Agricultural and Rural Economic Research, Cooperative Agreements and Collaborations

To provide economic and other social science information and analysis for public and private decisions on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural America. ERS produces information for use by the general public and to help the executive and l

Proposals for ERS budget priorities reflect principles based on the Agency's role as a Federal intramural research and statistical organization. The principles identify areas where ERS is best positioned to provide information that the private sector or academia has weaker incentives or higher cost to provide, and include: 1) research that builds on unique or confidential data sources or investments at the Federal level and is inherent in the role of a Federal Statistical Agency; 2) provides coordination for a national perspective or framework; 3) requires sustained investment and large teams; 4) directly serves the U.S. Government's or USDA's long-term national goals and are not likely to be understood or valued; and 5) addresses questions with short-run payoff or that have immediate policy implications.

Any individual or organization in the U.S. and U.S. Territories is eligible to receive the popular or technical research publications that convey the research results, although there may be a fee.

Any individual or organization in the U.S. and U.S. Territories is eligible to receive the popular or technical research publications that convey the research results, although there may be a fee.

ERS performs economic research and analyses related to U.S. and world agriculture that address a multitude of economic concerns and decision making needs of Federal, State, and local governments, farmers, farm organizations, farm suppliers, marketers, processors, and consumers. There are no restrictions on the use of ERS produced information.

ERS has one-year availability of funds. Once obligated, agreements usually have a five-year lifespan. 5 years is the maximum duration for a period of performance. Appropriated funds cancel in the 6th year. Must be reimbursed by August 30th of year 5 of the agreement.

Requests for technical information may be made to the Chief, Publishing and Communications Branch, Economic Research Service (ERS), 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 1800, Washington, DC 20520-1800.