§ 7626. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program
(a)
Purpose
It is the purpose of this section to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an integrated research, education, and extension competitive grant program to provide funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities.
(b)
Competitive grants authorized
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this section, the Secretary may award grants to colleges and universities (as defined in section
3103 of this title), 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities on a competitive basis for integrated agricultural research, education, and extension projects in accordance with this section.
(c)
Criteria for grants
Grants under this section shall be awarded to address priorities in United States agriculture, determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Advisory Board, that involve integrated research, extension, and education activities.
(d)
Matching of funds
(1)
General requirement
If a grant under this section provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the Secretary shall require the recipient of the grant to provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount of funds provided by the Secretary in the grant.
(2)
Waiver
The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a grant if the Secretary determines that—
(f)
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 2012.