Links to Other Sites
Carol Canada and Anne Gillis
This listing of selected organizations with an interest in agricultural and food-related issues is for reference only. CRS does not make judgments about the potentially partisan nature or accuracy of the information provided by such groups.
Animal Producer/Industry Groups
American Feed Industry Association
American Horse Council
American Sheep Industry Association
Animal Health Institute
Animal Agriculture Alliance (formerly Animal Industry Foundation)
Fur Commission U.S.A.
Livestock Marketing Association
National Bison Association
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
National Chicken Council
National Pork Producers Council
National Renderers Association
National Turkey Federation
R-CALF USA
United Egg Producers
U.S. Poultry & Egg AssociationAnimal Welfare
Animal Care Program, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA)
This program enforces the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. Site includes fact sheets, reports, regulations, and animal care manuals.
Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA)
CVM regulates the manufacture and distribution of food additives and drugs that will be given to animals.
Farm Animal Reform Movement
FARM advocates a plant-based diet and humane treatment of farm animals.
Farm Sanctuary (FSE)
FSE monitors the practices of the livestock industry and operates shelters for abused farm animals. Also sponsored passage of the California downed animal bill.
Humane Farm Animal Care
Goals are to improve the welfare of farm animals by providing viable, credible, duly monitored standards for humane food production and to certify products that meet these standards.
Humane Farming Association (HFA)
Goals are to protect farm animals from cruelty and abuse, the public from the use of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals used in factory farming, and the environment from the impacts of industrialized animal factories.
Humane Society of the United States
Animal-protection organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals. Site includes farm animals page.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
An animal rights organization dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals.Aquaculture
Aquaculture Network Information Center (AquaNIC)
A gateway to electronic aquaculture resources, including links to federal, state, and international agencies and organizations and their publications.
National Aquaculture Association
Represents the aquaculture industry including producers, species/commodity groups, and state organizations.
National Association of State Aquaculture Coordinators
NASAC action areas include legislative and governmental affairs, quality assurance, marketing, and research, education, and extension.
National Fisheries Institute
A private organization representing the fish and seafood industry.
U. S. Regional Aquaculture Centers
Links to five administrative centers for the development of domestic aquaculture. The centers fund regional projects in cooperation with USDA.
World Aquaculture Society
With members in 94 countries, seeks to improve communication and information exchange among aquaculture interest groups.Biotechnology
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA)
Information on how USDA regulates biotechnology in the United States, with additional information on related government agencies, research, and trade issues.
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Site includes information on issues and policies of interest to the industry.
Biotechnology Information Center (USDA)
Provides access to selected sources, services and publications covering many aspects of agricultural biotechnology. Site is no longer updated; for historical use only.
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
CAST members are scientific societies, industry groups, and companies. Site includes papers and reports on food, agricultural, and environmental issues.
Information Systems for Biotechnology
Includes documents and searchable databases pertaining to development, testing, and regulatory review of genetically modified plants, animals, and organisms.
National Agricultural Biotechnology Council
A consortium of universities involved in agricultural biotechnology research and development.
Unio n of Concerned Scientists
Site includes fact sheets, updates, letters, and comments on biotechnology issues.Commodity Markets and Prices
Ag Marketing Information
Chicago Board of Trade
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
New York Board Of Trade (NYBOT)
Farm Marketing
Livestock Marketing Information Center
Minneapolis Grain Exchange
National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)
World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) (USDA)Conservation and Environment
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (USDA)
Information on alternative cropping systems, alternative crops, new uses for traditional crops, and crops grown for industrial production.
American Farmland Trust (AFT)
Information on federal, state, and local farmland protection programs, land use planning, and technical assistance.
Association for Environmental Health and Sciences
Formerly known as the Association for Environmental Health of Soils, concerned with soil protection and cleanup.
Environmental Working Group
EWG produces reports and studies based on analyses of government and other data, including reports on such farm issues as organic food and pesticides.
Farm Bill Network
Information about the development and implementation of USDA conservation programs and related proposals for the 2002 farm bill.
Farm Service Agency Conservation Programs (USDA)
Information on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Bioenergy Program, and others.
Integrated Waste Services Association (IWSA)
IWSA provides information integrated solutions to municipal solid waste management problems.
National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
Site includes policy positions and statements, and resources, products and services for districts.
National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils
Established by Congress, within the USDA, to represent local councils delivering coordinated resource conservation and rural development assistance to rural America.
National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA)
Goal is to promote waste management in an environmentally responsible, efficient, profitable, and ethical manner that benefits the public and protects employees.
National Water Resources Association
A federation of state agencies, associations, and individuals concerned with water resources policy and development.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
Information on federal conservation programs and activities, technical resources (soil surveys, maps, etc.) and conservation education materials.
Nature Conservancy
This international conservation group accomplishes its mission by purchasing threatened lands and waters that support fragile ecosystems and endangered species.
Society for Range Management
SRM is concerned with studying, managing, and conserving rangeland resources.
Soil and Water Conservation Society
An organization of conservation professionals advocating conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources, particularly on agricultural and other private lands.
(The) Wilderness Society
Works to protect America's wilderness areas, including forests.
World Resources Institute
An environmental think tank. Site includes information on agriculture and food topics.
Worldwatch Institute
This public policy research group publishes papers, books and a magazine on global environmental topics including those related to agriculture.Credit/Finance
American Bankers Association (ABA)
The ABA Center on Agricultural and Rural Banking includes issue papers, reports, and farm bank performance data.
CoBank (Bank for Cooperatives)
Part of the Farm Credit System, CoBank specializes in loans and financial services to agribusiness, communications, energy and water systems, and agricultural export financing.
Farm Credit Administration (FCA)
The FCA is an independent agency in the executive branch of the U.S. Government. It is responsible for the regulation and examination of the banks, associations, and related entities that collectively comprise the Farm Credit System (System), including the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac).
Farm Credit System (FCS)
A nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions. This site provides links to farm credit banks and associations by region or state.
Farm Financial and Risk Management (USDA, Economic Research Service)
Provides links to briefing rooms on: farm financial management, farm income and costs, farm risk management, federal taxes, and lenders and financial markets.
Farm Service Agency (USDA)
Information on USDA farm loan programs, crop price support programs, and natural disaster assistance.
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac)
Secondary market for first mortgage agricultural real estate loans.
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA)
ICBA is a trade association representing the interests of locally owned and operated banks and financial institutions.
Risk Management Agency (USDA)
Information on risk management planning for farmers, crop insurance programs, and weather information and projections.Crop Producer/Industry Groups
American Beekeeping Federation
American Feed Industry Association
American Peanut Council (APC)
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)
American Soybean Association (ASA)
American Sugar Alliance
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG)
National Coffee Association
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)
National Cotton Council
National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA)
National Potato Council
Organic Trade Association
Produce Marketing Association
Sugar Association
United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association
U.S. Apple Association
U.S. Grains Council
USA Rice Federation
Western Growers Association
WineAmericaDairy
American Dairy Science Association
Dairy Briefing Room (USDA, Economic Research Service)
Hoard's Dairyman Online
Holstein Association, USA
International Dairy Foods Association
National Dairy Council
National Milk Producers Federation
U.S. Dairy Export CouncilDomestic Food Assistance and Nutrition
American Dietetic Association
ADA members are registered dietitians and other nutrition professionals. Site includes fact sheets, articles, position papers, and links to other nutrition sites.
American School Food Service Association
ASFSA represents school food service professionals and state affiliates. Site includes information on child nutrition.
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (USDA)
Information on the food pyramid, Dietary Guidelines for All Americans, food nutrient content data, food consumption surveys, and nutrition research.
Center for Science in the Public Interest
CSPI is an advocate for nutrition and food safety issues.
Food and Nutrition Service (USDA)
Information on federal nutrition assistance programs, including food stamps, the school lunch program, the WIC program, and domestic food distribution programs.
Food Research and Action Center
Information on hunger and under-nutrition in the United States.
International Food Information Council
IFIC is supported by the food and agriculture industries. Site includes a glossary, fact sheets, backgrounders, and other publications on nutrition and food safety topics.
America's Second Harvest
Information on hunger relief, food banks, and food-rescue programs.Farm Inputs
American Feed Industry Association
Animal Health Institute
Areawide Pest Management Research Unit (USDA)
Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides)
Consortium for International Crop Protection
CropLife America (formerly American Crop Protection Association)
CropLife International (formerly Global Crop Protection Federation)
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs
Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA)
(The) Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
International Fertilizer Industry Association
Irrigation Association (IA)
National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA)
National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC)
North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO)Farm Organizations
American Agri-Women
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Farmers Organization (NFO)
National Farmers Union (NFU)
National Grange
Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC)Food Safety and Consumer Issues
American Dietetic Association
ADA members are registered dietitians and other food professionals. This site includes fact sheets, articles, position papers, and links to other food safety sites.
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA)
This agency is responsible for the safety of all foods except meat, poultry and egg products. Site includes consumer advice, industry assistance, and agency regulations and guidance.
Consumer Federation of America
Members are consumer advocacy and education organizations. The Food Policy Institute conducts research and supports reform of federal food safety programs.
Consumers Union
Site includes papers, press releases, and statements on various food safety topics.
Food Marketing Institute
Food safety information for retailers and wholesalers, including backgrounders, publications and videos, training, recalls, and responding to disasters.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA)
This agency is responsible for the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products. Includes information on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) systems and meat inspection, including guidance for industry.
Food Safety Research Information Office (USDA)
A database of food safety research projects, including spending, accomplishments by U.S. agencies, and links to other food safety research information.
International Association for Food Protection
An association of food safety and sanitation professionals in 50 nations.
http://www.foodsafety.gov/
A gateway to government food safety information -- fact sheets, reports, safety alerts, consumer advice, industry guidance, and information on foodborne pathogens.Foreign Aid and Development
Directory of Economic, Commodity and Development Organizations
This directory is produced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It lists some regional economic organizations, inter-governmental commodity, and development organizations.
Food Aid (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service)
Provides information on U.S. food aid programs and initiatives, including P.L. 480 (Food for Peace), Food for Progress, and Section 416(b). Also includes
statistics on food aid by country and commodity.
Global Food Security Briefing Room (USDA, Economic Research Service)
Provides reports and data on global food security.
Heifer Project International (HPI)
HPI provides livestock, training, and related services to small-scale farmers worldwide.
International Fund for Agricultural Development
A specialized agency of the United Nations, IFAD was established to finance agricultural development projects, primarily in developing countries. Site includes information on operations, programs, and specific projects.
Land O'Lakes International Development
Conducts agricultural and agribusiness training and technical assistance activities in the U.S. and overseas. Site includes information on current projects.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
This is the principal U.N. body dealing with trade, investment, and development issues, and the U.N. focal point for the least developed countries.
United Nations World Food Program
This U.S. agency addresses global hunger with emergency food aid, disaster rehabilitation, nutrition programs, and other assistance.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
(USAID) is an independent government agency that provides economic, development, and humanitarian assistance internationally in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States
Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development (WIIAD)
This organization works to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and income in developing countries.
World Bank
The World Bank is a development bank which provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance and knowledge sharing services to low and middle income countries to reduce poverty.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO is the United Nations specialized agency for health. Its objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.Media Publications
Agriculture Online (Successful Farming)
AgricultureLaw.com
Agrimine
AgLink (AgWeek Online)
Dairy Herd Management
Hoard's Dairyman Online
Progressive Farmer
Primedia Agricultural Magazines
Supermarket NewsProcessing and Marketing
American Association of Meat Processors
American Frozen Food Institute
American Meat Institute (AMI)
Corn Refiners Association
Food Institute
Food Marketing Institute (FMI)
Food Marketing Policy Center
Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA)
National Food Processors Association (NFPA)
National Food Service Management Institute
National Grocers Association
National Meat Association
National Restaurant AssociationPublic Policy Organizations
Ag Econ Search
A full-text library of agricultural and applied economics scholarly literature.
Agricultural and Food Policy Center (Texas A&M University)
AFPC conducts analyses of the impacts of government policy proposals and implementation procedures on agriculture.
Agricultural Policy Analysis Center (University of Tennessee)
Provides research and analysis on public policy issues.
Farm Foundation (FF)
A private foundation supporting projects to improve U.S. agriculture, the food system, and rural communities.
Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) (Iowa State University)
Provides economic analyses for policymakers, using data and computer modeling systems, and prepares baseline projections for the U.S. agricultural sector and international commodity markets.
Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) (University of Missouri)
Conducts research on the economic interrelationships in both the domestic and foreign food and agricultural industries.
National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges
An association of public university and land-grant institutions. This site includes information on agriculture issues and initiatives.
National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy
Private research organization, conducts studies in four program areas: biotechnology, pesticides, international trade and development, and farm and food policy.
National Food and Agricultural Policy Project (Arizona State University)
Provides research and analyses of the implications of proposed policy changes and market developments, as they affect the fruit and vegetable industry.Research and Science
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) (USDA)
American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)
American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
American Society of Agricultural Engineers
American Society of Agronomy
American Society of Animal Science
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) (USDA)
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
Economic Research Service (ERS) (USDA)
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biologies
Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS)
Institute of Food Technologists
International Life Sciences Institute
National Academy of Sciences, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources
United States Animal Health AssociationRural Affairs
Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD)
Conducts policy research using analytical systems, provides graduate training, and conducts outreach activities.
Center for Rural Affairs
The Center engages in research, education, advocacy, and service work to help rural communities.
Center for the Study of Rural America
The Center produces studies on the economic and policy issues that are unique to rural America.
National Rural Development Partnership (USDA)
Promotes collaborative partnerships between local, state, tribal, and federal governments, and the for-profit and nonprofit private sector.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Represents the national interests of consumer-owned cooperative electric utilities and the consumers they serve.
Office of Community Development (USDA)
Provides information on rural community and economic development strategies and methods, and empowerment initiatives. Promotes networking among rural communities and rural development practitioners.
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (USDA)
This agency provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural businesses and cooperatives.
Rural Development (USDA)
Homepage for federal rural development programs. Includes links to field offices.
Rural Housing Service (USDA)
This agency helps finance housing and community facilities in rural areas.
Rural Information Center (USDA)
Provides referrals and information for rural communities, officials, organizations and citizens.
Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
Provides analysis and facilitates public dialogue concerning the impact of public policy on rural people and places.
Rural Utilities Service (USDA)
This agency helps rural areas finance electric, telecommunication, and water and waste water projects.Statistics
Agricultural Statistics (USDA)
Online version of the annual volume of data, including production, supplies, consumption, facilities, costs, and returns, with access to 1994-2004 volumes.
Census of Agriculture (USDA)
The most recent national, state, and country-level census data on farms, farm operators, crops, livestock, production, prices, income, and more. Includes rankings of states and counties, and some data by congressional district.
FAOSTAT
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization's multilingual database of international agricultural data. Search by country, commodity or year. Create customized tables.
National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA)
A gateway to current and historical statistics on U.S. agriculture.Sustainable Agriculture
Alliance for Sustainability
Alternative Energy Resources Organization
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (Washington State University)
Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Ecological Farming Association
Food AllianceTrade (International)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
This is the national agriculture agency of Canada.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum
Organization promoting open trade and economic cooperation among member "economies" around the Pacific Rim.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Association of ten southeast Asian countries. Site includes trade information and documents.
Australian Wheat Board (AWB Limited)
Markets and sells Australian grain on behalf of Australia's grain growers.
Canada-United States
This site of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, United States Bureau has information on Canada-U.S. agricultural trade issues.
Canadian Wheat Board (CWB)
CWB is the marketing agency for western Canadian wheat and barley growers.
European Commission - Agriculture
The European Commission's Agriculture website, includes information on agriculture and food issues in Europe, as well as official documents.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Lead agency in the United Nations for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development. Priorities include encouraging sustainable agriculture and rural development and developing a long-term strategy for increasing food production and security while conserving and managing natural resources.
International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium
An organization of economists from 25 different countries, interested in research, policy analysis, and current developments in international agricultural trade.
International Grains Council
An intergovernmental organization concerned with grains trade. It administers the Grains Trade Convention, 1995.
International Policy Council on Agriculture, Food and Trade (IPC)
Dedicated to developing and advocating policies that support an efficient and open global food and agricultural system.
New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Creates opportunity for, and manages risk to, New Zealand's food, fibre, forestry and associated industries.
Organizati on for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD)
The OECD Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries analyses issues and provides advice to governments on options for policy reform and trade. liberalization. Tracks and measures subsidies, support and protection to agriculture.
Public Citizen Global Trade Watch (GTW)
Promotes government and corporate accountability in international commercial agreements shaping globalization. GTW is a division of Public Citizen, the national consumer group founded in 1972 by Ralph Nader.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
An international organization dealing with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.Trade (United States)
U. S. Agricultural Trade Briefing Room (USDA, Economic Research Service)
Site includes articles and reports on U.S. agricultural trade, including statistics and projections.
Food Export USA-Northeast
This organization encourages, fosters and promotes the exports of food and agricultural products from northeastern states.
Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA)
Information on U.S. trade policy, export programs, exporter assistance, and U.S. foreign food aid programs.
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
Promotes resilient family farms, rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy.
Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council (MIATCO)
Non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the midwestern region of the United States.
NAFTA Briefing Room (USDA, Economic Research Service)
Information on NAFTA, its implementation, impacts, and recent developments. Includes links to the full text of NAFTA and other NAFTA-related documents.
Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA)
Non-profit association dedicated to helping southern companies export their high-value food and agricultural products.
United States International Trade Commission
This independent federal agency has information on U.S. tariffs and U.S. trade data by Harmonized Tariff Trade Schedule codes, Customs District, or month.
Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA)
Provides integrated marketing services to help Western United States' agribusinesses develop and expand their export sales.
WTO Briefing Room (USDA, Economic Research Service)
Information about World Trade Organizations rules for agricultural trade and how they are being implemented, along with current and future issues and trends.
CRS Contacts: Carol Canada (7-7619) and Anne Gillis (7-8984)
Page last updated September 22, 2004.
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