    [United States Government Manual]
    [June 02, 1998]
    [Pages 109-143]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250

    Phone, 202-720-2791. Internet, http://www.usda.gov/.
    SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE                          Dan Glickman
    Deputy Secretary                                  Richard Rominger
    Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign              August Schumacher
            Agricultural Services
        Deputy Under Secretaries                      Dallas Smith
                                                      James Schroeder
        Administrator, Farm Service Agency            Keith Kelly
        Administrator, Foreign Agricultural           Lon Hatamiya
                Service
        Administrator, Risk Management                Ken Ackerman
                Agency
    Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and          Shirley Watkins
            Consumer Services
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Julie Paradis
        Administrator, Food and Nutrition             Yvette Jackson
                Service
    Under Secretary for Food Safety                   Catherine Woteki
        Administrator, Food Safety and                Thomas Billy
                Inspection Service
    Under Secretary for Natural Resources and         James Lyons
            Environment
        Deputy Under Secretary for Forestry           Brian E. Burke
        Deputy Under Secretary for                    Craig Cox, Acting
                Conservation
        Chief, Forest Service                         Mike Dombeck
        Chief, Natural Resources                      Pearlie S. Reed
                Conservation Service
    Under Secretary for Research, Education, and      Miley Gonzalez
            Economics
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Eileen Kennedy, Acting
        Administrator, Agricultural Research          Edward B. Knipling,
                Service                                       Acting
        Administrator, Cooperative State              Bobby H. Robinson
                Research, Education, and
                Extension Service
        Administrator, Economic Research              Susan E. Offutt
                Service
        Administrator, National Agricultural          Donald Bay
                Statistics Service
    Under Secretary for Rural Development             Jill Long-Thompson
        Deputy Under Secretaries                      Arthur C. Campbell
                                                      Inga Smulkstys
        Administrator, Rural Business-                Dayton Watkins
                Cooperative Service
        Administrator, Rural Housing Service          Jan Shadburn
        Administrator, Rural Utilities                Wally Beyer
              Service
    [[Page 110]]

    Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations   J. David Carlin
    Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory  Michael Dunn
            Programs
        Deputy Assistant Secretary                    Isi Siddiqui, Acting
        Administrator, Agricultural                   Enrique Figueroa
                Marketing Service
        Administrator, Animal and Plant               Terry Medley
                Health Inspection Service
        Administrator, Grain Inspection,              James R. Baker
                Packers, and Stockyards
                Administration
    Assistant Secretary for Administration            Reba P. Evans, Acting
        Deputy Assistant Secretary                    Debbie Matz
        Chairman, Board of Contract Appeals           Edward Houry
        Judicial Officer                              William G. Jenson
        Chief Judge, Administrative Law               Victor Palmer
                Judges
        Director, Office of Operations                Priscilla Carey,
                                                              Acting
        Director, Civil Rights                        Lloyd E. Wright,
                                                              Acting
        Director, Human Resources Management          Roger L. Bensey
        Director, Procurement and Property            W.R. Ashworth
                Management
    Chief Information Officer                         Anne F. Thomson Reed
        Deputy Chief Information Officer              Ira L. Hobbs
    Chief Financial Officer                           Sally Thompson
        Deputy Chief Financial Officer                Irwin T. David
    General Counsel                                   Charles Rawls, Acting
    Inspector General                                 Roger C. Viadero
        Deputy Inspector General                      Joyce N. Fleischman
    Director, Office of Communications                Thomas S. Amontree
    Chief Economist                                   Keith Collins
        Director, Office of Risk Assessment           Alwynelle S. Ahl
                and Cost-Benefit Analysis
        Chairman, World Agricultural Outlook          Gerald Bange
                Board
    Director, Office of Budget and Program Analysis   Stephen B. Dewhurst
    Director, Office of Outreach                      Samuel E. Thornton
    Director, National Appeals Division               Norman Cooper
    Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged       Sharron Harris
            Business Utilization
    Director, Office of the Executive Secretariat     Lynne Finnerty

    [For the Department of Agriculture statement of organization, see the
            Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 2]

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Department of Agriculture works to improve and maintain farm income
    and to develop and expand markets abroad for agricultural products. The
    Department helps to curb and to cure poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.
    It works to enhance the environment and to maintain production capacity
    by helping landowners protect the soil, water, forests, and other
    natural resources. Rural development, credit, and conservation programs
    are key resources for carrying out national growth policies. Department
    research findings directly or indirectly benefit all Americans. The
    Department, through inspection and grading services, safeguards and
    ensures standards of quality in the daily food supply.

    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) was created by act of May 15, 1862
    (7 U.S.C. 2201), and was administered by a Commissioner of Agriculture
    until 1889

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    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T177653.014

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    (5 U.S.C. 511, 514, 516). By act of February 9, 1889 (7 U.S.C. 2202,
    2208, 2212), the powers and duties of the Department were enlarged. The
    Department was made the eighth executive department in the Federal
    Government, and the Commissioner became the Secretary of Agriculture.
    The Department was reorganized under the Federal Crop Insurance Reform
    and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901
    note).
        In carrying out its work in the program mission areas, USDA relies
    on the support of departmental administration staff, as well as the
    Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Communications, Office
    of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the
    Inspector General, and the Office of the General Counsel.

    Rural Development

    The rural development mission of USDA is to assist rural Americans in
    using their abilities to improve their quality of life. To accomplish
    this, USDA works to foster new cooperative relationships among
    Government, industry, and communities. The mission is carried out by the
    Rural Housing Service, which includes rural housing and rural community
    facility loan and grant programs; the Rural Business-Cooperative
    Service, which includes business and cooperative development programs;
    and the Rural Utilities Service, which includes telephone, electric,
    water, and sewer programs. Approximately 900 rural development field
    offices provide frontline delivery of all rural development loan and
    grant programs at the local level.
        The Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Initiative Office
    provides technical assistance, training, monitoring, and support to USDA
    field staff and communities participating in the initiative. Focusing on
    communities of greatest need, with severe problems of long-term endemic
    poverty, the program works with other USDA agencies, Federal agencies,
    State and local governments, and private organizations and universities
    in a combined effort to develop and promote comprehensive community and
    economic development in rural America.

    Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    The mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to
    enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing
    leadership in building competitive businesses and sustainable
    cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace. To meet
    business credit needs in under-served areas, RBS business programs are
    usually leveraged with commercial, cooperative, or other private sector
    lenders. RBS business programs include:
    Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans  This program helps create jobs
    and stimulates rural economies by providing financial backing for rural
    businesses. The program guarantees up to 80 percent of a loan made by a
    commercial lender. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital,
    machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate, and certain types of
    debt refinancing. Loan guarantees can be extended to loans made by
    commercial or other authorized lenders in rural areas (all areas other
    than cities and unincorporated areas of more than 50,000 people and
    their immediately adjacent urbanized areas).
        Assistance under the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
    is available to virtually any legally organized entity, including a
    cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other profit or
    nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group,
    municipality, county, or other

    [[Page 113]]

    political subdivision of a State. Applicants need not have been denied
    credit elsewhere to apply for this program. The maximum aggregate
    guaranteed loan(s) amount that can be offered to any one borrower under
    this program is $25 million.
    Business and Industry Direct Loans  This program provides loans to
    public entities and private parties who cannot obtain credit from other
    sources. Loans to private parties can be made for improving, developing,
    or financing business and industry, creating jobs, and improving the
    economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including
    pollution abatement. Assistance is available in rural areas (all areas
    other than cities or unincorporated areas of more than 50,000 people and
    their immediately adjacent urbanized areas).
        Eligible applicants include any legally organized entity, including
    a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other profit or
    nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group,
    municipality, county, any other political subdivision of a State, or
    individuals. Loans are available to those who cannot obtain credit
    elsewhere and for public bodies. The maximum aggregate loan amount that
    can be offered to any one borrower is $10 million.
    Intermediary Relending Program Loans  These loans finance business
    facilities and community development projects in rural areas, including
    cities with populations of less than 25,000. The Service lends these
    funds to intermediaries, which in turn provide loans to recipients who
    are developing business facilities or community development projects.
    Eligible intermediaries include public bodies, nonprofit corporations,
    Indian tribes, and cooperatives.
    Rural Venture Capital Demonstration Program  To demonstrate the
    usefulness of guarantees to attract increased investment in private
    business enterprises in rural areas, this program designates up to 10
    community development venture capital organizations to establish a rural
    business private investment pool to make equity investments in rural
    private business enterprises. The program is available in rural areas
    (all areas other than cities or unincorporated areas of more than 50,000
    people and their immediately adjacent urbanized areas).
    Rural Business Enterprise Grants  These grants help public bodies,
    nonprofit corporations, and federally recognized Indian tribal groups
    finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private
    business enterprises located in rural areas (all areas other than cities
    or unincorporated areas of more than 50,000 people and their immediately
    adjacent urbanized areas). Grant funds can pay for the acquisition and
    development of land and the construction of buildings, plants,
    equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility and service
    extensions, refinancing, and fees for professional services, as well as
    technical assistance and related training, startup costs and working
    capital, financial assistance to a third party, production of television
    programs targeted to rural residents, and rural distance learning
    networks.
    Rural Business Opportunity Grants  This program promotes sustainable
    economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. Funds
    are provided for technical assistance, training, and planning activities
    that improve economic conditions. Applicants must be located in rural
    areas (all areas other than cities or unincorporated areas of more than
    50,000 people and their immediately adjacent urbanized areas). Nonprofit
    corporations and public bodies, Indian tribes, and cooperatives are
    eligible for a maximum of $1.5 million per grant.
    Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants  These loans and grants
    finance economic development and job creation projects based on sound
    economic plans in rural areas having a population of less than 2,500
    residents. Loans and grants are available to any Rural Utilities Service
    electric or telecommunications borrower to assist in developing rural
    areas from an economic standpoint, to

    [[Page 114]]

    create new job opportunities, and to help retain existing employment.
    Loans at zero interest are made primarily to finance business startup
    ventures and business expansion projects. Grants are made to telephone
    and electric utilities to establish revolving loan programs operated at
    the local level. The revolving loan program provides capital to
    nonprofit entities and municipal organizations to finance community
    facilities which promote job creation in rural areas; for facilities
    which extend or improve medical care to rural residents; and for
    facilities which promote education and training to enhance marketable
    job skills for rural residents.
    Cooperative Services  This program helps farmers and rural communities
    become self-reliant through the use of cooperative organizations.
    Studies are conducted to support cooperatives that market farm products,
    purchase production supplies, and perform related business services.
    These studies concentrate on the financial, organizational, legal,
    social, and economic aspects of cooperative activity. Technical
    assistance and research is provided to improve cooperative performance
    in organizing new cooperatives, merging existing cooperatives, changing
    business structures, and developing strategies for growth. Applied
    research is conducted to give farmers and rural communities expert
    assistance pertaining to their cooperatives. The program also collects
    and publishes statistics regarding the role and scope of cooperative
    activity in U.S. agriculture. The Service's bimonthly magazine, Rural
    Cooperatives, reports current developments and research for cooperative
    management leadership.
    Rural Cooperative Development Grants  These grants finance the
    establishment and operation of centers for cooperative development. The
    primary purpose of this program is to enhance the economic condition of
    rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving
    operations of existing cooperatives. Eligible applicants are nonprofit
    organizations, including institutions of higher education.
    Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas  This program provides
    information to farmers and other rural users on a variety of sustainable
    agricultural practices that include both cropping and livestock
    operations. It offers reliable, practical information on production
    techniques and practices that reduce costs and that are environmentally
    friendly. Farmers can request such information by telephone at 800-346-
    9140 (toll-free).
    National Sheep Industry Improvement Center  The Center promotes
    strategic development activities to strengthen and enhance the
    production and marketing of sheep and goat products in the United
    States. It works to improve infrastructure development, business
    development, and market and environmental research and designs unique
    responses to the needs of the industries for their long-term sustainable
    development. The Center's board of directors oversees its activities and
    operates a revolving fund for loans and grants.

    For further information, contact Rural Development, Office of
    Communication, Public Affairs, Room 5037-S, Department of Agriculture,
    Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-
    0320. Phone, 202-720-6903.

    Rural Housing Service

    The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides loans to rural residents and
    communities unable to obtain credit from commercial sources at
    reasonable rates and terms. These borrowers must have a reasonable
    chance for success. The Service guarantees loans made by commercial
    lenders for modest rural housing. It also makes direct loans to low-
    income rural residents. Rural residents and communities may apply for
    these loans at approximately 900 local Rural Development offices.
        The Service operates under Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42
    U.S.C. 1471) and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1921). It seeks to do business as the lender of first opportunity
    rather than the lender of last resort.

    [[Page 115]]

        The Service provides financial and management assistance through the
    following types of loans:
    Guaranteed Single-Family Housing (SFH) Loan Programs  The Service
    guarantees loans made by commercial lenders to moderate-income (up to
    115 percent median income for an area) rural residents. Eligible
    applicants must have sufficient income and acceptable credit but lack
    the downpayment to secure a loan without assistance. The Service
    provides up to 100 percent financing for eligible borrowers and
    guarantees participating lenders against most losses.
    Direct Single-Family Housing Loan Program  Section 502 loans are made to
    very low (under 50 percent median income for the area) and low (under 80
    percent median income for the area) income families for housing in rural
    areas. Loans can be made to build, purchase, repair, and refinance
    homes. The maximum term is 38 years. Loans may be made for 100 percent
    of the appraised value. The basic interest rate is determined
    periodically, based on the cost of money. Borrowers may qualify for
    annual subsidy on the loan, which can reduce the interest rate to as low
    as 1 percent. Cosigners on promissory notes may be permitted for
    applicants who may lack repayment ability.
        Builders may obtain ``conditional commitments'' as assurances to a
    builder or seller that if their houses meet RHS lending requirements,
    RHS may make loans to qualified applicants.
    Home Improvement and Repair Loans and Grants  An owner-occupant may
    obtain a section 504 loan of up to $15,000, or in the case of senior
    citizens 62 years of age or older, a grant of up to $7,500, to remove
    health and safety hazards from a home. These loans, available to very
    low income families, are made at 1 percent interest.
    Self-Help Housing Loans  Self-help direct SFH loans assist groups of six
    to eight very low and low income families to build their own home by
    providing ``sweat equity'' which reduces the families' mortgage. The
    families must agree to work together on each other's homes until they
    are complete. In most cases, self-help participants use the Section 502
    Direct program for mortgage financing.
    Rural Housing Site Loans  Loans are also available to private or public
    nonprofit organizations to purchase sites for the development of housing
    for very low and low income families. Loans are repayable in 2 years.
    Direct and Guaranteed Multi-Family Housing Loans  Loans are made to
    private, nonprofit corporations, consumer cooperatives, State or local
    public agencies, and individuals or organizations operating on a profit
    or limited profit basis to provide rental or cooperative housing in
    rural areas for persons of very low, low, and moderate income. For
    direct loans, no downpayment is required from nonprofit organizations. A
    3 or 5 percent downpayment is required from other applicants. The
    maximum term is 50 years, with a 30-year repayment option, and the
    interest rate may be reduced to 1 percent to make rents affordable to
    very low and low income families. Rental assistance may be available to
    defray rent paid by very low income families. Guaranteed loans bear an
    interest rate negotiated by the lender and borrower. Interest credit is
    available on a small number of loans to assist with affordability to
    very low income families.
    Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants  Farm labor housing loans and grants
    enable farmers, public or private nonprofit organizations, or units of
    local government to build, buy, or rehabilitate farm labor housing. The
    interest rate is 1 percent and is repaid over 33 years. Grants may be
    made in connection with a loan to a public/private nonprofit
    organization or unit of government to ensure affordability of the units
    to farm workers.
    Housing Preservation Grants  These grants are made to a public body or
    public/private nonprofit organization to provide assistance to
    homeowners and landlords to repair and rehabilitate housing for very low
    and low income families in rural areas. Financial assistance provided by
    grantees may include loans, grants, interest reduction

    [[Page 116]]

    on loans, or similar assistance. Up to 20 percent of the grant may be
    used for program administration.
    Housing the Homeless  The Service offers SFH real-estate-owned property
    to nonprofit organizations or public bodies for transitional housing for
    the homeless. Qualifying organizations may lease nonprogram property if
    they can show a documented need in the community for the type of housing
    use proposed and the financial ability to meet proposed housing costs.
    Community Program Loans  Direct and guaranteed loans and grants are
    authorized to public and quasi-public bodies, nonprofit associations,
    and certain Indian tribes for essential community facilities such as
    health care, public safety, and public services. Necessary related
    equipment may also be purchased. The interest rate is set quarterly for
    direct loans and is based on yields of municipal bonds. Guaranteed loans
    bear an interest rate negotiated by the lender and the borrower. The
    Service guarantees a lender against losses up to 90 percent of principal
    and interest. Community facility assistance may be provided to towns
    populated up to 50,000. Nondiscrimination in employment and occupancy is
    required.

    For further information, contact Rural Development, Office of
    Communication, Public Affairs, Room 5037-S, Department of Agriculture,
    Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-
    0320. Phone, 202-720-6903.

    Rural Utilities Service

    The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a credit agency that assists rural
    electric and telephone utilities in obtaining financing and administers
    a nationwide water and waste loan and grant program to improve the
    quality of life and promote economic development in rural America. A
    total of 890 rural electric and 900 rural telephone utilities in 47
    States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Republic of the
    Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States
    of Micronesia have received financial assistance. Approximately 7,200
    rural communities are currently served through financial assistance
    received from water and waste loans and grants.
    Electric Program  The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7
    U.S.C. 901-950b), authorizes RUS to provide loans for improving electric
    service to persons in rural areas, as defined by the Bureau of the
    Census. Preference is given to nonprofit and cooperative associations
    and to public bodies. With RUS assistance, rural electric utilities have
    obtained financing to construct electric generating plants and
    transmission and distribution lines to provide reliable electric
    service.
    Telecommunications Program  In 1949, RUS (then the Rural Electrification
    Administration) was authorized to make loans to provide telephone
    service in rural areas. Congress directed that the rural telephone
    program be conducted to ``assure the availability of adequate telephone
    service to the widest practicable number of rural users of such
    service.'' About 75 percent of the telephone systems financed by the
    agency are commercial companies, and about 25 percent are subscriber-
    owned cooperatives.
    Loans  Loans are made in accordance with the Act and are subject to the
    provisions of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1991. By law, RUS direct
    loans are made or insured at a municipal rate, but not greater than 7
    percent. In cases of hardship, the Administrator may approve loans at an
    interest rate of 5 percent.
        The Service also obtains funds from the Department of the Treasury's
    Federal Financing Bank (FFB), which it lends to borrowers, primarily for
    large-scale electric and telecommunication facilities, at an interest
    rate equal to the cost of money paid by FFB, plus one-eighth of 1
    percent.
    Supplemental Financing  A 1973 statement of congressional policy--not
    part of the law--said, in part, ``. . . that rural electric and
    telephone systems should be encouraged and assisted in developing their
    resources and ability to achieve the financial strength needed to enable
    them to satisfy their credit needs from their own financial
    organizations

    [[Page 117]]

    and other sources at reasonable rates and terms consistent with the loan
    applicant's ability to pay and achievement of the act's objectives.''
        When RUS approves electric loans, it requires most borrowers to
    obtain 30 percent of their loan needs from nonagency sources without an
    agency guarantee. These nonagency sources include the National Rural
    Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, which is owned by electric
    cooperatives, and the National Bank for Cooperatives.
        Telecommunications borrowers obtain supplemental financing from the
    Rural Telephone Bank (RTB), a U.S. agency established in 1971. Loans are
    made to telecommunications systems able to meet RTB requirements. Bank
    loans are made for the same purposes as loans made to RUS but bear
    interest at a rate consistent with the Bank's cost of money.
        The Rural Telephone Bank is managed by a 13-member board of
    directors. The Administrator of RUS serves as Governor of the Bank until
    conversion to private ownership, control, and operation. This will take
    place when 51 percent of the class A stock issued to the United States
    and outstanding at any time after September 30, 1995, has been fully
    redeemed and retired. The Bank board holds at least four regularly
    scheduled meetings a year. Activities of RTB are carried out by RUS
    employees and the Department's Office of the General Counsel.
    Water and Waste Direct and Guaranteed Loan Program  Direct loans may be
    made to develop water and wastewater systems, including solid waste
    disposal and storm drainage, in rural areas, cities, and towns with a
    population of 10,000 or less.
        Funds are available to public entities, such as municipalities,
    counties, special-purpose districts, and Indian tribes. In addition,
    funds may be made available to nonprofit corporations. Priority is given
    to public entities in areas with less than 5,500 people to restore a
    deteriorating water supply or to improve, enlarge, or modify a water
    facility or an inadequate waste facility. Preference is given to
    requests which involve the merging of small facilities and those serving
    low-income communities. Applicants must be unable to obtain funds from
    other sources at reasonable rates and terms. The maximum term for all
    loans is 40 years. However, no repayment period will exceed State
    statutes or the useful life of the facility. Interest rates may be
    obtained from USDA Rural Development field offices.
        Guaranteed loans may be made for the same purpose as direct loans.
    They are made and serviced by lenders such as banks and savings and loan
    associations. Normally, guarantees will not exceed 80 percent on any
    loss of interest or principal on the loan.
    Water and Waste Disposal Grants  Grants may be made to reduce water and
    waste disposal costs to a reasonable level for users of the system.
    Grants may be made, in some instances, up to 75 percent of eligible
    project costs. Requirements for applicants are the same as for loans.
    Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants  Grants may be made up to
    100 percent of project costs to assist rural communities experiencing a
    significant decline in quantity or quality of drinking water. Grants can
    be made to rural cities or towns with populations not exceeding the
    State's nonmetropolitan median household income requirement.
    Technical Assistance and Training Grants  Grants are available for
    nonprofit organizations to provide rural water and waste system
    officials with technical assistance and training on a wide range of
    issues relating to the delivery of water and waste service to rural
    residents. Legislation requires that at least 1 percent but no more than
    3 percent of the funds appropriated for water and waste disposal grants
    be set aside for these grants.
    Solid Waste Management Grants  Grants are available for nonprofit
    organizations and public bodies to provide technical assistance and
    training to rural areas and towns with populations under 10,000 to
    reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources

    [[Page 118]]

    and improve planning and management of solid waste facilities.
    Rural Water Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program  Since 1980, the
    National Rural Water Association has provided, by contract, technical
    assistance to rural water systems. Circuit riders assist rural water
    districts with solving operational, financial, and management problems.
    The assistance may be requested by rural water systems or by RUS. When
    circuit riders are not working on specific requests, they call on rural
    water systems to offer assistance. The program complements RUS water and
    waste loan supervision responsibilities.
    Distance Learning and Medical Link Grant Program  The 1990 farm bill
    authorized the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program to
    provide grants to rural schools and health care providers. The 1996 farm
    bill reauthorized the grant program and established a new loan
    component. The program helps rural schools and health care providers
    invest in telecommunications facilities and equipment to bring to rural
    areas educational and medical resources that otherwise might be
    unavailable.

    For further information, contact the Rural Utilities Service, Department
    of Agriculture, Room 4051-S, Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-1255.

    Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Corporation

    As an independent entity within USDA, the Alternative Agricultural
    Research and Commercialization Corporation (AARCC) provides and monitors
    financial assistance for the development and commercialization of new
    nonfood and nonfeed products made from agricultural/forestry
    commodities. By law, AARCC is administered by an 11-member board
    comprising representatives for processing, financial, producer, and
    scientific interests.
        The Corporation's mission is to assist the private sector in closing
    the gap between research results and commercialization of industrial
    nonfood and nonfeed products made from farm and forestry materials. It
    also seeks to expand market opportunities through development of value-
    added industrial products and promotion of environmentally friendly
    products. Any private individual or firm may apply for assistance. While
    most of the Corporation's clients are small firms, nonprofit
    organizations and large businesses have also been successful applicants.
    Universities and similar institutions may participate as well.
        The Corporation can supply financial assistance at the
    precommercialization stage of a project--that point in a project when
    the costs are the greatest and the ability to obtain lending from
    traditional sources is the most difficult. Financial assistance is in
    the form of a repayable cooperative agreement and includes a repayment
    portion that recognizes the investment risk taken by AARCC. Applicants
    are expected to provide at least a 1:1 match when seeking funding from
    AARCC. The Corporation receives an annual appropriation from Congress
    and operates under a revolving fund. As Corporation-funded projects
    become profitable and reimburse AARCC, the money will be returned to the
    fund to help finance future projects.

    For further information, contact the Alternative Agricultural Research
    and Commercialization Corporation, Room 0156, 1400 Independence Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20250-0401. Phone, 202-690-1633.

    [[Page 119]]

    Marketing and Regulatory Programs

    This mission area includes marketing and regulatory programs other than
    those concerned with food safety.

    Agricultural Marketing Service

    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) was established by the
    Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972, under the authority of
    Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.) and other authorities.
    The Service administers standardization, grading, certification, market
    news, marketing orders, research and promotion, and regulatory programs.
    Market News  The Service provides current, unbiased information to
    producers, processors, distributors, and others to assist them in the
    orderly marketing and distribution of farm commodities. Information is
    collected on supplies, demand, prices, movement, location, quality,
    condition, and other market data on farm products in specific markets
    and marketing areas. The data is disseminated nationally via a modern
    satellite system and is shared with several countries. The Service also
    assists countries in developing their own marketing information systems.
    Standardization, Grading, and Classing  Grade standards have been
    established for about 230 agricultural commodities to help buyers and
    sellers trade on agreed-upon quality levels. Standards are developed
    with the benefit of views from those in the industries directly affected
    and others interested. The Service also participates in developing
    international standards to facilitate trade.
        Grading and classing services are provided to certify the grade and
    quality of products. These grading services are provided to buyers and
    sellers of live cattle, swine, sheep, meat, poultry, eggs, rabbits,
    fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy products, and tobacco.
    Classing services are provided to buyers and sellers of cotton and
    cotton products. These services are mainly voluntary and are provided
    upon request and for a fee. The Service also is responsible for the
    certification of turpentine and other naval stores products, and the
    testing of seed.
    Laboratory Testing  The Service provides scientific and laboratory
    support to its commodity programs relating to testing of microbiological
    and chemical factors in food products through grading, certification,
    acceptance, and regulatory programs; testing of peanuts for aflatoxin;
    testing of imported flue-cured and burley tobacco for pesticide
    residues; and testing seeds for germination and purity. The agency also
    carries out quality assurance and safety oversight activities with
    respect to the Service's commodity division laboratory and testing
    activities relating to milk market administrators, resident grading
    programs, and State and private laboratory programs.
        The Service also administers the Pesticide Data Program which, in
    cooperation with States, samples and analyzes fresh fruits and
    vegetables for pesticide residues. It shares residue test results with
    the Environmental Protection Agency and other public agencies.
    Food Quality Assurance  Under a governmentwide quality assurance
    program, AMS is responsible for the development and revision of
    specifications used by Federal agencies in procuring food for military
    and civilian uses. The Service coordinates and approves certification
    programs designed to ensure that purchased products conform to the
    specification requirements.
    Section 32 Programs  Under section 32 of the act of August 24, 1935, as
    amended (7 U.S.C. 612c), 30 percent of customs receipts collected during
    each calendar year are automatically appropriated for expanding outlets
    for various commodities. Portions of these funds are transferred to the
    Food and Nutrition Service of USDA and to the Department of Commerce.
    Remaining funds are used to purchase commodities for the National School
    Lunch Program and other feeding programs, for diversion to other
    outlets, and for

    [[Page 120]]

    administering agreement and order programs.
    Regulatory Programs  The Service administers several regulatory programs
    designed collectively to protect producers, handlers, and consumers of
    agricultural commodities from financial loss or personal injury
    resulting from careless, deceptive, or fraudulent marketing practices.
    Such regulatory programs encourage fair trading practices in the
    marketing of fruits and vegetables, require truth in seed labeling and
    in advertising.
        Under the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the
    Service provides voluntary laboratory analyses of egg products, and
    monitors the disposition of restricted shell eggs--eggs that are a
    potential health hazard.
    Marketing Agreements and Orders  These programs, under authority of the
    Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.),
    help to establish and maintain orderly marketing conditions for certain
    commodities. Milk marketing orders establish minimum prices that
    handlers or distributors are required to pay producers. Programs for
    fruits, vegetables, and related specialty crops like nuts and spearmint
    oil help stabilize supplies and market prices. In some cases, they also
    authorize research and market development activities, including
    advertising supported by assessments that handlers pay. Through orderly
    marketing, adjusting the supply to demand, and avoiding unreasonable
    fluctuations during the marketing season, the income of producers is
    increased by normal market forces, and consumer interests are protected
    through quality and quantity control.
        Federal marketing orders originate with a request from a producer
    group to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary can conduct
    hearings and referenda based on the producer group's proposal for a
    marketing order. Producer and handler assessments finance their
    operations.
        In carrying out the Government role, the Service ensures that
    persons interested in the development and operation of the programs have
    a fair hearing and that each marketing order works according to Federal
    law and established rules and guidelines.
    Plant Variety Protection Program  Under authority of the Plant Variety
    Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), the Service administers a
    program that provides for the issuance of ``certificates of plant
    variety protection.'' These certificates afford developers of novel
    varieties of sexually reproduced plants exclusive rights to sell,
    reproduce, import, or export such varieties, or use them in the
    production of hybrids or different varieties for a period of 20 years
    for non-woody plants and 25 years for woody plants.
    Research and Promotion Programs  The Service monitors certain industry-
    sponsored research, promotion, and information programs authorized by
    Federal laws. These programs provide farmers with a means to finance and
    operate various research, promotion, and information activities for
    cotton, potatoes, eggs, milk and dairy products, beef, pork, honey,
    watermelon, mushrooms, soybeans, fresh cut flowers, popcorn, and kiwi
    fruit.
    Transportation Programs  The Service is also responsible for the
    development of an efficient transportation system for rural America that
    begins at the farm gate and moves agricultural and other rural products
    through the Nation's highways, railroads, airports, and waterways, and
    into the domestic and international marketplace. To accomplish this, AMS
    conducts economic studies and analyses of these systems, and represents
    agricultural and rural transportation interests in policy and regulatory
    forums. To provide direct assistance to the transportation community,
    AMS supplies research and technical information to producers, producer
    groups, shippers, exporters, rural communities, carriers, governmental
    agencies, and universities.
        The Service carries out responsibilities of USDA's former Office of
    Transportation under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C.
    1281), the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621), the
    Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of

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    1954 (7 U.S.C. 1691), the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1921
    note), the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs Act (7 U.S.C.
    4401), and the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451-457).
    Organic Standards  Under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 501-522), the Service assists a National Organic Standards Board
    in developing national organic standards.
    Other Programs  Other marketing service activities include financial
    grants to States for marketing improvement projects. The agency also has
    responsibility for the conduct of studies of the facilities and methods
    used in the physical distribution of food and other farm products; for
    research designed to improve the handling of all agricultural products
    as they move from farm to consumers; and for increasing marketing
    efficiency by developing improved operating methods, facilities, and
    equipment for processing, handling, and distributing dairy, poultry, and
    meat products.
        The Agricultural Marketing Service manages the Pesticide
    Recordkeeping Program in coordination with the National Agricultural
    Statistics Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Service
    has developed educational programs and assists State agencies in
    inspecting applicator records.
    Field Organization  Programs and activities in the field are carried out
    through a variety of different types of organizations reporting to their
    respective Washington components.

    For further information, contact the Information Staff, Agricultural
    Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456,
    Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-8999.

    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

    [For the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service statement of
    organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 371]

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) was reestablished
    by the Secretary of Agriculture on March 14, 1977, pursuant to authority
    contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5
    U.S.C. app.).
        The Service was established to conduct regulatory and control
    programs to protect and improve animal and plant health for the benefit
    of man and the environment. In cooperation with State governments, the
    agency administers Federal laws and regulations pertaining to animal and
    plant health and quarantine, humane treatment of animals, and the
    control and eradication of pests and diseases. Regulations to prevent
    the introduction or interstate spread of certain animal or plant pests
    or diseases are also enforced by the Service. It also carries out
    research and operational activities to reduce crop and livestock
    depredations caused by birds, rodents, and predators.
    Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs  Plant protection officials are
    responsible for programs to control or eradicate plant pests and
    diseases. These programs are carried out in cooperation with the States
    involved, other Federal agencies, farmers, and private organizations.
    Pest control programs use a single tool or a combination of pest control
    techniques, both chemical and nonchemical, which are both effective and
    safe.
        Agricultural quarantine inspection officials administer Federal
    regulations that prohibit or restrict the entry of foreign pests and
    plants, plant products, animal products and byproducts, and other
    materials that may harbor pests or diseases. Inspection service is
    maintained at all major sea, air, border, and interior ports of entry in
    the continental United States and in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S.
    Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Bermuda. Services also are provided on a
    regular or on-call basis at some 500 outlying ports and military
    installations throughout the country.
        Other responsibilities include the inspection and certification of
    domestic commodities for export; regulation of the import and export of
    endangered plant species and of genetically engineered organisms and
    products that present a plant pest risk; and ensuring that imported seed
    is free of noxious weeds.

    [[Page 122]]

    Veterinary Services   Animal health officials are responsible for
    programs to protect and improve the health, quality, and marketability
    of U.S. animals and animal products. The programs are carried out
    through cooperative links with States, foreign governments, livestock
    producers, and other Federal Agencies.
        Service officials exclude, control, and eradicate animal pests and
    diseases by carrying out eradication and control programs for certain
    diseases, providing diagnostic services, and gathering and disseminating
    information regarding animal health in the United States through land,
    air, and ocean ports. They also certify as to the health status of
    animals and animal products being exported to other countries and
    respond to animal disease incursions or epidemics which threaten the
    health status of U.S. livestock and poultry.
        The Service also administers a Federal law intended to ensure that
    all veterinary biological products, whether developed by conventional or
    new biotechnological procedures, used in the diagnosis, prevention, and
    treatment of animal disease are safe, pure, potent, and effective. The
    Service regulates firms that manufacture veterinary biological products
    subject to the act, including licensing the manufacturing establishment
    and its products, inspecting production facilities and production
    methods, and testing products under a surveillance program.
    Animal Care  The Service administers Federal laws concerned with the
    humane care and handling of all warm-blooded animals bought, sold, and
    transported--including common carriers--in commerce and used or intended
    for use as pets at the wholesale level, or used or intended for use in
    exhibitions or for research purposes. The agency also enforces the Horse
    Protection Act of 1970, which prohibits the soring of horses at shows
    and sales.
    International Services  Service activities in the international arena
    include conducting cooperative plant and animal pest and disease
    control, eradication, and surveillance programs in foreign countries.
    These programs provide a first line of defense for the United States
    against threats such as screwworm, medfly, foot-and-mouth disease, and
    other exotic diseases and pests. The Service also provides international
    representation concerning sanitary and phytosanitary technical trade
    issues, and manages programs for overseas preclearance of commodities,
    passengers, and U.S. military activities.
    Wildlife Services  Wildlife Services officials cooperate with States,
    counties, local communities, and agricultural producer groups to reduce
    crop and livestock depredations caused by birds, rodents, and predators.
    Using methods and techniques that are biologically sound,
    environmentally acceptable, and economically feasible, they participate
    in efforts to educate and advise farmers and ranchers on proper uses of
    control methods and techniques; they suppress serious nuisances and
    threats to public health and safety caused by birds, rodents, and other
    wildlife in urban and rural communities; and they work with airport
    managers to reduce risks of bird strikes. In addition, they conduct
    research into predator-prey relationships, new control methods, and more
    efficient and safe uses of present methods such as toxicants, repellants
    and attractants, biological controls, scare devices, and habitat
    alteration.

    For further information, contact Legislative and Public Affairs, Animal
    and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
    Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2511.

    Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration

    The Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
    comprises the former Federal Grain Inspection Service and the former
    Packers and Stockyards Administration.
        The primary task of GIPSA is to carry out the provisions of the
    United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.), the Packers and
    Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181-229), the Truth in
    Lending and Fair Credit Billing Acts (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and the
    Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) with respect to
    firms

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    subject to GIPSA. The Administration also manages the provisions of
    section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1631),
    certifying State central filing systems for notification of liens
    against farm products and ensures integrity in the inspection, weighing,
    and handling of U.S. grain.
        The Administration is responsible for establishing official U.S.
    standards for grain and other assigned commodities, and for
    administrating a nationwide official inspection and weighing system. It
    may, in response to formal application, authorize private and State
    agencies to perform official services under the authority contained in
    the act.
        Two of GIPSA's three grain inspection divisions are located in
    Washington, DC; the third is located in Kansas City, MO. Most employees
    work in field offices around the Nation.
    Inspection  The United States Grain Standards Act requires that, with
    some exceptions, all U.S. export grain be officially inspected. At
    export port locations, inspection is performed by GIPSA or by State
    agencies that have been delegated export inspection authority by the
    Administrator. For domestic grain, marketed at inland locations, the
    Administrator designates private and State agencies to provide official
    inspection services upon request. Both export and domestic services are
    provided on a fee basis.
         To ensure that the official U.S. grain standards are applied
    uniformly nationwide, GIPSA's field offices provide oversight, guidance,
    and assistance to non-Federal agencies performing inspection activities,
    both at export and inland inspection points.
        Buyers and sellers may request appeal inspections of original
    inspection results, first from a field office and then, if desired, from
    GIPSA's Board of Appeals and Review. The Administration maintains a
    quality control program to monitor the national inspection system and to
    ensure that all field locations accurately and uniformly apply the U.S.
    grain standards.
    Weighing  Official weighing of U.S. export grain is performed at port
    locations by GIPSA or by State agencies that have been delegated export
    weighing authority by the Administrator. For domestic grain marketed at
    inland locations, the weighing services may be provided by GIPSA or by
    designated private or State agencies. Weighing services are provided on
    a fee basis, upon request.
        As with inspection activities, GIPSA field offices provide
    oversight, guidance, and assistance to non-Federal agencies performing
    official weighing services. With the support of the Association of
    American Railroads and user fees, it conducts a railroad track scale-
    testing program which includes an annual testing service for all State
    and railroad company-owned master scales. The Administration is the only
    entity, public or private, which connects all railroad track scales to
    the national standards.
    Standardization  The Administration is responsible for establishing,
    maintaining, and, as needed, revising official U.S. standards. Such
    standards exist for corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, flaxseed, sorghum,
    soybeans, triticale, sunflower seed, canola, and mixed grain. It is
    authorized to perform applied research to develop methods of improving
    accuracy and uniformity in grading grain.
        It is also responsible for standardization and inspection activities
    for rice, dry beans, peas, lentils, hay, straw, hops, and related
    processed grain commodities under the Agricultural Marketing Act of
    1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621). Although standards no longer exist for
    hay, straw, and hops, GIPSA maintains inspection procedures for and
    retains authority to inspect these commodities.
    Methods Development  The Administration's methods development activities
    include applied research or tests that produce new or improved
    techniques for measuring grain quality. Examples include new knowledge
    gained through study of how to establish the framework for real-time
    grain inspection and develop reference methods to maintain consistency
    and standardization in the grain inspection system, and the comparison
    of different techniques for evaluation of end use

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    quality in wheat. Included in this program area are also the development
    of a new wheat classification system, evaluation of prototype wheat
    hardness meters, and adapting measurement techniques for pesticides,
    mycotoxins, heavy metals, vitamins, and grain odor for use in the
    official grain inspection system.
    Compliance  The Administration's compliance activities ensure accurate
    and uniform implementation of the act, applicable provisions of the
    Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, and related regulations--including
    designating States and private agencies to carry out official inspection
    and weighing functions and monitoring, and overseeing and reviewing the
    operations of such agencies to ensure adequate performance.
        The agency administers a registration program for all firms that
    export grain from the United States. In conjunction with the Office of
    the Inspector General, it carries out a program for investigating
    reported violations, and initiates followup and corrective actions when
    appropriate. The total compliance program ensures the integrity of the
    national inspection and weighing system.
    Packers and Stockyards Activities  The Packers and Stockyards Act is an
    antitrust, trade practice, and financial protection law. Its principal
    purpose is to maintain effective competition and fair trade practices in
    the marketing of livestock, meat, and poultry for the protection of
    livestock and poultry producers. Members of the livestock, poultry, and
    meat industries are also protected against unfair or monopolistic
    practices of competitors. The act also protects consumers against unfair
    business practices in the marketing of meats and poultry and against
    restrictions of competition that could unduly affect meat and poultry
    prices.
        The provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act are enforced by
    investigations of violations of the act with emphasis on payment
    protection; detecting instances of commercial bribery, fraud in
    livestock marketing, and false weighing; requiring adequate bond
    coverage for commission firms, dealers, and packers; and the
    surveillance of marketing methods at public markets and in geographical
    market areas of the country.

    For further information, contact the Grain Inspection, Packers, and
    Stockyards Administration, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
    20250. Phone, 202-720-0219.

    Food Safety

    Food Safety and Inspection Service

    The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was established by the
    Secretary of Agriculture on June 17, 1981, pursuant to authority
    contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5
    U.S.C. app.). At that time, the Service was delegated authority for
    regulating the meat and poultry industry to ensure that meat and
    poultry, and meat and poultry products moving in interstate and foreign
    commerce were safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and accurately labeled.
    Under the Secretary's Memorandum No. 1010-1, dated October 23, 1994, the
    Service's authority was extended to include the inspection of egg
    products.
    Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection  Federal meat and poultry
    inspection is mandatory for the following animals and birds used for
    human food: cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs, horses (and
    other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas. The work
    includes inspection of each animal or bird at slaughter, and inspection
    of processed products during various stages of production. Under the Egg
    Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the Service conducts
    mandatory, continuous inspection of the production of liquid, dried, and
    frozen

    [[Page 125]]

    egg products, to ensure that egg products are safe, wholesome,
    unadulterated, and accurately labeled. The Service tests samples of egg
    products, and meat and poultry products for microbial and chemical
    contaminants to monitor trends for enforcement purposes.
        Each product label must be approved by the agency before products
    can be sold. The agency monitors meat and poultry products in storage,
    distribution, and retail channels; and takes necessary compliance
    actions to protect the public, including detention of products,
    voluntary product recalls, court-ordered seizures of products,
    administrative withdrawal of inspection, and referral for criminal
    prosecution. The Service also conducts State programs for the inspection
    of meat and poultry products sold in intrastate commerce.
        The Service monitors livestock upon arrival at federally inspected
    facilities to ensure compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C.
    1901-1906); conducts voluntary reimbursed inspection for rabbits, other
    domestic food animals, bison, other exotic food animals (9 U.S.C. 3521),
    ratites, and certain egg products not covered by the inspection law (7
    U.S.C. 1621-1627); and ensures that inedible egg products and inedible
    products from meat or poultry, such as offal rendered for animal feed,
    are properly identified and isolated from edible products (21 U.S.C.
    1031-1056 and 7 U.S.C. 1624, respectively).
        The Service maintains a toll-free meat and poultry hotline (800-535-
    4555; in the Washington metropolitan area, 202-720-5604) to answer
    questions about labeling and safe handling of meat and poultry, meat and
    poultry products, and egg products. The hotline is also accessible (on
    the same extension) by TDD.

    For further information, contact the Director, Food Safety Education and
    Communications Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of
    Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7943. Fax, 202-720-
    1843. Internet, http://www.usda.gov/agency/fsis/homepage.htm/.

    Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

    In order to reduce hunger, the Food and Nutrition Service, in
    partnership with cooperative organizations, provides children and needy
    families access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a
    manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public
    confidence.

    Food and Nutrition Service

    [For the Food and Nutrition Service statement of organization, see the
    Federal Register of June 6, 1970, 35 FR 8835]

    The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the USDA food
    assistance programs. These programs, which serve one in six Americans,
    provide a Federal safety net to people in need and represent our
    Nation's commitment to the principle that no one in this country should
    fear hunger or experience want. The goals of the programs are to provide
    needy persons with access to a more nutritious diet, to improve the
    eating habits of the Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by
    providing an outlet for distribution of foods purchased under farmer
    assistance authorities.
        Many of the food programs administered by FNS originated long before
    the agency was established in 1969. The Food Stamp Program, now the
    cornerstone of USDA food assistance, began in its modern form in 1961,
    but it originated as the Food Stamp Plan to help those in need in the
    1930's. The National School Lunch Program also has it roots in
    Depression-era efforts to help low-income children. Today, its mission
    encompasses teaching children about nutrition and improving the
    nutrition standards of school meals. The Needy Family Program, which has
    evolved into the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, was
    the primary means of food assistance during the Great Depression.

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        The Service works in partnership with the States in all its
    programs. State and local agencies determine most administrative details
    regarding distribution of food benefits and eligibility of participants,
    and FNS provides commodities and funding for additional food and to
    cover administrative costs. FNS administers the following food
    assistance programs:
        --The Food Stamp Program provides food benefits through State and
    local welfare agencies to needy persons to increase their food
    purchasing power. The benefits are used by program participants to buy
    food in retail stores approved by the Food and Nutrition Service to
    accept and redeem the benefits.
        --The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
    Children (WIC) improves the health of low-income pregnant,
    breastfeeding, and nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and
    children up to 5 years of age by providing them with specific nutritious
    food supplements, nutrition education, and health care referrals.
        --The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides WIC
    participants with increased access to fresh produce at farmers' markets,
    which promotes the local farm economy. Participants receive coupons to
    purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers.
        --The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a package of
    foods monthly to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding
    women, their infants and children under age 6, and the elderly.
    Nutrition education is also provided through this program.
        --The National School Lunch Program supports nonprofit food services
    in elementary and secondary schools and in residential child-care
    institutions to improve the health and nutrition of the Nation's
    children. More than half the meals served through these institutions are
    free or at reduced cost.
        --The School Breakfast Program supplements the National School Lunch
    Program by supporting schools in providing needy children with free or
    low cost breakfasts that meet established nutritional standards.
        --The Special Milk Program for Children provides milk for children
    in those schools, summer camps, and child-care institutions that have no
    federally supported meal programs.
        --The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides cash and
    commodities for meals for preschool and school-aged children in child-
    care facilities and for functionally impaired adults in facilities that
    provide nonresidential care for such individuals.
        --The Summer Food Service Program for Children helps various
    organizations get nutritious meals to needy preschool and school-aged
    children during the summer months and during school vacations.
        --The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides State agencies with
    commodities for distribution to food banks, food pantries, soup
    kitchens, and other charitable institutions throughout the country, with
    administrative funds to assist in distribution.
        --The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations provides an
    extensive package of commodities monthly to low-income households on or
    near Indian reservations in lieu of food stamps. This program is
    administered at the local level by Indian tribal organizations or State
    agencies.
        --The Nutrition Program for the Elderly provides cash and
    commodities to States for meals for senior citizens. The food is
    delivered through senior citizen centers or meals-on-wheels programs.
        --The Nutrition Assistance Program, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and
    the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is a block grant
    program that provides cash and coupons to participants in three
    territories.
        --The Homeless Children Nutrition Program reimburses providers for
    nutritious meals served to homeless preschool children in emergency
    shelters.
        --The Nutrition Education and Training Program grants funds to
    States for the development and dissemination of nutrition information
    and materials to children and for inservice training of food service and
    teaching personnel.

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        No person may be discriminated against because of race, color, sex,
    creed, national origin, or handicap in the programs administered by the
    Food and Consumer Service.

    For further information, contact the Public Information Officer, Food
    and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    Phone, 703-305-2286.                   Internet, http://www.usda.gov/
    fns.htm.

    Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

    The Center coordinates nutrition policy in USDA and provides overall
    leadership in nutrition education for the American public. It also
    coordinates with the Department of Health and Human Services in the
    review, revision, and dissemination of the Dietary Guidelines for
    Americans, the Federal Government's statement of nutrition policy formed
    by a consensus of scientific and medical professionals.

    For further information, contact the Office of Public Information,
    Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Suite 200, 1120 20th Street
    NW., Washington, DC 20036-3406. Phone, 202-418-2312.
        Internet, http://www.usda.gov/fns/cnpp.htm.

    Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

    Through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), this mission area administers
    farm commodity, crop insurance, and resource conservation programs for
    farmers, and makes loans through a network of State and county offices.
    Agency programs are directed at agricultural producers or, in the case
    of loans, at those with farming experience.

    Farm Service Agency

    The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (110 Stat.
    888) significantly changed U.S. agricultural policy by removing the link
    between income support payments and farm prices. The law provided that
    farmers who participated in the wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice
    programs in any one of the previous 5 years could enter into 7-year
    production flexibility contracts and receive a series of fixed payments.
    These payments are independent of farm prices and specific crop
    production, in contrast to the past, when deficiency payments were based
    on farm prices and the production of specific crops. The Federal
    Government no longer requires land to be idled or denies payments if
    farmers switch from their historical crop. The contract, however,
    requires participating producers to comply with existing conservation
    plans for the farm, wetland provisions, and planting flexibility
    provisions, as well as to keep the land in agricultural uses.
        The law provided for a one-time signup which ended August 1, 1996.
    There will be no additional signups except for land coming out of the
    Conservation Reserve Program.
        Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs are described below.
    Commodity Loan Programs  The Agency administers commodity loan programs
    for wheat, rice, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, oilseeds, tobacco,
    peanuts, upland and extra-long-staple cotton, and sugar. It provides
    operating personnel for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which
    supports the prices of some agricultural commodities through loans and
    purchases. This provides farmers with interim financing and helps
    maintain balanced and adequate supplies of farm commodities, and their
    orderly distribution, throughout the year and during times of surplus
    and scarcity. Instead of immediately selling the crop after harvest, a
    farmer who grows one or more of most field crops can store the produce
    and take out a ``nonrecourse'' loan for its value, pledging the crop
    itself as collateral. ``Nonrecourse'' means that the producer can
    discharge debts in full by forfeiting or delivering the commodity to the
    Government.

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        A producer must have entered into a production flexibility contract
    to be eligible for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for wheat,
    feed grains, rice, and upland cotton. Any production of a contract
    commodity by a producer who has entered into a production flexibility
    contract is eligible for loans.
        Nonrecourse loans are also available for oilseeds, tobacco, peanuts,
    extra-long-staple cotton, raw cane sugar, and refined beet sugar,
    regardless of whether the producer has entered into a production
    flexibility contract. Price support for the marketing quota crops--
    tobacco and peanuts--is made available through producer loan
    associations. By law, these programs must operate at no net cost to the
    U.S. Treasury, and no-net cost and marketing assessments are applied to
    both producers and purchasers.
    Commodity Purchase Programs  Under the dairy price support program, CCC
    buys surplus butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk from processors at
    announced prices to support the price of milk. These purchases help
    maintain market prices at the legislated support level, and the
    commodities are used for hunger relief both in the United States and in
    foreign countries.
    Emergency Assistance  In the aftermath of a natural disaster, FSA makes
    available a variety of emergency assistance programs to farmers in
    counties that have been designated or declared disaster areas, including
    cost-share assistance to producers who do not have enough feed to
    maintain livestock because of a loss of a substantial amount of their
    normal feed production. Emergency loans are also available. In the event
    of a national emergency, FSA is responsible for ensuring adequate food
    production and distribution, as well as the continued availability of
    feed, seed, fertilizer, and farm machinery.
    Farm Loans  The Agency offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and
    operating loan programs to farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain
    private commercial credit. Often, these are beginning farmers who can't
    qualify for conventional loans because they have insufficient net worth.
    The Agency also helps established farmers who have suffered financial
    setbacks from natural disasters or whose resources are too limited to
    maintain profitable farming operations.
        Under the guaranteed loan program, the Agency guarantees qualifying
    loans made by conventional agricultural lenders for up to 90 percent of
    principal. Farmers must apply to a conventional lender, who then
    arranges for the guarantee.
        For those unable to qualify for a guaranteed loan, FSA also lends
    directly to borrowers. To qualify for a direct farm ownership or
    operating loan, the applicant must be able to show sufficient repayment
    ability and pledge enough collateral to fully secure the loan. Funding
    authorities for direct loans are limited, and applicants may have to
    wait until funds become available.
    Conservation Programs  The Conservation Reserve Program protects the
    Nation's most fragile farmland by encouraging farmers to stop growing
    crops on highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage. In
    return for planting a protective cover of grass or trees on vulnerable
    property, the owner receives a rental payment each year of a multi-year
    contract. Cost-share payments are also available to help establish
    permanent areas of grass, legumes, trees, windbreaks, or plants that
    improve water quality and give shelter and food to wildlife.
        The Agency also works with other USDA agencies to deliver
    conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives
    Program, which helps farmers and ranchers improve their property to
    protect the environment and conserve soil and water resources.

    For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Farm Service
    Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0506, 1400 Independence Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5237. Internet, http://
    www.fsa.usda.gov/.

    Commodity Credit Corporation

    The Commodity Credit Corporation was organized October 17, 1933,
    pursuant to Executive Order 6340 of October 16,

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    1933, under the laws of the State of Delaware, as an agency of the
    United States. From October 17, 1933, to July 1, 1939, the Corporation
    was managed and operated in close affiliation with the Reconstruction
    Finance Corporation. On July 1, 1939, the agency was transferred to the
    Department of Agriculture by the President's Reorganization Plan No. I
    of 1939 (5 U.S.C. app.). Approval of the Commodity Credit Corporation
    Charter Act on June 29, 1948 (15 U.S.C. 714), subsequently amended,
    established the Corporation, effective July 1, 1948, as an agency and
    instrumentality of the United States under a permanent Federal charter.
        The Corporation stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and
    prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of
    agricultural commodities and their products, and facilitates the orderly
    distribution of commodities.
        The Corporation is managed by a Board of Directors, subject to the
    general supervision and direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, who
    is an ex officio Director and Chairman of the Board. The Board consists
    of seven members (in addition to the Secretary of Agriculture), who are
    appointed by the President of the United States.
        The Corporation is capitalized at $100 million and has statutory
    authority to borrow up to $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury. It
    utilizes the personnel and facilities of the Farm Service Agency and, in
    certain foreign assistance operations, the Foreign Agricultural Service
    to carry out its activities.
        A commodity office in Kansas City, MO, has specific responsibilities
    for the acquisition, handling, storage, and disposal of commodities and
    products held by the Corporation.
    Foreign Assistance  Under Public Law 480, the Agricultural Trade
    Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1691), the
    Corporation carries out assigned foreign assistance activities, such as
    guaranteeing the credit sale of U.S. agricultural commodities abroad.
    Major emphasis is also being directed toward meeting the needs of
    developing nations under the Food for Peace Act of 1966 (7 U.S.C. 1691),
    which further amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance
    Act of 1954. Under these authorities, agricultural commodities are
    supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to encourage
    economic development in developing countries. In addition, the
    Corporation supplies commodities under the Food for Progress Program to
    provide assistance to developing democracies.
        The Corporation encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide
    financing to developing countries under the Export Credit Guarantee
    Programs administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service.

    For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Farm Service
    Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0506, 1400 Independence Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5237. Internet, http://
    www.fsa.usda.gov/. For information about Commodity Credit Corporation
    export programs, contact the Information Division, Foreign Agricultural
    Service, Department of Agriculture. Phone, 202-720-3448.

    Risk Management Agency

    The Risk Management Agency (RMA) helps to stabilize the agricultural
    economy by providing a sound system of crop insurance. Mandated by the
    Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act (7 U.S.C. 6933), RMA
    administers the programs of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
    (FCIC), authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et
    seq.), and has oversight for other programs related to the risk
    management of U.S. crops and commodities.
        The Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
    serves as Chairman of the seven-member FCIC Board of Directors. Other
    members of the Board are the Under Secretary for Research Education and
    Economics, the RMA Administrator, and four non-Government members: three
    active farmers and one expert on crop insurance. The Board's primary
    purpose is to oversee the administration of the Federal crop insurance
    program.
        FCIC reinsures 18 insurance companies and a program in Puerto Rico.
    RMA's national offices are located in Washington, DC, and Kansas City,

    [[Page 130]]

    MO. Field offices include 10 Regional Service Offices and 6 Compliance
    Field Offices.
        Coverage is now available on over 75 percent of the value of total
    U.S. crop production. Generally, multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI)
    policies insure farmers and ranchers against unexpected production
    losses from natural causes, including drought, excessive moisture, hail,
    wind, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. Policies do not
    cover losses resulting from neglect, poor farming practices, or theft.
    Standard MPCI policies are based on the producers' actual production
    history. To make coverage affordable, premiums are subsidized.
        RMA also reinsures several revenue based plans of insurance.
    Generally, revenue insurance provides protection against loss of income
    due to low yields, prices, or both. One plan, Crop Revenue Coverage, is
    widely available on corn, grain sorghum, cotton, soybeans, and wheat.
    Producers must purchase crop insurance by the sales closing date
    established for the crop they wish to insure. Policies are sold and
    serviced by private crop insurance agents and companies.

    For further information, contact the Office of the Administrator, Risk
    Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-690-2803. For information about
    Federal crop insurance programs, contact the Research and Development
    Division, 9435 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Phone, 816-926-7394.
    Internet, http://act.fcic.usda.gov/. For information about the Risk
    Management Education outreach initiative, contact the Risk Management
    Education Division, Risk Management Agency, Department of Agriculture,
    1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-690-2957.
    Internet, http://www.usda.gov/rma/rme.

    Foreign Agricultural Service

    The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has primary responsibility for
    USDA's overseas market information, access, and development programs. It
    also administers USDA's export assistance and foreign food assistance
    programs. The Service carries out its tasks through its network of
    agricultural counselors, attaches, and trade officers stationed overseas
    and its U.S.-based team of analysts, marketing specialists, negotiators,
    and other professionals.
        The Foreign Agricultural Service maintains a worldwide agricultural
    intelligence and reporting system through its attache service with staff
    posted in more than 75 countries around the world. They represent the
    Department of Agriculture and provide information and data on foreign
    government agricultural policies, analyses of supply and demand
    conditions, commercial trade relationships, and market opportunities.
    They report on more than 100 farm commodities, weather, economic
    factors, and related subjects that affect agriculture and agricultural
    trade.
        At the Foreign Agricultural Service in Washington, DC, agricultural
    economists and marketing specialists analyze these and other reports.
    These analyses are supplemented by accumulated background information
    and by the Crop Condition Assessment system, which analyzes Landsat
    satellite weather and other data.
        To improve access for U.S. farm products abroad, FAS international
    trade policy specialists coordinate and direct USDA's responsibilities
    in international trade agreement programs and negotiations. They
    maintain an ongoing effort to reduce foreign trade barriers and
    practices that discourage the export of U.S. farm products.
        To follow foreign governmental actions that affect the market for
    U.S. agricultural commodities, FAS relies on its agricultural counselors
    and attaches. In Washington, a staff of international trade specialists
    analyzes the trade policies and practices of foreign governments to
    ensure conduct in conformance with international treaty obligations.
    During international negotiations, FAS provides staff and support for
    U.S. agricultural representation.
        The Service has a continuing market development program to create,
    maintain, and expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural
    products. It carries out programs with nonprofit commodity groups, trade
    associations, and State agriculture departments and

    [[Page 131]]

    their regional associations. It manages market opportunity referral
    services and organizes trade fairs and sales teams.
        The Service's Office of the General Sales Manager also oversees
    agricultural functions under the Public Law 480 Food for Peace Program,
    title I (7 U.S.C. 1701); section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949
    (7 U.S.C. 1431); the Food for Progress Program authorized by the Food
    for Progress Act of 1985; and the Commodity Credit Corporation's (CCC)
    Export Credit Guarantee Program, Intermediate Export Credit Guarantee
    Program, Supplier Credit Guarantee Program, Facility Guarantee Program,
    and Emerging Markets Program.
        The Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) and the Intermediate
    Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-103) encourage the development or
    expansion of overseas markets for U.S. agricultural commodities by
    providing guarantees on private financing of U.S. exports to foreign
    buyers purchasing on credit terms. The foreign buyer contracts for the
    purchase of U.S. commodities on a deferred-payment basis of 3 years or
    fewer under GSM-102, or between 3 and 7 years under GSM-103. The foreign
    buyer's bank issues a letter of credit to guarantee payment to the U.S.
    exporter or an assignee U.S. lending institution. To receive the payment
    guarantee, the exporter registers the sale with CCC prior to export and
    pays a guarantee fee. The payment guarantee is implemented only if the
    foreign bank fails to pay the exporter or the assignee U.S. lending
    institution.
        The CCC considers coverage on sales of any U.S. agricultural
    commodity that has the potential of expanding U.S. export markets. A
    U.S. exporter, private foreign buyer, or foreign government may submit
    requests that may result in authorized guarantee coverage.
        Under the Supplier Credit Guarantee Program, CCC guarantees a
    portion of a payment due from an importer under short-term financing (up
    to 180 days) that an exporter has extended directly to the importer for
    the purchase of U.S. agricultural commodities and products. This direct
    credit must be secured by a promissory note signed by the importer.
    Regulations for this program are found in 7 CFR part 1493, subpart D.
        Under the Facility Guarantee Program, CCC guarantees to facilitate
    the financing of manufactured goods and services exported from the
    United States to improve or establish agriculture-related facilities in
    emerging markets. The Facility Guarantee Program is designed to enhance
    sales of U.S. agricultural commodities and products to emerging markets
    where the demand for such commodities and products may be constricted
    due to inadequate storage, processing, or handling capabilities.
    Facility Guarantee Program regulations are a subpart of the GSM-102 and
    GSM-103 regulations (7 CFR part 1493).
        The Emerging Markets Program was authorized by the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the
    Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to promote
    agricultural exports to emerging markets through the sharing of U.S.
    agricultural expertise by technical assistance. Technical assistance
    must develop, maintain, or expand markets for U.S. agricultural exports
    in emerging markets; improve the effectiveness of food and rural
    business systems in emerging markets, including potential reductions in
    trade barriers; and increase prospects for U.S. trade and investment in
    these countries.
        Several export assistance programs are designed to counter or offset
    the adverse effects from competitors' unfair trade practices on U.S.
    agriculture. These programs include the Export Enhancement Program (EEP)
    and the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP).
        Under EEP, USDA provides CCC-owned commodities or cash as export
    bonuses to make U.S. commodities more competitive in the world
    marketplace. The DEIP and EEP programs are similar, but DEIP is
    restricted to dairy products.
        The Foreign Agricultural Service is also responsible for sales of
    CCC-owned surplus commodities to private traders, foreign governments,
    and nonprofit organizations. However, surplus commodities have not been
    available since fiscal year 1995.

    [[Page 132]]

        The Market Access Program, provides cost-share assistance to trade
    promotion organizations, cooperatives, and small businesses to help fund
    their market development activities overseas.
        The Service helps other USDA agencies, U.S. universities, and others
    enhance America's agricultural competitiveness globally; and increases
    income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing
    expertise for agriculturally led economic growth.
        The Service's programs enhance U.S. agriculture's competitiveness by
    providing U.S. agriculturalists and scientists with linkages to world
    resources. These linkages often produce new germplasm and technologies
    that can be vital to improving our current agricultural base and
    producing new and alternative products. They also foster relationships
    and understandings that result in trade opportunities and strengthened
    strategic and political ties.
        The Service is a link between the technical expertise of the U.S.
    agricultural community and Third World nations. By sharing agricultural
    knowledge with less-developed nations, the United States provides tools
    to help build stable economies and a more prosperous world. In the
    process, less- developed nations overcome the barriers of hunger and
    poverty and gain the economic means to buy needed goods and services in
    the world marketplace.
        The Service also manages programs to exchange visits, germplasm, and
    technologies between U.S. and international scientists; supports
    collaborative research projects of mutual interest to the United States
    and other nations; taps the U.S. agricultural community to provide
    technical assistance and professional development and training programs
    to assist economic development in lower income nations; serves as U.S.
    liaison with international organizations; and organizes overseas trade
    and investment missions.
        These activities serve the needs of other USDA agencies, the Agency
    for International Development, other public and private institutions,
    foreign nations, development banks, and the U.S. university and
    agricultural communities.

    For further information, contact the Information Division, Foreign
    Agricultural Service, Ag Stop 1004, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
    Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1004. Phone, 202-720-
    7115. Fax, 202-720-1727. Internet, http://www.fas.usda.gov/.

    Research, Education, and Economics

    This mission area's main focus is to create, apply, and transfer
    knowledge and technology to provide affordable food and fiber, ensure
    food safety and nutrition, and support rural development and natural
    resource needs of people by conducting integrated national and
    international research, information, education, and statistical programs
    and services that are in the national interest.

    Agricultural Research Service

    The Agricultural Research Service conducts research to develop and
    transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority.
    It provides information access and dissemination to ensure high-quality,
    safe food and other agricultural products; assess the nutritional needs
    of Americans; sustain a competitive agricultural economy; enhance the
    natural resource base and the environment; and provide economic
    opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.
        All administrative and management responsibilities of the four
    Research, Education, and Economic agencies--Agricultural Research
    Service (ARS), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
    Service (CSREES), Economic Research Service (ERS), and National
    Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)--are administered by the ARS
    Administrative and Financial

    [[Page 133]]

    Management Unit headquartered in Washington, DC.
        Research activities are carried out at 105 domestic locations
    (including Puerto Rico) and 3 overseas locations. Much of this research
    is conducted in cooperation with partners in State universities and
    experiment stations, other Federal agencies, and private organizations.
    A national program staff, headquartered in Beltsville, MD, is the focal
    point in the overall planning and coordination of ARS' research
    programs. Day-to-day management of the respective programs for specific
    field locations is assigned to eight area offices.

                                       Area Offices--Agricultural Research Service
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Office                                                  Address
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    BELTSVILLE AREA--Beltsville Agricultural Research Center,        Bldg. 003, Beltsville Agricultural Research
     National Arboretum, Washington, DC                               Ctr. W., Beltsville, MD 20705
    MIDSOUTH AREA--AL, KY, LA, MS, TN                                P.O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776
    MIDWEST AREA--IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI                     1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61804
    NORTHERN PLAINS AREA--CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, WY             Suite 150, 1201 Oakridge Rd., Fort Collins, CO
                                                                      80525-5562
    NORTH ATLANTIC AREA--CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI,     600 E. Mermaid Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19118
     VT, WV
    PACIFIC WEST AREA--AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA                800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710
    SOUTH ATLANTIC AREA--FL, GA, NC, PR, SC, VI, VA                  P.O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30613
    SOUTHERN PLAINS AREA--AR, NM, OK, TX                             Suite 230, 7607 Eastmark Dr., College Station,
                                                                      TX 77840
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The National Agricultural Library (NAL), administered by ARS,
    provides information services over a broad range of agricultural
    interests to a wide cross-section of users, from research scientists to
    the general public. The Library assists its users through a variety of
    specialized information centers. Its staff uses advanced information
    technologies to generate new information products, creating an
    electronic library as it improves access to the knowledge stored in its
    multimedia collection of more than 2 million items.
        Information is made available through loans, photocopies, reference
    services, and literature searches. A subject profiling system for
    selective searches of agricultural data bases is available for USDA
    scientists. Citations to the agricultural literature are stored in the
    Agricultural Online Access (AGRICOLA) data base, available through
    online computer systems and on compact disc. The Library also
    distributes in the United States the AGRIS data base of citations to the
    agricultural literature prepared by centers in various parts of the
    world and coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
    United Nations.

    For further information, contact the Information Staff, Agricultural
    Research Service, Department of Agriculture, 6303 Ivy Lane, Room 450,
    Greenbelt, MD 20770. Phone, 301-344-2340.

    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

    The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
    (CSREES) expands the research and higher education functions of the
    former Cooperative State Research Service and the education and outreach
    functions of the former Extension Service. The result is better customer
    service and an enhanced ability to respond to national priorities.
        The Service links the research and education resources and
    activities of USDA and works with the following institutions: land-grant
    institutions in each State, territory, and the District of Columbia;
    more than 130 colleges of agriculture; 59 agricultural experiment
    stations; 57 cooperative extension services; 63 schools of forestry;
    sixteen 1890 historically Black land-grant institutions and Tuskegee
    University; 27 colleges of veterinary medicine; 42 schools and colleges
    of family and consumer services; twenty-nine 1994 Native American land-
    grant institutions; and 127 Hispanic-serving institutions, including 81
    members and 45 associate

    [[Page 134]]

    members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
        In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES provides the
    focus to advance a global system of research, extension, and higher
    education in the food and agricultural sciences and related
    environmental and human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the
    Nation.
        The Service's mission emphasizes partnerships with the public and
    private sectors to maximize the effectiveness of limited resources. Its
    programs increase and provide access to scientific knowledge; strengthen
    the capabilities of land-grant and other institutions in research,
    extension, and higher education; increase access to and use of improved
    communication and network systems; and promote informed decisionmaking
    by producers, families, and social conditions in the United States and
    globally. These conditions include improved agricultural and other
    economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced
    stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more
    responsible and more productive individuals, families, and communities;
    and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply.
        The Service provides research, extension, and education leadership
    through programs in Plant and Animal Systems; Natural Resources and
    Environment; Economic and Community Systems; Families, 4-H, and
    Nutrition; Partnerships; Competitive Research Grants and Awards
    Management; Science and Education Resources Development; and
    Communications, Technology, Distance Education, and Special Programs.
        The Service's partnership with the land-grant universities and their
    representatives is critical to the effective shared planning, delivery,
    and accountability for research, higher education, and extension
    programs.
        As a recognized leader in the design, organization, and application
    of advanced communication technologies and in meeting the growing demand
    for enhanced distance education capabilities, CSREES provides essential
    community access to research and education knowledge and connects the
    private citizen to other Federal Government information.

    For further information, contact the Communications, Technology, and
    Distance Education Office, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
    Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-0906.
    Phone, 202-720-4651. Fax, 202-690-0289. TDD, 202-690-1899. E-mail,
    CSREES@reeusda.gov. Internet, http://www.reeusda.gov/.

    Economic Research Service

    The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to provide
    economic and other social science information and analysis for public
    and private decisions on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural
    America. The Service produces such information for use by the general
    public and to help the executive and legislative branches develop,
    administer, and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and programs.
        The Service produces economic information through a program of
    research and analysis on: domestic and international agricultural
    developments; statistical indicators of food and consumer issues and
    concerns, including nutrition education and food assistance, food safety
    regulation, determinants of consumer demand for quality and safety, and
    food marketing trends and developments; agricultural resource and
    environmental issues; and the effect of public and private actions and
    policies on national rural and agricultural conditions, including the
    transformation of the rural economy, the financial performance of the
    farm sector, and the implications of changing farm credit and financial
    market structures.

    For further information, contact the Information Services Division,
    Economics Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
    20036-5831. Phone, 202-694-5050.

    Office of Energy  The Office of Energy serves as the focal point for all
    energy-related matters within the Department. The Office is responsible
    for developing and coordinating all USDA energy policies; reviewing and
    evaluating all USDA energy and energy-related

    [[Page 135]]

    programs; evaluating the economics of new nonfood uses for agricultural
    crops; serving as economic liaison on new uses issues; and providing
    liaison with the Department of Energy and other Federal agencies and
    departments on energy activities that may affect agriculture and rural
    America. A major component of this is the responsibility for the
    coordination and evaluation of the departmental Biofuels Program.
        The Office also represents the Department in meetings with
    agriculture, industry, and consumer groups to discuss effects of
    departmental energy policies, programs, and proposals on the
    agricultural sector and rural economy.

    For further information, contact the Information Services Division,
    Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
    20036-5831. Phone, 202-694-5050.

    National Agricultural Statistics Service

    The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) prepares estimates
    and reports on production, supply, price, chemical use, and other items
    necessary for the orderly operation of the U.S. agricultural economy.
        The reports include statistics on field crops, fruits and
    vegetables, dairy, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, aquaculture, and
    related commodities or processed products. Other estimates concern farm
    numbers, farm production expenditures, agricultural chemical use, prices
    received by farmers for products sold, prices paid for commodities and
    services, indexes of prices received and paid, parity prices, farm
    employment, and farm wage rates.
        The Service prepares these estimates through a complex system of
    sample surveys of producers, processors, buyers, and others associated
    with agriculture. Information is gathered by mail, telephone, personal
    interviews, and field visits.
        Beginning in fiscal year 1997 NASS is responsible for conducting the
    census of agriculture, formerly conducted by the Bureau of the Census,
    Commerce Department. The census of agriculture is taken every 5 years
    and provides comprehensive data on the agricultural economy down to the
    county level. Periodic reports are also issued on irrigation and
    horticultural specialities.
        The 45 State-Federal offices, serving all 50 States, and the
    national office prepare weekly, monthly, annual, and other periodic
    reports for free distribution to the news media, Congress, and survey
    respondents. The reports are available to others free on the Internet,
    or on a subscription basis. Information on crop and livestock products
    appears in about 400 reports issued annually. Cooperative agreements
    with State agencies also permit preparation and publication of estimates
    of individual crops and livestock by counties in most States.
        The Service performs reimbursable survey work and statistical
    consulting services for other Federal and State agencies and provides
    technical assistance for developing agricultural data systems in other
    countries.

    For further information, contact the Executive Assistant to the
    Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department of
    Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2000. Phone, 202-720-2707.

    Natural Resources and Environment

    This mission area is responsible for fostering sound stewardship of 75
    percent of the Nation's total land area. Ecosystems are the underpinning
    for the Department's operating philosophy in this area, in order to
    maximize stewardship of our natural resources. This approach ensures
    that products, values, services, and uses desired by people are produced
    in ways that sustain healthy, productive ecosystems.

    [[Page 136]]

    Forest Service

    [For the Forest Service statement of organization, see the Code of
    Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 200.1]

    The Forest Service was created by the Transfer Act of February 1, 1905
    (16 U.S.C. 472), which transferred the Federal forest reserves and the
    responsibility for their management from the Department of the Interior
    to the Department of Agriculture. The forest reserves were established
    by the President from the public domain under authority of the Creative
    Act of March 3, 1891 (26 Stat. 1103). The protection and development of
    the reserves (which became the national forests in 1907) are governed by
    the Organic Act of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 U.S.C. 473-478); the
    Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of June 12, 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528-531);
    the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16
    U.S.C. 1601-1610); and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (90
    Stat. 2947). The Weeks Law of March 1, 1911, as amended (16 U.S.C. 480),
    allowed the Government to purchase and exchange land for national
    forests.
    Objectives  The Forest Service has the Federal responsibility for
    national leadership in forestry. As set forth in law, its mission is to
    achieve quality land management under the sustainable, multiple-use
    management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. To accomplish
    this goal, it has adopted objectives which include:
        --advocating a conservation ethic in promoting the health,
    productivity, diversity, and beauty of forests and associated lands;
        --listening to people and responding to their diverse needs in
    making decisions;
        --protecting and managing the national forests and grasslands to
    best demonstrate the sustainable, multiple-use management concept;
        --providing technical and financial assistance to State and private
    forest landowners, encouraging them toward active stewardship and
    quality land management in meeting their specific objectives;
        --providing technical and financial assistance to cities and
    communities to improve their natural environment by planting trees and
    caring for their forests;
        --providing international technical assistance and scientific
    exchanges to sustain and enhance global resources and to encourage
    quality land management;
        --assisting States and communities in using the forests wisely to
    promote rural economic development and a quality rural environment;
        --developing and providing scientific and technical knowledge,
    improving our capability to protect, manage, and use forests and
    rangelands; and
        --providing work, training, and education to the unemployed,
    underemployed, elderly, youth, and the disadvantaged.
    National Forest System  The Service manages 155 national forests, 20
    national grasslands, and 8 land utilization projects on over 191 million
    acres in 44 States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico under the
    principles of multiple-use and sustained yield. The Nation's tremendous
    need for wood and paper products is balanced with the other vital,
    renewable resources or benefits that the national forests and grasslands
    provide: recreation and natural beauty, wildlife habitat, livestock
    forage, and water supplies. The guiding principle is the greatest good
    to the greatest number in the long run.
        These lands are protected as much as possible from wildfire,
    epidemics of disease and insect pests, erosion, floods, and water and
    air pollution. Burned areas get emergency seeding treatment to prevent
    massive erosion and stream siltation. Roads and trails are built where
    needed to allow for closely regulated timber harvesting and to give the
    public access to outdoor recreation areas and provide scenic drives and
    hikes. Picnic, camping, water-sport, skiing, and other areas are
    provided with facilities for public convenience and enjoyment. Timber
    harvesting methods are used that will protect the land and streams,
    assure rapid renewal of the forest, provide food and cover for wildlife
    and fish, and have minimum impact on scenic and

    [[Page 137]]

    recreation values. Local communities benefit from the logging and
    milling activities. These lands also provide needed oil, gas, and
    minerals. Rangelands are improved for millions of livestock and game
    animals. The national forests provide a refuge for many species of
    endangered birds, animals, and fish. Some 34.6 million acres are set
    aside as wilderness and 175,000 acres as primitive areas where timber
    will not be harvested.
    Cooperation With the States  The Service provides national leadership
    and financial and technical assistance to non-Federal forest landowners,
    operators, processors of forest products, and urban forestry interests.
    Through its cooperative State and private forestry programs, the Service
    protects and improves the quality of air, water, soil, and open space
    and encourages uses of natural resources on non-Federal lands that best
    meet the needs of the Nation, while protecting the environment.
        Cooperative programs are carried out through the State foresters or
    equivalent State officials, who receive grant funding under the
    Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101).
    Cooperators at the State and local levels provide the delivery system
    for most State and private forestry programs.
        Grant funds and technical assistance are available for rural
    forestry assistance, forestry incentives, insect and disease control,
    urban forestry assistance, rural fire prevention and control,
    organization management assistance, State forest resource planning, and
    technology implementation.
        The Service also cooperates with other USDA agencies in providing
    leadership and technical assistance for the forestry aspects of
    conservation programs.
        The Service's State and private forestry program staff also ensure
    that the Service and its cooperators keep abreast of the best knowledge
    and technology in carrying out its programs, and they help to develop
    technology transfer plans for implementing research results for a broad
    range of potential users.
    Forest Research  The Service performs basic and applied research to
    develop the scientific information and technology needed to protect,
    manage, use, and sustain the natural resources of the Nation's 1.6
    billion acres of forests and rangelands. This research is conducted
    through a network of 7 forest experiment stations, a Forest Products
    Laboratory, and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry,
    including research work units at 77 project locations throughout the
    United States, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Trust Islands. Under the
    authority of the McSweeny-McNary Act of May 22, 1928, as amended and
    supplemented (45 Stat. 699), research is often performed in cooperation
    with many of the State agricultural colleges. The Forest Research
    Service's strategy focuses on three major program components:
    understanding the structure and functions of forest and range
    ecosystems; understanding how people perceive and value the protection,
    management, and use of natural resources; and determining which
    protection, management, and utilization practices are most suitable for
    sustainable production and use of the world's natural resources.
    International Forestry  In response to the U.S. commitment to support
    natural resource conservation around the world, Congress established the
    International Forestry Division within the USDA's Forest Service. Its
    mandate is to provide assistance that promotes sustainable development
    and global environmental stability, particularly in key countries
    important in global climate change. This mandate includes a national
    goal for sustainable management of all forests by the year 2000,
    investigating research topics with implications for global forest
    management, and sharing resource management experience with colleagues
    around the world.
        Responsibility for global stewardship is shared by the entire Forest
    Service. The Forest Service's Office of International Forestry mobilizes
    support of all Forest Service units--Research, National Forest System,
    State and Private Forestry, Administration, and Programs and
    Legislation--to work with other governmental agencies, nongovernmental
    groups, and

    [[Page 138]]

    international organizations in four major international areas: strategic
    planning and policy development, training and technical assistance,
    research and scientific exchange, and disaster relief.
    Human Resource Programs  The Service operates the Youth Conservation
    Corps and the Volunteers in the National Forests programs and
    participates with the Department of Labor on several human resource
    programs that involve the Nation's citizens, both young and old, in
    forestry-related activities. Included in these programs are the Job
    Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. These
    programs annually accomplish millions of dollars worth of conservation
    work, while providing participants with such benefits as training, paid
    employment, and meaningful outdoor experience.

                          Field Offices--Forest Service
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Region/Station/Area                        Address
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    National Forest System Regions \1\--Regional Forester
    1. Northern                 Federal Bldg. (P.O. Box 7669), Missoula, MT
                                 59807
    2. Rocky Mountain           740 Simms St. (P.O. Box 25127), Lakewood, CO
                                 80225
    3. Southwestern             517 Gold Ave. SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102
    4. Intermountain            324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401
    5. Pacific Southwest        630 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94111
    6. Pacific Northwest        333 SW. 1st Ave. (P.O. Box 3623), Portland,
                                 OR 97208
    8. Southern                 1720 Peachtree Rd. NW., Atlanta, GA 30367
    9. Eastern                  310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
    10. Alaska                  Federal Office Bldg. (P.O. Box 21628),
                                 Juneau, AK 99802
                 Forest and Range Experiment Stations--Director
    Intermountain               324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401
    North Central               1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
    Northeastern                Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd. (P.O. Box
                                 6775), Radnor, PA 19087-4585
    Pacific Northwest           333 SW. 1st Ave. (P.O. Box 3890), Portland,
                                 OR 97208
    Pacific Southwest           800 Buchanan St. (P.O. Box 245), Albany, CA
                                 94710
    Rocky Mountain              240 W. Prospect Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526
    Southern                    200 Weaver Blvd. (P.O. Box 2860), Asheville,
                                 NC 28802
    Forest Products Laboratory  One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53705
                 State and Private Forestry Areas \2\--Director
    Northeastern                Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd. (P.O. Box
                                 6775), Radnor, PA 19087-4585
    International Institute of  UPR Experimental Station Grounds, Botanical
     Tropical Forestry           Garden (Call Box 25000), Rio Piedras, PR
                                 00928
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ There is no Region 7.
    \2\ In Regions 1 through 6, 8, and 10, State and private forestry
      activities are directed from regional headquarters.

    For further information, contact the Office of Communications, Forest
    Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC
    20090-6090. Phone, 202-205-8333.

    Natural Resources Conservation Service

    [For the Natural Resources Conservation Service statement of
    organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Parts 600
    and 601]

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil
    Conservation Service, has national responsibility for helping America's
    farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners develop and carry out
    voluntary efforts to conserve and protect our natural resources. The
    Service is USDA's technical delivery arm for conservation.
    Conservation Technical Assistance  This is the foundation program of
    NRCS. Under this program, NRCS provides technical assistance to land
    users and units of government for the purpose of sustaining agricultural
    productivity and protecting and enhancing the natural resource base.
    This assistance is based on the voluntary cooperation of private
    landowners and involves comprehensive approaches to reduce soil erosion,
    improve soil and water quantity and quality, improve and conserve
    wetlands, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve air quality,
    improve pasture and range condition, reduce upstream flooding, and
    improve woodlands. Every year, more than 1 million land users receive
    these technical services, which are channeled through nearly 3,000

    [[Page 139]]

    conservation districts across the United States and its territories.
    Natural Resources Inventory  The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) is a
    report issued every 5 years on how well the Nation is sustaining natural
    resources on non-Federal land. This report contains the most
    comprehensive and statistically reliable data of its kind in the world.
    The Inventory provides data on the kind and amount of soil, water,
    vegetation, and related resources; the effects of current land use and
    management practices on the present and future supply and condition of
    soil, water, and vegetation; and the changes and trends in the use,
    extent, and condition of these resources. Inventory data and analytical
    software are available to the public on CD-ROM.
    National Cooperative Soil Survey  The National Cooperative Soil Survey
    provides the public with local information on the uses and capabilities
    of their soils. The published soil survey for a county or other
    designated area includes maps and interpretations that are the
    foundation for farm planning and other private land use decisions as
    well as for resource planning and policy by Federal, State, and local
    governments. The surveys are conducted cooperatively with other Federal,
    State, and local agencies and land grant universities. The Service is
    the national and world leader in soil classification and soil mapping,
    and is now expanding its work in soil quality.
    Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program  This program collects
    snowpack moisture data and forecasts seasonal water supplies for streams
    that derive most of their water from snowmelt. It helps farm operators,
    rural communities, and municipalities manage water resources through
    water supply forecasts. It also provides hydrometeorological data for
    regulating reservoir storage and managing streamflow. The Snow Supply
    Program is conducted in 11 Western States and Alaska.
    Plant Materials Program  At 26 plant materials centers across the
    country, NRCS tests, selects, and ensures the commercial availability of
    new and improved conservation plants for erosion reduction, wetland
    restoration, water quality improvement, streambank and riparian area
    protection, coastal dune stabilization, biomass production, carbon
    sequestration, and other needs. The Plant Materials Program is a
    cooperative effort with conservation districts, other Federal and State
    agencies, commercial businesses, and seed and nursery associations.
    River Basin Surveys and Investigations  This program involves NRCS with
    Federal, State, and local agencies in river basin surveys and
    investigations, flood hazard analysis, and floodplain management
    assistance. It addresses a variety of natural resource concerns: water
    quality, water conservation, wetlands protection, agricultural drought,
    rural development, municipal and industrial water needs, and fish and
    wildlife habitat.
    Small Watersheds Program  The Small Watersheds Program helps local
    sponsoring groups to voluntarily plan and install watershed protection
    projects on private lands. These projects include flood prevention,
    water quality improvement, soil erosion and sediment reduction, rural
    and municipal water supply, irrigation water management, fish and
    wildlife habitat enhancement, and wetlands restoration. The Service
    helps local community groups, government entities, and private
    landowners working together using an integrated, comprehensive watershed
    approach to natural resource planning.
    Flood Prevention Program  This program applies to 11 specific flood
    prevention projects covering about 35 million acres in 11 States. It
    provides help in flood prevention, water management, and reduction of
    erosion sedimentation. It also can help in developing recreational
    facilities and improving fish and wildlife habitat.
    Emergency Watershed Protection Program  This program provides emergency
    assistance to safeguard lives and property in jeopardy due to sudden
    watershed impairment by natural disasters. Emergency work includes

    [[Page 140]]

    quickly establishing a protective plant cover on denuded land and stream
    banks; opening dangerously restricted channels; and repairing diversions
    and levees. An emergency area need not be declared a national disaster
    area to be eligible for help under this program.
    Great Plains Conservation Program  This program (GPCP) helps bring about
    long-term solutions to natural resource problems in the 10 Great Plains
    States. It is aimed at total conservation treatment of entire farms or
    ranches. Participation in GPCP is voluntary and provides technical
    assistance and a long-term cost-share contract between the participant
    and NRCS. The program has been effective in addressing the needs of
    socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and the needs of American
    Indian farmers and ranchers. In addition to providing significant
    erosion and sediment reduction benefits, it addresses problems related
    to water quality, wildlife habitat protection, and other environmental
    concerns.
    Resource Conservation and Development Program  This program (RC&D) is a
    locally driven program--an opportunity for civic-oriented groups to work
    together sharing knowledge and resources in solving common problems
    facing their region. The program offers aid in balancing the
    environmental, economic, and social needs of an area. A USDA coordinator
    helps each designated RC&D council plan, develop, and carry out programs
    for resource conservation, water management, community development, and
    environmental enhancement.
    Rural Abandoned Mine Program  This program (RAMP) helps protect people
    and the environment from the adverse effects of past coal-mining
    practices and promotes the development of soil and water resources on
    unreclaimed mine land. It provides technical and financial assistance to
    land users who voluntarily enter into 5- to 10-year contracts for the
    reclamation of eligible land and water.
    Wetlands Reserve Program  Under this program, USDA purchases easements
    from agricultural land owners who voluntarily agree to restore and
    protect wetlands. Service employees help these owners develop plans to
    retire critical wetland habitat from crop production. The primary
    objectives are to preserve and restore wetlands, improve wildlife
    habitat, and protect migratory waterfowl.
    Water Bank Program  The Service helps landowners protect, improve, or
    restore wetlands by identifying eligible lands, helping owners develop
    conservation plans, and implementing necessary land treatments. Through
    10-year rental agreements between USDA and landowners, the Water Bank
    Program protects important nesting, breeding, and feeding areas for
    migratory waterfowl. Other benefits of the program include water
    conservation, erosion control, flood control, and landscape
    beautification.
    Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program  This voluntary incentive
    program supports the Nation's commitment to water quality in the
    Colorado River, which provides water to more than 18 million people in
    parts of seven Western States and Mexico. The Service provides financial
    and technical assistance to control salt loading to the Colorado River
    from both natural and human-caused sources. Among the remedies used are
    management practices to prevent irrigation-induced erosion.
    Forestry Incentives Program  This program helps to increase the Nation's
    supply of products from nonindustrial private forest lands. This also
    ensures more effective use of existing forest lands and, over time,
    helps to prevent shortages and price increases for forest products. The
    program shares the cost incurred by landowners for tree planting and
    timberstand improvement.
    Farmland Protection Program (FPP)  This new program protects soil by
    encouraging landowners to limit conversion of their farmland to
    nonagricultural uses. States, Indian tribes, or local governments
    administer all aspects of acquiring lands that are in FPP except when it
    is more effective and efficient for the Federal Government to do so.
    Funds for FPP come from the Commodity Credit Corporation. The Program is
    authorized by the Federal

    [[Page 141]]

    Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to protect between
    170,000 and 340,000 acres of farmland.
    Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)  This Program assists
    producers with environmental and natural resource conservation
    improvements on their agricultural lands. One-half of the available
    funds are for conservation activities related to livestock production.
    Technical assistance, cost-share payments, incentive payments, and
    education focus on priority areas and natural resource concerns
    identified in cooperation with State technical committees. The program
    uses 5- to 10-year contracts based on conservation plans, as well as a
    priority evaluation process to maximize environmental benefits per
    dollar expended. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the rulemaking
    process, establishes criteria for EQIP assistance, including determining
    standards for large livestock operations which will be ineligible for
    cost sharing to construct animal waste management facilities.
    Conservation Farm Option  This pilot program for producers of wheat,
    feed grains, cotton, and rice is open to owners or operators of farms
    that have a production flexibility contract. Under the program,
    producers may receive one consolidated USDA program payment in lieu of a
    list of specified payments. The producers must implement a conservation
    plan that addresses soil, water, and related resources; water quality;
    wetlands; and wildlife habitat. Participation is voluntary and is based
    on a 10-year contract.
    Farms-for-the-Future Program  This program guarantees USDA loans and
    subsidizes interest on State loans to purchase agricultural land or
    development rights to preserve vital farmland resources for future
    generations. The money also can be reinvested by the States to generate
    earnings for future farmland protection efforts.

    For further information, contact the Management Services Division,
    Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O.
    Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013. Phone, 202-690-4811.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250

    Phone, 202-314-3300
    Director                                          Philip H. Hudson
    Deputy Director                                   Lynn Edwards
    Associate Director                                Robert Brown
    Program Director, Center for Applied Technology   Nat Hopkins
    Program Director, Correspondence Study            Norma Harwood
    Program Director, Evening and Saturday            Ronald MacNab
    Program Director, Government Audit Training       Donald Smuland
            Institute
    Program Director, International Institute         Jack Maykoski, Acting
    Director of Communications                        (vacancy)
    Director of Administration                        Robert Kies
    Director, Career Development Programs             Lew Taylor
    Director, Technology Enabled Learning             David Lamp
    Director, National Independent Study Center       Mike Allen
    Director, Regional Training Centers               Tony Gutierrez
    Director, Midwest Training Center                 Cynthia Rudmann
    Director, National Capital Training Center        Nancy Randa
    Director, Northeast Training Center               Frank Bauer
    Director, Southeast Training Center               David Hitt

    [[Page 142]]

    Director, Southwest Training Center               Joe Mata, Acting
    Director, Western Training Center                 Maureen Hetzel
    Registrar                                         Carolyn Nelson

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a continuing
    education school offering career-related training to adults. It is self-
    supporting and does not receive direct appropriated funds from Congress
    or the Department of Agriculture. Fees charged individuals and
    Government agencies are nominal. Courses are planned with the assistance
    of Government professionals and specialists.
        The faculty is mostly part-time and is drawn from throughout
    Government and the community at large. They are selected because of
    their professional and specialized knowledge and experience and thus
    bring a practicality and experience to their classrooms. Faculty holding
    regular Government positions take annual leave or leave without pay when
    teaching during their normal work hours.
        The school does not grant degrees but does provide planned sequences
    of courses leading to certificates of accomplishment in a number of
    occupational and career fields important to government. Training areas
    include management, auditing, computer science, communications, foreign
    language, procurement, financial management, and others.
        The Graduate School's objective is to improve Government services by
    providing needed continuing education and training opportunities for
    Government employees and agencies.
        The Graduate School, administered by a Director and governed by a
    General Administration Board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture,
    was established by the Secretary of Agriculture on September 2, 1921,
    pursuant to act of May 15, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 2201); joint resolution of
    April 12, 1892 (27 Stat. 395); and the Deficiencies Appropriation Act of
    March 3, 1901 (20 U.S.C. 91).
        In July 1995, through a memorandum of understanding between the U.S.
    Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Agriculture, the
    Graduate School acquired many of the training offices formerly operated
    by the Office of Personnel Management.

    For further information, contact the Communications Office, Graduate
    School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 160, 600 Maryland Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone, 202-401-9129.

    Sources of
    Information

    Consumer Activities  Educational, organizational, and financial
    assistance is offered to consumers and their families in such fields as
    rural housing and farm operating programs, improved nutrition, family
    living and recreation, food stamp, school lunch, donated foods, and
    other food programs. Contact the Office of Public Affairs, Department of
    Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.
    Contracts and Small Business Activities  To obtain information about
    contracting or subcontracting opportunities, attending small business
    outreach activities, or how to do business with USDA, contact the Office
    of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Phone, 202-720-7117.
    Internet, http://www.usda.gov/da/smallbus.html.
    Employment  Most jobs in the Department are in the competitive service
    and are filled by applicants who have established eligibility under an
    appropriate examination administered by the Office of Personnel
    Management or Department Special Examining Units.
        General employment inquiries should be directed to the agencies.
        Persons interested in employment in the Food and Consumer Service
    should

    [[Page 143]]

    contact the regional offices located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
    Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Robbinsville, NJ, or the national
    headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Phone, 703-305-2351.
        Persons interested in employment in the Office of the Inspector
    General should contact the USDA Office of Personnel, Room 31-W, Jamie L.
    Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5781.
        In addition, all Forest Service field offices (addresses indicated
    in the preceding text) accept employment applications.
    Environment  Educational, organizational, technical, and financial
    assistance is offered to local citizens, organizations, and communities
    in such fields as watershed protection, flood prevention, soil and water
    conservation practices to reduce erosion and sedimentation, community
    water and waste disposal systems, safe use of pesticides, and the
    development of pesticide alternatives.
        Contact the nearest county extension agent or USDA office, or write
    to the Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture, Washington,
    DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.
    Films  Motion pictures on a variety of agricultural subjects are
    available for loan through various State Extension Service film
    libraries. Contact the Video, Teleconference, and Radio Center, Office
    of Communications, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, for
    a listing of cooperating film libraries. Phone, 202-720-6072.
        Color filmstrips and slide sets on a variety of subjects are
    available for purchase. For a listing of titles and prices, contact the
    Photography Center, Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture,
    Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-6633.
    Whistleblower Hotline  Persons wishing to register complaints of alleged
    improprieties concerning the Department should contact one of the
    regional offices or the Inspector General's whistleblower hotline.
    Phone, 800-424-9121 (toll-free, outside Washington, DC); 202-690-1622
    (within the Washington, DC, metropolitan area); or 202-690-1202 (TDD).
    Fax, 202-690-2474.
    Reading Rooms  Located at each USDA agency at addresses indicated in the
    preceding text.
    Speakers  Contact the nearest Department of Agriculture office or county
    Extension agent. In the District of Columbia, contact the Office of
    Public Liaison, Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture,
    Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2798.

    For further information concerning the Department of Agriculture,
    contact the Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture,
    Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.
    Internet, http://www.usda.gov/.