USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station

     Welcome to the official site of the Tropical Agriculture Research Station at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. TARS is one of three tropical/subtropical research centers of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and is supported by annual appropriations from the U. S. Congress. It is under the auspices of the ARS, South East Area, Athens, Georgia.

     The Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) conducts research to develop solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority.  In conjunction with this mission, the TARS is committed to protecting human health and the environment; meeting or exceeding Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and guidelines; and employing sustainable pollution prevention practices.  Whenever feasible, TARS employees will utilize pollution prevention initiatives as the means for achieving compliance.  We will strive to minimize impacts and continually improve our environmental performance (see our Environmental Policy Statement)

     The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.