USC Subchapter I

USC Subchapter I
in effect

7 U.S.C. § 5811 Research and extension projects

(a) Projects requiredThe Secretary shall conduct research and extension projects to obtain data, develop conclusions, demonstrate technologies, and conduct educational programs that promote the purposes of this part, including research and extension projects that—(1) facilitate and increase scientific investigation and education in order to—(A) reduce, to the extent feasible and practicable, the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic natural materials in agricultural production; (B) improve low-input farm management to enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and competitiveness; and (C) promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification; and (2) facilitate the conduct of projects in order to—(A) study, to the extent practicable, agricultural production systems that are located in areas that possess various soil, climate, and physical characteristics; (B) study farms that have been, and will continue to be, managed using farm production practices that rely on low-input and conservation practices; (C) take advantage of the experience and expertise of farmers and ranchers through their direct participation and leadership in projects; (D) transfer practical, reliable and timely information to farmers and ranchers concerning low-input sustainable farming practices and systems; and (E) promote a partnership between farmers, nonprofit organizations, agribusiness, and public and private research and extension institutions. (b) AgreementsThe Secretary shall carry out this section through agreements entered into with land-grant colleges or universities, other universities, State agricultural experiment stations, the State cooperative extension services, nonprofit organizations with demonstrable expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities. (c) Selection of projects(1) In generalThe Secretary shall select research and extension projects to be conducted under this section on the basis of—(A) the relevance of the project to the purposes of this part; (B) the appropriateness of the design of the project; (C) the likelihood of obtaining the objectives of the project; and (D) the national or regional applicability of the findings and outcomes of the proposed project. (2) PriorityIn conducting projects under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that—(A) closely coordinate research and extension activities; (B) indicate the manner in which the findings of the project will be made readily usable by farmers; (C) maximize the involvement and cooperation of farmers, including projects involving on-farm research and demonstration; (D) involve a multidisciplinary systems approach; and (E) involve cooperation between farms, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, and government agencies. (d) Diversification of researchThe Secretary shall conduct projects and studies under this section in areas that are broadly representative of the diversity of United States agricultural production, including production on family farms, mixed-crop livestock farms and dairy operations. (e) On-farm researchThe Secretary may conduct projects and activities that involve on-farm research and demonstration in carrying out this section. (f) Impact studiesThe Secretary may approve study projects concerning the national and regional economic, global competitiveness, social and environmental implications of the adoption of low-input sustainable agricultural practices and systems. (g) Project duration(1) In generalThe Secretary may approve projects to be conducted under this section that have a duration of more than one fiscal year. (2) Sequence plantingIn the case of a research project conducted under this section that involves the planting of a sequence of crops or crop rotations, the Secretary shall approve such projects for a term that is appropriate to the sequence or rotation being studied. (h) Public accessThe Secretary shall ensure that research projects conducted under this section are open for public observation at specified times. (i) Indemnification(1) In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may indemnify the operator of a project conducted under this section for damage incurred or undue losses sustained as a result of a rigid requirement of research or demonstration under such project that is not experienced in normal farming operations. (2) Subject to agreementAn indemnity payment under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any agreement between a project grantee and operator entered into prior to the initiation of such project.

7 U.S.C. § 5812 Program administration

(a) Duties of SecretaryThe Secretary shall—(1) administer the programs and projects conducted under sections 5811 and 5813 of this title through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, and other appropriate agencies; (2) establish a minimum of four Regional Administrative Councils in accordance with subsection (b); and (3) in conjunction with such Regional Administrative Councils, identify regional host institutions required to carry out such programs or projects. (b) Regional Administrative Councils(1) MembershipThe membership of the Regional Administrative Councils shall include representatives of—(A) the Agricultural Research Service; (B) the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (C) State cooperative extension services; (D) State agricultural experiment stations; (E) the Soil Conservation Service; (F) State departments engaged in sustainable agriculture programs; (G) nonprofit organizations with demonstrable expertise; (H) farmers utilizing systems and practices of sustainable agriculture; (I) agribusiness; (J) the State or United States Geological Survey; and (K) other persons knowledgeable about sustainable agriculture and its impact on the environment and rural communities. (2) ResponsibilitiesThe Regional Administrative Councils shall—(A) promote the programs established under this subchapter at the regional level; (B) establish goals and criteria for the selection of projects authorized under this subchapter within the applicable region; (C) appoint a technical committee to evaluate the proposals for projects to be considered under this subchapter by such council; (D) review and act on the recommendations of the technical committee, and coordinate its activities with the regional host institution; and (E) prepare and make available an annual report concerning projects funded under sections 5811 and 5813 of this title, together with an evaluation of the project activity. (3) Conflict of interestA member of the Regional Administrative Council or a technical committee may not participate in the discussion or recommendation of proposed projects if the member has or had a professional or business interest in, including the provision of consultancy services, the organization whose grant application is under review.

7 U.S.C. § 5813 Federal-State matching grant program

(a) EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish a Federal-State matching grant program to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of State sustainable agriculture research, extension, and education programs, in furtherance of this subchapter. (b) Eligible programs and activitiesStates eligible to receive a grant under this section may conduct a variety of activities designed to carry out the purpose of this subchapter, including—(1) activities that encourage the incorporation and integration of sustainable agriculture concerns in all State research, extension, and education projects; (2) educational programs for farmers, educators, and the public; (3) the development and funding of innovative research, extension, and education programs regarding sustainable agriculture; (4) the conduct of research and demonstration projects; (5) the provision of technical assistance to farmers and ranchers; (6) activities that encourage farmer-to-farmer information exchanges; (7) the incorporation of sustainable agriculture studies in undergraduate and graduate degree programs; and (8) such other activities that are appropriate to the agricultural concerns of the State that are consistent with the purpose of this part. (c) Submission of plan(1) RequiredStates that elect to apply for a grant under this section shall prepare and submit, to the appropriate Regional Administrative Council established under section 5812 of this title, a State plan and schedule for approval by such council and the Secretary. (2) Elements of planState plans prepared under paragraph (1) shall provide details of the proposed program to be implemented using funds provided under this section for fiscal years 1991 through 1995, or any 5-year period thereafter, and shall identify the sources of matching State funds for the same fiscal year. (3) Participation of farmersTo be eligible for approval, State plans submitted under this subsection shall demonstrate that there will be extensive and direct participation of farmers in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program. (d) Grant award(1) LimitsSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible States in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the cost of the establishment or enhancement of a State sustainable agriculture program under a plan approved by the Secretary under subsection (c) for a period not to exceed 5 years. (2) State contributionTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall agree to pay, from State appropriated funds, other State revenue, or from private contributions received by the State, not less than 50 percent of the cost of the establishment or enhancement of the sustainable agriculture program under an approved plan under subsection (c).

7 U.S.C. § 5814 Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2023. Of amounts appropriated to carry out this part for a fiscal year, not less than $15,000,000, or not less than two thirds of any such appropriation, whichever is greater, shall be used to carry out sections 5811 and 5812 of this title.

7 U.S.C. § 5821 Integrated management systems

(a) EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish a research and education program concerning integrated resource management and integrated crop management in order to enhance research related to farming operations, practices, and systems that optimize crop and livestock production potential and are environmentally sound. The purpose of the program shall be—(1) to encourage producers to adopt integrated crop and livestock management practices and systems that minimize or abate adverse environmental impacts, reduce soil erosion and loss of water and nutrients, enhance the efficient use of on-farm and off-farm inputs, and maintain or increase profitability and long-term productivity; (2) to develop knowledge and information on integrated crop and livestock management systems and practices to assist agricultural producers in the adoption of these systems and practices; (3) to accumulate and analyze information on agricultural production practices researched or developed under programs established under this subchapter, chapter 86 of this title,11 See References in Text note below. and other appropriate programs of the Department of Agriculture to further the development of integrated crop and livestock management systems; (4) to facilitate the adoption of whole-farm integrated crop and livestock management systems through demonstration projects on individual farms, including small and limited resource farms, throughout the United States; and (5) to evaluate and recommend appropriate integrated crop and livestock management policies and programs. (b) Development and adoption of integrated crop management practicesThe Secretary shall encourage agricultural producers to adopt and develop individual, site-specific integrated crop management practices. On a priority basis, the Secretary shall develop and disseminate information on integrated crop management systems for agricultural producers in specific localities or crop producing regions where the Secretary determines—(1) water quality is impaired as a result of local or regional agricultural production practices; or (2) the adoption of such practices may aid in the recovery of endangered or threatened species. (c) Development and adoption of integrated resource management practicesThe Secretary shall, on a priority basis, develop programs to encourage livestock producers to develop and adopt individual, site-specific integrated resource management practices. These programs shall be designed to benefit producers and consumers through—(1) optimum use of available resources and improved production and financial efficiency for producers; (2) identifying and prioritizing the research and educational needs of the livestock industry relating to production and financial efficiency, competitiveness, environmental stability, and food safety; and (3) utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. (d) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2023.

7 U.S.C. § 5831 Technical guides and handbooks

(a) DevelopmentNot later than two years after November 28, 1990, the Secretary shall develop and make available handbooks and technical guides, and any other educational materials that are appropriate for describing sustainable agriculture production systems and practices, as researched and developed under this subchapter, chapter 86 of this title,11 See References in Text note below. and other appropriate research programs of the Department. (b) Consultation and coordinationThe Secretary shall develop the handbooks, technical guides, and educational materials in consultation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and any other appropriate entities designated by the Secretary. The Secretary shall coordinate activities conducted under this section with those conducted under section 3861 of title 16. (c) Topics of handbooks and guidesThe handbooks and guides, and other educational materials, shall include detailed information on the selection of crops and crop-plant varieties, rotation practices, soil building practices, tillage systems, nutrient management, integrated pest management practices, habitat protection, pest, weed, and disease management, livestock management, soil, water, and energy conservation, and any other practices in accordance with or in furtherance of the purpose of this subchapter. (d) Organization and contentsThe handbooks and guides, and other educational materials, shall provide practical instructions and be organized in such a manner as to enable agricultural producers desiring to implement the practices and systems developed under this subchapter, chapter 86 of this title,1 and other appropriate research programs of the Department to address site-specific, environmental and resource management problems and to sustain farm profitability, including—(1) enhancing and maintaining the fertility, productivity, and conservation of farmland and ranch soils, ranges, pastures, and wildlife; (2) maximizing the efficient and effective use of agricultural inputs; (3) protecting or enhancing the quality of water resources; or (4) optimizing the use of on-farm and nonrenewable resources. (e) AvailabilityThe Secretary shall ensure that handbooks and technical guides, and other educational materials are made available to the agricultural community and the public through colleges and universities, the State Cooperative Extension Service, the Soil Conservation Service, other State and Federal agencies, and any other appropriate entities. (f) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

7 U.S.C. § 5832 National Training Program

(a) In generalThe Secretary shall establish a National Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture to provide education and training for Cooperative Extension Service agents and other professionals involved in the education and transfer of technical information concerning sustainable agriculture in order to develop their understanding, competence, and ability to teach and communicate the concepts of sustainable agriculture to Cooperative Extension Service agents and to farmers and urban residents who need information on sustainable agriculture. (b) AdministrationThe National Training Program shall be organized and administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, in coordination with other appropriate Federal agencies. The Secretary shall designate an individual from the Cooperative Extension Service in each State to coordinate the National Training Program within that State. The coordinators shall be responsible, in cooperation with appropriate Federal and State agencies, for developing and implementing a statewide training program for appropriate field office personnel. (c) Required training(1) Agricultural agentsThe Secretary shall ensure that all agricultural agents of the Cooperative Extension Service have completed the National Training Program not later than the end of the five-year period beginning on November 28, 1990. Such training may occur at a college or university located within each State as designated by the coordinator designated under this section. (2) Proof of trainingBeginning three years after November 28, 1990, the Secretary shall ensure that all new Cooperative Extension Service agents employed by such Service are able to demonstrate, not later than 18 months after the employment of such agents, that such agents have completed the training program established in subsection (a). (d) Regional training centers(1) DesignationThe Secretary shall designate not less than two regional training centers to coordinate and administer educational activities in sustainable agriculture as provided for in this section. (2) Training programSuch centers shall offer intensive instructional programs involving classroom and field training work for extension specialists and other individuals who are required to transmit technical information. (3) Prohibition on constructionSuch centers shall be located at existing facilities, and no funds appropriated to carry out this part shall be used for facility construction. (4) AdministrationSuch centers should be administered by entities that have a demonstrated capability relating to sustainable agriculture. The Secretary should consider utilizing existing entities with expertise in sustainable agriculture to assist in the design and implementation of the training program under paragraph (2). (5) Coordination of resourcesSuch centers shall make use of information generated by the Department of Agriculture and the State agricultural experiment stations, and the practical experience of farmers, especially those cooperating in on-farm demonstrations and research projects, in carrying out the functions of such centers. (e) Competitive grants(1) In generalThe Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program to award grants to organizations, including land-grant colleges and universities, to carry out sustainable agricultural training for county agents and other individuals that need basic information concerning sustainable agriculture practices. (2) Short coursesThe purpose of the grants made available under paragraph (1) shall be to establish, in various regions in the United States, training programs that consist of workshops and short courses designed to familiarize participants with the concepts and importance of sustainable agriculture. (f) Regional specialistsTo assist county agents and farmers implement production practices developed under this subchapter, chapter 86 of this title,11 See References in Text note below. and other appropriate research programs of the Department, regional sustainable agriculture specialists may be designated within each State who shall report to the State coordinator of that State. The specialists shall be responsible for developing and coordinating local dissemination of sustainable agriculture information in a manner that is useful to farmers in the region. (g) Information availabilityThe Cooperative Extension Service within each State shall transfer information developed under this subchapter, chapter 86 of this title,1 and other appropriate research programs of the Department through a program that shall—(1) assist in developing farmer-to-farmer information exchange networks to enable farmers making transitions to more sustainable farming systems to share ideas and draw on the experiences of other farmers; (2) help coordinate and publicize a regular series of sustainable agriculture farm tours and field days within each State; (3) plan for extension programming, including extensive farmer input and feedback, in the design of new and ongoing research endeavors related to sustainable agriculture; (4) provide technical assistance to individual farmers in the design and implementation of farm management plans and strategies for making a transition to more sustainable agricultural systems; (5) consult and work closely with the Soil Conservation Service and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in carrying out the information, technical assistance, and related programs; (6) develop, coordinate, and direct special education and outreach programs in areas highly susceptible to groundwater contamination, linking sustainable agriculture information with water quality improvement information; (7) develop information sources relating to crop diversification, alternative crops, on-farm food or commodity processing, and on-farm energy generation; (8) establish a well-water testing program designed to provide those persons dependent upon underground drinking water supplies with an understanding of the need for regular water testing, information on sources of testing, and an understanding of how to interpret test results and provide for the protection of underground water supplies; (9) provide specific information on water quality practices developed through the research programs in chapter 86 of this title; 1 (10) provide specific information on nutrient management practices developed through the research programs in chapter 86 of this title; 1 and (11) provide information concerning whole-farm management systems integrating research results under this subchapter, chapter 86 of this title,1 and other appropriate research programs of the Department. (h) “Appropriate field office personnel” definedFor purposes of this section, the term “appropriate field office personnel” includes employees of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, and other appropriate Department of Agriculture personnel, as determined by the Secretary, whose activities involve the provision of agricultural production and conservation information to agricultural producers. (i) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2023.

7 U.S.C. § 5801 Purpose and definitions

(a) PurposeIt is the purpose of this subchapter to encourage research designed to increase our knowledge concerning agricultural production systems that—(1) maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil; (2) conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; (3) maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water; (4) protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system; (5) promote the well being of animals; and (6) increase employment opportunities in agriculture. (b) DefinitionsFor purposes of this subchapter:(1) The term “sustainable agriculture” shall have the same meaning given to that term by section 3103 of this title. (2) The term “integrated crop management” means an agricultural management system that integrates all controllable agricultural production factors for long-term sustained productivity, profitability, and ecological soundness. (3) The term “integrated resource management” means livestock management which utilizes an interdisciplinary systems approach which integrates all controllable agricultural production practices to provide long-term sustained productivity and profitable production of safe and wholesome food in an environmentally sound manner. (4) The term “agribusiness” includes a producer or organization engaged in an agricultural enterprise with a profit motive. (5) The term “extension” shall have the same meaning given to that term by section 3103 of this title. (6) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture. (7) The term “State” means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or federally recognized Indian tribes. (8) The term “State agricultural experiment stations” shall have the same meaning given to that term by section 3103 of this title. (9) The term “nonprofit organization” means an organization, group, institute, or institution that—(A) has a demonstrated capacity to conduct agricultural research or education programs; (B) has experience in research, demonstration, education, or extension in sustainable agricultural practices and systems; and (C) qualifies as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c) of title 26.

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