What is the role of the Agricultural Marketing Service?

The role of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) primarily revolves around facilitating fair trade practices in the marketplace for agricultural products. This includes ensuring that producers and consumers can access and make informed decisions about agricultural goods. The AMS conducts various price reporting activities, provides marketing assistance, and develops promotional programs that support the marketing of agricultural products. It works to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural producers by establishing standards for commodities and promoting fair and efficient marketing practices.

In contrast, while there are other entities that oversee organic standards, manage subsidies, or handle patenting, the AMS specifically focuses on the marketing aspects of agricultural products rather than the regulatory or financial aspects covered by those functions. This distinction clarifies the AMS's role within the broader agricultural framework.