USC Subchapter III

USC Subchapter III
in effect

7 U.S.C. § 7641 Patent Culture Collection fees

(1) RetentionAll funds collected by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture in connection with the acceptance of microorganisms for deposit in, or the distribution of microorganisms from, the Patent Culture Collection maintained and operated by the Agricultural Research Service shall be credited to the appropriation supporting the maintenance and operation of the Patent Culture Collection. (2) UseThe collected funds shall be available to the Agricultural Research Service, without further appropriation or fiscal-year limitation, to carry out its responsibilities under law (including international treaties) with respect to the Patent Culture Collection.

7 U.S.C. § 7642 Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program

(a) Continuation of programThe Secretary of Agriculture shall continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program (referred to in this section as the “FARAD program”) through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements with appropriate colleges or universities. (b) ActivitiesIn carrying out the FARAD program, the Secretary shall—(1) provide livestock producers, extension specialists, scientists, and veterinarians with information to prevent drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residues in food animal products; (2) maintain up-to-date information concerning—(A) withdrawal times on FDA-approved food animal drugs and appropriate withdrawal intervals for drugs used in food animals in the United States, as established under section 360b(a) of title 21; (B) official tolerances for drugs and pesticides in tissues, eggs, and milk; (C) descriptions and sensitivities of rapid screening tests for detecting residues in tissues, eggs, and milk; and (D) data on the distribution and fate of chemicals in food animals; (3) publish periodically a compilation of food animal drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration; (4) make information on food animal drugs available to the public through handbooks and other literature, computer software, a telephone hotline, and the Internet; (5) furnish producer quality-assurance programs with up-to-date data on approved drugs; (6) maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date, residue avoidance database; (7) provide professional advice for determining the withdrawal times necessary for food safety in the use of drugs in food animals; and (8) engage in other activities designed to promote food safety. (c) Contract, grants, and cooperative agreementsThe Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with 1 or more appropriate colleges and universities to operate the FARAD program. The term of the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement shall be 3 years, with options to extend the term of the contract triennially. (d) Indirect costsFederal funds provided by the Secretary under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement under this section shall be subject to reduction for indirect costs of the recipient of the funds in an amount not to exceed 19 percent of the total Federal funds provided under the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement. (e) Authorization of appropriationsIn addition to any other funds available to carry out subsection (c), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023.

7 U.S.C. § 7643 Distribution of farmers’ bulletins

In the distribution of farmers’ bulletins, which shall be adapted to the interests of the people of the different sections of the country, an equal proportion of four-fifths shall be delivered to or sent out under the addressed franks furnished by Senators, Representatives, and Delegates in Congress, as such Senators, Representatives, or Delegates shall direct: Provided, That the Secretary of Agriculture shall notify Senators, Representatives, and Delegates in Congress of the title and character of each such bulletin, with the total number to which each Senator, Representative, and Delegate may be entitled for such distribution; and on the face of the envelope inclosing said bulletins shall be printed the title of each bulletin contained therein.

7 U.S.C. § 7651 Nutrient composition data

(a) In generalThe Secretary of Agriculture shall update, on a periodic basis, nutrient composition data. (b) ReportNot later than 180 days after June 23, 1998, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—(1) the method the Secretary will use to update nutrient composition data, including the quality assurance criteria that will be used and the method for generating the data; and (2) the timing for updating the data.

7 U.S.C. § 7652 Role of Secretary regarding food and agricultural sciences research and extension

The Secretary of Agriculture shall be the principal official in the executive branch responsible for coordinating all Federal research and extension activities related to food and agricultural sciences.

7 U.S.C. § 7653 Office of Pest Management Policy

(a) PurposeThe purpose of this section is to establish an Office of Pest Management Policy to provide for the effective coordination of agricultural policies and activities within the Department of Agriculture related to pesticides and of the development and use of pest management tools, while taking into account the effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies. (b) Establishment of Office; principal responsibilitiesThe Secretary of Agriculture shall establish in the Department an Office of Pest Management Policy, which shall be responsible for—(1) the development and coordination of Department policy on pest management and pesticides; (2) the coordination of activities and services of the Department, including research, extension, and education activities, regarding the development, availability, and use of economically and environmentally sound pest management tools and practices; (3) assisting other agencies of the Department in fulfilling their responsibilities related to pest management or pesticides under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–170; 110 Stat. 1489), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), and other applicable laws; and (4) performing such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (c) Interagency coordinationIn support of its responsibilities under subsection (b), the Office of Pest Management Policy shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal and State agencies. (d) OutreachThe Office of Pest Management Policy shall consult with agricultural producers that may be affected by pest management or pesticide-related activities or actions of the Department or other agencies as necessary in carrying out the Office’s responsibilities under this section. (e) DirectorThe Office of Pest Management Policy shall be under the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary. (f) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

7 U.S.C. § 7654 Food Safety Research Information Office

(a) EstablishmentThe Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a Food Safety Research Information Office at the National Agricultural Library. (b) PurposeThe Office shall provide to the research community and the general public information on publicly funded, and to the maximum extent practicable, privately funded food safety research initiatives for the purpose of—(1) preventing unintended duplication of food safety research; and (2) assisting the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government and private research entities to assess food safety research needs and priorities. (c) CooperationThe Office shall carry out this section in cooperation with the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public institutions, and, on a voluntary basis, private research entities.

7 U.S.C. § 7655 Safe food handling education

The Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to develop a national program of safe food handling education for adults and young people to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. The national program shall be suitable for adoption and implementation through State cooperative extension services and school-based education programs.

7 U.S.C. § 7655a Food safety education initiatives

(a) Initiative authorizedThe Secretary may carry out a food safety education program to educate the public and persons in the fresh produce industry about—(1) scientifically proven practices for reducing microbial pathogens on fresh produce; and (2) methods of reducing the threat of cross-contamination of fresh produce through sanitary handling practices. (b) CooperationThe Secretary may carry out the education program in cooperation with public and private partners. (c) Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023, to remain available until expended.

7 U.S.C. § 7655b Forestry products advanced utilization research

(a) EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish a forestry and forestry products research and extension initiative to develop and disseminate science-based tools that address the needs of the forestry sector and their respective regions, forest and timberland owners and managers, and forestry products engineering, manufacturing, and related interests. (b) ActivitiesThe initiative described in subsection (a) shall include the following activities:(1) Research conducted for purposes of—(A) wood quality improvement with respect to lumber strength and grade yield; (B) the development of novel engineered lumber products and renewable energy from wood; and (C) enhancing the longevity, sustainability, and profitability of timberland through sound management and utilization. (2) Demonstration activities and technology transfer to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products. (3) Projects designed to improve—(A) forestry products, lumber, and evaluation standards and valuation techniques; (B) lumber quality and value-based, on-forest management techniques; and (C) forestry products conversion and manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including forestry product marketing). (c) Grants(1) In generalThe Secretary shall make competitive grants to carry out the activities described in subsection (b). (2) PrioritiesIn making grants under this section, the Secretary shall give higher priority to activities that are carried out by entities that—(A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, or multidisciplinary; (B) have explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers, forestry industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public; and (C) have—(i) extensive history and demonstrated experience in forestry and forestry products research; (ii) existing capacity in forestry products research and dissemination; and (iii) a demonstrated means of evaluating and responding to the needs of the related commercial sector. (3) AdministrationIn making grants under this section, the Secretary shall follow the requirements of paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of section 3157 of this title. (4) TermThe term of a grant made under this section may not exceed 10 years. (d) CoordinationThe Secretary shall ensure that any activities carried out under this section are carried out in coordination with the Forest Service, including the Forest Products Laboratory, and other appropriate agencies of the Department. (e) ReportThe Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate describing, for the period covered by the report—(1) the research that has been conducted under paragraph (2) of subsection (b); (2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and (3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building and wood promotion. (f) Authorization of appropriations(1) In generalThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023. (2) Matching fundsTo the extent practicable, the Secretary shall match any funds made available under paragraph (1) with funds made available under section 1646 of title 16.

7 U.S.C. § 7655c Clarification of research and development program for wood building construction

(a) In generalThe Secretary shall conduct performance-driven research and development, education, and technical assistance for the purpose of facilitating the use of innovative wood products in wood building construction in the United States. (b) ActivitiesIn carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—(1) after receipt of input and guidance from, and collaboration with, the wood products industry, conservation organizations, and institutions of higher education, conduct research and development, education, and technical assistance at the Forest Products Laboratory or through the State and Private Forestry deputy area that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c); and (2) after coordination and collaboration with the wood products industry and conservation organizations, make competitive grants to institutions of higher education to conduct research and development, education, and technical assistance that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c). (c) PrioritiesThe research and development, education, and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall give priority to—(1) ways to improve the commercialization of innovative wood products; (2) analyzing the safety of tall wood building materials; (3) calculations by the Forest Products Laboratory of the lifecycle environmental footprint, from extraction of raw materials through the manufacturing process, of tall wood building construction; (4) analyzing methods to reduce the lifecycle environmental footprint of tall wood building construction; (5) analyzing the potential implications of the use of innovative wood products in building construction on wildlife; and (6) 1 or more other research areas identified by the Secretary, in consultation with conservation organizations, institutions of higher education, and the wood products industry. (d) TimeframeTo the maximum extent practicable, the measurable performance goals for the research and development, education, and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall be achievable within a 5-year timeframe.

7 U.S.C. § 7655d Wood innovation grant program

(a) DefinitionsIn this section:(1) Eligible entityThe term “eligible entity” means—(A) an individual; (B) a public or private entity (including a center of excellence that consists of 1 or more partnerships between forestry, engineering, architecture, or business schools at 1 or more institutions of higher education); or (C) a State, local, or Tribal government. (2) SecretaryThe term “Secretary” means the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. (b) Grant program(1) In generalThe Secretary, in carrying out the wood innovation grant program of the Secretary described in the notice of the Secretary entitled “Request for Proposals: 2016 Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity” (80 Fed. Reg. 63498 (October 20, 2015)), may make a wood innovation grant to 1 or more eligible entities each year for the purpose of advancing the use of innovative wood products. (2) ProposalsTo be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Incentivizing use of existing milling capacityIn selecting among proposals of eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill facilities located in counties in which the average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the previous calendar year. (d) Matching requirementAs a condition of receiving a grant under subsection (b), an eligible entity shall provide funds equal to the amount received by the eligible entity under the grant, to be derived from non-Federal sources.

7 U.S.C. § 7656 Designation of Crisis Management Team within Department

(a) Designation of Crisis Management TeamThe Secretary of Agriculture shall designate a Crisis Management Team within the Department of Agriculture, which shall be—(1) composed of senior departmental personnel with strong subject matter expertise selected from each relevant agency of the Department; and (2) headed by a team leader with management and communications skills. (b) Duties of Crisis Management TeamThe Crisis Management Team shall be responsible for the following:(1) Developing a Department-wide crisis management plan, taking into account similar plans developed by other government agencies and other large organizations, and developing written procedures for the implementation of the crisis management plan. (2) Conducting periodic reviews and revisions of the crisis management plan and procedures developed under paragraph (1). (3) Ensuring compliance with crisis management procedures by personnel of the Department and ensuring that appropriate Department personnel are familiar with the crisis management plan and procedures and are encouraged to bring information regarding crises or potential crises to the attention of members of the Crisis Management Team. (4) Coordinating the Department’s information gathering and dissemination activities concerning issues managed by the Crisis Management Team. (5) Ensuring that Department spokespersons convey accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information regarding crises or potential crises that can be easily understood by the general public. (6) Cooperating with, and coordinating among, other Federal agencies, States, local governments, industry, and public interest groups, Department activities regarding a crisis. (c) Role in prioritizing certain researchThe Crisis Management Team shall cooperate with the Advisory Board in the prioritization of agricultural research conducted or funded by the Department regarding animal health, natural disasters, food safety, and other agricultural issues. (d) Cooperative agreementsThe Secretary shall seek to enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal departments and agencies that have related programs or activities to help ensure consistent, accurate, and coordinated dissemination of information throughout the executive branch in the event of a crisis, such as, in the case of a threat to human health from food-borne pathogens, developing a rapid and coordinated response among the Department, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and Drug Administration.

7 U.S.C. § 7657 Senior Scientific Research Service

(a) In generalThere is established in the Department of Agriculture the Senior Scientific Research Service (referred to in this section as the “Service”). (b) Members(1) In generalSubject to paragraphs (2) through (4), the Secretary shall appoint the members of the Service. (2) QualificationsTo be eligible for appointment to the Service, an individual shall—(A) have conducted outstanding research in the field of agriculture or forestry; (B) have earned a doctoral level degree at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20); and (C) meet qualification standards prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for appointment to a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule. (3) NumberNot more than 100 individuals may serve as members of the Service at any 1 time. (4) Other requirements(A) In generalSubject to subparagraph (B) and subsection (d)(2), the Secretary may appoint and employ a member of the Service without regard to—(i) the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service; (ii) the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 5 relating to retention preference; (iii) the provisions of chapter 43 of title 5 relating to performance appraisal and performance actions; (iv) the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates; and (v) the provisions of chapter 75 of title 5 relating to adverse actions. (B) ExceptionA member of the Service appointed and employed by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall have the same right of appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board and the same right to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel as an employee appointed to a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule. (c) Performance appraisal systemThe Secretary shall develop a performance appraisal system for members of the Service that is designed to—(1) provide for the systematic appraisal of the employment performance of the members; and (2) encourage excellence in employment performance by the members. (d) Compensation(1) In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall determine the compensation of members of the Service. (2) LimitationsThe rate of pay for a member of the Service shall—(A) not be less than the minimum rate payable for a position at level GS–15 of the General Schedule; and (B) not be more than the rate payable for a position at level I of the Executive Schedule, unless the rate is approved by the President under section 5377(d)(2) of title 5. (e) Retirement contributions(1) In generalOn the request of a member of the Service who was an employee of an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) immediately prior to appointment as a member of the Service and who retains the right to continue to make contributions to the retirement system of the institution, the Secretary may contribute an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the basic pay of the member to the retirement system of the institution on behalf of the member. (2) Federal retirement system(A) In generalSubject to subparagraph (B), a member for whom a contribution is made under paragraph (1) shall not, as a result of serving as a member of the Service, be covered by, or earn service credit under, chapter 83 or 84 of title 5. (B) Annual leaveService of a member of the Service described in subparagraph (A) shall be creditable for determining years of service under section 6303(a) of title 5. (f) Involuntary separation(1) In generalSubject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, in the case of an individual who is separated from the Service involuntarily and without cause—(A) the Secretary may appoint the individual to a position in the competitive civil service at level GS–15 of the General Schedule; and (B) the appointment shall be a career appointment. (2) Excepted civil serviceIn the case of an individual described in paragraph (1) who immediately prior to appointment as a member of the Service was not a career appointee in the civil service or the Senior Executive Service, the appointment of the individual under paragraph (1)—(A) shall be to the excepted civil service; and (B) may not exceed a period of 2 years.

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