Agriculture (General) (S:1-559)
S 409 Directories. United States. General Works
Summary:
CropEXPERT: Directory of Crop Experts is a division of the NewCROP WWW site,
sponsored by the Indiana Center for New Crops and Plant Products. Here,
users can scan global listings of agricultural experts in various fields.
The divisions of agriculture represented in the listings include: general
agriculture; subtropical and tropical fruits; temperate fruits; nuts; leafy
vegetables; fruit vegetables; root vegetables; mushrooms; medicinal,
aromatic, spices and herbs; cereals and pseudocereals; legumes; oilseeds;
forages; fiber crops; industrial crops; floral ornamentals; and landscape
ornamentals.
Upon accessing the directory, users will find the following information
contained within an entry: expert's name (first, last); organization or
institution; business address; phone and fax numbers; e-mail address (if
noted); and area of speciality (if noted). Listings are organized
alphabetically by the expert's last name and represent a worldwide
gathering.
The site is maintained by the Indiana Center for New Crops and Plant
Products;
Department of Horticulture, Purdue University; West Lafayette, Indiana.
To Search:
Choose expert category from main menu/ Browse through entries upon
accessing category of interest.
S 494.3 Breeding. Germplasm Resources
Summary:
The GENRES: Information System on Genetic Resources "...provides information
about national, european and international activities on conservation and
sustainable utilization of genetic resources for food, agriculture and
forestry." It "...refers... to passport, identification and evaluation data
as well as to information about taxonomy, utilization and endangering of
different species. Furthermore data about institutions, literature,
projects and other services are available." It "... connects the
centralized meta, factual and evaluated data on genetic resources in
Germany at the IGR [Information Center for Genetic Resources] with the
decentralized data existing in institutions which are involved in GENRES."
The database's subject index features six categories: (1) plant genetic
resources; (2) forest genetic resources; (3) animal genetic resources; (4)
microbial genetic resources; (5) biological diversity; and (6) news. Users
select any of the first four categories to activate the search. The screen
then displays listings showing resource information available in three
locations: Germany, other nations, and international networks. Users who
choose to view resources within Germany should know that texts will be
displayed only in German. Upon viewing a region's resource listings, users
need only to select a category of interest to display the contents.
If viewing resources within Germany, legends for tables, abbreviations, and
indices will be provided for the IGR data to be shown. If viewing any
other nation's holdings, a listing of connecting WWW links will be
displayed. Choosing any of these titles will activate the link to that
database. The GENRES site also provides access to a companion textual
version in German and the GENRES homepage.
The database is maintained by the Information Center for Genetic Resources
(IGR) at the Center for Agricultural Documentation and Information (ZADI);
Bonn, Germany.
To Search:
Select category from subject index. Then select region of resource data.
Scroll to view contents listings, which will reflect either data from the
IGR (Information Center for Genetic Resources) or a listing of WWW links to
databases.
Summary:
"The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)...provides germplasm
information about plants, animals, microbes and invertebrates within the
National Genetic Resources Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
(USDA) Agricultural Research Service." Within this web service are four
systems: (1) the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS); (2) National
Animal Germplasm (including aquatics); (3) National Microbial Germplasm; and
(4) the National Invertebrate Genetic Resources Program (NIGRP). Of the
four, only the NPGS is fully operational; the animal and microbial systems
are under development, and the invertebrate system only offers links to
databases. Regardless of organism focus, each system seeks to preserve,
maintain, acquire, document, distribute, and evaluate its respective
germplasm in the efforts to promote genetic diversity.
Upon accessing the site, users must select a subject (focal) germplasm
database. A table of contents is displayed once access is gained. It is
urged that users choose to read the general information portion of the
system to view items within record contents, which vary widely among the
four systems.
Each germplasm system has its own priorities, in terms of revealing
information and data. Users must follow screen commands to access the data
of their choice.
The network is maintained by the Database Management Unit of the National
Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Plant Sciences Institute; Beltsville
Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture.
To Search:
Select one of the four database sytems from main menu. Then select topic of
interest from contents listing. Recommended viewing includes general
information contents listing. Animal and microbial databases are under
construction, so access is limited in these areas.
Summary:
The GRIN Taxonomy site provides the "...taxonomic data [of] the structure
and nomenclature for the accessions of the National Plant Germplasm System
(NPGS). Many plants (35,000 taxa, 13,000 genera) are included in GRIN
taxonomy, especially economic plants." Within its main menu, users have two
search methods are their disposal: general queries and specialized queries.
Each search method is designed to access the NPGS germplasm system and other
associations (via electronic links) to provide thorough data on the
requested plant.
By selecting a form-based query under the general search method, users
will find a listing of search fields: (1) genus or species name; (2) family
name; (3) common name; and (4) distribution area (country and state).
Additional fields will only allow searches through the the GRIN system, if
requested. The result of this search provides a list of the plant's
scientific names and its complete taxonomic data. Non-form, general
searches
require only a keyword for activation. Suggestions are provided on possible
field entries. Once again, submission of the keyword(s) intitiates the
search.
Specialized queries of GRIN taxonomy come in several forms. A first will
search solely for plants with an economic use, via a keyword entry field.
Family and generic names access a specialized search form, as does a plant's
symbol. A link with the ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) is
triggered through a keyword search. A listing of noxious weeds, by
scientific name, is accessible, as is a category devoted to rare plants,
opened through a keyword field. In addition to all of these unique query
methods, FTP connections enable users to download GRIN genetic data, via
onscreen commands within this area of the main menu.
Electronic links have been provided to other taxonomic databases: the
Harvard Gray Herbarium Index of New World PLants; ING (Index nominum
genericorum); PLANTS (Database of North American Plants); Flora of North
America; BONAP (Biota of North America Program of the North Carolina
Botanical Garden); and other botany related WWW sites. The site is
maintained by the Agricultural Research Service; USDA, and the Database
Management Unit of the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Plant
Sciences Institute, USDA.
To Search:
Select query method of choice from main menu. Submit keywords to activate
search and to view results.
S 494.5.A39 Agricultural Literature
Summary:
This directory provides a compilation of international and American
agricultural information sources in the areas of research, publications, and
organizations.
Foreign sources provide information on USDA international services and
agricultural sites abroad. Access to a collection of WWW and Gopher links
spanning twenty-three countries is available, as well as information on
globally recognized agricultural organizations.
Within the United States, access to the National Agricultural Library (and
its information centers), the USDA (and its Internet sites) is detailed.
University-level listings specify bibliographic sources, upcoming
agricultural events, and various agricultural organizations.
A feature of the directory provides sources for individuals on organic and
urban agriculture. Search tools and online guides' sites are listed. Job
listings, crop reports, market information sites, and sources of weather
information comprise featured services.
To Search:
Select information source from the table of contents, or browse through
directory.
Summary:
This resource is the WWW home page of the Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences (IFAS) Computer Network (ICON), located at the University of
Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The site is provided to interested
individuals as a resource for the activities of the Institute.
The document allows a user to access several subject links to the Internet,
all of which are designed to promote agricultural information. Available is
a worldwide agricultural site, linking the user to a wide collection of
local and international sources. An agricultural conference list site is
provided, as are links to environmental organizations on the WWW. Weather
reports can also be accessed through the site.
A special feature of the source is its emphasis upon biotechnological
research, allowing the user to access WWW sites with this focus. The
Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnological Research is located on the
university's campus, and the site features links to similiar research
facilities.
To Search:
Select information source from listed topic areas. Then browse through
directory and select particular WWW sites of interest.
Summary:
This national directory provides" remote access to Canadian agriculture
and agri-food information resources on the Internet and other electronic
sites in Canada." A pilot project of the Canadian Department of Agriculture
and Ag-Food Canada, Agri-Web offers an additional directory of Canadian
agricultural sources through ACEDS, the electronic information service of
its respective department.
Alphabetical listings of both linked WWW resources and unlinked sources
("BBS, listserv, Usenet, library catalogues, electronic publications") are
constantly updated. Special areas are denoted for new files. The creators
intend to add an archives of past "new sites" to the listings in the future.
Site archives are intended to provide " some evaluative description of the
information resources listed." A specific notation mentions that the site
is designed to target " the academic community, scientists and policy
makers in the federal and provincial governments, librarians and other
information and communication professionals, farmers and farm organizations,
agri-food
business, and the general public."
A special feature of the site is accessibility to bilingual sites, which are
identified for the user.
Agri-Web Canada is maintained by a team of librarians and information
professionals with the Canadian Agricultural Library.
To Search:
Browse through the table of contents and select particular area of interest.
Linked sites available within the archives may be accessed by a keyword,
geographic location, subject, or type of organization.
Summary:
Maintained by Purdue University, this directory is a collection of WWW sites
devoted to crop, soil, and environmental issues. Links to national sites
(spanning American coverage of issues), state-based sites, and international
sites are provided. American perspective (national) sites are listed
according to user interest and subject areas. Resources, agricultural
research interests (both noncommercial and commercial), and environmental
organizations can be accessed. Users can find information on agricultural
trade groups, farm publications, professional societies, as well as USDA
agencies.
State-level listings are systemized alphabetically, providing
organizations and information sources within their respective areas.
Likewise, international listings offer information centers, as well as
organizations with global interest in agriculture.
A special feature of the site provides users with access to the Purdue
University Agronomy department homepage and online service. Farmers within
Indiana and eastern corngrowing areas are urged to inspect the CornGrowers
Handbook, also accessible through the site.
The directory is maintained by the Agronomy Department of Purdue University,
West Lafayette, Indiana.
To Search:
Select topic of interest from opening menu. Within national listings,
select subject area or interest. Within state or international
directories,choose location of interest or scan through entries.
Summary:
A service of Ceres Online, AgWeb is a gateway to over 2500 agriculture
related WWW cites housed within the AgWeb database.
The site is maintained by the CERES Corporation.
To Search:
Users can submit a keyword in the initial menu to activate the search.
Multiple keywords can be submitted. For advanced searches, entry fields
allow for specification in categories, sub-categorization, and commodity
areas.
S 494.5.A45 Agroforestry
Summary:
Agroforestry Systems, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the
National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as
the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive"
bibliography system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent
research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested
user...." Bibliographies are " derived from computerized on-line
searches of the AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and
evidence of extensive interest are the selection criteria." The site's
creator "determines the purpose, length, and search strategy of the Quick
Bibliography. Information regarding these is available upon request from
the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual
materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within
entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting
copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center, the USDA National Agricultural Library, Beltsville,
Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
S 494.5.A65 Alternative Agriculture. Appropriate Technology
Summary:
Alternative Crops, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the
National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as
the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive"
bibliographic system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent
research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested
user...."
Bibliographies are "derived from computerized on-line searches of the
AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive interest
are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the purpose,
length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliography. Information
regarding these is available upon request from the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual
materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within
entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting
copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center, the USDA National Agricultural Library, Beltsville,
Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
Summary:
Alternative Farming Systems: Economic Aspects, a member of the "Quick
Bibliography Series of the National Agricultural Library," is intended "for
current awareness, and as the title of the series implies..." is "not [an]
indepth exhaustive" bibliographic system of any subject. Citations are
resources for recent research and bring the "literature of agriculture to
the interested user...."
Bibliographies are "derived from computerized on-line searches of the
AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive interest
are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the purpose,
length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliography. Information
regarding these is available upon request from the author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual
materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within
entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting
copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center, within the USDA National Agricultural Library, located
in Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
Summary:
"Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming, one that
has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from
Europe in the mid-1980s....In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of
individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland
becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the
growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and
benefits of food production." This site is an annotated bibliography and
resource guide to a "... selection of writings that document the CSA
movement in the U.S. Most of these publications are contained in the
collections of the National Agricultural Library (NAL), as indicated by an
NAL call number." The compilers also mention that "...Sources are offered,
when known, for some publications that are not owned by NAL. Additional
resources for information about CSAs are also included in this
bibliography."
The bibliography's listings are alphabetically organized, reflecting
journals, newspapers, and books. For both journals and newpapers, the
following data is provided: author's name; title of work; source (title, as
well as issue number); date of article's issue; and a brief description of
content. Listings for books reveal the following information: NAL call
number; title; author; location and name of publisher; date of publication;
number of pages; and a brief description of the book's content.
A special feature of the guide is found after the bibliography entries.
Here, users will find additional information on: CSA periodicals, CSA
organizations, videos, conferences, and additional contacts.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates, Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center; the National Agricultural Library, a division of the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through bibliography listings. Additional CSA sources included after
bibliography entries.
S 494.5.D3 Special Aspects of Agriculture as a Whole. Data Processing
Summary:
This source is the prototype of the Agriculture-Related Information
Systems, Databases, and Datasets,"...an outgrowth of work performed by the
National Agricultural Library's
(NAL) Electronic Research Database Committee (ERDC)." The ERDC, in
turn, seeks to"... identify and describe agriculture-related
databases, datasets, and information systems." The prototype is based on
this compiled data.
Agricultural-related sites, which were not part of the original ERDC list,
have been included within the prototype. The creators state that "Not all
datasets described are available on the Internet , but for those that are,
links have been established to the actual data wherever possible."
The authors emphatically state that the prototype is "currently under
development," and as such, data found by users may be incomplete.
To Search:
Records may be viewed through an alphabetical listing, arranged by the name
of resource. Full texts of records are searchable through a keyword index.
Within this second function, users can search using an AGRICOLA Subject
Category Code.
Summary:
A service of Ceres Online, AgSearch is a gateway to over seventy search
engines within the field of agriculture. Users are provided subject
categories within the main menu and also able to specify searches through a
series of simple commands. AgSearch provides searches in the following
categories: news (publications); research; genetics; production, economics,
pest management, Internet and computer subjects; trade; government subjects;
and water and irrigation.
To Search:
Choose category of interest from opening menu. Scan through possible search
engine choices. Enter keywords, subjects, titles, or other items, where
specified by the selected searching means.
S 494.5.I47 Special Aspects of Agriculture as A Whole. Information Services
Summary:
CIKARD, The Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural
Development (CIKARD) at Iowa State University,"... focuses its activities on
preserving and using the local knowledge of farmers and other rural people
around the globe....[E]stablished...in October1987[,]...[its] goal is to
collect
indigenous knowledge and make it available to development professionals and
scientists. CIKARD concentrates on indigenous knowledge systems (such as
local soil taxonomies), decision-making systems (such as knowledge of which
crops are best suited to particular types of soils), organizational
structures (such as farmers problem-solving groups), and innovations (such
as local methods for pest control)." This site serves as a directory to the
research and activities of the center, thereby allowing users to access
information best tailored to their individual needs.
The directory's offers a listing of topics, all of which provide direct
access to further information on the subject contained with
the CIKARD site. Possible links include: general information on CIKARD,
search results for common database inquiries, the CIKARD database, and
publications (both online and those available for purchase). Locations of
indigenous knowledge centers across the globe are provided, as well as a
listing of programs and institutions within this field of study.
The directory is maintained by David Andresen and Steve Moon, the Deaprtment
of Agriculture, Iowa State University; Ames, Iowa.
To Search:
Browse through topic listings contained within main menu. Select category
of interest to initiate electronic link to information.
Summary:
The Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural
Development (CIKARD), was established at Iowa State University in 1987 for
the preservation and use of local knowledge from farmers and rural people
around the world. In an effort to make this information available to
development professionals and scientists worldwide, a documentation unit and
library were formed in the fall of 1988. The CIKARD Citation Index reflects
the "...relevant literature and ethnographic descriptions on indigenous
knowledge and associated disciplines from worldwide sources." The center's
holdings have been catalogued, allowing easy access to materials.
Upon accessing the CIKARD Citation Index, users will find two possible
courses of action. The first allows users to search for citations or
materials within the database. The second permits the user to enter new
citation information or to update existing information in the database.
This latter area is protected through a password, so access is restricted.
A database search can be tailored to meet the user's needs by
filling in information within the following fields: title of publication;
author's name; publisher's name; call number of source; keywords; and
article type.
The index is maintained by the Center for Indigenous Knowledge for
Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD), the Department of Anthropology,
Iowa State University, Ames Iowa.
To Search:
Access database index through site's main menu. Select search command (of
choice) and enter appropriate information within search fields. Submit
search.
S 494.5.S95 Special Aspects of Agriculture as a Whole. Systems
Summary:
Farming Systems Research, a member of the "Quick Bibliography Series of the
National Agricultural Library," is intended "for current awareness, and as
the title of the series implies..." is "not [an] indepth exhaustive"
bibliography system of any subject. Citations are resources for recent
research and bring the "literature of agriculture to the interested
user...." Bibliographies are "derived from computerized on-line searches of
the AGRICOLA data base. Timeliness of topic and evidence of extensive
interest are the selection criteria." The site's creator "determines the
purpose, length, and search strategy of the Quick Bibliogpraphy.
Information regarding these is available upon request from the
author/searcher."
Entries within the site include journal articles, books, and audiovisual
materials. Specifications are given as to information provided within
entries, to aid in searching. Instructions are also provided for requesting
copies of bibliographies featured in the series.
The site is maintained by Jane Gates with the Alternative Farming Systems
Information Center; the USDA National Agricultural Library, Beltsville,
Maryland.
To Search:
Browse through listings of bibliographies within site.
S 530.5 Directories. General Works
Summary:
This directory provides a comprehensive listing of the research centers of
the
"... Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) ...
[which] promote[s] sustainable agriculture for food security in developing
countries. Fifty-three members provide funds that support 16 international
agricultural research centers. These centers, located primarily in
developing countries, work in close collaboration with partners in national
research systems, to develop resource-efficient technologies that
contribute to sustainable improvements in the productivity of agriculture,
forestry and fisheries, thereby enhancing the nutrition and well-being of
the poor. They also conduct research into agriculture-related policy and
assist in capacity building."
Access to information on any of the research centers is provided through a
world map, located at the top of the main page. Additional directory
categories are available immediately below the map. Here, users can find
information on the governing body of the CGIAR, as well as an alphabetical
listing of the research centers. Each entry is an immediate link to that
center's area within the site.
The directory is maintained by the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) .
To Search:
Access to research center information through world map or site directory
listings.
Summary:
A resource of the CGIAR WWW site, the CGIAR Research Centers listing
provides users with direct access to information on any of the
organization's centers, located worldwide. Members of the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) "... promote
sustainable
agriculture for food security ...." Sixteen centers, located in developing
countries, work with national research systems to "...develop
resource-efficient technologies that contribute to sustainable improvements
in ...agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, thereby enhancing the
nutrition and well-being of the poor."
An alphabetical listing of the organization's centers gives access to any
center's information. Entries on individual centers may include any of the
following items: ongoing activities, research areas, natural resource
management, geographical information systems, press releases, center
publications, training, job openings, and communications. Center items vary
location to location; each item is a link to the information.
The listing is maintained by CGIAR, the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research.
To Search:
Scan through center listings and select. Within entries, subcategory links
provide further information.
S 540.A2 Research. Experimentation. General Works
Summary:
Published three to four times a year by the CGIAR Secretariat, the CGIAR
News details the activities, research, and ongoing events of the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Members
"...promote sustainable agriculture for food security in developing
countries." The organization supports 16 international research centers,
located primarily in developing countries. Working with national research
systems, they seek to "...develop resource-efficient technologies that
contribute to sustainable improvements in ...agriculture, forestry, and
fisheries, thereby enhancing the nutrition and well-being of the poor."
Users will find a listing of recently published issues of the CGIAR
newsletter, organized by date of publication. Each entry is a direct link
to viewing the document's contents.
Site is maintained by Danielle Lucca, at the CGIAR Secretariat.
To Search:
Scan through issue listing; select publication of choice to view contents.
S 542.A423 Research. Experimentation. Other Regions or Countries. Africa
Summary:
The newsletter of the Special Program for African Agricultural Research
(SPAAR), CONTACT reflects the achievements and activities of its
organization. Established in 1985, SPAAR is a regional forum that
"...enhance[s] the quality and relevance of agricultral technology
development in Sub-Saharan Africa...improve[s] consultation and
collaboration among stakeholders in [SSA] agricultural research...[and]
increases the exchange of information on research activities." The focus of
SPAAR's work is on the "development and implementation of regional
frameworks...to revitalize agricultural research systems in the four main
eco-political regions of SSA...."
A chronological listing in the site's main menu provides access to recent
issues of CONTACT, which is available in both English and French.
The site is maintained by the Secretariat of SPAAR; The World Bank,
Washington, D.C.
To Search:
Browse through chronological listings. Select issue date to view contents.