Laboratory Information:
ARS - Midwest Area
1815 North University Street
Peoria, IL 61604
Website: http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=36-00-00-00
Agency/Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Region: Midwest
FLC Laboratory Representative:
Dr. Renee Wagner
Phone: 309-681-6565
Fax: 309-681-6688
Email: renee.wagner@ars.usda.gov
Background/History of the Laboratory:
Today agricultural research has a direct impact on nearly
all aspects of modern life. Scientists at the
Agricultural Research Service ( ARS) not only study crops and livestock to improve both quality and
quantity but
they devise new ways of using those crops to add value, increase exports, improve human health, and
protect
the environment. We in ARS, like all Americans, are very concerned about safe and nutritious food. We
study the
bugs that cause food-borne illness and find ways to reduce or eliminate the unwanted pests from the
food
supply. If agricultural problems arise such as a new disease of crops or livestock, we have the capacity
to
respond rapidly to find safe and appropriate solutions. We care deeply about the environment. There
are
extensive programs in our area focused on preserving and improving soil, air, and water quality. We
are finding
new and innovative ways to address animal waste management issues, prevent soil erosion and eliminate
pesticides from surface and ground water. We are just as concerned about animals. We are finding new
ways
to measure health and well-being in livestock to ensure that all farm animals are treated in a humane
and
caring way. These examples represent only a few of the research programs in the Midwest Area and ARS
that
are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the economic strength of American agriculture while improving
the
quality of life for each and every citizen.
Mission of the Laboratory:
The Midwest Area includes locations in Illinois, Indiana,
Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, and
Wisconsin. The Area Director provides executive leadership of the Area's scientific program and management
of personnel and infrastructure required by the multidiscipline research programs. The Area Director
participates with the ARS Administrator and Deputy Administrators in determining, prioritizing and developing
the research programs; staffing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating accomplishments of the
multidiscipline programs; leadership and operational accountability within the Area for all programs
and related
activities, workforce safety, and environmental protection. Leadership responsibility includes
operational
planning, direction, and evaluation of research to implement programs in the Research Management Units.
The Area Director participates in development of a complex national strategic plan for agricultural
research in
the Agency, assures the plan is executed with coordination, cooperation, and integration of research
associated with land-grant organizations, other federal agencies, public entities, and private and international
sector institutions.
Technology Transfer Mechanisms:
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)
- Patents and Licensing
Technology Areas of Expertise:
- Food Animal Production
- Food Safety, (animal and plant products)
- Global Change
- Crop Production
- Crop Protection & Quarantine
- Air Quality
- Animal health
- Plant Biological and Molecular Processes
- Plant Diseases
- Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement
- Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products
- Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages
- Soil Resource Management
- Water Resource Management
