Source: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2279&num=0&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 18:38:29+00:00

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(G) other such Acts as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(B) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish.
The term "Department" means the Department of Agriculture.
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.
The term "socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher" means a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group.
The term "socially disadvantaged group" means a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.
(C) is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of that title) who has first obtained status as a veteran (as so defined) during the most recent 10-year period.
(2) equitable participation in all agricultural programs of the Department.
(iii) does not engage in activities prohibited under section 501(c)(3) of title 26.
(B) An 1890 institution or 1994 institution (as defined in section 7601 of this title), including West Virginia State College.
(C) An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native cooperative college.
(D) An Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 3103 of this title).
(E) Any other institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that has demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in a region.
(F) An Indian tribe (as defined in section 5304 of title 25) or a national tribal organization that has demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in a region.
(G) An organization or institution that received funding under subsection (a) before January 1, 1996, but only with respect to projects that the Secretary considers are similar to projects previously carried out by the organization or institution under such subsection.
(B) in participating equitably in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs offered by the Department.
(ii) improving the participation of those farmers and ranchers in Department programs, as reported under section 2279–1 of this title.
The Secretary may make grants to, and enter into contracts and other agreements with, an eligible entity that has demonstrated an ability to carry out the requirements described in paragraph (3) to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers under this subsection.
The authority to carry out this section shall be in addition to any other authority provided in this or any other Act.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may make grants to, and enter into contracts and other agreements with, an organization or institution that received funding under this section before January 1, 1996, to carry out a project that is similar to a project for which the organization or institution received such funding.
(i) The recipients of funds made available under the program.
(ii) The activities undertaken and services provided.
(iii) The number of current and prospective socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers served and outcomes of such service.
(iv) The problems and barriers identified by entities in trying to increase participation by current and prospective socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
(v) The number of farms or ranches started, maintained, or improved as a result of funds made available under the program.
(vi) Actions taken by the Secretary in partnership with eligible entities to enhance participation in agricultural programs by veteran farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
(vii) The effectiveness of the actions described in clause (vi).
(ii) in an amount that is not more than $250,000 for each year of the grant, contract, or agreement.
In making grants and entering into contracts and other agreements under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to nongovernmental and community-based organizations with an expertise in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the geographical diversity of eligible entities to which grants are made and contracts and other agreements are entered into under subparagraph (A).
A grant, contract, or other agreement under subparagraph (A) may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
(ii) shall include a broad representation of peers of the eligible entity.
The Secretary shall seek input from eligible entities providing technical assistance under this subsection not less than once each year to ensure that the program is responsive to the eligible entities providing that technical assistance.
The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the "Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center" for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Using funds made available under subsection (l), the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall, for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, make competitive grants or enter into cooperative agreements to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives to increase opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers.
(O) other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers and ranchers.
To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a cooperative agreement under this subsection, the recipient of the grant or participant in the cooperative agreement shall be a collaborative State, Tribal, local, or regionally-based network or partnership of public or private entities.
(v) any other appropriate partner, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) provide not more than $250,000 for each year.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), to be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a cooperative agreement under this subsection, a recipient or participant shall provide a match in the form of cash or in-kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the funds provided by the grant or cooperative agreement.
The Secretary may waive or reduce the matching requirement in subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines such a waiver or modification is necessary to effectively reach an underserved area or population.
(G) other appropriate factors, as determined by the Secretary.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the geographical diversity of recipients of grants or participants in cooperative agreements under this subsection.
In making grants or entering into cooperative agreements under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to partnerships and collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental, community-based organizations and school-based educational organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.
A grant made or cooperative agreement entered into under this subsection may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
A recipient of a grant or participant in a cooperative agreement under this subsection may coordinate with a recipient of a grant or cooperative agreement under section 5933 of this title in addressing the needs of veteran farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
A grant or cooperative agreement under this subsection may be made to a recipient or participant for consecutive years.
The Secretary shall establish a fair and efficient external peer review process, which the Secretary shall use in making grants or entering into cooperative agreements under this subsection.
The peer review process under subparagraph (A) shall include a review panel composed of a broad representation of peers of the applicant for the grant or cooperative agreement that are not applying for a grant or cooperative agreement under this subsection.
(B) will not detract from the primary purpose of increasing opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers.
The Secretary shall establish beginning farmer and rancher education teams to develop curricula, conduct educational programs and workshops for beginning farmers and ranchers in diverse geographical areas of the United States, or provide training and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers or for trainers and service providers that work with beginning farmers or ranchers.
In promoting the development of curricula, educational programs and workshops, or training and technical assistance initiatives under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include content tailored to specific audiences of beginning farmers and ranchers, based on crop diversity or regional diversity.
(ii) use officers and employees of the Department with direct experience in programs of the Department that may be taught as part of the curriculum for the program or workshop.
(V) other appropriate partners, as determined by the Secretary.
The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement to reflect the terms of any cooperation under subparagraph (A).
The Secretary shall establish an online clearinghouse that makes available to beginning farmers and ranchers education curricula and training materials and programs, which may include online courses for direct use by beginning farmers and ranchers.
In making grants and entering into contracts and other agreements, as applicable, under subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary shall make available a simplified application process for an application for a grant that requests less than $50,000.
(7) the Tribal Advisory Committee established under subsection (b) of section 6921 of this title.
The Secretary shall designate from existing Federal personnel resources in the county or region a qualified person who shall, in cooperation with the State cooperative extension services, implement the policies and programs established or modified in accordance with this section.
In counties or regions in which the number of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers exceeds 25 percent of the total number of farmers and ranchers in the county or region, the Secretary shall designate additional personnel to implement the policies and programs established or modified in accordance with this section.
It is the purpose of this subsection to direct the Secretary to analyze within the Department the design and implementation of affirmative action programs and policies, the appeals process for complaints of discrimination, and contracting and purchasing practices employed by the Department.
(iii) the longest, shortest, and average periods of time taken to investigate and resolve the complaints or allegations regarding acts, practices, or patterns of discrimination.
Not later than November 28, 1991, and not later than March 1, 2020, 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 a report containing the information described in paragraph (2).
The Secretary shall require the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, and such other offices and functions the Secretary may choose to include where there has been a need demonstrated, in each county that has a reservation within its borders, to establish a consolidated suboffice at the tribal headquarters of said reservation and to staff said suboffice as needed, using existing staff, but no less than one day a week or under such other arrangement agreed to by the tribe and the Department offices.
For those reservations that are located in more than one county, the Secretary, the relevant county offices and the tribe shall enter into a cooperative agreement to provide the services required by paragraph (1) that avoids duplication of effort.
The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the Census of Agriculture and studies carried out by the Economic Research Service accurately document the number, location, and economic contributions of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers in agricultural production.
(D) the progress of the Department towards meeting each of the purposes described in paragraph (2)(C).
(E) a review and analysis of participation by members of socially disadvantaged groups, compared to participation by all others, in agricultural programs, on a State-by-State and county-by-county basis, including a survey representative of all farmers and ranchers, including socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, to identify reasons for participation and nonparticipation in agricultural programs.
(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
(B) 50 percent shall be used to carry out subsection (d).
(iii) farmworkers desiring to become farmers or ranchers.
Not less than 5 percent of the amounts made available to carry out subsection (d) for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of veteran farmers and ranchers.
Any agency of the Department may participate in any grant, contract, or agreement entered into under this section by contributing funds, if the contributing agency determines that the objectives of the grant, contract, or agreement will further the authorized programs of the contributing agency.
Not more than 5 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for expenses relating to the administration of this section.
A recipient of a grant or a party to a contract or other agreement under subsection (c) or (d) may not use more than 10 percent of the funds received for the indirect costs of carrying out a grant, contract, or other agreement.
The Agricultural Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is act Oct. 31, 1949, ch. 792, 63 Stat. 1051 , as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 35A (§1421 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1421 of this title and Tables.
The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), is title III of Pub. L. 87–128, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 307 , as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 50 (§1921 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1921 of this title and Tables.
The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(C), is act Feb. 16, 1938, ch. 30, 52 Stat. 31 , as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 35 (§1281 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1281 of this title and Tables.
The Soil Conservation Act and the Domestic Allotment Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(D) and (E), respectively, probably mean the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, act Apr. 27, 1935, ch. 85, 49 Stat. 163 , as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 3B (§590a et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 590q of Title 16 and Tables.
The Food Security Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(F), is Pub. L. 99–198, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1354 , as amended. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of this title and Tables.
Act of August 30, 1890, referred to in subsec. (c)(5), is act Aug. 30, 1890, ch. 841, 26 Stat. 417 , popularly known as the Agricultural College Act of 1890 and also as the Second Morrill Act, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§321 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 321 of this title and Tables.
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
2018-Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(1), substituted "Farming opportunities training and outreach" for "Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(A), inserted introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (a). Former subsec. (a) redesignated (c).
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(B)–(D), redesignated par. (3) as (1) and substituted "Agricultural" for "Agriculture" in heading and "The" for "As used in this section, the" and "agricultural" for "agriculture" in introductory provisions. Former par. (1) redesignated (6).
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(E), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (5).
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(B), redesignated par. (4) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (1).
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(B), redesignated par. (6) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(B), (C), redesignated par. (2) as (5) and substituted "The" for "As used in this section, the".
Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(4), redesignated par. (5) as subsec. (c)(6).
Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (i) as par. (5) and realigned margins.
Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(5)(B), (C), redesignated par. (1) as (6) and substituted "The" for "As used in this section, the". Former Par. (6) redesignated (4).
Subsec. (a)(7)(C). Pub. L. 115–334, §12306(a), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(6), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (g).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(A), inserted "for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers" after "assistance" in heading.
Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (a) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (k).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(C), (D)(i), redesignated par. (6) as (1) and substituted "In this subsection, the term" for "The term" in introductory provisions. Former par. (1) redesignated (2).
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(D)(ii), substituted "this subsection" for "subsection (a)".
Subsec. (c)(1)(F). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(D)(iii), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 5304 of title 25.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(C), (E)(i), redesignated par. (1) as (2) and substituted "Using funds made available under subsection (l), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, carry out" for "The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out" in introductory provisions. Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(E)(ii), (iii), substituted "agricultural, forestry, and related" for "agricultural".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(C), (F), redesignated par. (2) as (3) and substituted "(2)" for "(1)" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(B), (C), redesignated par. (3) as (4) and struck out former par. (4) which related to funding.
Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(G)(i), in heading, substituted "Outreach and technical assistance" for "In general" and, in text, substituted "(3)" for "(2)" and inserted "to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers" after "assistance".
Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(G)(ii), substituted "(2)" for "(1)".
Subsec. (c)(4)(D)(v) to (vii). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(G)(iii), added cls. (v) to (vii).
Subsec. (c)(4)(E) to (J). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(G)(iv), added subpars. (E) to (J).
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(7)(C), redesignated par. (6) as (1).
Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(4), redesignated subsec. (a)(5) as (c)(6).
Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(8), added subsecs. (d) and (e). Former subsecs. (d) and (e) redesignated (h) and (a), respectively.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(9), added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which amended section 2003 of this title.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (b) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (i).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (d) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (j).
Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(10), inserted "and not later than March 1, 2020," after "1991,".
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(3), redesignated subsec. (g) as (i).
Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (i) as (a)(5).
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(3), redesignated subsecs. (h) and (c) as (j) and (k), respectively.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 115–334, §12301(b)(11), added subsec. (l).
2014-Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(1), inserted "and veteran farmers and ranchers" after "ranchers" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(2)(A), inserted "and veteran farmers or ranchers" after "ranchers" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(2)(B), inserted "and veteran farmers or ranchers" after "ranchers".
Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(2)(C)(i)(I), substituted "2018" for "2012" in heading.
Subsec. (a)(4)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)–(IV), added cl. (iii).
Subsec. (a)(4)(E). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(2)(C)(ii), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(3), inserted "or veteran farmers and ranchers" after "socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers".
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(4)(A), inserted "veteran farmers or ranchers and" before "members".
Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(4)(B), inserted "veteran farmers or ranchers and" before "members".
Subsec. (e)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(5)(A), inserted "and veteran farmers or ranchers" after "ranchers".
Subsec. (e)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(a)(5)(B), inserted "and veteran farmers or ranchers" after "ranchers".
Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 113–79, §12201(b), added par. (7).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–79, §12203, added subsec. (i).
2013-Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 112–240, §701(h)(1), substituted "Fiscal years 2009 through 2012" for "In general" in heading.
Subsec. (a)(4)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 112–240, §701(h)(2)–(5), added subpar. (B), redesignated former subpars. (B) and (C) as (C) and (D), respectively, and substituted "subparagraph (A) or (B)" for "subparagraph (A)" in subpars. (C) and (D).
2008-Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, §14004(a)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) contained provisions stating that the outreach and technical assistance program was to enhance coordination of authorized outreach, technical assistance, and education efforts and include information on, and assistance with, commodity, conservation, credit, rural, and business development programs, application and bidding procedures, farm and risk management, marketing, and other activities essential to participation in Department programs.
Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, §14004(a)(2)(A), substituted "entity that has demonstrated an ability to carry out the requirements described in paragraph (2) to provide outreach" for "entity to provide information".
Subsec. (a)(3)(D). Pub. L. 110–246, §14004(a)(2)(B), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, §14004(a)(3)(A), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007."
Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 110–246, §14004(a)(3)(B), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (e)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–246, §14004(b), which directed amendment of cl. (ii) by substituting "work with, and on behalf of, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers during the 3-year period" for "work with socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers during the 2-year period", was executed by making the substitution for "work with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers during the 2-year period", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §14001, substituted "Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service" for "Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Service, and Farmers Home Administration offices", inserted "where there has been a need demonstrated" after "include", and struck out at end "The tribe shall be required to provide the necessary office space if it wishes to participate in this program."
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–246, §14005, added subsec. (h).
"(1) In general.-The Secretary of Agriculture (hereafter referred to in this section as the 'Secretary') shall provide outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms and ranches and to participate in agricultural programs. This assistance should include information on application and bidding procedures, farm management, and other essential information to participate in agricultural programs.
"(B) 1890 Land-Grant Colleges including Tuskegee Institute, Indian tribal community colleges and Alaska native cooperative colleges, Hispanic serving post-secondary educational institutions, and other post-secondary educational institutions with demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged family farmers and ranchers in their region.
"(3) Funding.-There are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out this subsection."
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–171, §10707(c)(1), struck out "of Agriculture" after "analyze within the Department".
Subsec. (e)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 107–171, §10707(a), added pars. (4) to (6).
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 107–171, §10707(c)(2), struck out "of Agriculture" after "Department".
1991-Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–237, §1003(1), substituted "subsection" for "section".
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 102–237, §1003(2), inserted "program" after "agricultural".
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–237, §1003(3), substituted "November 28, 1991" for "1 year after the date of enactment of this Act".
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–240 effective Sept. 30, 2012, see section 701(j) of Pub. L. 112–240, set out in a 1-Year Extension of Agricultural Programs note under section 8701 of this title.
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.
"(a) Establishment.-Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 18, 2008], the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the 'Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers' (in this section referred to as the 'Committee').
"(3) civil rights activities within the Department as such activities relate to participants in such programs.
"(E) such other persons as the Secretary considers appropriate.
"(2) Ex-officio members.-The Secretary may appoint such employees of the Department of Agriculture as the Secretary considers appropriate to serve as ex-officio members of the Committee."
"(a) To the extent permitted by the Constitution, any civil action to obtain relief with respect to the discrimination alleged in an eligible complaint, if commenced not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998], shall not be barred by any statute of limitations.
"(3) to the maximum extent practicable within 180 days after the date a determination of an eligible complaint is sought under this subsection conduct an investigation, issue a written determination and propose a resolution in accordance with this subsection.
"(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), if an eligible claim is denied administratively, the claimant shall have at least 180 days to commence a cause of action in a Federal court of competent jurisdiction seeking a review of such denial.
"(2) any civil action for judicial review of a determination in an administrative proceeding in the Department of Agriculture under this section.
"(2) in the administration of a commodity program or a disaster assistance program.
"(f) This section shall apply in fiscal year 1999 and thereafter.
"(g) The standard of review for judicial review of an agency action with respect to an eligible complaint is de novo review. Chapter 5 of title 5 of the United States Code shall apply with respect to an agency action under this section with respect to an eligible complaint, without regard to section 554(a)(1) of that title."

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