Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 1.djvu/600

 112 STAT. 574 PUBLIC LAW 105-185-JUNE 23, 1998 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 Hvestock 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, 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 prodfuction 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. 7 USC 7628. SEC. 408. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM. (a) RESEARCH GRANT AUTHORIZED.— The Secretary of Agriculture may make a grant to a consortium of land-grant colleges and universities to enhance the ability of the consortium to carry out a multi-State research project aimed at understanding and combating diseases of wheat and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum and related fungi (referred to in this section as "wheat scab"). (b) RESEARCH COMPONENTS. —Funds provided under this section shall be available for the following collaborative, multi-State research activities: (1) Identification and understanding of the epidemiology of wheat scab and the toxicological properties of vomitoxin, a toxic metabolite commonly occurring in wheat and barley infected with wheat scab. (2) Development of crop management strategies to reduce the risk of wheat scab occurrence. (3) Development of— (A) efficient and accurate methods' to monitor wheat and barley for the presence of wheat scab and resulting vomitoxin contamination; (B) post-harvest management techniques for wheat and barley infected with wheat scab; and (C) milling and food processing techniques to render contaminated grain safe. (4) Strengthening and expansion of plant-breeding activities to enhance the resistance of wheat and barley to wheat

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