S. 1150

One Hundred Fifth Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,

the twenty-seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight

An Act

To ensure that federally funded agricultural research, extension, and education

address high-priority concerns with national or multistate significance, to reform,

extend, and eliminate certain agricultural research programs, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of

the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998’’.

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act

is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Definitions.

Sec. 3. Short titles for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887.

TITLE I—PRIORITIES, SCOPE, REVIEW, AND COORDINATION OF

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

Sec. 101. Standards for Federal funding of agricultural research, extension, and

education.

Sec. 102. Priority setting process.

Sec. 103. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education

funded by the Department.

Sec. 104. Research formula funds for 1862 Institutions.

Sec. 105. Extension formula funds for 1862 Institutions.

Sec. 106. Research facilities.

TITLE II—REFORM OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,

EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

Subtitle A—Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

Sec. 201. Cooperative agricultural extension work by 1862, 1890, and 1994 Institutions.

Sec. 202. Plans of work to address critical research and extension issues and use

of protocols to measure success of plans.

Sec. 203. Consistent matching funds requirements under Hatch Act of 1887 and

Smith-Lever Act.

Sec. 204. Integration of research and extension.

Subtitle B—Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

Sec. 211. Competitive grants.

Sec. 212. Special grants.

Subtitle C—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching

Policy Act of 1977

Sec. 221. Definitions regarding agricultural research, extension, and education.

Sec. 222. Advisory Board.

Sec. 223. Grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education.

Sec. 224. Policy research centers.

Sec. 225. Plans of work for 1890 Institutions to address critical research and extension issues and use of protocols to measure success of plans.
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Sec. 226. Matching funds requirement for research and extension activities at 1890

Institutions.

Sec. 227. International research, extension, and teaching.

Sec. 228. United States-Mexico joint agricultural research.

Sec. 229. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education

programs. Sec. 230. General administrative costs.

Sec. 231. Expansion of authority to enter into cost-reimbursable agreements.

Subtitle D—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

Sec. 241. Agricultural Genome Initiative.

Sec. 242. High-priority research and extension initiatives.

Sec. 243. Nutrient management research and extension initiative.

Sec. 244. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.

Sec. 245. Agricultural telecommunications program.

Sec. 246. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.

Subtitle E—Other Laws

Sec. 251. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.

Sec. 252. Fund for Rural America.

Sec. 253. Forest and rangeland renewable resources research.

TITLE III—EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,

EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

Sec. 301. Extensions.

Sec. 302. Repeals.

TITLE IV—NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Sec. 401. Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems.

Sec. 402. Partnerships for high-value agricultural product quality research.

Sec. 403. Precision agriculture.

Sec. 404. Biobased products.

Sec. 405. Thomas Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification.

Sec. 406. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 407. Coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations.

Sec. 408. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat and barley caused by

Fusarium graminearum.

TITLE V—AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS

Subtitle A—Food Stamp Program

Sec. 501. Reductions in funding of employment and training programs.

Sec. 502. Reductions in payments for administrative costs.

Sec. 503. Extension of eligibility period for refugees and certain other qualified

aliens from 5 to 7 years. Sec. 504. Food stamp eligibility for certain disabled aliens.

Sec. 505. Food stamp eligibility for certain Indians.

Sec. 506. Food stamp eligibility for certain elderly individuals.

Sec. 507. Food stamp eligibility for certain children.

Sec. 508. Food stamp eligibility for certain Hmong and Highland Laotians.

Sec. 509. Conforming amendments.

Sec. 510. Effective dates.

Subtitle B—Information Technology Funding

Sec. 521. Information technology funding.

Subtitle C—Crop Insurance

Sec. 531. Funding.

Sec. 532. Budgetary offsets.

Sec. 533. Procedures for responding to certain inquiries.

Sec. 534. Time period for responding to submission of new policies.

Sec. 535. Crop insurance study.

Sec. 536. Required terms and conditions of Standard Reinsurance Agreements.

Sec. 537. Effective date.

TITLE VI—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—Existing Authorities

Sec. 601. Retention and use of fees.
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Sec. 602. Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.

Sec. 603. Kiwifruit research, promotion, and consumer information program.

Sec. 604. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.

Sec. 605. Honey research, promotion, and consumer information.

Sec. 606. Technical corrections.

Subtitle B—New Authorities

Sec. 611. Nutrient composition data.

Sec. 612. National Swine Research Center.

Sec. 613. Role of Secretary regarding food and agricultural sciences research and

extension.

Sec. 614. Office of Pest Management Policy.

Sec. 615. Food Safety Research Information Office and National Conference.

Sec. 616. Safe food handling education.

Sec. 617. Reimbursement of expenses incurred under Sheep Promotion, Research,

and Information Act of 1994.

Sec. 618. Designation of Crisis Management Team within Department.

Sec. 619. Designation of Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center, Weslaco, Texas.

Subtitle C—Studies

Sec. 631. Evaluation and assessment of agricultural research, extension, and education programs.

Sec. 632. Study of federally funded agricultural research, extension, and education.

Subtitle D—Senses of Congress

Sec. 641. Sense of Congress regarding Agricultural Research Service emphasis on

field research regarding methyl bromide alternatives.

Sec. 642. Sense of Congress regarding importance of school-based agricultural education.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) 1862 INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘1862 Institution’’ means

a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act

of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et

seq.).

(2) 1890 INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘1890 Institution’’ means

a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act

of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321

et seq.), including Tuskegee University.

(3) 1994 INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘1994 Institution’’ means

1 of the 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the

Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public

Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)) (as amended by section

251(a)).

(4) ADVISORY BOARD.—The term ‘‘Advisory Board’’ means

the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and

Economics Advisory Board established under section 1408 of

the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching

Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123).

(5) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘‘Department’’ means the

Department of Agriculture.

(6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary

of Agriculture.

SEC. 3. SHORT TITLES FOR SMITH-LEVER ACT AND HATCH ACT OF

1887.

(a) SMITH-LEVER ACT.—The Act of May 8, 1914 (commonly

known as the ‘‘Smith-Lever Act’’) (38 Stat. 372, chapter 79; 7

U.S.C. 341 et seq.), is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘SEC. 11. SHORT TITLE.

‘‘This Act may be cited as the ‘Smith-Lever Act’.’’.
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(b) HATCH ACT OF 1887.—The Act of March 2, 1887 (commonly

known as the ‘‘Hatch Act of 1887’’) (24 Stat. 440, chapter 314;

7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.), is amended by adding at the end the

following:

‘‘SEC. 10. SHORT TITLE.

‘‘This Act may be cited as the ‘Hatch Act of 1887’.’’.

TITLE I—PRIORITIES, SCOPE, REVIEW,

AND COORDINATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

EDUCATION

SEC. 101. STANDARDS FOR FEDERAL FUNDING OF AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ensure that agricultural

research, extension, or education activities described in subsection

(b) address a concern that—

(1) is a priority, as determined under section 102(a); and

(2) has national, multistate, or regional significance.

(b) APPLICATION.—Subsection (a) applies to—

(1) research activities conducted by the Agricultural

Research Service; and

(2) research, extension, or education activities administered, on a competitive basis, by the Cooperative State

Research, Education, and Extension Service.

SEC. 102. PRIORITY SETTING PROCESS.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Consistent with section 1402 of the

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101), the Secretary shall establish priorities

for agricultural research, extension, and education activities conducted or funded by the Department.

(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF SECRETARY.—In establishing priorities

for agricultural research, extension, and education activities conducted or funded by the Department, the Secretary shall solicit

and consider input and recommendations from persons who conduct

or use agricultural research, extension, or education.

(c) RESPONSIBILITIES OF 1862, 1890, AND 1994 INSTITUTIONS.— (1) PROCESS.—Effective October 1, 1999, to obtain agricultural research, extension, or education formula funds from the

Secretary, each 1862 Institution, 1890 Institution, and 1994

Institution shall establish and implement a process for obtaining input from persons who conduct or use agricultural

research, extension, or education concerning the use of the

funds.

(2) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that prescribe—

(A) the requirements for an institution referred to in

paragraph (1) to comply with paragraph (1); and

(B) the consequences for an institution of not complying

with paragraph (1), which may include the withholding

or redistribution of funds to which the institution may

be entitled until the institution complies with paragraph

(1).
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(d) MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES.—To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that federally supported and

conducted agricultural research, extension, and education activities

are accomplished in a manner that—

(1) integrates agricultural research, extension, and education functions to better link research to technology transfer

and information dissemination activities;

(2) encourages regional and multistate programs to address

relevant issues of common concern and to better leverage scarce

resources; and

(3) achieves agricultural research, extension, and education

objectives through multi-institutional and multifunctional

approaches and by conducting research at facilities and institutions best equipped to achieve those objectives.

SEC. 103. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,

EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

(a) REVIEW OF COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND

EXTENSION SERVICE.—

(1) PEER REVIEW OF RESEARCH GRANTS.—The Secretary

shall establish procedures that provide for scientific peer review

of each agricultural research grant administered, on a competitive basis, by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service of the Department.

(2) MERIT REVIEW OF EXTENSION AND EDUCATION GRANTS.—

(A) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES.—The Secretary

shall establish procedures that provide for merit review

of each agricultural extension or education grant administered, on a competitive basis, by the Cooperative State

Research, Education, and Extension Service.

(B) CONSULTATION WITH ADVISORY BOARD.—The Secretary shall consult with the Advisory Board in establishing

the merit review procedures.

(b) ADVISORY BOARD REVIEW.—On an annual basis, the

Advisory Board shall review—

(1) the relevance to the priorities established under section

102(a) of the funding of all agricultural research, extension,

or education activities conducted or funded by the Department;

and

(2) the adequacy of the funding.

(c) REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS.— (1) REVIEW RESULTS.—As soon as practicable after the

review is conducted under subsection (b) for a fiscal year,

the Secretary shall consider the results of the review when

formulating each request for proposals, and evaluating proposals, involving an agricultural research, extension, or education

activity funded, on a competitive basis, by the Department.

(2) INPUT.—In formulating a request for proposals described

in paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall solicit

and consider input from persons who conduct or use agricultural

research, extension, or education regarding the prior year’s

request for proposals.

(d) SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.—

(1) PEER REVIEW PROCEDURES.—The Secretary shall establish procedures that ensure scientific peer review of all research

activities conducted by the Department.
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(2) REVIEW PANEL REQUIRED.—As part of the procedures

established under paragraph (1), a review panel shall verify,

at least once every 5 years, that each research activity of

the Department and research conducted under each research

program of the Department has scientific merit and relevance.

(3) MISSION AREA.—If the research activity or program

to be reviewed is included in the research, educational, and

economics mission area of the Department, the review panel

shall consider—

(A) the scientific merit and relevance of the activity

or research in light of the priorities established pursuant

to section 102; and

(B) the national or multistate significance of the activity or research.

(4) COMPOSITION OF REVIEW PANEL.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—A review panel shall be composed

of individuals with scientific expertise, a majority of whom

are not employees of the agency whose research is being

reviewed.

(B) SCIENTISTS FROM COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.—

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall

use scientists from colleges and universities to serve on

the review panels.

(5) SUBMISSION OF RESULTS.—The results of the panel

reviews shall be submitted to the Advisory Board.

(e) MERIT REVIEW.—

(1) 1862 AND 1890 INSTITUTIONS.—Effective October 1, 1999,

to be eligible to obtain agricultural research or extension funds

from the Secretary for an activity, each 1862 Institution and

1890 Institution shall—

(A) establish a process for merit review of the activity;

and

(B) review the activity in accordance with the process.

(2) 1994 INSTITUTIONS.—Effective October 1, 1999, to be

eligible to obtain agricultural extension funds from the Secretary for an activity, each 1994 Institution shall—

(A) establish a process for merit review of the activity;

and

(B) review the activity in accordance with the process.

(f) REPEAL OF PROVISIONS FOR WITHHOLDING FUNDS.—

(1) SMITH-LEVER ACT.—Section 6 of the Smith-Lever Act

(7 U.S.C. 346) is repealed.

(2) HATCH ACT OF 1887.—Section 7 of the Hatch Act of

1887 (7 U.S.C. 361g) is amended by striking the last paragraph.

(3) NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

TEACHING POLICY ACT OF 1977.—The National Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended—

(A) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)—

(i) by striking subsection (f); and

(ii) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection

(f);

(B) in section 1445(g) (7 U.S.C. 3222(g)), by striking

paragraph (3); and

(C) by striking section 1468 (7 U.S.C. 3314).
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SEC. 104. RESEARCH FORMULA FUNDS FOR 1862 INSTITUTIONS.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C.

361c) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 5 as

paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and

(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

‘‘(3) Not less than 25 percent shall be allotted to the States

for cooperative research employing multidisciplinary

approaches in which a State agricultural experiment station,

working with another State agricultural experiment station,

the Agricultural Research Service, or a college or university,

cooperates to solve problems that concern more than 1 State.

The funds available under this paragraph, together with the

funds available under subsection (b) for a similar purpose,

shall be designated as the ‘Multistate Research Fund, State

Agricultural Experiment Stations’.’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(h) PEER REVIEW AND PLAN OF WORK.— ‘‘(1) PEER REVIEW.—Research carried out under subsection

(c)(3) shall be subject to scientific peer review. The review

of a project conducted under this paragraph shall be considered

to satisfy the merit review requirements of section 103(e) of

the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform

Act of 1998.

‘‘(2) PLAN OF WORK.—The State shall include in the plan

of work of the State required under section 7 a description

of the manner in which the State will meet the requirements

of subsection (c)(3).’’.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 3 of the Hatch Act

of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘subsection 3(c)(3)’’ and

inserting ‘‘subsection (c)(3)’’; and

(2) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘subsection 3(c)3’’ and

inserting ‘‘subsection (c)(3)’’.

SEC. 105. EXTENSION FORMULA FUNDS FOR 1862 INSTITUTIONS.

Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended

by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(h) MULTISTATE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less than the applicable percentage

specified under paragraph (2) of the amounts that are paid

to a State under subsections (b) and (c) during a fiscal year

shall be expended by States for cooperative extension activities

in which 2 or more States cooperate to solve problems that

concern more than 1 State (referred to in this subsection as

‘multistate activities’).

‘‘(2) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES.—

‘‘(A) 1997 EXPENDITURES ON MULTISTATE ACTIVITIES.—

Of the Federal formula funds that were paid to each State

for fiscal year 1997 under subsections (b) and (c), the

Secretary of Agriculture shall determine the percentage

that the State expended for multistate activities.

‘‘(B) REQUIRED EXPENDITURES ON MULTISTATE ACTIVITIES.—Of the Federal formula funds that are paid to each

State for fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year
S. 1150—8

under subsections (b) and (c), the State shall expend for

the fiscal year for multistate activities a percentage that

is at least equal to the lesser of—

‘‘(i) 25 percent; or

‘‘(ii) twice the percentage for the State determined

under subparagraph (A).

‘‘(C) REDUCTION BY SECRETARY.—The Secretary may

reduce the minimum percentage required to be expended

for multistate activities under subparagraph (B) by a State

in a case of hardship, infeasibility, or other similar circumstance beyond the control of the State, as determined

by the Secretary.

‘‘(D) PLAN OF WORK.—The State shall include in the

plan of work of the State required under section 4 a description of the manner in which the State will meet the requirements of this paragraph.

‘‘(3) APPLICABILITY.—This subsection does not apply to

funds provided—

‘‘(A) by a State or local government pursuant to a

matching requirement;

‘‘(B) to a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532

of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of

1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or

‘‘(C) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin

Islands, or Guam.

‘‘(i) MERIT REVIEW.—

‘‘(1) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Effective October 1, 1999, extension activity carried out under subsection (h) shall be subject

to merit review.

‘‘(2) OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—An extension activity for

which merit review is conducted under paragraph (1) shall

be considered to have satisfied the requirements for review

under section 103(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Education Reform Act of 1998.’’.

SEC. 106. RESEARCH FACILITIES.

(a) CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL.—Section 3(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the

Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(C)(ii)) is amended by

striking ‘‘regional needs’’ and inserting ‘‘national or multistate

needs’’.

(b) NATIONAL OR MULTISTATE NEEDS SERVED BY ARS FACILITIES.—Section 3 of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a)

is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(e) NATIONAL OR MULTISTATE NEEDS SERVED BY ARS FACILITIES.—The Secretary shall ensure that each research activity conducted by a facility of the Agricultural Research Service serves

a national or multistate need.’’.

(c) 10-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN.—Section 4(d) of the Research

Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b(d)) is amended by striking ‘‘regional’’

and inserting ‘‘multistate’’.

(d) COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH CAPACITY.—Section 4 of the

Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b) is amended by adding at

the end the following:

‘‘(g) COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH CAPACITY.—After submission

of the 10-year strategic plan required under subsection (d), the
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Secretary shall continue to review periodically each operating agricultural research facility constructed in whole or in part with Federal funds, and each planned agricultural research facility proposed

to be constructed in whole or in part with Federal funds, pursuant

to criteria established by the Secretary, to ensure that a comprehensive research capacity is maintained.’’.

TITLE II—REFORM OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION,

AND EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

Subtitle A—Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act

of 1887

SEC. 201. COOPERATIVE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORK BY 1862,

1890, AND 1994 INSTITUTIONS.

Section 3(b)(3) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)) is

amended in the last sentence by striking ‘‘State institutions’’ and

all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ‘‘1994

Institutions (in accordance with regulations that the Secretary may

promulgate) and may be administered by the 1994 Institutions

through cooperative agreements with colleges and universities

eligible to receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat.

503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), or the Act of August

30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including

Tuskegee University, located in any State.’’.

SEC. 202. PLANS OF WORK TO ADDRESS CRITICAL RESEARCH AND

EXTENSION ISSUES AND USE OF PROTOCOLS TO MEASURE

SUCCESS OF PLANS.

(a) SMITH-LEVER ACT.—Section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7

U.S.C. 344) is amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘SEC. 4.’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 4. ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT OF STATE TO FUNDS;

TIME AND MANNER OF PAYMENT; STATE REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS; PLANS OF WORK.

‘‘(a) ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT.—’’;

(2) in the last sentence, by striking ‘‘Such sums’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(b) TIME AND MANNER OF PAYMENT; RELATED REPORTS.—The

amount to which a State is entitled’’; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO PLAN OF WORK.—Each extension plan of work for a State required under subsection (a) shall

contain descriptions of the following:

‘‘(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term

agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned

extension programs and projects targeted to address the issues.

‘‘(2) The process established to consult with extension users

regarding the identification of critical agricultural issues in

the State and the development of extension programs and

projects targeted to address the issues.

‘‘(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with other

colleges and universities within the State, and within other
S. 1150—10

States, that have a unique capacity to address the identified

agricultural issues in the State and the extent of current and

emerging efforts (including regional efforts) to work with those

other institutions.

‘‘(4) The manner in which research and extension, including

research and extension activities funded other than through

formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues

in the State, including the activities to be carried out separately,

the activities to be carried out sequentially, and the activities

to be carried out jointly.

‘‘(5) The education and outreach programs already underway to convey available research results that are pertinent

to a critical agricultural issue, including efforts to encourage

multicounty cooperation in the dissemination of research

results.

‘‘(d) EXTENSION PROTOCOLS.—

‘‘(1) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of

multistate, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary extension

activities and joint research and extension activities in addressing critical agricultural issues identified in the plans of work

submitted under subsection (a).

‘‘(2) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

develop the protocols in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory

Board established under section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 3123) and land-grant colleges and universities.

‘‘(e) TREATMENT OF PLANS OF WORK FOR OTHER PURPOSES.— To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider

a plan of work submitted under subsection (a) to satisfy other

appropriate Federal reporting requirements.’’.

(b) HATCH ACT OF 1887.—Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887

(7 U.S.C. 361g) (as amended by section 103(f)(2)) is amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘SEC. 7.’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 7. DUTIES OF SECRETARY; ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT

OF STATE TO FUNDS; PLANS OF WORK.

‘‘(a) DUTIES OF SECRETARY.—’’;

(2) by striking ‘‘On or before’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(b) ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT.—On or before’’;

(3) by striking ‘‘Whenever it shall appear’’ and inserting

the following:

‘‘(c) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO EXPEND FULL ALLOTMENT.—Whenever it shall appear’’; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(d) PLAN OF WORK REQUIRED.—Before funds may be provided

to a State under this Act for any fiscal year, a plan of work

to be carried out under this Act shall be submitted by the proper

officials of the State and shall be approved by the Secretary of

Agriculture.

‘‘(e) REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO PLAN OF WORK.—Each plan

of work for a State required under subsection (d) shall contain

descriptions of the following:

‘‘(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term

agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned

research programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
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‘‘(2) The process established to consult with users of agricultural research regarding the identification of critical agricultural issues in the State and the development of research

programs and projects targeted to address the issues.

‘‘(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with other

colleges and universities within the State, and within other

States, that have a unique capacity to address the identified

agricultural issues in the State and the extent of current and

emerging efforts (including regional efforts) to work with those

other institutions.

‘‘(4) The manner in which research and extension, including

research and extension activities funded other than through

formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues

in the State, including the activities to be carried out separately,

the activities to be carried out sequentially, and the activities

to be carried out jointly.

‘‘(f) RESEARCH PROTOCOLS.—

‘‘(1) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of

multistate, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary research

activities and joint research and extension activities in addressing critical agricultural issues identified in the plans of work

submitted under subsection (d).

‘‘(2) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

develop the protocols in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory

Board established under section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 3123) and land-grant colleges and universities.

‘‘(g) TREATMENT OF PLANS OF WORK FOR OTHER PURPOSES.—

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider

a plan of work submitted under subsection (d) to satisfy other

appropriate Federal reporting requirements.’’.

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section

take effect on October 1, 1999.

SEC. 203. CONSISTENT MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENTS UNDER

HATCH ACT OF 1887 AND SMITH-LEVER ACT.

(a) HATCH ACT OF 1887.—Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887

(7 U.S.C. 361c) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting

the following:

‘‘(d) MATCHING FUNDS.—

‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—No allotment shall be made to a State

under subsection (b) or (c), and no payments from the allotment

shall be made to a State, in excess of the amount that the

State makes available out of non-Federal funds for agricultural

research and for the establishment and maintenance of facilities

for the performance of the research.

‘‘(2) FAILURE TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS.—If a State

fails to comply with the requirement to provide matching funds

for a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall withhold from payment to the State for that

fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between—

‘‘(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to

the State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount

of matching funds were provided by the State); and
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‘‘(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided

by the State.

‘‘(3) REAPPORTIONMENT.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

reapportion amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a

fiscal year among the States satisfying the matching

requirement for that fiscal year.

‘‘(B) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.—Any reapportionment

of funds under this paragraph shall be subject to the matching requirement specified in paragraph (1).’’.

(b) SMITH-LEVER ACT.—Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7

U.S.C. 343) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs 1 and 2 as paragraphs

(1) and (2), respectively; and

(B) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking

‘‘census: Provided, That payments’’ and all that follows

through ‘‘Provided further, That any’’ and inserting ‘‘census.

Any’’; and

(2) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the

following:

‘‘(e) MATCHING FUNDS.—

‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—Except as provided in subsection (f),

no allotment shall be made to a State under subsection (b)

or (c), and no payments from the allotment shall be made

to a State, in excess of the amount that the State makes

available out of non-Federal funds for cooperative extension

work.

‘‘(2) FAILURE TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS.—If a State

fails to comply with the requirement to provide matching funds

for a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall withhold from payment to the State for that

fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between—

‘‘(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to

the State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount

of matching funds were provided by the State); and

‘‘(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided

by the State.

‘‘(3) REAPPORTIONMENT.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

reapportion amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a

fiscal year among the States satisfying the matching

requirement for that fiscal year.

‘‘(B) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.—Any reapportionment

of funds under this paragraph shall be subject to the matching requirement specified in paragraph (1).

‘‘(f) MATCHING FUNDS EXCEPTION FOR 1994 INSTITUTIONS.—

There shall be no matching requirement for funds made available

to a 1994 Institution pursuant to subsection (b)(3).’’.

(c) TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.—

(1) RECOGNITION OF STATEHOOD OF ALASKA AND HAWAII.—

Section 1 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a) is amended

in the second sentence by striking ‘‘Alaska, Hawaii,’’.

(2) ROLE OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.—Section 3 of

the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended—
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(A) in subsections (b)(1), (c), and (d), by striking ‘‘Federal Extension Service’’ each place it appears and inserting

‘‘Secretary of Agriculture’’; and

(B) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ‘‘through the Federal Extension Service’’.

(3) REFERENCES TO REGIONAL RESEARCH FUND.—Section

5 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is amended in

the first sentence by striking ‘‘regional research fund authorized

by subsection 3(c)(3)’’ and inserting ‘‘Multistate Research Fund,

State Agricultural Experiment Stations’’.

SEC. 204. INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C.

361c) (as amended by section 104(a)(2)) is amended by adding

at the end the following:

‘‘(i) INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less than the applicable percentage

specified under paragraph (2) of the Federal formula funds

that are paid under this Act and subsections (b) and (c) of

section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) to colleges

and universities eligible to receive funds under the Act of

July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.),

during a fiscal year shall be expended for activities that

integrate cooperative research and extension (referred to in

this subsection as ‘integrated activities’).

‘‘(2) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES.—

‘‘(A) 1997 EXPENDITURES ON MULTISTATE ACTIVITIES.—

Of the Federal formula funds that were paid to each State

for fiscal year 1997 under this Act and subsections (b)

and (c) of section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343),

the Secretary of Agriculture shall determine the percentage

that the State expended for integrated activities.

‘‘(B) REQUIRED EXPENDITURES ON MULTISTATE ACTIVI- TIES.—Of the Federal formula funds that are paid to each

State for fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year

under this Act and subsections (b) and (c) of section 3

of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343), the State shall

expend for the fiscal year for integrated activities a percentage that is at least equal to the lesser of—

‘‘(i) 25 percent; or

‘‘(ii) twice the percentage for the State determined

under subparagraph (A).

‘‘(C) REDUCTION BY SECRETARY.—The Secretary of Agriculture may reduce the minimum percentage required to

be expended by a State for integrated activities under

subparagraph (B) in a case of hardship, infeasibility, or

other similar circumstance beyond the control of the State,

as determined by the Secretary.

‘‘(D) PLAN OF WORK.—The State shall include in the

plan of work of the State required under section 7 of

this Act or section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C.

344), as applicable, a description of the manner in which

the State will meet the requirements of this paragraph.

‘‘(3) APPLICABILITY.—This subsection does not apply to

funds provided—

‘‘(A) by a State or local government pursuant to a

matching requirement;
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‘‘(B) to a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532

of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of

1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or

‘‘(C) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin

Islands, or Guam.

‘‘(4) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—Federal formula funds described in paragraph (1) that are used by a

State for a fiscal year for integrated activities in accordance

with paragraph (2)(B) may also be used to satisfy the multistate

activities requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section and

section 3(h) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(h)) for the

same fiscal year.’’.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 3 of the Smith-Lever

Act (7 U.S.C. 343) (as amended by section 105) is amended by

adding at the end the following:

‘‘(j) INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Section 3(i)

of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c(i)) shall apply to amounts

made available to carry out this Act.’’.

Subtitle B—Competitive, Special, and

Facilities Research Grant Act

SEC. 211. COMPETITIVE GRANTS.

The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

(7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended in subsection (b)—

(1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1), by inserting

‘‘national laboratories,’’ after ‘‘Federal agencies,’’;

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘regional’’ and inserting

‘‘multistate’’;

(3) in the second sentence of paragraph (3)(E), by striking

‘‘an individual shall have less than’’ and all that follows through

‘‘research experience’’ and inserting ‘‘an individual shall be

within 5 years of the individual’s initial career track position’’;

and

(4) in paragraph (8)(B)—

(A) by striking ‘‘the cost’’ and inserting ‘‘the cost of’’;

and

(B) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘The Secretary

may waive all or part of the matching requirement under

this subparagraph in the case of a smaller college or university (as described in section 793(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the Federal

Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.

2204f(c)(2)(C)(ii))) if the equipment to be acquired costs

not more than $25,000 and has multiple uses within a

single research project or is usable in more than 1 research

project.’’.

SEC. 212. SPECIAL GRANTS.

The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

(7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended in subsection (c)—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by striking ‘‘5 years’’ and inserting ‘‘3 years’’;

(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘, extension, or

education activities’’ after ‘‘conducting research’’; and

(C) in subparagraph (B)—
S. 1150—15

(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting

‘‘, extension, or education’’ after ‘‘agricultural research’’;

(ii) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘, extension, or education’’ after ‘‘research’’; and

(iii) in clause (iv), by striking ‘‘among States

through regional research’’ and inserting ‘‘, extension,

or education among States through regional’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(5) REVIEW REQUIREMENTS.— ‘‘(A) RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.—The Secretary shall make

a grant under this subsection for a research activity only

if the activity has undergone scientific peer review arranged

by the grantee in accordance with regulations promulgated

by the Secretary.

‘‘(B) EXTENSION AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES.—The Secretary shall make a grant under this subsection for an

extension or education activity only if the activity has

undergone merit review arranged by the grantee in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

‘‘(6) REPORTS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A recipient of a grant under this

subsection shall submit to the Secretary on an annual

basis a report describing the results of the research, extension, or education activity and the merit of the results.

‘‘(B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in clause

(ii), on request, the Secretary shall make the report

available to the public.

‘‘(ii) EXCEPTIONS.—Clause (i) shall not apply to

the extent that making the report, or a part of the

report, available to the public is not authorized or

permitted by section 552 of title 5, United States Code,

or section 1905 of title 18, United States Code.’’.

Subtitle C—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977

SEC. 221. DEFINITIONS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,

EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

(a) FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES.—Section 1404 of the

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended by striking paragraph

(8) and inserting the following:

‘‘(8) FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES.—The term ‘food

and agricultural sciences’ means basic, applied, and developmental research, extension, and teaching activities in food and

fiber, agricultural, renewable natural resources, forestry, and

physical and social sciences, including activities relating to

the following:

‘‘(A) Animal health, production, and well-being.

‘‘(B) Plant health and production.

‘‘(C) Animal and plant germ plasm collection and

preservation.

‘‘(D) Aquaculture.
S. 1150—16

‘‘(E) Food safety.

‘‘(F) Soil and water conservation and improvement.

‘‘(G) Forestry, horticulture, and range management.

‘‘(H) Nutritional sciences and promotion.

‘‘(I) Farm enhancement, including financial management, input efficiency, and profitability.

‘‘(J) Home economics.

‘‘(K) Rural human ecology.

‘‘(L) Youth development and agricultural education,

including 4–H clubs.

‘‘(M) Expansion of domestic and international markets

for agricultural commodities and products, including agricultural trade barrier identification and analysis.

‘‘(N) Information management and technology transfer

related to agriculture.

‘‘(O) Biotechnology related to agriculture.

‘‘(P) The processing, distributing, marketing, and utilization of food and agricultural products.’’.

(b) REFERENCES TO TEACHING OR EDUCATION.—Section 1404(14)

of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching

Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14)) is amended by striking

‘‘the term ‘teaching’ means’’ and inserting ‘‘TEACHING AND EDUCATION.—The terms ‘teaching’ and ‘education’ mean’’.

(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 1404 of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking

‘‘title—’’ and inserting ‘‘title:’’;

(2) in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (10) through

(13), (15), (16), and (17), by striking ‘‘the term’’ each place

it appears and inserting ‘‘The term’’;

(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘the terms’’ and inserting

‘‘The terms’’;

(4) in paragraph (9), by striking ‘‘the term’’ the first place

it appears and inserting ‘‘The term’’;

(5) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraphs

(1) through (7) and (9) through (15) and inserting a period;

and

(6) in paragraph (16)(F), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting

a period.

SEC. 222. ADVISORY BOARD.

(a) REPRESENTATION ON BOARD.—Section 1408(b) of the

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(b)) is amended by adding at the end

the following:

‘‘(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.’’.

(b) CONSULTATION.—Section 1408(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7

U.S.C. 3123(d)) is amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘In’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(1) DUTIES OF ADVISORY BOARD.—In’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:
S. 1150—17

‘‘(2) DUTIES OF SECRETARY.—To comply with a provision

of this title 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.’’.

(c) LIMITATION ON EXPENSES OF ADVISORY BOARD.—Section

1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:

‘‘(g) ANNUAL LIMITATION ON ADVISORY BOARD EXPENSES.—

‘‘(1) MAXIMUM AMOUNT.—Not more than $350,000 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 the date of enactment

of this paragraph, unless the appropriation Act specifically

refers to this subsection and specifically includes this Advisory

Board within the general limitation.’’.

SEC. 223. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL

SCIENCES EDUCATION.

Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h),

(i), and (j) as subsections (d), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and

(l), respectively;

(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

‘‘(c) PRIORITIES.—In awarding grants under subsection (b), the

Secretary shall give priority to—

‘‘(1) applications for teaching enhancement projects that

demonstrate enhanced coordination among all types of institutions eligible for funding under this section; and

‘‘(2) applications for teaching enhancement projects that

focus on innovative, multidisciplinary education programs,

material, and curricula.’’; and

(3) by inserting after subsection (d) (as redesignated by

paragraph (1)) the following:

‘‘(e) FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM.—From amounts made available for grants under this section,

the Secretary may maintain a national food and agricultural education information system that contains—

‘‘(1) information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty,

and employment placement in the food and agricultural

sciences; and

‘‘(2) such other similar information as the Secretary considers appropriate.’’.
S. 1150—18

SEC. 224. POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

Section 1419A(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(a)) is amended

by inserting ‘‘and trade agreements’’ after ‘‘public policies’’.

SEC. 225. PLANS OF WORK FOR 1890 INSTITUTIONS TO ADDRESS

CRITICAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ISSUES AND USE

OF PROTOCOLS TO MEASURE SUCCESS OF PLANS.

(a) EXTENSION AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.—Section 1444(d) of the

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(d)) is amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘(d)’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(d) ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT TO FUNDS; TIME AND

MANNER OF PAYMENT; STATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; PLANS

OF WORK.—

‘‘(1) ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT.—’’;

(2) in the last sentence, by striking ‘‘Such sums’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(2) TIME AND MANNER OF PAYMENT; RELATED REPORTS.—

The amount to which an eligible institution is entitled’’; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(3) REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO PLAN OF WORK.—Each plan

of work for an eligible institution required under this section

shall contain descriptions of the following:

‘‘(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and longterm agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible

institution is located and the current and planned extension

programs and projects targeted to address the issues.

‘‘(B) The process established to consult with extension

users regarding the identification of critical agricultural

issues in the State and the development of extension programs and projects targeted to address the issues.

‘‘(C) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with

other colleges and universities within the State, and within

other States, that have a unique capacity to address the

identified agricultural issues in the State and the extent

of current and emerging efforts (including regional extension efforts) to work with those other institutions.

‘‘(D) The manner in which research and extension,

including research and extension activities funded other

than through formula funds, will cooperate to address the

critical issues in the State, including the activities to be

carried out separately, the activities to be carried out

sequentially, and the activities to be carried out jointly.

‘‘(E) The education and outreach programs already

underway to convey currently available research results

that are pertinent to a critical agricultural issue, including

efforts to encourage multicounty cooperation in the dissemination of research results.

‘‘(4) EXTENSION PROTOCOLS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary extension activities and

joint research and extension activities in addressing critical

agricultural issues identified in the plans of work submitted

under this section.
S. 1150—19

‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall develop the

protocols in consultation with the Advisory Board and landgrant colleges and universities.

‘‘(5) TREATMENT OF PLANS OF WORK FOR OTHER PURPOSES.—

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider a plan of work submitted under this section to satisfy

other appropriate Federal reporting requirements.’’.

(b) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.—Section

1445(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and

Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(c)) is amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘(c)’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(c) PROGRAM AND PLANS OF WORK.—

‘‘(1) INITIAL COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH.—’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(2) PLAN OF WORK REQUIRED.—Before funds may be provided to an eligible institution under this section for any fiscal

year, a plan of work to be carried out under this section shall

be submitted by the research director specified in subsection

(d) and shall be approved by the Secretary.

‘‘(3) REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO PLAN OF WORK.—Each plan

of work required under paragraph (2) shall contain descriptions

of the following:

‘‘(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and longterm agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible

institution is located and the current and planned research

programs and projects targeted to address the issues.

‘‘(B) The process established to consult with users of

agricultural research regarding the identification of critical

agricultural issues in the State and the development of

research programs and projects targeted to address the

issues.

‘‘(C) Other colleges and universities within the State,

and within other States, that have a unique capacity to

address the identified agricultural issues in the State.

‘‘(D) The current and emerging efforts to work with

those other institutions to build on each other’s experience

and take advantage of each institution’s unique capacities.

‘‘(E) The manner in which research and extension,

including research and extension activities funded other

than through formula funds, will cooperate to address the

critical issues in the State, including the activities to be

carried out separately, the activities to be carried out

sequentially, and the activities to be carried out jointly.

‘‘(4) RESEARCH PROTOCOLS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary research activities and

joint research and extension activities in addressing critical

agricultural issues identified in the plans of work submitted

under paragraph (2).

‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall develop the

protocols in consultation with the Advisory Board and landgrant colleges and universities.
S. 1150—20

‘‘(5) TREATMENT OF PLANS OF WORK FOR OTHER PURPOSES.— To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider a plan of work submitted under paragraph (2) to satisfy

other appropriate Federal reporting requirements.’’.

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section

take effect on October 1, 1999.

SEC. 226. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

(a) IMPOSITION OF REQUIREMENT.—Subtitle G of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

is amended by inserting after section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) the

following:

‘‘SEC. 1449. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.

‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:

‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION.—The term ‘eligible institution’

means a college eligible to receive funds under the Act of

August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) (commonly known as

the ‘Second Morrill Act’), including Tuskegee University.

‘‘(2) FORMULA FUNDS.—The term ‘formula funds’ means

the formula allocation funds distributed to eligible institutions

under sections 1444 and 1445.

‘‘(b) DETERMINATION OF NON-FEDERAL SOURCES OF FUNDS.— Not later than September 30, 1999, each eligible institution shall

submit to the Secretary a report describing for fiscal year 1999—

‘‘(1) the sources of non-Federal funds made available by

the State to the eligible institution for agricultural research,

extension, and education to meet the requirements of this section; and

‘‘(2) the amount of such funds generally available from

each source.

‘‘(c) MATCHING FORMULA.—Notwithstanding any other provision

of this subtitle, the distribution of formula funds to an eligible

institution shall be subject to the following matching requirements:

‘‘(1) For fiscal year 2000, the State shall provide matching

funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not

less than 30 percent of the formula funds to be distributed

to the eligible institution.

‘‘(2) For fiscal year 2001, the State shall provide matching

funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not

less than 45 percent of the formula funds to be distributed

to the eligible institution.

‘‘(3) For fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year thereafter,

the State shall provide matching funds from non-Federal

sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of

the formula funds to be distributed to the eligible institution.

‘‘(d) LIMITED WAIVER AUTHORITY.— ‘‘(1) FISCAL YEAR 2000.—Notwithstanding subsection (f), the

Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under

subsection (c)(1) for fiscal year 2000 for an eligible institution

of a State if the Secretary determines that, based on the report

received under subsection (b), the State will be unlikely to

satisfy the matching requirement.

‘‘(2) FUTURE FISCAL YEARS.—The Secretary may not waive

the matching requirement under subsection (c) for any fiscal

year other than fiscal year 2000.
S. 1150—21

‘‘(e) USE OF MATCHING FUNDS.—Under terms and conditions

established by the Secretary, matching funds provided as required

by subsection (c) may be used by an eligible institution for agricultural research, extension, and education activities.

‘‘(f) REDISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.—

‘‘(1) REDISTRIBUTION REQUIRED.—Federal funds that are

not matched by a State in accordance with subsection (c) for

a fiscal year shall be redistributed by the Secretary to eligible

institutions whose States have satisfied the matching funds

requirement for that fiscal year.

‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATION.—Any redistribution of funds under

this subsection shall be subject to the applicable matching

requirement specified in subsection (c) and shall be made in

a manner consistent with sections 1444 and 1445, as determined by the Secretary.’’.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 1445(g) of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 3222(g)) is amended—

(1) by striking paragraph (2); and

(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).

(c) REFERENCES TO TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.—The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is

amended—

(1) in section 1404 (7 U.S.C. 3103), by striking ‘‘the

Tuskegee Institute’’ in paragraphs (10) and (16)(B) and inserting ‘‘Tuskegee University’’;

(2) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)—

(A) by striking the section heading and ‘‘SEC. 1444.’’

and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 1444. EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.’’;

and

(B) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ‘‘Tuskegee

Institute’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Tuskegee

University’’; and

(3) in section 1445 (7 U.S.C. 3222)—

(A) by striking the section heading and ‘‘SEC. 1445.’’

and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 1445. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.’’;

and

(B) in subsections (a) and (b)(2)(B), by striking

‘‘Tuskegee Institute’’ each place it appears and inserting

‘‘Tuskegee University’’.

SEC. 227. INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING.

(a) INCLUSION OF TEACHING.—Section 1458 of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 3291) is amended—

(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘RESEARCH AND

EXTENSION’’ and inserting ‘‘RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

TEACHING’’;

(2) in subsection (a)—

(A) in paragraph (1)—
S. 1150—22

(i) by striking ‘‘related research and extension’’

and inserting ‘‘related research, extension, and teaching’’; and

(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘research and

extension on’’ and inserting ‘‘research, extension, and

teaching activities that address’’;

(B) in paragraphs (2) and (6), by striking ‘‘education’’

each place it appears and inserting ‘‘teaching’’;

(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘scientists and

experts’’ and inserting ‘‘science and education experts’’;

(D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ‘‘teaching,’’ after

‘‘development,’’;

(E) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘research and extension that is’’ and inserting ‘‘research, extension, and teaching programs’’; and

(F) in paragraph (8), by striking ‘‘research capabilities’’

and inserting ‘‘research, extension, and teaching capabilities’’; and

(3) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘counterpart agencies’’

and inserting ‘‘counterpart research, extension, and teaching

agencies’’.

(b) GRANTS FOR COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS.—Section 1458(a)

of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching

Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(a)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end;

(2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end

and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(9) make competitive grants for collaborative projects

that—

‘‘(A) involve Federal scientists or scientists from landgrant colleges and universities or other colleges and universities with scientists at international agricultural research

centers in other nations, including the international agricultural research centers of the Consultative Group on

International Agriculture Research;

‘‘(B) focus on developing and using new technologies

and programs for—

‘‘(i) increasing the production of food and fiber,

while safeguarding the environment worldwide and

enhancing the global competitiveness of United States

agriculture; or

‘‘(ii) training scientists;

‘‘(C) are mutually beneficial to the United States and

other countries; and

‘‘(D) encourage private sector involvement and the

leveraging of private sector funds.’’.

(c) REPORTS.—Section 1458 of the National Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.

3291) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(d) REPORTS.—The Secretary shall provide biennial reports

to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives

and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the

Senate on efforts of the Federal Government—

‘‘(1) to coordinate international agricultural research within

the Federal Government; and
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‘‘(2) to more effectively link the activities of domestic and

international agricultural researchers, particularly researchers

of the Agricultural Research Service.’’.

(d) FULL PAYMENT OF FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN

BINATIONAL PROJECTS.—Section 1458 of the National Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.

3291) is amended by inserting after subsection (d) (as added by

subsection (c) of this section) the following:

‘‘(e) FULL PAYMENT OF FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN

BINATIONAL PROJECTS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of

law, the full amount of any funds appropriated or otherwise made

available to carry out cooperative projects under the arrangement

entered into between the Secretary and the Government of Israel

to support the Israel-United States Binational Agricultural

Research and Development Fund shall be paid directly to the

Fund.’’.

(e) SUBTITLE HEADING.—Subtitle I of title XIV of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 3291 et seq.) is amended by striking the subtitle heading

and inserting the following:

‘‘Subtitle I—International Research,

Extension, and Teaching’’.

SEC. 228. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after

section 1458 (7 U.S.C. 3291) the following:

‘‘SEC. 1459. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH.

‘‘(a) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.—The Secretary

may provide for an agricultural research and development program

with the United States/Mexico Foundation for Science. The program

shall focus on binational problems facing agricultural producers

and consumers in the 2 countries, in particular pressing problems

in the areas of food safety, plant and animal pest control, and

the natural resources base on which agriculture depends.

‘‘(b) ADMINISTRATION.—Grants under the research and development program shall be awarded competitively through the Foundation.

‘‘(c) MATCHING REQUIREMENTS.—The provision of funds to the

Foundation by the United States Government shall be subject to

the condition that the Government of Mexico match, on at least

a dollar-for-dollar basis, any funds provided by the United States

Government.

‘‘(d) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS.—Funds provided under

this section may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,

acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.’’.

SEC. 229. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291 et seq.) is amended

by inserting after section 1459 (as added by section 228) the following:
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‘‘SEC. 1459A. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary may

make competitive grants to colleges and universities in order to

strengthen United States economic competitiveness and to promote

international market development.

‘‘(b) PURPOSE OF GRANTS.—Grants under this section shall be

directed to agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities

that will—

‘‘(1) enhance the international content of the curricula in

colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States

students acquire an understanding of the international dimensions and trade implications of their studies;

‘‘(2) ensure that United States scientists, extension agents,

and educators involved in agricultural research and development activities outside of the United States have the opportunity to convey the implications of their activities and findings

to their peers and students in the United States and to the

users of agricultural research, extension, and teaching;

‘‘(3) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities

to do collaborative research with other countries, in cooperation

with other Federal agencies, on issues relevant to United States

agricultural competitiveness;

‘‘(4) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities

to provide cooperative extension education to promote the

application of new technology developed in foreign countries

to United States agriculture; and

‘‘(5) enhance the capability of United States colleges and

universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to

provide leadership and educational programs that will assist

United States natural resources and food production, processing, and distribution businesses and industries to compete internationally, including product market identification, international policies limiting or enhancing market production,

development of new or enhancement of existing markets, and

production efficiencies.

‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.’’.

SEC. 230. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

(a) LIMITATION ON CHARGING INDIRECT COSTS.—Subtitle K of

the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 is amended by inserting before section 1463 (7 U.S.C.

3311) the following:

‘‘SEC. 1462. LIMITATION ON INDIRECT COSTS FOR AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS.

‘‘Except as otherwise provided in law, indirect costs charged

against a competitive agricultural research, education, or extension

grant awarded under this Act or any other Act pursuant to authority

delegated to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics shall not exceed 19 percent of the total

Federal funds provided under the grant award, as determined by

the Secretary.’’.
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(b) LIMITATION ON DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and

Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is amended—

(1) by striking the section heading and all that follows

through ‘‘Except as’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 1469. AUDITING, REPORTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS.

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as’’;

(2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

‘‘(3) the Secretary may retain up to 4 percent of amounts

appropriated for agricultural research, extension, and teaching

assistance programs for the administration of those programs

authorized under this Act or any other Act; and’’; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(b) COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.—The Secretary may retain,

for the administration of community food projects under section

25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), 4 percent

of amounts available for the projects, notwithstanding the availability of any appropriation for administrative expenses of the projects.

‘‘(c) PEER PANEL EXPENSES.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding a competitive research, education, or extension

grant program of the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary

may use grant program funds, as necessary, to supplement funds

otherwise available for program administration, to pay for the costs

associated with peer review of grant proposals under the program.

‘‘(d) DEFINITION OF IN-KIND SUPPORT.—In any law relating

to agricultural research, education, or extension activities administered by the Secretary, the term ‘in-kind support’, with regard

to a requirement that the recipient of funds provided by the Secretary match all or part of the amount of the funds, means contributions such as office space, equipment, and staff support.’’.

SEC. 231. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO COSTREIMBURSABLE AGREEMENTS.

Section 1473A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319a) is amended

in the first sentence by inserting ‘‘or other colleges and universities’’

after ‘‘institutions’’.

Subtitle D—Food, Agriculture,

Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

SEC. 241. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

Section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade

Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is amended to read as follows:

‘‘SEC. 1671. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

‘‘(a) GOALS.—The goals of this section are—

‘‘(1) to expand the knowledge of public and private sector

entities and persons concerning genomes for species of importance to the food and agriculture sectors in order to maximize

the return on the investment in genomics of agriculturally

important species;
S. 1150—26

‘‘(2) to focus on the species that will yield scientifically

important results that will enhance the usefulness of many

agriculturally important species;

‘‘(3) to build on genomic research, such as the Human

Genome Initiative and the Arabidopsis Genome Project, to

understand gene structure and function that is expected to

have considerable payoffs in agriculturally important species;

‘‘(4) to develop improved bioinformatics to enhance both

sequence or structure determination and analysis of the

biological function of genes and gene products;

‘‘(5) to encourage Federal Government participants to maximize the utility of public and private partnerships for agricultural genome research;

‘‘(6) to allow resources developed under this section, including data, software, germplasm, and other biological materials,

to be openly accessible to all persons, subject to any confidentiality requirements imposed by law; and

‘‘(7) to encourage international partnerships with each partner country responsible for financing its own strategy for agricultural genome research.

‘‘(b) DUTIES OF SECRETARY.—The Secretary of Agriculture

(referred to in this section as the ‘Secretary’) shall conduct a

research initiative (to be known as the ‘Agricultural Genome Initiative’) for the purpose of—

‘‘(1) studying and mapping agriculturally significant genes

to achieve sustainable and secure agricultural production;

‘‘(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing agricultural

genetics knowledge are filled;

‘‘(3) identifying and developing a functional understanding

of genes responsible for economically important traits in agriculturally important species, including emerging plant and animal diseases causing economic hardship;

‘‘(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of agriculturally

important species;

‘‘(5) supporting preservation of diverse germplasm;

‘‘(6) ensuring preservation of biodiversity to maintain access

to genes that may be of importance in the future; and

‘‘(7) otherwise carrying out this section.

‘‘(c) GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—

‘‘(1) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may make grants or enter

into cooperative agreements with individuals and organizations

in accordance with section 1472 of the National Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.

3318).

‘‘(2) COMPETITIVE BASIS.—A grant or cooperative agreement

under this subsection shall be made or entered into on a

competitive basis.

‘‘(d) ADMINISTRATION.—Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research

Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making

of a grant or cooperative agreement under this section.

‘‘(e) MATCHING OF FUNDS.—

‘‘(1) GENERAL REQUIREMENT.—If a grant or cooperative

agreement under this section provides a particular benefit to

a specific agricultural commodity, the Secretary shall require

the recipient to provide funds or in-kind support to match
S. 1150—27

the amount of funds provided by the Secretary under the grant

or cooperative agreement.

‘‘(2) WAIVER.—The Secretary may waive the matching funds

requirement of paragraph (1) with respect to a research project

if the Secretary determines that—

‘‘(A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be

applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

‘‘(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project

deals with scientifically important research, and the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

‘‘(f) CONSULTATION WITH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.—

The Secretary may use funds made available under this section

to consult with the National Academy of Sciences regarding the

administration of the Agricultural Genome Initiative.’’.

SEC. 242. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade

Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended to read as follows:

‘‘SEC. 1672. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE SPECIALIZED RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to

in this section as the ‘Secretary’) may make competitive grants

to support research and extension activities specified in subsections

(e), (f), and (g). The Secretary shall make the grants in consultation

with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and

Economics Advisory Board.

‘‘(b) ADMINISTRATION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided in this

section, paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) of

the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

(7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making of grants

under this section.

‘‘(2) USE OF TASK FORCES.—To facilitate the making of

research and extension grants under this section in the research

and extension areas specified in subsection (e), the Secretary

may appoint a task force for each such area to make recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary may not incur

costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection

with each task force established under this paragraph.

‘‘(c) MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall require the recipient

of a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support

from non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to the

amount provided by the Federal Government.

‘‘(2) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may waive the

matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with

respect to a research project if the Secretary determines that—

‘‘(A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be

applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

‘‘(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project

deals with scientifically important research, and the grant

recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
S. 1150—28

‘‘(d) PARTNERSHIPS ENCOURAGED.—Following the completion of

a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary may provide a priority to those grant proposals,

found in the peer review process to be scientifically meritorious,

that involve the cooperation of multiple entities.

‘‘(e) HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION AREAS.—

‘‘(1) BROWN CITRUS APHID AND CITRUS TRISTEZA VIRUS

RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants

may be made under this section for the purpose of—

‘‘(A) developing methods to control or eradicate the

brown citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus from citrus

crops grown in the United States; or

‘‘(B) adapting citrus crops grown in the United States

to the brown citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus.

‘‘(2) ETHANOL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of carrying out or enhancing research on ethanol derived

from agricultural crops as an alternative fuel source.

‘‘(3) AFLATOXIN RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of identifying and controlling aflatoxin in the food and

feed chains.

‘‘(4) MESQUITE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing enhanced production methods and commercial uses of mesquite.

‘‘(5) PRICKLY PEAR RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research

and extension grants may be made under this section for the

purpose of investigating enhanced genetic selection and processing techniques of prickly pears.

‘‘(6) DEER TICK ECOLOGY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—

Research and extension grants may be made under this section

for the purpose of studying the population ecology of deer

ticks and other insects and pests that transmit Lyme disease.

‘‘(7) RED MEAT SAFETY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—

Research and extension grants may be made under this section

for the purpose of developing—

‘‘(A) intervention strategies that reduce microbial

contamination on carcass surfaces;

‘‘(B) microbiological mapping of carcass surfaces; and

‘‘(C) model hazard analysis and critical control point

plans.

‘‘(8) GRAIN SORGHUM ERGOT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—

Research and extension grants may be made under this section

for the purpose of developing techniques for the eradication

of sorghum ergot.

‘‘(9) PEANUT MARKET ENHANCEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made under this

section for the purpose of evaluating the economics of applying

innovative technologies for peanut processing in a commercial

environment.

‘‘(10) DAIRY FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND

EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made

under this section for the purpose of providing research,

development, or education materials, information, and outreach

programs regarding risk management strategies for dairy
S. 1150—29

producers and for dairy cooperatives and other processors and

marketers of milk.

‘‘(11) COTTON RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of improving pest management, fiber quality enhancement,

economic assessment, textile production, and optimized production systems for short staple cotton.

‘‘(12) METHYL BROMIDE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—

Research and extension grants may be made under this section

for the purpose of—

‘‘(A) developing and evaluating chemical and nonchemical alternatives, and use and emission reduction strategies,

for pre-planting and post-harvest uses of methyl bromide;

and

‘‘(B) transferring the results of the research for use

by agricultural producers.

‘‘(13) POTATO RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing and evaluating new strains of potatoes that

are resistant to blight and other diseases, as well as insects.

Emphasis may be placed on developing potato varieties that

lend themselves to innovative marketing approaches.

‘‘(14) WOOD USE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing new uses for wood from underused tree

species as well as investigating methods of modifying wood

and wood fibers to produce better building materials.

‘‘(15) LOW-BUSH BLUEBERRY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.— Research and extension grants may be made under this section

for the purpose of evaluating methods of propagating and developing low-bush blueberry as a marketable crop.

‘‘(16) WETLANDS USE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research

and extension grants may be made under this section for the

purpose of better use of wetlands in diverse ways to provide

various economic, agricultural, and environmental benefits.

‘‘(17) WILD PAMPAS GRASS CONTROL, MANAGEMENT, AND

ERADICATION RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose

of control, management, and eradication of wild pampas grass.

‘‘(18) FOOD SAFETY, INCLUDING PATHOGEN DETECTION AND

LIMITATION, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose

of increasing food safety, including the identification of

advanced detection and processing methods to limit the presence of pathogens (including hepatitis A and E. coli 0157:H7)

in domestic and imported foods.

‘‘(19) FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made under this

section for the purpose of providing research, development,

or education materials, information, and outreach programs

regarding financial risk management strategies for agricultural

producers and for cooperatives and other processors and

marketers of any agricultural commodity.

‘‘(20) ORNAMENTAL TROPICAL FISH RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made under this

section for the purpose of meeting the needs of commercial

producers of ornamental tropical fish and aquatic plants for
S. 1150—30

improvements in the areas of fish reproduction, health, nutrition, predator control, water use, water quality control, and

farming technology.

‘‘(21) SHEEP SCRAPIE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research

and extension grants may be made under this section for the

purpose of investigating the genetic aspects of scrapie in sheep.

‘‘(22) GYPSY MOTH RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research

and extension grants may be made under this section for the

purpose of developing biological control, management, and

eradication methods against nonnative insects, including

Lymantria dispar (commonly known as the ‘gypsy moth’), that

contribute to significant agricultural, economic, or environmental harm.

‘‘(23) FORESTRY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section to develop

and distribute new, high-quality, science-based information for

the purpose of improving the long-term productivity of forest

resources and contributing to forest-based economic development by addressing such issues as—

‘‘(A) forest land use policies;

‘‘(B) multiple-use forest management, including wildlife

habitat development, improved forest regeneration systems,

and timber supply; and

‘‘(C) improved development, manufacturing, and

marketing of forest products.

‘‘(24) TOMATO SPOTTED WILT VIRUS RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.—Research and extension grants may be made under this

section for the purpose of control, management, and eradication

of tomato spotted wilt virus.

‘‘(f) IMPORTED FIRE ANT CONTROL, MANAGEMENT, AND ERADI- CATION.—

‘‘(1) TASK FORCE.—The Secretary shall establish a task

force pursuant to subsection (b)(2) regarding the control,

management, and eradication of imported fire ants. The Secretary shall solicit and evaluate grant proposals under this

subsection in consultation with the task force.

‘‘(2) INITIAL GRANTS.— ‘‘(A) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.—The Secretary shall

publish a request for proposals for grants for research

or demonstration projects related to the control, management, and possible eradication of imported fire ants.

‘‘(B) SELECTION.—Not later than 1 year after the date

of publication of the request for proposals, the Secretary

shall evaluate the grant proposals submitted in response

to the request and may select meritorious research or demonstration projects related to the control, management,

and possible eradication of imported fire ants to receive

an initial grant under this subsection.

‘‘(3) SUBSEQUENT GRANTS.—

‘‘(A) EVALUATION OF INITIAL GRANTS.—If the Secretary

awards grants under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall

evaluate all of the research or demonstration projects conducted under the grants for their use as the basis of a

national plan for the control, management, and possible

eradication of imported fire ants by the Federal Government, State and local governments, and owners and operators of land.
S. 1150—31

‘‘(B) SELECTION.—On the basis of the evaluation under

subparagraph (A), the Secretary may select the projects

that the Secretary considers most promising for additional

research or demonstration related to preparation of a

national plan for the control, management, and possible

eradication of imported fire ants. The Secretary shall notify

the task force of the projects selected under this subparagraph.

‘‘(4) SELECTION AND SUBMISSION OF NATIONAL PLAN.—

‘‘(A) EVALUATION OF SUBSEQUENT GRANTS.—If the Secretary awards grants under paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary

shall evaluate all of the research or demonstration projects

conducted under the grants for use as the basis of a

national plan for the control, management, and possible

eradication of imported fire ants by the Federal Government, State and local governments, and owners and operators of land.

‘‘(B) SELECTION.—On the basis of the evaluation under

subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall select 1 project

funded under paragraph (3)(B), or a combination of those

projects, for award of a grant for final preparation of the

national plan.

‘‘(C) SUBMISSION.—The Secretary shall submit to Congress the final national plan prepared under subparagraph

(B) for the control, management, and possible eradication

of imported fire ants.

‘‘(g) FORMOSAN TERMITE RESEARCH AND ERADICATION.—

‘‘(1) RESEARCH PROGRAM.—The Secretary may make

competitive research grants under this subsection to regional

and multijurisdictional entities, local government planning

organizations, and local governments for the purpose of conducting research for the control, management, and possible eradication of Formosan termites in the United States.

‘‘(2) ERADICATION PROGRAM.—The Secretary may enter into

cooperative agreements with regional and multijurisdictional

entities, local government planning organizations, and local

governments for the purposes of—

‘‘(A) conducting projects for the control, management,

and possible eradication of Formosan termites in the

United States; and

‘‘(B) collecting data on the effectiveness of the projects.

‘‘(3) FUNDING PRIORITY.—In allocating funds made available

to carry out paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide a higher

priority for regions or locations with the highest historical

rates of infestation of Formosan termites.

‘‘(4) MANAGEMENT COORDINATION.—The program management of research grants, cooperative agreements, and projects

under this subsection shall be conducted under existing authority in coordination with the national formosan termite management and research demonstration program conducted by the

Agricultural Research Service.

‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.’’.
S. 1150—32

SEC. 243. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

is amended by inserting after section 1672 (7 U.S.C. 5925) the

following:

‘‘SEC. 1672A. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

INITIATIVE.

‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section

as the ‘Secretary’) may make competitive grants to support research

and extension activities specified in subsection (e). The Secretary

shall make the grants in consultation with the National Agricultural

Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.

‘‘(b) ADMINISTRATION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research

Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making

of grants under this section.

‘‘(2) USE OF TASK FORCES.—To facilitate the making of

research and extension grants under this section in the research

and extension areas specified in subsection (e), the Secretary

may appoint a task force for each such area to make recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary may not incur

costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection

with each task force established under this paragraph.

‘‘(c) MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall require the recipient

of a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support

from non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to the

amount provided by the Federal Government.

‘‘(2) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may waive the

matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with

respect to a research project if the Secretary determines that—

‘‘(A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be

applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

‘‘(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project

deals with scientifically important research, and the grant

recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

‘‘(d) PARTNERSHIPS ENCOURAGED.—Following the completion of

a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary may provide a priority to those grant proposals,

found in the peer review process to be scientifically meritorious,

that involve the cooperation of multiple entities.

‘‘(e) NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

AREAS.—

‘‘(1) ANIMAL WASTE AND ODOR MANAGEMENT.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of—

‘‘(A) identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating innovative technologies for animal waste management and related

air quality management and odor control;

‘‘(B) investigating the unique microbiology of specific

animal wastes, such as swine waste, to develop improved

methods to effectively manage air and water quality; and
S. 1150—33

‘‘(C) conducting information workshops to disseminate

the results of the research.

‘‘(2) WATER QUALITY AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS.—Research

and extension grants may be made under this section for the

purpose of investigating the impact on aquatic food webs, especially commercially important aquatic species and their habitats, of microorganisms of the genus Pfiesteria and other microorganisms that are a threat to human or animal health.

‘‘(3) RURAL AND URBAN INTERFACE.—Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose

of identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating innovative technologies to be used for animal waste management (including

odor control) in rural areas adjacent to urban or suburban

areas in connection with waste management activities undertaken in urban or suburban areas.

‘‘(4) ANIMAL FEED.—Research and extension grants may

be made under this section for the purpose of maximizing

nutrition management for livestock, while limiting risks, such

as mineral bypass, associated with livestock feeding practices.

‘‘(5) ALTERNATIVE USES OF ANIMAL WASTE.—Research and

extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of finding innovative methods and technologies for economic use or disposal of animal waste.

‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.’’.

SEC. 244. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

is amended by inserting after section 1672A (as added by section

243) the following:

‘‘SEC. 1672B. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE SPECIALIZED RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—In consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory

Board, the Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section

as the ‘Secretary’) may make competitive grants to support research

and extension activities regarding organically grown and processed

agricultural commodities for the purposes of—

‘‘(1) facilitating the development of organic agriculture

production and processing methods;

‘‘(2) evaluating the potential economic benefits to producers

and processors who use organic methods; and

‘‘(3) exploring international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed agricultural commodities.

‘‘(b) GRANT TYPES AND PROCESS, PROHIBITION ON CONSTRUCTION.—Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) of the

Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.

450i) shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this

section.

‘‘(c) MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall require the recipient

of a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support

from non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to the

amount provided by the Federal Government.
S. 1150—34

‘‘(2) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may waive the

matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with

respect to a research project if the Secretary determines that—

‘‘(A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specified agricultural commodity, are likely to be

applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

‘‘(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project

deals with scientifically important research, and the grant

recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

‘‘(d) PARTNERSHIPS ENCOURAGED.—Following the completion of

a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary may provide a priority to those grant proposals,

found in the peer review process to be scientifically meritorious,

that involve the cooperation of multiple entities.

‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.’’.

SEC. 245. AGRICULTURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM.

Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade

Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as

paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively;

(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following:

‘‘(1) A*DEC.—The term ‘A*DEC’ means the distance education consortium known as A*DEC.’’; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(7) SECRETARY.—Except as provided in subsection (d)(1),

the term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting

through A*DEC.’’;

(2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ‘‘The Secretary shall

establish a program, to be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education,’’ and inserting ‘‘The Secretary

of Agriculture shall establish a program, to be administered

through a grant provided to A*DEC under terms and conditions

established by the Secretary of Agriculture,’’; and

(3) in the first sentence of subsection (f)(2), by striking

‘‘the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education’’ and inserting ‘‘A*DEC’’.

SEC. 246. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH

DISABILITIES.

Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade

Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (6);

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) by striking ‘‘DISSEMINATION.—’’ and all that follows

through ‘‘GENERAL.—The’’ and inserting ‘‘DISSEMINATION.—

The’’; and

(B) by striking paragraph (2); and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000

for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.
S. 1150—35

‘‘(2) NATIONAL GRANT.—Not more than 15 percent of the

amounts made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year

shall be used to carry out subsection (b).’’.

Subtitle E—Other Laws

SEC. 251. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994.

(a) DEFINITION OF 1994 INSTITUTIONS.—Section 532 of the

Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law

103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended by adding at the end

the following:

‘‘(30) Little Priest Tribal College.’’.

(b) ACCREDITATION.—Section 533(a) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7

U.S.C. 301 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(3) ACCREDITATION.—To receive funding under sections

534 and 535, a 1994 Institution shall certify to the Secretary

that the 1994 Institution—

‘‘(A) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting

agency or association determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to be a reliable

authority regarding the quality of training offered; or

‘‘(B) is making progress toward the accreditation, as

determined by the nationally recognized accrediting agency

or association.’’.

(c) RESEARCH GRANTS.—The Equity in Educational Land-Grant

Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note) is

amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘SEC. 536. RESEARCH GRANTS.

‘‘(a) RESEARCH GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Agriculture may make grants under this section, on the basis of a

competitive application process (and in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate), to a 1994 Institution to

assist the Institution to conduct agricultural research that addresses

high priority concerns of tribal, national, or multistate significance.

‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.—Grant applications submitted under this

section shall certify that the research to be conducted will be

performed under a cooperative agreement with at least 1 other

land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution).

‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002. Amounts appropriated shall remain available until expended.’’.

SEC. 252. FUND FOR RURAL AMERICA.

Section 793(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and

Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 2204f(b)) is amended by striking

paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—On October 1, 1998, and each October

1 thereafter through October 1, 2002, out of any funds in

the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the

Treasury shall transfer $60,000,000 to the Account.’’.
S. 1150—36

SEC. 253. FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES

RESEARCH.

(a) FINDINGS.—Section 2 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641) is amended

by striking ‘‘SEC. 2.’’ and subsection (a) and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

‘‘(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following:

‘‘(1) Forests and rangeland, and the resources of forests

and rangeland, are of strategic economic and ecological importance to the United States, and the Federal Government has

an important and substantial role in ensuring the continued

health, productivity, and sustainability of the forests and rangeland of the United States.

‘‘(2) Over 75 percent of the productive commercial forest

land in the United States is privately owned, with some 60

percent owned by small nonindustrial private owners. These

10,000,000 nonindustrial private owners are critical to providing both commodity and noncommodity values to the citizens

of the United States.

‘‘(3) The National Forest System manages only 17 percent

of the commercial timberland of the United States, with over

half of the standing softwoods inventory located on that land.

Dramatic changes in Federal agency policy during the early

1990’s have significantly curtailed the management of this vast

timber resource, causing abrupt shifts in the supply of timber

from public to private ownership. As a result of these shifts

in supply, some 60 percent of total wood production in the

United States is now coming from private forest land in the

southern United States.

‘‘(4) At the same time that pressures are building for the

removal of even more land from commercial production, the

Federal Government is significantly reducing its commitment

to productivity-related research regarding forests and rangeland, which is critically needed by the private sector for the

sustained management of remaining available timber and forage resources for the benefit of all species.

‘‘(5) Uncertainty over the availability of the United States

timber supply, increasing regulatory burdens, and the lack

of Federal Government support for research is causing domestic

wood and paper producers to move outside the United States

to find reliable sources of wood supplies, which in turn results

in a worsening of the United States trade balance, the loss

of employment and infrastructure investments, and an

increased risk of infestations of exotic pests and diseases from

imported wood products.

‘‘(6) Wood and paper producers in the United States are

being challenged not only by shifts in Federal Government

policy, but also by international competition from tropical countries where growth rates of trees far exceed those in the United

States. Wood production per acre will need to quadruple from

1996 levels for the United States forestry sector to remain

internationally competitive on an ever decreasing forest land

base.

‘‘(7) Better and more frequent forest inventorying and

analysis is necessary to identify productivity-related forestry

research needs and to provide forest managers with the current
S. 1150—37

data necessary to make timely and effective management

decisions.’’.

(b) HIGH PRIORITY FORESTRY AND RANGELAND RESEARCH AND

EDUCATION.—Section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable

Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642) is amended by

striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

‘‘(d) HIGH PRIORITY FORESTRY AND RANGELAND RESEARCH AND

EDUCATION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may conduct, support,

and cooperate in forestry and rangeland research and education

that is of the highest priority to the United States and to

users of public and private forest land and rangeland in the

United States.

‘‘(2) PRIORITIES.—The research and education priorities

include the following:

‘‘(A) The biology of forest organisms and rangeland

organisms.

‘‘(B) Functional characteristics and cost-effective

management of forest and rangeland ecosystems.

‘‘(C) Interactions between humans and forests and

rangeland.

‘‘(D) Wood and forage as a raw material.

‘‘(E) International trade, competition, and cooperation.

‘‘(3) NORTHEASTERN STATES RESEARCH COOPERATIVE.—The

Secretary may cooperate with the northeastern States of New

Hampshire, New York, Maine, and Vermont, land-grant colleges

and universities of those States, natural resources and forestry

schools of those States, other Federal agencies, and other

interested persons in those States to coordinate and improve

ecological and economic research relating to agricultural

research, extension, and education, including—

‘‘(A) research on ecosystem health, forest management,

product development, economics, and related fields;

‘‘(B) research to assist those States and landowners

in those States to achieve sustainable forest management;

‘‘(C) technology transfer to the wood products industry

of technologies that promote efficient processing, pollution

prevention, and energy conservation;

‘‘(D) dissemination of existing and new information

to landowners, public and private resource managers, State

forest citizen advisory committees, and the general public

through professional associations, publications, and other

information clearinghouse activities; and

‘‘(E) analysis of strategies for the protection of areas

of outstanding ecological significance or high biological

diversity, and strategies for the provision of important

recreational opportunities and traditional uses, including

strategies for areas identified through State land conservation planning processes.’’.

(c) FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS.—Section 3 of the Forest

and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16

U.S.C. 1642) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(e) FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS.—

‘‘(1) PROGRAM REQUIRED.—In compliance with other

applicable provisions of law, the Secretary shall establish a

program to inventory and analyze, in a timely manner, public

and private forests and their resources in the United States.
S. 1150—38

‘‘(2) ANNUAL STATE INVENTORY.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than the end of each full

fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this

subsection, the Secretary shall prepare for each State, in

cooperation with the State forester for the State, an inventory of forests and their resources in the State.

‘‘(B) SAMPLE PLOTS.—For purposes of preparing the

inventory for a State, the Secretary shall measure annually

20 percent of all sample plots that are included in the

inventory program for that State.

‘‘(C) COMPILATION OF INVENTORY.—On completion of

the inventory for a year, the Secretary shall make available

to the public a compilation of all data collected for that

year from measurements of sample plots as well as any

analysis made of the samples.

‘‘(3) 5-YEAR REPORTS.—Not more often than every 5 full

fiscal years after the date of enactment of this subsection,

the Secretary shall prepare, publish, and make available to

the public a report, prepared in cooperation with State foresters,

that—

‘‘(A) contains a description of each State inventory

of forests and their resources, incorporating all sample

plot measurements conducted during the 5 years covered

by the report;

‘‘(B) displays and analyzes on a nationwide basis the

results of the annual reports required by paragraph (2);

and

‘‘(C) contains an analysis of forest health conditions

and trends over the previous 2 decades, with an emphasis

on such conditions and trends during the period subsequent

to the immediately preceding report under this paragraph.

‘‘(4) NATIONAL STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS.—To ensure

uniform and consistent data collection for all forest land that

is publicly or privately owned and for each State, the Secretary

shall develop, in consultation with State foresters and Federal

land management agencies not under the jurisdiction of the

Secretary, and publish national standards and definitions to

be applied in inventorying and analyzing forests and their

resources under this subsection. The standards shall include

a core set of variables to be measured on all sample plots

under paragraph (2) and a standard set of tables to be included

in the reports under paragraph (3).

‘‘(5) PROTECTION FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.—The Secretary shall obtain authorization from property owners prior

to collecting data from sample plots located on private property

pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3).

‘‘(6) STRATEGIC PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the

date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall prepare

and submit to Congress a strategic plan to implement and

carry out this subsection, including the annual updates required

by paragraph (2) and the reports required by paragraph (3),

that shall describe in detail—

‘‘(A) the financial resources required to implement and

carry out this subsection, including the identification of

any resources required in excess of the amounts provided

for forest inventorying and analysis in recent appropriations Acts;
S. 1150—39

‘‘(B) the personnel necessary to implement and carry

out this subsection, including any personnel in addition

to personnel currently performing inventorying and analysis functions;

‘‘(C) the organization and procedures necessary to

implement and carry out this subsection, including proposed coordination with Federal land management agencies

and State foresters;

‘‘(D) the schedules for annual sample plot measurements in each State inventory required by paragraph (2)

within the first 5-year interval after the date of enactment

of this subsection;

‘‘(E) the core set of variables to be measured in each

sample plot under paragraph (2) and the standard set

of tables to be used in each State and national report

under paragraph (3); and

‘‘(F) the process for employing, in coordination with

the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, remote

sensing, global positioning systems, and other advanced

technologies to carry out this subsection, and the subsequent use of the technologies.’’.

(d) FORESTRY AND RANGELAND COMPETITIVE RESEARCH

GRANTS.—Section 5 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable

Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1644) is amended—

(1) by striking the section heading and ‘‘SEC. 5.’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 5. FORESTRY AND RANGELAND COMPETITIVE RESEARCH

GRANTS.

‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE GRANT AUTHORITY.—’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(b) EMPHASIS ON CERTAIN HIGH PRIORITY FORESTRY

RESEARCH.—The Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the amounts

made available for research under section 3 to make competitive

grants regarding forestry research in the high priority research

areas identified under section 3(d).

‘‘(c) EMPHASIS ON CERTAIN HIGH PRIORITY RANGELAND

RESEARCH.—The Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the amounts

made available for research under section 3 to make competitive

grants regarding rangeland research in the high priority research

areas identified under section 3(d).

‘‘(d) PRIORITIES.—In making grants under subsections (b) and

(c), the Secretary shall give priority to research proposals under

which—

‘‘(1) the proposed research will be collaborative research

organized through a center of scientific excellence;

‘‘(2) the applicant agrees to provide matching funds (in

the form of direct funding or in-kind support) in an amount

equal to not less than 50 percent of the grant amount; and

‘‘(3) the proposed research will be conducted as part of

an existing private and public partnership or cooperative

research effort and involves several interested research partners.’’.
S. 1150—40

TITLE III—EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

SEC. 301. EXTENSIONS.

(a) NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

TEACHING POLICY ACT OF 1977.—The National Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended—

(1) in subsection (l) of section 1417 (7 U.S.C. 3152) (as

redesignated by section 223(1)), by striking ‘‘1997’’ and inserting

‘‘2002’’;

(2) in section 1419(d) (7 U.S.C. 3154(d)), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’;

(3) in section 1419A(d) (7 U.S.C. 3155(d)), by striking ‘‘fiscal

years 1996 and 1997’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 1996

through 2002’’;

(4) in section 1424(d) (7 U.S.C. 3174(d)), by striking ‘‘fiscal

years 1996 and 1997’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 1996

through 2002’’;

(5) in section 1424A(d) (7 U.S.C. 3174a(d)), by striking

‘‘fiscal year 1997’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 1997

through 2002’’;

(6) in section 1425(c)(3) (7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(3)), by striking

‘‘and 1997’’ and inserting ‘‘through 2002’’;

(7) in the first sentence of section 1433(a) (7 U.S.C. 3195(a)),

by striking ‘‘1997’’ and inserting ‘‘2002’’;

(8) in section 1434(a) (7 U.S.C. 3196(a)), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’;

(9) in section 1447(b) (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)), by striking ‘‘and

1997’’ and inserting ‘‘through 2002’’;

(10) in section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 3222c)—

(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘and 1997’’ and

inserting ‘‘through 2002’’; and

(B) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘1997’’ and inserting

‘‘2002’’;

(11) in section 1455(c) (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)), by striking ‘‘fiscal

year 1997’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 1997 through

2002’’;

(12) in section 1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311), by striking ‘‘1997’’

each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting

‘‘2002’’;

(13) in section 1464 (7 U.S.C. 3312), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’;

(14) in section 1473D(a) (7 U.S.C. 3319d(a)), by striking

‘‘1997’’ and inserting ‘‘2002’’;

(15) in the first sentence of section 1477 (7 U.S.C. 3324),

by striking ‘‘1997’’ and inserting ‘‘2002’’; and

(16) in section 1483(a) (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’.

(b) FOOD, AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF

1990.—The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

is amended—

(1) in section 1635(b) (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’;
S. 1150—41

(2) in section 1673(h) (7 U.S.C. 5926(h)), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’;

(3) in section 2381(e) (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)), by striking ‘‘1997’’

and inserting ‘‘2002’’.

(c) CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.—Section 16(a) of

the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘1997’’ and inserting ‘‘2002’’.

(d) RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.—Section 6(a) of the Research

Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘fiscal

years 1996 and 1997’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 1996

through 2002’’.

(e) NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

TEACHING POLICY ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1985.—Section 1431 of

the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act Amendments of 1985 (Public Law 99–198; 99 Stat. 1556) is

amended by striking ‘‘1997’’ and inserting ‘‘2002’’.

(f) COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH GRANT

ACT.—Subsection (b)(10) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities

Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(10)) is amended by striking

‘‘1997’’ and inserting ‘‘2002’’.

(g) EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF

1994.—Sections 533(b) and 535 of the Equity in Educational LandGrant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)

are amended by striking ‘‘2000’’ each place it appears and inserting

‘‘2002’’.

(h) RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978.—Section

6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.

1675) is amended in the first sentence by striking ‘‘the fiscal year

ending September 30, 1988,’’ and all that follows through the period

at the end and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 1987 through 2002.’’.

(i) NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.—Section 10 of the

National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) is amended

by striking ‘‘the fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993’’ each place

it appears and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 1991 through 2002’’.

SEC. 302. REPEALS.

(a) NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

TEACHING POLICY ACT OF 1977.—Section 1476 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7

U.S.C. 3323) is repealed.

(b) NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

TEACHING POLICY ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1981.—Subsection (b) of

section 1432 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and

Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1981 (Public Law 97–98; 7

U.S.C. 3222 note) is repealed.

(c) FOOD, AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF

1990.—Subtitle G of title XIV and sections 1670 and 1675 of the

Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.

5501 et seq., 5923, 5928) are repealed.

(d) FEDERAL AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT AND REFORM ACT OF

1996.—Subtitle E of title VIII of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–127; 110 Stat.

1184) is repealed.
S. 1150—42

TITLE IV—NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES

SEC. 401. INITIATIVE FOR FUTURE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS.

(a) TREASURY ACCOUNT.—There is established in the Treasury

of the United States an account to be known as the Initiative

for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (referred to in this section

as the ‘‘Account’’) to provide funds for activities authorized under

this section.

(b) FUNDING.— (1) IN GENERAL.—On October 1, 1998, and each October

1 thereafter through October 1, 2002, out of any funds in

the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the

Treasury shall transfer $120,000,000 to the Account.

(2) ENTITLEMENT.—The Secretary of Agriculture—

(A) shall be entitled to receive the funds transferred

to the Account under paragraph (1);

(B) shall accept the funds; and

(C) shall use the funds to carry out this section.

(c) PURPOSES.—

(1) CRITICAL EMERGING ISSUES.—The Secretary shall use

the funds in the Account—

(A) subject to paragraph (2), for research, extension,

and education grants (referred to in this section as ‘‘grants’’)

to address critical emerging agricultural issues related to—

(i) future food production;

(ii) environmental quality and natural resource

management; or

(iii) farm income; and

(B) for activities carried out under the Alternative

Agricultural Research and Commercialization Act of 1990

(7 U.S.C. 5901 et seq.).

(2) PRIORITY MISSION AREAS.—In making grants under this

section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board,

shall address priority mission areas related to—

(A) agricultural genome;

(B) food safety, food technology, and human nutrition;

(C) new and alternative uses and production of agricultural commodities and products;

(D) agricultural biotechnology;

(E) natural resource management, including precision

agriculture; and

(F) farm efficiency and profitability, including the

viability and competitiveness of small- and medium-sized

dairy, livestock, crop, and other commodity operations.

(d) ELIGIBLE GRANTEES.—The Secretary may make a grant

under this section to—

(1) a Federal research agency;

(2) a national laboratory;

(3) a college or university or a research foundation maintained by a college or university; or

(4) a private research organization with an established

and demonstrated capacity to perform research or technology

transfer.
S. 1150—43

(e) SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS.—

(1) SMALLER INSTITUTIONS.—The Secretary may award

grants under this section in a manner that ensures that the

faculty of small and mid-sized institutions that have not previously been successful in obtaining competitive grants under

subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities

Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) receive a portion of

the grants under this section.

(2) PRIORITIES.—In making grants under this section, the

Secretary shall provide a higher priority to—

(A) a project that is multistate, multi-institutional, or

multidisciplinary; or

(B) a project that integrates agricultural research,

extension, and education.

(f) ADMINISTRATION.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—In making grants under this section,

the Secretary shall—

(A) seek and accept proposals for grants;

(B) determine the relevance and merit of proposals

through a system of peer review in accordance with section

103;

(C) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and

relevance to advancing the purposes and priority mission

areas established under subsection (c); and

(D) solicit and consider input from persons who conduct

or use agricultural research, extension, or education in

accordance with section 102(b).

(2) COMPETITIVE BASIS.—A grant under this section shall

be awarded on a competitive basis.

(3) TERM.—A grant under this section shall have a term

that does not exceed 5 years.

(4) MATCHING FUNDS.—As a condition of making a grant

under this section, the Secretary shall require the funding

of the grant be matched with equal matching funds from a

non-Federal source if the grant is—

(A) for applied research that is commodity-specific; and

(B) not of national scope.

(5) DELEGATION.—The Secretary shall administer this section through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service of the Department. The Secretary may establish 1 or more institutes to carry out all or part of the activities

authorized under this section.

(6) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Funds for grants under this

section shall be available to the Secretary for obligation for

a 2-year period.

(7) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—The Secretary may use not

more than 4 percent of the funds made available for grants

under this section for administrative costs incurred by the

Secretary in carrying out this section.

(8) BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES.—Funds made available for

grants under this section shall not be used for the construction

of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion,

remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility

(including site grading and improvement and architect fees).
S. 1150—44

SEC. 402. PARTNERSHIPS FOR HIGH-VALUE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT QUALITY RESEARCH.

(a) DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE PARTNERSHIP.—In this section, the

term ‘‘eligible partnership’’ means a partnership consisting of a

land-grant college or university and other entities specified in subsection (c)(1) that satisfies the eligibility criteria specified in subsection (c).

(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF PARTNERSHIPS BY GRANT.—The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to an eligible

partnership to coordinate and manage research and extension activities to enhance the quality of high-value agricultural products.

(c) CRITERIA FOR AN ELIGIBLE PARTNERSHIP.— (1) PRIMARY INSTITUTIONS IN PARTNERSHIP.—The primary

institution involved in an eligible partnership shall be a landgrant college or university, acting in partnership with other

colleges or universities, nonprofit research and development

entities, and Federal laboratories.

(2) PRIORITIZATION OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.—An eligible

partnership shall prioritize research and extension activities

in order to—

(A) enhance the competitiveness of United States agricultural products;

(B) increase exports of such products; and

(C) substitute such products for imported products.

(3) COORDINATION.—An eligible partnership shall coordinate among the entities comprising the partnership the activities supported by the eligible partnership, including the provision of mechanisms for sharing resources between institutions

and laboratories and the coordination of public and private

sector partners to maximize cost-effectiveness.

(d) TYPES OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES.—Research

or extension supported by an eligible partnership may address

the full spectrum of production, processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing issues related to a high-value agricultural

product. Such issues include—

(1) environmentally responsible—

(A) pest management alternatives and biotechnology;

(B) sustainable farming methods; and

(C) soil conservation and enhanced resource management;

(2) genetic research to develop improved agricultural-based

products;

(3) refinement of field production practices and technology

to improve quality, yield, and production efficiencies;

(4) processing and package technology to improve product

quality, stability, or flavor intensity;

(5) marketing research regarding consumer perceptions and

preferences;

(6) economic research, including industry characteristics,

growth, and competitive analysis; and

(7) research to facilitate diversified, value-added enterprises in rural areas.

(e) ELEMENTS OF GRANT MAKING PROCESS.—

(1) PERIOD OF GRANT.—The Secretary may award a grant

under this section for a period not to exceed 5 years.

(2) PREFERENCES.—In making grants under this section,

the Secretary shall provide a preference to proposals that—
S. 1150—45

(A) demonstrate linkages with—

(i) agencies of the Department;

(ii) other related Federal research laboratories and

agencies;

(iii) colleges and universities; and

(iv) private industry; and

(B) guarantee matching funds in excess of the amounts

required by paragraph (3).

(3) MATCHING FUNDS.—An eligible partnership shall

contribute an amount of non-Federal funds for the operation

of the partnership that is at least equal to the amount of

grant funds received by the partnership under this section.

(f) LIMITATION ON USE OF GRANT FUNDS.—Funds provided

under this section may not be used for the planning, repair,

rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.

(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

SEC. 403. PRECISION AGRICULTURE.

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:

(1) AGRICULTURAL INPUTS.—The term ‘‘agricultural inputs’’

includes all farm management, agronomic, and field-applied

agricultural production inputs, such as machinery, labor, time,

fuel, irrigation water, commercial nutrients, feed stuffs, veterinary drugs and vaccines, livestock waste, crop protection chemicals, agronomic data and information, application and management services, seed, and other inputs used in agricultural

production.

(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means—

(A) a State agricultural experiment station;

(B) a college or university;

(C) a research institution or organization;

(D) a Federal or State government entity or agency;

(E) a national laboratory;

(F) a private organization or corporation;

(G) an agricultural producer or other land manager;

or

(H) a precision agriculture partnership referred to in

subsection (g).

(3) PRECISION AGRICULTURE.—The term ‘‘precision agriculture’’ means an integrated information- and productionbased farming system that is designed to increase long-term,

site-specific, and whole farm production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability while minimizing unintended impacts on

wildlife and the environment by—

(A) combining agricultural sciences, agricultural inputs

and practices, agronomic production databases, and precision agriculture technologies to efficiently manage agronomic and livestock production systems;

(B) gathering on-farm information pertaining to the

variation and interaction of site-specific spatial and temporal factors affecting crop and livestock production;

(C) integrating such information with appropriate data

derived from field scouting, remote sensing, and other precision agriculture technologies in a timely manner in order

to facilitate on-farm decisionmaking; or
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(D) using such information to prescribe and deliver

site-specific application of agricultural inputs and management practices in agricultural production systems.

(4) PRECISION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES.—The term

‘‘precision agriculture technologies’’ includes—

(A) instrumentation and techniques ranging from

sophisticated sensors and software systems to manual sampling and data collection tools that measure, record, and

manage spatial and temporal data;

(B) technologies for searching out and assembling

information necessary for sound agricultural production

decisionmaking;

(C) open systems technologies for data networking and

processing that produce valued systems for farm management decisionmaking; or

(D) machines that deliver information-based management practices.

(5) SYSTEMS RESEARCH.—The term ‘‘systems research’’

means an integrated, coordinated, and iterative investigative

process that involves—

(A) the multiple interacting components and aspects

of precision agriculture systems, including synthesis of new

knowledge regarding the physical-chemical-biological processes and complex interactions of the systems with cropping, livestock production practices, and natural resource

systems;

(B) precision agriculture technologies development and

implementation;

(C) data and information collection and interpretation;

(D) production-scale planning;

(E) production-scale implementation; and

(F) farm production efficiencies, productivity, and

profitability.

(b) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agriculture may make

competitive grants, for periods not to exceed 5 years, to eligible

entities to conduct research, education, or information dissemination projects for the development and advancement of precision agriculture.

(2) PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCING.—A grant under this section

shall be used to support only a project that the Secretary

determines is unlikely to be financed by the private sector.

(3) CONSULTATION WITH ADVISORY BOARD.—The Secretary

shall make grants under this section in consultation with the

Advisory Board.

(c) PURPOSES OF PROJECTS.—A research, education, or information dissemination project supported by a grant under this section

shall address 1 or more of the following purposes:

(1) The study and promotion of components of precision

agriculture technologies using a systems research approach

designed to increase long-term site-specific and whole-farm

production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability.

(2) The improvement in the understanding of agronomic

systems, including, soil, water, land cover (including grazing

land), pest management systems, and meteorological variability.
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(3) The provision of training and educational programs

for State cooperative extension services agents, and other

professionals involved in the production and transfer of

integrated precision agriculture technology.

(4) The development, demonstration, and dissemination of

information regarding precision agriculture technologies and

systems and the potential costs and benefits of precision agriculture as it relates to—

(A) increased long-term farm production efficiencies,

productivity, and profitability;

(B) the maintenance of the environment;

(C) improvements in international trade; and

(D) an integrated program of education for agricultural

producers and consumers, including family owned and operated farms.

(5) The promotion of systems research and education

projects focusing on the integration of the multiple aspects

of precision agriculture, including development, productionscale implementation, and farm production efficiencies,

productivity, and profitability.

(6) The study of whether precision agriculture technologies

are applicable and accessible to small and medium-size farms

and the study of methods of improving the applicability of

precision agriculture technologies to those farms.

(d) GRANT PRIORITIES.—In making grants to eligible entities

under this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory

Board, shall give priority to research, education, or information

dissemination projects designed to accomplish the following:

(1) Evaluate the use of precision agriculture technologies

using a systems research approach to increase long-term sitespecific and whole-farm production efficiencies, productivity,

and profitability.

(2) Integrate research, education, and information dissemination components in a practical and readily available manner

so that the findings of the project will be made readily usable

by agricultural producers.

(3) Demonstrate the efficient use of agricultural inputs,

rather than the uniform reduction in the use of agricultural

inputs.

(4) Maximize the involvement and cooperation of precision

agriculture producers, certified crop advisers, State cooperative

extension services agents, agricultural input machinery, product and service providers, nonprofit organizations, agribusinesses, veterinarians, land-grant colleges and universities,

and Federal agencies in precision agriculture systems research

projects involving on-farm research, education, and dissemination of precision agriculture information.

(5) Maximize collaboration with multiple agencies and other

partners, including through leveraging of funds and resources.

(e) MATCHING FUNDS.—The amount of a grant under this section to an eligible entity (other than a Federal agency) may not

exceed the amount that the eligible entity makes available out

of non-Federal funds for precision agriculture research and for

the establishment and maintenance of facilities necessary for

conducting precision agriculture research.

(f) RESERVATION OF FUNDS FOR EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

DISSEMINATION PROJECTS.—Of the funds made available for grants
S. 1150—48

under this section, the Secretary shall reserve a portion of the

funds for grants for projects regarding precision agriculture related

to education or information dissemination.

(g) PRECISION AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIPS.—In carrying out

this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board,

shall encourage the establishment of appropriate multistate and

national partnerships or consortia between—

(1) land-grant colleges and universities, State agricultural

experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, other

colleges and universities with demonstrable expertise regarding

precision agriculture, agencies of the Department, national laboratories, agribusinesses, agricultural equipment and input

manufacturers and retailers, certified crop advisers, commodity

organizations, veterinarians, other Federal or State government

entities and agencies, or nonagricultural industries and nonprofit organizations with demonstrable expertise regarding

precision agriculture; and

(2) agricultural producers or other land managers.

(h) LIMITATION REGARDING FACILITIES.—A grant made under

this section may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,

acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.

(i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated

such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each

of fiscal years 1999 through 2002, of which, for each fiscal

year—

(A) not less than 30 percent shall be available to make

grants for research to be conducted by multidisciplinary

teams; and

(B) not less than 40 percent shall be available to make

grants for research to be conducted by eligible entities

conducting systems research directly applicable to producers and agricultural production systems.

(2) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Funds made available under

paragraph (1) shall be available for obligation for a 2-year

period beginning on October 1 of the fiscal year for which

the funds are made available.

SEC. 404. BIOBASED PRODUCTS.

(a) DEFINITION OF BIOBASED PRODUCT.—In this section, the

term ‘‘biobased product’’ means a product suitable for food or

nonfood use that is derived in whole or in part from renewable

agricultural and forestry materials.

(b) COORDINATION OF BIOBASED PRODUCT ACTIVITIES.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall—

(1) coordinate the research, technical expertise, economic

information, and market information resources and activities

of the Department to develop, commercialize, and promote the

use of biobased products;

(2) solicit input from private sector persons who produce,

or are interested in producing, biobased products;

(3) provide a centralized contact point for advice and technical assistance for promising and innovative biobased products;

and

(4) submit an annual report to Congress describing the

coordinated research, marketing, and commercialization activities of the Department relating to biobased products.
S. 1150—49

(c) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS FOR BIOBASED PRODUCTS.—

(1) AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary may enter

into cooperative agreements with private entities described in

subsection (d), under which the facilities and technical expertise

of the Agricultural Research Service may be made available

to operate pilot plants and other large-scale preparation facilities for the purpose of bringing technologies necessary for the

development and commercialization of new biobased products

to the point of practical application.

(2) DESCRIPTION OF COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES.—Cooperative

activities may include—

(A) research on potential environmental impacts of

a biobased product;

(B) methods to reduce the cost of manufacturing a

biobased product; and

(C) other appropriate research.

(d) ELIGIBLE PARTNERS.—The following entities shall be eligible

to enter into a cooperative agreement under subsection (c):

(1) A party that has entered into a cooperative research

and development agreement with the Secretary under section

12 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980

(15 U.S.C. 3710a).

(2) A recipient of funding from the Alternative Agricultural

Research and Commercialization Corporation established under

section 1658 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade

Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5902).

(3) A recipient of funding from the Biotechnology Research

and Development Corporation.

(4) A recipient of funding from the Secretary under a

Small Business Innovation Research Program established under

section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).

(e) PILOT PROJECT.—The Secretary, acting through the Agricultural Research Service, may establish and carry out a pilot project

under which grants are provided, on a competitive basis, to scientists of the Agricultural Research Service to—

(1) encourage innovative and collaborative science; and

(2) during each of fiscal years 1999 through 2001, develop

biobased products with promising commercial potential.

(f) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), to

carry out this section, the Secretary may use—

(A) funds appropriated to carry out this section; and

(B) funds otherwise available for cooperative research

and development agreements under the Stevenson-Wydler

Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).

(2) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary may not use funds referred

to in paragraph (1)(B) to carry out subsection (e).

(g) SALE OF DEVELOPED PRODUCTS.— For the purpose of determining the market potential for new biobased products produced

at a pilot plant or other large-scale preparation facility under a

cooperative agreement under this section, the Secretary shall

authorize the private partner or partners to the agreement to

sell the products.

(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.
S. 1150—50

SEC. 405. THOMAS JEFFERSON INITIATIVE FOR CROP DIVERSIFICATION.

(a) INITIATIVE REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

provide for a research initiative (to be known as the ‘‘Thomas

Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification’’) for the purpose of

conducting research and development, in cooperation with other

public and private entities, on the production and marketing of

new and nontraditional crops needed to strengthen and diversify

the agricultural production base of the United States.

(b) RESEARCH AND EDUCATION EFFORTS.—The initiative shall

include research and education efforts regarding new and nontraditional crops designed—

(1) to identify and overcome agronomic barriers to profitable production;

(2) to identify and overcome other production and marketing barriers; and

(3) to develop processing and utilization technologies for

new and nontraditional crops.

(c) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the initiative are—

(1) to develop a focused program of research and development at the regional and national levels to overcome barriers

to the development of—

(A) new crop opportunities for agricultural producers;

and

(B) related value-added enterprises in rural communities; and

(2) to ensure a broad-based effort encompassing research,

education, market development, and support of entrepreneurial

activity leading to increased agricultural diversification.

(d) ESTABLISHMENT OF INITIATIVE.—The Secretary shall coordinate the initiative through a nonprofit center or institute that

will coordinate research and education programs in cooperation

with other public and private entities. The Secretary shall administer research and education grants made under this section.

(e) REGIONAL EMPHASIS.—

(1) REQUIRED.—The Secretary shall support development

of multistate regional efforts in crop diversification.

(2) SITE-SPECIFIC CROP DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.—Of funding

made available to carry out the initiative, not less than 50

percent shall be used for regional efforts centered at colleges

and universities in order to facilitate site-specific crop development efforts.

(f) ELIGIBLE GRANTEE.—The Secretary may award funds under

this section to colleges or universities, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or individuals.

(g) ADMINISTRATION.—

(1) GRANTS AND CONTRACTS.—Grants awarded through the

initiative shall be selected on a competitive basis.

(2) PRIVATE BUSINESSES.—The recipient of a grant may

use a portion of the grant funds for standard contracts with

private businesses, such as for test processing of a new or

nontraditional crop.

(3) TERMS.—The term of a grant awarded through the

initiative may not exceed 5 years.

(4) MATCHING FUNDS.—The Secretary shall require the

recipient of a grant awarded through the initiative to contribute
S. 1150—51

an amount of funds from non-Federal sources that is at least

equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.

(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

SEC. 406. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION

COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.

(a) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this section to authorize

the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an integrated research,

education, and extension competitive grant program to provide funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension,

and education activities.

(b) COMPETITIVE GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this section, the Secretary

may award grants to colleges and universities (as defined in section

1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) on a competitive basis

for integrated agricultural research, education, and extension

projects in accordance with this section.

(c) CRITERIA FOR GRANTS.—Grants under this section shall

be awarded to address priorities in United States agriculture, determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Advisory Board,

that involve integrated research, extension, and education activities.

(d) MATCHING OF FUNDS.—

(1) GENERAL REQUIREMENT.—If a grant under this section

provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the Secretary shall require the recipient of the grant to

provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount of funds

provided by the Secretary in the grant.

(2) WAIVER.—The Secretary may waive the matching funds

requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a grant

if the Secretary determines that—

(A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit

to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be

applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project

deals with scientifically important research, and the grant

recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

SEC. 407. COORDINATED PROGRAM OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

EDUCATION TO IMPROVE VIABILITY OF SMALL AND

MEDIUM SIZE DAIRY, LIVESTOCK, AND POULTRY OPERATIONS.

(a) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Agriculture may

carry out a coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve the competitiveness, viability, and sustainability

of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations

(referred to in this section as ‘‘operations’’).

(b) COMPONENTS.—To the extent the Secretary elects to carry

out the program, the Secretary shall conduct—

(1) research, development, and on-farm extension and education concerning low-cost production facilities and practices,
S. 1150—52

management systems, and genetics that are appropriate for

the operations;

(2) in the case of dairy and livestock operations, research

and extension on management-intensive grazing systems for

dairy and livestock production to realize the potential for

reduced capital and feed costs through greater use of management skills, labor availability optimization, and the natural

benefits of grazing pastures;

(3) research and extension on integrated crop and livestock

or poultry systems that increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and

prevent environmental pollution to strengthen the competitive

position of the operations;

(4) economic analyses and market feasibility studies to

identify new and expanded opportunities for producers on the

operations that provide tools and strategies to meet consumer

demand in domestic and international markets, such as

cooperative marketing and value-added strategies for milk,

meat, and poultry production and processing; and

(5) technology assessment that compares the technological

resources of large specialized producers with the technological

needs of producers on the operations to identify and transfer

existing technology across all sizes and scales and to identify

the specific research and education needs of the producers.

(c) ADMINISTRATION.—The Secretary may use the funds, facilities, and technical expertise of the Agricultural Research Service

and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and other funds available to the Secretary (other than funds

of the Commodity Credit Corporation) to carry out this section.

SEC. 408. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT

AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM.

(a) RESEARCH GRANT AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Agriculture may make a grant to a consortium of land-grant colleges

and universities to enhance the ability of the consortium to carry

out a multi-State research project aimed at understanding and

combating diseases of wheat and barley caused by Fusarium

graminearum and related fungi (referred to in this section as ‘‘wheat

scab’’).

(b) RESEARCH COMPONENTS.—Funds provided under this section

shall be available for the following collaborative, multi-State

research activities:

(1) Identification and understanding of the epidemiology

of wheat scab and the toxicological properties of vomitoxin,

a toxic metabolite commonly occurring in wheat and barley

infected with wheat scab.

(2) Development of crop management strategies to reduce

the risk of wheat scab occurrence.

(3) Development of—

(A) efficient and accurate methods to monitor wheat

and barley for the presence of wheat scab and resulting

vomitoxin contamination;

(B) post-harvest management techniques for wheat and

barley infected with wheat scab; and

(C) milling and food processing techniques to render

contaminated grain safe.

(4) Strengthening and expansion of plant-breeding activities to enhance the resistance of wheat and barley to wheat
S. 1150—53

scab, including the establishment of a regional advanced breeding material evaluation nursery and a germplasm introduction

and evaluation system.

(5) Development and deployment of alternative fungicide

application systems and formulations to control wheat scab

and consideration of other chemical control strategies to assist

farmers until new more resistant wheat and barley varieties

are available.

(c) COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS.—Funds provided under this

section shall be available for efforts to concentrate, integrate, and

disseminate research, extension, and outreach-orientated information regarding wheat scab.

(d) MANAGEMENT.—To oversee the use of a grant made under

this section, the Secretary may establish a committee composed

of the directors of the agricultural experiment stations in the States

in which land-grant colleges and universities that are members

of the consortium are located.

(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized

to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,200,000 for each

of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

TITLE V—AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM

ADJUSTMENTS

Subtitle A—Food Stamp Program

SEC. 501. REDUCTIONS IN FUNDING OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

PROGRAMS.

Section 16(h)(1)(A) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.

2025(h)(1)(A)) is amended—

(1) in clause (iv)(II), by striking ‘‘$131,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$31,000,000’’; and

(2) in clause (v)(II), by striking ‘‘$131,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$86,000,000’’.

SEC. 502. REDUCTIONS IN PAYMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 16 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 2025) is amended—

(1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking ‘‘The

Secretary’’ and inserting ‘‘Subject to subsection (k), the Secretary’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(k) REDUCTIONS IN PAYMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—

‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:

‘‘(A) AFDC PROGRAM.—The term ‘AFDC program’

means the program of aid to families with dependent children established under part A of title IV of the Social

Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (as in effect, with

respect to a State, during the base period for that State)).

‘‘(B) BASE PERIOD.—The term ‘base period’ means the

period used to determine the amount of the State family

assistance grant for a State under section 403 of the Social

Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603).

‘‘(C) MEDICAID PROGRAM.—The term ‘medicaid program’ means the program of medical assistance under a
S. 1150—54

State plan or under a waiver of the plan under title XIX

of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).

‘‘(2) DETERMINATIONS OF AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BENEFITING PROGRAMS.—Not later than 180 days after the date

of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Health and

Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the States, shall, with respect to the base period

for each State, determine—

‘‘(A) the annualized amount the State received under

section 403(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.

603(a)(3) (as in effect during the base period)) for administrative costs common to determining the eligibility of

individuals, families, and households eligible or applying

for the AFDC program and the food stamp program, the

AFDC program and the medicaid program, and the AFDC

program, the food stamp program, and the medicaid program that were allocated to the AFDC program; and

‘‘(B) the annualized amount the State would have

received under section 403(a)(3) of the Social Security Act

(42 U.S.C. 603(a)(3) (as so in effect)), section 1903(a)(7)

of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(7) (as so

in effect)), and subsection (a) of this section (as so in

effect), for administrative costs common to determining

the eligibility of individuals, families, and households

eligible or applying for the AFDC program and the food

stamp program, the AFDC program and the medicaid program, and the AFDC program, the food stamp program,

and the medicaid program, if those costs had been allocated

equally among such programs for which the individual,

family, or household was eligible or applied for.

‘‘(3) REDUCTION IN PAYMENT.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, effective for each of fiscal years 1999

through 2002, the Secretary shall reduce, for each fiscal

year, the amount paid under subsection (a) to each State

by an amount equal to the amount determined for the

food stamp program under paragraph (2)(B). The Secretary

shall, to the extent practicable, make the reductions

required by this paragraph on a quarterly basis.

‘‘(B) APPLICATION.—If the Secretary of Health and

Human Services does not make the determinations

required by paragraph (2) by September 30, 1999—

‘‘(i) during the fiscal year in which the determinations are made, the Secretary shall reduce the amount

paid under subsection (a) to each State by an amount

equal to the sum of the amounts determined for the

food stamp program under paragraph (2)(B) for fiscal

year 1999 through the fiscal year during which the

determinations are made; and

‘‘(ii) for each subsequent fiscal year through fiscal

year 2002, subparagraph (A) applies.

‘‘(4) APPEAL OF DETERMINATIONS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 5 days after the

date on which the Secretary of Health and Human Services

makes any determination required by paragraph (2) with

respect to a State, the Secretary shall notify the chief

executive officer of the State of the determination.
S. 1150—55

‘‘(B) REVIEW BY ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after

the date on which a State receives notice under

subparagraph (A) of a determination, the State may

appeal the determination, in whole or in part, to an

administrative law judge of the Department of Health

and Human Services by filing an appeal with the

administrative law judge.

‘‘(ii) DOCUMENTATION.—The administrative law

judge shall consider an appeal filed by a State under

clause (i) on the basis of such documentation as the

State may submit and as the administrative law judge

may require to support the final decision of the

administrative law judge.

‘‘(iii) REVIEW.—In deciding whether to uphold a

determination, in whole or in part, the administrative

law judge shall conduct a thorough review of the issues

and take into account all relevant evidence.

‘‘(iv) DEADLINE.—Not later than 60 days after the

date on which the record is closed, the administrative

law judge shall—

‘‘(I) make a final decision with respect to an

appeal filed under clause (i); and

‘‘(II) notify the chief executive officer of the

State of the decision.

‘‘(C) REVIEW BY DEPARTMENTAL APPEALS BOARD.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after

the date on which a State receives notice under

subparagraph (B) of a final decision, the State may

appeal the decision, in whole or in part, to the Departmental Appeals Board established in the Department

of Health and Human Services (referred to in this

paragraph as the ‘Board’) by filing an appeal with

the Board.

‘‘(ii) REVIEW.—The Board shall review the decision

on the record.

‘‘(iii) DEADLINE.—Not later than 60 days after the

date on which the appeal is filed, the Board shall—

‘‘(I) make a final decision with respect to an

appeal filed under clause (i); and

‘‘(II) notify the chief executive officer of the

State of the decision.

‘‘(D) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—The determinations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under paragraph

(2), and a final decision of the administrative law judge

or Board under subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively,

shall not be subject to judicial review.

‘‘(E) REDUCED PAYMENTS PENDING APPEAL.—The pendency of an appeal under this paragraph shall not affect

the requirement that the Secretary reduce payments in

accordance with paragraph (3).

‘‘(5) ALLOCATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—No funds or expenditures described

in subparagraph (B) may be used to pay for costs—

‘‘(i) eligible for reimbursement under subsection

(a) (or costs that would have been eligible for

reimbursement but for this subsection); and
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‘‘(ii) allocated for reimbursement to the food stamp

program under a plan submitted by a State to the

Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate

administrative costs for public assistance programs.

‘‘(B) FUNDS AND EXPENDITURES.—Subparagraph (A)

applies to—

‘‘(i) funds made available to carry out part A of

title IV, or title XX, of the Social Security Act (42

U.S.C. 601 et seq., 1397 et seq.);

‘‘(ii) expenditures made as qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B) of that Act

(42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)(B)));

‘‘(iii) any other Federal funds (except funds provided under subsection (a)); and

‘‘(iv) any other State funds that are—

‘‘(I) expended as a condition of receiving Federal funds; or

‘‘(II) used to match Federal funds under a

Federal program other than the food stamp program.’’.

(b) REVIEW OF METHODOLOGY USED TO MAKE CERTAIN DETER- MINATIONS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment,

the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(1) review the adequacy of the methodology used in making

the determinations required under section 16(k)(2)(B) of the

Food Stamp Act of 1977 (as added by subsection (a)(2)); and

(2) submit a written report on the results of the review

to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

of the Senate.

SEC. 503. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR REFUGEES AND

CERTAIN OTHER QUALIFIED ALIENS FROM 5 TO 7 YEARS.

Section 402(a)(2)(A) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(A)) is

amended—

(1) by striking clause (ii);

(2) by striking ‘‘ASYLEES.—’’ and all that follows through

‘‘paragraph (3)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘ASYLEES.—With respect to

the specified Federal programs described in paragraph (3)’’;

and

(3) by redesignating subclauses (I) through (V) as clauses

(i) through (v) and indenting appropriately.

SEC. 504. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN DISABLED ALIENS.

Section 402(a)(2)(F) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(F)) is

amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘program defined in paragraph (3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program)’’ and inserting ‘‘specified Federal programs described in paragraph (3)’’;

and

(2) in clause (ii)—

(A) by inserting ‘‘(I) in the case of the specified Federal

program described in paragraph (3)(A),’’ after ‘‘(ii)’’;

(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting

‘‘; and’’; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:
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‘‘(II) in the case of the specified Federal program

described in paragraph (3)(B), is receiving benefits or

assistance for blindness or disability (within the meaning of section 3(r) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977

(7 U.S.C. 2012(r))).’’.

SEC. 505. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN INDIANS.

Section 402(a)(2)(G) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(G))

is amended—

(1) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ‘‘SSI EXCEPTION’’ and inserting ‘‘EXCEPTION’’; and

(2) by striking ‘‘program defined in paragraph (3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program)’’ and inserting ‘‘specified Federal programs described in paragraph (3)’’.

SEC. 506. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS.

Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) is

amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(I) FOOD STAMP EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN ELDERLY

INDIVIDUALS.—With respect to eligibility for benefits for

the specified Federal program described in paragraph

(3)(B), paragraph (1) shall not apply to any individual

who on August 22, 1996—

‘‘(i) was lawfully residing in the United States;

and

‘‘(ii) was 65 years of age or older.’’.

SEC. 507. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN.

Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) (as

amended by section 506) is amended by adding at the end the

following:

‘‘(J) FOOD STAMP EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN.— With respect to eligibility for benefits for the specified

Federal program described in paragraph (3)(B), paragraph

(1) shall not apply to any individual who—

‘‘(i) was lawfully residing in the United States

on August 22, 1996; and

‘‘(ii) is under 18 years of age.’’.

SEC. 508. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN HMONG AND HIGHLAND LAOTIANS.

Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) (as

amended by section 507) is amended by adding at the end the

following:

‘‘(K) FOOD STAMP EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN HMONG AND

HIGHLAND LAOTIANS.—With respect to eligibility for benefits

for the specified Federal program described in paragraph

(3)(B), paragraph (1) shall not apply to—

‘‘(i) any individual who—

‘‘(I) is lawfully residing in the United States;

and

‘‘(II) was a member of a Hmong or Highland

Laotian tribe at the time that the tribe rendered
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assistance to United States personnel by taking

part in a military or rescue operation during the

Vietnam era (as defined in section 101 of title

38, United States Code);

‘‘(ii) the spouse, or an unmarried dependent child,

of such an individual; or

‘‘(iii) the unremarried surviving spouse of such

an individual who is deceased.’’.

SEC. 509. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

Section 403(d) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(d)) is amended—

(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘SSI’’ and all

that follows through ‘‘INDIANS’’ and inserting ‘‘BENEFITS FOR

CERTAIN GROUPS’’;

(2) by striking ‘‘not apply to an individual’’ and inserting

‘‘not apply to—

‘‘(1) an individual’’;

(3) by striking ‘‘(a)(3)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘(a)(3)’’; and

(4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’;

and

(5) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(2) an individual, spouse, or dependent described in section

402(a)(2)(K), but only with respect to the specified Federal

program described in section 402(a)(3)(B).’’.

SEC. 510. EFFECTIVE DATES.

(a) REDUCTIONS.—The amendments made by sections 501 and

502 take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

(b) FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY.—The amendments made by sections 503 through 509 take effect on November 1, 1998.

Subtitle B—Information Technology

Funding

SEC. 521. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDING.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4(g) of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714b(g)) is amended in the first

sentence by striking ‘‘$275,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$193,000,000’’.

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a)

takes effect on October 1, 1997.

Subtitle C—Crop Insurance

SEC. 531. FUNDING.

Section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1516)

is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

‘‘(1) DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES.—There are authorized to

be appropriated for fiscal year 1999 and each subsequent fiscal

year such sums as are necessary to cover the salaries and

expenses of the Corporation.’’; and

(B) in paragraph (2)—
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(i) by inserting after ‘‘are necessary to cover’’ the

following: ‘‘for each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years’’; and

(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting

the following:

‘‘(A) the administrative and operating expenses of the

Corporation for the sales commissions of agents; and’’; and

(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

‘‘(b) PAYMENT OF CORPORATION EXPENSES FROM INSURANCE

FUND.—

‘‘(1) EXPENSES GENERALLY.—For each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from the

insurance fund established under subsection (c) all expenses

of the Corporation (other than expenses covered by subsection

(a)(1) and expenses covered by paragraph (2)(A)), including—

‘‘(A) premium subsidies and indemnities;

‘‘(B) administrative and operating expenses of the Corporation necessary to pay the sales commissions of agents;

and

‘‘(C) all administrative and operating expense

reimbursements due under a reinsurance agreement with

an approved insurance provider.

‘‘(2) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For each of the 1999 and subsequent

reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from the insurance fund established under subsection (c) research and

development expenses of the Corporation, but not to exceed

$3,500,000 for each fiscal year.

‘‘(B) DAIRY OPTIONS PILOT PROGRAM.—Amounts necessary to carry out the dairy options pilot program shall

not be counted toward the limitation on research and

development expenses specified in subparagraph (A).’’.

SEC. 532. BUDGETARY OFFSETS.

(a) ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTEC- TION.—Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.

1508(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the

following:

‘‘(5) ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.— ‘‘(A) BASIC FEE.—Each producer shall pay an administrative fee for catastrophic risk protection in an amount

equal to 10 percent of the premium for the catastrophic

risk protection or $50 per crop per county, whichever is

greater, as determined by the Corporation.

‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL FEE.—In addition to the amount

required under subparagraph (A), the producer shall pay

a $10 fee for each amount determined under subparagraph

(A).

‘‘(C) TIME FOR PAYMENT.—The amounts required under

subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be paid by the producer

on the date that premium for a policy of additional coverage

would be paid by the producer.

‘‘(D) USE OF FEES.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The amounts paid under this

paragraph shall be deposited in the crop insurance

fund established under section 516(c), to be available

for the programs and activities of the Corporation.
S. 1150—60

‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—No funds deposited in the crop

insurance fund under this subparagraph may be used

to compensate an approved insurance provider or agent

for the delivery of services under this subsection.

‘‘(E) WAIVER OF FEE.—The Corporation shall waive the

amounts required under this paragraph for limited resource

farmers, as defined by the Corporation.’’.

(b) ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR ADDITIONAL COVERAGE.—Section

508(c)(10) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(10))

is amended—

(1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:

‘‘(A) FEE REQUIRED.—Except as otherwise provided in

this paragraph, if a producer elects to purchase additional

coverage for a crop at a level that is less than 65 percent

of the recorded or appraised average yield indemnified

at 100 percent of the expected market price, or an equivalent coverage, the producer shall pay an administrative

fee for the additional coverage. The administrative fee for

the producer shall be $50 per crop per county, but not

to exceed $200 per producer per county, up to a maximum

of $600 per producer for all counties in which a producer

has insured crops. Subparagraphs (D) and (E) of subsection

(b)(5) shall apply with respect to the use of administrative

fees under this subparagraph.’’; and

(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘$10’’ and inserting

‘‘$20’’.

(c) REIMBURSEMENT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING

COSTS.—Section 508(k) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.

1508(k)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the

following:

‘‘(4) RATE.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph

(B), the rate established by the Board to reimburse

approved insurance providers and agents for the administrative and operating costs of the providers and agents

shall not exceed—

‘‘(i) for the 1998 reinsurance year, 27 percent of

the premium used to define loss ratio; and

‘‘(ii) for each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years, 24.5 percent of the premium used to define

loss ratio.

‘‘(B) PROPORTIONAL REDUCTIONS.—A policy of additional coverage that received a rate of reimbursement for

administrative and operating costs for the 1998 reinsurance

year that is lower than the rate specified in subparagraph

(A)(i) shall receive a reduction in the rate of reimbursement

that is proportional to the reduction in the rate of

reimbursement between clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph

(A).’’.

(d) LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES FOR CATASTROPHIC RISK

PROTECTION.—Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act

(7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(11) LOSS ADJUSTMENT.—The rate for reimbursing an

approved insurance provider or agent for expenses incurred

by the approved insurance provider or agent for loss adjustment

in connection with a policy of catastrophic risk protection shall
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not exceed 11 percent of the premium for catastrophic risk

protection that is used to define loss ratio.’’.

SEC. 533. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO CERTAIN INQUIRIES.

Section 506 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506)

is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(s) PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO CERTAIN INQUIRIES.— ‘‘(1) PROCEDURES REQUIRED.—The Corporation shall establish procedures under which the Corporation will provide a

final agency determination in response to an inquiry regarding

the interpretation by the Corporation of this title or any regulation issued under this title.

‘‘(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 180 days after the

date of enactment of this subsection, the Corporation shall

issue regulations to implement this subsection. At a minimum,

the regulations shall establish—

‘‘(A) the manner in which inquiries described in paragraph (1) are required to be submitted to the Corporation;

and

‘‘(B) a reasonable maximum number of days within

which the Corporation will respond to all inquiries.

‘‘(3) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO TIMELY RESPOND.—If the Corporation fails to respond to an inquiry in accordance with

the procedures established pursuant to this subsection, the

person requesting the interpretation of this title or regulation

may assume the interpretation is correct for the applicable

reinsurance year.’’.

SEC. 534. TIME PERIOD FOR RESPONDING TO SUBMISSION OF NEW

POLICIES.

Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.

1508(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(10) TIME LIMITS FOR RESPONSE TO SUBMISSION OF NEW

POLICIES.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Board shall establish a reasonable time period within which the Board shall approve

or disapprove a proposal from a person regarding a new

policy submitted in accordance with this subsection.

‘‘(B) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO MEET TIME LIMITS.—Except

as provided in subparagraph (C), if the Board fails to

provide a response to a proposal described in subparagraph

(A) in accordance with subparagraph (A), the new policy

shall be deemed to be approved by the Board for purposes

of this subsection for the initial reinsurance year designated

for the new policy in the request.

‘‘(C) EXCEPTIONS.—Subparagraph (B) shall not apply

to a proposal submitted under this subsection if the Board

and the person submitting the request agree to an extension of the time period.’’.

SEC. 535. CROP INSURANCE STUDY.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of

enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter

into a contract, with 1 or more entities outside the Federal Government with expertise in the establishment and delivery of crop

and revenue insurance to agricultural producers, under which the

contractor shall conduct a study of crop insurance issues specified

in the contract, including—
S. 1150—62

(1) improvement of crop insurance service to agricultural

producers;

(2) options for transforming the role of the Federal Government from a crop insurance provider to solely that of a crop

insurance regulator; and

(3) privatization of crop insurance coverage.

(b) CONTRACTOR.—Not later than 180 days after the date the

contract is entered into, the contractor shall complete the study

and submit a report on the study, including appropriate recommendations, to the Secretary.

(c) REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after the date the Secretary

receives the report, the Secretary shall submit the report, and

any comments on the report, to the Committee on Agriculture

of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,

Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

SEC. 536. REQUIRED TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STANDARD

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS.

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘approved insurance provider’’ and ‘‘Corporation’’ have the meanings given the

terms in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.

1502(b)).

(b) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—

(1) INCORPORATION OF AMENDMENTS.—For each of the 1999

and subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation shall ensure

that each Standard Reinsurance Agreement between an

approved insurance provider and the Corporation reflects the

amendments to the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501

et seq.) that are made by this subtitle to the extent the amendments are applicable to approved insurance providers.

(2) RETENTION OF EXISTING PROVISIONS.—Except to the

extent necessary to implement the amendments made by this

subtitle, each Standard Reinsurance Agreement described in

paragraph (1) shall contain the following provisions of the

Standard Reinsurance Agreement for the 1998 reinsurance

year:

(A) Section II, concerning the terms of reinsurance

and underwriting gain and loss for an approved insurance

provider.

(B) Section III, concerning the terms for subsidies and

administrative fees for an approved insurance provider.

(C) Section IV, concerning the terms for loss adjustment for an approved insurance provider under catastrophic risk protection.

(D) Section V.C., concerning interest payments between

the Corporation and an approved insurance provider.

(E) Section V.I.5., concerning liquidated damages.

(c) IMPLEMENTATION.—To implement this subtitle and the

amendments made by this subtitle, the Corporation is not required

to amend provisions of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement not

specifically affected by this subtitle or an amendment made by

this subtitle.

SEC. 537. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Except as provided in section 535, this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle take effect on July 1, 1998.
S. 1150—63

TITLE VI—MISCELLANEOUS

PROVISIONS

Subtitle A—Existing Authorities

SEC. 601. RETENTION AND USE OF FEES.

(a) ORGANIC CERTIFICATION.—Section 2107 of the Organic Foods

Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506) is amended by adding

at the end the following:

‘‘(d) AVAILABILITY OF FEES.— ‘‘(1) ACCOUNT.—Fees collected under subsection (a)(10)

(including late payment penalties and interest earned from

investment of the fees) shall be credited to the account that

incurs the cost of the services provided under this title.

‘‘(2) USE.—The collected fees shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation or fiscal-year limitation,

to pay the expenses of the Secretary incurred in providing

accreditation services under this title.’’.

(b) NATIONAL ARBORETUM.—Section 6(b) of the Act of March

4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196(b)), is amended by striking ‘‘Treasury’’ and

inserting ‘‘Treasury. Amounts in the special fund shall be available

to the Secretary of Agriculture, without further appropriation,’’.

(c) PATENT CULTURE COLLECTION FEES.— (1) RETENTION.—All funds collected by the Agricultural

Research Service of the Department of Agriculture in connection

with the acceptance of microorganisms for deposit in, or the

distribution of microorganisms from, the Patent Culture Collection maintained and operated by the Agricultural Research

Service shall be credited to the appropriation supporting the

maintenance and operation of the Patent Culture Collection.

(2) USE.—The collected funds shall be available to the

Agricultural Research Service, without further appropriation

or fiscal-year limitation, to carry out its responsibilities under

law (including international treaties) with respect to the Patent

Culture Collection.

SEC. 602. OFFICE OF ENERGY POLICY AND NEW USES.

The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

is amended by inserting after section 219 (7 U.S.C. 6919) the

following:

‘‘SEC. 220. OFFICE OF ENERGY POLICY AND NEW USES.

‘‘The Secretary shall establish for the Department, in the Office

of the Secretary, an Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.’’.

SEC. 603. KIWIFRUIT RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER

INFORMATION PROGRAM.

(a) AMENDMENTS TO ORDERS.—Section 554(c) of the National

Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7

U.S.C. 7463(c)) is amended in the second sentence by inserting

before the period at the end the following: ‘‘, except that an amendment to an order shall not require a referendum to become effective’’.

(b) NATIONAL KIWIFRUIT BOARD.—Section 555 of the National

Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7

U.S.C. 7464) is amended—
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(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraphs (1) through

(3) and inserting the following:

‘‘(1) 10 members who are producers, exporters, or importers

(or their representatives), based on a proportional representation of the level of domestic production and imports of kiwifruit

(as determined by the Secretary).

‘‘(2) 1 member appointed from the general public.’’;

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) by striking ‘‘MEMBERSHIP.—’’ and all that follows

through ‘‘paragraph (2), the’’ and inserting ‘‘MEMBERSHIP.—

Subject to the 11-member limit, the’’; and

(B) by striking paragraph (2); and

(3) in subsection (c)—

(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘who are producers’’

after ‘‘members’’;

(B) in paragraph (3)—

(i) by inserting ‘‘who are importers or exporters’’

after ‘‘members’’; and

(ii) by striking ‘‘(a)(2)’’ and inserting ‘‘(a)(1)’’; and

(C) in the second sentence of paragraph (5), by inserting ‘‘and alternate’’ after ‘‘member’’.

SEC. 604. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

(a) CONTINUATION OF PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Agriculture

shall continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance

Database program (referred to in this section as the ‘‘FARAD program’’) through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements with

appropriate colleges or universities.

(b) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out the FARAD program, the Secretary shall—

(1) provide livestock producers, extension specialists, scientists, and veterinarians with information to prevent drug,

pesticide, and environmental contaminant residues in food animal products;

(2) maintain up-to-date information concerning—

(A) withdrawal times on FDA-approved food animal

drugs and appropriate withdrawal intervals for drugs used

in food animals in the United States, as established under

section 512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(a));

(B) official tolerances for drugs and pesticides in tissues, eggs, and milk;

(C) descriptions and sensitivities of rapid screening

tests for detecting residues in tissues, eggs, and milk; and

(D) data on the distribution and fate of chemicals in

food animals;

(3) publish periodically a compilation of food animal drugs

approved by the Food and Drug Administration;

(4) make information on food animal drugs available to

the public through handbooks and other literature, computer

software, a telephone hotline, and the Internet;

(5) furnish producer quality-assurance programs with upto-date data on approved drugs;

(6) maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date, residue

avoidance database;
S. 1150—65

(7) provide professional advice for determining the withdrawal times necessary for food safety in the use of drugs

in food animals; and

(8) engage in other activities designed to promote food

safety.

(c) CONTRACT, GRANTS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—The

Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract, grant, or cooperative

agreement with 1 or more appropriate colleges and universities

to operate the FARAD program. The term of the contract, grant,

or cooperative agreement shall be 3 years, with options to extend

the term of the contract triennially.

(d) INDIRECT COSTS.—Federal funds provided by the Secretary

under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement under this section

shall be subject to reduction for indirect costs of the recipient

of the funds in an amount not to exceed 19 percent of the total

Federal funds provided under the contract, grant, or cooperative

agreement.

SEC. 605. HONEY RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION.

(a) FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.—Section 2 of the Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4601) is

amended—

(1) by striking the section heading and all that follows

through ‘‘The Congress finds that:’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

‘‘(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings:’’;

(2) in subsection (a) (as so designated)—

(A) in paragraphs (6) and (7), by striking ‘‘and consumer education’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘consumer education, and industry information’’; and

(B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:

‘‘(8) The ability to develop and maintain purity standards

for honey and honey products is critical to maintaining the

consumer confidence, safety, and trust that are essential components of any undertaking to maintain and develop markets

for honey and honey products.

‘‘(9) Research directed at improving the cost effectiveness

and efficiency of beekeeping, as well as developing better means

of dealing with pest and disease problems, is essential to keeping honey and honey product prices competitive and facilitating

market growth as well as maintaining the financial well-being

of the honey industry.

‘‘(10) Research involving the quality, safety, and image

of honey and honey products and how that quality, safety,

and image may be affected during the extraction, processing,

packaging, marketing, and other stages of the honey and honey

product production and distribution process, is highly important

to building and maintaining markets for honey and honey

products.’’; and

(3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

‘‘(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act are—

‘‘(1) to authorize the establishment of an orderly procedure

for the development and financing, through an adequate assessment, of an effective, continuous, and nationally coordinated

program of promotion, research, consumer education, and

industry information designed to—
S. 1150—66

‘‘(A) strengthen the position of the honey industry in

the marketplace;

‘‘(B) maintain, develop, and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for honey and honey products;

‘‘(C) maintain and improve the competitiveness and

efficiency of the honey industry; and

‘‘(D) sponsor research to develop better means of dealing with pest and disease problems;

‘‘(2) to maintain and expand the markets for all honey

and honey products in a manner that—

‘‘(A) is not designed to maintain or expand any individual producer’s, importer’s, or handler’s share of the market;

and

‘‘(B) does not compete with or replace individual

advertising or promotion efforts designed to promote

individual brand name or trade name honey or honey products; and

‘‘(3) to authorize and fund programs that result in government speech promoting government objectives.

‘‘(c) ADMINISTRATION.—Nothing in this Act—

‘‘(1) prohibits the sale of various grades of honey;

‘‘(2) provides for control of honey production;

‘‘(3) limits the right of the individual honey producer to

produce honey; or

‘‘(4) creates a trade barrier to honey or honey products

produced in a foreign country.’’.

(b) DEFINITIONS.—Section 3 of the Honey Research, Promotion,

and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4602) is amended—

(1) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:

‘‘(7) HANDLE.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘handle’ means to process,

package, sell, transport, purchase, or in any other way

place or cause to be placed in commerce, honey or a honey

product.

‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—The term ‘handle’ includes selling

unprocessed honey that will be consumed or used without

further processing or packaging.

‘‘(C) EXCLUSIONS.—The term ‘handle’ does not

include—

‘‘(i) the transportation of unprocessed honey by

a producer to a handler;

‘‘(ii) the transportation by a commercial carrier

of honey, whether processed or unprocessed, for a handler or producer; or

‘‘(iii) the purchase of honey or a honey product

by a consumer or other end-user of the honey or honey

product.’’;

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(19) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘Department’ means the

Department of Agriculture.

‘‘(20) HONEY PRODUCTION.—The term ‘honey production’

means all beekeeping operations related to—

‘‘(A) managing honey bee colonies to produce honey;

‘‘(B) harvesting honey from the colonies;

‘‘(C) extracting honey from the honeycombs; and

‘‘(D) preparing honey for sale for further processing.
S. 1150—67

‘‘(21) INDUSTRY INFORMATION.—The term ‘industry information’ means information or a program that will lead to the

development of new markets, new marketing strategies, or

increased efficiency for the honey industry, or an activity to

enhance the image of honey and honey products and of the

honey industry.

‘‘(22) NATIONAL HONEY MARKETING COOPERATIVE.—The

term ‘national honey marketing cooperative’ means a cooperative that markets its products in at least 2 of the following

4 regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary:

‘‘(A) The Atlantic Coast, including the District of

Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

‘‘(B) The Mideast.

‘‘(C) The Midwest.

‘‘(D) The Pacific, including the States of Alaska and

Hawaii.

‘‘(23) QUALIFIED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING

HANDLER INTERESTS.—The term ‘qualified national organization

representing handler interests’ means an organization that the

Secretary certifies as being eligible to recommend nominations

for the Committee handler, handler-importer, alternate handler, and alternate handler-importer members of the Honey

Board under section 7(b).

‘‘(24) QUALIFIED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING

IMPORTER INTERESTS.—The term ‘qualified national organization representing importer interests’ means an organization

that the Secretary certifies as being eligible to recommend

nominations for the Committee importer, handler-importer,

alternate importer, and alternate handler-importer members

of the Honey Board under section 7(b).’’; and

(3) by reordering the paragraphs so that they are in

alphabetical order by term defined and redesignating the paragraphs accordingly.

(c) HONEY RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER.—Section 4 of the Honey Research, Promotion, and

Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4603) is amended by inserting

‘‘and regulations’’ after ‘‘orders’’.

(d) NOTICE AND HEARING.—Section 5 of the Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4604) is

amended to read as follows:

‘‘SEC. 5. NOTICE AND HEARING.

‘‘(a) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—In issuing an order under this

Act, an amendment to an order, or a regulation to carry out this

Act, the Secretary shall comply with section 553 of title 5, United

States Code.

‘‘(b) FORMAL AGENCY ACTION.—Sections 556 and 557 of that

title shall not apply with respect to the issuance of an order,

an amendment to an order, or a regulation under this Act.

‘‘(c) PROPOSAL OF AN ORDER.—A proposal for an order may

be submitted to the Secretary by any organization or interested

person affected by this Act.’’.

(e) FINDINGS AND ISSUANCE OF ORDER.—Section 6 of the Honey

Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C.

4605) is amended to read as follows:
S. 1150—68

‘‘SEC. 6. FINDINGS AND ISSUANCE OF ORDER.

‘‘After notice and opportunity for comment has been provided

in accordance with section 5(a), the Secretary shall issue an order,

an amendment to an order, or a regulation under this Act, if

the Secretary finds, and specifies in the order, amendment, or

regulation, that the issuance of the order, amendment, or regulation

will assist in carrying out the purposes of this Act.’’.

(f) REQUIRED TERMS OF AN ORDER.—

(1) NATIONAL HONEY NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE.—Section

7(b) of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(b)) is amended—

(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘except’’ and all that

follows through ‘‘three-year terms’’ and inserting ‘‘except

that the term of appointments to the Committee may be

staggered periodically, as determined by the Secretary’’;

and

(B) in paragraph (5)—

(i) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘after the

first annual meeting’’; and

(ii) in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘per centum’’

and inserting ‘‘percent’’.

(2) HONEY BOARD.—Section 7(c) of the Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(c))

is amended—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as

paragraphs (8) through (11), respectively;

(B) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘seven’’ and

inserting ‘‘7’’; and

(ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) through (E) and

all that follows and inserting the following:

‘‘(B) 2 members who are handlers appointed from

nominations submitted by the Committee from recommendations made by qualified national organizations

representing handler interests;

‘‘(C) if approved in a referendum conducted under this

Act, 2 members who—

‘‘(i) are handlers of honey;

‘‘(ii) during any 3 of the preceding 5 years, were

also importers of record of at least 40,000 pounds of

honey; and

‘‘(iii) are appointed from nominations submitted

by the Committee from recommendations made by—

‘‘(I) qualified national organizations representing handler interests or qualified national

organizations representing importer interests; or

‘‘(II) if the Secretary determines that there

is not a qualified national organization representing handler interests or a qualified national

organization representing importer interests,

individual handlers or importers that have paid

assessments to the Honey Board on imported

honey or honey products;

‘‘(D) 2 members who are importers appointed from

nominations submitted by the Committee from recommendations made by—
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‘‘(i) qualified national organizations representing

importer interests; or

‘‘(ii) if the Secretary determines that there is not

a qualified national organization representing importer

interests, individual importers that have paid assessments to the Honey Board on imported honey or honey

products; and

‘‘(E) 1 member who is an officer, director, or employee

of a national honey marketing cooperative appointed from

nominations submitted by the Committee from recommendations made by qualified national honey marketing

cooperatives.’’;

(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:

‘‘(3) ALTERNATES.—The Committee shall submit nominations for an alternate for each member of the Honey Board

described in paragraph (2). An alternate shall be appointed

in the same manner as a member and shall serve when the

member is absent from a meeting or is disqualified.

‘‘(4) RECONSTITUTION.—

‘‘(A) REVIEW.—If approved in a referendum conducted

under this Act and in accordance with rules issued by

the Secretary, the Honey Board shall review, at times

determined under subparagraph (E)—

‘‘(i) the geographic distribution of the quantities

of domestically produced honey assessed under the

order; and

‘‘(ii) changes in the annual average percentage of

assessments owed by importers under the order relative to assessments owed by producers and handlers

of domestic honey, including—

‘‘(I) whether any changes in assessments owed

on imported quantities are owed by importers

described in paragraph (5)(B); or

‘‘(II) whether such importers are handlerimporters described in paragraph (2)(C).

‘‘(B) RECOMMENDATIONS.—If warranted and in accordance with this subsection, the Honey Board shall recommend to the Secretary—

‘‘(i) changes in the regional representation of honey

producers established by the Secretary;

‘‘(ii) if necessary to reflect any changes in the

proportion of domestic and imported honey assessed

under the order or the source of assessments on

imported honey or honey products, the reallocation

of—

‘‘(I) handler-importer member positions under

paragraph (2)(C) as handler member positions

under paragraph (2)(B);

‘‘(II) importer member positions under paragraph (2)(D) as handler-importer member positions

under paragraph (2)(C); or

‘‘(III) handler-importer member positions

under paragraph (2)(C) as importer member positions under paragraph (2)(D); or

‘‘(iii) if necessary to reflect any changes in the

proportion of domestic and imported honey or honey

products assessed under the order, the addition of
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members to the Honey Board under subparagraph (A),

(B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (2).

‘‘(C) SCOPE OF REVIEW.—The review required under

subparagraph (A) shall be based on data from the 5-year

period preceding the year in which the review is conducted.

‘‘(D) BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph (F), recommendations made under subparagraph

(B) shall be based on—

‘‘(I) the 5-year average annual assessments,

excluding the 2 years containing the highest and

lowest disparity between the proportion of assessments owed from imported and domestic honey

or honey products, determined pursuant to the

review that is conducted under subparagraph (A);

and

‘‘(II) whether any change in the average

annual assessments is from the assessments owed

by importers described in paragraph (5)(B) or from

the assessments owed by handler-importers

described in paragraph (2)(C).

‘‘(ii) PROPORTIONS.—The Honey Board shall recommend a reallocation or addition of members pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (B) only if

1 or more of the following proportions change by more

than 6 percent from the base period proportion determined in accordance with subparagraph (F):

‘‘(I) The proportion of assessments owed by

handler-importers described in paragraph (2)(C)

compared with the proportion of assessments owed

by importers described in paragraph (2)(D).

‘‘(II) The proportion of assessments owed by

importers compared with the proportion of assessments owed on domestic honey by producers and

handlers.

‘‘(E) TIMING OF REVIEW.— ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Honey Board shall conduct

the reviews required under this paragraph not more

than once during each 5-year period.

‘‘(ii) INITIAL REVIEW.—The Honey Board shall conduct the initial review required under this paragraph

prior to the initial continuation referendum conducted

under section 13(c) following the referendum conducted

under section 14.

‘‘(F) BASE PERIOD PROPORTIONS.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The base period proportions for

determining the magnitude of change under subparagraph (D) shall be the proportions determined during

the prior review conducted under this paragraph.

‘‘(ii) INITIAL REVIEW.—In the case of the initial

review required under subparagraph (E)(ii), the base

period proportions shall be the proportions determined

by the Honey Board for fiscal year 1996.

‘‘(5) RESTRICTIONS ON NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT.—

‘‘(A) PRODUCER-PACKERS AS PRODUCERS.—No producerpacker that, during any 3 of the preceding 5 years, purchased for resale more honey than the producer-packer
S. 1150—71

produced shall be eligible for nomination or appointment

to the Honey Board as a producer described in paragraph

(2)(A) or as an alternate to such a producer.

‘‘(B) IMPORTERS.—No importer that, during any 3 of

the preceding 5 years, did not receive at least 75 percent

of the gross income generated by the sale of honey and

honey products from the sale of imported honey and honey

products shall be eligible for nomination or appointment

to the Honey Board as an importer described in paragraph

(2)(D) or an alternate to such an importer.

‘‘(6) CERTIFICATION OF ORGANIZATIONS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The eligibility of an organization

to participate in the making of recommendations to the

Committee for nomination to the Honey Board to represent

handlers or importers under this section shall be certified

by the Secretary.

‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—Subject to the other provisions of this paragraph, the Secretary shall certify an

organization that the Secretary determines meets the eligibility criteria established by the Secretary under this paragraph.

‘‘(C) FINALITY.—An eligibility determination of the Secretary under this paragraph shall be final.

‘‘(D) BASIS FOR CERTIFICATION.—Certification of an

organization under this paragraph shall be based on, in

addition to other available information, a factual report

submitted by the organization that contains information

considered relevant by the Secretary, including—

‘‘(i) the geographic territory covered by the active

membership of the organization;

‘‘(ii) the nature and size of the active membership

of the organization, including the proportion of the

total number of active handlers or importers represented by the organization;

‘‘(iii) evidence of the stability and permanency of

the organization;

‘‘(iv) sources from which the operating funds of

the organization are derived;

‘‘(v) the functions of the organization; and

‘‘(vi) the ability and willingness of the organization

to further the purposes of this Act.

‘‘(E) PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS.—A primary consideration in determining the eligibility of an organization under

this paragraph shall be whether—

‘‘(i) the membership of the organization consists

primarily of handlers or importers that derive a

substantial quantity of their income from sales of honey

and honey products; and

‘‘(ii) the organization has an interest in the marketing of honey and honey products.

‘‘(F) NONMEMBERS.—As a condition of certification

under this paragraph, an organization shall agree—

‘‘(i) to notify nonmembers of the organization of

Honey Board nomination opportunities for which the

organization is certified to make recommendations to

the Committee; and
S. 1150—72

‘‘(ii) to consider the nomination of nonmembers

when making the nominations of the organization to

the Committee, if nonmembers indicate an interest

in serving on the Honey Board.

‘‘(7) MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF HONEY PRODUCERS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, at least

50 percent of the members of the Honey Board shall be honey

producers.’’; and

(D) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking

‘‘except’’ and all that follows through ‘‘three-year terms’’

and inserting ‘‘except that appointments to the Honey

Board may be staggered periodically, as determined by

the Secretary, to maintain continuity of the Honey Board

with respect to all members and with respect to members

representing particular groups.’’.

(3) ASSESSMENTS.—Section 7(e) of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(e)) is

amended—

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively;

(B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Honey Board shall administer collection of the assessment provided for in this subsection, and

may accept voluntary contributions from other sources, to

finance the expenses described in subsections (d) and (f).

‘‘(2) RATE.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), the assessment rate shall be $0.0075 per pound (payable in the manner

described in section 9), with—

‘‘(A) in the case of honey produced in the United States, $0.0075 per pound payable by honey producers; and

‘‘(B) in the case of honey or honey products imported into the United States, $0.0075 per pound payable by honey

importers.

‘‘(3) ALTERNATIVE RATE APPROVED IN REFERENDUM.—If

approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, the assessment rate shall be $0.015 per pound (payable in the manner

described in section 9)—

‘‘(A) in the case of honey produced in the United

States—

‘‘(i) $0.0075 per pound payable by—

‘‘(I) honey producers; and

‘‘(II) producer-packers on all honey produced

by the producer-packers; and

‘‘(ii) $0.0075 per pound payable by—

‘‘(I) handlers; and

‘‘(II) producer-packers on all honey and honey

products handled by the producer-packers, including honey produced by the producer-packers); and

‘‘(B) in the case of honey and honey products imported

into the United States, $0.015 per pound payable by honey

importers, of which $0.0075 per pound represents the

assessment due from the handler to be paid by the importer

on behalf of the handler.’’;

(C) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by striking

subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

‘‘(B) SMALL QUANTITIES.—
S. 1150—73

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—A producer, producer-packer,

handler, or importer that produces, imports, or handles

during a year less than 6,000 pounds of honey or

honey products shall be exempt in that year from

payment of an assessment on honey or honey products

that the person distributes directly through local retail

outlets, as determined by the Secretary, during that

year.

‘‘(ii) INAPPLICABILITY.—If a person no longer meets

the requirements of clause (i) for an exemption, the

person shall—

‘‘(I) file a report with the Honey Board in

the form and manner prescribed by the Honey

Board; and

‘‘(II) pay an assessment on or before March

15 of the subsequent year on all honey or honey

products produced, imported, or handled by the

person during the year in which the person no

longer meets the requirements of clause (i) for

an exemption.’’; and

(D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)—

(i) by inserting ‘‘handler,’’ after ‘‘producer-packer’’

each place it appears;

(ii) by striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (4)’’; and

(iii) by inserting ‘‘, handler,’’ after ‘‘producer’’ the

last place it appears.

(4) USE OF FUNDS.—Section 7(f) of the Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(f))

is amended—

(A) by striking ‘‘(f) Funds collected by the Honey Board

from the assessments’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(f) FUNDS.—

‘‘(1) USE.—Funds collected by the Honey Board’’;

(B) by striking ‘‘The Secretary shall’’ and inserting

the following:

‘‘(3) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Secretary shall’’; and

(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as designated

by subparagraph (A)) the following:

‘‘(2) RESEARCH PROJECTS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, the Honey Board shall reserve at

least 8 percent of all assessments collected during a year

for expenditure on approved research projects designed

to advance the cost effectiveness, competitiveness, efficiency, pest and disease control, and other management

aspects of beekeeping, honey production, and honey bees.

‘‘(B) CARRYOVER.—If all funds reserved under subparagraph (A) are not allocated to approved research projects

in a year, any reserved funds remaining unallocated shall

be carried forward for allocation and expenditure under

subparagraph (A) in subsequent years.’’.

(5) FALSE OR UNWARRANTED CLAIMS OR STATEMENTS.—Section 7(g) of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer

Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(g)) is amended by striking ‘‘with

assessments collected’’ and inserting ‘‘by the Honey Board’’.
S. 1150—74

(6) INFLUENCING GOVERNMENTAL POLICY OR ACTION.—Section 7(h) of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer

Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(h)) is amended by striking

‘‘through assessments authorized by’’ and inserting ‘‘by the

Honey Board under’’.

(g) PERMISSIVE TERMS AND PROVISIONS.—Section 8 of the Honey

Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C.

4607) is amended—

(1) by inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’ before ‘‘On’’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(8) If approved in a referendum conducted under this

Act, providing authority for the development of programs and

related rules and regulations that will, with the approval of

the Secretary, establish minimum purity standards for honey

and honey products that are designed to maintain a positive

and wholesome marketing image for honey and honey products.

‘‘(b) INSPECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM.—

‘‘(1) INSPECTION.—Any program, rule, or regulation under

subsection (a)(8) may provide for the inspection, by the Secretary, of honey and honey products being sold for domestic

consumption in, or for export from, the United States.

‘‘(2) MONITORING SYSTEM.—The Honey Board may develop

and recommend to the Secretary a system for monitoring the

purity of honey and honey products being sold for domestic

consumption in, or for export from, the United States, including

a system for identifying adulterated honey.

‘‘(3) COORDINATION WITH OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.—The

Secretary may coordinate, to the maximum extent practicable,

with the head of any other Federal agency that has authority

to ensure compliance with labeling or other requirements relating to the purity of honey and honey products concerning an

enforcement action against any person that does not comply

with a rule or regulation issued by any other Federal agency

concerning the labeling or purity requirements of honey and

honey products.

‘‘(4) AUTHORITY TO ISSUE REGULATIONS.—The Secretary

may issue such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry

out this subsection.

‘‘(c) VOLUNTARY QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In addition to or independent of any

program, rule, or regulation under subsection (b), the Honey

Board, with the approval of the Secretary, may establish and

carry out a voluntary quality assurance program concerning

purity standards for honey and honey products.

‘‘(2) COMPONENTS.—The program may include—

‘‘(A) the establishment of an official Honey Board seal

of approval to be displayed on honey and honey products

of producers, handlers, and importers that participate in

the voluntary program and are found to meet such standards of purity as are established under the program;

‘‘(B) actions to encourage producers, handlers, and

importers to participate in the program;

‘‘(C) actions to encourage consumers to purchase honey

and honey products bearing the official seal of approval;

and

‘‘(D) periodic inspections by the Secretary, or other

parties approved by the Secretary, of honey and honey
S. 1150—75

products of producers, handlers, and importers that participate in the voluntary program.

‘‘(3) DISPLAY OF SEAL OF APPROVAL.—To be eligible to display the official seal of approval established under paragraph

(2)(A) on a honey or honey product, a producer, handler, or

importer shall participate in the voluntary program under this

subsection.

‘‘(d) AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY.—Notwithstanding any

other provision of this Act, the Secretary shall have the authority

to approve or disapprove the establishment of minimum purity

standards, the inspection and monitoring system under subsection

(b), and the voluntary quality assurance program under subsection

(c).’’.

(h) COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS.—

(1) NEW ASSESSMENT.—Section 9 of the Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4608) is

amended—

(A) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

‘‘(a) HANDLERS.—Except as otherwise provided in this section,

a first handler of honey shall be responsible, at the time of first

purchase—

‘‘(1) for the collection, and payment to the Honey Board,

of the assessment payable by a producer under section 7(e)(2)(A)

or, if approved in a referendum conducted under this Act,

under section 7(e)(3)(A)(i); and

‘‘(2) if approved in a referendum conducted under this

Act, for the payment to the Honey Board of an additional

assessment payable by the handler under section 7(e)(3)(A)(ii).’’;

(B) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

‘‘(c) IMPORTERS.—Except as otherwise provided in this section,

at the time of entry of honey and honey products into the United

States, an importer shall remit to the Honey Board through the

United States Customs Service—

‘‘(1) the assessment on the imported honey and honey products required under section 7(e)(2)(B); or

‘‘(2) if approved in a referendum conducted under this

Act, the assessment on the imported honey and honey products

required under section 7(e)(3)(B), of which the amount payable

under section 7(e)(3)(A)(ii) represents the assessment due from

the handler to be paid by the importer on behalf of the handler.’’; and

(C) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:

‘‘(e) PRODUCER-PACKERS.—Except as otherwise provided in this

section, a producer-packer shall be responsible for the collection,

and payment to the Honey Board, of—

‘‘(1) the assessment payable by the producer-packer under

section 7(e)(2)(A) or, if approved in a referendum conducted

under this Act, under section 7(e)(3)(A)(i) on honey produced

by the producer-packer;

‘‘(2) at the time of first purchase, the assessment payable

by a producer under section 7(e)(2)(A) or, if approved in a

referendum conducted under this Act, under section 7(e)(3)(A)(i)

on honey purchased by the producer-packer as a first handler;

and
S. 1150—76

‘‘(3) if approved in a referendum conducted under this

Act, an additional assessment payable by the producer-packer

under section 7(e)(3)(A)(ii).’’.

(2) INSPECTION; BOOKS AND RECORDS.—Section 9 of the

Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act

(7 U.S.C. 4608) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:

‘‘(f) INSPECTION; BOOKS AND RECORDS.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To make available to the Secretary and

the Honey Board such information and data as are necessary

to carry out this Act (including an order or regulation issued

under this Act), a handler, importer, producer, or producerpacker responsible for payment of an assessment under this

Act, and a person receiving an exemption from an assessment

under section 7(e)(4), shall—

‘‘(A) maintain and make available for inspection by

the Secretary and the Honey Board such books and records

as are required by the order and regulations issued under

this Act; and

‘‘(B) file reports at the times, in the manner, and

having the content prescribed by the order and regulations,

which reports shall include the total number of bee colonies

maintained, the quantity of honey produced, and the quantity of honey and honey products handled or imported.

‘‘(2) EMPLOYEE OR AGENT.—To conduct an inspection or

review a report of a handler, importer, producer, or producerpacker under paragraph (1), an individual shall be an employee

or agent of the Department or the Honey Board, and shall

not be a member or alternate member of the Honey Board.

‘‘(3) CONFIDENTIALITY.—An employee or agent described

in paragraph (2) shall be subject to the confidentiality requirements of subsection (g).’’.

(3) CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION; DISCLOSURE.—Section 9 of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer

Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4608) is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:

‘‘(g) CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION; DISCLOSURE.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—All information obtained under subsection (f) shall be kept confidential by all officers, employees,

and agents of the Department or of the Honey Board.

‘‘(2) DISCLOSURE.—Information subject to paragraph (1)

may be disclosed—

‘‘(A) only in a suit or administrative hearing brought

at the request of the Secretary, or to which the Secretary

or any officer of the United States is a party, that involves

the order with respect to which the information was furnished or acquired; and

‘‘(B) only if the Secretary determines that the information is relevant to the suit or administrative hearing.

‘‘(3) EXCEPTIONS.—Nothing in this subsection prohibits—

‘‘(A) the issuance of general statements based on the

reports of a number of handlers subject to an order, if

the statements do not identify the information furnished

by any person; or

‘‘(B) the publication, by direction of the Secretary, of

the name of any person that violates any order issued
S. 1150—77

under this Act, together with a statement of the particular

provisions of the order violated by the person.

‘‘(4) VIOLATION.—Any person that knowingly violates this

subsection, on conviction—

‘‘(A) shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned

not more than 1 year, or both; and

‘‘(B) if the person is an officer or employee of the

Honey Board or the Department, shall be removed from

office.’’.

(4) REFUNDS.—Section 9 of the Honey Research, Promotion,

and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4608) is amended

by striking subsection (h).

(5) ADMINISTRATION AND REMITTANCE.—Section 9 of the

Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act

(7 U.S.C. 4608) (as amended by paragraph (4)) is amended

by inserting after subsection (g) the following:

‘‘(h) ADMINISTRATION AND REMITTANCE.—Administration and

remittance of the assessments under this Act shall be conducted—

‘‘(1) in the manner prescribed in the order and regulations

issued under this Act; and

‘‘(2) if approved in a referendum conducted under this

Act, in a manner that ensures that all honey and honey products are assessed a total of, but not more than, $0.015 per

pound, including any producer or importer assessment.’’.

(6) LIABILITY FOR ASSESSMENTS.—Section 9(i) of the Honey

Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C.

4608(i)) is amended—

(A) by striking ‘‘(i) If’’ and inserting the following:

‘‘(i) LIABILITY FOR ASSESSMENTS.— ‘‘(1) PRODUCERS.—If’’; and

(B) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(2) IMPORTERS.—If the United States Customs Service fails

to collect an assessment from an importer or an importer fails

to pay an assessment at the time of entry of honey and honey

products into the United States under this section, the importer

shall be responsible for the remission of the assessment to

the Honey Board.’’.

(i) PETITION AND REVIEW.—Section 10 of the Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4609) is

amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

‘‘(a) FILING OF PETITION; HEARING.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (4), a person subject to an order may file a written petition with the Secretary—

‘‘(A) that states that the order, any provision of the

order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the

order is not in accordance with law; and

‘‘(B) that requests—

‘‘(i) a modification of the order, provision, or obligation; or

‘‘(ii) to be exempted from the order, provision, or

obligation.

‘‘(2) HEARING.—In accordance with regulations issued by

the Secretary, the petitioner shall be given an opportunity

for a hearing on the petition.

‘‘(3) RULING.—After the hearing, the Secretary shall make

a ruling on the petition that shall be final, if in accordance

with law.
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‘‘(4) STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.—A petition filed under this

subsection that challenges an order, any provision of the order,

or any obligation imposed in connection with the order, shall

be filed not later than 2 years after the later of—

‘‘(A) the effective date of the order, provision, or obligation challenged in the petition; or

‘‘(B) the date on which the petitioner became subject

to the order, provision, or obligation challenged in the

petition.’’.

(j) ENFORCEMENT.—Subsections (a) and (b) of section 11 of

the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act

(7 U.S.C. 4610) are amended by striking ‘‘plan’’ each place it appears

and inserting ‘‘order’’.

(k) REQUIREMENTS OF REFERENDUM.—Section 12 of the Honey

Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C.

4611) is amended to read as follows:

‘‘SEC. 12. REQUIREMENTS OF REFERENDUM.

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—For the purpose of ascertaining whether

issuance of an order is approved by producers, importers, and

in the case of an order assessing handlers, handlers, the Secretary

shall conduct a referendum among producers, importers, and, in

the case of an order assessing handlers, handlers, not exempt

under section 7(e)(4), that, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the production,

importation, or handling of honey or honey products.

‘‘(b) EFFECTIVENESS OF ORDER.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—No order issued under this Act shall

be effective unless the Secretary determines that—

‘‘(A) the order is approved by a majority of the producers, importers, and if covered by the order, handlers, voting

in the referendum; and

‘‘(B) the producers, importers, and handlers comprising

the majority produced, imported, and handled not less than

50 percent of the quantity of the honey and honey products

produced, imported, and handled during the representative

period by the persons voting in the referendum.

‘‘(2) AMENDMENTS TO ORDERS.—The Secretary may amend

an order in accordance with the administrative procedures

specified in sections 5 and 6, except that the Secretary may

not amend a provision of an order that implements a provision

of this Act that specifically provides for approval in a referendum without the approval provided for in this section.

‘‘(c) PRODUCER-PACKERS AND IMPORTERS.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each producer-packer and each importer

shall have 1 vote as a handler as well as 1 vote as a producer

or importer (unless exempt under section 7(e)(4)) in all

referenda concerning orders assessing handlers to the extent

that the individual producer-packer or importer owes assessments as a handler.

‘‘(2) ATTRIBUTION OF QUANTITY OF HONEY.—For the purpose

of subsection (b)(1)(B)—

‘‘(A) the quantity of honey or honey products on which

the qualifying producer-packer or importer owes assessments as a handler shall be attributed to the person’s

vote as a handler under paragraph (1); and
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‘‘(B) the quantity of honey or honey products on which

the producer-packer or importer owes an assessment as

a producer or importer shall be attributed to the person’s

vote as a producer or importer.

‘‘(d) CONFIDENTIALITY.—The ballots and other information or

reports that reveal, or tend to reveal, the identity or vote of any

producer, importer, or handler of honey or honey products shall

be held strictly confidential and shall not be disclosed.’’.

(l) TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION.—Section 13 of the Honey

Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C.

4612) is amended to read as follows:

‘‘SEC. 13. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION.

‘‘(a) DEFINITION OF PERSON.—In this section, the term ‘person’

means a producer, importer, or handler.

‘‘(b) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY.—If the Secretary finds that

an order issued under this Act, or any provision of the order,

obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes of this Act,

the Secretary shall terminate or suspend the operation of the order

or provision.

‘‘(c) PERIODIC REFERENDA.—Except as provided in subsection

(d)(3) and section 14(g), on the date that is 5 years after the

date on which the Secretary issues an order authorizing the collection of assessments on honey or honey products under this Act,

and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum to determine if the persons subject to assessment under the

order approve continuation of the order in accordance with section

12.

‘‘(d) REFERENDA ON REQUEST.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—On the request of the Honey Board

or the petition of at least 10 percent of the total number

of persons subject to assessment under the order, the Secretary

shall conduct a referendum to determine if the persons subject

to assessment under the order approve continuation of the

order in accordance with section 12.

‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—Referenda conducted under paragraph

(1) may not be held more than once every 2 years.

‘‘(3) EFFECT ON PERIODIC REFERENDA.—If a referendum is

conducted under this subsection and the Secretary determines

that continuation of the order is approved under section 12,

any referendum otherwise required to be conducted under subsection (c) shall not be held before the date that is 5 years

after the date of the referendum conducted under this subsection.

‘‘(e) TIMING AND REQUIREMENTS FOR TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall terminate or suspend an order at the end of the marketing year during which

a referendum is conducted under subsection (c) or (d) if the

Secretary determines that continuation of an order is not

approved under section 12.

‘‘(2) SUBSEQUENT REFERENDUM.—If the Secretary terminates or suspends an order that assesses the handling of honey

and honey products under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall,

not later than 90 days after submission of a proposed order

by an interested party—
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‘‘(A) propose another order to establish a research,

promotion, and consumer information program; and

‘‘(B) conduct a referendum on the order among persons

that would be subject to assessment under the order.

‘‘(3) EFFECTIVENESS OF ORDER.—Section 12 shall apply in

determining the effectiveness of the subsequent amended order

under paragraph (2).’’.

(m) IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS.—The Honey Research,

Promotion, and Consumer Information Act is amended by inserting

after section 13 (7 U.S.C. 4612) the following:

‘‘SEC. 14. IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS MADE BY AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM

ACT OF 1998.

‘‘(a) ISSUANCE OF AMENDED ORDER.—To implement the amendments made to this Act by section 605 of the Agricultural Research,

Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (other than subsection

(m) of that section), the Secretary shall issue an amended order

under section 4 that reflects those amendments.

‘‘(b) PROPOSAL OF AMENDED ORDER.—Not later than 90 days

after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall

publish a proposed order under section 4 that reflects the amendments made by section 605 of the Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Education Reform Act of 1998. The Secretary shall provide

notice and an opportunity for public comment on the proposed

order in accordance with section 5.

‘‘(c) ISSUANCE OF AMENDED ORDER.—Not later than 240 days

after publication of the proposed order, the Secretary shall issue

an order under section 6, taking into consideration the comments

received and including in the order such provisions as are necessary

to ensure that the order conforms with the amendments made

by section 605 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998.

‘‘(d) REFERENDUM ON AMENDED ORDER.—

‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—On issuance of an order under section 6 reflecting the amendments made by section 605

of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education

Reform Act of 1998, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum under this section for the sole purpose of determining

whether the order as amended shall become effective.

‘‘(B) INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS.—No individual provision

of the amended order shall be subject to a separate vote

under the referendum.

‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE VOTERS.—The Secretary shall conduct the

referendum among persons subject to assessment under the

order that have been producers, producer-packers, importers,

or handlers during the 2-calendar-year period that precedes

the referendum, which period shall be considered to be the

representative period.

‘‘(3) DETERMINATION OF QUANTITY.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Producer-packers, importers, and

handlers shall be allowed to vote as if—

‘‘(i) the amended order had been in place during

the representative period described in paragraph (2);

and
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‘‘(ii) they had owed the increased assessments provided by the amended order.

‘‘(B) VOTES AND ATTRIBUTED QUANTITY FOR PRODUCERPACKERS AND IMPORTERS.—The votes and the quantity of

honey and honey products attributed to the votes of producer-packers and importers shall be determined in accordance with section 12.

‘‘(C) ATTRIBUTED QUANTITY FOR HANDLERS.—The quantity of honey and honey products attributed to the vote

of a handler shall be the quantity handled in the representative period described in paragraph (2) for which the handler would have owed assessments had the amended order

been in effect.

‘‘(4) EFFECTIVENESS OF ORDER.—The amended order shall

become effective only if the Secretary determines that the

amended order is effective in accordance with section 12.

‘‘(e) CONTINUATION OF EXISTING ORDER IF AMENDED ORDER

IS REJECTED.—If adoption of the amended order is not approved—

‘‘(1) the order issued under section 4 that is in effect on

the date of enactment of this section shall continue in full

force and effect; and

‘‘(2) the Secretary may amend the order to ensure the

conformity of the order with this Act (as in effect on the

day before the date of enactment of this section).

‘‘(f) EFFECT OF REJECTION ON SUBSEQUENT ORDERS.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), if adoption

of the amended order is not approved in the referendum

required under subsection (d), the Secretary may issue an

amended order that implements some or all of the amendments

made to this Act by section 605 of the Agricultural Research,

Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, or makes other

changes to an existing order, in accordance with the administrative procedures specified in sections 5 and 6.

‘‘(2) APPROVAL.—An amendment to an order that implements a provision that is subject to a referendum shall be

approved in accordance with section 12 before becoming effective.

‘‘(g) EFFECT ON PERIODIC REFERENDA.—If the amended order

becomes effective, any referendum otherwise required to be conducted under section 13(c) shall not be held before the date that

is 5 years after the date of the referendum conducted under this

section.’’.

SEC. 606. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

(a) SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS RESEARCH.—Effective as of April 6, 1996, section 819(b)(5) of the Federal Agriculture

Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–127; 110

Stat. 1167) is amended by striking ‘‘paragraph (3)’’ and inserting

‘‘subsection (c)(3)’’.

(b) JOINT COUNCIL ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES.—

Section 1413(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3128(b)) is amended

by striking ‘‘Joint Council, the Advisory Board,’’ and inserting

‘‘Advisory Board’’.

(c) ADVISORY BOARD.—
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(1) SUPPORT FOR ADVISORY BOARD.—Section 1412 of the

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3127) is amended—

(A) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ‘‘their duties’’

each place it appears and inserting ‘‘its duties’’; and

(B) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘their recommendations’’ and inserting ‘‘its recommendations’’.

(2) GENERAL PROVISIONS.—Section 1413(a) of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of

1977 (7 U.S.C. 3128(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘their powers’’

and inserting ‘‘its duties’’.

(d) ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH.—The National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

is amended—

(1) in section 1430 (7 U.S.C. 3192)—

(A) in paragraph (3), by adding ‘‘and’’ at the end;

(B) by striking paragraph (4); and

(C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4);

(2) in section 1433(b)(3) (7 U.S.C. 3195(b)(3)), by striking

‘‘with the advice, when available, of the Board’’;

(3) in section 1434(c) (7 U.S.C. 3196(c))—

(A) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘and the Board’’;

and

(B) in the fourth sentence, by striking ‘‘, the Advisory

Board, and the Board’’ and inserting ‘‘and the Advisory

Board’’; and

(4) in the first sentence of section 1437 (7 U.S.C. 3199),

by striking ‘‘with the advice, when available, of the Board’’.

(e) RANGELAND RESEARCH.—The second sentence of section

1483(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and

Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(b)) is amended by

striking the last sentence.

(f) PLANT AND ANIMAL PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM.—

Section 1629(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade

Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(g)) is amended by striking ‘‘section

1650,’’.

(g) GRANTS TO UPGRADE 1890 INSTITUTIONS EXTENSION FACILITIES.—Effective as of April 6, 1996, section 873 of the Federal

Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law

104–127; 110 Stat. 1175) is amended by striking ‘‘1981’’ and inserting ‘‘1985’’.

(h) COMPETITIVE AND SPECIAL GRANTS.—The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘Joint Council on Food

and Agricultural Sciences and the National Agricultural

Research and Extension Users Advisory Board’’ and inserting

‘‘National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and

Economics Advisory Board (as established under section 1408

of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching

Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123))’’; and

(2) by striking subsection (l).
S. 1150—83

Subtitle B—New Authorities

SEC. 611. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION DATA.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall update,

on a periodic basis, nutrient composition data.

(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee

on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee

on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report

that describes—

(1) the method the Secretary will use to update nutrient

composition data, including the quality assurance criteria that

will be used and the method for generating the data; and

(2) the timing for updating the data.

SEC. 612. NATIONAL SWINE RESEARCH CENTER.

Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this

section, or through a reprogramming of funds provided for swine

research to carry out this section pursuant to established procedures, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of

this Act and ending December 31, 1998, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Research Service, may

accept as a gift, and administer, the National Swine Research

Center located in Ames, Iowa.

SEC. 613. ROLE OF SECRETARY REGARDING FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

The Secretary of Agriculture shall be the principal official in

the executive branch responsible for coordinating all Federal

research and extension activities related to food and agricultural

sciences.

SEC. 614. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

(a) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is to establish an

Office of Pest Management Policy to provide for the effective

coordination of agricultural policies and activities within the Department of Agriculture related to pesticides and of the development

and use of pest management tools, while taking into account the

effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies.

(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE; PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES.— The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish in the Department

an Office of Pest Management Policy, which shall be responsible

for—

(1) the development and coordination of Department policy

on pest management and pesticides;

(2) the coordination of activities and services of the Department, including research, extension, and education activities,

regarding the development, availability, and use of economically

and environmentally sound pest management tools and practices;

(3) assisting other agencies of the Department in fulfilling

their responsibilities related to pest management or pesticides

under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (Public Law

104–170; 110 Stat. 1489), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,

and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), the Federal Food,

Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), and other

applicable laws; and
S. 1150—84

(4) performing such other functions as may be required

by law or prescribed by the Secretary.

(c) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—In support of its responsibilities under subsection (b), the Office of Pest Management Policy

shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug

Administration, and other Federal and State agencies.

(d) OUTREACH.—The Office of Pest Management Policy shall

consult with agricultural producers that may be affected by pest

management or pesticide-related activities or actions of the Department or other agencies as necessary in carrying out the Office’s

responsibilities under this section.

(e) DIRECTOR.—The Office of Pest Management Policy shall

be under the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary,

who shall report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the

Secretary.

(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this

section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

SEC. 615. FOOD SAFETY RESEARCH INFORMATION OFFICE AND

NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

(a) FOOD SAFETY RESEARCH INFORMATION OFFICE.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall

establish a Food Safety Research Information Office at the

National Agricultural Library.

(2) PURPOSE.—The Office shall provide to the research

community and the general public information on publicly

funded, and to the maximum extent practicable, privately

funded food safety research initiatives for the purpose of—

(A) preventing unintended duplication of food safety

research; and

(B) assisting the executive and legislative branches

of the Federal Government and private research entities

to assess food safety research needs and priorities.

(3) COOPERATION.—The Office shall carry out this subsection in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health,

the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, public institutions, and, on a voluntary

basis, private research entities.

(b) NATIONAL CONFERENCE; ANNUAL WORKSHOPS.—Not later

than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary

shall sponsor a conference to be known as the ‘‘National Conference

on Food Safety Research’’, for the purpose of beginning the task

of prioritization of food safety research. The Secretary shall sponsor

annual workshops in each of the subsequent 4 years after the

conference so that priorities can be updated or adjusted to reflect

changing food safety concerns.

(c) FOOD SAFETY REPORT.—With regard to the study and report

to be prepared by the National Academy of Sciences on the scientific

and organizational needs for an effective food safety system, the

study shall include recommendations to ensure that the food safety

inspection system, within the resources traditionally available to

existing food safety agencies, protects the public health.

SEC. 616. SAFE FOOD HANDLING EDUCATION.

The Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to develop a

national program of safe food handling education for adults and
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young people to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. The national

program shall be suitable for adoption and implementation through

State cooperative extension services and school-based education

programs.

SEC. 617. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED UNDER SHEEP

PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 1994.

Using funds available to the Agricultural Marketing Service,

the Service may reimburse the American Sheep Industry Association for expenses incurred by the American Sheep Industry Association between February 6, 1996, and May 17, 1996, in preparation

for the implementation of a sheep and wool promotion, research,

education, and information order under the Sheep Promotion,

Research, and Information Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.).

SEC. 618. DESIGNATION OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM WITHIN

DEPARTMENT.

(a) DESIGNATION OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM.—The Secretary

of Agriculture shall designate a Crisis Management Team within

the Department of Agriculture, which shall be—

(1) composed of senior departmental personnel with strong

subject matter expertise selected from each relevant agency

of the Department; and

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

(b) DUTIES OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM.—The Crisis Management Team shall be responsible for the following:

(1) Developing a Department-wide crisis management plan,

taking into account similar plans developed by other government agencies and other large organizations, and developing

written procedures for the implementation of the crisis management plan.

(2) Conducting periodic reviews and revisions of the crisis

management plan and procedures developed under paragraph

(1).

(3) Ensuring compliance with crisis management procedures by personnel of the Department and ensuring that appropriate Department personnel are familiar with the crisis

management plan and procedures and are encouraged to bring

information regarding crises or potential crises to the attention

of members of the Crisis Management Team.

(4) Coordinating the Department’s information gathering

and dissemination activities concerning issues managed by the

Crisis Management Team.

(5) Ensuring that Department spokespersons convey

accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information regarding

crises or potential crises that can be easily understood by

the general public.

(6) Cooperating with, and coordinating among, other Federal agencies, States, local governments, industry, and public

interest groups, Department activities regarding a crisis.

(c) ROLE IN PRIORITIZING CERTAIN RESEARCH.—The Crisis

Management Team shall cooperate with the Advisory Board in

the prioritization of agricultural research conducted or funded by

the Department regarding animal health, natural disasters, food

safety, and other agricultural issues.

(d) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary shall seek to

enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal departments
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and agencies that have related programs or activities to help ensure

consistent, accurate, and coordinated dissemination of information

throughout the executive branch in the event of a crisis, such

as, in the case of a threat to human health from food-borne pathogens, developing a rapid and coordinated response among the

Department, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and

Drug Administration.

SEC. 619. DESIGNATION OF KIKA DE LA GARZA SUBTROPICAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, WESLACO, TEXAS.

(a) DESIGNATION.—The Federal facilities located at 2413 East

Highway 83, and 2301 South International Boulevard, in Weslaco,

Texas, and known as the ‘‘Subtropical Agricultural Research Center’’, shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Kika de la Garza

Subtropical Agricultural Research Center’’.

(b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, map, regulation,

document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal

facilities referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a

reference to the ‘‘Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural

Research Center’’.

Subtitle C—Studies

SEC. 631. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

(a) EVALUATION.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct

a performance evaluation to determine whether federally funded

agricultural research, extension, and education programs result

in public goods that have national or multistate significance.

(b) CONTRACT.—The Secretary shall enter into a contract with

1 or more entities with expertise in research assessment and

performance evaluation to provide input and recommendations to

the Secretary with respect to federally funded agricultural research,

extension, and education programs.

(c) GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT.—The contractor selected under subsection (b) shall develop and propose

to the Secretary practical guidelines for measuring performance

of federally funded agricultural research, extension, and education

programs. The guidelines shall be consistent with the Government

Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103–62) and

amendments made by that Act.

SEC. 632. STUDY OF FEDERALLY FUNDED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,

EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

(a) STUDY.—Not later than January 1, 1999, the Secretary

of Agriculture shall request the National Academy of Sciences to

conduct a study of the role and mission of federally funded agricultural research, extension, and education.
S. 1150—87

(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The study shall—

(1) evaluate the strength of science conducted by the Agricultural Research Service and the relevance of the science

to national priorities;

(2) examine how the work of the Agricultural Research

Service relates to the capacity of the agricultural research,

extension, and education system of the United States;

(3) examine the appropriateness of the formulas for the

allocation of funds under the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 341

et seq.) and the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.)

with respect to current conditions of the agricultural economy

and other factors of the various regions and States of the

United States and develop recommendations to revise the formulas to more accurately reflect the current conditions; and

(4) examine the system of competitive grants for agricultural research, extension, and education.

(c) REPORTS.—The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the

Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and

the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate—

(1) not later than 18 months after the commencement

of the study, a report that describes the results of the study

as it relates to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), including any appropriate recommendations; and

(2) not later than 3 years after the commencement of

the study, a report that describes the results of the study

as it relates to paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (b), including the recommendations developed under paragraph (3) of

subsection (b) and other appropriate recommendations.

Subtitle D—Senses of Congress

SEC. 641. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH SERVICE EMPHASIS ON FIELD RESEARCH

REGARDING METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES.

It is the sense of Congress that, of the Agricultural Research

Service funds made available for a fiscal year for research regarding

the development for agricultural use of alternatives to methyl bromide, the Secretary of Agriculture should use a substantial portion

of the funds for research to be conducted in real field conditions,

especially pre-planting and post-harvest conditions, so as to expedite

the development and commercial use of methyl bromide alternatives.
S. 1150—88

SEC. 642. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF

SCHOOL-BASED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture

and the Secretary of Education should collaborate and cooperate

in providing both instructional and technical support for schoolbased agricultural education.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and

President of the Senate.