[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 17 (Friday, February 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1135-S1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1997

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, I ask the Chair lay before the Senate a 
message from the House of Representatives on the bill (S. 1150) to 
ensure that federally funded agricultural research, extension, and 
education address high-priority concerns with national multistate 
significance, to reform, extend, and eliminate certain agricultural 
research programs, and for other purposes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Gregg) laid before the Senate the 
following message from the House of Representatives:

       Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 1150) entitled 
     ``An Act to ensure that federally funded agricultural 
     research, extension, and education address high-priority 
     concerns with national or multistate significance, to reform, 
     extend, and eliminate certain agricultural research programs, 
     and for other purposes'', do pass with the following 
     amendment:
       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the 
     ``Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
     Reauthorization Act of 1997''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

TITLE I--COORDINATION, PLANNING, AND DEFINITIONS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

Sec. 101. Priorities and management principles for federally supported 
              and conducted agricultural research, education, and 
              extension.
Sec. 102. Principal definitions regarding agricultural research, 
              education, and extension.
Sec. 103. Consultation with National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
              Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 104. Relevance and merit of federally funded agricultural 
              research, extension, and education.
Sec. 105. Expansion of authority to enter into cost-reimbursable 
              agreements.
Sec. 106. Evaluation and assessment of agricultural research, 
              extension, and education programs.

    TITLE II--REFORM OF EXISTING RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
                              AUTHORITIES

           Subtitle A--Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

Sec. 201. Adoption of short titles for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 
              1887.
Sec. 202. Consistent matching funds requirements under Hatch Act of 
              1887 and Smith-Lever Act.
Sec. 203. Plans of work to address critical research and extension 
              issues and use of protocols to measure success of plans.

  Subtitle B--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                           Policy Act of 1977

Sec. 211. Plans of work for 1890 land-grant colleges to address 
              critical research and extension issues and use of 
              protocols to measure success of plans.
Sec. 212. Matching funds requirement for research and extension 
              activities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including 
              Tuskegee University.
Sec. 213. International research, extension, and teaching.
Sec. 214. Task force on 10-year strategic plan for agricultural 
              research facilities.

   Subtitle C--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

Sec. 231. Agricultural genome initiative.

                Subtitle D--National Research Initiative

Sec. 241. Waiver of matching requirement for certain small colleges and 
              universities.

                    Subtitle E--Other Existing Laws

Sec. 251. Findings, authorities, and competitive research grants under 
              Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 
              1978.

 TITLE III--EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
                              INITIATIVES

                         Subtitle A--Extensions

Sec. 301. National Research Initiative under Competitive, Special, and 
              Facilities Research Grant Act.
Sec. 302. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 303. Education grants programs for Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 304. General authorization for agricultural research programs.
Sec. 305. General authorization for extension education.
Sec. 306. Grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences 
              education.
Sec. 307. Grants for research on the production and marketing of 
              alcohols and industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural 
              commodities and forest products.
Sec. 308. Policy research centers.
Sec. 309. Human nutrition intervention and health promotion research 
              program.
Sec. 310. Pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural 
              research.
Sec. 311. Food and nutrition education program.
Sec. 312. Animal health and disease continuing research.
Sec. 313. Animal health and disease national or regional research.
Sec. 314. Grant program to upgrade agricultural and food sciences 
              facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges.
Sec. 315. National research and training centennial centers.
Sec. 316. Supplemental and alternative crops research.
Sec. 317. Aquaculture research and extension.
Sec. 318. Rangeland research.
Sec. 319. Federal agricultural research facilities.
Sec. 320. Water quality research, education, and coordination.
Sec. 321. National genetics resources program.
Sec. 322. Agricultural telecommunications program.
Sec. 323. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 324. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.
Sec. 325. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.

                          Subtitle B--Repeals

Sec. 341. Aquaculture research facilities.
Sec. 342. Agricultural research program under National Agricultural 
              Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments 
              of 1981.
Sec. 343. Livestock product safety and inspection program.
Sec. 344. Generic authorization of appropriations.

      TITLE IV--NEW RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES

 Subtitle A--Partnerships for High-Value Agricultural Product Quality 
                               Research.

Sec. 401. Definitions.
Sec. 402. Establishment and characteristics of partnerships.
Sec. 403. Elements of grant making process.
Sec. 404. Authorization of appropriations and related provisions.

                   Subtitle B--Precision Agriculture

Sec. 411. Definitions.
Sec. 412. Competitive grants to promote precision agriculture.
Sec. 413. Reservation of funds for education and information 
              dissemination projects.
Sec. 414. Precision agriculture partnerships.
Sec. 415. Miscellaneous provisions.
Sec. 416. Authorization of appropriations.

                     Subtitle C--Other Initiatives

Sec. 421. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 422. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 423. United States-Mexico joint agricultural research.
Sec. 424. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and 
              education programs.
Sec. 425. Food animal residue avoidance database program.
Sec. 426. Development and commercialization of new biobased products.
Sec. 427. Thomas Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification.
Sec. 428. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
              grants program.
Sec. 429. Research grants under Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status 
              Act of 1994.

                   TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 501. Role of Secretary of Agriculture regarding food and 
              agricultural sciences research, education, and extension.
Sec. 502. Office of Pest Management Policy.
Sec. 503. Food Safety Research Information Office and national 
              conference.
Sec. 504. Nutrient composition data.
Sec. 505. Availability of funds received or collected on behalf of 
              National Arboretum.
Sec. 506. Retention and use of Agricultural Research Service patent 
              culture collection fees.
Sec. 507. Reimbursement of expenses incurred under Sheep Promotion, 
              Research, and Information Act of 1994.
Sec. 508. Designation of Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural 
              Research Center, Weslaco, Texas.
Sec. 509. Sense of Congress regarding Agricultural Research Service 
              emphasis on in field research regarding methyl bromide 
              alternatives.
Sec. 510. Sense of Congress regarding importance of school-based 
              agricultural education.
Sec. 511. Sense of Congress regarding designation of Department Crisis 
              Management Team.

[[Page S1136]]

TITLE I--COORDINATION, PLANNING, AND DEFINITIONS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

     SEC. 101. PRIORITIES AND MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES FOR FEDERALLY 
                   SUPPORTED AND CONDUCTED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION.

       (a) Priority Setting Process.--Section 1402 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) Purposes.--'' before ``The 
     purposes''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Priority Setting Process.--Consistent with subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall establish priorities for 
     agricultural research, extension, and education activities 
     conducted or funded by the Department. In establishing such 
     priorities, the Secretary shall solicit and consider input 
     and recommendations from the Advisory Board and persons who 
     conduct or use agricultural research, extension, or 
     education.''.
       (b) Management Principles.--Such section is further amended 
     by adding after subsection (b), as added by subsection 
     (a)(2), the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Management Principles.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that agricultural 
     research, education, and extension activities conducted or 
     funded by the Department are accomplished in a manner that--
       ``(1) integrates agricultural research, education, and 
     extension functions to better link research to technology 
     transfer and information dissemination activities;
       ``(2) encourages multi-State and multi-institutional 
     programs to address relevant issues of common concern and to 
     better leverage scarce resources; and
       ``(3) achieves agricultural research, education, and 
     extension objectives through multi-institutional and 
     multifunctional approaches and by conducting research at 
     facilities and institutions best equipped to achieve those 
     objectives.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The heading of such section is 
     amended by inserting ``, PRIORITIES, AND MANAGEMENT 
     PRINCIPLES'' after ``PURPOSES''.

     SEC. 102. PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION.

       (a) Food and Agricultural Sciences.--Paragraph (8) of 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(8) Food and agricultural sciences.--The term `food and 
     agricultural sciences' means basic, applied, and 
     developmental research, extension, and teaching activities in 
     food and fiber, agricultural, renewable natural resources, 
     forestry, and physical and social sciences, including (but 
     not limited to) activities relating to the following:
       ``(A) Animal health, production, and well-being.
       ``(B) Plant health and production.
       ``(C) Animal and plant germ plasm collection and 
     preservation.
       ``(D) Aquaculture.
       ``(E) Food safety.
       ``(F) Soil and water conservation and improvement.
       ``(G) Forestry, horticulture, and range management.
       ``(H) Nutritional sciences and promotion.
       ``(I) Farm enhancement, including financial management, 
     input efficiency, and profitability.
       ``(J) Home economics.
       ``(K) Rural human ecology.
       ``(L) Youth development and agricultural education, 
     including 4-H.
       ``(M) Expansion of domestic and international markets for 
     agricultural commodities and products, including agricultural 
     trade barrier identification and comprehension.
       ``(N) Information management and technology transfer 
     related to agriculture.
       ``(O) Biotechnology related to agriculture.''.
       (b) References to Teaching or Education.--Paragraph (14) of 
     such section is amended by striking ``the term `teaching' 
     means'' and inserting ``Teaching and education.--The terms 
     `teaching' and `education' mean''.
       (c) Application of Definitions to Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Education.--Such section is further amended by 
     striking the section heading and all that follows through the 
     matter preceding paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1404. PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION.

       ``When used in this title or any other law relating to any 
     research, extension, or education activities of the 
     Department of Agriculture regarding the food and agricultural 
     sciences (unless the context requires otherwise):''.
       (d) In-Kind Support.--Such section is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(18) In-kind support.--The term `in-kind support', with 
     regard to a requirement that the recipient of funds provided 
     by the Secretary match all or some portion of the amount of 
     the funds, means contributions such as office space, 
     equipment, and staff support.''.
       (e) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``the term'' in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), 
     (5), (6), (7), (10) through (13), and (15), (16), and (17) 
     and inserting ``The term'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``the terms'' and 
     inserting ``The terms'';
       (3) in paragraph (9), by striking ``the term'' the first 
     place it appears and inserting ``The term'';
       (4) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraphs (1) 
     through (7) and (9) through (15) and inserting a period; and
       (5) in paragraph (16)(F), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period.

     SEC. 103. CONSULTATION WITH NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS ADVISORY 
                   BOARD.

       Subsection (d) of section 1408 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3123) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) Consultation.--
       ``(1) As affecting advisory board.--In carrying out this 
     section, the Advisory Board shall solicit opinions and 
     recommendations from persons who will benefit from and use 
     federally funded agricultural research, extension, education, 
     and economics.
       ``(2) As affecting secretary.--To comply with a provision 
     of this title or any other law that requires the Secretary to 
     consult or cooperate with the Advisory Board or that 
     authorizes the Advisory Board to submit recommendations to 
     the Secretary, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) solicit the written opinions and recommendations of 
     the Advisory Board; and
       ``(B) provide a written response to the Advisory Board 
     regarding the manner and extent to which the Secretary will 
     implement recommendations submitted by the Advisory Board.''.

     SEC. 104. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   EDUCATION.

       (a) Review of Relevance and Merit.--Subtitle K of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting before section 
     1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311) the following new section:

     ``SEC. 1461. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   EDUCATION.

       ``(a) Review of Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
     Extension Service.--
       ``(1) Peer review of research grants.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures that provide for scientific peer review 
     of each agricultural research grant administered, on a 
     competitive basis, by the Cooperative State Research, 
     Education, and Extension Service of the Department.
       ``(2) Merit review of extension and education.--The 
     Secretary shall establish procedures that provide for merit 
     review of each agricultural extension or education grant 
     administered, on a competitive basis, by the Cooperative 
     State Research, Education, and Extension Service. The 
     Secretary shall consult with the Advisory Board in 
     establishing such merit review procedures.
       ``(b) Requests for Proposals: Request and Consideration of 
     Input.--When formulating a request for proposals involving an 
     agricultural research, extension, or education activity to be 
     funded by the Secretary on a competitive basis, the Secretary 
     shall solicit and consider input from the Advisory Board and 
     users of agricultural research, extension, and education 
     regarding the request for proposals for the preceding year. 
     If an agricultural research, extension, or education activity 
     has not been the subject of a previous request for proposals, 
     the Secretary shall solicit and consider input from the 
     Advisory Board and users of agricultural research, extension, 
     and education before publication of the first request for 
     proposals regarding the activity.
       ``(c) Scientific Peer Review of Agricultural Research.--
       ``(1) Peer review procedures.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures that ensure scientific peer review of 
     all research activities conducted by the Department of 
     Agriculture.
       ``(2) Review panel required.--As part of the procedures 
     established under paragraph (1), a review panel shall verify, 
     at least once every three years, that each research activity 
     of the Department and research conducted under each research 
     program of the Department have scientific merit and 
     relevance. If the research activity or program to be reviewed 
     is included in the research, educational, and economics 
     mission area of the Department, the review panel shall 
     consider--
       ``(A) the scientific merit and relevance of the activity or 
     research in light of the priorities established pursuant to 
     section 1402(b) ; and
       ``(B) the national or multi-State significance of the 
     activity or research.
       ``(3) Composition of review panel.--A review panel shall be 
     composed of individuals with scientific expertise, a majority 
     of whom are not employees of the agency whose research is 
     being reviewed. To the extent possible, the Secretary shall 
     use scientists from colleges and universities to serve on the 
     review panels.
       ``(4) Submission of results.--The results of the panel 
     reviews shall be submitted to the Advisory Board.
       ``(5) Applicability of other laws.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and title XVIII of this Act (7 
     U.S.C. 2281 et seq.) shall not apply to a review panel.
       ``(d) Merit Review of College and University Research and 
     Extension Activities.--
       ``(1) Land-grant institutions.--Effective beginning October 
     1, 1998, to be eligible to obtain agricultural research or 
     extension funds from the Secretary for an activity, a land-
     grant college or university shall--
       ``(A) establish a process for merit review of the activity; 
     and
       ``(B) review the activity in accordance with the process.
       ``(2) 1994 institutions.--Effective beginning October 1, 
     1998, to obtain agricultural extension

[[Page S1137]]

     funds from the Secretary for an activity, each 1994 
     Institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in 
     Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-
     382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)) shall--
       ``(A) establish a process for merit review of the activity; 
     and
       ``(B) review the activity in accordance with the 
     process.''.
       (b) Repeal of Provisions for Withholding Funds.--
       (1) Smith-lever act.--Section 6 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 346) is repealed.
       (2) Hatch act of 1887.--Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887 
     (7 U.S.C. 361g) is amended by striking the last paragraph.
       (3) National agricultural research, extension, and teaching 
     policy act of 1977.--The National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended--
       (A) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)--
       (i) by striking subsection (f); and
       (ii) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f);
       (B) in section 1445(g) (7 U.S.C. 3222(g)), by striking 
     paragraph (3); and
       (C) by striking section 1468 (7 U.S.C. 3314).

     SEC. 105. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO COST-
                   REIMBURSABLE AGREEMENTS.

       Section 1473A of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319a) 
     is amended in the first sentence by inserting ``or other 
     colleges and universities'' after ``institutions''.

     SEC. 106. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct a performance 
     evaluation to determine whether agricultural research, 
     extension, and education programs conducted or funded by the 
     Department of Agriculture result in public benefits that have 
     national or multi-State significance.
       (b) Guidelines for Performance Measurement.--The Secretary 
     shall develop practical guidelines for measuring the 
     performance of agricultural research, extension and education 
     programs evaluated under subsection (a).
    TITLE II--REFORM OF EXISTING RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
                              AUTHORITIES
           Subtitle A--Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

     SEC. 201. ADOPTION OF SHORT TITLES FOR SMITH-LEVER ACT AND 
                   HATCH ACT OF 1887.

       (a) Smith-Lever Act.--The Act of May 8, 1914 (commonly 
     known as the Smith-Lever Act; 7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 11. SHORT TITLE.

       ``This Act may be cited as the `Smith-Lever Act'.''.
       (b) Hatch Act of 1887.--The Act of March 2, 1887 (commonly 
     known as the Hatch Act of 1887; 7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.), is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 10. SHORT TITLE.

       ``This Act may be cited as the `Hatch Act of 1887'.''.
       (c) Coordination With Other Amendments.--For purposes of 
     executing amendments made by provisions of this Act (other 
     than this section), this section shall be treated as having 
     been enacted immediately before the other provisions of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 202. CONSISTENT MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENTS UNDER HATCH 
                   ACT OF 1887 AND SMITH-LEVER ACT.

       (a) Hatch Act of 1887.--Subsection (d) of section 3 of the 
     Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(d) Matching Funds.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), no 
     allotment shall be made to a State under subsections (b) and 
     (c), and no payments of such allotment shall be made to a 
     State, in excess of the amount which the State makes 
     available out of non-Federal funds for agricultural research 
     and for the establishment and maintenance of facilities for 
     the performance of such research.
       ``(2) Failure to provide matching funds.--If a State fails 
     to comply with the requirement to provide matching funds for 
     a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall withhold from payment to the State for that 
     fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between--
       ``(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to the 
     State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount of 
     matching funds were provided by the State); and
       ``(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided by the 
     State.
       ``(3) Reapportionment.--The Secretary shall reapportion 
     amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a fiscal year among 
     the States satisfying the matching requirement for that 
     fiscal year. Any reapportionment of funds under this 
     paragraph shall be subject to the matching requirement 
     specified in paragraph (1).
       ``(4) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to funds 
     provided to a State from the Regional research fund, State 
     agricultural experiment stations.''.
       (b) Smith-Lever Act.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 343) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)2, by striking ``That payments'' and 
     all that follows through ``Provided further,''; and
       (2) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the 
     following new subsections:
       ``(e) Matching Funds.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--No allotment shall be made to a State 
     under subsections (b) and (c), and no payments of such 
     allotment shall be made to a State, in excess of the amount 
     which the State makes available out of non-Federal funds for 
     cooperative extension work.
       ``(2) Failure to provide matching funds.--If a State fails 
     to comply with the requirement to provide matching funds for 
     a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall withhold from payment to the State for that 
     fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between--
       ``(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to the 
     State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount of 
     matching funds were provided by the State); and
       ``(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided by the 
     State.
       ``(3) Reapportionment.--The Secretary shall reapportion 
     amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a fiscal year among 
     the States satisfying the matching requirement for that 
     fiscal year. Any reapportionment of funds under this 
     paragraph shall be subject to the matching requirement 
     specified in paragraph (1).
       ``(f) Matching Funds Exception for 1994 Institutions.--
     There shall be no matching requirement for funds made 
     available to 1994 Institutions pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(3).''.
       (c) Technical Corrections.--
       (1) Recognition of statehood of alaska and hawaii.--Section 
     1 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a) is amended by 
     striking ``Alaska, Hawaii,''.
       (2) Role of secretary of agriculture.--Section 3 of the 
     Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``Federal Extension 
     Service'' and inserting ``Secretary of Agriculture'';
       (B) in subsection (c)1, by striking ``Federal Extension 
     Service'' and inserting ``Secretary of Agriculture'';
       (C) in subsection (d), by striking ``Federal Extension 
     Service'' and inserting ``Secretary of Agriculture''; and
       (D) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``through the Federal 
     Extension Service''.
       (3) References to regional research fund.--The Hatch Act of 
     1887 is amended--
       (A) in section 3 (7 U.S.C. 361c)--
       (i) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``subsection 
     3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)3''; and
       (ii) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection 3(c)3'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (c)3''; and
       (B) in section 5 (7 U.S.C. 361e), by striking ``regional 
     research fund authorized by subsection 3(c)(3)'' and 
     inserting ``Regional research fund, State agricultural 
     experiment stations''.

     SEC. 203. PLANS OF WORK TO ADDRESS CRITICAL RESEARCH AND 
                   EXTENSION ISSUES AND USE OF PROTOCOLS TO 
                   MEASURE SUCCESS OF PLANS.

       (a) Smith-Lever Act.--Section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 344) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Sec. 4.'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 4. ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT OF STATE TO FUNDS, 
                   TIME AND MANNER OF PAYMENT, STATE REPORTING 
                   REQUIREMENTS, AND PLANS FOR WORK.

       ``(a) Ascertainment of Entitlement.--'';
       (2) in the last sentence, by striking ``Such sums'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(b) Time and Manner of Payment; Related Reports.--The 
     amount to which a State is entitled''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(c) Requirements Related to Plan of Work.--Each extension 
     plan of work for a State required under subsection (a) shall 
     contain descriptions of the following:
       ``(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned 
     extension programs and projects targeted to address such 
     issues.
       ``(2) The process established to consult with extension 
     users regarding the identification of critical agricultural 
     issues in the State and the development of extension programs 
     and projects targeted to address such issues.
       ``(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with 
     other colleges and universities within the State and other 
     States that have unique capacity to address the identified 
     agricultural issues in the State and current and emerging 
     efforts to work with these other institutions and States.
       ``(4) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(5) The education and outreach programs already underway 
     to convey currently available research results that are 
     pertinent to a critical agricultural issue, including efforts 
     to encourage multi-county cooperation in the dissemination of 
     research results.
       ``(d) Extension Protocols.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of 
     multi-State, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary 
     extension activities and joint research and extension 
     activities in addressing critical agricultural issues 
     identified in the plans of work submitted under subsection 
     (a). The Secretary shall develop the protocols in 
     consultation with the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board and land-
     grant colleges and universities.
       ``(e) Treatment of Plans of Work for Other Purposes.--To 
     the extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider plans of 
     work submitted under subsection (a) to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (b) Hatch Act of 1887.--Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887 
     (7 U.S.C. 361g), as amended by section 104(b), is further 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``Sec. 7.'' and inserting the following:

[[Page S1138]]

     ``SEC. 7. DUTIES OF SECRETARY, ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT 
                   OF STATE TO FUNDS, AND PLANS FOR WORK.

       ``(a) Duties of Secretary.--'';
       (2) by striking ``On or before'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Ascertainment of Entitlement.--On or before'';
       (3) by striking ``Whenever it shall appear'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(c) Effect of Failure to Expend Full Allotment.--Whenever 
     it shall appear''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(d) Plan of Work Required.--Before funds may be provided 
     to a State under this Act for any fiscal year, plans for the 
     work to be carried on under this Act shall be submitted by 
     the proper officials of the State and approved by the 
     Secretary of Agriculture.
       ``(e) Requirements Related to Plan of Work.--Each research 
     plan of work for a State required under subsection (d) shall 
     contain descriptions of the following:
       ``(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned 
     research programs and projects targeted to address such 
     issues.
       ``(2) The process established to consult with users of 
     agricultural research regarding the identification of 
     critical agricultural issues in the State and the development 
     of research programs and projects targeted to address such 
     issues.
       ``(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with 
     other colleges and universities within the State and other 
     States that have unique capacity to address the identified 
     agricultural issues in the State and current and emerging 
     efforts (including regional efforts) to work with these other 
     institutions and States.
       ``(4) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(f) Research Protocols.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of 
     multi-State, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary 
     research activities and joint research and extension 
     activities in addressing critical agricultural issues 
     identified in the plans of work submitted under subsection 
     (d). The Secretary shall develop the protocols in 
     consultation with the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board and land-
     grant colleges and universities.
       ``(g) Treatment of Plans of Work for Other Purposes.--To 
     the extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider plans of 
     work submitted under subsection (d) to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     take effect on October 1, 1998.
       (2) Delayed applicability.--With respect to a particular 
     State, the Secretary of Agriculture may delay the 
     applicability of the requirements imposed by the amendments 
     made by this section until not later than October 1, 1999, if 
     the Secretary finds that the State will be unable to meet 
     such requirements by October 1, 1998, despite the good faith 
     efforts of the State.
  Subtitle B--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                           Policy Act of 1977

     SEC. 211. PLANS OF WORK FOR 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES TO 
                   ADDRESS CRITICAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ISSUES 
                   AND USE OF PROTOCOLS TO MEASURE SUCCESS OF 
                   PLANS.

       (a) Extension At 1890 Institutions.--Section 1444(d) of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(d)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Ascertainment of Entitlement to Funds; Time and 
     Manner of Payment; State Reporting Requirements; and Plans 
     for Work.--
       ``(1) Ascertainment of entitlement.--'';
       (2) in the last sentence, by striking ``Such sums'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Time and manner of payment; related reports.--The 
     amount to which an eligible institution is entitled''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(3) Requirements related to plan of work.--Each extension 
     plan of work for an eligible institution required under this 
     section shall contain descriptions of the following:
       ``(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible 
     institution is located and the current and planned extension 
     programs and projects targeted to address such issues.
       ``(B) The process established to consult with extension 
     users regarding the identification of critical agricultural 
     issues in the State and the development of extension programs 
     and projects targeted to address such issues.
       ``(C) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with 
     other colleges and universities within the State and other 
     States that have unique capacity to address the identified 
     agricultural issues in the State and current and emerging 
     efforts (including regional research efforts) to work with 
     these other institutions and States.
       ``(D) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(E) The education and outreach programs already underway 
     to convey currently available research results that are 
     pertinent to a critical agricultural issue, including efforts 
     to encourage multi-county cooperation in the dissemination of 
     research results.
       ``(4) Extension protocols.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of 
     multi-State, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary 
     extension activities and joint research and extension 
     activities in addressing critical agricultural issues 
     identified in the plans of work submitted under this section. 
     The Secretary shall develop the protocols in consultation 
     with the Advisory Board and land-grant colleges and 
     universities.
       ``(5) Treatment of plans of work for other purposes.--To 
     the extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider plans of 
     work submitted under this section to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (b) Agricultural Research At 1890 Institutions.--Section 
     1445(c) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 3222(c)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(c)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Program and Plans for Work.--
       ``(1) Initial comprehensive program of agricultural 
     research.--''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(2) Plan of work required.--Before funds may be provided 
     to an eligible institution under this section for any fiscal 
     year, plans for the work to be carried on under this section 
     shall be submitted by the research director specified in 
     subsection (d) and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture.
       ``(3) Requirements related to plan of work.--Each research 
     plan of work required under paragraph (2) shall contain 
     descriptions of the following:
       ``(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible 
     institution is located and the current and planned research 
     programs and projects targeted to address such issues.
       ``(B) The process established to consult with users of 
     agricultural research regarding the identification of 
     critical agricultural issues in the State and the development 
     of research programs and projects targeted to address such 
     issues.
       ``(C) Other colleges and universities in the State and 
     other States that have unique capacity to address the 
     identified agricultural issues in the State.
       ``(D) The current and emerging efforts to work with these 
     other institutions and States to build on each other's 
     experience and take advantage of each institution's unique 
     capacities.
       ``(E) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(4) Research protocols.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of 
     multi-State, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary 
     research activities and joint research and extension 
     activities in addressing critical agricultural issues 
     identified in the plans of work submitted under paragraph 
     (2). The Secretary shall develop the protocols in 
     consultation with the Advisory Board and land-grant colleges 
     and universities.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall 
     take effect on October 1, 1998.
       (2) Delayed applicability.--With respect to a particular 
     eligible institution (as described in sections 1444(a) and 
     1445(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(a), 3222(a))), the 
     Secretary of Agriculture may delay the applicability of the 
     requirements imposed by the amendments made by this section 
     until not later than October 1, 1999, if the Secretary finds 
     that the eligible institution will be unable to meet such 
     requirements by October 1, 1998, despite the good faith 
     efforts of the eligible institution.

     SEC. 212. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND 
                   EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
                   COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

       (a) Imposition of Requirement.--Subtitle G of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 is amended by inserting after section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 
     3222c) the following new section:

     ``SEC. 1449. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND 
                   EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
     institution' means a college eligible to receive funds under 
     the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) (commonly 
     known as the Second Morrill Act), including Tuskegee 
     University.
       ``(2) Formula funds.--The term `formula funds' means the 
     formula allocation funds distributed to eligible institutions 
     under sections 1444 and 1445.
       ``(b) Determination of Non-Federal Sources of Funds.--Not 
     later than September 30, 1999, each eligible institution 
     shall submit to the Secretary a report describing for fiscal 
     year 1999 the sources of non-Federal funds available to the 
     eligible institution and the amount of funds generally 
     available from each such source.
       ``(c) Matching Formula.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this subtitle, the distribution of formula funds 
     to an eligible institution shall be subject to the following 
     matching requirements:
       ``(1) In fiscal year 2000, the institution shall provide 
     matching funds from non-Federal

[[Page S1139]]

     sources in an amount equal to not less than 30 percent of the 
     formula funds to be distributed to the eligible institution.
       ``(2) In fiscal year 2001, the institution shall provide 
     matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to 
     not less than 45 percent of the formula funds to be 
     distributed to the eligible institution.
       ``(3) In fiscal year 2002, and each fiscal year thereafter, 
     the institution shall provide matching funds from non-Federal 
     sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the 
     formula funds to be distributed to the eligible institution.
       ``(d) Limited Waiver Authority.--Notwithstanding subsection 
     (f), the Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement 
     under subsection (c)(1) for fiscal year 2000 if the Secretary 
     determines with regard to a particular eligible institution, 
     based on the report received under subsection (b), that the 
     eligible institution will be unlikely to satisfy the matching 
     requirement. The waiver of the matching requirements for 
     subsequent fiscal years is not permitted.
       ``(e) Use of Matching Funds.--Under terms and conditions 
     established by the Secretary, matching funds provided as 
     required by subsection (c) may be used by an eligible 
     institution for research, education, and extension 
     activities.
       ``(f) Redistribution of Funds.--Federal funds that are not 
     matched by an eligible institution in accordance with 
     subsection (c) for a fiscal year shall be redistributed by 
     the Secretary to eligible institutions satisfying the 
     matching funds requirement for that fiscal year. Any 
     redistribution of funds under this subsection shall be 
     subject to the applicable matching requirement specified in 
     subsection (c) and shall be made in a manner consistent with 
     sections 1444 and 1445, as determined by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1445(g) of such Act (7 
     U.S.C. 3222(g)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).
       (c) References to Tuskegee University.--Such Act is further 
     amended--
       (1) in section 1404 (7 U.S.C. 3103), by striking ``Tuskegee 
     Institute'' in paragraphs (10) and (16)(B) and inserting 
     ``Tuskegee University'';
       (2) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)--
       (A) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 1444.'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1444. EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING 
                   TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.''; AND

       (B) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``Tuskegee 
     Institute'' both places it appears and inserting ``Tuskegee 
     University''; and
       (3) in section 1445 (7 U.S.C. 3222)--
       (A) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 1445.'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1445. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
                   COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.''; AND

       (B) in subsections (a) and (b)(2)(B), by striking 
     ``Tuskegee Institute'' both places it appears and inserting 
     ``Tuskegee University''.

     SEC. 213. INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING.

       (a) Inclusion of Teaching.--Section 1458 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``RESEARCH AND 
     EXTENSION'' and inserting ``RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
     TEACHING'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``related research and extension'' and 
     inserting ``related research, extension, and teaching''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``research and 
     extension on'' and inserting ``research, extension, and 
     teaching activities addressing'';
       (B) in paragraphs (2) and (6), by striking ``education'' 
     and inserting ``teaching'';
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``scientists and 
     experts'' and inserting ``science and education experts'';
       (D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``teaching,'' after 
     ``development,'';
       (E) in paragraph (7), by striking ``research and extension 
     that is'' and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching 
     programs''; and
       (F) in paragraph (8), by striking ``research capabilities'' 
     and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching 
     capabilities''; and
       (3) in subsection (b), by striking ``counterpart agencies'' 
     and inserting ``counterpart research, extension, and teaching 
     agencies''.
       (b) Full Payment of Funds Made Available for Certain 
     Binational Project.--Such section is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d) Full Payment of Funds Made Available for Certain 
     Binational Projects.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the full amount of any funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available to carry out cooperative projects under the 
     arrangement entered into between the Secretary and the 
     Government of Israel to support the Israel-United States 
     Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund shall 
     be paid directly to the Fund.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The subtitle heading of subtitle 
     I of title XIV of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291 et 
     seq.) is amended to read as follows:
    ``Subtitle I--International Research, Extension, and Teaching''.

     SEC. 214. TASK FORCE ON 10-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       (a) Transfer of Existing Provision.--Section 4 of the 
     Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b)--
       (1) is transferred to the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et 
     seq.);
       (2) is redesignated as section 1473B;
       (3) is inserted after section 1473A of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319a); and
       (4) is amended in subsection (f), by striking 
     ``Notwithstanding section 2(1), in'' and inserting ``In''.
       (b) Conforming Repeal.--The Research Facilities Act (7 
     U.S.C. 390 et seq.) is repealed.
   Subtitle C--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

     SEC. 231. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

       (a) Establishment and Purpose of Initiative.--Section 1671 
     of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     (7 U.S.C. 5924) is amended by striking the section heading 
     and subsection (a) and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1671. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     conduct a research initiative for the purpose of--
       ``(1) supporting basic and applied research and technology 
     development in the area of genome structure and function in 
     support of agriculturally important species, with a 
     particular focus on research projects that will yield 
     scientifically important results that will enhance the 
     usefulness of many agriculturally important species;
       ``(2) studying and mapping agriculturally significant genes 
     to achieve sustainable and secure agricultural production;
       ``(3) ensuring that current gaps in existing agricultural 
     genetics knowledge are filled;
       ``(4) identifying and developing a functional understanding 
     of genes responsible for economically important traits in 
     agriculturally important species, including emerging plant 
     and animal diseases causing economic hardship;
       ``(5) ensuring the future genetic improvement of 
     agriculturally important species;
       ``(6) supporting the preservation of diverse germplasm; and
       ``(7) ensuring the preservation of biodiversity to maintain 
     access to genes that may be of importance in the future.''.
       (b) Competitive Grants.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
     amended by striking ``subsection (c)'' and inserting 
     ``subsection (a)''.
       (c) Grant Types and Process; Prohibition on Construction.--
     Subsection (c) of such section is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Grant Types and Process; Prohibition on 
     Construction.--Paragraphs (6), (7), and (11) of subsection 
     (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
     Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the 
     making of grants under this section.''.
       (d) Matching Funds.--Subsection (d) of such section is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) Matching of Funds.--
       ``(1) General requirement.--If a grant under this section 
     is to the particular benefit of a specific agricultural 
     commodity, the Secretary shall require the recipient of the 
     grant to provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount 
     of funds provided by the Secretary in the grant.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a 
     research project if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, deals with 
     scientifically important research, and the grant recipient 
     would be unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (g) of 
     such section is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1996 and 
     1997'' and inserting ``fiscal years 1998 through 2002''.
                Subtitle D--National Research Initiative

     SEC. 241. WAIVER OF MATCHING REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN SMALL 
                   COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

       Subsection (b)(8)(B) of the Competitive, Special, and 
     Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``the cost'' and inserting ``the cost of''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The 
     Secretary may waive all or a portion of the matching 
     requirement under this subparagraph in the case of a smaller 
     college or university (as described in subsection 
     (c)(2)(C)(ii) of section 793 of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 2204f)) if the 
     equipment to be acquired costs not more than $25,000 and has 
     multiple uses within a single research project or is usable 
     in more than one research project.''.
                    Subtitle E--Other Existing Laws

     SEC. 251. FINDINGS, AUTHORITIES, AND COMPETITIVE RESEARCH 
                   GRANTS UNDER FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE 
                   RESOURCES RESEARCH ACT OF 1978.

       (a) Findings.--Section 2 of the Forest and Rangeland 
     Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641) is 
     amended by striking ``Sec. 2.'' and subsection (a) and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       ``(1) Forests and rangelands, and the resources of forests 
     and rangelands, are of strategic economic and ecological 
     importance to the United States, and the Federal Government 
     has an important and substantial role in ensuring the 
     continued health, productivity, and sustainability of the 
     Nation's forests and rangelands.
       ``(2) Over 75 percent of the productive commercial forest 
     land in the United States is in private ownership, with some 
     60 percent owned by small nonindustrial private owners. These

[[Page S1140]]

     10,000,000 nonindustrial private owners are critical to 
     providing both commodity and noncommodity values to the 
     citizens of the United States.
       ``(3) The National Forest System manages only 17 percent of 
     the Nation's commercial timberlands, with over half of the 
     standing softwoods inventory located on those lands. Dramatic 
     changes in Federal agency policy during the early 1990's have 
     significantly curtailed the management of this vast timber 
     resource, causing abrupt shifts in the supply of timber from 
     public to private ownership. As a result of these shifts in 
     supply, some 60 percent of total wood production in the 
     United States is now coming from private forest lands in the 
     southern United States.
       ``(4) At the same time that pressures are building for the 
     removal of even more land from commercial production, the 
     Federal Government is significantly reducing its commitment 
     to productivity-related research regarding forests and 
     rangelands, which is critically needed by the private sector 
     for the sustained management of remaining available timber 
     and forage resources for the benefit of all species.
       ``(5) Uncertainty over the availability of the United 
     States timber supply, increasing regulatory burdens, and the 
     lack of Federal Government support for research is causing 
     domestic wood and paper producers to move outside the United 
     States to find reliable sources of wood supplies, which in 
     turns results in a worsening of the United States trade 
     balance, the loss of employment and infrastructure 
     investments, and an increased risk of infestations of exotic 
     pests and diseases from imported wood products.
       ``(6) Wood and paper producers in the United States are 
     being challenged not only by shifts in Government policy, but 
     also by international competition from tropical countries 
     where growth rates of trees far exceed those in the United 
     States. Wood production per acre will need to quadruple from 
     1996 levels for the United States forestry sector to remain 
     internationally competitive on an ever decreasing forest land 
     base.
       ``(7) Better and more frequent forest inventorying and 
     analysis is necessary to identify productivity-related 
     forestry research needs and to provide forest managers with 
     the current data necessary to make timely and effective 
     management decisions.''.
       (b) High Priority Forestry Research and Education.--
     Subsection (d) of section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland 
     Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) High Priority Forestry and Rangelands Research and 
     Education.--The Secretary may conduct, support, and cooperate 
     in forestry and rangelands research and education that is of 
     the highest priority to the United States and to users of 
     public and private forest lands and rangelands in the United 
     States. Such research and education priorities include the 
     following:
       ``(1) The biology of forest organisms and rangeland 
     organisms.
       ``(2) Functional characteristics and cost-effective 
     management of forest and rangeland ecosystems.
       ``(3) Interactions between humans and forests and 
     rangelands.
       ``(4) Wood and forage as a raw material.
       ``(5) International trade, competition, and cooperation.''.
       (c) Forest Inventory and Analysis.--Section 3 of the Forest 
     and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 
     U.S.C. 1642) is amended by adding at the end the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(e) Forest Inventory and Analysis.--
       ``(1) Program required.--In compliance with existing 
     statutory authority, the Secretary shall establish a program 
     to inventory and analyze, in a timely manner, public and 
     private forests and their resources in the United States.
       ``(2) Annual state inventory.--Not later than the end of 
     each full fiscal year beginning after the date of the 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall prepare for 
     each State, in cooperation with the State forester for the 
     State, an inventory of forests and their resources in the 
     State. For purposes of preparing the inventory for a State, 
     the Secretary shall measure annually 20 percent of all sample 
     plots that are included in the inventory program for that 
     State. Upon completion of the inventory for a year, the 
     Secretary shall make available to the public a compilation of 
     all data collected for that year from measurements of sample 
     plots as well as any analysis made of such samples.
       ``(3) Five-year reports.--At intervals not greater than 
     every five full fiscal years after the date of the enactment 
     of this subsection, the Secretary shall prepare, publish, and 
     make available to the public a report, prepared in 
     cooperation with State foresters, that--
       ``(A) contains a description of each State inventory of 
     forests and their resources, incorporating all sample plot 
     measurements conducted during the five years covered by the 
     report;
       ``(B) displays and analyzes on a nationwide basis the 
     results of the annual reports required by paragraph (2); and
       ``(C) contains an analysis of forest health conditions and 
     trends over the previous two decades, with an emphasis on 
     such conditions and trends during the period subsequent to 
     the immediately preceding report under this paragraph.
       ``(4) National standards and definitions.--To ensure 
     uniform and consistent data collection for all public and 
     private forest ownerships and each State, the Secretary shall 
     develop, in consultation with State foresters and Federal 
     land management agencies not under the jurisdiction of the 
     Secretary, and publish national standards and definitions to 
     be applied in inventorying and analyzing forests and their 
     resources under this subsection. The standards shall include 
     a core set of variables to be measured on all sample plots 
     under paragraph (2) and a standard set of tables to be 
     included in the reports under paragraph (3).
       ``(5) Protection for private property rights.--The 
     Secretary shall obtain written authorization from property 
     owners prior to collecting data from sample plots located on 
     private property pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3).
       ``(6) Strategic plan.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     prepare and submit to Congress a strategic plan to implement 
     and carry out this subsection, including the annual updates 
     required by paragraph (2) and the reports require by 
     paragraph (3), that shall describe in detail--
       ``(A) the financial resources required to implement and 
     carry out this subsection, including the identification of 
     any resources required in excess of the amounts provided for 
     forest inventorying and analysis in recent appropriations 
     Acts;
       ``(B) the personnel necessary to implement and carry out 
     this subsection, including any personnel in addition to 
     personnel currently performing inventorying and analysis 
     functions;
       ``(C) the organization and procedures necessary to 
     implement and carry out this subsection, including proposed 
     coordination with Federal land management agencies and State 
     foresters;
       ``(D) the schedules for annual sample plot measurements in 
     each State inventory required by paragraph (2) within the 
     first five-year interval after the date of the enactment of 
     this subsection;
       ``(E) the core set of variables to be measured in each 
     sample plot under paragraph (2) and the standard set of 
     tables to be used in each State and national report under 
     paragraph (3); and
       ``(F) the process for employing, in coordination with the 
     Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, remote sensing, global positioning systems, 
     and other advanced technologies to carry out this subsection, 
     and the subsequent use of such technologies.''.
       (d) Forestry and Rangelands Competitive Research Grants.--
     Section 5 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
     Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 16442) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 5.'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 5. FORESTRY AND RANGELANDS COMPETITIVE RESEARCH 
                   GRANTS.

       ``(a) Competitive Grant Authority.--''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(b) Emphasis on Certain High Priority Forestry 
     Research.--The Secretary may use up to five percent of the 
     amounts made available for research under section 3 to make 
     competitive grants regarding forestry research in the high 
     priority research areas identified in section 3(d).
       ``(c) Emphasis on Certain High Priority Rangelands 
     Research.--The Secretary may use up to five percent of the 
     amounts made available for research under section 3 to make 
     competitive grants regarding rangelands research in the high 
     priority research areas identified in section 3(d).
       ``(d) Priorities.--In making grants under subsections (b) 
     and (c), the Secretary shall give priority to research 
     proposals in which--
       ``(1) the proposed research will be collaborative research 
     organized through a center of scientific excellence;
       ``(2) the applicant agrees to provide matching funds (in 
     the form of direct funding or in-kind support) in an amount 
     equal to not less than 50 percent of the grant amount; and
       ``(3) the proposed research will be conducted as part of an 
     existing private and public partnership or cooperative 
     research effort and involves several interested research 
     partners.''.
 TITLE III--EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
                              INITIATIVES
                         Subtitle A--Extensions

     SEC. 301. NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE UNDER COMPETITIVE, 
                   SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH GRANT ACT.

       Subsection (b)(10) of the Competitive, Special, and 
     Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(10)) is 
     amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 302. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 
                   1994.

       Sections 533(b) and 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-
     Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 
     note) are amended by striking ``2000'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 303. EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAMS FOR HISPANIC-SERVING 
                   INSTITUTIONS.

       Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) 
     is amended by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting 
     ``each of the fiscal years 1997 through 2002''.

     SEC. 304. GENERAL AUTHORIZATION FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 
                   PROGRAMS.

       Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is 
     amended in subsections (a) and (b) by striking ``1997'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 305. GENERAL AUTHORIZATION FOR EXTENSION EDUCATION.

       Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is 
     amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 306. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL 
                   SCIENCES EDUCATION.

       Section 1417(j) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act

[[Page S1141]]

     of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(j)) is amended by striking ``1997'' 
     and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 307. GRANTS FOR RESEARCH ON THE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING 
                   OF ALCOHOLS AND INDUSTRIAL HYDROCARBONS FROM 
                   AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND FOREST PRODUCTS.

       Section 1419(d) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3154(d)) 
     is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 308. POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

       Section 1419A(d) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(d)) 
     is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1996 and 1997'' and 
     inserting ``each of fiscal years 1996 through 2002''.

     SEC. 309. HUMAN NUTRITION INTERVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 
                   RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       Section 1424(d) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174(d)) 
     is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1996 and 1997'' and 
     inserting ``each of fiscal years 1996 through 2002''.

     SEC. 310. PILOT RESEARCH PROGRAM TO COMBINE MEDICAL AND 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

       Section 1424A(d) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3174a(d)) is amended by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and 
     inserting ``each of fiscal years 1997 through 2002''.

     SEC. 311. FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       Section 1425(c)(3) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3175(c)(3)) is amended by striking ``and 1997'' and inserting 
     ``through 2002''.

     SEC. 312. ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE CONTINUING RESEARCH.

       Section 1433(a) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195(a)) 
     is amended in the first sentence by striking ``1997'' and 
     inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 313. ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE NATIONAL OR REGIONAL 
                   RESEARCH.

       Section 1434(a) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196(a)) 
     is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 314. GRANT PROGRAM TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD 
                   SCIENCES FACILITIES AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
                   COLLEGES.

       Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3222b(b)) is amended by striking ``and 1997'' and inserting 
     ``through 2002''.

     SEC. 315. NATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTENNIAL CENTERS.

       Section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``and 1997'' and 
     inserting ``through 2002''; and
       (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``1997'' and inserting 
     ``2002''.

     SEC. 316. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS RESEARCH.

       Section 1473D(a) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3319d(a)) is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting 
     ``2002''.

     SEC. 317. AQUACULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

       Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324) is 
     amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 318. RANGELAND RESEARCH.

       Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) 
     is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 319. FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (Public 
     Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1566) is amended by striking ``1997'' 
     and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 320. WATER QUALITY RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND 
                   COORDINATION.

       Section 1481(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5501(d)) is amended by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 321. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.

       Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)) is amended by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 322. AGRICULTURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM.

       Section 1673(h) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926(h)) is amended by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 323. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

       Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(6)(B), by striking ``1997'' and 
     inserting ``2002''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``1997'' and 
     inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 324. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.

       Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.

     SEC. 325. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.

       Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 
     U.S.C. 178n(a)) is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting 
     ``2002''.
                          Subtitle B--Repeals

     SEC. 341. AQUACULTURE RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       Section 1476 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3323) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 342. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROGRAM UNDER NATIONAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING 
                   POLICY ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1981.

       Subsection (b) of section 1432 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 
     1981 (Public Law 97-98; 7 U.S.C. 3222 note) is repealed.

     SEC. 343. LIVESTOCK PRODUCT SAFETY AND INSPECTION PROGRAM.

       Section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5923) is repealed.

     SEC. 344. GENERIC AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Sections 897 and 898 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement 
     and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 1184) 
     are repealed.
      TITLE IV--NEW RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES
 Subtitle A--Partnerships for High-Value Agricultural Product Quality 
                                Research

     SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.

       For the purposes of this subtitle:
       (1) Eligible partnership.--The term ``eligible 
     partnership'' means a partnership consisting of a land-grant 
     college or university and other entities specified in 
     paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of section 402 that satisfies 
     the eligibility criteria contained in such subsection.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.

     SEC. 402. ESTABLISHMENT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTNERSHIPS.

       (a) Establishment by Grant.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to an 
     eligible partnership to coordinate and manage research and 
     extension activities to enhance the quality of high-value 
     agricultural products.
       (2) Awarding of grants.--Grants under paragraph (1) shall 
     be awarded on a competitive basis.
       (b) 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.
       (c) 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, competitive analysis; and
       (7) research to facilitate diversified, value-added 
     enterprises in rural areas.

     SEC. 403. ELEMENTS OF GRANT MAKING PROCESS.

       (a) Period of Grant.--The Secretary may award a grant under 
     this subtitle for a period not to exceed five years.
       (b) Preferences.--In making grants under this subtitle, the 
     Secretary shall give preference to proposals that--
       (1) demonstrate linkages with--
       (A) agencies of the Department of Agriculture;
       (B) other related Federal research laboratories and 
     agencies;
       (C) colleges and universities; and
       (D) private industry; and
       (2) guarantee matching funds in excess of the amounts 
     required by subsection (c).
       (c) 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 under this subtitle.
       (d) Limitation on Use of Grant Funds.--Funds provided under 
     this subtitle may not be used for the planning, repair, 
     rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or 
     facility.

     SEC. 404. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AND RELATED 
                   PROVISIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such

[[Page S1142]]

     funds as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle for each 
     of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002.
       (b) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--Not more than four 
     percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this subtitle 
     may be retained by the Secretary to pay administrative costs 
     incurred by the Secretary to carry out this subtitle.
                   Subtitle B--Precision Agriculture

     SEC. 411. DEFINITIONS.

       For purposes of this subtitle:
       (1) Precision agriculture.--The term ``precision 
     agriculture'' means an integrated information- and 
     production-based farming system that is designed to increase 
     long-term, site specific and whole farm production 
     efficiencies, productivity, and profitability while 
     minimizing unintended impacts on wildlife and the environment 
     by--
       (A) combining agricultural sciences, agricultural inputs 
     and practices, agronomic production databases, and precision 
     agriculture technologies to efficiently manage agronomic and 
     livestock production systems;
       (B) gathering on-farm information pertaining to the 
     variation and interaction of site-specific spatial and 
     temporal factors affecting crop and livestock production;
       (C) integrating such information with appropriate data 
     derived from field scouting, remote sensing, and other 
     precision agriculture technologies in a timely manner in 
     order to facilitate on-farm decisionmaking; or
       (D) using such information to prescribe and deliver site-
     specific application of agricultural inputs and management 
     practices in agricultural production systems.
       (2) Precision agriculture technologies.--The term 
     ``precision agriculture technologies'' includes--
       (A) instrumentation and techniques ranging from 
     sophisticated sensors and software systems to manual sampling 
     and data collection tools that measure, record, and manage 
     spatial and temporal data;
       (B) technologies for searching out and assembling 
     information necessary for sound agricultural production 
     decision making;
       (C) open systems technologies for data networking and 
     processing that produce valued systems for farm management 
     decisionmaking; or
       (D) machines that deliver information based management 
     practices.
       (3) Advisory board.--The term ``Advisory Board'' means the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
     Economics Advisory Board established under section 1408 of 
     the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123).
       (4) Agricultural inputs.--The term ``agricultural inputs'' 
     includes all farm management, agronomic, and field applied 
     agricultural production inputs, such as machinery, labor, 
     time, fuel, irrigation water, commercial nutrients, feed 
     stuffs, veterinary drugs and vaccines, livestock waste, crop 
     protection chemicals, agronomic data and information, 
     application and management services, seed, and other inputs 
     used in agriculture production.
       (5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a State agricultural experiment station;
       (B) a college or university;
       (C) a research institution or organization;
       (D) a Federal or State government entity or agency;
       (E) a national laboratory;
       (F) a private organization or corporation;
       (G) an agricultural producer or other land manager; or
       (H) a precision agriculture partnership referred to in 
     section 414.
       (6) Systems research.--The term ``systems research'' means 
     an integrated, coordinated, and iterative investigative 
     process, which considers the multiple interacting components 
     and aspects of precision agriculture systems, including 
     synthesis of new knowledge regarding the physical-chemical-
     biological processes and complex interactions with cropping, 
     livestock production practices, and natural resource systems, 
     precision agriculture technologies development and 
     implementation, data and information collection and 
     interpretation, production scale planning, production-scale 
     implementation, and farm production efficiencies, 
     productivity, and profitability.

     SEC. 412. COMPETITIVE GRANTS TO PROMOTE PRECISION 
                   AGRICULTURE.

       (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
     make competitive grants, for periods not to exceed five 
     years, to eligible entities to conduct research, education, 
     or information dissemination projects for the development and 
     advancement of precision agriculture. Such grants shall be 
     limited to those projects that the Secretary determines are 
     unlikely to be financed by the private sector in the absence 
     of a grant under this section. The Secretary shall make such 
     grants in consultation with the Advisory Board.
       (b) Purpose of Projects.--Research, education, or 
     information dissemination projects supported by a grant under 
     subsection (a) shall address one or more of the following:
       (1) The study and promotion of components of precision 
     agriculture technologies using a systems research approach 
     that would increase long-term, site-specified and whole farm 
     production efficiencies, productivity, profitability.
       (2) The improvement in the understanding of agronomic 
     systems, including, soil, water, land cover (including 
     grazing lands), pest management systems, and meteorological 
     variability.
       (3) The provision of training and educational programs for 
     State cooperative extension services agents, and other 
     professionals involved in the agricultural production and 
     transfer of integrated precision agriculture technology.
       (4) The development, demonstration, and dissemination of 
     information regarding precision agriculture technologies and 
     systems and the potential benefits of precision agriculture 
     as it relates to increased long-term farm production 
     efficiencies, productivity, profitability, and the 
     maintenance of the environment, and improvements in 
     international trade into an integrated program to educate 
     agricultural producers and consumers, including family owned 
     and operated farms.
       (c) Grant Priorities.--In making grants to eligible 
     entities under subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation 
     with the Advisory Board, shall give priority to research, 
     education, or information dissemination projects designed to 
     accomplish the following:
       (1) Evaluate the use of precision agriculture technologies 
     using a systems research approach to increase long-term site-
     specific and whole farm production efficiencies, 
     productivity, profitability.
       (2) Integrate research, education, and information 
     dissemination components in a practical and readily available 
     manner so that the findings of the project will be made 
     readily usable by farmers.
       (3) Demonstrate the efficient use of agricultural inputs, 
     rather than the uniform reduction in the use of agricultural 
     inputs.
       (4) Maximize the involvement and cooperation of precision 
     agriculture producers, certified crop advisers, State 
     cooperative extension services agents, agricultural input 
     machinery, product and service providers, nonprofit 
     organizations, agribusiness, veterinarians, land-grant 
     colleges and universities, and Federal agencies in precision 
     agriculture systems research projects involving on-farm 
     research, education, and information dissemination of 
     precision agriculture.
       (5) Maximize collaboration with multiple agencies and other 
     partners that include leveraging of funds and resources.
       (d) Matching Funds.--The amount of a grant under this 
     section to an eligible entity (other than a Federal agency) 
     may not exceed the amount which the eligible entity makes 
     available out of non-Federal funds for precision agriculture 
     research and for the establishment and maintenance of 
     facilities necessary for conducting precision agriculture 
     research.

     SEC. 413. RESERVATION OF FUNDS FOR EDUCATION AND INFORMATION 
                   DISSEMINATION PROJECTS.

       Of the funds made available for grants under section 412, 
     the Secretary of Agriculture shall reserve a portion of such 
     funds for grants for projects regarding precision agriculture 
     related to education or information dissemination.

     SEC. 414. PRECISION AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIPS.

       In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary of 
     Agriculture, in consultation with the Advisory Board, shall 
     encourage the establishment of appropriate multi-state and 
     national partnerships or consortia between--
       (1) land-grant colleges and universities, State 
     agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension 
     services, other colleges and universities with demonstrable 
     expertise regarding precision agriculture, agencies of the 
     Department of Agriculture, national laboratories, 
     agribusinesses, agricultural equipment and input 
     manufacturers and retailers, certified crop advisers, 
     commodity organizations, veterinaries, other Federal or State 
     government entities and agencies, or nonagricultural 
     industries and nonprofit organizations with demonstrable 
     expertise regarding precision agriculture; and
       (2) agricultural producers or other land managers.

     SEC. 415. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

       (a) Prohibition on Use of Funds for Certain Purposes.--The 
     Secretary of Agriculture may not make a grant under section 
     412 for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or 
     construction of a building or facility.
       (b) Application of Other Laws.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and title XVIII of the Food and 
     Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2281 et seq.) shall not 
     apply to a panel or board created for the purpose of 
     reviewing applications or proposals submitted under this 
     subtitle.

     SEC. 416. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle 
     $40,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002.
       (b) Administrative Costs.--Not more than 3 percent of the 
     amount appropriated under this subtitle may be retained by 
     the Secretary to pay the administrative costs incurred by the 
     Secretary in carrying out this subtitle.
       (c) Availability of Funds.--Funds made available under 
     paragraph (a) shall be available for obligation for a two-
     year period beginning on October 1 of the fiscal year for 
     which the funds are made available.
                     Subtitle C--Other Initiatives

     SEC. 421. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

       Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 1672. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVES.

       ``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants 
     Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation 
     with the National Agricultural Research, Education, 
     Extension, and Economics Advisory Board, may make competitive 
     grants to support research and extension activities in the 
     high-priority research and extension areas specified in 
     subsection (e).
       ``(b) Grant Types and Process; Prohibition on 
     Construction.--Paragraphs (6), (7), and (11) of subsection 
     (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
     Grant Act (7 U.S.C.

[[Page S1143]]

     450i) shall apply with respect to the making of grants under 
     this section.
       ``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant under this section to provide funds or 
     in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount at 
     least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.
       ``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with 
     respect to a research project if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, deals with 
     scientifically important research, and the grant recipient 
     would be unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
       ``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of 
     a peer review process for grant proposals received under this 
     section, the Secretary may give priority to those grant 
     proposals found to be scientifically meritorious that involve 
     the cooperation of multiple institutions.
       ``(e) High-Priority Research and Extension Areas.--
       ``(1) Brown citrus aphid and citrus tristeza virus research 
     and extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
     under this section for the purpose of--
       ``(A) developing methods to control or eradicate the brown 
     citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus from citrus crops 
     grown in the United States; or
       ``(B) adapting citrus crops grown in the United States to 
     the brown citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus.
       ``(2) Ethanol research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of carrying on or enhancing research on ethanol 
     derived from agricultural crops as an alternative fuel 
     source.
       ``(3) Aflatoxin research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of identifying and controlling aflatoxin in the food 
     and feed chains.
       ``(4) Mesquite research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing enhanced production methods and 
     commercial uses of mesquite.
       ``(5) Prickly pear research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of investigating enhanced genetic selection and 
     processing techniques of prickly pears.
       ``(6) Deer tick ecology research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of studying the population ecology of deer ticks and 
     other insects and pests which transmit Lyme disease.
       ``(7) Red meat safety research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing--
       ``(A) intervention strategies that reduce microbial 
     contamination on carcass surfaces;
       ``(B) microbiological mapping of carcass surfaces; and
       ``(C) model hazard analysis and critical control point 
     plans.
       ``(8) Grain sorghum ergot research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing techniques for the eradication of 
     sorghum ergot.
       ``(9) Animal waste and odor management research and 
     extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under 
     this section for the purpose of--
       ``(A) identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating innovative 
     technologies for animal waste management and odor control; 
     and
       ``(B) conducting information workshops to disseminate the 
     results of such research.
       ``(10) Fire ant research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of control, management, and eradication of fire ants.
       ``(11) Wheat scab research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section to a 
     consortium of land-grant colleges and universities for the 
     purpose of understanding and combating diseases of wheat and 
     barley caused by Fusarium graminearum and related fungi 
     (commonly known as wheat scab).
       ``(12) Peanut market enhancement research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of evaluating the economics of applying 
     innovative technologies for peanut processing in a commercial 
     environment.
       ``(13) 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.
       ``(14) Cotton research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of improving pest management, fiber quality 
     enhancement, economic assessment, textile production, and 
     optimized production systems for short staple cotton.
       ``(15) Methyl bromide research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of--
       ``(A) developing and evaluating chemical and nonchemical 
     alternatives, and use and emission reduction strategies, for 
     pre-planting and post-harvest uses of methyl bromide; and
       ``(B) transferring the results of such research for 
     agricultural producer use.
       ``(16) Water quality and aquatic ecosystem research and 
     extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under 
     this section for the purpose of investigating the impact on 
     aquatic food webs, especially commercially important aquatic 
     species and their habitats, of microorganisms of the genus 
     Pfiesteria and other microorganisms that are a threat to 
     human or animal health.
       ``(17) 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 
     which 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.
       ``(18) Wood utilization research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing new uses for wood from underutilized 
     tree species as well as investigating methods of modifying 
     wood and wood fibers to produce better building materials.
       ``(19) Low-bush blueberry research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of evaluating methods of propagating and developing 
     low-bush blueberry as a marketable crop.
       ``(20) Formosan termite eradication research and 
     extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under 
     this section for the purpose of--
       ``(A) conducting research for the control, management, and 
     possible eradication of Formosan termites in the United 
     States; and
       ``(B) collecting data on the effectiveness of research 
     projects conducted under this paragraph.
       ``(21) Swine waste management and odor control research and 
     extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under 
     this section for the purpose of investigating the 
     microbiology of swine waste and developing improved methods 
     to effectively manage air and water quality in animal 
     husbandry.
       ``(22) Wetlands utilization research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of better utilizing wetlands in diverse ways 
     to provide various economic, agricultural, and environmental 
     benefits.
       ``(23) Wild pampas grass control and eradication research 
     and extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
     under this section for the purpose of control, management, 
     and eradication of wild pampas grass.
       ``(24) Pathogen detection and limitation research and 
     extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under 
     this section for the purpose of identifying advanced 
     detection and processing methods to limit the presence of 
     pathogens, including hepatitis A and E. coli 0157:H7, in 
     domestic and imported foods.
       ``(25) 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 financial risk management strategies for 
     agricultural producers and for cooperatives and other 
     processors and marketers of any agricultural commodity.
       ``(26) Ornamental tropical fish research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of meeting the needs of commercial producers 
     of ornamental tropical fish and aquatic plants for 
     improvements in the areas of fish reproduction, health, 
     nutrition, predator control, water use, water quality 
     control, and farming technology.
       ``(27) Sheep scrapie research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of investigating the genetic aspects of scrapie in 
     sheep.
       ``(28) Animal waste management at rural/urban interfaces.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating 
     innovative technologies to be used for animal waste 
     management (including odor control) in rural areas adjacent 
     to urban or suburban areas in connection with waste 
     management activities undertaken in urban or suburban areas.
       ``(29) Gypsy moth research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing biological control, management, and 
     eradication methods against nonnative insects, including 
     Lymantria dispar (commonly known as the Gypsy Moth), that 
     contribute to significant agricultural, economical, or 
     environmental harm.
       ``(30) Dairy efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness 
     research and extension.--Research and extension grants may be 
     made under this section for the purpose of improving the 
     efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness of dairy 
     production on farms that are heavily dependent on 
     manufacturing uses of milk.
       ``(31) Animal feed research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of maximizing nutrition management for livestock, 
     while limiting risks, such as mineral bypass, associated with 
     livestock feeding practices.
       ``(32) Forestry research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section to develop 
     and distribute new, high-quality, science-based information 
     for the purpose of improving the long-term productivity of 
     forest resources and contributing to forest-based economic 
     development by addressing such issues as forest land use 
     policies, multiple-use forest management, including wildlife 
     habitat development, improved forest regeneration systems, 
     and timber supply, and improved development, manufacturing, 
     and marketing of forest products.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 
     1998 through 2002 such

[[Page S1144]]

     sums as may be necessary to make grants under this section in 
     each of the high-priority research and extension areas 
     specified in subsection (e).
       ``(g) Use of Task Forces.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--To facilitate the making of research 
     and extension grants under this section in a high-priority 
     research and extension area specified in subsection (e), the 
     Secretary may appoint a task force to make recommendations to 
     the Secretary.
       ``(2) Limitation on costs.--The Secretary may not incur 
     costs in excess of $1,000 in any fiscal year in connection 
     with each task force established under this subsection.
       ``(3) Application of other laws.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and title XVIII of the Food and 
     Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2281 et seq.) shall not 
     apply to a task force established under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 422. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     is amended by inserting after section 1672 (7 U.S.C. 5925) 
     the following new section:

     ``SEC. 1672A. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants 
     Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation 
     with the National Agricultural Research, Education, 
     Extension, and Economics Advisory Board, may make competitive 
     grants to support research and extension activities regarding 
     organically grown and processed agricultural commodities for 
     the purpose of--
       ``(1) facilitating the development of organic agriculture 
     production and processing methods;
       ``(2) evaluating the potential economic benefits to 
     producers and processors who use organic methods; and
       ``(3) exploring international trade opportunities for 
     organically grown and processed agricultural commodities.
       ``(b) Grant Types and Process, Prohibition on 
     Construction.--Paragraphs (6), (7), and (11) of subsection 
     (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
     Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the 
     making of grants under this section.
       ``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant under this section to provide funds or 
     in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount at 
     least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.
       ``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with 
     respect to a research project if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specified agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, deals with 
     scientifically important research, and grant recipient would 
     be unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
       ``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of 
     a peer review process for grant proposals received under this 
     section, the Secretary may give priority to those grant 
     proposals found to be scientifically meritorious that 
     involved the cooperation of multiple institutions.
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 
     1998 through 2002 such sums as may be necessary to make 
     grants under this section.''.

     SEC. 423. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

       Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by 
     inserting after section 1458 (7 U.S.C. 3291) the following 
     new section:

     ``SEC. 1459. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH.

       ``(a) Research and Development Program.--The Secretary may 
     provide for an agricultural research and development program 
     with the United States/Mexico Foundation for Science, which 
     will focus on binational problems facing agricultural 
     producers and consumers in the two countries, in particular 
     pressing problems in the areas of food safety, plant and 
     animal pest control, and the natural resources base on which 
     agriculture depends.
       ``(b) Administration.--Grants under the research and 
     development program shall be awarded competitively through 
     the Foundation.
       ``(c) Matching Requirements.--The provision of funds to the 
     Foundation by the United States Government shall be subject 
     to the condition that the Government of Mexico match, on at 
     least an equal ratio, any funds provided by the United States 
     Government.
       ``(d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Funds provided under 
     this section may not be used for the planning, repair, 
     rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or 
     facility.''.

     SEC. 424. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL 
                   SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291 et 
     seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1459, as added by 
     section 423, the following new section:

     ``SEC. 1459A. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) Competitive Grants Authorized.--The Secretary may 
     make competitive grants to colleges and universities in order 
     to strengthen United States economic competitiveness and to 
     promote international market development.
       ``(b) Purpose of Grants.--Grants under this section shall 
     be directed to agricultural research, extension, and teaching 
     activities that will--
       ``(1) enhance the international content of the curricula in 
     colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States 
     students acquire an understanding of the international 
     dimensions and trade implications of their studies;
       ``(2) ensure that United States scientists, extension 
     agents, and educators involved in agricultural research and 
     development activities outside of the United States have the 
     opportunity to convey the implications of their activities 
     and findings to their peers and students in the United States 
     and to the users of agricultural research, extension, and 
     teaching;
       ``(3) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities 
     to do collaborative research with other countries, in 
     cooperation with other Federal agencies, on issues relevant 
     to United States agricultural competitiveness;
       ``(4) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities 
     to provide cooperative extension education to promote the 
     application of new technology developed in foreign countries 
     to United States agriculture; and
       ``(5) enhance the capability of United States colleges and 
     universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to 
     provide leadership and educational programs that will assist 
     United States natural resources and food production, 
     processing, and distribution businesses and industries to 
     compete internationally, including product market 
     identification, international policies limiting or enhancing 
     market production, development of new or enhancement of 
     existing markets, and production efficiencies.
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary 
     to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 425. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

       (a) Continuation of Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance 
     Database program (referred to in this section as the ``FARAD 
     program'') through appropriate colleges or universities.
       (b) Activities.--In carrying out the FARAD program, the 
     Secretary of Agriculture 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 
     512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 
     360b(a));
       (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) Grants.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation 
     with the National Agricultural Research, Education, 
     Extension, and Economics Advisory Board, may make grants to 
     colleges and universities to operate the FARAD program. The 
     term of a grant shall be three years, with options to extend 
     the term of the grant triennially.

     SEC. 426. DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF NEW BIOBASED 
                   PRODUCTS.

       (a) Biobased Product Defined.--For purposes of this 
     section, the term ``biobased product'' means a product 
     suitable for food or nonfood use that is derived in whole or 
     in part from renewable agricultural and forestry materials.
       (b) Cooperative Agreements for Biobased Products.--The 
     Secretary of Agriculture may enter into cooperative 
     agreements with private entities described in subsection (c), 
     under which the facilities and technical expertise of the 
     Agricultural Research Service may be made available to 
     operate pilot plants and other large-scale preparative 
     facilities for the purpose of bringing technologies necessary 
     for the development and commercialization of new biobased 
     products to the point of practical application. Cooperative 
     activities may include research on potential environmental 
     impacts of a biobased product, methods to reduce the cost of 
     manufacturing a biobased product, and other appropriate 
     research.
       (c) Eligible Partners.--The following entities shall be 
     eligible to enter into a cooperative agreement under this 
     section:
       (1) A party that has entered into a cooperative research 
     and development agreement with the Secretary under section 12 
     of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 
     U.S.C. 3710a).
       (2) A recipient of funding from the Alternative 
     Agricultural Research and Commercialization Corporation 
     established under section 1658 of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5902).
       (3) A recipient of funding from the Biotechnology Research 
     and Development Corporation.
       (4) A recipient of funding from the Secretary under a Small 
     Business Innovation Research Program established under 
     section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).

[[Page S1145]]

       (d) Source of Funds.--To carry out this section, the 
     Secretary may use--
       (1) funds appropriated to carry out this section; and
       (2) funds available for cooperative research and 
     development agreements (as described in subsection (b)).
       (e) Sale of Developed Products.--The Secretary shall 
     authorize the private partner or partners in a cooperative 
     agreement consistent with this section to sell new biobased 
     products produced at a pilot plant under the agreement for 
     the purpose of determining the market potential for the 
     products.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this section.

     SEC. 427. THOMAS JEFFERSON INITIATIVE FOR CROP 
                   DIVERSIFICATION.

       (a) Initiative Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall provide for a research initiative (to be known as the 
     ``Thomas Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification'') for 
     the purpose of conducting research and development, in 
     cooperation with other public and private entities, on the 
     production and marketing of new and nontraditional crops 
     needed to strengthen and diversify the agricultural 
     production base of the United States. The initiative shall 
     include research and education efforts regarding new and 
     nontraditional crops designed--
       (1) to identify and overcome agronomic barriers to 
     profitable production;
       (2) to identify and overcome other production and marketing 
     barriers; and
       (3) to develop processing and utilization technologies for 
     new and nontraditional crops.
       (b) Purposes.--The initiative is established--
       (1) to develop a focused program of research and 
     development at the regional and national level to overcome 
     barriers to development of new crop opportunities for farmers 
     and related value-added enterprise development in rural 
     communities; and
       (2) to ensure a broad-based effort encompassing research, 
     education, market development, and support of entrepreneurial 
     activity leading to increased agricultural diversification.
       (c) Establishment of Initiative.--The Secretary shall 
     coordinate the initiative through a nonprofit center or 
     institute that will coordinate research and education 
     programs in cooperation with other public and private 
     entities. The Secretary shall administer research and 
     education grants made under this section.
       (d) Regional Emphasis.--The Secretary shall support 
     development of multi-State regional efforts in crop 
     diversification. Of funding made available to carry out the 
     initiative, 50 percent shall be used for regional efforts 
     centered at land-grant colleges and universities in order to 
     facilitate site-specific crop development efforts.
       (e) Eligible Grantee.--The Secretary may award funds under 
     this section to colleges or universities, nonprofit 
     organizations, or public agencies.
       (f) Administration.--
       (1) Grants and contracts.--Grants awarded through the 
     initiative shall be selected on a competitive basis. The 
     recipient of a grant may use a portion of the grant funds for 
     standard contracts with private businesses, such as for test 
     processing of a new or nontraditional crop.
       (2) Terms.--The term of a grant awarded through the 
     initiative may not exceed five years.
       (3) Matching funds.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant awarded through the initiative to 
     contribute an amount of funds from non-Federal sources at 
     least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this section.

     SEC. 428. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION 
                   COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.

       (a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to 
     authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an 
     integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
     grant program to provide funding for integrated, multi-
     functional research, education, and extension activities.
       (b) Competitive Grants Authorized.--Subject to the 
     appropriation of funds to carry out this section, the 
     Secretary may award grants to colleges and universities (as 
     defined in section 1404(4) of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3103(4))) on a competitive basis for integrated 
     research, education, and extension projects in accordance 
     with the provisions of this section.
       (c) Criteria for Grants.--Grants under this section shall 
     be awarded to address priorities in United States 
     agriculture, determined by the Secretary in consultation with 
     the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
     Economics Advisory Board, which involve integrated research, 
     education, and extension activities.
       (d) Matching of Funds.--
       (1) General requirement.--If a grant under this section is 
     to the particular benefit of a specific agricultural 
     commodity, the Secretary shall require the recipient of the 
     grant to provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount 
     of funds provided by the Secretary in the grant.
       (2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a 
     grant if the Secretary determines that--
       (A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit 
     to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be 
     applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       (B) the project involves a minor commodity, deals with 
     scientifically important research, and the grant recipient 
     would be unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of 
     the fiscal years 1998 through 2002 to carry out this section.

     SEC. 429. RESEARCH GRANTS UNDER EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-
                   GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994.

       The Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 
     (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section--

     ``SEC. 536. RESEARCH GRANTS.

       ``(a) Research Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture may make grants under this section on the basis 
     of a competitive application process (and in accordance with 
     such regulations that the Secretary may promulgate) to a 1994 
     Institution to assist the 1995 Institution to conduct 
     agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns 
     of tribal, national, or multi-state significance.
       ``(b) Requirements.--Grant applications submitted under 
     this section shall certify that the research to be conducted 
     will be performed under a cooperative agreement with at least 
     one other land-grant college or university (exclusive of 
     another 1994 Institution).
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriation.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002. 
     Amounts appropriated shall remain available until 
     expended.''.
                   TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     SEC. 501. ROLE OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE REGARDING FOOD AND 
                   AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES RESEARCH, EDUCATION, 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.

     SEC. 502. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

       (a) Objective.--The establishment of an Office of Pest 
     Management Policy pursuant to this section is intended 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 Responsibilities.--
     The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish in the 
     Department of Agriculture an Office of Pest Management 
     Policy, which shall be responsible for--
       (1) the development and coordination of Department of 
     Agriculture 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 the Department in fulfilling its 
     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.), or other law; 
     and
       (4) performing such other functions as may be required by 
     law or prescribed by the Secretary.
       (c) Interagency Coordination.--In support of its 
     responsibilities under subsection (a), 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) Outreach.--The 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) Director.--The 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 Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
     this section.

     SEC. 503. FOOD SAFETY RESEARCH INFORMATION OFFICE AND 
                   NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

       (a) Food Safety Research Information Office.--
       (1) Establishment and purpose.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall establish a Food Safety Research 
     Information Office at the National Agricultural Library. The 
     Office shall provide to the research community and the 
     general public information on publicly funded, and to the 
     extent possible, privately funded food safety research 
     initiatives for the purpose of--
       (A) preventing unintended duplication of food safety 
     research; and
       (B) assisting the executive and legislative branches of the 
     Government and private research entities to assess food 
     safety research needs and priorities.
       (2) Cooperation.--The Office shall carry out paragraph (1) 
     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 interests.
       (b) National Conference.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     sponsor a conference to be known as the ``National Conference 
     on Food Safety Research'', for the purpose of beginning the 
     task of food safety research prioritization. The Secretary 
     shall sponsor annual workshops in each of the subsequent four 
     years after the conference so that priorities can be updated 
     or

[[Page S1146]]

     adjusted to reflect changing food safety concerns.
       (c) Food Safety Report.--With regard to the study and 
     report to be prepared by the National Academy of Sciences on 
     the scientific and organizational needs for an effective food 
     safety system, the study shall include recommendations to 
     ensure that the food safety inspection system, within the 
     resources traditionally available to existing food safety 
     agencies, protects the public health.

     SEC. 504. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION DATA.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall update, 
     on a periodic basis, nutrient composition data.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     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.

     SEC. 505. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS RECEIVED OR COLLECTED ON 
                   BEHALF OF NATIONAL ARBORETUM.

       Section 6(b) of the Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 
     196(b)), is amended by striking ``Treasury'' and inserting 
     ``Treasury. Amounts in the special fund shall be available to 
     the Secretary of Agriculture, without further 
     appropriation,''.

     SEC. 506. RETENTION AND USE OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE 
                   PATENT CULTURE COLLECTION FEES.

       All 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. The 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 treaty) 
     with respect to the Patent Culture Collection.

     SEC. 507. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED UNDER SHEEP 
                   PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 
                   1994.

       Using funds available to the Agricultural Marketing 
     Service, the Service may reimburse the American Sheep 
     Industry Association for expenses incurred by American Sheep 
     Industry Association between February 6, 1996, and May 17, 
     1996, in preparation for the implementation of a sheep and 
     wool promotion, research, education, and information order 
     under the Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 
     1994 (7 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.).

     SEC. 508. DESIGNATION OF KIKA DE LA GARZA SUBTROPICAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, WESLACO, TEXAS.

       (a) Designation.--The Federal facilities located at 2413 
     East Highway 83, and 2301 South International Boulevard, in 
     Weslaco, Texas, and known as the Subtropical Agricultural 
     Research Center, shall be known and designated as the ``Kika 
     de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     Federal facilities referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
     deemed to be a reference to the ``Kika de la Garza 
     Subtropical Agricultural Research Center''.

     SEC. 509. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 
                   SERVICE EMPHASIS ON IN FIELD RESEARCH REGARDING 
                   METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES.

       It is the sense of Congress that, of the Agricultural 
     Research Service funds made available for a fiscal year for 
     research regarding the development for agricultural use of 
     alternatives to methyl bromide, the Secretary of Agriculture 
     should use a substantial portion of such funds for research 
     to be conducted in real field conditions, in particular pre-
     planting and post-harvest conditions, so as to expedite the 
     development and commercial use of methyl bromide 
     alternatives.

     SEC. 510. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL-
                   BASED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of 
     Agriculture and the Secretary of Education should collaborate 
     and cooperate in providing both instructional and technical 
     support for school-based agricultural education.

     SEC. 511. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING DESIGNATION OF 
                   DEPARTMENT CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Department of Agriculture plays a crucial role in 
     ensuring that the United States is a world leader in 
     maintaining the most affordable, abundant, wholesome, and 
     safe food supply for its citizens.
       (2) It is in the best interest of consumers, producers, 
     processors, retailers, government officials, and other 
     interested parties to ensure that any crisis that may affect 
     the operation of the Department or the production of a safe 
     and wholesome food supply is addressed in an effective 
     manner.
       (3) Unforeseen circumstances, including natural disaster, 
     personnel management problems, threats to public health, and 
     trade disruptions, have the potential to undermine the 
     operation of the Department and the Nation's ability to 
     efficiently provide a safe, affordable, abundant, and 
     wholesome food supply.
       (4) Department of Agriculture employees, consumer 
     confidence, and the food production sector have been 
     adversely impacted as a result of the challenges associated 
     with Federal agencies' ability to respond to incidents in a 
     coordinated and timely fashion.
       (5) An effective response to crises, emergencies, and 
     similar situations depends upon the timely and efficient 
     coordination of Federal, State, and local government 
     agencies.
       (6) It is in the best interests of the Nation to ensure 
     that whenever a crisis occurs the appropriate Federal 
     agencies coordinate their activities.
       (7) The Department of Agriculture should take the lead in 
     ensuring a safe and wholesome supply of food for the Nation 
     because of its broad and diverse relationship with consumers 
     and the food production sector.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Secretary of Agriculture should--
       (1) designate a Crisis Management Team within the 
     Department of Agriculture, which would be composed of senior 
     departmental personnel with strong subject matter expertise 
     selected from each relevant agency of the Department and 
     would be headed by a team leader with strong management and 
     communications skills;
       (2) upon establishment of such a Crisis Management Team, 
     direct that the Crisis Management Team--
       (A) develop a department-wide crisis management plan, 
     taking into account similar plans developed by other 
     government agencies and other large organizations;
       (B) develop detailed written procedures for implementing 
     the crisis management plan;
       (C) conduct periodic reviews and revisions of the crisis 
     management plan and procedures;
       (D) ensure compliance with crisis management procedures by 
     departmental personnel;
       (E) coordinate the Department's information gathering and 
     dissemination activities concerning issues managed by the 
     Crisis Management Team;
       (F) ensure that all employees of the Department are 
     familiar with the crisis management plan and procedures and 
     are encouraged to bring information regarding crises or 
     potential crises to the attention of team members;
       (G) ensure that departmental spokespersons convey accurate, 
     timely, and scientifically sound information that is easily 
     understood by the target audience; and
       (H) cooperate and coordinate with other Federal agencies, 
     States, local governments, industry, and public interest 
     groups; and
       (3) 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.

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, Senator Hollings and I would like to 
engage the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Lugar, 
as well as the ranking member of that Committee, Senator Harkin, in a 
colloquy on certain provisions of S. 1150, the Agriculture Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997.
  Mr. LUGAR. I would be pleased to join the Senators in a colloquy on 
this subject.
  Mr. HARKIN. I would be happy to participate in the colloquy as well.
  Mr. McCAIN. The Commerce Committee has expressed serious concerns 
about sections of the Senate version of S. 1150 which deal with 
aquaculture and weather activities. These provisions make changes to 
existing law relating to marine and estuarine aquaculture as well as 
federal weather activities, subjects that are within the jurisdiction 
of the Commerce Committee. The Commerce Committee believes that these 
changes are significant and need to be thoroughly reviewed in the 
Commerce Committee before they are enacted. We have therefore requested 
that the Senate Agriculture Committee conferees agree to drop these 
provisions during the conference on S. 1150. I would now like to defer 
to the Commerce Committee's ranking Democrat, Senator Hollings, for his 
comments on this matter.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. I concur with the chairman of the Commerce Committee. 
The provisions on aquaculture and weather activities in the Senate-
passed version of S. 1150 substantially affect important issues within 
the Commerce Committee's jurisdiction and we need to examine and 
formally consider the provisions in our committee before we can agree 
to their enactment.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, our two committees have discussed this 
matter and I understand that based on the concern expressed by the 
Commerce Committee Senator Lugar and Senator Harkin have agreed to drop 
the provisions of concern to our Committee during conference, and to 
substitute in place of these provisions straight reauthorizations of 
the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 and the National Agricultural 
Weather Information System Act of 1990. I understand further that these 
substitute provisions will simply extend the authorization of 
appropriations at current levels through fiscal year 2002 for each of 
the acts, but will otherwise not change existing law.

[[Page S1147]]

Is my understanding of the agreement correct?
  Mr. LUGAR. Senator McCain is correct in his understanding of the 
agreement reached by our two Committees. While the Agriculture 
Committee has an interest in both agricultural weather research and 
freshwater aquaculture, Senator Harkin and I acknowledge the Commerce 
Committee's concerns and will accommodate them. We will propose during 
the conference that section 230 and section 211 of the Senate-passed 
version of S. 1150 be stricken, and that language be inserted in lieu 
of these sections which only extends the authorization of 
appropriations for the two statutes through fiscal year 2002, without 
other changes to the existing laws.
  Mr. HARKIN. I concur with the foregoing description of our 
understanding as well. As Senator Lugar described, we will propose to 
drop the existing Senate provisions on aquaculture and weather 
activities, and to substitute in their place straight reauthorizations 
of the two acts that Senator McCain mentioned.
  Mr. McCAIN. I thank the Senator very much for their cooperation on 
this matter.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. I also extend my thanks to Senator Lugar and Senator 
Harkin for addressing our concerns.
  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
disagree to the amendment of the House, agree to the request for a 
conference, and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the 
part of the Senate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Presiding Officer appointed Mr. Lugar, Mr. Cochran, Mr. 
Coverdell, Mr. Harkin, and Mr. Leahy conferees on the part of the 
Senate.
  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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