In this article we consider some properties of concern for research production at Embrapa. We apply statistical tests to address questions related to the scale of operation, the presence of allocative inefficiencies and separability of inputs and outputs. The production process is assessed by nonparametric methods with the use of Data Envelopment Analysis. The period under analysis is 2002-2009. We conclude that Embrapa's technology frontier shows variable returns to scale, is allocative efficient in general and is separable in inputs and outputs. These characteristics justify the company policy of adopting a VRS solution and the aggregation of output variables. Scale inefficiencies are the basis for further input congestion studies.