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USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today announced a reorganization plan that will relocate certain positions currently based in the National Capital Region (NCR) to other locations.
The ARS will begin decommissioning the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Maryland and relocating research programs to facilities across the country better aligned with regional agricultural needs. BARC currently includes more than 400 buildings, many of which are outdated or underutilized, and requires significant deferred maintenance and ongoing investment.
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said the state will expand its agriculture research leadership under the USDA reorganization plan.
Specifically, North Dakota will gain 45 additional ARS employees and 10 new research projects totaling approximately $28.5 million in annual research that will be reassigned from the Maryland Beltsville center.
USDA’s reorganization will include moving two research projects totaling $3.8 million and 17 ARS employees to Fargo. Meanwhile, Grand Forks will receive 8 new research projects totaling $24.7 million and 28 ARS employees, according to a news release from Sen. Hoeven’s office.
The Ag Department said transitioning these programs will allow USDA to modernize its research footprint, improve safety, and better connect researchers with the producers they serve.
USDA said, “ARS has evaluated its nationwide footprint to identify locations best suited to absorb ongoing research, ensuring continuity while increasing opportunities for collaboration with farmers and industry partners.”
Sources: USDA, Sen. Hoeven’s office
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