| Office of International Research Engagement and Cooperation |
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*Cow photo courtesy of Getty Images
Why ARS Works With International Partners
ARS's mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. Science and technology solutions are essential to meeting growing demand for food, maintaining market competitiveness, and adapting to and mitigating risks. Because many challenges cross national boundaries, international research is often an essential component of ARS projects. From learning how to mitigate diseases before they reach the United States, to testing models and crops in diverse growing conditions, to accessing resources not available in the United States, cooperation with international partners provides solutions to current and future agricultural challenges, beyond what can be achieved through purely domestic research.
About OIREC
The Office of International Research Engagement and Cooperation (OIREC) is the main contact for ARS international engagement, and provides leadership and coordination for the agency's international relationships. OIREC enhances and complements the ARS research mission through a deep understanding of global issues and an extensive international network of experts in science, agriculture, politics and diplomacy, and security. We use these assets in combination with our comprehensive knowledge of ARS policy and process to expand and enhance ARS's international reach.
OIREC is part of the ARS Office of National Programs (ONP) and collaborates with the ONP program areas to cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance the productivity, effectiveness, and impact of ARS research through mutually beneficial international research projects. OIREC also supports and advises ARS leadership in global science and technology engagements so that ARS can identify emerging ideas and solutions wherever they arise, increase the impact of research and development, and deliver new knowledge and technologies.
OIREC also manages the European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL). EBCL, along with two other Overseas Biological Control Laboratories which are operated by partner country organizations, enable ARS to identify and test natural enemies of weeds and insects that are invasive in the United States.
What we do
OIREC works within ARS and with other USDA, Federal, and international research entities to:
- Catalyze and manage international to address critical needs of agriculture stakeholders in the United States
- Manage the European Biological Control Laboratory and other overseas biological control laboratories through agreements
- Network with other U.S. government agencies and the international community to ensure that ARS perspectives are represented
- Provide subject matter expertise on international affairs and guidance to ARS researchers as they develop and implement collaborative, mutually beneficial international research activities
- Share best practices for international engagement and travel to help maximize the benefits of open international science and technology collaboration while protecting U.S. economic and national security
