Identification should include the names of agencies along with a description of their role in funding or regulating one’s chosen research field. Some agencies include

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Natural Resource Conservation Service, (NRCS)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Virginia Department of Agriculture
Virginia Department of Forestry
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Farm Service Agency
Virginia Farm Bureau
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
soil and water conservation districts
local cooperative extension offices.

Process/Skill Questions:

What role does each organization play in your field of research?
How do the agencies help determine areas of need in terms of research?
How do agencies work together to regulate and monitor agricultural products?
How are the various agencies funded?