
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 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 2002.

(Pub. L. 105-185, title IV, Sec. 402, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 566.)
