§ 7627. — Coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC7627]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 103--AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM
SUBCHAPTER II--NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION
INITIATIVES
Sec. 7627. Coordinated program of research, extension, and
education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy,
livestock, and poultry operations
(a) Program authorized
The Secretary of Agriculture may carry out a coordinated program of
research, extension, and education to improve the competitiveness,
viability, and sustainability of small and medium size dairy, livestock,
and poultry operations (referred to in this section as ``operations'').
(b) Components
To the extent the Secretary elects to carry out the program, the
Secretary shall conduct--
(1) research, development, and on-farm extension and education
concerning low-cost production facilities and practices, management
systems, and genetics that are appropriate for the operations;
(2) in the case of dairy and livestock operations, research and
extension on management-intensive grazing systems for dairy and
livestock production to realize the potential for reduced capital
and feed costs through greater use of management skills, labor
availability optimization, and the natural benefits of grazing
pastures;
(3) research and extension on integrated crop and livestock or
poultry systems that increase efficiencies (including improved use
of energy inputs), reduce costs, and prevent environmental pollution
to strengthen the competitive position of the operations;
(4) economic analyses and market feasibility studies to identify
new and expanded opportunities for producers on the operations that
provide tools and strategies to meet consumer demand in domestic and
international markets, such as cooperative marketing and value-added
strategies for milk, meat, and poultry production and processing;
and
(5) technology assessment that compares the technological
resources of large specialized producers with the technological
needs of producers on the operations to identify and transfer
existing technology across all sizes and scales and to identify the
specific research and education needs of the producers.
(c) Administration
The Secretary may use the funds, facilities, and technical expertise
of the Agricultural Research Service and the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service and other funds available to the
Secretary (other than funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation) to
carry out this section.
(Pub. L. 105-185, title IV, Sec. 407, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 573; Pub.
L. 107-171, title VII, Sec. 7207(c), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 440.)
Amendments
2002--Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107-171 inserted ``(including improved
use of energy inputs)'' after ``poultry systems that increase
efficiencies''.
