§ 7622. — Partnerships for highvalue agricultural product quality research.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC7622]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 103--AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM
SUBCHAPTER II--NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION
INITIATIVES
Sec. 7622. Partnerships for high-value agricultural product
quality research
(a) ``Eligible partnership'' defined
In this section, the term ``eligible partnership'' means a
partnership consisting of a land-grant college or university and other
entities specified in subsection (c)(1) of this section that satisfies
the eligibility criteria specified in subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Establishment of partnerships by grant
The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to an
eligible partnership to coordinate and manage research and extension
activities to enhance the quality of high-value agricultural products.
(c) Criteria for an eligible partnership
(1) Primary institutions in partnership
The primary institution involved in an eligible partnership
shall be a land-grant college or university, acting in partnership
with other colleges or universities, nonprofit research and
development entities, and Federal laboratories.
(2) Prioritization of research activities
An eligible partnership shall prioritize research and extension
activities in order to--
(A) enhance the competitiveness of United States
agricultural products;
(B) increase exports of such products; and
(C) substitute such products for imported products.
(3) Coordination
An eligible partnership shall coordinate among the entities
comprising the partnership the activities supported by the eligible
partnership, including the provision of mechanisms for sharing
resources between institutions and laboratories and the coordination
of public and private sector partners to maximize cost-
effectiveness.
(d) Types of research and extension activities
Research or extension supported by an eligible partnership may
address the full spectrum of production, processing, packaging,
transportation, and marketing issues related to a high-value
agricultural product. Such issues include--
(1) environmentally responsible--
(A) pest management alternatives and biotechnology;
(B) sustainable farming methods; and
(C) soil conservation and enhanced resource management;
(2) genetic research to develop improved agricultural-based
products;
(3) refinement of field production practices and technology to
improve quality, yield, and production efficiencies;
(4) processing and package technology to improve product
quality, stability, or flavor intensity;
(5) marketing research regarding consumer perceptions and
preferences;
(6) economic research, including industry characteristics,
growth, and competitive analysis; and
(7) research to facilitate diversified, value-added enterprises
in rural areas.
(e) Elements of grant making process
(1) Period of grant
The Secretary may award a grant under this section for a period
not to exceed 5 years.
(2) Preferences
In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall provide
a preference to proposals that--
(A) demonstrate linkages with--
(i) agencies of the Department;
(ii) other related Federal research laboratories and
agencies;
(iii) colleges and universities; and
(iv) private industry; and
(B) guarantee matching funds in excess of the amounts
required by paragraph (3).
(3) Matching funds
An eligible partnership shall contribute an amount of non-
Federal funds for the operation of the partnership that is at least
equal to the amount of grant funds received by the partnership under
this section.
(f) Limitation on use of grant funds
Funds provided under this section may not be used for the planning,
repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or
facility.
(g) 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 2007.
(Pub. L. 105-185, title IV, Sec. 402, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 566; Pub.
L. 107-171, title VII, Sec. 7123, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 434.)
Amendments
2002--Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 107-171 substituted ``2007'' for
``2002''.
