National Corn Genome Initiative (NCGI)
The NCGI has been in existence for over 3 years
and has steadily gathered momentum
and growing support from both the research and
commercial communities.
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The efforts of the NCGI have helped stimulate debate and progress toward Federal support for genomics research in economically important crops. Within U.S. agriculture, the value of a genomic map for corn is widely recognized as a high priority. Current efforts are focused on how to best achieve this goal in a manner which preserves the U.S. leadership position, and allows applied, value-added progress in corn production and utilization. |
Agricultural Genome Information Server (AGIS)
The AGIS is
a product of a cooperative effort between the Department of Plant Biology,
University of Maryland, College Park,and the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
National Agricultural Library' Genome Informatics Group (GIG) in Beltsville,
Maryland, USA. Funding is provided through the USDA, National Genetic Resources
Program.
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This organization consists of genome information for agriculturally important organisms. At present, this encompasses mostly crop and livestock animal species. However, since all genome information is potentially valuable to our users, we have information related to non-commodity species as well. Also included are a number of databases that have related information, e.g. germplasm and plant gene nomenclature data. |
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
This program area has a long and distinguished
history within the USDA and the list of achievements and honored scientists
has produced is long and impressive. Equally impressive is the cadre of
bright young scientists to whom we look for future achievements.
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The ARS Grain Crop Improvement Research Program focuses upon the genetic improvement of corn, sorghum, wheat, oats, barley, and rice. These six grain crops occupy approximately 200 million acres of U.S. production. The gross value to U.S. producers exceeds $25 billion and this production supports such giant industries as Pioneer, Cargill, Kellogg, Busch, Quaker Oats, Riceland, Frito-Lay, General Mills, and Pillsbury. The total ARS research expenditures for this program area is about $50 million. |
