SUBCHAPTER II—COORDINATION AND PLANNING OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING

§3121. Responsibilities of Secretary and Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture is designated as the lead agency of the Federal Government for agricultural research (except with respect to the biomedical aspects of human nutrition concerned with diagnosis or treatment of disease), extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences, and the Secretary, in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities, shall—

(1) establish jointly with the Secretary of Health and Human Services procedures for coordination with respect to nutrition research in areas of mutual interest;

(2) keep informed of developments in, and the Nation's need for, research, extension, teaching, and manpower development in the food and agricultural sciences and represent such need in deliberations within the Department of Agriculture, elsewhere within the executive branch of the United States Government, and with the several States and their designated land-grant colleges and universities, other colleges and universities, agricultural and related industries, and other interested institutions and groups;

(3) coordinate all agricultural research, extension, and teaching activity conducted or financed by the Department of Agriculture and, to the maximum extent practicable, by other agencies of the executive branch of the United States Government;

(4) take the initiative in establishing coordination of State-Federal cooperative agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs, funded in whole or in part by the Department of Agriculture in each State, through the administrative heads of land-grant colleges and universities and the State directors of agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, and other appropriate program administrators;

(5) consult the Advisory Board and appropriate advisory committees of the Department of Agriculture in the formulation of basic policies, goals, strategies, and priorities for programs of agricultural research, extension, and teaching;

(6) report (as a part of the Department of Agriculture's annual budget submissions) to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations actions taken or proposed to support the recommendations of the Advisory Board;

(7) establish appropriate review procedures to assure that agricultural research projects are timely and properly reported and published and that there is no unnecessary duplication of effort or overlapping between agricultural research units;

(8) establish Federal or cooperative multidisciplinary research teams on major agricultural research problems with clearly defined leadership, budget responsibility, and research programs;

(9) in order to promote the coordination of agricultural research of the Department of Agriculture, conduct a continuing inventory of ongoing and completed research projects being conducted within or funded by the Department;

(10) coordinate all agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities conducted or financed by the Department of Agriculture with the periodic renewable resource assessment and program provided for in sections 1601 and 1602 of title 16 and the appraisal and program provided for in sections 2004 and 2005 of title 16;

(11) coordinate the efforts of States, State cooperative institutions, State extension services, the Advisory Board, and other appropriate institutions in assessing the current status of, and developing a plan for, the effective transfer of new technologies, including biotechnology, to the farming community, with particular emphasis on addressing the unique problems of small- and medium-sized farms in gaining information about those technologies; and

(12) establish appropriate controls with respect to the development and use of the application of biotechnology to agriculture.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1405, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 985; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1405, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1298; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIV, §1404, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1544; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1605(b)(3), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3714; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §§852(b)(1), 853(b)(2), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1171, 1172.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Par. (5). Pub. L. 104–127, §852(b)(1)(A), substituted "Advisory Board" for "Joint Council, Advisory Board,".

Par. (11). Pub. L. 104–127, §852(b)(1)(B), struck out "the Joint Council," before "the Advisory Board".

Par. (12). Pub. L. 104–127, §853(b)(2), struck out ", after coordination with the Technology Board," after "establish".

1990—Par. (12). Pub. L. 101–624 inserted ", after coordination with the Technology Board," after "establish".

1985—Pars. (11), (12). Pub. L. 99–198 added pars. (11) and (12) and struck out former par. (11) which required the Secretary to "take the initiative in overcoming barriers to long-range planning by developing, in conjunction with the States, State cooperative institutions, the Joint Council, the Advisory Board, and other appropriate institutions, a long-term needs assessment for food, fiber, and forest products, and by determining the research requirements necessary to meet the identified needs."

1981—Par. (1). Pub. L. 97–98, §1405(1), substituted "Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare".

Par. (5). Pub. L. 97–98, §1405(2), substituted "and appropriate advisory" for "and other appropriate advisory".

Par. (6). Pub. L. 97–98, §1405(3), inserted "or proposed".

Pars. (10), (11). Pub. L. 97–98, §1405(4)–(6), added pars. (10) and (11).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13874. Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products

Ex. Ord. No. 13874, June 11, 2019, 84 F.R. 27899, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to conduct Federal oversight of agricultural biotechnology products that is science-based, timely, efficient, and transparent, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. Recent advances in biotechnology have the potential to revolutionize agriculture and thereby enhance rural prosperity and improve the quality of American lives. Biotechnology can help the Nation meet its food production needs, raise the productivity of the American farmer, improve crop and animal characteristics, increase the nutritional value of crop and animal products, and enhance food safety. In order to realize these potential benefits, however, the United States must employ a science-based regulatory system that evaluates products based on human health and safety and potential benefits and risks to the environment. Such a system must both foster public confidence in biotechnology and avoid undue regulatory burdens.

The September 2016 National Strategy for Modernizing the Regulatory System for Biotechnology Products (National Strategy) and the January 2017 Update to the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology (Coordinated Framework) were important steps in clarifying Federal regulatory roles and responsibilities with respect to agricultural biotechnology. The Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force established in April 2017 recommended additional steps to further modernize the regulatory framework for agricultural biotechnology products so as to facilitate innovation, ensure coordination across regulatory agencies, and safely enable billions of people across America and the world to reap the benefits of such products. The directives below are intended to implement those recommendations.

Sec. 2. Definition. For the purposes of this order, the term "product of agricultural biotechnology" refers to a plant or animal, or a product of such a plant or animal, developed through genetic engineering or through the targeted in vivo or in vitro manipulation of genetic information, with the exception of plants or animals, or the products thereof, developed for non-agricultural purposes, such as to produce pharmaceutical or industrial compounds.

Sec. 3. Policy. It is the policy of the Federal Government to protect public health and the environment by adopting regulatory approaches for the products of agricultural biotechnology that are proportionate responses to the risks such products pose, and that avoid arbitrary or unjustifiable distinctions across like products developed through different technologies. Any regulatory regime for products of agricultural biotechnology should ensure public confidence in the oversight of such products and also promote future innovation and competitiveness. To support these goals, the Federal Government shall:

(a) base regulatory decisions on scientific and technical evidence, and take into account, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, economic factors;

(b) review regulatory applications for products of agricultural biotechnology in a timely and efficient manner;

(c) ensure the transparency, predictability, and consistency of the regulation of products of agricultural biotechnology, to the extent permitted by law;

(d) as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, develop regulations and guidance through processes that provide fair notice to the public and allow for its participation;

(e) make regulatory determinations based on risks associated with the product and its intended end use; and

(f) promote trade in products of agricultural biotechnology by urging trading partners to adopt science- and risk-based regulatory approaches.

Sec. 4. Regulatory Streamlining. The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator), and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (Commissioner), to the extent consistent with law and the principles set forth in section 3 of this order, shall:

(a) within 180 days of the date of this order [June 11, 2019], identify relevant regulations and guidance documents within their respective jurisdictions that can be streamlined to ensure that products of agricultural biotechnology are regulated in accordance with the policy set forth in section 3 of this order and take the steps appropriate and necessary to accomplish such streamlining; and

(b) use existing statutory authority, as appropriate, to exempt low-risk products of agricultural biotechnology from undue regulation.

Sec. 5. Unified Biotechnology Web-based Platform. To ensure that innovators can easily navigate the regulatory system for products of agricultural biotechnology, the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration (collectively, the "agencies") shall, within 180 days of the date of this order, work together to design a plan to establish a web-based platform that contains and provides links to relevant United States Government regulatory information. This web-based platform shall allow developers of products of agricultural biotechnology to submit inquiries about a particular product and promptly receive from the agencies a single, coordinated response that provides, to the extent practicable, information and, when appropriate, informal guidance regarding the process that the developers must follow for Federal regulatory review. The web-based platform shall be funded by the Department of Agriculture, with the other agencies providing support, to the extent consistent with applicable law and within existing appropriations, through appropriate interagency agreements, including agreements under the Economy Act [act June 30, 1932, ch. 314, part II, 47 Stat. 399, see 31 U.S.C. 1535].

Sec. 6. Review of Current Authorities, Regulations, and Guidance. (a) Each of the agencies shall, as appropriate, conduct a review of its regulations and guidance that may apply to genome-edited-specialty-crop-plant products designed to have significant health, agricultural, or environmental benefits, in particular those that are likely to benefit rural communities significantly. Based on the findings of its review, each of the agencies shall take steps to update its regulations and guidance, as necessary and appropriate, to remove undue barriers that impede small, private United States developers, the United States Government, and academic institutions from bringing innovative and safe genome-edited-specialty-crop-plant products to the marketplace.

(b) Every 90 days after the date of this order, for a period of 2 years, each of the agencies shall provide an update regarding its progress in implementing section 6 of this order to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.

Sec. 7. Domestic Engagement Strategy. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary, in coordination with the Administrator, the Commissioner, and any other Administration officials that the Secretary deems appropriate, shall develop an action plan to facilitate engagement with consumers in order to build public confidence in, and acceptance of, the use of safe biotechnology in agriculture and the food system.

(b) In developing the plan described in subsection (a) of this section, the following shall be considered: supporting research and education on effective science communication; developing educational materials that integrate agricultural biotechnology into science education; creating consumer-facing web content; and developing other outreach materials that clearly communicate the demonstrated benefits of agricultural biotechnology, the safety record of the regulatory system, and how biotechnology can address agricultural challenges. The strategy shall take into account the ongoing work of the Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative, which calls on the Food and Drug Administration to work with the Department of Agriculture to conduct public education and outreach on agricultural biotechnology and food and animal-feed ingredients derived from such technology. The Secretary shall coordinate with State leaders in the fields of public health and agriculture as part of this strategy.

Sec. 8. International Outreach. Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary and the Secretary of State (collectively, the "Secretaries"), in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, the Administrator, the Commissioner, and any other Administration officials that the Secretaries deem appropriate, shall develop an international communications and outreach strategy to facilitate engagement abroad with policymakers, consumers, industry, and other stakeholders. The goal of the strategy shall be to increase international acceptance of products of agricultural biotechnology in order to open and maintain markets for United States agricultural exports abroad.

Sec. 9. International Trade Strategy. Within 120 days of the date of this order, the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretaries and the Trade Policy Staff Committee, shall develop an international strategy to remove unjustified trade barriers and expand markets for products of agricultural biotechnology.

Sec. 10. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Donald J. Trump.      

§3122. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §852(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1171

Section, Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1407, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 986; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1407, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1299; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIV, §1405, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1604(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3706; Pub. L. 102–237, title IV, §§402(1), 407(1), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1863, 1864; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1012(d), (e), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 712, related to establishment of Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences.

§3123. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish within the Department of Agriculture a board to be known as the "National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board".

(b) Membership

(1) In general

The Advisory Board shall consist of 15 members, appointed by the Secretary.

(2) Selection of members

The Secretary shall appoint members of the Advisory Board from nominations submitted by organizations, associations, societies, councils, federations, groups, and companies fitting the criteria specified in paragraph (3).

(3) Membership categories

The Advisory Board shall consist of members from each of the following categories:

(A) 3 members representing national farm or producer organizations, which may include members—

(i) representing farm cooperatives;

(ii) who are producers actively engaged in the production of a food animal commodity and who are recommended by a coalition of national livestock organizations;

(iii) who are producers actively engaged in the production of a plant commodity and who are recommended by a coalition of national crop organizations; or

(iv) who are producers actively engaged in aquaculture and who are recommended by a coalition of national aquacultural organizations.

(B) 2 members representing academic or research societies, which may include members representing—

(i) a national food animal science society;

(ii) a national crop, soil, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, or weed science society;

(iii) a national food science organization;

(iv) a national human health association; or

(v) a national nutritional science society.

(C) 5 members representing agricultural research, extension, and education, which shall include each of the following:

(i) 1 member representing the land-grant colleges and universities eligible to receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).

(ii) 1 member representing the land-grant colleges and universities eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University.

(iii) 1 member representing the 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382)).

(iv) 1 member representing NLGCA Institutions or Hispanic-serving institutions.

(v) 1 member representing American colleges of veterinary medicine.

(D) 5 members representing industry, consumer, or rural interests, including members representing—

(i) entities engaged in transportation of food and agricultural products to domestic and foreign markets;

(ii) food retailing and marketing interests;

(iii) food and fiber processors;

(iv) rural economic development interests;

(v) a national consumer interest group;

(vi) a national forestry group;

(vii) a national conservation or natural resource group;

(viii) a national social science association;

(ix) private sector organizations involved in international development; or

(x) a national association of agricultural economists.

(4) Ex officio members

The Secretary, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics, the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Administrator of the Economic Research Service, and the Administrator of the National Agricultural Statistics Service shall serve as ex officio members of the Advisory Board.

(5) Officers

At the first meeting of the Advisory Board each year, the members shall elect from among the members of the Advisory Board a chairperson, vice chairperson, and 7 additional members to serve on the executive committee established under paragraph (6).

(6) Executive committee

The Advisory Board shall establish an executive committee charged with the responsibility of working with the Secretary and officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture to summarize and disseminate the recommendations of the Advisory Board.

(7) Equal representation of public and private sector members

In appointing members to serve on the Advisory Board, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, equal representation of public and private sector members.

(c) Duties

The Advisory Board shall—

(1) make recommendations, review, and provide consultation to the Secretary, land-grant colleges and universities, and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate on—

(A) long-term and short-term national policies and priorities consistent with the—

(i) purposes specified in section 3101 of this title for agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and

(ii) priority areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative specified in subsection (b)(2) of section 3157 of this title;

(B) the annual establishment of national priorities that are in accordance with the priority areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative specified in subsection (b)(2) of section 3157 of this title.

(2) evaluate the results and effectiveness of agricultural research, extension, education, and economics with respect to the policies and priorities and make recommendations to the Secretary based on such evaluation;

(3) review and make recommendations to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics on the research, extension, education, and economics portion of the draft strategic plan required under section 306 of title 5;

(4) review and make recommendations on the mechanisms of the Department of Agriculture for technology assessment (which should be conducted by qualified professionals) for the purposes of—

(A) performance measurement and evaluation of the implementation by the Secretary of the strategic plan required under section 306 of title 5;

(B) implementation of national research policies and priorities that are consistent with the purposes specified in section 3101 of this title; and

(C) the development of mechanisms for the assessment of emerging public and private agricultural research and technology transfer initiatives; and

(5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation.

(d) Consultation

(1) Duties of Advisory Board

In carrying out this section, the Advisory Board shall consult with any appropriate agencies of the Department of Agriculture and solicit opinions and recommendations from persons who will benefit from and use federally funded agricultural research, extension, education, and economics.

(2) Duties of Secretary

To comply with a provision of this chapter or any other law that requires the Secretary to consult or cooperate with the Advisory Board or that authorizes the Advisory Board to submit recommendations to the Secretary, the Secretary shall—

(A) solicit the written opinions and recommendations of the Advisory Board; and

(B) provide a written response to the Advisory Board regarding the manner and extent to which the Secretary will implement recommendations submitted by the Advisory Board.

(e) Appointment

A member of the Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Secretary for a term of up to 3 years. The members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed to serve staggered terms.

(f) Chapter 10 of title 5

The Advisory Board shall be deemed to have filed a charter for the purpose of section 1008(c) of title 5.

(g) Annual limitation on Advisory Board expenses

(1) Maximum amount

Not more than $500,000 may be used to cover the necessary expenses of the Advisory Board for each fiscal year.

(2) General limitation

The expenses of the Advisory Board shall not be counted toward any general limitation on the expenses of advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces of the Department of Agriculture contained in any Act making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, whether enacted before, on, or after June 23, 1998, unless the appropriation Act specifically refers to this subsection and specifically includes this Advisory Board within the general limitation.

(h) Termination

The Advisory Board shall remain in existence until September 30, 2023.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1408, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 988; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1408, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1300; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIV, §1406, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1604(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3709; Pub. L. 102–237, title IV, §402(2), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1863; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §§1011(t), 1012(f), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 710, 712; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §802(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1156; Pub. L. 105–185, title II, §222, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 538; Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §§7133, 7209(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 435, 444; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §§7102(a), 7511(c)(8), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1214, 1268; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §§7102(a), 7511(c)(8), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1975, 2029; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §7102, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 863; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7103, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4781; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(31), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4308.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of July 2, 1862, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C)(i), is act July 2, 1862, ch. 130, 12 Stat. 503, popularly known as the "Morrill Act" and also as the "First Morrill Act", which is classified generally to subchapter I (§301 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 301 of this title and Tables.

Act of August 30, 1890, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii), is act Aug. 30, 1890, ch. 841, 26 Stat. 417, popularly known as the Agricultural College Act of 1890 and also as the Second Morrill Act, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§321 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 321 of this title and Tables.

For definition of "this chapter", referred to in subsec. (d)(2), see note set out under section 3102 of this title.

Codification

The authorities provided by each provision of, and each amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, as in effect on Sept. 30, 2023, to continue, and authorities to be carried out, until the later of Sept. 30, 2024, or the date specified in the provision of, or amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, see section 102(a) of Pub. L. 118–22, set out in an Extension of Agricultural Programs note under section 9001 of this title.

The authorities provided by each provision of, and each amendment made by, Pub. L. 110–246, as in effect on Sept. 30, 2012, to continue, and the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the authorities, until the later of Sept. 30, 2013, or the date specified in the provision of, or amendment made by, Pub. L. 110–246, see section 701(a) of Pub. L. 112–240, set out in a 1-Year Extension of Agricultural Programs note under section 8701 of this title.

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

2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "section 1008(c) of title 5." for "section 9(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)." in text.

2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(1)(A), substituted "15" for "25".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(1)(B), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) provided 25 membership categories of the Advisory Board.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(2)(A)(i), substituted "make recommendations, review, and" for "review and" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(2)(A)(ii), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "long-term and short-term national policies and priorities consistent with the purposes specified in section 3101 of this title for agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(2)(A)(iii), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "the annual establishment of priorities that—

"(i) are in accordance with the purposes specified in a provision of a covered law (as defined in subsection (d) of section 3371 of this title) under which competitive grants (described in subsection (c) of such section) are awarded; and

"(ii) the Board determines are national priorities."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(2)(B), inserted "and make recommendations to the Secretary based on such evaluation" after "priorities".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(2)(C), inserted "and make recommendations on" after "review" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–334, §7103(3), substituted "2023" for "2018".

2014—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, §7102(b)(1), substituted "Committee on Appropriations of the Senate on—" for "Committee on Appropriations of the Senate on long-term and short-term national policies and priorities, as set forth in section 3101 of this title, relating to agricultural research, extension, education, and economics;" and added subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 113–79, §7102(b)(3)(A), substituted "national research policies and priorities that are consistent with the purposes specified in" for "the national research policies and priorities set forth in".

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 113–79, §7102(b)(2), (3)(B), (4), added par. (5).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 113–79, §7102(a), substituted "2018" for "2012".

2008—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §7102(a)(1)(A), substituted "25" for "31".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–246, §7102(a)(1)(B), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which related to membership categories and directed that the Advisory Board consist of members from each of the categories listed in former subpars. (A) to (EE).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–246, §7511(c)(8), substituted "the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture" for "the Administrator of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §7102(a)(2), substituted "$500,000" for "$350,000".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–246, §7102(a)(3), substituted "2012" for "2007".

2002—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 107–171, §7209(a)(1), substituted "31 members" for "30 members".

Subsec. (b)(3)(R) to (EE). Pub. L. 107–171, §7209(a)(2), added subpar. (R) and redesignated former subpars. (R) to (DD) as (S) to (EE), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 107–171, §7209(a)(3), substituted "Secretary, land-grant colleges and universities, and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate" for "Secretary and land-grant colleges and universities".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–171, §7209(a)(4), inserted "consult with any appropriate agencies of the Department of Agriculture and" after "The Advisory Board shall".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–171, §7133, substituted "2007" for "2002".

1998—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 105–185, §222(a), added par. (7).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–185, §222(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 105–185, §222(c), added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

1996—Pub. L. 104–127 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which established National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board and provided for membership, chairperson and vice-chairperson, meetings, panels of the Board, responsibilities of the Board, reports by the Board, and a report by the Secretary of Agriculture on manner in which recommendations of Board had been incorporated into programs of Department of Agriculture.

1995—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 104–66, §1012(f), inserted "may provide" before "a written report" in first sentence.

Subsec. (g)(2), (3). Pub. L. 104–66, §1011(t), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which required Advisory Board to submit to the President and congressional committees a report containing appraisal by Board of President's proposed budget for food and agricultural sciences and recommendations of Secretary.

1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–237, §402(2)(A), substituted "Government" for "government".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 102–237, §402(2)(B), substituted "federally" for "Federally".

1990—Pub. L. 101–624 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which established National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board to expire on Sept. 30, 1990, authorized membership of Board at 25 representatives, provided for selection of chairman and vice-chairman, provided for meetings at least once during each three month period, authorized establishment of panels to assist Board in meeting its responsibilities, and outlined general and specific responsibilities of Board, including the submission of reports.

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–198, §1406(a), substituted "1990" for "1985".

Subsec. (f)(2)(G). Pub. L. 99–198, §1406(b), added subpar. (G).

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–98, §1408(a), substituted "that expires September 30, 1985" for "of five years".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–98, §1408(b), in provision preceding par. (1) substituted "twenty-five" for "twenty-one" and inserted "to serve staggered terms" and in par. (1) substituted "eight" for "four" and "agricultural, forestry, and aquacultural products, from various geographical regions" for "agricultural commodities, forest products, and aquacultural products".

Subsec. (f)(2)(E). Pub. L. 97–98, §1408(c)(1), substituted "July 1" for "October 1".

Subsec. (f)(2)(F). Pub. L. 97–98, §1408(c)(2), substituted "February 20 of" for "March 1 of".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate changed to Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

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, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

Amendment by section 7511(c)(8) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 7511(c) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1522 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

Effect of 2008 Amendment on Terms

Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §7102(b), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1215, and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §7102(b), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1976, provided that: "Nothing in this section [amending this section] or any amendment made by this section affects the term of any member of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board serving as of the date of enactment of this Act [June 18, 2008]."

[Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical provisions. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of this title.]

§3123a. Specialty crop committee

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

Not later than 90 days after December 21, 2004, the executive committee of the Advisory Board shall establish, and appoint the initial members of, a permanent specialty crops committee that will be responsible for studying the scope and effectiveness of research, extension, and economics programs affecting the specialty crop industry.

(2) Citrus disease subcommittee

(A) In general

Not later than 45 days after February 7, 2014, the Secretary shall establish within the specialty crops committee, and appoint the initial members of, a citrus disease subcommittee to carry out the responsibilities of the subcommittee described in subsection (g) in accordance with subsection (j)(3) of section 7632 of this title.

(B) Composition

The citrus disease subcommittee shall be composed of 11 members, each of whom is a domestic producer of citrus in a State, represented as follows:

(i) Five of such members shall represent Arizona or California.

(ii) Five of such members shall represent Florida.

(iii) One of such members shall represent Texas.

(C) Membership

The Secretary may appoint individuals who are not members of the specialty crops committee or the Advisory Board established under section 3123 of this title as members of the citrus disease subcommittee ¹

(D) Termination

The subcommittee established under subparagraph (A) shall terminate on September 30, 2023.

(E) Chapter 10 of title 5

The subcommittee established under subparagraph (A) shall be covered by the exemption to section 1008(c) of title 5 applicable to the Advisory Board under section 3123(f) of this title.

(b) Members

(1) Eligibility

Individuals who are not members of the Advisory Board may be appointed as members of the specialty crops committee.

(2) Service

Members of the specialty crops committee shall serve at the discretion of the executive committee.

(3) Diversity

Membership of the specialty crops committee shall reflect diversity in the specialty crops represented.

(c) Annual committee report

Not later than 180 days after the establishment of the specialty crops committee, and annually thereafter, the specialty crops committee shall submit to the Advisory Board a report containing the findings of its study under subsection (a). The specialty crops committee shall include in each report recommendations regarding the following:

(1) Programs designed to improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of specialty crop production in the United States.

(2) Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would—

(A) enhance the quality and shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables, including their taste and appearance;

(B) develop new crop protection tools and expand the applicability and cost-effectiveness of integrated pest management;

(C) prevent the introduction of foreign invasive pests and diseases;

(D) develop new products and new uses of specialty crops, including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops;

(E) develop new and improved marketing tools for specialty crops;

(F) enhance food safety regarding specialty crops;

(G) improve the remote sensing and the mechanization of production practices; and

(H) enhance irrigation techniques used in specialty crop production.

(3) Analyses of changes in macroeconomic conditions, technologies, and policies on specialty crop production and consumption, with particular focus on the effect of those changes on the financial stability of producers.

(4) Development of data that provide applied information useful to specialty crop growers, their associations, and other interested beneficiaries in evaluating that industry from a regional and national perspective.

(5) Analysis of the alignment of specialty crops committee recommendations with grants awarded through the specialty crop research initiative established under section 7632 of this title.

(d) Consultation with specialty crop industry

In studying the scope and effectiveness of programs under subsection (a), the specialty crops committee shall consult on an ongoing basis with diverse sectors of the specialty crop industry.

(e) Consideration by Secretary

In preparing the annual budget recommendations for the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary shall take into consideration those findings and recommendations contained in the most-recent report of the specialty crops committee that are adopted by the Advisory Board.

(f) Annual report by Secretary

In the budget material submitted to Congress by the Secretary in connection with the budget submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall include a report describing how the Secretary addressed each recommendation of the specialty crops committee described in subsection (e).

(g) Citrus disease subcommittee duties

For the purposes of subsection (j) of section 7632 of this title, the citrus disease subcommittee shall—

(1) advise the Secretary on citrus research, extension, and development needs;

(2) propose, by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members of the subcommittee, a research and extension agenda and annual budgets for the funds made available to carry out such subsection;

(3) evaluate and review ongoing research and extension funded under the emergency citrus disease research and extension program (as defined in such subsection);

(4) establish, by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members of the subcommittee, annual priorities for the award of grants under such subsection;

(5) provide the Secretary any comments on grants awarded under such subsection during the previous fiscal year; and

(6) engage in regular consultation and collaboration with the Department and other institutional, governmental, and private persons conducting scientific research on, and extension activities related to, the causes or treatments of citrus diseases and pests, both domestic and invasive, for purposes of—

(A) maximizing the effectiveness of research and extension projects funded under the citrus disease research and extension program;

(B) hastening the development of useful treatments;

(C) avoiding duplicative and wasteful expenditures; and

(D) providing the Secretary with such information and advice as the Secretary may request.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1408A, as added Pub. L. 108–465, title III, §303, Dec. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 3885; amended Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §7103, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1215; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §7103, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1976; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §7103, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 864; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7104, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4783; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(32), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4308.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

The authorities provided by each provision of, and each amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, as in effect on Sept. 30, 2023, to continue, and authorities to be carried out, until the later of Sept. 30, 2024, or the date specified in the provision of, or amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, see section 102(a) of Pub. L. 118–22, set out in an Extension of Agricultural Programs note under section 9001 of this title.

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.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 3123a, Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1408A, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1605(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3711; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title IV, §402(3), (4), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1863, related to establishment of Agricultural Science and Technology Review Board, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §853(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1172.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "section 1008(c) of title 5" for "section 9(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

2018—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, §7104(1), substituted "specialty" for "speciality".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §7104(2)(A), substituted "11" for "9" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–334, §7104(2)(B), substituted "Five" for "Three".

Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 115–334, §7104(3), substituted "2023" for "2018".

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(b), designated first sentence of existing provisions as par. (1) and second sentence as par. (2), inserted headings, and added par. (3).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(1), substituted "Programs" for "Measures".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(4)(A), substituted "Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would" for "Programs that would" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(2), (3), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "Measures designed to improve competitiveness in research, extension, and economics programs affecting the specialty crop industry."

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(4)(B), inserted ", including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (c)(2)(G). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(4)(C), inserted "the remote sensing and the" before "mechanization".

Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(3), redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (3) and (4), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(c)(5), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (4).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(d)(1), (2), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(d)(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and substituted "subsection (e)" for "subsection (d)".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–79, §7103(e), added subsec. (g).

2008—Subsec. (c)(4), (5). Pub. L. 110–246, §7103, added pars. (4) and (5).

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.

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.

§3123b. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7105, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4783

Section, Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1408B, as added Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §7104, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1216, and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §7104, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1977, related to the establishment of a renewable energy committee.

§3124. Existing research programs

It is the intent of Congress in enacting this chapter to augment, coordinate, and supplement the planning, initiation, and conduct of agricultural research programs existing prior to September 29, 1977, except that it is not the intent of Congress in enacting this title to limit the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under any Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services administers.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1409, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 989; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1409, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1301.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of "this chapter", referred to in text, see note set out under section 3102 of this title.

Amendments

1981—Pub. L. 97–98 substituted "Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in two places.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

§3124a. Federal-State partnership and coordination

(a) Covered programs; statement of purposes

A unique partnership arrangement exists in food and agricultural research, extension, and teaching between the Federal Government and the governments of the several States whereby the States have accepted and have supported, through legislation and appropriations—

(1) research programs under—

(A) the Act of March 2, 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.), commonly known as the Hatch Act of 1887;

(B) the Act of October 10, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962;

(C) subchapter V of this chapter; and

(D) subchapter VI of this chapter;

(2) extension programs under subchapter VI of this chapter and the Act of May 8, 1914 (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), commonly known as the Smith-Lever Act;

(3) teaching programs under—

(A) the Act of July 2, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), commonly known as the First Morrill Act;

(B) the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), commonly known as the Second Morrill Act; and

(C) the Act of June 29, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 329), commonly known as the Bankhead-Jones Act; and

(4) international agricultural programs under title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2220a et seq.).

This partnership in publicly supported agricultural research, extension, and teaching involving the programs of Federal agencies and the programs of the States has played a major role in the outstanding successes achieved in meeting the varied, dispersed, and in many cases, site-specific needs of American agriculture. This partnership must be preserved and enhanced.

(b) Establishment, etc., of cooperative centers

In order to promote research and education in food and human nutrition, the Secretary may establish cooperative human nutrition centers to focus resources, facilities, and scientific expertise on particular high priority nutrition problems identified by the Department. Such centers shall be established at State cooperative institutions; and at other colleges and universities, having a demonstrable capacity to carry out human nutrition research and education.

(c) Designation of State cooperative institutions; reports; research grants

(1) To promote research for purposes of developing agricultural policy alternatives, the Secretary is encouraged—

(A) to designate at least one State cooperative institution to conduct research in an interdisciplinary fashion; and

(B) to report on a regular basis with respect to the effect of emerging technological, economic, sociological, and environmental developments on the structure of agriculture.

(2) Support for this effort should include grants to examine the role of various food production, processing, and distribution systems that may primarily benefit small- and medium-sized family farms, such as diversified farm plans, energy, water, and soil conservation technologies, direct and cooperative marketing, production and processing cooperatives, and rural community resource management.

(d) Designation of State agricultural experiment stations and Agricultural Research Service facilities; pilot projects; additional research

To address more effectively the critical need for reducing farm input costs, improving soil, water, and energy conservation on farms and in rural areas, using sustainable agricultural methods, adopting alternative processing and marketing systems, and encouraging rural resources management, the Secretary is encouraged to designate at least one State agricultural experiment station and one Agricultural Research Service facility to examine these issues in an integrated and comprehensive manner, while conducting ongoing pilot projects contributing additional research through the Federal-State partnership.

(e) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5

(1) Public meetings

All meetings of any entity described in paragraph (3) shall be publicly announced in advance and shall be open to the public. Detailed minutes of meetings and other appropriate records of the activities of such an entity shall be kept and made available to the public on request.

(2) Exemption

Chapter 10 of title 5 and title XVIII of this Act [7 U.S.C. 2281 et seq.] shall not apply to any entity described in paragraph (3).

(3) Entities described

This subsection shall apply to any committee, board, commission, panel, or task force, or similar entity that—

(A) is created for the purpose of cooperative efforts in agricultural research, extension, or teaching; and

(B) consists entirely of—

(i) full-time Federal employees; and

(ii) one or more individuals who are employed by, or are officials of—

(I) a State cooperative institution or State cooperative agency; or

(II) a public college or university or other postsecondary institution.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1409A, as added Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1410(a), Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1301; amended Pub. L. 99–198, title XIV, §1407, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1601(f)(1)(B), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3704; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §803, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1159; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(33), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4308.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of March 2, 1887, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is act Mar. 2, 1887, ch. 314, 24 Stat. 440, popularly known as the Hatch Act of 1887, which is classified generally to sections 361a to 361i of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 361a of this title and Tables.

Act of October 10, 1962, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), is Pub. L. 87–788, Oct. 10, 1962, 76 Stat. 806, popularly known as the "McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962" and also as the "McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act", which is classified generally to subchapter III (§582a et seq.) of chapter 3 of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 582a of Title 16 and Tables.

Act of May 8, 1914, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is act May 8, 1914, ch. 79, 38 Stat. 372, popularly known as the Smith-Lever Act, which is classified generally to subchapter IV (§341 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 341 of this title and Tables.

Act of July 2, 1862, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is act July 2, 1862, ch. 130, 12 Stat. 503, popularly known as the "Morrill Act" and also as the "First Morrill Act", which is classified generally to subchapter I (§301 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 301 of this title and Tables.

Act of August 30, 1890, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(B), is act Aug. 30, 1890, ch. 841, 26 Stat. 417, popularly known as the Agricultural College Act of 1890 and also as the Second Morrill Act, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§321 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 321 of this title and Tables.

Act of June 29, 1935, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(C), is act June 29, 1935, ch. 338, 49 Stat. 436, popularly known as the Bankhead-Jones Act and as the Agricultural Research Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1935 Amendment note under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is Pub. L. 87–195, Sept. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 424. Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 probably means title XII of chapter 2 of part I of the Act, which is classified generally to subpart XII (§2220a et seq.) of part II of subchapter I of chapter 32 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2151 of Title 22 and Tables.

Title XVIII of this Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is title XVIII of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95–113, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 1041, which is classified generally to chapter 55A (§2281 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1977 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(33)(A), substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(33)(B), substituted "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)".

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–127 added subsec. (e).

1990—Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 101–624 redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as (c) and (d), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: "In order to meet the increasing needs of consumers and to promote the health and welfare of people, the Secretary shall ensure that the cooperative research, extension, and teaching programs of the various States adequately address the challenges described in paragraph (10) of section 3101 of this title. The Secretary may implement new cooperative initiatives in home economics and related disciplines to address such challenges."

1985—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–198, §1407(a), added par. (4).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 99–198, §1407(b), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 4301 of this title.

§3125. Annual report of Secretary of Agriculture to President and Congress

The Secretary shall submit to the President and Congress by January 1 of each year a report on the Nation's agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities, and such report shall include—

(1) a review covering the following three categories of activities of the Department of Agriculture with respect to agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities and the relationship of these activities to similar activities of other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, the States, colleges and universities, and the private sector—

(A) a current inventory of such activities organized by statutory authorization and budget outlay;

(B) a current inventory of such activities organized by field of basic and applied science; and

(C) a current inventory of such activities organized by commodity and product category;

(2) any recommendations of the Advisory Board; and

(3) in the second and succeeding years, a five-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and teaching, taking into account both domestic and international needs.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1410, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 989; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1411, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1302; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIV, §1408, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1546; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1605(b)(4), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3714; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §§802(b)(2), 852(b)(2), 853(b)(3), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1159, 1171, 1172.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Par. (2). Pub. L. 104–127 substituted "any recommendations of the Advisory Board" for "the recommendations of the Joint Council developed under section 3122(f) of this title, the recommendations of the Advisory Board developed under section 3123(g) of this title, and the recommendations of the Technology Board developed under section 3123a(d) of this title".

1990—Par. (2). Pub. L. 101–624 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "the statements of recommendations of the Joint Council developed pursuant to the provisions of section 3122(d)(2)(G) of this title and the statement of recommendations of the Advisory Board developed pursuant to the provisions of section 3123(f)(2)(E) of this title; and".

1985—Par. (4). Pub. L. 99–198 struck out par. (4) which provided for inclusion "in the report of January 1, 1984, the Secretary's needs assessment developed pursuant to the provisions of section 3121(11) of this title".

1981—Pub. L. 97–98 substituted in provision preceding par. (1) "January 1" for "February 1" and added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of this section relating to submittal to Congress of annual report on agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 44 of House Document No. 103–7.

§3125a. National Agricultural Library

(a) Purpose

The purpose of this section is to consolidate and expand the statutory authority for the operation of the library of the Department of Agriculture established pursuant to section 2201 of this title as the primary agricultural information resource of the United States.

(b) Establishment

There is established in the Department of Agriculture the National Agricultural Library to serve as the primary agricultural information resource of the United States.

(c) Director

The Secretary shall appoint a Director for the National Agricultural Library who shall be subject to the direction of the Secretary.

(d) Functions of Director

The Director may—

(1) acquire, preserve, and manage information and information products and services in all phases of agriculture and allied sciences;

(2) organize agricultural information and information products and services by cataloging, indexing, bibliographical listing, and other appropriate techniques;

(3) provide agricultural information and information products and services to agencies of the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Government, public and private organizations, and individuals, within the United States and internationally;

(4) plan for, coordinate, and evaluate information and library needs related to agricultural research and education;

(5) cooperate with and coordinate efforts among agricultural college and university libraries, in conjunction with private industry and other agricultural library and information centers, toward the development of a comprehensive agricultural library and information network; and

(6) coordinate the development of specialized subject information services among the agricultural and library information communities.

(e) Library products and services

The Director may—

(1) make copies of the bibliographies prepared by the National Agricultural Library;

(2) make microforms and other reproductions of books and other library materials in the Department;

(3) provide any other library and information products and services; and

(4) sell those products and services at such prices (not less than the estimated total cost of disseminating the products and services) as the Secretary may determine appropriate.

(f) Receipts

Funds received from sales under subsection (e) shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the applicable appropriation and shall remain available until expended.

(g) Agreements

(1) In general

The Director may enter into agreement with, and receive funds from any State, and other political subdivision, organization, business, or individual for the purpose of conducting activities to carry out this section.

(2) Funds

Funds received under this subsection for payments for library products and services or other activities shall be deposited to the miscellaneous contributed fund account, and shall remain available until expended.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1410A, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1606(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3714.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Enhanced Use Lease Authority Program

Pub. L. 103–354, title III, §308, as added by Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §7409, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1252, and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §7409, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2014; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §§7511, 7605, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 901, 912; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7601, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4825, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—To enhance the use of real property administered by agencies of the Department, the Secretary may establish a program, in accordance with this section, at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center of the Agricultural Research Service and the National Agricultural Library to lease nonexcess property of the Center or the Library to any individual or entity, including agencies or instrumentalities of State or local governments.

"(b) Requirements.—

"(1) In general.—Notwithstanding chapter 5 of subtitle I of title 40, United States Code, the Secretary may lease real property at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center or the National Agricultural Library in accordance with such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, if the Secretary determines that the lease—

"(A) is consistent with, and will not adversely affect, the mission of the Department agency administering the property;

"(B) will enhance the use of the property;

"(C) will not permit any portion of Department agency property or any facility of the Department to be used for the public retail or wholesale sale of merchandise or residential development;

"(D) will not permit the construction or modification of facilities financed by non-Federal sources to be used by an agency, except for incidental use; and

"(E) will not include any property or facility required for any Department agency purpose without prior consideration of the needs of the agency.

"(2) Term.—The term of a lease under this section shall not exceed 30 years.

"(3) Consideration.—

"(A) In general.—Consideration provided for a lease under this section shall be—

"(i) in an amount equal to fair market value, as determined by the Secretary; and

"(ii) in the form of cash.

"(B) Use of funds.—

"(i) In general.—Consideration provided for a lease under this section shall be—

     "(I) deposited in a capital asset account to be established by the Secretary; and

     "(II) available until expended, without further appropriation, for maintenance, capital revitalization, and improvements of the Department properties and facilities at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and National Agricultural Library.

"(ii) Budgetary treatment.—For purposes of the budget, the amounts described in clause (i) shall not be treated as a receipt of any Department agency or any other agency leasing property under this section.

"(4) Costs.—The lessee shall cover all costs associated with a lease under this section, including the cost of—

"(A) the project to be carried out on property or at a facility covered by the lease;

"(B) provision and administration of the lease;

"(C) construction of any needed facilities;

"(D) provision of applicable utilities; and

"(E) any other facility cost normally associated with the operation of a leased facility.

"(5) Prohibition of use of appropriations.—The Secretary shall not use any funds made available to the Secretary in an appropriations Act for the construction or operating costs of any space covered by a lease under this section.

"(6) Termination of authority.—This section and the authority provided by this section terminate—

"(A) on September 30, 2023; or

"(B) with respect to any particular leased property, on the date of termination of the lease.

"(c) Effect of Other Laws.—

"(1) Utilization.—Property that is leased pursuant to this section shall not be considered to be unutilized or underutilized for purposes of section 501 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act [now the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act] (42 U.S.C. 11411).

"(2) Disposal.—Property at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center or the National Agricultural Library that is leased pursuant to this section shall not be considered to be disposed of by sale, lease, rental, excessing, or surplusing for purposes of section 523 of Public Law 100–202 (101 Stat. 1329–417).

"(d) Administration.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section [June 18, 2008], 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 detailed management objectives and performance measurements by which the Secretary intends to evaluate the success of the program under this section.

"(2) Reports.—Not later than September 30, 2021, 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 describing the implementation of the program under this section, including—

"(A) a copy of each lease entered into pursuant to this section; and

"(B) an assessment by the Secretary of the success of the program using the management objectives and performance measurements developed by the Secretary."

[Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical provisions. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of this title.]

§3125a–1. Agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information

(a) Partnerships

The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National Agricultural Library, shall support the dissemination of objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information by entering into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that on February 7, 2014, are carrying out objective programs for research, legal tools, and information in agricultural and food law.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter.

(Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §7603, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 911.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Agricultural Act of 2014, and not as part of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

§3125b. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish, within the National Agricultural Library, in coordination with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse (in this section referred to as the "Clearinghouse") to perform the functions specified in subsection (b).

(b) Functions

The Clearinghouse shall provide and distribute information and data to any industry, organization, or Federal, State, or local government entity, on request, about programs and services provided by Federal, State, and local agencies and private nonprofit organizations and institutions under which individuals residing in, or organizations and State and local government entities operating in, a rural area may be eligible for any kind of assistance, including job training, education, health care, and economic development assistance, and emotional and financial counseling. To the extent possible, the National Agricultural Library shall use telecommunications technology to disseminate information to rural areas.

(c) Federal agencies

On request of the Secretary, the head of a Federal agency shall provide to the Clearinghouse such information as the Secretary may request to enable the Clearinghouse to carry out subsection (b).

(d) State and local agencies and nonprofit organizations

The Secretary shall request State and local governments and private nonprofit organizations and institutions to provide to the Clearinghouse such information as such agencies and organizations may have about any program or service of such agencies, organizations, and institutions under which individuals residing in a rural area may be eligible for any kind of assistance, including job training, educational, health care, and economic development assistance, and emotional and financial counseling.

(e) Limitation on authorization of appropriations

To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2023.

(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2381, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4049; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §842, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1170; Pub. L. 105–185, title III, §301(b)(3), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 563; Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §7101, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 431; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §§7212, 7511(c)(9), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1242, 1268; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §§7212, 7511(c)(9), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2003, 2029; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §7217, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 887; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §7215, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4814.)

Editorial Notes

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.

Section was enacted as part of the Rural Economic Development Act of 1990, and also as part of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, and not as part of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

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

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

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, §7511(c)(9), substituted "National Institute of Food and Agriculture" for "Extension Service".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–246, §7212, substituted "2012" for "2007".

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

1998—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–185 substituted "2002" for "1997".

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–127 substituted "1997" for "1995".

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, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

Amendment by section 7511(c)(9) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 7511(c) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1522 of this title.

§3125c. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §859(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1173

Section, Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, §1499A, as added Pub. L. 102–237, title II, §201(h)(1), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1847, related to education program regarding handling of agricultural chemicals and agricultural chemical containers.

§3126. Libraries and information network

(a) Congressional declaration of policy

It is declared to be the policy of Congress that—

(1) cooperation and coordination among, and the more effective utilization of, disparate agricultural libraries and information units be facilitated;

(2) information and library needs related to agricultural research and education be effectively planned for, coordinated, and evaluated;

(3) a structure for the coordination of the agricultural libraries of colleges and universities, Department of Agriculture libraries, and their closely allied information gathering and disseminating units be established in close conjunction with private industry and other research libraries;

(4) effective access by all colleges and universities and Department of Agriculture personnel to literature and information regarding the food and agricultural sciences be provided;

(5) programs for training in information utilization with respect to the food and agricultural sciences, including research grants for librarians, information scientists, and agricultural scientists be established or strengthened; and

(6) the Department of Agriculture establish mutually valuable working relationships with international and foreign information and data programs.

(b) Food and Nutrition and Education Resources Center

There is established within the National Agricultural Library of the Department of Agriculture a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center. Such Center shall be responsible for—

(1) assembling and collecting food and nutrition education materials, including the results of nutrition research, training methods, procedures, and other materials related to the purpose of this chapter;

(2) maintaining such information and materials in a library; and

(3) providing notification about these collections on a regular basis to the State cooperative extension services, State educational agencies, and other interested persons.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

Funds are authorized to be appropriated annually in such amounts as Congress may determine necessary to support the purposes of this section. The Secretary is authorized to carry out this section with existing facilities through the use of grants, contracts, or such other means as the Secretary deems appropriate and to require matching of funds. No funds appropriated to support the purposes of this section shall be used to purchase additional equipment unless specifically authorized by law subsequent to September 29, 1977.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1411, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 990; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1412, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1302.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of "this chapter", referred to in subsec. (b)(1), see note set out under section 3102 of this title.

Amendments

1981—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 97–98, §1412(1)–(3), added par. (6).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 97–98, §1412(4), substituted "notification about these collections on a regular basis to the State cooperative extension services, State educational agencies, and other interested persons" for "for the dissemination of such information and materials on a regular basis to State educational agencies and other interested persons".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

§3127. Support for Advisory Board

(a) Appointment of staff

To assist the Advisory Board in the performance of its duties, the Secretary may appoint, after consultation with the chairperson of the Advisory Board—

(1) a full-time executive director who shall perform such duties as the chairperson of the Advisory Board may direct and who shall receive compensation at a rate not to exceed the rate payable for GS–18 of the General Schedule established in section 5332 of title 5; and

(2) a professional staff of not more than five full-time employees qualified in the food and agricultural sciences, of which one shall serve as the executive secretary to the Advisory Board.

(b) Additional clerical assistance and staff personnel

The Secretary shall provide such additional clerical assistance and staff personnel as may be required to assist the Advisory Board in carrying out its duties.

(c) Assistance of outside personnel

In formulating its recommendations to the Secretary, the Advisory Board may obtain the assistance of Department of Agriculture employees, and, to the maximum extent practicable, the assistance of employees of other Federal departments and agencies conducting related programs of agricultural research, extension, and teaching and of appropriate representatives of colleges and universities, including State agricultural experiment stations, cooperative extension services, and other non-Federal organizations conducting significant programs in the food and agricultural sciences.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1412, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 991; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1413, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1302; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1605(b)(1), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3713; Pub. L. 102–237, title IV, §402(5), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1863; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §§852(b)(3), 853(b)(4), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1171, 1172; Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §606(c)(1), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 603.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 105–185, §606(c)(1)(A), substituted "its duties" for "their duties".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–185, §606(c)(1)(B), substituted "its recommendations" for "their recommendations".

1996—Pub. L. 104–127, §§852(b)(3)(A), 853(b)(4)(A), in section catchline, substituted "Advisory Board" for "Joint Council, Advisory Board, and Technology Board".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127, §§852(b)(3)(B)(i), (ii), 853(b)(4)(B)(i), in introductory provisions, substituted "To assist the Advisory Board in" for "To assist the Joint Council, the Advisory Board, and the Technology Board in" and "with the chairperson of the Advisory Board" for "with the cochairpersons of the Joint Council and the chairperson of the Advisory Board and the Technology Board".

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–127, §§852(b)(3)(B)(ii), 853(b)(4)(B)(i), substituted "the chairperson of the Advisory Board" for "the cochairpersons of the Joint Council and the chairperson of the Advisory Board and the Technology Board".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–127, §§852(b)(3)(B)(iii), 853(b)(4)(B)(ii), substituted "one shall serve as the executive secretary to the Advisory Board" for "one shall serve as the executive secretary to the Joint Council, one shall serve as the executive secretary to the Advisory Board, and one shall serve as the executive secretary to the Technology Board".

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 104–127, §§852(b)(3)(C), 853(b)(4)(C), substituted "Advisory Board" for "Joint Council, Advisory Board, and Technology Board".

1991—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted ", Advisory Board, and Technology Board" for "and Advisory Board".

1990—Pub. L. 101–624, §1605(b)(1)(A), amended section catchline generally.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–624, §1605(b)(1)(B), in introductory provision, substituted ", the Advisory Board, and the Technology Board" for "and the Advisory Board" and inserted "and the Technology Board" before the dash, in par. (1), inserted "and the Technology Board" before "may direct", and in par. (2), substituted "Council," for "Council and" and inserted before period at end ", and one shall serve as the executive secretary to the Technology Board".

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 101–624, §1605(b)(1)(C), (D), which directed the substitution of ", the Advisory Board, and the Technology Board" for "and the Advisory Board", could not be executed because the phrase "and the Advisory Board" did not appear in text.

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–98 inserted in provision preceding par. (1) provision requiring consultation with the cochairpersons of the Joint Council and the chairperson of the Advisory Board, redesignated former par. (2) as (1) and substituted provision that a full-time executive director perform such duties as the cochairpersons of the Joint Council and chairperson of the Advisory Board direct for provision that an executive director perform such duties as the chairman of the Joint Council and the chairman of the Advisory Board direct, and redesignated former par. (1) as (2) and inserted provision that one of the full-time staff serve as the executive secretary to the Joint Council and one serve as executive secretary to the Advisory Board.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

§3128. General provisions

(a) Vacancies in Advisory Board

Any vacancy in the Advisory Board shall not affect its duties under this title and shall be filled in the same manner as the original position.

(b) Compensation and expenses of members of Advisory Board

Members of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation, if not otherwise officers or employees of the United States, except that they shall, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services under this chapter, be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under sections 5701 through 5707 of title 5.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated annually such sums as Congress may determine necessary to carry out the provisions of section 3127 of this title and subsection (b) of this section.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1413, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 991; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIV, §1414(a), Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1303; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1605(b)(2), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3713; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §218(e)(7), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3213; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §§852(b)(4), 853(b)(5), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1171, 1172; Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §606(b), (c)(2), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 603, 604.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of "this chapter", referred to in subsec. (b), see note set out under section 3102 of this title.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–185, §606(c)(2), substituted "its duties" for "their powers".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–185, §606(b), substituted "Advisory Board" for "Joint Council, the Advisory Board,".

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127, §§852(b)(4)(A), 853(b)(5)(A), substituted "the Advisory Board" for "the Joint Council, the Advisory Board, or the Technology Board".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–127, §853(b)(5)(B), struck out "and the Technology Board" before "shall serve without".

Pub. L. 104–127, §852(b)(4)(B), which directed substitution of "Advisory Board" for "Joint Council, Advisory Board," could not be executed because those words did not appear in text.

1994—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–354 struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows: "The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture who shall perform such duties as are necessary to carry out this chapter and who shall receive compensation at the rate now or hereafter prescribed by law for Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture."

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–624, §1605(b)(2)(A), substituted ", the Advisory Board, or the Technology Board" for "or the Advisory Board".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–624, §1605(b)(2)(B), substituted ", the Advisory Board, and the Technology Board" for "and Advisory Board".

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 101–624, §1605(b)(2)(C), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: "The Subcommittee on Food, Agricultural, and Forestry Research, the Joint Council, and the Advisory Board shall improve communication and interaction among themselves and with others in the agricultural science and education system through such mechanisms as the exchange of reports, joint meetings, and the use of liaison representatives."

1981—Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 97–98 added subsecs. (c) to (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective Dec. 22, 1981, see section 1801 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4301 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 1901 of Pub. L. 95–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 1307 of this title.

§3129. Accountability

(a) Review of information technology systems

The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art information technology systems that are available for use in developing the system required by subsection (b).

(b) Monitoring and evaluation system

The Secretary shall develop and carry out a system to monitor and evaluate agricultural research and extension activities conducted or supported by the Department of Agriculture that will enable the Secretary to measure the impact and effectiveness of research, extension, and education programs according to priorities, goals, and mandates established by law. In developing the system, the Secretary shall incorporate information transfer technologies to optimize public access to research information.

(c) Consistency with other requirements

The Secretary shall develop and implement the system in a manner consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103–62; 107 Stat. 285) and amendments made by the Act.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1413A, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §804, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1160.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 103–62, Aug. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 285, which enacted section 306 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, sections 1115 to 1119, 9703, and 9704 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and sections 2801 to 2805 of Title 39, Postal Service, amended section 1105 of Title 31, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1101 and 1115 of Title 31. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1993 Amendment note set out under section 1101 of Title 31 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 3129, Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1413A, as added Pub. L. 96–294, title II, §255(a), June 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 707, provided for biomass energy educational and technical assistance programs, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, §1601(f)(1)(C), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3704.

§3129a. Exemption from chapter 10 of title 5 for competitive research, extension, and education programs

Chapter 10 of title 5 and title XVIII of this Act [7 U.S.C. 2281 et seq.] shall not apply to any committee, board, commission, panel, or task force, or similar entity, created solely for the purpose of reviewing applications or proposals requesting funding under any competitive research, extension, or education program carried out by the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, §1413B, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §804, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1160; amended Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(34), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4309.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Title XVIII of this Act, referred to in text, is title XVIII of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95–113, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 1041, which is classified generally to chapter 55A (§2281 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1977 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Exemption from chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act exemption" in section catchline and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

§3130. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §858, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1173

Section, Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, §1456, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3614, related to composting research and extension program.