Director's Welcome

Andrew C. (Andy)Hammond (bio) Area Director

Welcome to the Pacific West Area of the Agricultural Research Service.  ARS is USDA’s principal intramural scientific research agency.   Please see our Home Page for general information about PWA.     We have four major goals in PWA:     1) conduct high-quality, relevant research with impact;   2) hire and retain a highly qualified, diverse workforce that strives for continual       improvement;   3) empower employees in their jobs and hold them accountable; and   4) understand and respond to internal and external customer needs.    It is my vision that PWA be recognized for a spirit of innovation while embracing an environment of diversity, integrity, and transparency in pursuit of these goals

Mission of the Agricultural Research Service   ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to:            ensure high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural products          assess the nutritional needs of Americans          sustain a competitive agricultural economy          enhance the natural resource base and the environment, and          provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as          a whole