The Marketing Services Division (MSD) is responsible for conducting and supporting market research and analysis of agricultural distribution channels, processes and methods, and providing planning and design recommendations for agricultural marketing facilities, in order to facilitate the efficient and economical distribution of U.S. food and fiber products, primarily locally produced and distributed agricultural products. The products and services offered through MSD enhance the ability of U.S. agricultural producers to take advantage of emerging market opportunities and/or promote improvements in producer returns from agricultural marketing ventures. Research and technical assistance activities are carried out independently and in cooperation with State, local and tribal governments, universities, producer associations and other agribusiness participants.