It is known simply as Beltsville in agricultural circles worldwide. The research center has a prominent reputation for excellence in agricultural science and engineering. Quite naturally, the Beltsville Center has also brought a lot to the local town, to Prince Georges County and to Maryland in terms of prestige that comes with high-quality science and technology.

Some of the best-known accomplishments from work at Beltsville include the modern turkey, hog, and disease-resistant blueberries, strawberries and potatoes.

Diversity of agricultural research is what makes the Beltsville Center unique. ARS scientists at BARC are able to communicate easily and share information. ARS research programs cover a broad range of scientific disciplines, from engineering to biotechnology.

Thise effect is that it is much easier for the research scientists to communicate with each other and to share information to solve problems.

Some of the nation's best scientists come to Beltsville to work on solving problems in agriculture, human nutrition and the environment. At any given time, there are also at least 50 to 75 visiting scientists from about 20 different countries. Scientists from research centers around the country visit colleagues at Beltsville and spend time exploring the vast resources of the National Agricultural Library at the Center.

Research results from Beltsville can benefit the entire nation in short order, such as exotic impatiens flowers or low-fat hamburgers. More often though, the immediate region around the research center (as often occurs with agricultural research), reaps first benefit, such as on-farm testing of biological pest controls, or natural mulches to replace plastic mulch in vegetable fields.

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