Natural Resources & Environment

• Climate Change
  ERS conducts research on a range of climate change issues related to agriculture.
• Conservation Programs
  USDA's conservation programs are designed to help agricultural producers improve soil health, water quality, air quality, wildlife habitat, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These programs include financial and/or technical assistance to farmers who adopt, install, or maintain conservation practices on land in production—as well as programs that provide easements or contracts to remove land from agricultural production.
• Environmental Quality
  ERS examines the relationship between agriculture and environmental quality by analyzing the use and efficacy of conservation practices; environmental impacts of production practices and management decisions; and the role of Federal programs and policies.
• Organic Agriculture
  Consumer demand for organically produced goods has shown strong growth since the 1990s, providing market incentives for U.S. farmers across a broad range of products. ERS conducts research on a range of organic agricultural issues, including production, retail sales, market outlook, and trade.