Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 1.djvu/594

 112 STAT. 568 PUBLIC LAW 105-185-JUNE 23, 1998 (D) using such information to prescribe and deliver site-specific application of agricultural inputs and management practices in agricultural production systems. (4) PRECISION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES.—The term "precision agriculture technologies" includes— (A) instrumentation and techniques ranging from sophisticated sensors and software systems to manual sampling and data collection tools that measure, record, and manage spatial and temporal data; (B) technologies for searching out and assembling information necessary for sound agricultural production decisionmaking; (C) open systems technologies for data networking and processing that produce valued systems for farm management decisionmaking; or (D) machines that deliver information-based management practices. (5) SYSTEMS RESEARCH.— The term "systems research" means an integrated, coordinated, and iterative investigative process that involves— (A) the multiple interacting components and aspects of precision agriculture systems, including S3mthesis of new knowledge regarding the physical-chemical-biological processes and complex interactions of the systems with cropping, livestock production practices, and natural resource systems; (B) precision agriculture technologies development and implementation; (C) data and information collection and interpretation; (D) production-scale planning; (E) production-scale implementation; and (F) farm production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability. (b) GRANTS AUTHORIZED. — (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants, for periods not to exceed 5 years, to eligible entities to conduct research, education, or information dissemination projects for the development and advancement of precision agriculture. (2) PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCING.— A grant under this section shall be used to support only a project that the Secretary determines is unlikely to be financed by the private sector. (3) CONSULTATION WITH ADVISORY BOARD. —The Secretary shall make grants under this section in consultation with the Advisory Board. (c) PURPOSES OF PROJECTS.— ^A research, education, or information dissemination project supported by a grant under this section shall address 1 or more of the following purposes: (1) The study and promotion of components of precision agriculture technologies using a systems research approach designed to increase long-term site-specific and whole-farm production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability. (2) The improvement in the understanding of agronomic systems, including, soil, water, land cover (including grazing land), pest management systems, and meteorological variabihty.

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