic plan that
meets the GPRA requirements.
GPRA Outcomes and General Goals
In GPRA, Congress intended for each agency to identify the societal
impact or outcome of its work. These outcomes are usually long-term and
reflect the agency's general direction and purpose.
ARS' research focuses on achieving five broad outcomes that
parallel almost verbatim the outcomes identified in the strategic plan
of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area. GPRA
calls on each agency to establish general goals that will contribute to
achieving the long-term outcomes and that shape and drive the work of
the agency during the 5 years covered by the plan. ARS derives its
general goals and some of its initiatives from statutory language,
specifically the ``Purposes of Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education'' set forth in section 801 of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996.
The Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal in-house
research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Congress
first authorized federally supported agricultural research in the
Organic Act of 1862, which established what is now USDA. That statute
directed the Commissioner of Agriculture ``* * * To acquire and
preserve in his Department all information he can obtain by means of
books and correspondence, and by practical and scientific experiments,
* * *'' The scope of USDA's agricultural research programs has been
expanded and extended more than 60 times in the 134 years since the
Department was created.
Before the enactment of large scale crop support and nutrition
programs, agricultural research was a substantial part of the
Department's budget. Shortly before World War II, USDA received about
40 percent of all Federal funds appropriated for research. To better
support the war effort, the Department's various research components
were brought together into the Agricultural Research Administration
(ARA). In 1953 the ARA was reorganized into the Agricultural Research
Service. In FY 1996, ARS received an appropriation from Congress of
$710 million (less than 1 percent of the Federal research funds
appropriated for that year) which supported 1,200 research projects at
104 locations involving about 1,950 scientists.
ARS Research
ARS research has long been associated with higher yields and more
environmentally sensitive farming techniques. But the impact of ARS
research extends far beyond the farm gate and the dinner table.
Agricultural research is as much about human health as it is about
growing corn. For example, ARS recently developed a fat substitute
called Oatrim. Not only does this technology benefit farmers by
providing a new use for oats, it enables processors to produce tastier
low-fat foods. Consumers may reap the biggest benefits: Oatrim-rich
diets lower the bad (LDL) type of cholesterol without decreasing the
good (HDL) type, and it improves glucose tolerance. ARS research is
also as much about development of industrial products such as printing
ink from crops like soybeans as it is about development of high-
yielding wheat varieties. And as with Oatrim, printing inks made from
100-percent soybean oil instead of petroleum solve more than one
problem: Unlike petroleum, soybeans are a renewable resource, and this
technology diversifies markets for soybean farmers and choices for ink
manufacturers and printers.
ARS research provides solutions to a wide range of problems related
to agriculture--problems requiring long-term commitment of resources or
unlikely to have solutions with quick commercial payoff that would
tempt private industry to do the research. These problems range from
the ongoing battle to protect crops and livestock from costly pests and
diseases to improving quality and safety of agricultural commodities
and products determining the right mix of nutrients for humans from
infancy to old age,
[[Page 37982]]
making the best use of natural resources, and all the while ensuring
profitability for producers and processors while keeping costs down for
consumers.
To develop these solutions, ARS scientists carry out basic,
applied, and developmental research. These are inextricably linked.
Scientists cannot do applied and developmental research without the
foundation provided by basic research; and ARS basic research must
point toward specific uses for new knowledge resulting from the
research. Also, basic research is necessary in anticipation of new
problems and to provide information needed for rational nationwide
policies.
ARS scientists communicate research results and transfer new
technologies from ARS to other scientists, institutions of higher
education, products and process developers, and consumers, producers,
and other end users through:
Publications: ARS scientists write several thousand articles each
year for scientific journals and trade magazines. Such publications are
a primary means of sharing information with other scientists and are
the first step in transferring results from the laboratory to everyday
use. Equally important, peer review of articles published in scientific
journals helps ensure that ARS research is of the highest quality.
Conferences, Workshops, and Consultations: ARS scientists
participate in selected conferences and workshops each year to ensure
timely exchange of information with other scientists in the same and
related fields and to work with customers in identifying research needs
and opportunities. They also correspond extensively with other
scientists and customers via paper and electronic mail, serve as expert
consultants both locally and nationally, and otherwise stay connected
with their scientific and customer communities. An expanding ARS
involvement with electronic communications networks such as the
Internet ensures that agency scientists will be participants in this
relatively low-cost global information exchange.
Cooperative Agreements and Patent Licenses: ARS aggressively
pursues cooperative relationships with private industry, academia, and
other Government agencies for further development of new technology.
The agency also markets both patented and nonpatented technology for
immediate use or further refinement. ARS continues to be an
acknowledged leader among Federal agencies in technology transfer as
judged by the relative number of patents, partnerships, patent
licenses, and technology transfer awards.
International Collaboration
The combined government funding for agricultural research in
foreign countries far exceeds U.S. Federal funding for agricultural
research. Recognizing this resource, ARS has set up carefully selected
international collaborations, consistent with ARS program goals. This
has led to a cost-effective supplementation of ARS technology
development and germplasm. At present, the agency has 368 cooperative
linkages with 51 countries. Collaborations often result in co-
publication of research results. Where appropriate, intellectual
property is mutually protected with co-patents. Through its tactically
constructed network of international research interchanges. ARS in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, helps to advance techno-
scientific diplomacy for the U.S. Government.
National Agricultural Library
The National Agricultural Library (NAL) was established by Congress
in 1862. It is the largest agricultural library in the world and one of
only four national libraries in the United States. In 1994 it became
part of the Agricultural Research Service. The library's unique,
comprehensive collection of more than 2.2 million volumes forms the
fundamental base of knowledge on agriculture and related basic and
applied sciences and social sciences for the Nation. Traditional as
well as innovative and specialized information services and products
enable customers to identify, locate, and obtain needed information on
agriculture and related topics. Through preservation activities, NAL
ensures that the collection is available for current and future use.
NAL produces AGRICOLA (AGRICultural OnLine Access), a bibliographic
database of more than 3 million citations to agriculture literature,
and provides leadership in development and application of information
technologies that help ensure access to knowledge and information such
as gene maps.
Technology Transfer Activities
Products, techniques, and information generated from ARS research
must be transferred to customers, if the United States is to maintain
its global competitive edge in agriculture. The technology transfer
process ranges from the controlled release of information via oral,
written, or electronic form, to the establishment of research and
development partnerships with private industry, other Government
agencies, and universities. Intellectual property is guarded by patents
and plant variety protection, and commercialization is achieved by
patent licensing and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements
(CRADA'S).
Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles, and Values
Vision
Leading America toward a better future through agricultural
research and information.
Mission
Provide access to agricultural information and develop new
knowledge and technology needed to solve technical agricultural
problems of broad scope and high national priority to ensure adequate
availability of high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural
products to meet the nutritional needs of the American consumer, to
sustain a viable and competitive food and agricultural economy, to
enhance quality of life and economic opportunity for rural citizens and
society as a whole, and to maintain a quality environment and natural
resource base.
Guiding Principles
Provide leadership for the national agricultural research agenda.
Carry out and support excellent, relevant science.
Support long-term research to provide a foundation of problem
solving.
Apply the science base to address critical emerging problems.
Provide the science base for informed policymaking.
Strenghten relationships with ARS partners.
Educate and relate to consumers and other constituents.
Respond to societal, consumer, and environmental concerns.
Promote interdisciplinary team and systems approaches.
Develop and strengthen institutional and human resources.
Develop and transfer information systems and technology.
Values
Accountability: We are responsible to the public.
Appreciation: We respect one another and value everyone's
contribution.
Cooperation: We work with others to most effectively use available
knowledge, resources, and technologies.
Creativity: We nurture and reward creativity.
Global Perspective: We encourage and promote an international
perspective and global collaboration on agricultural issues.
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Integrity: We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and
ethical conduct.
Leadership: We promote leadership in information and agricultural
science.
Objectivity: We are proud of our scientific objectivity and will
continue to provide unbiased information.
Partnerships: We encourage partnerships with other organizations
and individuals.
Quality: We are dedicated to the highest standards of quality in
agricultural research and information dissemination.
Relevance: We respond to the needs of the agricultural community
and all of society.
Service: We listen to our customers, both internal and external,
and provide them quality scientific research, technologies, and
information.
Sharing: We are committed to share information broadly and in a
timely fashion.
Strategy: We shape the future by strategically positioning our
resources and capabilities.
Teamwork: We support teams that approach holistically by looking at
the total implications of their work.
Key External Factors
Consumer, Socio-Economic, and Policy Trends
The abundance and affordability of the American food supply is
chiefly due to U.S. agricultural research. The Nation's ability to
sustain this plentiful and inexpensive food supply continues to be
paramount. But in recent years, consumer and producer attention has
expanded somewhat to other areas of concern such as food safety and
quality, the relationship of agriculture and the environment, the
profitability of the agricultural enterprise, the impact of government
regulations, land use restrictions, and economic options that diminish
the supply of farmable, grazable land.
The long-term sustainability of the Nation's food and fiber
production systems will be determined not only by the continued
profitability of farming and ranching, but also by how these production
systems affect the environment. The capacity of U.S. agriculture to
adapt to environmental changes is also a concern as are the
availability and quality of natural resources. Another key
environmental issue is how human activities affect weather patterns,
atmospheric composition, and soil and water quality and productivity.
Global population increases, demographic changes, and economic
growth will substantially increase the demand for agricultural
products. These changes should promote development of new markets. At
the same time, increased agricultural efficiency in other countries
will require that U.S. agriculture be more competitive. Meanwhile,
budget deficits and external pressures on the domestic economy may
reduce funding for agricultural research in both the public and private
sectors.
Congressional Support
The ability of ARS to respond to the many and diverse needs of
producers and consumers is determined by congressional appropriations.
Adjusted for inflation, these appropriated funds are substantially
smaller now than they were two to three decades ago. As a consequence
of inflation and the higher operating costs associated with advances in
research equipment and techniques, the ARS scientific workforce, which
reached a maximum of about 3,400 scientists in 1970, decreased by
almost 40 percent during the following 25 years. In recent years,
Congressional appropriations, expressed in current dollars, have
remained static. Because of widespread concern about Federal budget
deficits, and the commitment by both the Administration and the
Congress to reduce Federal expenditures, future ARS budgets are
expected to remain at or near the current level of $710 million. Even
with the current low rate of inflation, this scenario is expected to
lead to further decreases in both the strength of the scientific
workforce and the scope of the research program.
Workforce Competition
The Department of Labor projects an increase of 19 percent in the
size of the general workforce in the next decade, which is slightly
lower than the rate of growth for the preceding decade. The labor
market during this period is also expected to be highly comptetive for
many occupations that require and advanced education, including
scientists, engineers, economists, and computer specialists. The high
earning potential of professions, such as law and medicine, will
continue to make a career in science less attractive to many young men
and women who have the creative intelligence needed for professional
success in agricultural research. Consequently, a major emphasis on
recruitment, student employment, upward mobility, and training programs
will be needed to attract and retain a quality workforce. The trend
toward increasing workforce diversity is also expected to continue, and
opportunities for encouraging women and minorities into careers in
science, engineering, and economics will need to be given a high
priority.
Key Internal Factors
Facilities
ARS owns and manages nearly 3,000 laboratory and office buildings
and about 400,00 acres of land in support of its research mission
carried out at 104 domestic and foreign locations. The quality of ARS
facilities' infrastructure directly affects the ability of ARS
scientists to accomplish their research mission objectives and
projects. ARS implemented a comprehensive facilities modernization
program through which it determines priorities for allocation of
resources for facilities modernization related to and consistent with
the research priorities of the agency.
In addition, ARS is currently participating in the Under
Secretary's Agriculture Research Facilities Study Commission. The
commission is charged with reviewing existing and proposed federally
funded facilities to determine which ones should be closed,
consolidated, or modernized.
Information Infrastructure
The confluence of computers, advanced communications, and space
technology has brought about an information systems revolution that is
resulting in change comparable to that which occurred during the
Industrial Revolution. The National Information Infrastructure (NII)
will have the capacity to transmit information anywhere in the world at
both high and low speeds, in a variety of data formats, including
image, voice, and video.
Scientists searching for research information will find it on the
Internet; companies searching for new research findings and technology
will find them on the Internet. Information is a key to opportunities
and an economic resource. Those who learn to exploit database
technology and electronic networks as a utility will be the ones to get
ahead.
As one example, the NII presents a unique opportunity to the
National Agricultural Library (NAL). NAL has traditionally collected,
managed, and housed food and agricultural research information to
respond to requests by scientists, educators, consumers, and other
constituents. But accumulation is no longer the answer: proper access
is. Strategic alliances and partnerships are required to capitalize on
the greater breadth of information available, while at the same time
targeting audiences and tailoring information and delivery
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formats to meet the needs of internal and external customers.
Human Resources
ARS will need to continue using innovative approaches to human
resources management to attract and retain critical core scientific,
technical, and support capability. To meet the agency's human resources
requirements and maintain the quality, relevance, and excellence of its
core research programs, ARS must ensure continued innovations in human
resources management such as the USDA' ARS and Forest Service
Demonstration Project and the ARS Research Peer Evaluation System as a
part of its overall strategic plan.
Core Capabilities
ARS' policy is to maintain the essential combination of scientific
expertise, fiscal and information resources, and facilities required to
meet the needs of the agency's national programs. These core
capabilities are a defining feature of the agency and can be mobilized
to address national crises and other emerging problems.
Customers, Beneficiaries, Stakeholders, and Partners
A listing of ARS' customers, beneficiaries, stakeholders, and
partners is shown below. Although the list is constantly changing, it
gives an indication of the breadth of ARS' customer base. Sometimes the
same organization can be a customer, beneficiary, stakeholder, and/or
partner.
Customers--Individuals or organizations that directly use ARS
services.
Producers and processors
National and international organizations
Advocacy groups
Commodity and futures markets
International trade organizations
International science and research organizations
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Secretary of Agriculture
Other mission areas
Action and regulatory agencies
Office of Budget and Program Analysis
Inspector General
Chief Financial Officer
Other Federal agencies
Scientific community
Medical community
Health and dietary community
State and local Governments
News media
Beneficiaries--Individuals whose well-being is enhanced by the
agency's activities.
Domestic consumers
Foreign consumers of U.S. agricultural exports and technologies.
Stakeholders--Orginzations or individuals that have an interest in
the work of ARS but do not directly use the agency's products.
Legislative branch
Executive branch
ARS employees
National and international organizations
Producer and processor organizations
Food and commodity organizations
Foreign countries/governments
Trade organizations
Environmental organizations
Retail organizations
Consumer organizations
Partners--Organizations that ARS works with collaboratively.
Institutions of higher education
Federal research agencies
Private industry
Strategic Plan
ARS Outcomes
ARS' general goals and specific goals are focused on achieving five
outcomes, which are expressions of long-term desirable societal results
toward which the work of ARS is ultimately directed. The five ARS
outcomes parallel, almost verbatim, the outcomes identified in the REE
mission area strategic plan. The ARS general goals directly support the
agency's ongoing efforts to achieve these five broad societal outcomes.
Under each outcome is a brief explanatory statement that describes how
ARS relates the outcome to the work of the agency. In addition, there
are performance measures that indicate progress towards achieving each
outcome.
General Goals and Explanatory Statements
Under each outcome is one or more general goals and a brief
explanatory statement that describes how ARS interprets the general
goal and relates it to the work of the agency. ARS derives its general
goals and some of its initiatives from statutory language, specifically
the ``Purposes of Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education'' set
forth in section 801 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Return
Act of 1996. The general goals are broad enough to allow activities to
overlap. In those instances, explanatory statements cross-reference the
general goals where certain areas of related research would be covered.
Each general goal has been given a short title.
Specific Goals
Under each of the ARS general goals there are several subgoals.
These focus the general goal on the mission and work of ARS. Many
departments and agencies are using the term ``objective'' to identify
their subgoals. ARS has an existing classification system that uses the
term ``objective'' to describe areas of research. To avoid confusion,
the ARS strategic plan uses the designation ``specific goal.'' Each
specific goal has been given a short title.
Program Activities
GPRA requires agencies to describe how the goals are to be achieved
and how the performance measures relate to the general goals. The
program activities describe briefly and broadly what activities ARS
will undertake to accomplish the specific and general goals.
Performance Measures
The performance measures describe specific achievements that
indicate progress toward reaching the goals.
Agencywide Performance Measures
The following performance measures are across the agency (not
broken out by outcome or goal) over the 5 years covered by the plan.
--200 new patent applications*
--250 new CRADAs
--100 new Licenses
--650 new interagency agreements
--350 new plant germplasm releases to industry for further development
** 1,750 postdoctoral students will be involved in ARS research
activities; 10 percent will be hired as full-time employees of the
agency.
Conduct 2,250 reviews under the research position evaluation system
(RPES) to ensure the quality of the agency's scientists; 95 percent
will achieve fully successful to outstanding ratings and 40 percent
will be found qualified to work at a higher level of scientific
inquiry.
Conduct 1,250 peer reviews of research projects.
Conduct 100 location reviews at research laboratories.
Outcome 1. An agricultural production system that is highly
competitive in the global economy.
Explanatory Statement: ARS will conduct research designed to
generate new knowledge; improve production systems; enhance resource
efficiencies; improve processing quality, performance, and the value of
commodities; and develop technologies to reduce nontariff trade
barriers. The national needs for scientific agricultural
[[Page 37985]]
information will be met in a timely manner. U.S. agricultural producers
and processors will have access to current knowledge and technologies.
Performance Goals: During the 5 years covered by this strategic plan,
ARS will report:
In basic research.
--1,300 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--1,100 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 basic research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In applied research.
--270 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--230 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 applied research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In development research and technology transfers.
--New patent applications*
--New CRADAs*
--New licenses*
--New interagency agreements*
--New plant germplasm releases to industry for further development*
In nonformal education.
--95 percent of customer requests received and handled within
established time frames
--12 presentations to lay and professional organizations
In higher education.
--Knowledge and technologies promptly communicated to institutions of
higher education within established time frames
--Graduate and postgraduate students involved in ARS research
activities**
General Goal 1.1 Strengthen Competitiveness
``Enhance the competitiveness of the United States agriculture and
food industry in an increasingly competitive world environment.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS will generate new knowledge and develop
new and improved production systems with greater resource efficiencies;
improve the processing quality, performance, and value of commodities
to meet domestic and global market needs; develop technologies to
eliminate trade barriers due to quarantine issues and other nontariff
trade constraints; and develop sustainable and cost-competitive food
and industrial commodity processing technologies and concepts.
Specific Goal 1.1.1 Cost-Effective Agricultural Program Systems
Develop new knowledge and integrated technologies for more
efficient and economically sustainable agricultural production systems.
Program Activity: Integrate the production, processing, and
marketing technologies and knowledge into systems that optimize
resource management, improve environmental quality, and facilitate
technology transfer.
Performance Measures: Demonstrate and transfer to users integrated
systems. Demonstrate and transfer to users computer-based simulation
models and decision-support systems.
Specific Goal 1.1.2 Postharvest Technologies
Develop technologies and processes to reduce or overcome nontariff
trade and quarantine barriers.
Program Activity: Develop and evaluate alternative means of
controlling or eliminating postharvest insects, diseases, and spoilage
organisms in agricultural commodities and products.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate techniques to control or eliminate
postharvest insects and diseases and increase market quality and
product longevity.
Program Activity: Develop technologies to replace methyl bromide to
meet phytosanitary requirements, and to improve export opportunities
for agricultural commodities.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate technologies to control quarantine
insects and diseases on fruit.
Program Activity: Develop diagnostic methods to identify weeds,
diseases, and pests that must be controlled to permit the international
movement of animals, plants, or animal and plant products.
Performance Measure: New and improved diagnostic tests are
developed and available.
Specific Goal 1.1.3 Product Quality and Marketability
Improve quality, uniformity, value, and marketability of
commodities and other agricultural products.
Program Activity: Support the mission of action/regulatory agencies
by defining and characterizing the desired physical, chemical, and
aesthetic properties of agricultural commodities.
Performance Measure: Provide knowledge and technology to expand and
improve the grading systems for agricultural commodities and products.
Program Activity: Advance the technology for measuring important
nutrients and other quality components.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate methods to measure the critical
processing and end-use properties of agricultural commodities important
to the agricultural marketing system and to the processing industry.
Specific Goal 1.1.4 International Technology Interchange
Develop a strategy for selective international research interchange
to supplement ARS technology developments and strengthen
competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.
Program Activity: Gain access to foreign technology developments
through tactical selection of opportunities for international research
cooperation coherent with ARS domestic programs.
Performance Measure: Strategic alliances formed with specific
foreign institutions, leading to the joint development of germplasm and
value-added technologies, mutually protected through intellectual
property agreements.
General Goal 1.2 Develop New Uses and Products
``Develop new uses and new products for agricultural commodities,
such as alternative fuels, and develop new crops'' Explanatory
Statement: ARS will contribute to development of new and alternative
crops, new food and nonfood uses and products from plants and animals,
alternative fuels, and new processes and other technologies using these
commodities.
Specific Goal 1.2.1 New and Alternative Crops
Develop new and alternative crops with economic and social value.
Program Activity: Introduce and genetically improve new and
alternative crops to increase diversity of agricultural commodities and
satisfy societal needs.
Performance Measure: Experimentally demonstrate genetically
improved crops with potential for successful introduction.
Program Activity: Develop management practices for production,
harvesting, and postharvest handling of new alternative crops.
Performance Measure: Experimentally demonstrate new and improved
production, harvest and postharvest handling procedures of these crops.
Specific Goal 1.2.2 New Uses and Products
Develop new food and nonfood uses and products from plants and
animals,
[[Page 37986]]
and new processes and other technologies that add value.
Program Activity: Improve process technologies and develop new
bioproducts and uses that will increase the demand for agricultural
commodities.
Performance Measure: Experimentally demonstrate improvements in
processing technologies and develop new bioproducts and uses that have
potential to increase demand for agricultural commodities.
Outcome 2. A Safe and Secure Food and Fiber System
Explanatory Statement: ARS will conduct research designed to
generate knowledge regarding new and improved management practices,
pest management strategies, sustainable production systems, and the
control of potential contaminants. Food safety research seeks ways to
assess and control potentially harmful food contaminants. These
activities will ensure a safe, plentiful, diverse, and affordable
supply of food, fiber and other agricultural products.
Performance Goals: During the 5 years covered by this strategic
plan, ARS will report:
In basic research.
--2,470 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--2,090 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 basic research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In applied research.
--435 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--365 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 applied research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In developmental research and technology transfers.
--New patent applications*
--New CRADAs*
--New licenses*
--New interagency agreements*
--New plant germplasm release to industry for further development*
In nonformal education.
--95 percent of customer requests received and handled within
established time frames
--12 presentations to lay and professional organizations
In higher education.
--knowledge and technologies promptly communicated to institutions of
higher education within established time frames
--graduate and postgraduate students involved in ARS research
activities**
General Goal 2.1 Secure Food and Fiber System
Maintain a safe and secure food and fiber system that meets the
Nation's needs now and in the future.
Explantory Statement: ARS' research program will conserve and
enhance genetic resources and improve the efficiency of agricultural
production and processing systems to provide America with a safe,
adequate, secure, affordable and nutritious supply of food and fiber.
Specific Goal 2.1.1 Plant and Animal Production Systems
Improve efficiency of agricultural production and protection
systems to ensure the security of the Nation's food, fiber, and energy
supply.
Program Activity: Enhance output of agricultural products through
development of new production methods that maximize net economic
returns and minimize input costs while using environmentally
sustainable technologies.
Performance Measures: Demonstrate increases in productivity above
current levels, using sustainable technologies.
Demonstrate a more efficient and cost-effective use of resource
inputs while increasing productivity above current levels.
Develop and demonstrate new integrated technologies for improved
protection of plants and animals.
Specific Goal 2.1.2 Plant and Animal Germplasm Resources
Acquire, preserve, evaluate, and enhance genetic resources and
develop new knowledge and technologies to increase the productive
capacity of plants and animals.
Program Activity: Develop improved genetic engineering and
conventional methods and use them to produce new germplasm with
increased production potential, improved resistance to pests and
diseases, and enhanced productive capacity.
Performance Measures: Release of improved germplasm, varieties, and
breeds based on effective use of genetic resources.
Improved methods for identifying useful properties of plants and
animals and for manipulating the genes associated with these
properties.
Program Activity: Collect, preserve, evaluate, and make available a
diverse range of germplasm that increases genetic variability and
enhances productive capacity and food and fiber security.
Performance Measures: Maintenance of collections of well-documented
plant and animal germplasm of importance to U.S. agricultural security.
Specific Goal 2.1.3 Plant and Animal Biological Processes
Develop biologically based technologies to improve productivity,
safety, nutrient content, and quality of plants and animals and their
products.
Program Activity: Conduct fundamental and applied investigations of
plant and animal biological processes that influence productivity,
safety, nutrient content, and quality.
Performance Measure: Make technologies available for improving
productivity, safety, and quality.
General Goal 2.2 Safe Food
``Maintain an adequate, nutritious, and safe supply of food to meet
human nutritional needs and requirements.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS' food safety research program will
assess the safety of animal and plant products and develop methods to
control potential food contaminants. The human nutrition research
activities covered in this general goal are addressed in outcome 3,
general goal 3.
Specific Goal 2.2.1 Plant and Animal Product Safety
Provide knowledge and means for production of safe plant and animal
products.
Program Activity: Develop methods to reduce toxin-producing and/or
pathogenic bacteria and fungi, parasites, mycotoxins, chemical
residues, and plant toxins.
Performance Measure: Transfer knowledge developed by ARS to
industry and regulatory agencies.
Outcome 3. A healthy and properly nourished population.
Explanatory Statement: ARS will conduct research to generate new
knowledge in human nutrition that will establish the relationship
between diet and health, measure food consumption patterns, and develop
new methods to measure the nutrient composition of food. The outcomes
of these efforts will be a safe, and nutritious food supply and a
knowledge base that enables people to make healthful food choices.
Performance Goals: During the 5 years covered by this strategic plan,
ARS will report:
In basic research.
--325 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--275 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 basic research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term
[[Page 37987]]
benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In applied research.
--25 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--22 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 applied research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In developmental research and technology transfers.
--New patent applications*
--New CRADAs*
--New licenses*
--New interagency agreements*
--New plant germplasm releases to industry for further development*
In nonformal education.
--95 percent of customer requests received and handled within
established time frames
--12 presentations to lay and professional organizations
In higher education.
--Knowledge and technologies promptly communicated to institutions of
higher education within established time frames
--Graduate and postgraduate students involved in ARS research
activities**
General Goal 3.1 Nutritious Food
``Maintain an adequate, nutritious, and safe supply of food to meet
human nutritional needs and requirements.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS' human nutrition research program will
establish the relationship between diet, nutritional status, and health
throughout life and the contribution of diet to disease resistance and
the reduction of disorders related to nutrition. The program will
develop methods for determining food components and maintain national
food composition databases. ARS will monitor food consumption,
knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of the U.S. population and design
and test techniques that enable people to improve their nutritional
status. The food safety activities covered in this general goal are
addressed in outcome 2.
Specific Goal 3.1.1 Human Nutrition Requirements
Determine requirements for nutrients and other food components of
children, pregnant and lactating women, adults, and elderly of diverse
racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Program Activity: Using population and survey data, human feeding
studies, genetic models of metabolism, animal studies, and other
methods, establish indicators of nutrient functions that show
requirements and bioavailability of food components and their effects
on health.
Performance Measure: Indicators of function determined and related
to diet and health.
Specific Goal 3.1.2 Food Composition and Consumption
Develop techniques for determining food composition, maintain
national food composition databases, monitor the food and nutrient
consumption of the U.S. population, and develop and transfer effective
nutrition intervention strategies.
Program Activity: Develop new methods for measuring selected
nutrients and food components, conduct surveys of food consumption,
analyze survey results to determine consumption of nutrients, and
design strategies for improvement.
Performance Measure: Transfer new measurement techniques and data
to users, release results of surveys, transfer effective nutrition
intervention strategies.
Specific Goal 3.1.3 Nutritious Plant and Animal Products
Develop more nutritious plant and animal products for human
consumption.
Program Activity: Improve the nutritional value of animal and plant
products.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate improved nutritional quality.
Outcome 4. Greater harmony between agriculture and the environment.
Explanatory Statement: ARS will conduct multidisciplinary research
to solve problems arising from the interaction between agriculture and
the environment. New practices and technologies will be developed to
conserve the Nation's natural resource base and balance production
efficiency and environmental quality. Since environmental quality is a
global problem, ARS will expand collaboration with foreign research
institutions. The outcome will be technology and practices that will
mitigate the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment.
Performance Goals: During the 5 years covered by this strategic
plan, ARS will report:
In basic research.
--1,070 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--900 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 basic research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In applied research.
--215 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--180 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 applied research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In developmental research and technology transfers.
--New patent applications *
--New CRADAs *
--New licenses *
--New interagency agreements *
--New plant germplasm releases to industry for further development *
In nonformal education.
--95 percent of customer requests received and handled within
established time frames
--12 presentations to lay and professional organizations
In higher education.
--Knowledge and technologies promptly communicated to institutions of
higher education within established time frames
--Graduate and postgraduate students will be involved in ARS research
activities **
General Goal 4.1 Balance Agriculture and the Environment
``Increase the long-term productivity of the United States
agriculture and food industry while maintaining and enhancing the
natural resource base on which rural America and the United States
agricultural economy depend.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS will conserve and enhance genetic
resources, improve the efficiency of agricultural production systems,
and develop new and improved high-quality food and nonfood agricultural
and industrial products with improved pest and disease resistance and
better adaptability to a wider range of climatic conditions. ARS will
develop new and improved management practices, elucidate the potential
effects of global climate change, and develop new ways to manage crop
and animal production systems in the changing global climate, develop
integrated pest management strategies, and integrated sustainable
agricultural production systems to enhance the quality and productivity
of the Nation's soil, water, and air, ensuring conservation of the
natural resource bases essential to meet future needs.
[[Page 37988]]
Specific Goal 4.1.1 Natural Resource Quality and Quantity
Develop new and improved management practices that will enhance the
quality and productivity of the Nation's soil, water, and air
resources.
Program Activity: Develop on-farm agricultural practices and
technologies to assess, predict, and improve soil, water, and air
quality.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate agricultural management practices
and technologies that protect and enhance the environment and natural
resource base.
Program Activity: Develop agricultural practices and technologies
at the watershed scale that conserve and maintain the quality of
natural resources.
Performance Measure: Experimentally demonstrate the appropriateness
of watershed-scale practices and technologies that protect the
environment and natural resources.
Specific Goal 4.1.2 Global Climate Change
Increase understanding of the responses of terrestrial ecosystems
to manmade and natural changes in the global environment.
Program Activity: Quantify the positive and negative aspects of
agriculture's role in global change.
Performance Measure: Documentation of agriculture's effects on the
global environment.
Program Activity: Assess and predict how changes in the global
environment will affect agriculture.
Performance Measure: Documentation of how changes in the global
environment affect agriculture.
Program Activity: Develop technologies that promote operational
efficiency for agriculture in a changing global climate.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate techniques that can improve
efficiency.
Specific Goal 4.1.3 Cropland and Rangeland Management Strategies
Develop cropland and rangeland management strategies that will
improve quality and quantity of food and fiber products needed for U.S.
competitiveness.
Program Activity: Develop concepts and practices for managing
croplands and rangelands that will accommodate major increases in the
quantity and quality of food and fiber products.
Performance Measures: Demonstrate cropland and rangeland management
strategies that improve productivity and efficiency of croplands and
rangelands.
Provide information directly to farmers and through public agencies
and private organizations that will lead to adoption of improved
cropland and rangeland management strategies.
General Goal 4.2 Risk Management
``Improve risk management in the United States agriculture
industry.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS will address the multifaceted risks that
are inherent in the U.S. food and fiber production and processing
systems. They can have economic, environmental, and human health
components. The risks associated with weather extremes, such as
droughts and floods, often result in serious economic losses and major
environmental damage. Serious crop and animal losses can also result
from temperature extremes, hail, and other weather conditions. Crop and
animal producers frequently suffer severe economic losses from
diseases, insects, and other pests. This general goal is targeted
toward minimizing and, where feasible, eliminating the impact of these
risks through development of better animals and plants and improved
production and processing systems. The presence of toxic elements and
bacterial contaminants in the food supply is addressed under general
goal 8.
Specific Goal 4.2.1 Economic and Environmental Risks
Reduce economic and environmental risks through improved management
of agricultural production systems.
Program Activity: Develop strategies and methods for conserving
soil, water, and energy; managing pests and diseases; and reducing
plant and animal stresses to minimize economic and environmental risks
in agricultural production systems.
Performance Measure: Risk-reduction strategies and methods
transferred to the Nation's agricultural industry.
Specific Goal 4.2.2 Weather and Environmental Risks
Develop technologies for predicting and reducing the socio-economic
costs and resource damages associated with extreme weather variability.
Program Activity: Develop improved strategies and technologies
including crop residue management, irrigation systems, crop pest and
disease forecast systems, and plant and animal genetic improvements
that reduce the effects of extreme weather variability on food and
fiber production.
Performance Measure: Improve strategies and technologies that
reduce the effects of extreme weather variability.
General Goal 4.3 Safe Production and Processing
``Improve the safe production and processing of, and adding of
value to, United States food and fiber resources using methods that
maintain the balance between yield and environmental soundness.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS will develop new and improved management
practices, integrated pest management strategies and integrated
sustainable agricultural production systems to enhance the safety,
quality, and productivity of the U.S. agricultural production and
processing systems while protecting the National environment.
Specific Goal 4.3.1 Pest and Disease Management Strategies
Develop environmentally safe methods to prevent or control pests
and diseases in plants and animals.
Program Activity: Develop knowledge and strategies for
environmentally safe pest and disease management.
Performance Measure: Deliver integrated pest and disease management
strategies that are cost effective and protect natural resources, human
health, and the environment.
Specific Goal 4.3.2 Integrated Agricultural Production Systems
Deveop knowledge and integrated technologies for promoting the use
of environmentally sustainable agricultural production systems.
Program Activity: Develop integrated agricultural production
systems that sustain soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources and
recognize the importance of social and economic considerations.
Performance Measures: Demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated
agricultural production systems in the improvement of natural resources
and protection of the environment.
Provide computer-based models and decision-support systems to
farmers, public agencies, and private organizations.
Specific Goal 4.3.3 Waste Management and Utilization
Develop and transfer cost-effective technologies and systems to use
agricultural, urban, and industrial wastes for production of food,
fiber, and other products.
Program Activity: Improve waste-management practices and systems to
recycle agricultural, municipal, and industrial wastes on agricultural
lands in more profitable and environmentally beneficial ways.
[[Page 37989]]
Performance Measure: Demonstrate technologies to store, mix,
compost, inoculate, incubate, and apply wastes to obtain consistent
economic benefits while at the same time minimizing environmental
degradation, nutrient loss, and noxious odors.
Program Activity: Devise technologies and processes that are cost
effective on a small scale for converting agricultural residues and
wastes into renewable energy and industrial feedstocks.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate the conversion of agricultural
waste into liquid fuels and industrial feedstocks.
Outcome 5. Enhanced economic opportunity and quality of life for
farmers, ranchers, rural citizens and communities.
Explanatory Statement: ARS will conduct research to identify new
crops, products, technologies, and practices to increase profitability,
expand markets, add value, and make small-scale processing capabilities
available in rural communities. Access to technologies and information
will be expanded and simplified so that farmers, ranchers, and rural
residents can obtain information in a timely manner. Progress towards
this outcome will be seen in the gradual strengthening of rural
economic growth and improvements in the quality and stability of rural
life.
Performance Goals: During the 5 years covered by this strategic
plan, ARS will report:
In basic research.
--1,285 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--1,080 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 basic research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In applied research.
--150 scientific papers published in refereed journals
--125 presentations to scientific organizations
--50 applied research accomplishments with significant potential long-
term benefits to U.S. agricultural industry and American society
In development research and technology transfers.
--New patient applications*
--New CRADAs*
--New licenses*
--New interagency agreements*
--New plant germplasm releases to industry for further development*
In nonformal education.
--95 percent of customer requests and received and handled within
established time frames
--12 presentations to lay and professional organizations
In higher education.
--knowledge and technologies promptly communicated to institutions of
higher education within established time frames
--graduate and postgraduate students involved in ARS research
activities**
General Goal 5.1 Economic Opportunity and Technology Transfer
Conduct'' agricultural research * * * to promote economic
opportunity in rural communities and to meet the increasing demand for
information and technology transfer throughout the United States
agriculture industry.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS will integrate basic long-term research
and targeted short-term research to develop new technologies,
practices, and production enterprises that increase profits, enhance
the farm ecosystem, and develop small-scale processing technologies to
create value-added products from agricultural commodities. In addition,
ARS will improve access to research information, target information
dissemination, transfer technology more effectively, and enhance
exchange of problem-solving information with domestic and international
research organizations. While the introductory focus of this goal is
expanding economic opportunities, ARS interprets the information and
technology transfer provisions to apply across the board to all areas
of agricultural research. Activities specifically related to the work
of the National Agricultural Library are addressed in initiative 2.
Specific Goal 5.1.1 Rural Development Opportunities
Develop farming systems tailored to diverse agricultural production
enterprises to enhance profits, sustainability, and environmental
quality.
Program Activity: Devise new technologies and practices and adapt
existing ones to create new and diverse farming enterprises, products,
and markets.
Performance Measure: Experimentally demonstrate the successful
operation of aquaculture systems, evaluate small-scale animal
production systems, and enhance high-value horticultural products.
Specific Goal 5.1.2 Information Access and Delivery
Provide improved access to and dissemination of information to
increase public knowledge and awareness of agricultural research to aid
technology transfer, and to speed up sharing of new knowledge.
Program Activity: Expand the use of electronic means for
information delivery.
Performance Measure: Make information on ARS research results and
inventions available electronically via the Internet and similar
resources.
Program Activity: Increase use of marketing techniques in targeting
of public information and technology transfer products and activities.
Performance Measure: Provide more cost-effective and efficient
public information and technology transfer.
Program Activity: Develop mechanisms to ensure proper consideration
is given to public information and technology transfer needs during the
planning and execution of research programs.
Performance Measure: Research programs include information and
technology transfer considerations.
Specific Goal 5.1.3 Commercialize Research Results
Develop technology transfer systems that lead to commercialization
of research results by industry.
Program Activity: Enhance the probability of success in
commercializing ARS technology by ensuring that potential cooperators
and businesses have access to non-ARS information on financing and
business and product development.
Performance Measure: Provide small businesses with contacts and
information on the programs available from public and private sources.
Program Activity: Increase the flexibility and decrease development
time for technology transfer agreements.
Performance Measure: Expand the types of agreements used by ARS and
delegate signatory authority to the lowest feasible level.
ARS Administrative, Programmatic and Management Initiatives
ARS' general goals and specific goals focus primarily on the
Agency's research activities. The three ARS initiatives represent major
activities that are of overaching important to the agency because they
relate to and support all of the critical work of the agency. Each
initiative has been given a short title.
Explanatory Statements
Under each initiative is a brief explanatory statement that
describes how ARS interprets the initiative and relates it to the work
of the agency.
Specific Initiatives
Under each of the initiatives are several subinitiatives that focus
the
[[Page 37990]]
initiative on the mission and work of ARS. Each specific initiative has
been given a short title.
Program Activities
The program activities describe briefly and broadly what activities
ARS will undertake to accomplish each initiative.
Performance Measures
The performance measures describe specific achievements that
indicate progress toward reaching the objectives of each initiative.
Administrative, Programmatic, and Management Initiatives
Initiative 1 Support Education
``Support higher education in agriculture to give the next
generation of Americans the knowledge, technology, and applications
necessary to enhance the competitiveness of United States
agriculture.''
Explanatory Statement: ARS has a very limited role to play in
directly supporting higher education. The agency provides training
opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral students to enable them to
gain valuable knowledge and experience. Some of these scientists are
eventually hired as full-time employees where they serve to maintain
and enhance the agency's core scientific capabilities. Most go on to
serve U.S. agriculture in other Federal, State, and local agencies,
private industry, or academia. See initiative 3, specific initiative
3.4 ARS, through the programs and services of the National Agricultural
Library, provides access to information for institutions of higher
education, their faculties, researchers, and students. See initiative
2. In addition, ARS supports public information, outreach, and
educational activities. See general goal 5.1, specific goal 5.1.2, and
initiative 2, specific initiative 2.1.
Initiative 2 National Agricultural Library
``Ensure and enhance worldwide access to agricultural information
through the programs of the National Agricultural Library (NAL).''
Explanatory Statement: ARS, through the programs and services of
the National Agricultural Library, will ensure that agricultural
information essential to the Nation is acquired, organized,
disseminated, and preserved for current and future use, and that
appropriate advances are made to improve access to such information.
Specific Initiative 2.1 Access to Information
Collect, organize, and provide access to information that supports
agricultural programs and responds to information needs.
Program Activity: Ensure that the NAL collection supports the
information needs of current and future customers.
Performance Measures: Implemented selection guidelines for the
electronic resources to be acquired and use by NAL.
Expanded representation of electronic formats such as Internet
resources, online databases, and digital documents in AGRICOLA (NAL's
bibliographic database of references to the literature of agriculture),
and NAL's online catalog.
Program Activity: Provide access to agriculture-related information
and resources over a network where connections are transparent to the
customer.
Performance Measure: A gateway is provided to a large body of
electronic information on agriculture over a network such as the
Internet.
Program Activity: Collaborate with land-grant universities and
other institutions of higher education to improve access to information
for faculty and students.
Performance Measure: Demonstrate increased use of agricultural
information by institutions of higher education.
Specific Initiative 2.2 Meet Customer Needs for Information
Anticipate and provide information products and services, including
educational programs, that enable NAL's diverse customers to identify,
locate, and obtain desired information on agricultural topics.
Program Activity: Use new technologies and methods to promote
faster delivery of information services.
Performance Measure: The time for processing requests for services
and delivering the information requested is further reduced.
Program Activity: Enhance the coverage, currency, and accessibility
of NAL-produced databases.
Performance Measure: The gap between the time that information is
published and made available in NAL-produced databases is further
reduced.
Program Activity: Develop and implement a multifaceted, integrated
training program that enables customers to take full advantage of
current and emerging technologies and information systems.
Performance Measure: Expanded provision of Internet and other
technology-related training programs for NAL customers.
Specific Initiative 2.3 Preservation of Significant Materials
Preserve significant and important works in agriculture and the
fields related to agriculture to ensure availability of NAL's
collections to current and future generations.
Program Activity: Work with the land-grant universities and other
national and international organizations to coordinate preservation of
USDA documents, agriculture-related publications of other Federal and
State agencies, and other materials important to agriculture.
Performance Measure: Establishment of a national archive for
agricultural literature that serves as a centralized storage facility
for archival copies prepared by cooperators in the program.
Program Activity: Coordinate evaluation of digital preservation
technologies and recommend policies and procedures for cooperators in
the national preservation program for agricultural materials.
Performance Measure: Development of a program for monitoring
quality of electronically archived materials to ensure that the data
remain accessible.
Initiative 3 Creative Leadership
Promote excellence, relevance, and recognition of agricultural
research through creative leadership in management and development of
resources, communications systems, and partnerships with our customers
and stakeholders.
Explanatory Statement: ARS research administrators, research
leaders, and scientific staffs are responsible for promoting the
excellence, relevance, and recognition of ARS research programs as part
of the U.S. agricultural research community. This includes exercising
leadership in developing a national research agenda, strengthening
relationships with States and private partners, and effectively
managing the agency's research infrastructure to preserve its core
capacity for agricultural research.
Specific Initiative 3.1 Develop Research Agenda
Identify ARS program priorities and core research capabilities and
use them to provide leadership in development of the coordinated REE
and national research agendas.
Program Activity: Develop the annual performance plan as required
by GPRA.
Performance Measure: The annual performance plan is delivered on
time.
[[Page 37991]]
Program Activity: Recommend priorities for inclusion in the REE
Coordinated Research Agenda.
Performance Measure: Meet REE deadlines for submission of material
for inclusion in the Coordinated Research Agenda.
Program Activity: Articulate approaches to addressing the Nation's
most critical agricultural research needs.
Performance Measure: Annual conferences of public and private
individuals are convened to discuss major researchable issues in
agriculture and to articulate approaches to addressing these problems.
Program Activity: Respond to urgent national problems that require
reallocation of resources.
Performance Measure: Rapid responses to crises.
Specific Initiative 3.2 Customer Service
Improve customer service.
Program Activity: Develop and implement customer service plans, and
evaluate their effectiveness.
Performance Measure: Improved customer satisfaction.
Program Activity: Solicit customer input in improving ARS programs,
products, and services.
Performance Measure: Customer needs are identified.
Specific Initiative 3.3 Management of Facilities
Provide appropriately equipped Federal facilities required to
support the research and information activities of ARS into the next
century.
Program Activity: Develop criteria and priorities for the
construction, consolidation, modernization, and closure of facilities.
Performance Measure: Criteria and priorities identified.
Specific Initiative 3.4 Maintenance of Core Research Capabilities
Develop and implement comprehensive human resource systems and
policies to support and enhance ARS' core research capabilities while
maintaining the flexibility to shift research and form
interdisciplinary teams to address emerging problems.
Program Activity: Develop a comprehensive plan to assemble a core
capability of scientific expertise to meet the needs of long-term
research objectives and goals with the ability to respond quickly to
emerging needs.
Provide training opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral
students.
Performance Measures: Identify core capability requirements and
develop a scientific staff to meet long-term research needs.
Establish a database of ARS experts by discipline and research
areas of expertise.
Train 1,750 postdoctoral students, select 10 percent to fill
fulltime positions.
Specific Initiative 3.5 Provide Administrative Support to REE
Serve as the lead agency in providing administrative and financial
management services for Research, Education, and Economics.
Program Activity: Solicit customer input and develop strategic plan
for administrative and financial management services.
Performance Measures: Customer participation in planning processes.
Strategic plan is developed and communicated to REE customers.
Specific Initiative 3.6 Program Excellence and Relevance
Ensure excellence and relevance of ARS programs through a variety
of comprehensive reviews.
Program Activity: Obtain broad-based peer review of all ARS
research projects.
Performance Measure: Internal and external peer reviews are
conducted on all research projects before implementation.
Program Activity: Periodically review the quality, quantity, and
impact of the work of ARS scientists.
Performance Measure: Review of the productivity, quality, and
impact of individual scientists is conducted as scheduled in the
Research Position Evaluation System (RPES).
Program Activity: Continuous input on the relevance and quality of
ARS research programs is solicited from peer scientists and users,
evaluated, and implemented where appropriate to the ARS mission.
Performance Measure: Program reviews are conducted periodically,
and programs are sustained or redirected as appropriate.
ARS Resource Summary
[Million dollars per year]
[The values in this table are approximate and not final]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extension,
Developmental outreach, and
ARS outcomes Basic Applied research and public Higher ARS total by
research research technology information education outcome
transfer and education
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Competitive agricultural system in the global economy.............. 61.6 13.68 53.5 19.5 ......... 148.28
(20.9%)
Safe and secure food and fiber system.............................. 128.8 21.72 95.14 .............. ......... 245.66
(34.7%)
Healthy, well-nourished............................................ 48.6 1.76 15.3 .............. ......... 65.66
(9.2%)
Agriculture's interface with the environment....................... 53.3 11.06 54.22 .............. ......... 118.58
16.7%)
Economic enhancement and quality of life........................... 69.95 8.22 53.66 .............. ......... 131.28
(18.5%)
Total by function............................................ 362.25 56.44 271.82 \3\19.5 \4\0 710.0
(51%) (7.9%) (38.3%) (2.8%) ......... (100%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnotes:
\1\ All of the above budget values are based on FY 1996 appropriated dollars.
\2\ Allocation of budget across functions and program outcomes is based on scientists' division of funds.
\3\ $19.5 million constitutes the budget for the National Agricultural Library which supports work in all 5 outcomes.
\4\ The financial and human resources needed to support the non-NAL public information activities are included in the basic, applied and developmental/
technology transfer activities.
[[Page 37992]]
The following will appear on the inside back cover of the published
plan.
The ARS Pledge to Customer Service
In addition to the customer focus in GPRA, the President's
Executive Order 12862 Customer Service Standards mandated each agency
to, among other things, ``identify the customers who are served by the
agency'' and establish and ``post service standards and measure results
against them.'' A work group developed the following customer service
pledge, which applies to all ARS employees:
Our vision of customer service:
To practice the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
To dedicate ourselves to quality and excellence.
To provide objective and factual information to our customers.
To value and treat each customer courteously.
To listen to our customers and strive to understand their needs.
To appreciate the diversity of our customers and respect their
contributions.
To provide timely, complete, and understandable responses to
customer requests.
To treat our coworkers as customers.
[FR Doc. 96-18462 Filed 7-17-96; 1:47 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-M