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The domesticated apple is an important fruit crop grown in most of the world.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", can persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in animals, humans, and plants.

ARS researchers are finding innovative ways to reduce food loss and waste – from farm to table.

Take a look at a sampling of ARS's innovative research solutions that could help reduce food loss and waste in America.

ARS researchers worked with the Quapaw tribe to create high-resolution digital maps of soil properties for their tribal lands.

What do your food plates look like, and how do they compare to the USDA’s MyPlate? Let’s find out.

How do you know if the food you eat is nutritious? Take the Nutrition Challenge, to find out.

Careers for new scientists span a variety of disciplines in agriculture. Want to know more? Check out this page.

Feeding astronauts on long space missions requires more than just leafy greens and tomatoes.

A team of ARS researchers is providing farmers in Hawaii with new apps to help manage threats to their crops.

ARS scientists are working with NASA to develop sustainable farming techniques and technologies to grow fresh produce while in spaceflight.

Scientists are perfecting a technology to embed nanoparticles of silver – a known anti-microbial agent – inside of cotton fibers.

ARS maintains an experimental orchard in Geneva, NY, devoted to bringing you even better apples for the future.

'Agrivoltaics' is a hot new idea that uses land for both growing food and making energy from the sun in states where there’s lots of sunshine and not much water.

Huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening, poses the most serious threat that the Florida citrus industry has ever faced.

A team of USDA scientists is working on a double-cropping system as a way to improve a farmer’s profit margin by growing cattle feed between rows of a cash crop, in this case corn or soybean.

Popular folk remedy witch hazel is an effective and natural alternative to conventional antibiotics.

The ARS Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit conducts research to protect both the health of consumers and the marketability of eggs.

The Agricultural Research Service is helping ensure that native plants with cultural, historical, medicinal, and edible significance remain available for future generations.

A new process converts organic waste into nanocellulose, a brown, fibrous material that can be used in multiple products from cardboard boxes to food packaging.

A new biobased kitty litter developed by ARS scientists could be coming to a box near you—your cat's, that is.

We’re going to learn about a very small fungus, called yeast. Let’s find out how this special fungus helps us make bread.

Improving facets of animal production that deal with genetics, nutrition, health, and reproduction is a key part of a “systems-based approach.”

One approach to eliminating plastic packaging is to use plant-based fiber to create products that are environmentally harmless but provide similar results to plastic.

Several types of invasive Asian carp threaten rivers and the Great Lakes. ARS researchers and commerce are using a two-pronged ‘fork’ approach to deal with the invasive fish.

What happens if we put hydrogen peroxide and yeast together in a large quantity?

ARS scientists are analyzing spinach varieties to identify varieties that have low oxalate levels, which is sometimes linked to better health.

Researchers at the ARS Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research Unit in New Orleans, LA, are conducting research to ensure better quality of U.S. catfish.

ARS scientists are looking to turn the tables on mosquitoes and other insect pests like house flies by making them into lunch for other animals.

Do different types of apples have the same number of seeds? Try this fun data analysis and collection experiment for elementary school students.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest and most productive estuary in the United States and third largest in the world.

The United States began honoring women’s history in 1980, but ARS has a long tradition of celebrating the role of women in science.

ARS scientists use genetics to keep the Louisiana sugar industry vital.

Scientists are turning that waste into products that can refresh the soil. Two examples involve mill mud and bagasse.

Researchers may boost the cotton nonwoven industry and clean the environment.

Check out the videos in our "What Is" video series.

Rice, already the primary staple for half the world's population, is getting a makeover from a research team in New Orleans, LA. The results are a more healthful grain and many potential new products.

It's Mardi Gras season and we’re excited to feature some of the great research happening at the ARS Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans, LA!

In aquaponics, fish and plants are grown together in a system where the fish live in a tank and their waste is broken down by bacteria into fertilizer for plants.

Vertical farming, the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, allows farmers to grow fresh produce indoors year-round.

Raising healthy chickens requires planning, attention to detail, and fastidiousness when it comes to completing daily chores.

A restless plant that thrives in several cemeteries in Mississippi could be linked to a royal Gypsy family.

ARS researchers discovered a fuzzy gray bee that carves its nest into chunks of sandstone!

Use this project to fin dout if you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.

A pair of bald eagles and their eaglet live in a tree at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.

ARS researchers undertook a five-year study to improve control of the ticks that spread Lyme disease.

ARS scientists are exploring how a seaweed species could potentially reduce methane emissions in livestock production.

Are you eating ARS-developed French fries?

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste that’s sent to landfills while providing soil in your gardens or fields with precious nutrients.

The ARS Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art microscopes capable of producing high-resolution, digital images.

Should you store eggs in the refrigerator or let them sit out in the kitchen at room temperature?

Scientists and staff at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center in Franklin, ME, have been improving the amount and quality of America’s Atlantic salmon for nearly 20 years.

This activity helps students learn more about different animal behaviors . Get creative painting or drawing!

Did you know that ARS scientists developed a tasty, nutrient-rich peanut butter alternative made from sunflower seeds?

Try this experiment around your yard or school and see how biodiversity at the plant level affects biodiversity at the insect level.

Aeromonas hydrophila has ravaged the catfish farming industry in Alabama and other states since its discovery in 2009.

Microalgae could provide a strong, sustainably produced artificial diet for honeybees.

Scientists at the ARS Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station have developed a new way to protect pecans from diseases.

For this experiment, we’re going to test the effect a hard soil layer has on plant growth and root development.

ARS scientists found a way to make a valuable compound from bread waste.

ARS entomologist Tracey Leskey, who talks about stink bugs, ants, box elder bugs and other insects.

For this experiment, we’re going to test the effect that high salt soil concentrations have on plant growth and root development.

ARS researchers are evaluating ways to use gluten-free alternatives, like amaranth, in popular products like cookies and pasta.

This activity helps students learn more about different animal behaviors to ensure pets are happy and stress free.

This experiment helps students compare vitamin C content and rank orange varieties or juice brands from highest to lowest.

ARS scientists have come up with a very promising for peanut allergy treatment.

ARS scientists are helping farmers and ranchers convert farm and ranch leftovers and waste to sources of bioenergy (oil and gas), and high-value by-products.

Scientists are turning potentially wasted fruits and veggies into tasty, healthful products for you to enjoy.

The air potato vine introduced 115 years ago from Asia has multiplied and smothered native plant communities in all of Florida’s 67 counties.

This experiment helps students create a black light and use it to look at the fluorescence of different food items and plants .

USDA scientists are studying ways to lower the cost of farming fish while improving omega 3 content and fillet quality.

ARS researchers helped formulate a tasty fruit-based bar with health-promoting ingredients.

Learn about photosynthesis and how plants use it to feed the planet.

A team of ARS researchers is developing a web-based tool that will help cattle producers select the best bull for their herds.

ARS has bred "seedless" grape varieties with seeds so tiny that you can't even detect them.

What you eat at certain stages of life may determine your future health.

Great pizza needs great ingredients! Did you know that two of those were developed by ARS?

ARS researchers are investigating red clover to help cows excrete less ammonia into the environment.

An ARS scientist has joined a team of researchers working to restore oysters along the Eastern seaboard.

ARS scientists have unearthed a natural material that helps prevent a deadly fish disease.

This experiment helps students learn the importance of having clean hands.

ARS researchers have developed a feed supplement that increases the weight of fish and helps keep the fish healthier.

These experiments help students learn about soil erosion.

This experiment helps students learn about growing plants with organic soil amendments.

Seaweed farming is the fastest growing sector of American aquaculture and ARS scientists can help farmers cash in on stealthy commercial market.

This experiment help students learn about plant growth and root development. (Appendix A: Resource Material)

This experiment help students learn about plant growth and osmosis. (Appendix A: Resource Material)