7 U.S.C. § 5925 — High-priority research and extension ini-

Page 1797 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 710; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, § 835, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1169; Pub. L. 105–185, title II, § 241, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 547; Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, § 7208(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 442; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, § 7406(d)(2), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1252; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title VII, § 7406(d)(2), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2013; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §§ 7128(b)(2)(B), 7208, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 878, 881; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §§ 7208, 7614(b)(2)(B), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4805, 4834.) Editorial Notes CODIFICATION Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246. AMENDMENTS 2018—Pub. L. 115–334, § 7208(1), inserted ‘‘to Phenome’’ after ‘‘Genome’’ in section catchline. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7208(2), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which related to goals for the Agricultural Genome Initiative. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7208(3), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which related to du- ties of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Agricul- tural Genome Initiative. Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7208(4), inserted ‘‘, acting through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,’’ after ‘‘The Secretary’’. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7208(5), inserted ‘‘to Phenome’’ after ‘‘Genome’’. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7614(b)(2)(B), added sub- sec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7208(6), added subsec. (f). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7614(b)(2)(B)(i), redesig- nated subsec. (f) as (g). 2014—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7208, added par. (3). Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(B), redesig- nated subsec. (f) as (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to matching of funds. 2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7406(d)(2), sub- stituted ‘‘Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B)’’ for ‘‘Para- graphs (1), (6), (7), and (11)’’. 2002—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–171, § 7208(a)(1), in- serted ‘‘pathogens and’’ before ‘‘diseases causing eco- nomic hardship’’. Subsec. (b)(7), (8). Pub. L. 107–171, § 7208(a)(2)–(4), added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8). 1998—Pub. L. 105–185 amended section catchline and text generally, substituting present provisions for pro- visions which in subsec. (a) required plant genome map- ping program, in subsec. (b) authorized competitive grants for research projects, in subsec. (c) described re- search areas for projects, in subsec. (d) set forth dead- line for submission of plan for awarding grants, in sub- sec. (e) directed coordination of section activities with certain related activities, in subsec. (f) required protec- tion of proprietary interests when considered to be ap- propriate, and in subsec. (g) authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 to carry out this section. 1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–127 inserted ‘‘for fiscal years 1996 and 1997’’ after ‘‘appropriated’’. 1995—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 104–66 redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which required Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress describing operations of grant program for plant genome mapping. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2018 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 7614(b)(2)(B) of Pub. L. 115–334 applicable to grants, cooperative agreements, or other awards made after Dec. 20, 2018, with matching funds requirement in effect on Dec. 20, 2018, to continue to apply to such grant, cooperative agreement, or other award, see section 7614(c) of Pub. L. 115–334, set out as a note under section 3151 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as other- wise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title. Amendment by section 7406(d)(2) of Pub. L. 110–246 in- applicable to any solicitation for grant applications issued by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service before June 18, 2008, see section 7406(c) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 3157 of this title. § 5925. High-priority research and extension ini- tiatives (a) Competitive specialized research and exten- sion grants authorized (1) In general The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’) may make competitive grants to support research and ex- tension activities specified in subsections (d) through (g). (2) Matching funds requirement (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (C), an entity re- ceiving a grant under paragraph (1) shall provide non-Federal matching funds (includ- ing funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information pro- gram) equal to not less than the amount of the grant. (B) In-kind support Non-Federal matching funds described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind sup- port. (C) Waiver The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect to a research project if the Sec- retary determines that— (i) the results of the project are of a par- ticular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those results are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (ii)(I) the project— (aa) involves a minor commodity; and (bb) deals with scientifically important research; and (II) the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement. (3) Consultation The Secretary shall make the grants in con- sultation with the National Agricultural Re- search, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. (b) Administration (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of sub- Page 1798 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 section (b) of section 3157 of this title shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section. (2) Use of task forces To facilitate the making of research and ex- tension grants under this section in the re- search and extension areas specified in sub- sections (d) through (g), the Secretary may ap- point a task force for each such area to make recommendations to the Secretary. The Sec- retary may not incur costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection with each task force established under this paragraph. (c) Partnerships encouraged Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary shall provide a priority to those grant proposals, found in the peer review process to be scientifically meritorious, that in- volve the cooperation of multiple entities. (d) High-priority research and extension areas (1) 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 mate- rials, information, and outreach programs re- garding risk management strategies for dairy producers and for dairy cooperatives and other processors and marketers of milk. (2) Potato research and extension Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of devel- oping 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 them- selves to innovative marketing approaches. (3) Wood use research and extension Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of devel- oping new uses for wood from underused tree species as well as investigating methods of modifying wood and wood fibers to produce better building materials. (4) Bighorn and domestic sheep disease mecha- nisms Research and extension grants may be made under this section to conduct research relat- ing to the health status of (including the pres- ence of infectious diseases in) bighorn and do- mestic sheep under range conditions. (5) Agricultural development in the American- Pacific region Research and extension grants may be made under this section to support food and agricul- tural science at a consortium of land-grant in- stitutions in the American-Pacific region. (6) Tropical and subtropical agricultural re- search Research grants may be made under this sec- tion, in equal dollar amounts to the Caribbean and Pacific Basins, to support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research, at the land-grant in- stitutions in the Caribbean and Pacific re- gions. (7) Women and minorities in stem fields Research and extension grants may be made under this section to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with priority given to eligible institutions that carry out continuing programs funded by the Secretary. (8) Alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems re- search program Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of studying improvements in alfalfa seed and alfalfa for- age systems yields, biomass and persistence, pest pressures, the bioenergy potential of al- falfa seed and other alfalfa forage systems to reduce losses during harvest and storage. (9) Coffee plant health initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing and disseminating science- based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei); and (B) establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer. (10) Corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts research and extension Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of carrying out or enhancing research to improve the di- gestibility, nutritional value, and efficiency of the use of corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts for the poultry and food animal production industries. (11) Macadamia tree health initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing and disseminating science- based tools and treatments to combat the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei); and (B) establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, the macadamia felted coccid. (12) National turfgrass research initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) carrying out or enhancing research re- lated to turfgrass and sod issues; (B) enhancing production and uses of turfgrass for the general public; (C) identifying new turfgrass varieties with superior drought, heat, cold, and pest tolerance to reduce water, fertilizer, and pesticide use; (D) selecting genetically superior turfgrasses and developing improved tech- nologies for managing commercial, residen- tial, and recreational turfgrass areas; (E) producing turfgrasses that— (i) aid in mitigating soil erosion; Page 1799 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 (ii) protect against pollutant runoff into waterways; or (iii) provide other environmental bene- fits; (F) investigating, preserving, and pro- tecting native plant species, including grasses not currently utilized in turfgrass systems; (G) creating systems for more economical and viable turfgrass seed and sod production throughout the United States; and (H) investigating the turfgrass phytobiome and developing biologic products to enhance soil, enrich plants, and mitigate pests. (13) Fertilizer management initiative (A) In general Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of carrying out research to improve fertilizer use efficiency in crops— (i) to maximize crop yield; and (ii) to minimize nutrient losses to sur- face and groundwater and the atmosphere. (B) Priority In awarding grants under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to re- search examining the impact of the source, rate, timing, and placement of plant nutri- ents. (14) Cattle fever tick program Research and extension grants may be made under this section to study cattle fever ticks— (A) to facilitate the understanding of the role of wildlife in the persistence and spread of cattle fever ticks; (B) to develop advanced methods for eradi- cation of cattle fever ticks, including— (i) alternative treatment methods for cattle and other susceptible species; (ii) field treatment for premises, includ- ing corral pens and pasture loafing areas; (iii) methods for treatment and control on infested wildlife; (iv) biological control agents; and (v) new and improved vaccines; (C) to evaluate rangeland vegetation that impacts the survival of cattle fever ticks; (D) to improve management of diseases re- lating to cattle fever ticks that are associ- ated with wildlife, livestock, and human health; (E) to improve diagnostic detection of tick-infested or infected animals and pas- tures; and (F) to conduct outreach to impacted ranchers, hunters, and landowners to inte- grate tactics and document sustainability of best practices. (15) Laying hen and turkey research program Research grants may be made under this sec- tion for the purpose of improving the effi- ciency and sustainability of laying hen and turkey production through integrated, col- laborative research and technology transfer. Emphasis may be placed on laying hen and turkey disease prevention, antimicrobial re- sistance, nutrition, gut health, and alternative housing systems under extreme seasonal weather conditions. (16) Chronic wasting disease Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of sup- porting research projects at land-grant col- leges and universities (as defined in section 3103 of this title) with established deer re- search programs for the purposes of treating, mitigating, or eliminating chronic wasting disease. (17) Algae agriculture research program Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the development and testing of algae and algae systems (including micro- and macro-algae systems). (18) Nutrient management Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of exam- ining nutrient management based on the source, rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients. (19) Dryland farming agricultural systems Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the utilization of big data for more precise management of dryland farming agricultural systems. (20) Hop plant health initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of devel- oping and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat diseases of hops caused by the plant pathogens Podosphaera macularis and Pseudoperonospora humuli. (e) Pulse crop health initiative (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Initiative The term ‘‘Initiative’’ means the pulse crop health initiative established by para- graph (2). (B) Pulse crop The term ‘‘pulse crop’’ means dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. (2) Establishment The Secretary shall carry out a pulse crop health competitive research and extension ini- tiative to address the critical needs of the pulse crop industry by developing and dissemi- nating science-based tools and information, including— (A) research conducted with respect to pulse crops in the areas of health and nutri- tion, such as— (i) pulse crop diets and the ability of such diets to reduce obesity and associated chronic disease; and (ii) the underlying mechanisms of the health benefits of pulse crop consumption; (B) research related to the functionality of pulse crops, such as— (i) improving the functional properties of pulse crops and pulse crop fractions; and Page 1800 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 (ii) developing new and innovative tech- nologies to improve pulse crops as an in- gredient in food products; (C) research conducted with respect to pulse crops for purposes of enhancing sus- tainability and global food security, such as— (i) improving pulse crop productivity, nutrient density, and phytonutrient con- tent using plant breeding, genetics, and genomics; (ii) improving pest and disease manage- ment, including resistance to pests and diseases; and (iii) improving nitrogen fixation and water use efficiency to reduce the carbon and energy footprint of agriculture; (D) the optimization of systems used in producing pulse crops to reduce water usage; and (E) education and technical assistance pro- grams with respect to pulse crops, such as programs— (i) providing technical expertise to help food companies include pulse crops in in- novative and healthy food; and (ii) establishing an educational program to encourage pulse crop consumption in the United States. (3) Administration Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of sub- section (b) of section 3157 of this title shall apply with respect to the making of a com- petitive grant under this subsection. (4) Priorities In making competitive grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a high- er priority to projects that— (A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary; and (B) include explicit mechanisms to com- municate results to the pulse crop industry and the public. (5) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023. (f) Training coordination for food and agri- culture protection (1) In general The Secretary shall make a competitive grant to, or enter into a contract or a coopera- tive agreement with, an eligible entity (de- scribed in paragraph (2)) for purposes of estab- lishing an internationally integrated training system to enhance the protection of the food supply in the United States, to be known as the ‘‘Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network’’ (referred to in this subsection as the ‘‘Network’’). (2) Eligibility (A) In general For purposes of this subsection, an eligible entity is a multiinstitutional consortium that includes— (i) a nonprofit institution that provides food safety protection training; and (ii) one or more training centers in insti- tutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that have dem- onstrated expertise in developing and de- livering community-based training in food supply and agricultural safety and defense. (B) Collective consideration The Secretary may consider such consor- tium collectively and not on an institution- by-institution basis. (3) Duties of eligible entity As a condition of receiving a competitive grant or entering into a contract or a coopera- tive agreement with the Secretary under this subsection, the eligible entity, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall establish and main- tain the Network, including by— (A) providing basic, technical, manage- ment, and leadership training (including by developing curricula) to regulatory and pub- lic health officials, producers, processors, and other agribusinesses; (B) serving as the hub for the administra- tion of the Network; (C) implementing a standardized national curriculum to ensure the consistent delivery of quality training throughout the United States; (D) building and overseeing a nationally recognized instructor cadre to ensure the availability of highly qualified instructors; (E) reviewing training proposed through the National Institute of Food and Agri- culture and other relevant Federal agencies that report to the Secretary on the quality and content of proposed and existing courses; (F) assisting Federal agencies in the im- plementation of food safety protection train- ing requirements including requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the Agricultural Act of 2014, and any provision of law amend- ed by such Act; and (G) performing evaluation and outcome- based studies to provide to the Secretary in- formation on the effectiveness and impact of training and metrics on jurisdictions and sectors within the food safety system. (4) Membership An eligible entity may alter the consortium membership to meet specific training exper- tise needs. (5) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023, to remain avail- able until expended. (g) Pollinator protection (1) Research and extension (A) Grants Research and extension grants may be made under this section— (i) to survey and collect data on bee col- ony production and health; (ii) to investigate pollinator biology, im- munology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; Page 1801 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 (iii) to conduct research on various fac- tors that may be contributing to or associ- ated with colony collapse disorder, and other serious threats to the health of honey bees and other pollinators, includ- ing— (I) parasites and pathogens of polli- nators; and (II) the sublethal effects of insecti- cides, herbicides, and fungicides on honey bees and native and managed pol- linators; (iv) to develop mitigative and preventa- tive measures to improve native and man- aged pollinator health; and (v) to promote the health of honey bees and native pollinators through habitat conservation and best management prac- tices. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023. (2) Department of Agriculture capacity and in- frastructure (A) In general The Secretary shall, to the maximum ex- tent practicable, increase the capacity and infrastructure of the Department— (i) to address colony collapse disorder and other long-term threats to pollinator health, including the hiring of additional personnel; and (ii) to conduct research on colony col- lapse disorder and other pollinator issues at the facilities of the Department. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $7,250,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023. (3) Honey bee surveillance There is authorized to be appropriated to conduct a nationwide honey bee pest, patho- gen, health, and population status surveil- lance program $2,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023. (4) Enhanced coordination of honeybee and pollinator research (A) In general The Chief Scientist of the Department of Agriculture shall coordinate research, exten- sion, education, and economic activities in the Department of Agriculture relating to native and managed pollinator health and habitat. (B) Duties In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Chief Scientist shall— (i) assign an individual to serve in the Office of the Chief Scientist as a Honeybee and Pollinator Research Coordinator who shall be responsible for leading the efforts of the Chief Scientist in carrying out such subparagraph; (ii) implement and coordinate pollinator health research efforts of the Department, as recommended by the Pollinator Health Task Force; (iii) establish annual strategic priorities and goals for the Department for native and managed pollinator research; (iv) communicate such priorities and goals to each agency or office of the De- partment of Agriculture, the managed pol- linator industry, and relevant grant recipi- ents under programs administered by the Secretary; and (v) coordinate and identify all research on native and managed pollinator health needed and conducted by the Department of Agriculture and relevant grant recipi- ents under programs administered by the Secretary to ensure consistency and re- duce unintended duplication of effort. (C) Research In coordinating research activities under subparagraph (A), the Chief Scientist shall ensure that such research— (i) identifies and addresses the multiple stressors on pollinator health, including pests and pathogens, reduced habitat, lack of nutritional resources, and exposure to pesticides; (ii) evaluates stewardship and manage- ment practices of managed pollinators that would impact managed pollinator health; (iii) documents the prevalence of major pests, such as varroa destructor (commonly referred to as the varroa mite), and dis- eases that are transported between States through practices involving managed polli- nators; (iv) evaluates the impact of over- crowding of colonies for pollination serv- ices and the impact of such overcrowding on pollinator health status and pollinator health recovery; (v) evaluates and reports on the health differences of managed pollinators in— (I) crops not requiring contract polli- nation; (II) crops requiring contract polli- nation; and (III) native habitat; (vi) evaluates the impact of horti- cultural and agricultural pest manage- ment practices on native and managed pol- linator colonies in diverse agroecosystems; (vii) documents pesticide residues that are— (I) found in native and managed polli- nator colonies; and (II) associated with typical localized commercial crop pest management prac- tices; (viii) with respect to native and managed pollinator colonies visiting crops for crop pollination or honey production purposes, documents— (I) the strength and health of such colonies; (II) the survival, growth, reproduction, and production of such colonies; (III) pests, pathogens, and viruses that affect such colonies; Page 1802 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma. (IV) environmental conditions of such colonies; (V) beekeeper practices; and (VI) any other relevant information, as determined by the Chief Scientist; (ix) documents, with respect to healthy populations of managed pollinators, best management practices and other practices for managed pollinators and crop man- agers; (x) evaluates the effectiveness of— (I) conservation practices that target the specific needs of native and managed pollinator habitats; (II) incentives that allow for the ex- pansion of native and managed polli- nator forage acreage; and (III) managed pollinator breeding prac- tices and efforts to, with respect to man- aged pollinators, avoid creating a ge- netic bottleneck and improve genetic di- versity; (xi) in the case of commercially managed pollinator colonies, continues to gather data— (I) on an annual basis with respect to losses of such colonies, splits of such colonies, and the total number of polli- nator colonies; (II) on rising input costs; and (III) overall economic value to the food economy; and (xii) addresses any other issue relating to native and managed pollinators, as de- termined by the Chief Scientist, in con- sultation with scientific experts. (D) Publication The Chief Scientist, to the maximum ex- tent practicable, shall— (i) make publicly available the results of the research described in subparagraph (C); and (ii) in the case of the research described in subparagraph (C)(vi), publish any data or reports that were produced by the De- partment of Agriculture but not made pub- licly available during the period beginning on January 1, 2008, and ending on Decem- ber 20, 2018. (5) Consultation The Secretary, in consultation with the Sec- retary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall publish guidance on enhancing pollinator health and the long-term viability of popu- lations of pollinators, including recommenda- tions related to— (A) allowing for managed honey bees to forage on National Forest System lands where compatible with other natural re- source management priorities; and (B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator foraging on National Forest System lands where com- patible with other natural resource manage- ment priorities. (6) Annual report on response to honey bee col- ony collapse disorder The Secretary shall submit to the Com- mittee on Agriculture of the House of Rep- resentatives and the Committee on Agri- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report— (A) describing the progress made by the Department of Agriculture in— (i) investigating the cause or causes of honey bee colony collapse and honey bee health disorders; (ii) finding appropriate strategies, in- cluding best management practices 1 to re- duce colony loss; and (iii) addressing the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; (B) assessing Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry; and (C) providing recommendations to Con- gress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native polli- nators. (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 2023. (Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, § 1672, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3770; Pub. L. 102–237, title IV, §§ 406, 407(11), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1864, 1865; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, §§ 836, 863, 888, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1169, 1174, 1180; Pub. L. 105–185, title II, § 242, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 549; Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, §§ 7119, 7208(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 434, 442; Pub. L. 108–465, title III, § 302, Dec. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 3885; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §§ 7203, 7204, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1233; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title VII, §§ 7203, 7204, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1994; Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, §§ 7128(b)(2)(C), 7209, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 879, 881; Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, §§ 7209, 7614(b)(2)(C), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4806, 4834.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(3)(F), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§ 301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables. The Agricultural Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (f)(3)(F), is Pub. L. 113–79, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 649. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9001 of this title and Tables. CODIFICATION Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246. AMENDMENTS 2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7614(b)(2)(C), des- ignated first and second sentences as pars. (1) and (3), respectively, inserted headings, and added par. (2). Subsec. (d)(8). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(1)(A), substituted, in heading, ‘‘Alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems’’ for ‘‘Alfalfa and forage’’, and in text, substituted ‘‘al- falfa seed and alfalfa forage systems’’ for ‘‘alfalfa and Page 1803 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 forage’’ and ‘‘alfalfa seed and other alfalfa forage’’ for ‘‘alfalfa and other forages, and’’. Subsec. (d)(11) to (20). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(1)(B), added pars. (11) to (20). Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(2), substituted ‘‘2023’’ for ‘‘2018’’. Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(3), substituted ‘‘2023’’ for ‘‘2018’’. Subsec. (g)(1)(B), (2)(B), (3). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(4)(A), substituted ‘‘2023’’ for ‘‘2018’’. Subsec. (g)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(4)(B), (C), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively. Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–334, § 7209(5), substituted ‘‘2023’’ for ‘‘2018’’. 2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(1), substituted ‘‘subsections (d) through (g)’’ for ‘‘subsections (e) through (i)’’. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(2), substituted ‘‘subsections (d) through (g)’’ for ‘‘subsections (e) through (i)’’. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c), and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to matching funds requirement. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(5), added pars. (9) and (10), redesignated pars. (6), (9), (10), (44), (45), (46), (49), and (50) as (1) to (8), respectively, and struck out former pars. (1) to (5), (7), (8), (11) to (43), (47), (48), (51), and (52), which related to certain research and exten- sion grants. Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(6), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to im- ported fire ant control, management, and eradication. Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(7), added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to For- mosan termite research and eradication. Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesig- nated subsec. (h) as (g). Subsec. (g)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(A), substituted ‘‘2018’’ for ‘‘2012’’. Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(A), (B), struck out ‘‘pest and pathogen’’ after ‘‘bee’’ in heading and substituted ‘‘pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance’’ for ‘‘pest and pathogen surveil- lance’’ and ‘‘2018’’ for ‘‘2012’’ in text. Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(D), added par. (4).Former par. (4) redesignated (5). Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(E)(i), (ii), sub- stituted ‘‘annual report—’’ for ‘‘annual report’’ in in- troductory provisions, inserted subpar. (A) designation before ‘‘describing’’, redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii) of subpar. (A), respectively, and realigned margins. Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(C), redesignated par. (4) as (5). Subsec. (g)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(E)(iii)(I), inserted ‘‘and honey bee health disorders’’ after ‘‘col- lapse’’. Subsec. (g)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(E)(iv)(I), inserted ‘‘, including best management practices’’ after ‘‘strategies’’ Subsec. (g)(5)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(E)(iii)(II), (iv)(II), (v), added cl. (iii). Subsec. (g)(5)(B), (C). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(8)(E)(vi), added subpars. (B) and (C). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(9), substituted ‘‘2018’’ for ‘‘2012’’. Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h) and struck out former subsec. (h) which related to regional centers of excellence. Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h). Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7209(4), redesignated sub- sec. (i) as (h). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i). Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–79, § 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii), redesig- nated subsec. (j) as (i). 2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7204(b)(1), sub- stituted ‘‘subsections (e) through (i)’’ for ‘‘subsections (e), (f), and (g)’’ in first sentence. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7204(b)(2)(A), sub- stituted ‘‘paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B)’’ for ‘‘para- graphs (1), (6), (7), and (11)’’. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7204(b)(2)(B), sub- stituted ‘‘subsections (e) through (i)’’ for ‘‘subsection (e)’’. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7203, substituted ‘‘shall’’ for ‘‘may’’. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7204(a)(1)(B)–(D), redesig- nated pars. (2), (3), (5), (6), (9) to (14), (16), (18) to (20), (22), (24), (25), (28) to (31), (33), (35) to (40), and (44) as (1) to (29), respectively, added pars. (30) to (52), and struck out former pars. (1), (4), (7), (8), (15), (17), (21), (23), (26), (27), (32), (34), (41) to (43), and (45), which related to re- search on the brown citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus, uses of mesquite, red meat safety, sorghum ergot eradication, development of the low-bush blueberry, wild pampas grass control, genetic aspects of scrapie in sheep, forestry, wind erosion, crop loss models, har- vesting productivity for fruits and vegetables, agricul- tural marketing, beef cattle genetics, ingestion of dairy pipeline cleaner, genetic resource conservation, and improvement of specialty crop production, respec- tively. Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7204(a)(1)(A), sub- stituted ‘‘, improving, and eventually commercializing, alfatoxin controls in corn and other affected agricul- tural products and crops’’ for ‘‘and controlling aflatoxin in the food and feed chains’’. Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 110–246, § 7204(a)(2)–(4), added subsecs. (h) and (i), redesignated former subsec. (h) as (j), and substituted ‘‘2012’’ for ‘‘2007’’ in subsec. (j). 2004—Subsec. (e)(45). Pub. L. 108–465 added par. (45). 2002—Subsec. (e)(25) to (44). Pub. L. 107–171, § 7208(b), added pars. (25) to (44). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–171, § 7119, substituted ‘‘2007’’ for ‘‘2002’’. 1998—Pub. L. 105–185 amended section catchline and text generally, substituting present provisions for pro- visions which in subsecs. (a) to (f) which authorized specialized research programs relating to, respectively, brown citrus aphid and citrus tristeza virus, ethanol, aflatoxin, mesquite, prickly pear, and deer tick ecology and related research, and for provisions in subsec. (g) subjecting research to peer review, setting limitation on use of funds, and providing for general eligibility to participate in programs. 1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127, §§ 863(1), 888, added subsec. (a) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (a). Text read as follows: ‘‘The Secretary of Ag- riculture is encouraged to fund research for the devel- opment of technology which will ascertain the lean content of animal carcasses to be used for human con- sumption.’’ Subsecs. (d)(4), (e)(4). Pub. L. 104–127, § 836, sub- stituted ‘‘1997’’ for ‘‘1995’’. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–127, § 863, redesignated subsec. (i) as (f) and struck out heading and text of former sub- sec. (f). Text read as follows: ‘‘(1) RESEARCH REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Agri- culture shall establish and carry out a program to make grants to colleges and universities for research relating to immunoassay used— ‘‘(A) to detect agricultural pesticide residues on ag- ricultural commodities for human consumption; and ‘‘(B) to diagnose animal and plant diseases. ‘‘(2) PREFERENCE.—In making grants under this sub- section, the Secretary may give preference to those colleges and universities that, as of November 28, 1990, are conducting research described in this subsection.’’ Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–127, § 863, redesignated subsec. (k) as (g) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (g). Text read as follows: ‘‘The Secretary shall make research and extension grants available for the Page 1804 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 development of agricultural production and marketing systems that will service niche markets located in nearby metropolitan areas. In awarding such grants, the Secretary shall pay particular attention to areas— ‘‘(1) with a high concentration of small farm oper- ations; and ‘‘(2) that experience difficulty in delivering prod- ucts to market due to geographic isolation.’’ Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–127, § 863(1), struck out subsec. (h) which provided that Secretary of Agriculture may establish and carry out a program to conduct research on disease of scrapie in sheep and goats. Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–127, §§ 836, 863(2), redesignated subsec. (i) as (f) and substituted ‘‘1997’’ for ‘‘1995’’. Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–127, § 863(1), struck out heading and text of subsec. (j). Text read as follows: ‘‘The Sec- retary of Agriculture may— ‘‘(1) conduct fundamental and applied research re- lated to the development of new commercial products derived from natural plant materials for industrial, medical, and agricultural applications; and ‘‘(2) participate with colleges and universities, other Federal agencies, and private sector entities in conducting such research.’’ Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 104–127, § 863(2), redesignated sub- sec. (k) as (g). 1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–237, § 407(11), redesig- nated pars. (A) to (I) as (1) to (9), respectively. Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–237, § 406(1), substituted ‘‘Sec- retary of Agriculture, acting through the Cooperative State Research Service, to make competitive grants’’ for ‘‘Agricultural Research Service’’. Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 102–237, § 406(2), substituted ‘‘Research’’ for ‘‘Except for research funded under sub- section (i), research’’. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2018 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 7614(b)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 115–334 applicable to grants, cooperative agreements, or other awards made after Dec. 20, 2018, with matching funds requirement in effect on Dec. 20, 2018, to continue to apply to such grant, cooperative agreement, or other award, see section 7614(c) of Pub. L. 115–334, set out as a note under section 3151 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title. METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES Pub. L. 108–465, title III, § 301, Dec. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 3885, provided that: ‘‘(a) PRIORITY.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall elevate the priority of current methyl bromide alter- native research and extension activities and reexamine the risks and benefits of extending the phase-out dead- line in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2004], including the estimated cost to the grower or processor associated with any alternatives proposed. ‘‘(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—For each of the fiscal years 2005 through 2009, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture $5,000,000 to carry out this section.’’ Executive Documents CREATING A FEDERAL STRATEGY TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF HONEY BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS Memorandum of President of the United States, June 20, 2014, 79 F.R. 35903, provided: Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Pollinators contribute substantially to the economy of the United States and are vital to keeping fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets. Honey bee pollination alone adds more than $15 billion in value to agricul- tural crops each year in the United States. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant loss of pollinators, including honey bees, native bees, birds, bats, and butterflies, from the environment. The prob- lem is serious and requires immediate attention to en- sure the sustainability of our food production systems, avoid additional economic impact on the agricultural sector, and protect the health of the environment. Pollinator losses have been severe. The number of mi- grating Monarch butterflies sank to the lowest re- corded population level in 2013–14, and there is an im- minent risk of failed migration. The continued loss of commercial honey bee colonies poses a threat to the economic stability of commercial beekeeping and polli- nation operations in the United States, which could have profound implications for agriculture and food. Severe yearly declines create concern that bee colony losses could reach a point from which the commercial pollination industry would not be able to adequately recover. The loss of native bees, which also play a key role in pollination of crops, is much less studied, but many native bee species are believed to be in decline. Scientists believe that bee losses are likely caused by a combination of stressors, including poor bee nutri- tion, loss of forage lands, parasites, pathogens, lack of genetic diversity, and exposure to pesticides. Given the breadth, severity, and persistence of polli- nator losses, it is critical to expand Federal efforts and take new steps to reverse pollinator losses and help re- store populations to healthy levels. These steps should include the development of new public-private partner- ships and increased citizen engagement. Therefore, by the authority vested in me as President by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following: SECTION 1. Establishing the Pollinator Health Task Force. There is hereby established the Pollinator Health Task Force (Task Force), to be co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Task Force shall also include the heads, or their designated representatives, from: (a) the Department of State; (b) the Department of Defense; (c) the Department of the Interior; (d) the Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment; (e) the Department of Transportation; (f) the Department of Energy; (g) the Department of Education; (h) the Council on Environmental Quality; (i) the Domestic Policy Council; (j) the General Services Administration; (k) the National Science Foundation; (l) the National Security Council Staff; (m) the Office of Management and Budget; (n) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and (o) such executive departments, agencies, and offices as the Co-Chairs may designate. SEC. 2. Mission and Function of the Task Force. Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, the Task Force shall develop a National Pollinator Health Strat- egy (Strategy), which shall include explicit goals, mile- stones, and metrics to measure progress. The Strategy shall include the following components: (a) Pollinator Research Action Plan. The Strategy shall include an Action Plan (Plan) to focus Federal efforts on understanding, preventing, and recovering from pol- linator losses. The Plan shall be informed by research on relevant topics and include: (i) studies of the health of managed honey bees and native bees, including longitudinal studies, to deter- mine the relative contributions of, and mitigation strategies for, different stressors leading to species de- clines and colony collapse disorder, including exposure to pesticides, poor nutrition, parasites and other pests, Page 1805 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925 toxins, loss of habitat and reduced natural forage, pathogens, and unsustainable management practices; (ii) plans for expanded collection and sharing of data related to pollinator losses, technologies for contin- uous monitoring of honey bee hive health, and use of public-private partnerships, as appropriate, to provide information on the status and trends of managed hive losses; (iii) assessments of the status of native pollinators, including the Monarch butterfly and bees, and mod- eling of native pollinator populations and habitats; (iv) strategies for developing affordable seed mixes, including native pollinator-friendly plants, for mainte- nance of honey bees and other pollinators, and guide- lines for and evaluations of the effectiveness of using pollinator-friendly seed mixes for restoration and rec- lamation projects; (v) identification of existing and new methods and best practices to reduce pollinator exposure to pes- ticides, and new cost-effective ways to control bee pests and diseases; and (vi) strategies for targeting resources toward areas of high risk and restoration potential and prioritizing plans for restoration of pollinator habitat, based on those areas that will yield the greatest expected net benefits. (b) Public Education Plan. The Strategy shall include plans for expanding and coordinating public education programs outlining steps individuals and businesses can take to help address the loss of pollinators. It shall also include recommendations for a coordinated public education campaign aimed at individuals, corporations, small businesses, schools, libraries, and museums to significantly increase public awareness of the impor- tance of pollinators and the steps that can be taken to protect them. (c) Public-Private Partnerships. The Strategy shall in- clude recommendations for developing public-private partnerships to build on Federal efforts to encourage the protection of pollinators and increase the quality and amount of habitat and forage for pollinators. In de- veloping this part of the Strategy, the Task Force shall consult with external stakeholders, including State, tribal, and local governments, farmers, corporations, and nongovernmental organizations. (d) Task Force member agencies shall report regu- larly to the Task Force on their efforts to implement section 3 of this memorandum. SEC. 3. Increasing and Improving Pollinator Habitat. Un- less otherwise specified, within 180 days of the date of this memorandum: (a) Task Force member agencies shall develop and provide to the Task Force plans to enhance pollinator habitat, and subsequently implement, as appropriate, such plans on their managed lands and facilities, con- sistent with their missions and public safety. These plans may include: facility landscaping, including ease- ments; land management; policies with respect to road and other rights-of-way; educational gardens; use of in- tegrated vegetation and pest management; increased native vegetation; and application of pollinator-friend- ly best management practices and seed mixes. Task Force member agencies shall also review any new or re- newing land management contracts and grants for the opportunity to include requirements for enhancing pol- linator habitat. (b) Task Force member agencies shall evaluate per- mit and management practices on power line, pipeline, utility, and other rights-of-way and easements, and, consistent with applicable law, make any necessary and appropriate changes to enhance pollinator habitat on Federal lands through the use of integrated vegeta- tion and pest management and pollinator-friendly best management practices, and by supplementing existing agreements and memoranda of understanding with rights-of-way holders, where appropriate, to establish and improve pollinator habitat. (c) Task Force member agencies shall incorporate pollinator health as a component of all future restora- tion and reclamation projects, as appropriate, includ- ing all annual restoration plans. (d) The Council on Environmental Quality and the General Services Administration shall, within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, revise their respective guidance documents for designed landscapes and public buildings to incorporate, as appropriate, pollinator- friendly practices into site landscape performance re- quirements to create and maintain high quality habi- tats for pollinators. Future landscaping projects at all Federal facilities shall, to the maximum extent appro- priate, use plants beneficial to pollinators. (e) The Departments of Agriculture and the Interior shall, within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, develop best management practices for executive de- partments and agencies to enhance pollinator habitat on Federal lands. (f) The Departments of Agriculture and the Interior shall establish a reserve of native seed mixes, including pollinator-friendly plants, for use on post-fire rehabili- tation projects and other restoration activities. (g) The Department of Agriculture shall, as appro- priate and consistent with applicable law, substantially increase both the acreage and forage value of pollinator habitat in the Department’s conservation programs, in- cluding the Conservation Reserve Program, and provide technical assistance, through collaboration with the land-grant university-based cooperative extension serv- ices, to executive departments and agencies, State, local, and tribal governments, and other entities and individuals, including farmers and ranchers, in plant- ing the most suitable pollinator-friendly habitats. (h) The Department of the Interior shall assist States and State wildlife organizations, as appropriate, in identifying and implementing projects to conserve pol- linators at risk of endangerment and further pollinator conservation through the revision and implementation of individual State Wildlife Action Plans. The Depart- ment of the Interior shall, upon request, provide tech- nical support for these efforts, and keep the Task Force apprised of such collaborations. (i) The Department of Transportation shall evaluate its current guidance for grantees and informational re- sources to identify opportunities to increase pollinator habitat along roadways and implement improvements, as appropriate. The Department of Transportation shall work with State Departments of Transportation and transportation associations to promote pollinator- friendly practices and corridors. The Department of Transportation shall evaluate opportunities to make railways, pipelines, and transportation facilities that are privately owned and operated aware of the need to increase pollinator habitat. (j) The Department of Defense shall, consistent with law and the availability of appropriations, support habitat restoration projects for pollinators, and shall direct military service installations to use, when pos- sible, pollinator-friendly native landscaping and mini- mize use of pesticides harmful to pollinators through integrated vegetation and pest management practices. (k) The Army Corps of Engineers shall incorporate conservation practices for pollinator habitat improve- ment on the 12 million acres of lands and waters at re- source development projects across the country, as ap- propriate. (l) The Environmental Protection Agency shall assess the effect of pesticides, including neonicotinoids, on bee and other pollinator health and take action, as ap- propriate, to protect pollinators; engage State and trib- al environmental, agricultural, and wildlife agencies in the development of State and tribal pollinator protec- tion plans; encourage the incorporation of pollinator protection and habitat planting activities into green infrastructure and Superfund projects; and expedite re- view of registration applications for new products tar- geting pests harmful to pollinators. (m) Executive departments and agencies shall, as ap- propriate, take immediate measures to support polli- nators during the 2014 growing season and thereafter. These measures may include planting pollinator-friend- ly vegetation and increasing flower diversity in plant- ings, limiting mowing practices, and avoiding the use Page 1806 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 5925a of pesticides in sensitive pollinator habitats through integrated vegetation and pest management practices. SEC. 4. General Provisions. (a) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and sub- ject to the availability of appropriations. (b) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to any agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Man- agement and Budget relating to budgetary, administra- tive, or legislative proposals. (c) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to require the disclosure of confidential business infor- mation or trade secrets, classified information, law en- forcement sensitive information, or other information that must be protected in the interest of national secu- rity or public safety. (d) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or proce- dural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (e) The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Fed- eral Register. BARACK OBAMA. § 5925a. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, § 7210, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 885 Section, Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, § 1672A, as added Pub. L. 105–185, title II, § 243, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 554; amended Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, § 7120, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 434; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, § 7205, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1238; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title VII, § 7205, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1999, related to nutri- ent management research and extension initiative. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries STUDY OF NUTRIENT BANKING Pub. L. 107–171, title VII, § 7411, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 462, provided that the Secretary of Agriculture may conduct study to evaluate nutrient banking for purpose of enhancing health and viability of watersheds in areas with large concentrations of animal producing units, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–79, title VII, § 7408(c), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 898. § 5925b. Organic agriculture research and exten- sion initiative (a) Competitive specialized research and exten- sion grants authorized In consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, using funds made available under subsection (e), the Secretary of Agri- culture (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Sec- retary’’) may make competitive grants in each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to support re- search, education, and extension activities re- garding organically grown and processed agri- cultural commodities for the purposes of— (1) facilitating the development and im- provement of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods; (2) evaluating the potential economic bene- fits of organic agricultural production and methods to producers, processors, and rural communities; (3) exploring international trade opportuni- ties for organically grown and processed agri- cultural commodities; (4) determining desirable traits for organic commodities; (5) identifying marketing and policy con- straints on the expansion of organic agri- culture; (6) conducting advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research re- lating to production, marketing, food safety, socioeconomic conditions, and farm business management; (7) examining optimal conservation, soil health, and environmental outcomes relating to organically produced agricultural products; and (8) developing new and improved seed vari- eties that are particularly suited for organic agriculture. (b) Grant types and process, prohibition on con- struction Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of sub- section (b) of section 3157 of this title shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section. (c) Matching requirement (1) In general Subject to paragraph (3), an entity receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall provide non- Federal matching funds (including funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, re- search, and information program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant. (2) In-kind support Non-Federal matching funds described in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support. (3) Waiver The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under paragraph (1) with re- spect to a research project if the Secretary de- termines that— (A) the results of the project are of a par- ticular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those results are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (B)(i) the project— (I) involves a minor commodity; and (II) deals with scientifically important research; and (ii) the 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 in- volve the cooperation of multiple entities. (e) Funding On October 1, 2003, and each October 1 there- after through October 1, 2007, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer $3,000,000 to the Secretary of Agriculture for this section.