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7 U.S. Code § 6971. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics
(a) Authorization
The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics (referred to in this section as the “Under Secretary”).
(b) Confirmation required
The Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among distinguished scientists with specialized training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics.
(c) Chief ScientistThe Under Secretary shall—
(1)
hold the title of Chief Scientist of the Department; and
(2)
be responsible for the coordination of the research, education, and extension activities of the Department.
(d) Functions of Under Secretary
(1) Principal function
The Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary those functions and duties under the jurisdiction of the Department that relate to research, education, and economics.
(2) Specific functions and dutiesThe Under Secretary shall—
(A)
identify, address, and prioritize current and emerging agricultural research, education, and extension needs (including funding);
(B) ensure that agricultural research, education, and extension programs are effectively coordinated and integrated—
(i)
across disciplines, agencies, and institutions; and
(ii)
among applicable participants, grantees, and beneficiaries;
(C)
promote the collaborative use of all agricultural research, education, and extension resources from the local, State, tribal, regional, national, and international levels to address priority needs; and
(D)
foster communication among agricultural research, education, and extension beneficiaries, including the public, to ensure the delivery of agricultural research, education, and extension knowledge.
(3) Additional functions
The Under Secretary shall perform such other functions and duties as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary.
(e) Office of the Chief Scientist
(1) Establishment
The Under Secretary shall organize within the office of the Under Secretary 6 Divisions, to be known collectively as the “Office of the Chief Scientist”, which shall coordinate the research programs and activities of the Department.