DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, [$5,285,000] $5,936,000: Provided, That not to exceed $11,000 of this amount shall be available for official reception and representation expenses, not otherwise provided for, as determined by the Secretary.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, [$806,000] $828,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Tribal Relations, [$1,000,000] $1,025,000, to support communication and consultation activities with Federally Recognized Tribes, as well as other requirements established by law.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Ecosystem Services Management, $2,021,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations to carry out the programs funded by this Act, including programs involving intergovernmental affairs and liaison within the executive branch, [$3,968,000] $4,081,000: Provided, That these funds may be transferred to agencies of the Department of Agriculture funded by this Act to maintain personnel at the agency level[: Provided further, That no funds made available by this appropriation may be obligated after 30 days from the date of enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary has notified the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the allocation of these funds by USDA agency: Provided further, That no other funds appropriated to the Department by this Act shall be available to the Department for support of activities of congressional relations].

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics, [$895,000] $920,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, [$895,000] $920,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, [$813,000] $836,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, [$895,000] $920,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, [$895,000] $920,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, [$895,000] $920,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, [$813,000] $836,000.

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Office of the Secretary is responsible for the overall planning, coordination and administration of the Department's programs. This includes the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and their immediate staffs, who provide top policy guidance for the Department; maintain relationships with agricultural organizations and others in the development of farm programs; and provide liaison with the Executive Office of the President and Members of Congress on all matters pertaining to agricultural policy.

Funds are proposed for the Office of the Secretary's account for (1) negotiating and monitoring trade agreements; and (2) for technical trade support in the areas of biotechnology, sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.

In addition, funds are proposed in the Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment for the Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets to support the development of market opportunities for America's farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

For necessary expenses of the Secretary to carry out demonstration projects to increase access to healthy foods in rural and urban areas, $35,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012, which the Secretary may use for financial and technical assistance; may transfer to the Intermediary Relending Program, for infrastructure and operations to enhance marketing of locally and regionally produced foods, for the costs of authorized direct loans (as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974); and may use, not to exceed $1,400,000, for the Federal administrative costs of carrying out and evaluating such demonstration projects: Provided, That in addition, to further enable the Secretary to carry out such demonstration projects, the Secretary may also reserve a total, in aggregate, of up to $15,000,000 of the funds made available in this or any other Act in the Rural Community Facilities Program account, in the Marketing Services account, in the Rural Business Program account, in the Rural Development Loan Fund Program account, for section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) and for section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005), and the Secretary may use such reserved amounts for technical or financial assistance; for the costs of authorized direct or guaranteed loans (as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974); and, not to exceed $600,000, for the Federal administrative costs of carrying out and evaluating such demonstration projects: Provided further, That the Secretary, under the prior proviso, may reserve not more than 10 percent of the funding available for a specific program activity in the accounts specified therein: Provided further, That the Secretary, in carrying out such demonstration projects, may make or guarantee loans notwithstanding any applicable legal limitations regarding eligibility, area served, size of loan, or size of loans made by borrowers that the Secretary determines would interfere with the objectives of such demonstration projects: Provided further, That the Secretary, to carry out such demonstration projects, may transfer the funds appropriated or reserved herein into an account to be used for the costs of direct loans under section 310B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.1932(a)): Provided further, That the Secretary, to carry out such demonstration projects, may use one or more consolidated solicitation and application processes: Provided further, That any funds provided for under this heading for such demonstration projects shall be in addition to any other funds that the Secretary may use for carrying out such projects.

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The "Healthy Food Financing Initiative" is designed to support local and regional efforts to increase access to healthy food, particularly for the development of grocery stores and other healthy food retailers in urban and rural food deserts and other low-income/underserved areas. Through the initiative, funds will be made available from a number of loan, grant, promotion, and other programs to provide financial and technical assistance to support market planning and promotion efforts as well as infrastructure and operational improvements designed to stimulate consumer demand, enhance marketing, and increase availability of locally and regionally produced foods.

Trust Funds

Special and Trust Fund Receipts (in millions of dollars)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Secretary is authorized to accept and administer gifts and bequests of real and personal property to facilitate the work of the Department. Property and the proceeds thereof are used in accordance with the terms of the gift or bequest (7 U.S.C. 2269).

Federal Funds

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

This fund finances by advances or reimbursements certain central services in the Department of Agriculture, including duplicating and other visual information services; broadcast media services; supply services; centralized financial management systems; centralized automated data processing systems for payroll, personnel, and related services; voucher payments services; telecommunications services; and information technology systems.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Economist, [$13,032,000] $13,175,000. (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Office of the Chief Economist advises the Secretary of Agriculture on the economic implications of Department policies, programs and proposed legislation. The Office serves as a focal point for USDA's economic intelligence and analysis, risk assessment, and cost-benefit analysis related to domestic and international food and agriculture; provides policy direction for renewable energy development; conducts analyses of climate change impacts on agriculture and forestry; and is responsible for coordination and review of all commodity and aggregate agricultural and food-related data used to develop outlook and situation material within the Department.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the National Appeals Division, [$15,254,000] $15,424,000. (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The National Appeals Division (NAD) is responsible for listening to farmers and other rural program participants, and mitigating their disputes with certain agencies within the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Division makes decisions through fair and impartial administrative hearings and appeals.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For Departmental Administration, [$41,319,000] $30,706,000, to provide for necessary expenses for management support services to offices of the Department and for general administration, security, repairs and alterations, and other miscellaneous supplies and expenses not otherwise provided for and necessary for the practical and efficient work of the Department: Provided, That this appropriation shall be reimbursed from applicable appropriations in this Act for travel expenses incident to the holding of hearings as required by 5 U.S.C. 551-558[: Provided further, That of the amount appropriated, $13,000,000 is for stabilization and reconstruction activities to be carried out under the authority provided by title XIV of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and other applicable laws].

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Information Officer, [$61,579,000] $63,719,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, [$6,566,000] $6,632,000: Provided, That no funds made available by this appropriation may be obligated for FAIR Act or Circular A-76 activities until the Secretary has submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report on the Department's contracting out policies, including agency budgets for contracting out.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Civil Rights, [$23,922,000] $24,133,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, [$895,000] $907,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Budget and Program Analysis, [$9,436,000] $9,547,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Homeland Security, [$1,859,000] $1,876,000.

For necessary expenses of the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, [$1,700,000] $7,009,000. (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Departmental Management is compromised of the following offices:

Departmental Administration is comprised of offices that provide staff support to policy officials and overall direction and coordination of the Department. These activities include Department-wide programs for human resources management, ethics, occupational safety and health management, real and personal property management, acquisitions and contracting, motor vehicle and aircraft management, supply management, participation of small and disadvantaged businesses, service-disabled veterans programs, emergency coordination and security services, and the regulatory hearing and administrative proceedings conducted by the Administrative Law Judges, and Judicial Officer.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) was established under the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 to provide leadership for the Department's information technology (IT) security and IT management activities in support of USDA program delivery. The OCIO is leading USDA in efforts to transform the Department's delivery of information, programs, and services by using integrated services that simplify citizens interaction with their government. The OCIO is responsible for strengthening USDA's Computer Security Program to mitigate threats to USDA's information and IT assets and support the Department's homeland security efforts.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) was established in 1995 under authority provided in Reorganization Plan Number 2 of 1953 (7 U.S.C. 2201)to comply with the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990. The OCFO focuses on the Department's financial and performance management activities to improve program delivery and assure maximum contribution to the Secretary's Strategic Goals.

The Office of Civil Rights provides overall leadership responsibility for all Department-wide civil rights activities, including employment opportunity and program non-discrimination policy development, analysis, coordination, and compliance. The Office is responsible for providing leadership in the implementation of best practices that will create an environment where a diverse workforce is valued as a source of strength. The Office has the responsibility for monitoring program activities to ensure that all USDA programs are delivered in a non-discriminatory manner.

The Office of Budget and Program Analysis coordinates the preparation of Departmental budget estimates and legislative reports; administers systems for the allotment and apportionment of funds; provides policy, program and budgetary analysis of USDA programs and proposals; and provides staff assistance to USDA agencies in meeting their responsibility for the development and review of regulations.

The Office of Homeland Security formulates emergency preparedness policies and objectives for USDA. The Staff directs and coordinates all of the Department's program activities that support USDA emergency programs and liaison functions with the Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and other Federal Departments and agencies involving homeland security, natural disasters, other emergencies, and agriculture-related international civil emergency planning and intelligence activities.

The Office of Advocacy and Outreach was established in 2010 to increase the accessibility of USDA programs to underserved constituents. The office will implement the provisions of the Farm Bill related to outreach to small, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. It will oversee the Office of Small Farms Coordination and the Advisory Committee for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. A Farmworker Coordinator position will be created to serve as a liaison to community-based nonprofit organizations that represent low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers and to consult with other appropriate institutions.The Office will coordinate with USDA agencies on the activities of the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program, the Farm Labor Housing Grants Program, and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

For necessary expenses of the Department of Agriculture, to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), [$5,125,000] $5,139,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That appropriations and funds available herein to the Department for Hazardous Materials Management may be transferred to any agency of the Department for its use in meeting all requirements pursuant to the above Acts on Federal and non-Federal lands. (42 U.S.C. 6961, et seq., 42 U.S.C. 9601, et seq.; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Department has the responsibility to meet the same standards for environmental cleanup and regulatory compliance regarding hazardous wastes and hazardous substances as private businesses. With substantial commitments under these Acts, a central fund the Hazardous Materials Management account, has been established so that the Department's agencies may be reimbursed for their cleanup efforts. The Department determines what projects to fund by using objective criteria that identify what sites pose the greatest threats to public health and the environment.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

For payment of space rental and related costs pursuant to Public Law 92-313, including authorities pursuant to the 1984 delegation of authority from the Administrator of General Services to the Department of Agriculture under 40 U.S.C. 486, for programs and activities of the Department which are included in this Act, and for alterations and other actions needed for the Department and its agencies to consolidate unneeded space into configurations suitable for release to the Administrator of General Services, and for the operation, maintenance, improvement, and repair of Agriculture buildings and facilities, and for related costs, [$293,093,000] $277,937,000, to remain available until expended, of which [$184,812,000] $178,470,000 shall be available for payments to the General Services Administration for rent; of which [$13,500,000] $13,800,000 for payment to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities; and of which [$94,781,000] $85,667,000 for buildings operations and maintenance expenses: Provided, That the Secretary [shall] may use [$15,911,000 of these funds] unobligated balances from prior years to cover shortfalls incurred in prior year rental payments: Provided further, That the Secretary is authorized to transfer funds from a Departmental agency to this account to recover the full cost of the space and security expenses of that agency that are funded by this account when the actual costs exceed the agency estimate which will be available for the activities and payments described herein. (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

This account finances the General Services Administration's fees for rental of space and the Department of Homeland Security's security-related fees. The appropriation covers all fees for all regular appropriated accounts within the Department of Agriculture with the exception of the Forest Service. This account also finances the day to day operations, repair, improvement and maintenance activities of two buildings in the Headquarters complex.

In 2010, this account received $15,911,000 to pay GSA for prior year shortfalls in rental payments incurred between 2004 and 2008. The account is currently showing a deficiency of $51,000,000. The 2011 budget requests authority to use prior year carryover balances to cover the deficiency.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Office of Communications, [$9,722,000] $9,839,000. (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Office of Communications provides leadership, expertise, counsel, and coordination for the development and implementation of communication strategies, which are vital to the overall formation, awareness and acceptance of U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and policies. OC serves as the principal USDA contact point for dissemination of consistent, timely information.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, including employment pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, [$88,725,000] $90,300,000, including such sums as may be necessary for contracting and other arrangements with public agencies and private persons pursuant to section 6(a)(9) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, and including not to exceed $125,000 for certain confidential operational expenses, including the payment of informants, to be expended under the direction of the Inspector General pursuant to Public Law 95-452 and section 1337 of Public Law 97-98. (7 U.S.C. 450b, 2201, 2202, 2220, 2270; Public Law 100-504; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Office keeps the Secretary and Congress informed about fraud, other serious problems, mismanagement, and deficiencies in Department programs and operations, recommends corrective action, and reports on the progress made in correcting the problems. It reviews existing and proposed legislation and regulations and makes recommendations to the Secretary and Congress regarding the impact these laws have on the Department's programs and the prevention and detection of fraud and mismanagement in such programs. The Office provides policy direction and conducts, supervises, and coordinates all audits and investigations. The Office supervises and coordinates other activities in the Department and between the Department and other Federal, State and local government agencies whose purposes are to: (a) promote economy and efficiency; (b) prevent and detect fraud and mismanagement; and (c) identify and prosecute people involved in fraud or mismanagement.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Office of the General Counsel, [$43,551,000] $45,654,000. (7 U.S.C. 2201; 2202, 2214a; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Office of the General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture provides all legal advice, counsel, and services to the Secretary and to all agencies, offices, and corporations of the Department on all aspects of their operations. It represents the Department in administrative proceedings; nonlitigation debt collection proceedings; State water rights adjudications; proceedings before the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Maritime Administration, International Trade Commission, and other Federal agencies; and, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, in judicial proceedings and litigation. All attorneys and related support personnel devoted to those efforts are under the supervision of the General Counsel.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Economic Research Service, [$82,478,000] $87,171,000. (7 U.S.C. 292, 411, 427, 1441a, 1704, 1761-68, 2201, 2202, 2225, 3103, 3291, 3311, 3504; 22 U.S.C. 3101; 42 U.S.C. 1891-93; 44 U.S.C. 3501-11; 50 U.S.C. 2061 et seq., 2251 et seq.; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Economic Research Service provides economic and other social science research and analysis for public and private decisions on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural America. The 2011 Budget request includes a program increase of $2 million to support community access to local foods and $1 million to maintain data integrity and confidentiality. These increases are offset by reductions of $3 million in lower priority activities.

In addition, as part of a government-wide data improvement program, the 2011 budget includes an increase of $4 million to strengthen the Departments statistical protocols and tools. This includes a $2 million initiative to establish a structure among statistical agencies, managed through ERS, to improve data access, develop tools for data processing, and increase the utility and coordination of statistical protocols and tool for Federal data. The 2011 budget also includes an increase of $2 million for an administrative data pilot project. Administrative data, information collected in conjunction with administering government programs, provide an opportunity for increasing the statistical ability to understand and address critical policy issues. The goal of this initial project will be: (1) to understand how nutrition assistance and other government programs work together to provide a social safety net and (2) how nutrition assistance and health care policy work together to improve dietary and health outcomes.

Miscellaneous funds received from States, local organizations, and others are available for support of economic research and analysis (7 U.S.C. 450b, 450h, 3318b).

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, [$161,830,000] $164,721,000, of which up to [$37,908,000] $33,494,000 shall be available until expended for the Census of Agriculture. (7 U.S.C. 411, 411a, 411b, 427, 471, 475, 476, 501, 951, 953, 955-57, 2201, 2202, 2204, 2225, 2248, 3103, 3311, 3504; 18 U.S.C. 1902, 1905, 2072; 42 U.S.C. 1891-93; 44 U.S.C. 3501-11; 50 U.S.C. 2061 et seq., 2251 et seq.; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The 2011 request for NASS is an increase of $2.9 million from the 2010 enacted. Of that increase $1.7 million is for salary increases and $1.2 million represent net increases in programs, funding high priority program needs through reductions in lower prioritiy activities:

Agricultural estimates.—The Service provides the official National and State estimates of acreage, yield, and production of crops, stocks, and value of farm commodities, and numbers of inventory values of livestock items. Data on approximately 120 crops and 45 livestock products are covered in over 500 reports issued each year. Detailed data are also collected on agricultural labor and expenditures. In addition, the Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years, which provides comprehensive data on the Nation's agricultural industry down to the county level. Incentives and promotional items are used by National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to support outreach efforts to maximize response rates on surveys and the Census of Agriculture.
The work under this activity is conducted through 46 field offices serving the 50 States and Puerto Rico; most of these offices are operated as joint State and Federal services. Cooperative arrangements with State agencies provide additional State and county data. The 2011 Budget request includes an increase of $5 million in county estimates to allow the first phase of implementation of new methodologies leading to more efficient and higher quality county-level estimates. These estimates are used by USDA agencies to administer various programs, including the Risk Management Agency's Group Risk Plan and Group Risk Income Protection. In support of the Administration priorities NASS also requests (1) an increase of $0.5 million in rotational organic agriculture to allow NASS to begin a comprehensive data series on organic production, handling and distribution; and (2) an increase of $0.8 million in remote sensing to allow USDA to expand the number of states that have a cropland data layer and provide NASS with the ability to collect additional data on crop conditions, soil moisture, and/or drought monitoring to fulfill an important international gap. The development of a web-accessible geo-spatial tool for crop progress and condition data will aid economic and policy analysis to help agriculture mitigate and adapt to climate change. To support these critical initiatives, and after a careful review of existing programs, NASS will eliminate the July Sheep and Goats Inventory survey.

Census of Agriculture.—The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years to take a snapshot of America's agriculture. This picture, when compared to earlier censuses, helps to measure trends and new developments in the agricultural sector of our Nation's economy. The Census is critical because it provides the only source of comparable and consistent detailed data about agriculture at the county level. In order to support Administration priorities NASS carefully reviewed existing programs to determine where reductions could be taken. As a result of this review NASS recommends the following: the cancellation of the decennial 2010 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL), and the cancellation of the Census of Aquaculture.
Miscellaneous funds received from local organizations, commodity groups, and others are available for dissemination of reports and for survey work conducted under cooperative agreements (7 U.S.C. 450b, 450h, 3318b).

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses of the Agricultural Research Service and for acquisition of lands by donation, exchange, or purchase at a nominal cost not to exceed $100, and for land exchanges where the lands exchanged shall be of equal value or shall be equalized by a payment of money to the grantor which shall not exceed 25 percent of the total value of the land or interests transferred out of Federal ownership, [$1,179,639,000, of which $44,138,000 shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified in the table titled "Congressionally Designated Projects'' in the statement of managers to accompany this Act] $1,199,669,000: Provided, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for the operation and maintenance of aircraft and the purchase of not to exceed one for replacement only: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2250 for the construction, alteration, and repair of buildings and improvements, but unless otherwise provided, the cost of constructing any one building shall not exceed $375,000, except for headhouses or greenhouses which shall each be limited to $1,200,000, and except for 10 buildings to be constructed or improved at a cost not to exceed $750,000 each, and the cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building or $375,000, whichever is greater: Provided further, That the limitations on alterations contained in this Act shall not apply to modernization or replacement of existing facilities at Beltsville, Maryland: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available for granting easements at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center: Provided further, That the foregoing limitations shall not apply to replacement of buildings needed to carry out the Act of April 24, 1948 (21 U.S.C. 113a): Provided further, That funds may be received from any State, other political subdivision, organization, or individual for the purpose of establishing or operating any research facility or research project of the Agricultural Research Service, as authorized by law. (7 U.S.C. 328, 427, 427i, 1281 note, 1621, 2201, 2204, 2225, 3101 note; 10 U.S.C. 2306; 16 U.S.C. 590(a)-590(b), 590(k); 18 U.S.C. 1114; 19 U.S.C. 1306(a), 1306(c); 20 U.S.C. 191-194; 21 U.S.C. 114c, 114e-131; 42 U.S.C. 1476(e), 1483; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The ARS mission is to conduct research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and to provide 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. The ARS' mission is carried out through its major research program areas and other activities listed below (in italics).

ARS major research programs—New Products/Product Quality/Value Added; Livestock/Crop Production; Food Safety; Livestock/Crop Protection; Human Nutrition; and Environmental Stewardship—address the Departments priorities.

The ARS 2011 Salaries and Expenses (S&E) Budget requests $1.2 billion, an increase of $20 million from the 2010 Enacted level , and includes $10 million for salary increases. The request also includes $63 million for high priority increases, including $21 million to support programs in bioenergy, world hunger, obesity and climate change that were proposed in the 2010 Budget, as well as new increases in programs such as food safety, climate change, enhanced breeding for crop and animal production and security, development of sustainable agricultural systems, and enhanced plant, animal and microbial collections. The budget also continues funding for $9 million in 2010 Congressional increases that support the agency's mission. Reductions total $53 million and include $42 million in prior year earmarks and an additional $11 million in low priority projects.

New Products/Product Quality/Value Added.—ARS has active research programs directed toward (1) improving the efficiency and reducing the cost for the conversion of agricultural products into biobased products and biofuels, (2) developing new and improved products to help establish them in domestic and foreign markets, and (3) providing higher quality, healthy foods that satisfy consumer needs in the United States and abroad.

Environmental Stewardship.—Water Quality; Air/Soil Quality; Global Climate Change; Range/Grazing Lands; Agricultural Systems Integration.-ARS research programs in environmental stewardship support scientists at more than 70 locations. Emphasis is given to developing technologies and systems that support profitable production and enhance the Nations vast renewable natural resource base. ARS is currently developing the scientific knowledge and technologies needed to meet the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. agriculture in managing water resource quality and quantity under different climatic regimes, production systems, and environmental conditions. ARS air resources research is developing measurement, prediction, and control technologies for emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds affecting air quality and land surface climate interactions. The agency is a leader in developing measurement and modeling techniques for characterizing gaseous and particulate matter emissions from agriculture. In addition, ARS is evaluating strategies for enhancing the health and productivity of soils, including developing predictive tools to assess the sustainability of alternative land management practices. Finding mechanisms to aid agriculture in adapting to changes in atmospheric composition and climatic variations is also an important component of ARS research program.ARS range and grazing land research includes the conservation and restoration of the Nations range land and pasture ecosystems and agroecosystems through improved management of fire, invasive weeds, grazing, global change, and other agents of ecological change. The agency is currently developing improved grass and forage legume germplasm for livestock, conservation, bioenergy, and bioproduct systems as well as grazing-based livestock systems that reduce risk and increase profitability. In addition, ARS is developing whole system management strategies to reduce production costs and risks.

Livestock Production.—ARS livestock production program is directed toward (1) safeguarding and utilizing animal genetic resources, associated genetic and genomic databases, and bioinformatic tools; (2) developing a basic understanding of the physiology of livestock and poultry; and (3) developing information, tools, and technologies that can be used to improve animal production systems. The research is heavily focused on the development and application of genomics technology to increase the efficiency and product quality of beef, dairy, swine, poultry, aquaculture, and sheep systems. Current areas of emphasis include increasing efficiency of nutrient utilization, increasing animal well-being and reducing stress in production systems, increasing reproductive rates and breeding animal longevity, developing and evaluating non-traditional production systems (e.g., organic, natural), and evaluating and conserving animal genetic resources.

Crop Production.—ARS crop production program focuses on developing and improving ways to reduce crop losses while protecting and ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. The research program concentrates on effective production strategies that are environmentally friendly, safe to consumers, and compatible with sustainable and profitable crop production systems. Research activities are directed at safeguarding and utilizing plant genetic resources and their associated genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic databases that facilitate selection of varieties and/or germplasm with significantly improved traits. Current research activities attempt to minimize the impacts of crop pests while maintaining healthy crops and safe commodities that can be sold in markets throughout the world. ARS is conducting research to discover and exploit naturally occurring and engineered genetic mechanisms for plant pest control, develop agronomic germplasm with durable defensive traits, and transfer genetic resources for commercial use. ARS will be providing taxonomic information on invasive species that strengthens prevention techniques, aids in detection/identification of invasive pests, and increases control through management tactics that restore habitats and biological diversity.

Livestock Protection.—ARS animal health program is directed at protecting and ensuring the safety of the Nations agriculture and food supply through improved disease detection, prevention, control, and treatment. Basic and applied research approaches are used to solve animal health problems of high national priority. Emphasis is given to methods and procedures to control animal diseases. The research program has ten strategic objectives: (1) establish ARS laboratories into a fluid, highly effective research network to maximize use of core competencies and resources; (2) access specialized high containment facilities to study zoonotic and emerging diseases; (3) develop an integrated animal and microbial genomics research program; (4) establish centers of excellence in animal immunology; (5) launch a biotherapeutic discovery program providing alternatives to animal drugs; (6) build a technology driven vaccine and diagnostic discovery research program; (7) develop core competencies in field epidemiology and predictive biology; (8) develop internationally recognized expert collaborative research laboratories; (9) establish a best-in-class training center for our Nations veterinarians and scientists; and (10) develop a model technology transfer program to achieve the full impact of ARS research discoveries. ARS current animal research program includes eight core components: (1) biodefense research, (2) animal genomics and immunology, (3) zoonotic diseases, (4) respiratory disease, (5) reproductive and neonatal diseases, (6) enteric diseases, (7) parasitic diseases, and (8) transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Crop Protection.—ARS research on crop protection is directed toward epidemiological investigations to understand pest and disease transmission mechanisms and to identify and apply new technologies that increase our understanding of virulence factors and host defense mechanisms. Currently, ARS research priorities include (1) identification of genes that convey virulence traits in pathogens and pests; (2) factors that modulate infectivity, gene functions, and mechanisms; (3) genetic profiles that provide specified levels of disease and insect resistance under field conditions; and (4) mechanisms that facilitate the spread of pests and infectious diseases.ARS is developing new knowledge and integrated pest management approaches to control pest and disease outbreaks as they occur. Its research will improve the knowledge and understanding of the ecology, physiology, epidemiology, and molecular biology of emerging diseases and pests. This knowledge will be incorporated into pest risk assessments and management strategies to minimize chemical inputs and increase production. Strategies and approaches will be available to producers to control emerging crop diseases and pest outbreaks.

Food Safety.—Assuring that the United States has the highest levels of affordable, safe food requires that the food system be protected at each stage from production through processing and consumption from pathogens, toxins, and chemical contaminants that cause diseases in humans. The U.S. food supply is very diverse, extensive, easily accessible, and thus vulnerable to the introduction of biological and chemical contaminants through natural processes, intentional means, or by global commerce. ARS current food safety research is designed to yield science-based knowledge on the safe production, storage, processing, and handling of plant and animal products, and on the detection and control of toxin producing and/or pathogenic bacteria and fungi, parasites, chemical contaminants, and plant toxins. All of ARS research activities involve a high degree of cooperation and collaboration with USDAs Research, Education, and Economics agencies, as well as with FSIS, APHIS, FDA, CDC, DHS, and the EPA. ARS also collaborates in international research programs to address and resolve global food safety issues. Specific research efforts are directed toward developing new technologies that assist ARS stakeholders and customers, that is, regulatory agencies, industry, and commodity and consumer organizations, in detecting, identifying, and controlling foodborne diseases that affect human health.

Human Nutrition.—Maintenance of health throughout the lifespan along with prevention of obesity and chronic diseases via food-based recommendations are the major emphases of ARS human nutrition research program. These health-related goals are based on the knowledge that deficiency diseases are no longer important public health concerns. Excessive consumption has become the primary nutrition problem in the American population. This is reflected by increased emphasis on prevention of obesity from basic science through intervention studies to assessments of large populations. ARS research program also actively studies bioactive components of foods that have no known requirement but have health promoting activities. Four specific areas of research are currently emphasized: (1) nutrition monitoring and the food supply, e.g., a national diet survey and the food composition databank; (2) dietary guidance for health promotion and disease prevention, i.e., specific foods, nutrients, and dietary patterns that maintain health and prevent disease; (3) prevention of obesity and related diseases, including research as to why so few of the population follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; and (4) life stage nutrition and metabolism, in order to better define the role of nutrition in pregnancy and growth of children, and for healthier aging.

Library and Information Services (NAL).—The National Agricultural Library (NAL) is the largest and most accessible agricultural research library in the world. It provides services directly to the staff of USDA and to the public, primarily via the NAL Web site, http://www.nal.usda.gov. NAL was created with the USDA in 1862 and was named in 1962 a national library by Congress, as the primary agricultural information resource of the United States. NAL is the premier library for collecting, managing, and disseminating agricultural knowledge. The Library is the repository of our Nations agricultural heritage, the provider of world class information, and the wellspring for generating new fundamental knowledge and advancing scientific discovery. It is a priceless national resource that, through its services, programs, information products, and Web-based tools and technologies, serves anyone who needs agricultural information. The Library's vision is "advancing access to global information for agriculture."

Repair and Maintenance of Facilities.—Funds are used to restore, upgrade, and maintain ARS facilities to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration and EPA requirements, provide suitable workspace for in-house research programs, and to retrofit existing structures for better energy utilization.

Collaborative Research Program.—Funds from the Department of State enable USDA/ARS to support collaborative research projects with scientists from the former Soviet Union and South/Southeast Asia. Through scientific cooperation in agricultural research, the USDA/ARS program supports the State Department's nonproliferation mission while advancing agricultural science by establishing new expertise in these regions, enhancing the effectiveness and productivity of ARS research programs, and helping improve the economy of these regions through advances in agricultural technology.

Reimbursements.—ARS performs research activities and services for other USDA, Federal, and non-Federal agencies. These activities and services are paid for on a reimbursable basis.

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Employment Summary

[For acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities as necessary to carry out the agricultural research programs of the Department of Agriculture, where not otherwise provided, $70,873,000, of which $70,873,000 shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified in the table titled "Congressionally Designated Projects'' in the statement of managers to accompany this Act, to remain available until expended.] (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Under its Buildings and Facilities account, ARS provides funds for the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities of or used by ARS. No new funding is requested in 2011. In addition, the budget proposes to cancel $75.5 million in balances from projects that were not requested in prior budget requests.

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Trust Funds

Special and Trust Fund Receipts (in millions of dollars)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Miscellaneous contributed funds received from States, local organizations, individuals, and others are available for work under cooperative agreements on research activities.

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Employment Summary

Federal Funds

For the integrated research, education, and extension grants programs, including necessary administrative expenses, [$60,022,000] $24,874,000, as follows: [for competitive grants programs authorized under section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626), $45,148,000, including $12,649,000 for the water quality program, $14,596,000 for the food safety program, $4,096,000 for the regional pest management centers program, $4,388,000 for the Food Quality Protection Act risk mitigation program for major food crop systems, $1,365,000 for the crops affected by Food Quality Protection Act implementation, $3,054,000 for the methyl bromide transition program, and $5,000,000 for the organic transition program;] for a competitive international science and education grants program authorized under section 1459A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b), to remain available until expended, $3,000,000; for grants programs authorized under section 2(c)(1)(B) of Public Law 89-106, as amended, $732,000, to remain available until September 30, [2011] 2012, for the critical issues program; $1,312,000 for the regional rural development centers program; for grants authorized under section 1624 (7 U.S.C. 5813), $10,000,000; and $9,830,000 for the Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative authorized under section 1484 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to remain available until September 30, [2011] 2012. (7 U.S.C. 450i(c)(1)(B), 3292b, 3351, 7626; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Under the Integrated Activities account, research, education and/or extension grants are awarded for competitive and non-competitive programs.

International science and education grants program.—This program focuses on incorporating substantive international activities into programs related to food systems, agriculture and natural resources at U.S. land-grant colleges and universities.

Critical issues program.—Funds are proposed to develop early intervention strategies to prevent, manage or eradicate new and emerging diseases, both plant and animal, which would prevent loss of revenue to growers or producers.

Regional rural development centers.—Funding supports activities that pursue a holistic development strategy that tailors programming to meet regional and local needs and addresses areas of opportunity arising from a consumer-driven agricultural economy.
Sustainable Agriculture Federal-State Matching Grant Program. -This competitive program will assist in the creation or enhancement of State sustainable agriculture research, extension, and education programs. The matching requirement will leverage State and/or private money, and build the long-term capacity to guide the evolution of American agriculture to a more highly productive, sustainable system. Funding will support activities that integrate sustainable agriculture in all State research, extension, and education projects; support new research at sustainable agriculture centers at the nation's land grant and other colleges and universities; build stronger Statewide farmer-to-farmer networks and outreach and technical assistance strategies; and incorporate sustainable agriculture studies and curriculum in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Food and agriculture defense initiative (homeland security).—The program provides support to an unified network of public agricultural institutions to identify and respond to high risk biological pathogens in the food and agricultural system. In particular, funding will maintain and enhance risk management tools for Asian soybean rust and other pathogens of legumes. Additional funding for these laboratories is included in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative.—This mandatory program, authorized by section 7206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), 2008 Farm Bill, supports research and extension programs that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.

Specialty Crop Research Initiative.—This mandatory program, authorized by section 7311 of the FCEA, 2008 Farm Bill, provides funding to solve critical industry issues through research and extension activities that focus on research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop characteristics; efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators; efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term; new innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops.
The 2011 Budget provides a total of $25 million for this account, including an increase of $10 million for a Sustainable Agriculture Federal-State Matching Grant Program. This program will support competitive grants to integrate and elevate research, education, and extension activities to more widely benefit American agriculture, ensuring it is of the highest quality and that it is profitable. A decrease of $45 million is proposed to eliminate funding for Section 406 programs. Research, education, and extension topics previously supported under Section 406, can be supported by other competitive grants programs, including the Agriculture and Food Safety Initiative, which is funded at $429 million, an increase of $166 million above the enacted level.

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