§ 8791. Information gathering
(a)
Geospatial systems
The Secretary shall ensure that all the geospatial data of the agencies of the Department of Agriculture are portable and standardized.
(b)
Limitation on disclosures
(1)
Definition of agricultural operation
In this subsection, the term “agricultural operation” includes the production and marketing of agricultural commodities and livestock.
(2)
Prohibition
Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture, or any contractor or cooperator of the Department, shall not disclose—
(3)
Authorized disclosures
(A)
Limited release of information
If the Secretary determines that the information described in paragraph (2) will not be subsequently disclosed except in accordance with paragraph (4), the Secretary may release or disclose the information to a person or Federal, State, local, or tribal agency working in cooperation with the Secretary in any Department program—
(i)
when providing technical or financial assistance with respect to the agricultural operation, agricultural land, or farming or conservation practices; or
(ii)
when responding to a disease or pest threat to agricultural operations, if the Secretary determines that a threat to agricultural operations exists and the disclosure of information to a person or cooperating government entity is necessary to assist the Secretary in responding to the disease or pest threat as authorized by law.
(4)
Exceptions
Nothing in this subsection affects—
(A)
the disclosure of payment information (including payment information and the names and addresses of recipients of payments) under any Department program that is otherwise authorized by law;
(5)
Condition of other programs
The participation of the agricultural producer or owner of agricultural land in, or receipt of any benefit under, any program administered by the Secretary may not be conditioned on the consent of the agricultural producer or owner of agricultural land under paragraph (4)(C).