Thank you for choosing to visit the ARS National Visitor Center (NVC) and for your interest in America's foremost single agency for food and farm sciences-the Agricultural Research Service. ARS develops agricultural technology to help make the world a better place. The exhibits and comprehensive information at the National Visitor Center offers you an opportunity to learn about research to protect the environment, provide wholesome and safe supplies of food, and to improve agricultural fibers-cotton, wool and leather.

When in the Washington, D.C. area you may want to arrange for a guided tour of ARS research as it is represented at the 7,000-acre Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Beltsville is the largest and most prominent of ARS 100-plus sites. It is a dynamic, highly diversified research facility, dating back to livestock experiments in 1910. While visiting, you might also ask about agricultural research in your home state.

A trip to the ARS Visitor Center will provide guests a broad picture of agricultural research in America. The Center also plays a major ambassadorial role. Each of the foreign embassies in Washington, D.C. handles requests from official visitors to meet with or visit with ARS scientists, particularly at Beltsville. There are many cooperative research agreements between ARS scientists and those of other nations. Our laboratories also employ visiting foreign scientists. If interested in such foreign activities, call the ARS Office of International Research Programs to learn which nations are currently sharing scientists with ARS: (301) 504-5605.

Reservations are required for tours. Call the Visitor Center at (301) 504-9403.

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