FAS promotes international cooperation on sustainable agricultural and forestry systems to help secure a safe and adequate food supply. FAS supports cooperation between American and foreign researchers through activities directed at potential threats to U.S. agriculture and forestry, development of new technologies, and enhancement of agribusiness and trade in foreign markets. Participating countries benefit through a variety of activities including both short and long-term visits of U.S. and foreign scientists, collaborative research projects, and technical workshops.

With U.S. and international funding, FAS develops and implements projects as well as establishes links for the network of agricultural experts in USDA, other federal agencies, the university system and private sector organizations. FAS also provides technical support to design and facilitate project implementation from the development stage through final evaluation.


Examples of the Types of Services FAS Provides

• Workshops on technical, research and agribusiness topics
• Resident advisors in agriculture policy, research and agribusiness development
• Project design and evaluation teams
• Grants for research and short-term scientific exchanges
• Linkages with U.S. scientists and agribusinesses for foreign scientists and business professionals
• Travel-related services for US and foreign scientists such as tickets, visas, official clearances, translators, per diem and health insurance
• Preparation and clearance of international agreements

Examples of Current FAS Programs

AgLink: A program for small U.S. agribusinesses in the NIS, Baltics and Poland.

Agricultural Technology Utilization and Transfer Project: AID-funded collaborative research with Egypt.

The Baltics & Poland Agribusiness and Development Program: An applied research program to enhance trade opportunities.

Middle East Peace Process: Projects which bring together Israeli and Arab experts to address mutual problems through research and technical cooperation.

Central European Joint Funds: Bilateral research initiatives in Poland, Hungary, Czech and Slovak Republics, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Croatia.

The Scientific Cooperation Program: A small grants program which supports research world- wide.

Sustainable Agriculture Video Project for China: RSED has collaborated with China NGO Global Village of Beijing to produce a sustainable agriculture video series for Chinese Central Television. The nine-segment series focuses on economically viable small-scale U.S. farms that have adopted environmentally innovative agricultural techniques. In addition to the broadcast on Chinese television, the series will be used as a teaching supplement in Chinese agricultural universities. 

Trade Barrier Workshops: Targeted activities to address constraints to U.S. exports.

Ukraine Cooperative Programs: Activities in beef and dairy production, production management and seed policy to build capacity and enhance trade opportunities.

Water Quality Programs: Cooperative projects in China, the Middle East and Mexico to demonstrate U.S. drinking water and other environmental technologies.

Contact Information:

Director: Susan Owens
Phone: (202) 690-4872
Fax: (202) 690-0892

Mailing Address:

USDA/FAS/ICD/RSED
1400 Independence Ave, NW
Stop 1084
Washington, D.C. 20250-1084

Grant Opportunities

Cochran Fellowship Program

Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program

Biotechnology Training and Capacity Building