United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA provides an enormous array of information on its core site, through the Economic Research Service (ERS), the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Education and Outreach.

National Agricultural Library: supporting the production of food, fuel and fiber.

The National Agricultural Library (NAL) serves not only as a library but has staff that will answer questions and help you find information; this is also true of your local academic library and librarians!

NAL Information Centers

National Agricultural Library Information Centers

The National Agricultural Library's specialized information centers and partnerships provide access to essential information focusing on specific aspects of agriculture.

Agricultural Law Information Partnership

Supports the dissemination of agricultural and food law information to consumers, researchers and legal professionals. Partners include:

  • Center for Agriculture and Food Systems
  • National Agricultural Law Center

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center

Specializes in identifying and accessing information related to alternative agricultural enterprises, crops, and cropping systems.

Animal Welfare Information Center

Provides information and training for improved animal care and use in research, testing, teaching, and exhibition.

Food and Nutrition Information Center

Delivers credible, accurate, and practical resources for nutrition and health professionals, educators, government personnel, and consumers. Includes the following specialized offerings:

Food Safety Research Information Office

Collects, organizes, and makes available information about food safety research activities.

National Invasive Species Information Center

Serves as a gateway to invasive species information drawn from Federal, state, local, and international sources.

Rural Information Center

Provides information and referral services to funding sources and relevant programs for those working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas.

Water and Agriculture Information Center

Collects, organizes, and communicates the scientific findings, educational methodologies, and public policy issues related to water resources and agriculture.

From Seed Catalogs to Research

copy of front of seed catalog, pansies, from the NAL collection

Peter Henderson and Co. Plate
Jubilee Collection of Mammoth Butterfly Pansies
New York, NY
1897, from the NAL collection