Purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education
The purposes of federally supported agricultural research, extension, and education are to—
enhance the competitiveness of the United States agriculture and food industry in an increasingly competitive world environment;
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;
develop new uses and new products for agricultural commodities, such as alternative fuels, and develop new crops;
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;
improve risk management in the United States agriculture industry;
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;
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
maintain an adequate, nutritious, and safe supply of food to meet human nutritional needs and requirements.
Source
(Pub. L. 95–113, title XIV, § 1402, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, § 1602(a),Notes
Prior Provisions
Amendments
Short Title of 2004 Amendment
Short Title of 2003 Amendment
Short Title of 1985 Amendment
Short Title of 1981 Amendment
Short Title of 1935 Amendment
Short Title
Review of Agricultural Research Service
In General.—
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [
conduct a review of the Agricultural Research Service; and
evaluate the merits of establishing one or more National Institutes focused on disciplines important to the progress of food and agricultural science.
Membership.—
In general.—
The Task Force shall consist of 8 members, appointed by the Secretary, that—
have a broad-based background in plant, animal, and agricultural sciences research, food, nutrition, biotechnology, crop production methods, environmental science, or related disciplines; and
are familiar with the role and infrastructure used to conduct Federal and private research, including—
the Agricultural Research Service;
the National Institutes of Health;
the National Science Foundation;
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
the Department of Energy laboratory system; or
the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Private sector.—
Of the members appointed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall appoint at least 6 members that are members of the private sector or come from institutions of higher education.
Plant and agricultural sciences research.—
Of the members appointed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall appoint at least 3 members that have an extensive background and preeminence in the field of plant, animal, and agricultural sciences research.
Chairperson.—
Of the members appointed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall designate a Chairperson that has significant leadership experience in educational and research institutions and indepth knowledge of the research enterprises of the United States.
Consultation.—
Before appointing members of the Task Force under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the National Academy of Sciences and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Duties.—
The Task Force shall—
conduct a review of the purpose, efficiency, effectiveness, and impact on agricultural research of the Agricultural Research Service;
conduct a review and evaluation of the merits of establishing one or more National Institutes (such as National Institutes for Plant and Agricultural Sciences) focused on disciplines important to the progress of food and agricultural sciences, and, if establishment of one or more National Institutes is recommended, provide further recommendations to the Secretary, including the structure for establishing each Institute, the multistate area location of each Institute, and the amount of funding necessary to establish each Institute; and
submit the reports required by subsection (d).
Reports.—
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act [
a report on the review and evaluation required under subsection (c)(1); and
a report on the review and evaluation required under subsection (c)(2).
Funding.—
The Secretary shall use to carry out this section not more than $499,000 of the amount of appropriations available to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2003.”