View all text of Part A [§ 5811 - § 5814]
§ 5811. Research and extension projects
(a) Projects requiredThe Secretary shall conduct research and extension projects to obtain data, develop conclusions, demonstrate technologies, and conduct educational programs that promote the purposes of this part, including research and extension projects that—
(1) facilitate and increase scientific investigation and education in order to—
(A) reduce, to the extent feasible and practicable, the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic natural materials in agricultural production;
(B) improve low-input farm management to enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and competitiveness; and
(C) promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification; and
(2) facilitate the conduct of projects in order to—
(A) study, to the extent practicable, agricultural production systems that are located in areas that possess various soil, climate, and physical characteristics;
(B) study farms that have been, and will continue to be, managed using farm production practices that rely on low-input and conservation practices;
(C) take advantage of the experience and expertise of farmers and ranchers through their direct participation and leadership in projects;
(D) transfer practical, reliable and timely information to farmers and ranchers concerning low-input sustainable farming practices and systems; and
(E) promote a partnership between farmers, nonprofit organizations, agribusiness, and public and private research and extension institutions.
(b) Agreements
(c) Selection of projects
(1) In generalThe Secretary shall select research and extension projects to be conducted under this section on the basis of—
(A) the relevance of the project to the purposes of this part;
(B) the appropriateness of the design of the project;
(C) the likelihood of obtaining the objectives of the project; and
(D) the national or regional applicability of the findings and outcomes of the proposed project.
(2) PriorityIn conducting projects under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that—
(A) closely coordinate research and extension activities;
(B) indicate the manner in which the findings of the project will be made readily usable by farmers;
(C) maximize the involvement and cooperation of farmers, including projects involving on-farm research and demonstration;
(D) involve a multidisciplinary systems approach; and
(E) involve cooperation between farms, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, and government agencies.
(d) Diversification of research
(e) On-farm research
(f) Impact studies
(g) Project duration
(1) In general
(2) Sequence planting
(h) Public access
(i) Indemnification
(1) In general
(2) Subject to agreement
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, § 1621, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3734; Pub. L. 104–127, title VIII, § 860(c)(2), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1173.)