4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
This report serves to document research conducted under a trust agreement between ARS and Embrapa. After six years, the collaborative research between the Embrapa scientists and their ARS counterparts has progressed dramatically as a direct result of the opportunities provided by Labex: senior level scientists in ARS laboratories, reverse seasonal data collection, vast similarities in agricultural systems, and a diversity of human and scientific resources that allow for the development of new scientific approaches and solutions to U.S. agricultural issues.

Although the second team of Labex participants have returned to Brazil, collaboration continues in priority areas such as Animal Health; Integrated Pest Management; Specialization and New Uses of Commodities; Genomics, Proteomic and Bioinformatics; and Global Change. New areas are being explored: No Tillage Practices, Biofuels, and Food Safety. A total of ten Embrapa scientists have or are currently participating in Labex. Only one scientist is currently stationed in the United States through Labex; however, three new participants will arrive in the first quarter of FY05. ARS reciprocated by placing an ARS scientist from the Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit in Raleigh, NC, at Embrapa-Agrobiology Center for one year funded through a grant with the United Soybean Board.