Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 95.djvu/1369

 PUBLIC LAW 9 7 - 9 8 - D E C. 22, 1981

95 STAT. 1343

lessen such adverse effects; and assure that such Federal programs, to the extent practicable, are compatible with State, unit of local government, and private programs and policies to protect farmland, (c) The Department of Agriculture may make available to States, units of local government, individuals, organizations, and other units of the Federal Government information useful in restoring, maintaining, and improving the quantity and quality of farmland. EXISTING POUCIES AND PROCEDURES

SEC. 1542, (a) Each department, agency, independent commission, '^ use 4203. or other unit of the Federal Government, with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, shall review current provisions of law, administrative rules and regulations, and policies and procedures applicable to it to determine whether any provision thereof will prevent such unit of the Federal Government from taking appropriate action to comply fully with the provisions of this subtitle. (b) Each department, agency, independent commission, or other unit of the Federal Government, with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, shall, as appropriate, develop proposals for action to bring its programs, authorities, and administrative activities into conformity with the purpose and policy of this subtitle. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

SEC. 1543. The Secretary is encouraged to provide technical assist- 7 USC 4204. ance to any State or unit of local government, or any nonprofit organization, as determined by the Secretary, that desires to develop programs or policies to limit the conversion of productive farmland to nonagricultural uses. FARMLAND RESOURCE INFORMATION

SEC. 1544. (a) The Secretary, through existing agencies or inter- 7 USC 4205. agency groups, and in cooperation with the cooperative extension services of the States, shall design and implement educational programs and materials emphasizing the importance of productive farmland to the Nation's well-being and distribute educational materials through communications media, schools, groups, and other Federal agencies. (b) The Secretary shall designate one or more farmland information centers to serve as central depositories and distribution points for information on farmland issues, policies, programs, technical principles, and innovative actions or proposals by local and State governments. GRANTS; CONTRACTS

SEC. 1545. The Secretary may carry out the purposes of this 7 USC 4206. subtitle, with existing facilities and funds otherwise available, through the use of grants, contracts, or such other means as the Secretary deems appropriate. REPORT

SEC. 1546. Within one year after the enactment of this subtitle, the ^ use 4207. Secretary of Agriculture shall report to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives on the progress made in

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