Identify state and federal agencies relevant to one’s chosen research field.

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?