7 USC CHAPTER 103, SUBCHAPTER III, Part B: General

From Title 7—AGRICULTURECHAPTER 103—AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORMSUBCHAPTER III—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Part B—General

§7651. Nutrient composition data

(a) In general

The Secretary of Agriculture shall update, on a periodic basis, nutrient composition data.

(b) Report

Not later than 180 days after June 23, 1998, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—

(1) the method the Secretary will use to update nutrient composition data, including the quality assurance criteria that will be used and the method for generating the data; and

(2) the timing for updating the data.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §611, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 605.)

§7652. Role of Secretary regarding food and agricultural sciences research and extension

The Secretary of Agriculture shall be the principal official in the executive branch responsible for coordinating all Federal research and extension activities related to food and agricultural sciences.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §613, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 605.)

§7653. Office of Pest Management Policy

(a) Purpose

The purpose of this section is to establish an Office of Pest Management Policy to provide for the effective coordination of agricultural policies and activities within the Department of Agriculture related to pesticides and of the development and use of pest management tools, while taking into account the effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies.

(b) Establishment of Office; principal responsibilities

The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish in the Department an Office of Pest Management Policy, which shall be responsible for—

(1) the development and coordination of Department policy on pest management and pesticides;

(2) the coordination of activities and services of the Department, including research, extension, and education activities, regarding the development, availability, and use of economically and environmentally sound pest management tools and practices;

(3) assisting other agencies of the Department in fulfilling their responsibilities related to pest management or pesticides under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–170; 110 Stat. 1489), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), and other applicable laws; and

(4) performing such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary.

(c) Interagency coordination

In support of its responsibilities under subsection (b), the Office of Pest Management Policy shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal and State agencies.

(d) Outreach

The Office of Pest Management Policy shall consult with agricultural producers that may be affected by pest management or pesticide-related activities or actions of the Department or other agencies as necessary in carrying out the Office's responsibilities under this section.

(e) Director

The Office of Pest Management Policy shall be under the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—

(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and

(2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §614, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 605; Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §7132, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 435; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §7313, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1245; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §7313, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2006; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §7309, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 891; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7307, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4816.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is Pub. L. 104–170, Aug. 3, 1996, 110 Stat. 1489. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note set out under section 136 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is act June 25, 1947, ch. 125, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–516, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 973, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§136 et seq.) of chapter 6 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 136 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables.

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "2023" for "2018".

2014—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–79 struck out "such sums as are necessary" after "appropriated", substituted "section—" for "section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2012.", and added pars. (1) and (2).

2008—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–246, §7313, substituted "2012" for "2007".

2002—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107–171 substituted "2007" for "2002".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

§7654. Food Safety Research Information Office

(a) Establishment

The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a Food Safety Research Information Office at the National Agricultural Library.

(b) Purpose

The Office shall provide to the research community and the general public information on publicly funded, and to the maximum extent practicable, privately funded food safety research initiatives for the purpose of—

(1) preventing unintended duplication of food safety research; and

(2) assisting the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government and private research entities to assess food safety research needs and priorities.

(c) Cooperation

The Office shall carry out this section in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public institutions, and, on a voluntary basis, private research entities.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §615, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 606; Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §7301(a), (b)(1), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 454.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–171 struck out "and national conference" after "Information Office" in section catchline, struck out subsec. (a) designation and heading, redesignated pars. (1) to (3) of former subsec. (a) as subsecs. (a) to (c), respectively, and subpars. (A) and (B) of former par. (2) as pars. (1) and (2) of subsec. (b), respectively, realigned margins, substituted "this section" for "this subsection" in subsec. (c), and struck out former subsecs. (b) and (c) which related to national conference and annual workshops and food safety report, respectively.

§7655. Safe food handling education

The Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to develop a national program of safe food handling education for adults and young people to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. The national program shall be suitable for adoption and implementation through State cooperative extension services and school-based education programs.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §616, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 606.)

§7655a. Food safety education initiatives

(a) Initiative authorized

The Secretary may carry out a food safety education program to educate the public and persons in the fresh produce industry about—

(1) scientifically proven practices for reducing microbial pathogens on fresh produce; and

(2) methods of reducing the threat of cross-contamination of fresh produce through sanitary handling practices.

(b) Cooperation

The Secretary may carry out the education program in cooperation with public and private partners.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023, to remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 110–234, title X, §10105, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1336; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title X, §10105, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2098; Pub. L. 113–79, title X, §10006, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 947; Pub. L. 115–334, title X, §10106, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4905.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical sections. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Section was enacted as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, and not as part of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, which in part comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "2023" for "2018".

2014—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–79 substituted "2018" for "2012".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Enactment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of this title.

Definition of "Secretary"

"Secretary" as meaning the Secretary of Agriculture, see section 8701 of this title.

§7655b. Forestry products advanced utilization research

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a forestry and forestry products research and extension initiative to develop and disseminate science-based tools that address the needs of the forestry sector and their respective regions, forest and timberland owners and managers, and forestry products engineering, manufacturing, and related interests.

(b) Activities

The initiative described in subsection (a) shall include the following activities:

(1) Research conducted for purposes of—

(A) wood quality improvement with respect to lumber strength and grade yield;

(B) the development of novel engineered lumber products and renewable energy from wood; and

(2) Demonstration activities and technology transfer to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products.

(3) Projects designed to improve—

(A) forestry products, lumber, and evaluation standards and valuation techniques;

(B) lumber quality and value-based, on-forest management techniques; and

(C) forestry products conversion and manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including forestry product marketing).

(c) Grants

(1) In general

The Secretary shall make competitive grants to carry out the activities described in subsection (b).

(2) Priorities

In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall give higher priority to activities that are carried out by entities that—

(A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, or multidisciplinary;

(B) have explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers, forestry industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public; and

(i) extensive history and demonstrated experience in forestry and forestry products research;

(ii) existing capacity in forestry products research and dissemination; and

(iii) a demonstrated means of evaluating and responding to the needs of the related commercial sector.

(3) Administration

In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall follow the requirements of paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of section 3157 of this title.

(4) Term

The term of a grant made under this section may not exceed 10 years.

(d) Coordination

The Secretary shall ensure that any activities carried out under this section are carried out in coordination with the Forest Service, including the Forest Products Laboratory, and other appropriate agencies of the Department.

(e) Report

The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate describing, for the period covered by the report—

(1) the research that has been conducted under paragraph (2) of subsection (b);

(2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and

(3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building and wood promotion.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

(2) Matching funds

To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall match any funds made available under paragraph (1) with funds made available under section 1646 of title 16.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §617, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §7310, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 892; amended Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7308, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4816.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 617 of Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 607, which was not classified to the Code, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §7302, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 455.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "2023" for "2018".

§7655c. Clarification of research and development program for wood building construction

(a) In general

The Secretary shall conduct performance-driven research and development, education, and technical assistance for the purpose of facilitating the use of innovative wood products in wood building construction in the United States.

(b) Activities

In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1) after receipt of input and guidance from, and collaboration with, the wood products industry, conservation organizations, and institutions of higher education, conduct research and development, education, and technical assistance at the Forest Products Laboratory or through the State and Private Forestry deputy area that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c); and

(2) after coordination and collaboration with the wood products industry and conservation organizations, make competitive grants to institutions of higher education to conduct research and development, education, and technical assistance that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c).

(c) Priorities

The research and development, education, and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall give priority to—

(1) ways to improve the commercialization of innovative wood products;

(2) analyzing the safety of tall wood building materials;

(3) calculations by the Forest Products Laboratory of the lifecycle environmental footprint, from extraction of raw materials through the manufacturing process, of tall wood building construction;

(4) analyzing methods to reduce the lifecycle environmental footprint of tall wood building construction;

(5) analyzing the potential implications of the use of innovative wood products in building construction on wildlife; and

(6) 1 or more other research areas identified by the Secretary, in consultation with conservation organizations, institutions of higher education, and the wood products industry.

(d) Timeframe

To the maximum extent practicable, the measurable performance goals for the research and development, education, and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall be achievable within a 5-year timeframe.

(Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, §8642, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4871.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and not as part of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, which in part comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

"Secretary" as meaning the Secretary of Agriculture, see section 2 of Pub. L. 115–334, set out as a Definition of "Secretary" note under section 9001 of this title.

Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, §8641, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4871, provided that: "In this part [part III (§§8641–8644) of subtitle F of title VIII of Pub. L. 115–334, enacting this section and section 7655d of this title and amending section 8113 of this title]:

"(1) Innovative wood product.—The term 'innovative wood product' means a type of building component or system that uses large panelized wood construction, including mass timber.

"(2) Mass timber.—The term 'mass timber' includes—

"(A) cross-laminated timber;

"(B) nail laminated timber;

"(C) glue laminated timber;

"(D) laminated strand lumber; and

"(E) laminated veneer lumber.

"(3) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary [of Agriculture], acting through the Research and Development deputy area and the State and Private Forestry deputy area of the Forest Service.

"(4) Tall wood building.—The term 'tall wood building' means a building designed to be—

"(A) constructed with mass timber; and

"(B) more than 85 feet in height."

§7655d. Wood innovation grant program

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means—

(A) an individual;

(B) a public or private entity (including a center of excellence that consists of 1 or more partnerships between forestry, engineering, architecture, or business schools at 1 or more institutions of higher education); or

(2) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.

(b) Grant program

(1) In general

The Secretary, in carrying out the wood innovation grant program of the Secretary described in the notice of the Secretary entitled "Request for Proposals: 2016 Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity" (80 Fed. Reg. 63498 (October 20, 2015)), may make a wood innovation grant to 1 or more eligible entities each year for the purpose of advancing the use of innovative wood products.

(2) Proposals

To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) Incentivizing use of existing milling capacity

In selecting among proposals of eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill facilities located in counties in which the average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the previous calendar year.

(d) Matching requirement

As a condition of receiving a grant under subsection (b), an eligible entity shall provide funds equal to the amount received by the eligible entity under the grant, to be derived from non-Federal sources.

(Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, §8643, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4872.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

"Secretary" as meaning the Secretary of Agriculture, see section 2 of Pub. L. 115–334, set out as a Definition of "Secretary" note under section 9001 of this title.

For definition of "innovative wood product", see section 8641 of Pub. L. 115–334, set out as a note under section 7655c of this title.

§7656. Designation of Crisis Management Team within Department

(a) Designation of Crisis Management Team

The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate a Crisis Management Team within the Department of Agriculture, which shall be—

(1) composed of senior departmental personnel with strong subject matter expertise selected from each relevant agency of the Department; and

(2) headed by a team leader with management and communications skills.

(b) Duties of Crisis Management Team

The Crisis Management Team shall be responsible for the following:

(1) Developing a Department-wide crisis management plan, taking into account similar plans developed by other government agencies and other large organizations, and developing written procedures for the implementation of the crisis management plan.

(2) Conducting periodic reviews and revisions of the crisis management plan and procedures developed under paragraph (1).

(3) Ensuring compliance with crisis management procedures by personnel of the Department and ensuring that appropriate Department personnel are familiar with the crisis management plan and procedures and are encouraged to bring information regarding crises or potential crises to the attention of members of the Crisis Management Team.

(4) Coordinating the Department's information gathering and dissemination activities concerning issues managed by the Crisis Management Team.

(5) Ensuring that Department spokespersons convey accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information regarding crises or potential crises that can be easily understood by the general public.

(6) Cooperating with, and coordinating among, other Federal agencies, States, local governments, industry, and public interest groups, Department activities regarding a crisis.

(c) Role in prioritizing certain research

The Crisis Management Team shall cooperate with the Advisory Board in the prioritization of agricultural research conducted or funded by the Department regarding animal health, natural disasters, food safety, and other agricultural issues.

(d) Cooperative agreements

The Secretary shall seek to enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal departments and agencies that have related programs or activities to help ensure consistent, accurate, and coordinated dissemination of information throughout the executive branch in the event of a crisis, such as, in the case of a threat to human health from food-borne pathogens, developing a rapid and coordinated response among the Department, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and Drug Administration.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §618, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 607.)

§7657. Senior Scientific Research Service

(a) In general

There is established in the Department of Agriculture the Senior Scientific Research Service (referred to in this section as the "Service").

(b) Members

(1) In general

Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4), the Secretary shall appoint the members of the Service.

(2) Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment to the Service, an individual shall—

(A) have conducted outstanding research in the field of agriculture or forestry;

(B) have earned a doctoral level degree at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20); and

(C) meet qualification standards prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for appointment to a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule.

(3) Number

Not more than 100 individuals may serve as members of the Service at any 1 time.

(4) Other requirements

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraph (B) and subsection (d)(2), the Secretary may appoint and employ a member of the Service without regard to—

(i) the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service;

(ii) the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 5 relating to retention preference;

(iii) the provisions of chapter 43 of title 5 relating to performance appraisal and performance actions;

(iv) the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates; and

(v) the provisions of chapter 75 of title 5 relating to adverse actions.

(B) Exception

A member of the Service appointed and employed by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall have the same right of appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board and the same right to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel as an employee appointed to a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule.

(c) Performance appraisal system

The Secretary shall develop a performance appraisal system for members of the Service that is designed to—

(1) provide for the systematic appraisal of the employment performance of the members; and

(2) encourage excellence in employment performance by the members.

(d) Compensation

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall determine the compensation of members of the Service.

(2) Limitations

The rate of pay for a member of the Service shall—

(A) not be less than the minimum rate payable for a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule; and

(B) not be more than the rate payable for a position at level I of the Executive Schedule, unless the rate is approved by the President under section 5377(d)(2) of title 5.

(e) Retirement contributions

(1) In general

On the request of a member of the Service who was an employee of an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) immediately prior to appointment as a member of the Service and who retains the right to continue to make contributions to the retirement system of the institution, the Secretary may contribute an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the basic pay of the member to the retirement system of the institution on behalf of the member.

(2) Federal retirement system

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), a member for whom a contribution is made under paragraph (1) shall not, as a result of serving as a member of the Service, be covered by, or earn service credit under, chapter 83 or 84 of title 5.

(B) Annual leave

Service of a member of the Service described in subparagraph (A) shall be creditable for determining years of service under section 6303(a) of title 5.

(f) Involuntary separation

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, in the case of an individual who is separated from the Service involuntarily and without cause—

(A) the Secretary may appoint the individual to a position in the competitive civil service at level GS–15 of the General Schedule; and

(B) the appointment shall be a career appointment.

(2) Excepted civil service

In the case of an individual described in paragraph (1) who immediately prior to appointment as a member of the Service was not a career appointee in the civil service or the Senior Executive Service, the appointment of the individual under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall be to the excepted civil service; and

(B) may not exceed a period of 2 years.

(Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §620, as added Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §7219, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 449.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The General Schedule, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2)(C), (4)(A)(iv), (B), (d)(2)(A), and (f)(1)(A), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Level I of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), is set out in section 5312 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.