Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act of 1996
PUBLIC LAW 104-127
APRIL 4, 1996
* * * * * *
TITLE
VII—RURAL DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * *
SEC. 793. (1) FUND
FOR RURAL AMERICA.
(a) In General.—There is established
in the Treasury of the United States an
account to be known as the Fund for Rural
America (referred to in this section as
the ``Account'') to provide funds for activities
described in subsection (c).
(b) Funding.—
(1) In general.—On January 1, 1997,
October 1, 1998, and October 1, 1999, out
of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury
shall transfer $100,000,000 to the Account.
(2) Entitlement.— The Secretary of
Agriculture (referred to in this section
as the "Secretary'')—
(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.
(3) Purposes.—Subject to subsection
(d), of the amounts transferred to the
Account for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall make available—
(A) for activities described in subsection
(c)(1), not less than 1/3 and not more
than 2/3 of the funds in the Account; and
(B) for activities described in subsection
(c)(2), all funds in the Account not made
available by the Secretary for activities
described in subsection (c)(1).
(c) Activities.—
(1) Rural development.—
(A) In general.—The Secretary may
use the funds in the Account for a rural
development activity—
(i) authorized under the Housing Act of
1949 for—
(I) direct loans to low-income borrowers
under section 502 (42 U.S.C. 1472);
(II) loans for financial assistance for
housing for domestic farm laborers under
section 514 (42 U.S.C. 1484);
(III) financial assistance for housing
for domestic farm laborers under section
516 (42 U.S.C. 1486);
(IV) payments for elderly who are not
now receiving rental assistance under section
521 (42 U.S.C. 1490a);
(V) grants and contracts for mutual and
self-help housing under section 523(b)(1)(A)
(42 U.S.C. 1490c(b)(1)(A)); or
(VI) grants for rural housing preservation
under section 533 (42 U.S.C. 1490m); or
(ii) conducted under any rural development
program, including a program authorized
under—
(I) the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.);
(II) subtitle G of title XVI and title
XXIII of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990;
(III) title V of the Rural Development
Act of 1971 (7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.); or
(IV) section 1323(b) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198; 7 U.S.C.
1932 note).
(B) Limitation on programs funded.—The
Secretary may not expend funds made available
to carry out activities described in subparagraph
(A) for any activity that did not receive
appropriations for fiscal year 1995. Funds
expended under this section for any program
purpose shall be spent in accordance with
and subject to the applicable program limitations,
restrictions, and priorities found in the
underlying program authority and this Act.
(C) Limitation on housing assistance.—Not
more than 20 percent of the funds made
available to carry out activities described
in subparagraph (A) shall be made available
to carry out activities described in subparagraph
(A)(i).
(D) Disclosure of allocation.—For
any fiscal year, the Secretary shall not
disclose the allocation of funds under
this section for any activity described
in subparagraph (A) until the date that
is 1 day after the date of enactment of
legislation authorizing appropriations
for the Department of Agriculture for any
period in the fiscal year.
(2) Research.—
(A) In general.—The Secretary may
use the funds in the Account for research,
extension, and education grants to—
(i) increase international competitiveness,
efficiency, and farm profitability;
(ii) reduce economic and health risks;
(iii) conserve and enhance natural resources;
(iv) develop new crops, new crop uses,
and new agricultural applications of biotechnology;
(v) enhance animal agricultural resources;
(vi) preserve plant and animal germplasm;
(vii) increase economic opportunities
in farming and rural communities; and
(viii) expand locally-owned value-added
processing.
(B) Eligible grantee.—The Secretary
may make a grant under this paragraph to—
(i) a Federal research agency;
(ii) a national laboratory;
(iii) a college or university or a research
foundation maintained by a college or university;
or
(iv) a private research organization with
an established and demonstrated capacity
to perform research or technology transfer.
(C) Use of grant.—
(i) In general.—A grant made under
this paragraph may be used by a grantee
for 1 or more of the following uses:
(I) Outcome-oriented research at the discovery
end of the spectrum to provide breakthrough
results.
(II) Exploratory and advanced development
and technology with well-identified outcomes.
(III) A national, regional, or multi-State
program oriented primarily toward extension
programs and education programs demonstrating
and supporting the competitiveness of United
States agriculture.
(ii) Smaller institutions.—Of the
amounts made available for activities described
in this paragraph, not less than 15 percent
shall be awarded to colleges, universities,
or research foundations eligible for a
grant under subparagraph (B)(iii) that
rank in the lowest 1/3 of such colleges,
universities, and foundations on the basis
of Federal research funds received under
a provision of law other than this section.
(D) Administration.—
(i) Priority.—In administering this
paragraph, the Secretary shall—
(I) establish criteria for allocating
grants based on the priorities in subparagraph
(A) and 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);
(II) seek and accept proposals for grants;
(III) determine the relevance and merit
of proposals through a system of peer review
and review by the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics
Advisory Board; and
(IV) award grants on the basis of merit,
quality, and relevance to advancing the
purposes of federally supported agricultural
research, extension, and education provided
in section 1402 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101).
(ii) Competitive basis.—A grant under
this paragraph shall be awarded on a competitive
basis.
(iii) Terms.—A grant under this paragraph
shall have a term that does not exceed
5 years.
(iv) Matching funds.—As a condition
of making a grant under this paragraph,
the Secretary shall require the funding
of the grant with equal matching funds
from a non-Federal source if the grant
is—
(I) for applied research that is commodity-specific;
and
(II) not of national scope.
(v) Delegation.—The Secretary shall
administer this section through the Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension
Service of the Department of Agriculture.
(vi) Availability of funds.—Funds
shall be available for obligation under
this paragraph for a 2-year period.
(vii) Administrative costs.—The Secretary
may use not more than 4 percent of the
funds made available for activities described
in this paragraph for administrative costs
incurred by the Secretary in carrying out
this paragraph.
(viii) Buildings.—Funds made available
for activities described in this paragraph
shall not be used for the construction
of a new building or the acquisition, expansion,
remodeling, or alteration of an existing
building (including site grading and improvement
and architect fees).
(d) Limitations.—Amounts in the Account
may not be used for an activity described
in subsection (c) for a fiscal year if
the program funding level for the fiscal
year for the activity is less than 90 percent
of the amount appropriated for the activity
for fiscal year 1996, adjusted for inflation.
* * * * * *
FEDERAL AGRICULTURE
IMPROVEMENT AND REFORM ACT OF 1996
PUBLIC LAW 104-127
APRIL
4, 1996
* * * * * *
TITLE VIII—RESEARCH,
EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION
Subtitle A—Modification
and Extension of Activities Under 1977
Act
SEC. 801. PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.
Section 1402 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101) is amended
to read as follows:
"SEC. 1402. PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION".
"The purposes of federally supported
agricultural research, extension, and education
are to—
"(1) enhance the competitiveness
of the United States agriculture and food
industry in an increasingly competitive
world environment;
"(2) increase the long-term productivity
of the United States agriculture and food
industry while maintaining and enhancing
the natural resource base on which rural
America and the United States agricultural
economy depend;
"(3) develop new uses and new products
for agricultural commodities, such as alternative
fuels, and develop new crops;
"(4) support agricultural research
and extension to promote economic opportunity
in rural communities and to meet the increasing
demand for information and technology transfer
throughout the United States agriculture
industry;
"(5) improve risk management in the
United States agriculture industry;
"(6) improve the safe production
and processing of, and adding of value
to, United States food and fiber resources
using methods that maintain the balance
between yield and environmental soundness;
"(7) support higher education in
agriculture to give the next generation
of Americans the knowledge, technology,
and applications necessary to enhance the
competitiveness of United States agriculture;
and
"(8) maintain an adequate, nutritious,
and safe supply of food to meet human nutritional
needs and requirements.''.
SEC. 802. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,
EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS ADVISORY
BOARD.
(a) In General.—Section 1408 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3123) is amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 1408. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS
ADVISORY BOARD.
"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary
shall establish within the Department of
Agriculture a board to be known as the
'National Agricultural Research, Extension,
Education, and Economics Advisory Board'.
"(b) Membership.—
"(1) In general.—The Advisory
Board shall consist of 30 members, appointed
by the Secretary.
"(2) Selection of members.—The
Secretary shall appoint members of the
Advisory Board from nominations submitted
by organizations, associations, societies,
councils, federations, groups, and companies
fitting the criteria specified in paragraph
(3).
"(3) Membership categories.—The
Advisory Board shall consist of members
from each of the following categories:
"(A) 1 member representing a national
farm organization.
"(B) 1 member representing farm cooperatives.
"(C) 1 member actively engaged in
the production of a food animal commodity.
"(D) 1 member actively engaged in
the production of a plant commodity.
"(E) 1 member representing a national
animal commodity organization.
"(F) 1 member representing a national
crop commodity organization.
"(G) 1 member representing a national
aquaculture association.
"(H) 1 member representing a national
food animal science society.
"(I) 1 member representing a national
crop, soil, agronomy, horticulture, or
weed science society.
"(J) 1 member representing a national
food science organization.
"(K) 1 member representing a national
human health association.
"(L) 1 member representing a national
nutritional science society.
"(M) 1 member representing the land-grant
colleges and universities eligible to receive
funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (7
U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
"(N) 1 member representing the land-grant
colleges and universities eligible to receive
funds under the Act of August 30, 1890
(7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee
University.
"(O) 1 member representing 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)).
"(P) 1 member representing Hispanic-serving
institutions.
"(Q) 1 member representing the American
Colleges of Veterinary Medicine.
"(R) 1 member representing that portion
of the scientific community not closely
associated with agriculture.
"(S) 1 member engaged in the transportation
of food and agricultural products to domestic
and foreign markets.
"(T) 1 member representing food retailing
and marketing interests.
"(U) 1 member representing food and
fiber processors.
"(V) 1 member actively engaged in
rural economic development.
"(W) 1 member representing a national
consumer interest group.
"(X) 1 member representing a national
forestry group.
(Y) 1 member representing a national conservation
or natural resource group.
"(Z) 1 member representing private
sector organizations involved in international
development.
"(AA) 1 member representing an agency
within the Department of Agriculture that
lacks research capabilities.
"(BB) 1 member representing a research
agency of the Federal Government (other
than the Department of Agriculture).
"(CC) 1 member representing a national
social science association.
"(DD) 1 member representing national
organizations directly concerned with agricultural
research, education, and extension.
"(4) Ex officio members.—The
Secretary, the Under Secretary of Agriculture
for Research, Education, and Economics,
the Administrator of the Agricultural Research
Service, the Administrator of the Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension
Service, the Administrator of the Economic
Research Service, and the Administrator
of the National Agricultural Statistics
Service shall serve as ex officio members
of the Advisory Board.
"(5) Officers.—At the first
meeting of the Advisory Board each year,
the members shall elect from among the
members of the Advisory Board a chairperson,
vice chairperson, and 7 additional members
to serve on the executive committee established
under paragraph (6).
"(6) Executive committee.—The
Advisory Board shall establish an executive
committee charged with the responsibility
of working with the Secretary and officers
and employees of the Department of Agriculture
to summarize and disseminate the recommendations
of the Advisory Board.
"(c) Duties.—The Advisory Board
shall
"(1) review and provide consultation
to the Secretary and land-grant colleges
and universities on long-term and short-term
national policies and priorities, as set
forth in section 1402, relating to agricultural
research, extension, education, and economics;
"(2) evaluate the results and effectiveness
of agricultural research, extension, education,
and economics with respect to the policies
and priorities;
"(3) review and make recommendations
to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for
Research, Education, and Economics on the
research, extension, education, and economics
portion of the draft strategic plan required
under section 306 of title 5, United States
Code; and
"(4) review the mechanisms of the
Department of Agriculture for technology
assessment (which should be conducted by
qualified professionals) for the purposes
of—
"(A) performance measurement and
evaluation of the implementation by the
Secretary of the strategic plan required
under section 306 of title 5, United States
Code;
"(B) implementation of the national
research policies and priorities set forth
in section 1402; and
"(C) the development of mechanisms
for the assessment of emerging public and
private agricultural research and technology
transfer initiatives.
"(d) Consultation.—In carrying
out this section, the Advisory Board shall
solicit opinions and recommendations from
persons who will benefit from and use federally
funded agricultural research, extension,
education, and economics.
"(e) Appointment.—A member of
the Advisory Board shall be appointed by
the Secretary for a term of up to 3 years.
The members of the Advisory Board shall
be appointed to serve staggered terms.
"(f) Federal Advisory Committee Act.—The
Advisory Board shall be deemed to have
filed a charter for the purpose of section
9(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee
Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
"(g) Termination.—The Advisory
Board shall remain in existence until September
30, 2002.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.—
(1) Section 1404(1) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(1)) is amended
by striking ``National Agricultural Research
and Extension Users Advisory Board'' and
inserting ``National Agricultural Research,
Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory
Board''.
(2) Section 1410(2) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3125(2)) is amended
by striking ``the recommendations of the
Advisory Board developed under section
1408(g),'' and inserting "any recommendations
of the Advisory Board''.
(3) The last sentence of section 4(a)
of the Renewable Resources Extension Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1673(a)) is amended
by striking "National Agricultural
Research and Extension Users Advisory Board''
and inserting "National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics
Advisory Board''.
SEC. 803. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ACT EXEMPTION FOR FEDERAL-STATE COOPERATIVE
PROGRAMS.
Section 1409A of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3124a) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
"(e) Applicability of Federal Advisory
Committee Act.—
"(1) Public meetings.—All meetings
of any entity described in paragraph (3)
shall be publicly announced in advance
and shall be open to the public. Detailed
minutes of meetings and other appropriate
records of the activities of such an entity
shall be kept and made available to the
public on request.
"(2) Exemption.—The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)
and title XVIII of this Act shall not apply
to any entity described in paragraph (3).
"(3) Entities described.—This
subsection shall apply to any committee,
board, commission, panel, or task force,
or similar entity that—
"(A) is created for the purpose of
cooperative efforts in agricultural research,
extension, or teaching; and
"(B) consists entirely of—
"(i) full-time Federal employees;
and
"(ii) one or more individuals who
are employed by, or are officials of—
"(I) a State cooperative institution
or State cooperative agency; or
"(II) a public college or university
or other postsecondary institution.''.
SEC. 804. COORDINATION AND PLANNING
OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION,
AND EDUCATION.
The National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended
by inserting after section 1413 (7 U.S.C.
3128) the following:
"SEC. 1413A. (2) ACCOUNTABILITY.
"(a) Review of Information Technology
Systems.—The Secretary shall conduct
a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art
information technology systems that are
available for use in developing the system
required by subsection (b).
"(b) Monitoring and Evaluation System.—The
Secretary shall develop and carry out a
system to monitor and evaluate agricultural
research and extension activities conducted
or supported by the Department of Agriculture
that will enable the Secretary to measure
the impact and effectiveness of research,
extension, and education programs according
to priorities, goals, and mandates established
by law. In developing the system, the Secretary
shall incorporate information transfer
technologies to optimize public access
to research information.
"(c) Consistency With Other Requirements.—The
Secretary shall develop and implement the
system in a manner consistent with the
Government Performance and Results Act
of 1993 (Public Law 103-62; 107 Stat. 285)
and amendments made by the Act.
"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There
are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as are necessary to carry out this
section.
"SEC. 1413B. (3)FEDERAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT EXEMPTION FOR
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND
EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
"The Federal Advisory Committee Act
(5 U.S.C. App.) and title XVIII of this
Act shall not apply to any committee, board,
commission, panel, or task force, or similar
entity, created solely for the purpose
of reviewing applications or proposals
requesting funding under any competitive
research, extension, or education program
carried out by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 805. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES EDUCATION.
(a) Purpose of Grants.—Section 1417(b)
of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3152(b)) is amended by striking
paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
"(4) to design and implement food
and agricultural programs to build teaching
and research capacity at colleges and universities
having significant minority enrollments;''.
(b) Research Foundations.—Section
1417(c) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3152(c)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
"(3) Research foundations.—An
eligible college or university under subsection
(b) includes a research foundation maintained
by the college or university.''.
(c) Extension of Program.—Section
1417(i) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3152(i)) is amended by striking "1995''
and inserting "1997".
(d) Secondary Education and 2-Year Postsecondary
Education Teaching Programs.—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 (h) and
(i) as subsections (i) and (j), respectively;
and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g)
the following:
"(h) Secondary Education and 2-Year
Postsecondary Education Teaching Programs.—
"(1) Definitions.—In this subsection:
"(A) Institution of higher education.—The
term 'institution of higher education'
has the meaning given the term in section
1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141(a)).
"(B) Secondary school.—The term
'secondary school' has the meaning given
the term in section 14101(25) of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 8801(25)).
"(2) Agriscience and agribusiness
education.—The Secretary shall—
"(A) promote and strengthen secondary
education and 2-year postsecondary education
in agriscience and agribusiness in order
to help ensure the existence in the United
States of a qualified workforce to serve
the food and agricultural sciences system;
and
"(B) promote complementary and synergistic
linkages among secondary, 2-year postsecondary,
and higher education programs in the food
and agricultural sciences in order to promote
excellence in education and encourage more
young Americans to pursue and complete
a baccalaureate or higher degree in the
food and agricultural sciences.
(3) Grants.—The Secretary may make
competitive or noncompetitive grants, for
grant periods not to exceed 5 years, to
public secondary schools, and institutions
of higher education that award an associate's
degree, that the Secretary determines have
made a commitment to teaching agriscience
and agribusiness—
"(A) to enhance curricula in agricultural
education;
"(B) to increase faculty teaching
competencies;
"(C) to interest young people in
pursuing higher education in order to prepare
for scientific and professional careers
in the food and agricultural sciences;
"(D) to promote the incorporation
of agriscience and agribusiness subject
matter into other instructional programs,
particularly classes in science, business,
and consumer education;
"(E) to facilitate joint initiatives
by the grant recipient with other secondary
schools, institutions of higher education
that award an associate's degree, and institutions
of higher education that award a bachelor's
degree to maximize the development and
use of resources, such as faculty, facilities,
and equipment, to improve agriscience and
agribusiness education; and
"(F) to support other initiatives
designed to meet local, State, regional,
or national needs related to promoting
excellence in agriscience and agribusiness
education.''.
SEC. 806. GRANTS FOR RESEARCH ON THE
PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF ALCOHOLS
AND INDUSTRIAL HYDROCARBONS FROM AGRICULTURAL
COMMODITIES AND FOREST PRODUCTS.
Section 1419(d) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3154(d)) is amended
by striking "1995" and inserting "1997".
SEC. 807. POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.
The National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended
by inserting after section 1419 (7 U.S.C.
3154) the following:
"SEC. 1419A. (4)POLICY
RESEARCH CENTERS.
"(a) In General.—Consistent
with this section, the Secretary may make
grants, competitive grants, and special
research grants to, and enter into cooperative
agreements and other contracting instruments
with, policy research centers described
in subsection (b) to conduct research and
education programs that are objective,
operationally independent, and external
to the Federal Government and that concern
the effect of public policies on—
"(1) the farm and agricultural sectors;
"(2) the environment;
"(3) rural families, households,
and economies; and
"(4) consumers, food, and nutrition.
"(b) Eligible Recipients.—State
agricultural experiment stations, colleges
and universities, other research institutions
and organizations, private organizations,
corporations, and individuals shall be
eligible to apply for funding under subsection
(a).
"(c) Activities.—Under this
section, funding may be provided for disciplinary
and interdisciplinary research and education
concerning policy research activities consistent
with this section, including activities
that—
"(1) quantify the implications of
public policies and regulations;
"(2) develop theoretical and research
methods;
"(3) collect and analyze data for
policymakers, analysts, and individuals;
and
"(4) develop programs to train analysts.
"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There
are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as are necessary to carry out this
section for fiscal years 1996 and 1997.''.
SEC. 808. HUMAN NUTRITION INTERVENTION
AND HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH PROGRAM.
The National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended
by striking section 1424 (7 U.S.C. 3174)
and inserting the following:
"SEC. 1424(5).
HUMAN NUTRITION INTERVENTION AND HEALTH
PROMOTION RESEARCH PROGRAM.
"(a) Authority of Secretary.—The
Secretary may establish, and award grants
for projects for, a multi-year research
initiative on human nutrition intervention
and health promotion.
"(b) Emphasis of Initiative.—In
administering human nutrition research
projects under this section, the Secretary
shall give specific emphasis to—
"(1) coordinated longitudinal research
assessments of nutritional status; and
"(2) the implementation of unified,
innovative intervention strategies, to
identify and solve problems of nutritional
inadequacy and contribute to the maintenance
of health, well-being, performance, and
productivity of individuals, thereby reducing
the need of the individuals to use the
health care system and social programs
of the United States.
"(c) Administration of Funds.—The
Administrator of the Agricultural Research
Service shall administer funds made available
to carry out this section to ensure a coordinated
approach to health and nutrition research
efforts.
"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There
are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as are necessary to carry out this
section for fiscal years 1996 and 1997.
"SEC. 1424A. (6) PILOT
RESEARCH PROGRAM TO COMBINE MEDICAL AND
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
"(a) Findings.—Congress finds
the following:
"(1) Although medical researchers
in recent years have demonstrated that
there are several naturally occurring compounds
in many vegetables and fruits that can
aid in the prevention of certain forms
of cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke,
and atherosclerosis, there has been almost
no research conducted to enhance these
compounds in food plants by modern breeding
and molecular genetic methods.
"(2) By linking the appropriate medical
and agricultural research scientists in
a highly-focused, targeted research program,
it should be possible to develop new varieties
of vegetables and fruits that would provide
greater prevention of diet-related diseases
that are a major cause of death in the
United States.
"(b) Pilot Research Program.—The
Secretary shall conduct, through the Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension
Service, a pilot research program to link
major cancer and heart and other circulatory
disease research efforts with agricultural
research efforts to identify compounds
in vegetables and fruits that prevent these
diseases. Using information derived from
such combined research efforts, the Secretary
shall assist in the development of new
varieties of vegetables and fruits having
enhanced therapeutic properties for disease
prevention.
"(c) Agreements.—The Secretary
shall carry out the pilot program through
agreements entered into with land-grant
colleges or universities, other universities,
State agricultural experiment stations,
the State cooperative extension services,
nonprofit organizations with demonstrable
expertise, or Federal or State governmental
entities. The Secretary shall enter into
the agreements on a competitive basis.
"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There
are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000
for fiscal year 1997 to carry out the pilot
program.''.
SEC. 809. FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION
PROGRAM.
Section 1425(c)(3) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(3)) is amended
by striking "$63,000,000'' and all
that follows through "fiscal year
1995'' and inserting ", $83,000,000
for each of fiscal years 1996 and 1997''.
SEC. 810. PURPOSES AND FINDINGS RELATING
TO ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH.
Section 1429 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3191) is amended
to read as follows:
"SEC. 1429. PURPOSES AND FINDINGS
RELATING TO ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE
RESEARCH.
"(a) Purposes.—The purposes
of this subtitle are to—
"(1) promote the general welfare
through the improved health and productivity
of domestic livestock, poultry, aquatic
animals, and other income-producing animals
that are essential to the food supply of
the United States and the welfare of producers
and consumers of animal products;
"(2) improve the health of horses;
"(3) facilitate the effective treatment
of, and, to the extent possible, prevent
animal and poultry diseases in both domesticated
and wild animals that, if not controlled,
would be disastrous to the United States
livestock and poultry industries and endanger
the food supply of the United States;
"(4) improve methods for the control
of organisms and residues in food products
of animal origin that could endanger the
human food supply;
"(5) improve the housing and management
of animals to improve the well-being of
livestock production species;
"(6) minimize livestock and poultry
losses due to transportation and handling;
"(7) protect human health through
control of animal diseases transmissible
to humans;
"(8) improve methods of controlling
the births of predators and other animals;
and
"(9) otherwise promote the general
welfare through expanded programs of research
and extension to improve animal health.
"(b) Findings.—Congress finds
that—
"(1) the total animal health and
disease research and extension efforts
of State colleges and universities and
of the Federal Government would be more
effective if there were close coordination
between the efforts; and
"(2) colleges and universities having
accredited schools or colleges of veterinary
medicine and State agricultural experiment
stations that conduct animal health and
disease research are especially vital in
training research workers in animal health
and related disciplines.''.
SEC. 811. ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE
CONTINUING RESEARCH.
Section 1433 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is amended—
(1) in the first sentence of subsection
(a), by striking "1995" and inserting "1997";
(2) in subsection (b)(2)—
(A) by striking "domestic livestock
and poultry" each place it appears
and inserting "domestic livestock,
poultry, and commercial aquaculture species";
and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking "horses,
and poultry" and inserting "horses,
poultry, and commercial aquaculture species";
(3) in subsection (d), by striking "domestic
livestock and poultry" and inserting "domestic
livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture
species"; and
(4) in subsection (f), by striking "domestic
livestock and poultry" and inserting "domestic
livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture
species".
SEC. 812. ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE
NATIONAL OR REGIONAL RESEARCH.
Section 1434 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by inserting "or national or
regional problems relating to pre-harvest,
on-farm food safety, or animal well-being," after "problems,";
and
(B) by striking "1995" and inserting "1997";
(2) in subsection (b), by striking "eligible
institutions" and inserting "State
agricultural experiment stations, colleges
and universities, other research institutions
and organizations, Federal agencies, private
organizations or corporations, and individuals";
(3) in subsection (c)—
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting ",
food safety, and animal well-being" after "animal
health and disease"; and
(B) in the fourth sentence—
(i) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and
(3) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively;
and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (1)
the following:
(2) any food safety problem that has a
significant pre-harvest (on-farm) component
and is recognized as posing a significant
health hazard to the consuming public;
(3) issues of animal well-being related
to production methods that will improve
the housing and management of animals to
improve the well-being of livestock production
species;";
(4) in the first sentence of subsection
(d), by striking "to eligible institutions'';
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
"(f) Applicability of Federal Advisory
Committee Act.—The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and title
XVIII of this Act shall not apply to a
panel or board created solely for the purpose
of reviewing applications or proposals
submitted under this subtitle.".
SEC. 813. GRANT PROGRAM TO UPGRADE
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES
AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES.
Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended
by striking "$8,000,000 for each of
the fiscal years 1991 through 1995" and
inserting ", $15,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 1996 and 1997".
SEC. 814. NATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING
CENTENNIAL CENTERS.
Section 1448 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ",
or fiscal years 1996 and 1997," after "1995";
and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 815. PROGRAMS FOR HISPANIC-SERVING
INSTITUTIONS.
(a) In General.—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:
Subtitle H—Programs
for Hispanic-Serving Institutions
"SEC. 1455(7).
EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAMS FOR HISPANIC-SERVING
INSTITUTIONS.
"(a) Grant Authority.—The Secretary
may make competitive grants (or grants
without regard to any requirement for competition)
to Hispanic-serving institutions for the
purpose of promoting and strengthening
the ability of Hispanic-serving institutions
to carry out education, applied research,
and related community development programs.
"(b) Use of Grant Funds.—Grants
made under this section shall be used—
"(1) to support the activities of
consortia of Hispanic-serving institutions
to enhance educational equity for underrepresented
students;
"(2) to strengthen institutional
educational capacities, including libraries,
curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation,
instruction delivery systems, and student
recruitment and retention, in order to
respond to identified State, regional,
national, or international educational
needs in the food and agricultural sciences;
"(3) to attract and support undergraduate
and graduate students from underrepresented
groups in order to prepare them for careers
related to the food, agricultural, and
natural resource systems of the United
States, beginning with the mentoring of
students at the high school level and continuing
with the provision of financial support
for students through their attainment of
a doctoral degree; and
"(4) to facilitate cooperative initiatives
between 2 or more Hispanic-serving institutions,
or between Hispanic-serving institutions
and units of State government or the private
sector, to maximize the development and
use of resources, such as faculty, facilities,
and equipment, to improve food and agricultural
sciences teaching programs.
"(c) Authorization of Appropriations.—There
are authorized to be appropriated to make
grants under this section $20,000,000 for
fiscal year 1997.".
(b) Hispanic-Serving Institution Defined.—Paragraph
(9) of section 1404 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended
to read as follows:
"(9) the term 'Hispanic-serving institution'
has the meaning given the term by section
316(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(1));".
SEC. 816. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.
Section 1458(a)(8) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(a)(8)) is amended—
(1) by striking "establish" and
inserting "continue"; and
(2) by striking "to be".
SEC. 817. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Section 1463 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended
by striking "1995" both places
it appears and inserting "1997".
SEC. 818. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
FOR EXTENSION EDUCATION.
Section 1464 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended
by striking "fiscal year 1995" and
inserting "each of fiscal years 1995
through 1997".
SEC. 819. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE
CROPS RESEARCH.
(a) Extension of Program.—Section
1473D(a) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3319d(a)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
(b) Elimination of Pilot Nature of Program.—Section
1473D of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking "and
pilot";
(2) in subsection (c)(2)(B), by striking "at
pilot sites" and all that follows
through "the area";
(3) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by striking "from
pilot sites";
(4) in subsection (c)(2)(D)—
(A) by striking "near such pilot
sites"; and
(B) by striking "successful pilot
program" and inserting "successful
program"; and
(5) in subsection (c)(3)(8), by striking "pilot".
(c) Additional Authority.—Section
1473D(c)(3) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(3)) is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking "and" at
the end;
(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(E) to conduct fundamental and applied
research related to the development of
new commercial products derived from natural
plant material for industrial, medical,
and agricultural applications; and
"(F) to participate with colleges
and universities, other Federal agencies,
and private sector entities in conducting
research described in subparagraph (E).".
SEC. 820. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) Definition.—Section 1404(3) of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3103(3)) is amended by inserting "ornamental
fish," after "reptile,".
(b) Reports.—Section 1475 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3322) is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (e); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (f) and
(g) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations for
Aquaculture Research Facilities.—Section
1476(b) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3323(b)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
(d) Authorization of Appropriations for
Research and Extension.—Section 1477
of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3324) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 821. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
FOR RANGELAND RESEARCH.
Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) is amended
by striking "1995" and inserting "1997".
Subtitle B—Modification
and Extension of Activities Under 1990
Act
SEC. 831. WATER QUALITY RESEARCH,
EDUCATION, AND COORDINATION.
Section 1481(d) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5501(d)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 832. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES
PROGRAM.
(a) Functions.—Section 1632(d) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5841(d)) is
amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting
the following:
"(4) unless otherwise prohibited
by law, have the right to make available
on request, without charge and without
regard to the country from which the request
originates, the genetic material that the
program assembles;".
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.—Section
1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b))
is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 833. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER
INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Section 1641(c) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5855(c)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 834. LIVESTOCK PRODUCT SAFETY
AND INSPECTION PROGRAM.
Section 1670(e) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5923(e)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 835. PLANT GENOME MAPPING PROGRAM.
Section 1671(g) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5924(g)) is amended by inserting "for
fiscal years 1996 and 1997" after "appropriated".
SEC. 836. CERTAIN SPECIALIZED RESEARCH
PROGRAMS.
Subsections (d)(4), (e)(4), and (i) of
section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5925) are each amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 837. AGRICULTURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PROGRAM.
Section 1673(h) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5926(h)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 838. NATIONAL CENTERS FOR AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCT QUALITY RESEARCH.
(a) Purposes of National Centers.—Section
1675(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5928(a))
is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and
(6) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively;
and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the
following:
"(5) enhance agricultural competitiveness
through product quality research and technology
implementation;".
(b) Regional Basis of Centers.—Section
1675(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5928(b))
is amended by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following:
"(1) Regional basis.—The centers
shall be regionally based units that conduct
a broad spectrum of research, development,
and education programs to enhance the competitiveness,
quality, safety and wholesomeness of agricultural
products.''.
(c) Program Plan and Review.—Section
1675(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5928(b))
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking the
second sentence; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ",
but not less" and all that follows
through "the Secretary".
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—Section
1675(g)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5928(g)(1))
is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 839. RED MEAT SAFETY RESEARCH
CENTER.
Section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5929) is amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 1676. RED MEAT SAFETY RESEARCH
CENTER.
"(a) Establishment of Center.—The
Secretary of Agriculture shall award a
grant, on a competitive basis, to a research
facility described in subsection (b) to
establish a red meat safety research center.
"(b) Eligible Research Facility Described.—A
research facility eligible for a grant
under subsection (a) is a research facility
that—
"(1) is part of a land-grant college
or university, or other federally supported
agricultural research facility, located
in close proximity to a livestock slaughter
and processing facility; and
"(2) is staffed by professionals
with a wide diversity of scientific expertise
covering all aspects of meat science.
"(c) Research Conducted.—The
red meat safety research center established
under subsection (a) shall carry out research
related to general food safety, including—
"(1) the development of intervention
strategies that reduce microbiological
contamination of carcass surfaces;
"(2) research regarding microbiological
mapping of carcass surfaces; and
"(3) the development of model hazard
analysis and critical control point plans.
"(d) Administration of Funds.—The
Secretary of Agriculture shall administer
funds appropriated to carry out this section.
"(e) Authorization of Appropriations.—There
are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as are necessary for fiscal year 1997
to carry out this section.".
SEC. 840. INDIAN RESERVATION EXTENSION
AGENT PROGRAM.
Section 1677 of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5930) is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as
subsection (g); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e)
the following:
"(f) Reduced Regulatory Burden.—On
a determination by the Secretary of Agriculture
that a program carried out under this section
has been satisfactorily administered for
not less than 2 years, the Secretary shall
implement a reduced reapplication process
for the continued operation of the program
in order to reduce regulatory burdens on
participating university and tribal entities.".
SEC. 841. 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)(6)(B), by striking "1996" and
inserting "1997"; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking "1996" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 842. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION
CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.
Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking "1995" and
inserting "1997".
SEC. 843. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE.
Section 2412 of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 6710) is amended by striking "1996" and
inserting "1997".
Subtitle C—Repeal
of Certain Activities and Authorities
SEC. 851. SUBCOMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURAL,
AND FORESTRY RESEARCH.
Section 401(h) of the National Science
and Technology Policy, Organization, and
Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6651(h))
is amended by striking the second through
fifth sentences.
SEC. 852. JOINT COUNCIL ON FOOD AND
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES.
(a) Repeal.—Section 1407 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3122) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.—
(1) Section 1405 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3121) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (5), by striking "Joint
Council, Advisory Board," and inserting "Advisory
Board"; and
(B) in paragraph (11), by striking "the
Joint Council,".
(2) Section 1410(2) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3125(2)) is amended
by striking "the recommendations of
the Joint Council developed under section
1407(f),".
(3) Section 1412 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3127) is amended—
(A) in the section heading, by striking "the
joint council, advisory board," and
inserting "advisory board";
(B) in subsection (a)—
(i) by striking "Joint Council, the
Advisory Board," and inserting "Advisory
Board";
(ii) by striking "the cochairpersons
of the Joint Council and" each place
it appears; and
(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking "one
shall serve as the executive secretary
to the Joint Council, one shall serve as
the executive secretary to the Advisory
Board," and inserting "one shall
serve as the executive secretary to the
Advisory Board"; and
(C) in subsections (b) and (c), by striking "Joint
Council, Advisory Board," each place
it appears and inserting "Advisory
Board".
(4) Section 1413 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3128) is amended—
(A) in subsection (a), by striking "Joint
Council, the Advisory Board," and
inserting "Advisory Board"; and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking "Joint
Council, Advisory Board," and inserting "Advisory
Board".
(5) Section 1434(c) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196(c)) is amended—
(A) in the second sentence, by striking "Joint
Council, the Advisory Board," and
inserting "Advisory Board"; and
(B) in the fourth sentence, by striking "the
Joint Council,".
SEC. 853. AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW BOARD.
(a) Repeal.—Section 1408A of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3123a) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.—
(1) Section 1404 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (16)(F), by adding "and" at
the end;
(B) in paragraph (17), by striking ";
and" at the end and inserting a period;
and
(C) by striking paragraph (18).
(2) Section 1405(12) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3121(12)) is amended
by striking ", after coordination
with the Technology Board,".
(3) Section 1410(2) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3125(2)) (as amended
by section 802(b)(2)) is amended by striking "and
the recommendations of the Technology Boa | 
