# Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

> agricultural research complex in Beltsville, Maryland, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q3944939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3944939)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_A._Wallace_Beltsville_Agricultural_Research_Center)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beltsville-agricultural-research-center

## Summary
The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) is a major agricultural research complex located in Beltsville, Maryland, United States. Established in 1910 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it was renamed in 2000 to honor Henry A. Wallace, a pioneering agricultural scientist and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. BARC serves as a global hub for agricultural science, driving advancements in farming practices, food security, and environmental sustainability.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1910 as the U.S. Experiment Farm.
- Renamed the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in 2000.
- Covers 6,600 acres in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
- Operated by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
- Coordinates: 39.0319° N, 76.8844° W.
- Elevation: 121 feet (37 meters) above sea level.
- Website: [https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/](https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/).
- GRID ID: grid.507312.2.
- VIAF ID: 150081788.
- Geonames ID: 4372111.
- Wikidata description: "agricultural research complex in Beltsville, Maryland, United States."

## FAQs
### Q: When was BARC established?
A: BARC was founded in 1910 as the U.S. Experiment Farm and has since grown into one of the world’s largest agricultural research centers.

### Q: Why is it named after Henry A. Wallace?
A: The center was renamed in 2000 to honor Henry A. Wallace, who revolutionized American agriculture through scientific innovation and policy during his tenure as USDA Secretary.

### Q: How large is the facility?
A: The complex spans 6,600 acres, featuring laboratories, farms, and specialized research facilities.

### Q: What organization oversees BARC?
A: It is managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the primary in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

### Q: Is BARC recognized globally?
A: Yes, with Wikipedia entries in multiple languages and contributions to international agricultural initiatives, BARC holds global significance in agricultural science.

## Why It Matters
BARC is pivotal to advancing agricultural knowledge and technology, addressing critical challenges such as climate change, crop resilience, and sustainable farming. As one of the largest and most comprehensive agricultural research centers in the world, it has shaped U.S. agricultural policy and practice for over a century. Its research directly impacts food production, environmental health, and economic stability, making it indispensable to both domestic and global food systems. BARC’s work in genetics, soil science, and ecosystem management has driven innovations that underpin modern agriculture, from disease-resistant crops to resource-efficient farming techniques.

## Notable For
- Being one of the largest agricultural research centers globally, covering 6,600 acres.
- Renamed in honor of Henry A. Wallace, a key figure in 20th-century agricultural science.
- Hosting diverse research programs, including crop science, animal health, and environmental studies.
- Operating historic facilities, such as the 1930s-era laboratories documented in archival photographs.
- Collaborating with international organizations to address global food security challenges.

## Body

### History
BARC was established in 1910 as the U.S. Experiment Farm, part of the USDA’s efforts to centralize agricultural research. Over the decades, it expanded to include specialized laboratories, farms, and testing facilities. In 2000, the center was renamed the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center to recognize Wallace’s contributions to agricultural science and policy. Today, BARC continues its mission as a USDA-ARS facility, conducting research across disciplines critical to agriculture and environmental science.

### Organization and Structure
- **Parent Organization**: Managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), BARC operates under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- **Location**: Situated in Beltsville, Maryland, within Prince George’s County, at 10300 Baltimore Avenue.
- **Geographic Identifiers**: 
  - GNIS Feature ID: 1714304.
  - OpenStreetMap Relation ID: 4237277 (protected area designation).

### Research Focus
BARC’s work spans agricultural science, including:
- **Crop Science**: Developing disease-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices.
- **Animal Health**: Researching livestock nutrition and disease prevention.
- **Environmental Studies**: Investigating soil health, water conservation, and ecosystem management.
- **Food Safety**: Improving post-harvest handling and reducing contamination risks.

### Infrastructure
- **Land Area**: 6,600 acres dedicated to field research, laboratories, and experimental farms.
- **Facilities**: Historic laboratories (e.g., 1935-era facilities), dairy research units, and specialized greenhouses.
- **Elevation**: 121 feet (37 meters) above sea level, documented in 1996 surveys.

### Recognition and Identifiers
- **Global Recognition**: Featured in Wikipedia articles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Arabic.
- **Unique Identifiers**:
  - GRID ID: grid.507312.2.
  - VIAF ID: 150081788.
  - ISNI: 0000000406170991.
  - ROR ID: 03b08sh51.
- **Library and Archival Codes**:
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n79032881.
  - BHL Creator ID: 240853.

### Cultural and Educational Impact
BARC offers public tours and educational programs, promoting awareness of agricultural science. Its historic significance is documented in the Living New Deal project, highlighting its role in 20th-century agricultural innovation. The center’s archives include photographs from the 1930s, showcasing early laboratory work and experimental farming techniques.

### Related Entities
- **Henry A. Wallace**: The 33rd U.S. Vice President and former USDA Secretary, honored for his scientific and policy contributions.
- **Agricultural Research Service (ARS)**: The USDA division overseeing BARC’s operations and research agenda.
- **Geographic Partners**: Collaborates with institutions in Prince George’s County and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

### Technical Specifications
- **Coordinates**: 39.0319° N, 76.8844° W (verified by GeoNames and GNIS).
- **Postal Code**: 20705.
- **Street Address**: 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD.
- **Elevation Data**: 121 feet (37 meters) as of 1996, with variations noted in later surveys.

## References

1. Geographic Names Information System
2. GeoNames
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](https://livingnewdeal.org/projects/henry-a-wallace-beltsville-agricultural-research-center-beltsville-md/)
5. [Source](https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/docs/aboutus-1/)
6. [Source](http://commerce.maryland.gov/Documents/BusinessResource/BARC-Henry-A-Wallace-Beltsville-Agricultural-Resource-Center.pdf)
7. [Henry A.Wallace Exhibit](https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/docs/henry-awallace-exhibit/)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Library of Congress Name Authority File
11. IdRef
12. CiNii
13. CiNii Research
14. Google Maps
15. OpenStreetMap
16. [Source](https://mde.state.md.us/programs/Land/MarylandBrownfieldVCP/Documents/www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/brownfields/Ag_Resrch_Fac.pdf)
17. Open Library
18. [Source](https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/)
19. GRID
20. Trove
21. [Source](https://www.ars.usda.gov/people-locations/people-list-offices/?modeCode=80-42-05-00)
22. [Source](https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/)
23. [Source](https://ofmpub.epa.gov/apex/cimc/f?p=CIMC:MAP:0::NO::P71_IDSEARCH:SF_SITE_ID|0300415)
24. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
25. GRID Release 2019-10-06
26. BabelNet
27. RERO
28. SNAC
29. Biodiversity Heritage Library
30. eBird