The mission of the Economic Research Service is to inform and enhance public and private decision making on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development. Activities to support this mission involve a comprehensive program of economic research and analysis, including development of economic and statistical indicators, on a broad range of topics spanning the five goal areas of USDA:

• Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers;
• Support increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life in rural America;
• Enhance protection and safety of the Nation's agriculture and food supply;
• Improve the Nation's nutrition and health; and
• Protect and enhance the Nation's natural resource base and environment.

The key accomplishments listed below summarize, by year, selected examples across the five goal areas of recent contributions made by ERS to deepen understanding of issues explored, highlight policy concerns revealed by prior analysis, and anticipate upcoming needs of policy and decision makers.

key accomplishments, 2003

key accomplishments, 2002

key accomplishments, 2001