§ 5925. High-priority research and extension initiatives

§ 5925. High-priority research and extension initiatives

(a) Competitive specialized research and extension 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 extension activities specified in subsections (d) through (g).

(2) Matching funds requirement

(A) In general Subject to subparagraph (C), an entity receiving a grant under paragraph (1) shall provide non-Federal matching funds (including funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information program) 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 support.

(C) Waiver The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect to a research project if the Secretary determines that—

(i) the results of the project are of a particular 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 consultation with the National Agricultural Research, 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 subsection (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 extension grants under this section in the research and extension areas specified in subsections (d) through (g), the Secretary may appoint a task force for each such area to make recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary 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 involve 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 materials, information, and outreach programs regarding 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 developing 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 themselves to innovative marketing approaches.

(3) Wood use research and extension Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing 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 mechanisms Research and extension grants may be made under this section to conduct research relating to the health status of (including the presence of infectious diseases in) bighorn and domestic 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 agricultural science at a consortium of land-grant institutions in the American-Pacific region.

(6) Tropical and subtropical agricultural research Research grants may be made under this section, 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 institutions in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

(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 research program Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of studying improvements in alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems yields, biomass and persistence, pest pressures, the bioenergy potential of alfalfa 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 digestibility, 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 related 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 technologies for managing commercial, residential, and recreational turfgrass areas;

(E) producing turfgrasses that—

(i) aid in mitigating soil erosion;

(ii) protect against pollutant runoff into waterways; or

(iii) provide other environmental benefits;

(F) investigating, preserving, and protecting 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 surface and groundwater and the atmosphere.

(B) Priority In awarding grants under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to research examining the impact of the source, rate, timing, and placement of plant nutrients.

(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 eradication of cattle fever ticks, including—

(i) alternative treatment methods for cattle and other susceptible species;

(ii) field treatment for premises, including 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 relating to cattle fever ticks that are associated with wildlife, livestock, and human health;

(E) to improve diagnostic detection of tick-infested or infected animals and pastures; and

(F) to conduct outreach to impacted ranchers, hunters, and landowners to integrate tactics and document sustainability of best practices.

(15) Laying hen and turkey research program Research grants may be made under this section for the purpose of improving the efficiency and sustainability of laying hen and turkey production through integrated, collaborative research and technology transfer. Emphasis may be placed on laying hen and turkey disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, 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 supporting research projects at land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in section 3103 of this title) with established deer research 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 examining 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 developing 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 paragraph (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 initiative to address the critical needs of the pulse crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools and information, including—

(A) research conducted with respect to pulse crops in the areas of health and nutrition, 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

(ii) developing new and innovative technologies to improve pulse crops as an ingredient in food products;

(C) research conducted with respect to pulse crops for purposes of enhancing sustainability and global food security, such as—

(i) improving pulse crop productivity, nutrient density, and phytonutrient content using plant breeding, genetics, and genomics;

(ii) improving pest and disease management, 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 programs with respect to pulse crops, such as programs—

(i) providing technical expertise to help food companies include pulse crops in innovative 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 subsection (b) of section 3157 of this title shall apply with respect to the making of a competitive grant under this subsection.

(4) Priorities In making competitive grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a higher priority to projects that—

(A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary; and

(B) include explicit mechanisms to communicate 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 agriculture protection

(1) In general The Secretary shall make a competitive grant to, or enter into a contract or a cooperative agreement with, an eligible entity (described in paragraph (2)) for purposes of establishing 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 institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that have demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering community-based training in food supply and agricultural safety and defense.

(B) Collective consideration The Secretary may consider such consortium 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 cooperative agreement with the Secretary under this subsection, the eligible entity, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall establish and maintain the Network, including by—

(A) providing basic, technical, management, and leadership training (including by developing curricula) to regulatory and public health officials, producers, processors, and other agribusinesses;

(B) serving as the hub for the administration 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 Agriculture 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 implementation of food safety protection training 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 amended by such Act; and

(G) performing evaluation and outcome-based studies to provide to the Secretary information 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 expertise 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 available 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 colony production and health;

(ii) to investigate pollinator biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics;

(iii) to conduct research on various factors that may be contributing to or associated with colony collapse disorder, and other serious threats to the health of honey bees and other pollinators, including—

(I) parasites and pathogens of pollinators; and

(II) the sublethal effects of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on honey bees and native and managed pollinators;

(iv) to develop mitigative and preventative measures to improve native and managed pollinator health; and

(v) to promote the health of honey bees and native pollinators through habitat conservation and best management practices.

(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 infrastructure

(A) In general The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent 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 collapse 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, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance 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, extension, 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;