2.21—Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.
(a)
The following delegations of authority are made by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.
(1) Related to science and education.
(i)
Direct, coordinate and provide national leadership and support for research, extension and teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences to meet major needs and challenges in development of new food and fiber; food and agriculture viability and competitiveness in the global economy; enhancing economic opportunities and quality of life for rural America; food and agricultural system productivity and development of new crops and new uses; the environment and natural resources; or the promotion of human health and welfare pursuant to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101
et seq. ).
(ii)
Provide national leadership and support for research, extension, and teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences to carry out sustainable agriculture research and education; a National Plant Genetic Resources Program; a national agricultural weather information system; research regarding the production, preparation, processing, handling, and storage of agricultural products; a Plant and Animal Pest and Disease Control Program; and any other provisions pursuant to title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-624, 104 Stat. 3703), except the provisions relating to the USDA Graduate School in section 1669 and the provisions relating to alternative agricultural research and commercialization under sections 1657-1664 (7 U.S.C. 5801
et seq. ).
(iii)
Coordinate USDA policy and conduct programs relative to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 136
et seq.) and coordinate the Department's Integrated Pest Management Programs and the Pesticide Assessment Program (7 U.S.C. 136-136y ).
(iv)
Carry out research, technology development, technology transfer, and demonstration projects related to the economic feasibility of the manufacture and commercialization of natural rubber from plants containing hydrocarbons (7 U.S.C. 178-178n ).
(v)
Conduct research on the control of undesirable species of honey bees in cooperation with specific foreign governments (7 U.S.C. 284 ).
(vi)
Administer the appropriation for the endowment and maintenance of colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanical arts (7 U.S.C. 321-326a ).
(vii)
Administer teaching funds authorized by section 22 of the Bankhead Jones Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 329 ).
(viii)
Administer a Cooperative Agricultural Extension Program in accordance with the Smith-Lever Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 341-349 ).
(ix)
Cooperate with the States for the purpose of encouraging and assisting them in carrying out research related to the problems of agriculture in its broadest aspects under the Hatch Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 361a-361i ).
(x)
Evaluate, assess, and report to congressional agriculture committees on the merits of proposals for agricultural research facilities in the States, and ensure that each research activity conducted by an Agricultural Research Service facility serves a national or multistate need (7 U.S.C. 390
et seq. ).
(xi)
Conduct research concerning domestic animals and poultry, their protection and use, the causes of contagious, infectious, and communicable diseases, and the means for the prevention and cure of the same (7 U.S.C. 391 ).
(xii)
Conduct research related to the dairy industry and to the dissemination of information for the promotion of the dairy industry (7 U.S.C. 402 ).
(xiii)
Conduct research and demonstrations at Mandan, ND, related to dairy livestock breeding, growing, and feeding, and other problems pertaining to the establishment of the dairy and livestock industries (7 U.S.C. 421-422 ).
(xiv)
Conduct research on new uses for cotton and on cotton ginning and processing (7 U.S.C. 423-424 ).
(xv)
Administer and conduct research into the basic problems of agriculture in its broadest aspects, including, but not limited to, production, marketing (other than statistical and economic research but including research related to family use of resources), distribution, processing, and utilization of plant and animal commodities; problems of human nutrition; development of markets for agricultural commodities; discovery, introduction, and breeding of new crops, plants, and animals, both foreign and native; conservation development; and development of efficient use of farm buildings, homes, and farm machinery except as otherwise delegated in § 2.22(a)(1)(ii) and § 2.79(a)(2) (7 U.S.C. 427, 1621-162 7, 1629, 2201, and 2204).
(xvi)
Conduct research on varietal improvement of wheat and feed grains to enhance their conservation and environmental qualities (7 U.S.C. 428b ).
(xviii)
Enter into agreements with and receive funds from any State, other political subdivision, organization, or individual for the purpose of conducting cooperative research projects (7 U.S.C. 450a ).
(xix)
Carry out a program (IR-4 Program) for the collection of residue and efficacy data in support of minor use pesticide registration or reregistration and to determine tolerances for minor use chemical residues in or on agricultural commodities (7 U.S.C. 450i ).
(xx)
Administer the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative for competitive grants for fundamental and applied research, extension, and education to address food and agricultural sciences; administer a program of making special grants for research, extension, or education activities (7 U.S.C. 450i(b), (c)).
(xxiii)
Conduct research related to soil and water conservation, engineering operations, and methods of cultivation to provide for the control and prevention of soil erosion (7 U.S.C. 1010 and 16 U.S.C. 590a).
(xxiv)
Maintain four regional research laboratories and conduct research at such laboratories to develop new scientific, chemical, and technical uses and new and extended markets and outlets for farm commodities and products and the byproducts thereof (7 U.S.C. 1292 ).
(xxv)
Conduct a Special Cotton Research Program designed to reduce the cost of producing upland cotton in the United States (7 U.S.C. 1441 note).
(xxvii)
Conduct research to develop and determine methods for the humane slaughter of livestock (7 U.S.C. 1904 ).
(xxviii)
Administer a competitive grant program for non- profit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural technology or cooperative development (7 U.S.C. 1932(f) ).
(xxix)
Administer a Nutrition Education Program for Food Stamp recipients and for the distribution of commodities on reservations (7 U.S.C. 2020(f) ).
(xxx)
Conduct education and extension programs and a pilot project related to nutrition education (7 U.S.C. 2027(a) and 5932 ).
(xxxii)
Develop and maintain national and international library and information systems and networks and facilitate cooperation and coordination of the agricultural libraries of colleges, universities, USDA, and their closely allied information gathering and dissemination units in conjunction with private industry and other research libraries (7 U.S.C. 2201, 2204, 3125a, and 3126).
(xxxiii)
Accept gifts and order disbursements from the Treasury for carrying out of National Agricultural Library (NAL) functions (7 U.S.C. 2264-226 5).
(xxxv)
Administer, in cooperation with land-grant colleges and universities where applicable, a rural development research and extension program, a small farm research and extension program, and a rural health and safety education program under the Rural Development Act of 1972, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2661-266 7).
(xxxvi)
Administer a cooperative extension program under the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3004 ).
(xxxvii)
Coordinate the development and carrying out by Department agencies of all matters and functions pertaining to agricultural research conducted or funded by the Department involving biotechnology, including the development and implementation of guidelines for oversight of research activities, acting as liaison on all matters and functions pertaining to agricultural research in biotechnology between agencies within the Department and between the Department and other governmental, educational, or private organizations and carrying out any other activities authorized by (7 U.S.C. 3121 ).
(xxxix)
Establish and oversee the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (7 U.S.C. 3123 ).
(xl)
Provide and distribute information and data about Federal, State, local, and other Rural Development Assistance Programs and services available to individuals and organizations. To the extent possible, NAL shall use telecommunications technology to disseminate such information to rural areas (7 U.S.C. 3125b ).
(xli)
Assemble and collect food and nutrition educational material, including the results of nutrition research, training methods, procedures, and other materials related to the purposes of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended; maintain such information; and provide for the dissemination of such information and materials on a regular basis to State educational agencies and other interested parties (7 U.S.C. 3126 ).
(xliii)
Conduct a program of grants to States to expand, renovate, or improve schools of veterinary medicine (7 U.S.C. 3151 ).
(xliv)
Promote and strengthen higher education in the food and agricultural sciences; administer grants to colleges and universities; maintain a national food and agricultural education information system; conduct programs regarding the evaluation of teaching programs and continuing education; administer the National Food and Agricultural Sciences Teaching, Extension, and Research Awards Program to recognize and promote excellence in teaching, extension, and research in the food and agricultural sciences; administer programs relating to secondary education and 2-year postsecondary education, including grants to public secondary schools, institutions of higher education that award an associate's degree, other institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations; and report to Congress on the distribution of funds to carry out such teaching programs (7 U.S.C. 3152 ).
(xlvi)
Administer the National Agricultural Science Award for research or advanced studies in the food and agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3153 ).
(xlviii)
Administer a National Food and Human Nutrition Research and Extension Program. Establish and administer a Human Nutrition Intervention and Health Promotion Research Program (7 U.S.C. 3171-317 5).
(xlix)
Administer and direct an Animal Health and Disease Research Program under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3191-320 1).
(l)
Support continuing agricultural and forestry extension and research, at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University, and administer a grant program for five National Research and Training Centers (7 U.S.C. 3221, 3222, 3222c, 3222d ).
(li)
Administer grants to 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University, through Federal-grant funds to help finance research facilities and equipment including agricultural libraries (7 U.S.C. 3223 ).
(lii)
Establish and administer 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 (7 U.S.C. 3241 ).
(liii)
Provide policy direction and coordinate the Department's work with national and international institutions and other persons throughout the world in the performance of agricultural research, extension, teaching, and development activities; administer a program of competitive grants for collaborative projects involving Federal scientists or scientists from colleges and universities working with scientists at international agricultural research centers in other nations focusing either on new technologies and programs for increasing the production of food and fiber or training scientists and a program of competitive grants to colleges and universities to strengthen United States economic competitiveness and to promote international market development; establish a program in coordination with the Foreign Agricultural Service to place interns from United States colleges and universities at Foreign Agricultural Service field offices overseas; and provide a biennial report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on efforts of the Federal Government to coordinate international agricultural research within the Federal Government, and to more effectively link the activities of domestic and international agricultural researchers, particularly researchers of the Agricultural Research Service (7 U.S.C. 3291, 3292b ).
(liv)
Provide for an agricultural research and development program with the United States/Mexico Foundation for Science (7 U.S.C. 3292a ).
(lv)
Administer a program of competitive grants to colleges and universities and State cooperative institutions for the acquisition of special purpose scientific research equipment for use in the food and agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3310a ).
(lvi)
Enter into contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements to further research, extension, or teaching programs in the food and agriculture sciences (7 U.S.C. 3318 ).
(lvii)
Enter into cost-reimbursable agreements with State cooperative institutions or other colleges and universities for the acquisition of goods or services in support of research, extension, or teaching activities in the food and agricultural sciences, including the furtherance of library and related information programs (7 U.S.C. 3319a ).
(lviii)
Conduct research and development and implement a program for the development of supplemental and alternative crops (7 U.S.C. 3319d ).
(lix)
Administer an Aquaculture Assistance Program, involving centers, by making grants to eligible institutions for research and extension to facilitate or expand production and marketing of aquacultural food species and products; making grants to States to formulate Aquaculture development plans for the production and marketing of aquacultural species and products; and conducting a program of research, extension and demonstration at aquacultural demonstration centers (7 U.S.C. 3321-22 ).
(lxii)
Design and implement educational programs and distribute materials in cooperation with the cooperative extension services of the States emphasizing the importance of productive farmland, and designate a farmland information center, pursuant to section 1544 of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C. 4205 ).
(lxiv)
Administer programs and conduct projects for research, extension, and education on sustainable agriculture (7 U.S.C. 5811-581 3).
(lxv)
Conduct research and cooperative extension programs to optimize crop and livestock production potential, integrated resource management, and integrated crop management (7 U.S.C. 5821 ).
(lxvi)
Design, implement, and develop handbooks, technical guides, and other educational materials emphasizing sustainable agriculture production systems and practices (7 U.S.C. 5831 ).
(lxvii)
Administer a competitive grant program to organizations to carry out a training program on sustainable agriculture (7 U.S.C. 5832 ).
(lxviii)
Administer a national research program on genetic resources to provide for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of genetic material important to American food and agriculture production (7 U.S.C. 5841-584 4).
(lxx)
Establish an Agricultural Weather Office and administer a national agricultural weather information system, including a competitive grants program for research in atmospheric sciences and climatology (7 U.S.C. 5852-585 3).
(lxxi)
Administer a research and extension grant program to States to administer programs for State agricultural weather information systems (7 U.S.C. 5854 ).
(lxxii)
Administer grants and conduct research programs to measure microbiological and chemical agents associated with the production, preparation, processing, handling, and storage of agricultural products (7 U.S.C. 5871-587 4).
(lxxiii)
Administer and conduct research and extension programs on integrated pest management, including research to benefit floriculture (7 U.S.C. 5881 ).
(lxxiv)
Establish a National Pesticide Resistance Monitoring Program and disseminate information on materials and methods of pest and disease control available to agricultural producers through the pest and disease control database (7 U.S.C. 5882 ).
(lxxv)
Administer and conduct research and grant programs on the control and eradication of exotic pests (7 U.S.C. 5883 ).
(lxxvi)
Conduct research and educational programs to study the biology and behavior of chinch bugs (7 U.S.C. 5884 ).
(lxxvii)
Administer research programs and grants for risk assessment research to address concerns about the environmental effects of biotechnology (7 U.S.C. 5921 ).
(lxxviii)
Administer a rural electronic commerce extension program through grants to regional rural development centers and competitive grants to land-grant colleges and universities and to colleges and universities (including community colleges) with agricultural or rural development programs (7 U.S.C. 5923 ).
(lxxix)
Conduct a research initiative known as the Agricultural Genome Initiative, and make grants or enter into cooperative agreements on a competitive basis to carry out the Initiative (7 U.S.C. 5924 ).
(lxxx)
Administer a competitive high priority research and extension grants program in specified subject areas (7 U.S.C. 5925 ).
(lxxxi)
Administer a program of competitive grants to support research and extension activities in Nutrient Management Research and Extension (7 U.S.C. 5925a ).
(lxxxii)
Administer competitive grants to support research and extension activities regarding organically grown and processed agricultural commodities (7 U.S.C. 5925b ).
(lxxxiv)
Formulate and carry out the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Act program authorized by the National Veterinary Medical Service Act (7 U.S.C. 3151a ).
(lxxxviii)
Establish and administer a program for the development and utilization of an agricultural communications network (7 U.S.C. 5926 ).
(xci)
Administer education programs on Indian reservations and tribal jurisdictions (7 U.S.C. 5930 ).
(xciii)
Administer a demonstration grants program for support of an assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities (7 U.S.C. 5933 ).
(xcvi)
Conduct programs of research, technology development, and education related to global climate change (7 U.S.C. 6701-671 0).
(xcvii)
Administer the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 for USDA (15 U.S.C. 638(e) -(k)).
(xcviii)
Coordinate Departmental policies under the Toxic Substance Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601-262 9).
(xcix)
Provide educational and technical assistance in implementing and administering the Conservation Reserve Program authorized in sections 1231-1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Pub. L. No. 99-198, 99 Stat. 1509 (16 U.S.C. 3831-384 4)).
(c)
Enter into cooperative research and development agreements with industry, universities, and others; institute a cash award program to reward scientific, engineering, and technical personnel; award royalties to inventors; and retain and use royalty income (15 U.S.C. 3710a-371 0c).
(cii)
Conduct educational and demonstrational work in Cooperative Farm Forestry Programs (16 U.S.C. 568 ).
(ciii)
Administer a cooperative forestry program in accordance with the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act, and administer a competitive forestry, natural resources, and environmental grant program (16 U.S.C. 582A-582A -8).
(civ)
Establish and administer the Forestry Student Grant Program to provide competitive grants to assist the expansion of the professional education of forestry, natural resources, and environmental scientists (16 U.S.C. 1649 ).
(cv)
Provide for an expanded and comprehensive extension program for forest and rangeland renewable resources (16 U.S.C. 1671-167 6).
(cvi)
Provide technical, financial, and educational assistance to State foresters and State extension directors on rural forestry assistance (16 U.S.C. 2102 ).
(cvii)
Provide educational assistance to State foresters under the Forest Stewardship Program (16 U.S.C. 2103a ).
(cviii)
Implement and conduct an educational program to assist the development of Urban and Community Forestry Programs (16 U.S.C. 2105 ).
(cix)
Provide staff support to the Secretary of Agriculture in his or her role as permanent Chair for the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture established by the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 and coordinate aquacultural activities within the Department (16 U.S.C. 2805 ).
(cx)
Perform research, development, and extension activities in aquaculture (16 U.S.C. 2804 and 2806 ).
(cxi)
Provide educational assistance to farmers regarding the Agricultural Water Quality Protection Program (16 U.S.C. 3838b ).
(cxii)
Copy and deliver on demand selected articles and other materials from the Department's collections by photographic reproduction or other means within the permissions, constraints, and limitations of sections 106, 107, and 108 of the Copyright Act of October 19, 1976, (17 U.S.C. 106, 107, and 108).
(cxiv)
Maintain a National Arboretum for the purposes of research and education concerning tree and plant life, and order disbursements from the Treasury, in accordance with the Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 191
et seq.).
(cxvi)
Conduct research on the control and eradication of cattle grubs (screwworms) (21 U.S.C. 114e ).
(cxvii)
Obtain and furnish Federal excess property to eligible recipients for use in the conduct of research and extension programs (40 U.S.C. 483(d)(2) ).
(cxviii)
Conduct research demonstration and promotion activities related to farm dwellings and other buildings for the purposes of reducing costs and adapting and developing fixtures and appurtenances for more efficient and economical farm use (42 U.S.C. 1476(b) ).
(cxix)
Carry out research, demonstration, and educational activities authorized in section 202(c) of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act (43 U.S.C. 1592(c) ).
(cxx)
Conduct research on losses of livestock in interstate commerce due to injury or disease (45 U.S.C. 71 note).
(cxxi)
Administer a Cooperative Agricultural Extension Program related to agriculture, uses of solar energy with respect to agriculture, home economics, and rural energy in the District of Columbia (D.C. Code 38-1202.09).
(cxxiii)
Exercise the responsibilities of the Secretary under regulations dealing with Equal Employment Opportunity in the Cooperative Extension Service ( part 18 of this title ).
(cxxv)
Assure the acquisition, preservation, and accessibility of all information concerning food and agriculture by providing leadership to and coordination of the acquisition programs and related activities of the library and information systems, with the agencies of USDA, other Federal departments and agencies, State agricultural experiment stations, colleges and universities, and other research institutions and organizations.
(cxxvi)
Formulate, write, or prescribe bibliographic and technically related standards for the library and information services of USDA (7 U.S.C. 3125a
et seq.).
(cxxvii)
Determine by survey or other appropriate means, the information needs of the Department's scientific, professional, technical, and administrative staffs, its constituencies, and the general public in the areas of food, agriculture, the environment, and other related areas.
(cxxviii)
Represent the Department on all library and information science matters before Congressional Committees and appropriate commissions, and provide representation to the coordinating committees of the Federal and State governments concerned with library and information science activities.
(cxxix)
Represent the Department in international organizational activities and on international technical committees concerned with agricultural science, education, and development activities, including library and information science activities.
(cxxx)
Prepare and disseminate computer files, indexes and abstracts, bibliographies, reviews, and other analytical information tools.
(cxxxi)
Arrange for the consolidated purchasing and dissemination of printed and automated indexes, abstracts, journals, and other widely used information resources and services.
(cxxxii)
Provide assistance and support to professional organizations and others concerned with library and information science matters and issues.
(cxxxiii)
Pursuant to the authority delegated by the Administrator of General Services to the Secretary of Agriculture in 34 FR 6406, 36 FR 1293, 36 FR 18440, and 38 FR 23838, appoint uniformed armed guards and special policemen, make all needful rules and regulations, and annex to such rules and regulations such reasonable penalties (not to exceed those prescribed in 40 U.S.C. 318(c), as will ensure their enforcement, for the protection of persons, property, buildings, and grounds of the Arboretum, Washington, DC; the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE; the Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD; and the Animal Disease Center, Plum Island, NY, over which the United States has exclusive or concurrent criminal jurisdiction, in accordance with the limitations and requirements of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended (40 U.S.C. 471
et seq. ), the Act of June 1, 1948, as amended (40 U.S.C. 318
et seq. ), and the policies, procedures, and controls prescribed by the General Services Administration. Any rules or regulations promulgated under this authority shall be approved by the Director, Office of Operations, and the General Counsel prior to issuance.
(cxxxv)
Administer the Department's Patent Program except as delegated to the General Counsel in § 2.31(e).
(cxxxvi)
Review cooperative research and development agreements entered into pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 3710a-371 0c, with authority to disapprove or require the modification of any such agreement.
(cxxxvii)
Establish and administer a 1994 Institutions Endowment Fund and to enter into agreements necessary to do this ( Section 533(b) and (c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, 7 U.S.C. 301 note).
(cxxxviii)
Make grants in equal amounts to 1994 Land-Grant Institutions to be used in the same manner as is prescribed for colleges under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321
et seq.), and subject to the requirements of such Act ( Section 534(a) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, 7 U.S.C. 301 note).
(cxxxix)
Make competitive Institutional Capacity Building Grants to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions with constructing, acquiring, and remodeling buildings, laboratories, and other capital facilities (including fixtures and equipment) necessary to conduct instructional activities more effectively in agriculture and sciences ( Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, 7 U.S.C. 301 note).
(cxl)
Make competitive grants to 1994 Land-Grant Institutions to conduct agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal, national, or multistate significance ( Section 536 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, 7 U.S.C. 301 note).
(cxli)
Implement and administer the Community Food Projects Program, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems, and the Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Center pursuant to the provisions of section 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034 ).
(cxliii)
Coordinate the Department of Agriculture summer intern program pursuant to section 922 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act (7 U.S.C. 2279c ).
(cxliv)
Develop and carry out a system to monitor and evaluate agricultural research and extension activities conducted or supported by the Department 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. Conduct a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art information technology systems for use in developing the system (7 U.S.C. 3129 ).
(cxlv)
Make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, policy research centers (7 U.S.C. 3155 ).
(cxlvi)
Conduct 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 (7 U.S.C. 3174a ).