With 46 research units at 20 locations and several additional worksites where ARS employees are located throughout eight states, the Pacific West Area (PWA) is the largest and most diverse of the eight Areas in ARS. There are 360 scientist positions in PWA and total workforce of about 1,500 employees.  Research in PWA is conducted in 18 of the 19 ARS National Programs and addresses all five REE research priorities:

    1) Climate Change 

  2) Food Safety

    3) Children's Nutrition / Health

    4) Global Food Security

     5) Bioenergy

PWA Directors

Dr. Andrew C. Hammond - PWA Director                                                                                                            

Dr. Maureen Whalen -  Associate Area Director                                                                                                          

Vacant - Assistant Area Director          

This PWA leadership team is responsible for overseeing implementation of the ARS research projects throughout the Area; ensuring high quality of science, efficient use of resources, and performance with impact.

Fungal Pathogen's genome

Data may help lead to control strategies

ARS Recovery Act Information

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and ARS

Science for Kids

Scientist are fighting back against alien invaders