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IV. Agency Budget Summaries

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE


  1. RESOURCE SUMMARY

  2. METHODOLOGY

    • ARS maintains an automated system for tracking full-time equivalency (FTE), and the costs and resources assigned to each identifiable research program. The Research Management Information System (RMIS) is this agency's basic management database. This system is used to develop and track resource estimates for all ARS projects.

  3. PROGRAM SUMMARY

    • The ARS has been involved in narcotics-related research since 1972, when requested by the White House Drug Policy Coordinator and the Department of State to evaluate eradication options for illicit cultivation overseas, in cooperation with the United Nations Division of Narcotic Drugs (UNDND).

    • The ARS research program supports the President's National Drug Control Strategy by providing science support to other Federal agencies in the areas of illicit crop eradication, intelligence (drug crop estimates and identification) and alternative crop programs in producing countries. Coordination is conducted through various mechanisms with both Federal and international organizations.

    • Activities focus on:

      • Eradication research through a program of chemical, biological, and mechanical agents.

      • Research and development of alternative crops in producing (narcotic) countries.

      • Research into models and estimates of illicit crops overseas to support intelligence community.

      • Narcotics crop plant identification and chemistry, including detection of cannabis on U.S. public land.

  4. BUDGET SUMMARY

    1998 Program

    Goal 5: Break foreign and domestic drug sources of supply.

    • The FY 1998 program includes $4.709 million for reducing foreign and domestic sources of supply which supports Goal 5 of the National Drug Control Strategy. This includes $2.578 million for crop eradication research (chemical and biocontrol); $0.713 million to reduce economic dependence upon illicit narcotic crops by identifying alternative crop substitutes in the Western Hemisphere; $0.745 million to estimate and determine illicit narcotic crop production worldwide; and $0.673 million to support law enforcement agencies through programs oriented towards narcotic plant identification and chemistry. Of the $0.673 million, $0.275 million is devoted to non-aerial detection/estimation of illicit cannabis concealed on U.S. public land.

    1999 Request

    Goal 5: Break foreign and domestic drug sources of supply.

    • The FY 1999 request of $4.709 million provides the same program level as FY 1998. These resources will fund eradication research; research and development of alternative crops; research in estimates of illicit crop cultivation overseas; and narcotic plant identification and chemistry, including cannabis detection/estimation.

  5. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

    • Crop Eradication Research. ARS has successfully identified six pathogens with selected control potential. Research has been undertaken to determine which herbicides can be made effective on coca. Long-term research on the biosynthetic mechanism of herbicide has been undertaken.

    • Reduce Economic Dependence Upon Illicit Narcotic Crops By Identifying Alternatives and Narcotic Crop Substitutes in the Western Hemisphere. The ARS program seeks to rehabilitate existing industries by restoring the cocoa and coffee cultivation to economic levels for small farmers. Programs focus on rehabilitation of the cocoa industry in Peru and reducing coffee losses from pests.

    • Estimate and Detect Illicit Narcotic Crop Production Worldwide. The USDA/ARS program supports the intelligence law enforcement and foreign affairs communities by developing accurate production models.

    • Support Law Enforcement Agencies through Program Oriented Towards Narcotic Plant Identification and Chemistry. ARS maintains an ability to provide basic research in the following areas: narcotic plant taxonomy; DNA finger printing; plant genetics; plant alkaloid chemistry; biochemistry and molecular chemistry.