What type of research does the USDA conduct?

The USDA primarily conducts agricultural research, which encompasses a wide range of studies aimed at improving agricultural practices, enhancing food production, and ensuring food safety. This research can include developing better crop varieties, improving soil health, studying pest management, and finding sustainable farming practices. The USDA's focus is integral to optimizing food systems and supporting farmers, which in turn affects food availability and public health.

While other types of research, such as psychological studies on eating habits or market research on food preferences, are important in the broader context of food studies, they fall outside the main scope of the USDA's mission. The USDA specifically targets areas that relate directly to agriculture and food production, aiming to advance scientific knowledge that directly impacts food security and agricultural sustainability.