Economic Research Service

Economic Research Service logo.

The Economic Research Service (ERS) is the main source of economic information and research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Located in Washington D.C., the mission of ERS is to inform and enhance public and private decision-making on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, farming, natural resources, and rural development. To accomplish this mission, highly trained economists and social scientists develop and distribute a broad range of economic and other social science information and analysis.

ERS's timely research and analysis provide public and private decision makers the information they need to conduct business, formulate policy, or learn about the farm, rural, and food sectors. ERS materials are used by the press and other news media, and both print and electronic publications are available to the public.

The Agency's work is structured among four divisions:

The ERS program encompasses research and analyses of food and commodity markets, policy studies, and development of economic and statistical indicators. The information and analyses are produced for the private sector and to help the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government develop, administer, and evaluate farm, food, rural, and resource policies and programs.

ERS staff disseminates economic information and research results through an array of academic, policy-, and public-oriented outlets, including:

In addition to research reports and market analysis reports, ERS publishes a magazine, Amber Waves, covering the agency's entire range of economic research and analysis related to agriculture, food, rural America, trade, and the environment. Amber Waves is published monthly on the ERS website and is also available as a free downloadable app from iTunes and Google Play. ERS provides information to Congressional and executive branch policymakers and their staffs, commodity and trade associations, the media, public interest groups, and the general public. The agency's reports, publications, and data products are disseminated electronically through the ERS website.

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