7 USC 6919 - Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

Collapse to view only § 6919. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

§ 6911. Repealed.
§ 6912. Authority of Secretary to delegate transferred functions
§§ 6913, 6914. Repealed.
§ 6915. Combination of field offices
§ 6916. Improvement of information sharing
§ 6917. Repealed.
§ 6918. Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture
§ 6919. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
§ 6920. Office of Energy Policy and New Uses
§ 6921. Office of Tribal Relations
§ 6922. Office of Homeland Security
§ 6923. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
§ 6924. Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison
§ 6925. Food Access Liaison

§ 6911. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12414(a)(1), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4981

§ 6912. Authority of Secretary to delegate transferred functions

(a) Delegation of authority

(1) Delegation authorized

(2) Condition on authority

The delegation authority provided by paragraph (1) shall be subject to—

(A) sections 6942, 6971(f), 6993, and 2204e of this title and subsections (a) and (b)(1) of section 6981 of this title;

(B) sections 5692 and 5693 of this title; and

(C)section 590h(b)(5) of title 16.

(b) Cost-benefit analysis required for name change

(1) Analysis required

(2) Exception

To the extent that the implementation of the authority provided to the Secretary by this chapter to reorganize the Department involves the creation of new agencies or offices within the Department or the delegation of major functions or major groups of functions to any agency or office of the Department (or the officers or employees of such agency or office), the Secretary shall, to the extent considered practicable by the Secretary—

(1) give appropriate advance public notice of the proposed reorganization action or delegation; and

(2) afford appropriate opportunity for interested parties to comment on the proposed reorganization action or delegation.

(d) Interagency transfer of records, property, personnel, and funds

(1) Related transfers

Subject to paragraph (2), as part of the transfer or delegation of a function of the Department made or authorized by this chapter, the Secretary may transfer within the Department—

(A) any of the records, property, or personnel affected by the transfer or delegation of the function; and

(B) unexpended balances (available or to be made available for use in connection with the transferred or delegated function) of appropriations, allocations, or other funds of the Department.

(2) Applicable law relating to funds transfer

(e) Exhaustion of administrative appeals

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall exhaust all administrative appeal procedures established by the Secretary or required by law before the person may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction against—

(1) the Secretary;

(2) the Department; or

(3) an agency, office, officer, or employee of the Department.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 212, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3210; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, § 7511(c)(27), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1270; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title VII, § 7511(c)(27), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2031.)

§§ 6913, 6914. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12414(a)(2), (3), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4981

§ 6915. Combination of field offices

(a) Combination of offices required

(b) Joint use of resources and offices required

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 215, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3211.)

§ 6916. Improvement of information sharing

Whenever the Secretary procures or uses computer systems, as may be provided for in advance in appropriations Acts, the Secretary shall do so in a manner that enhances efficiency, productivity, and client services and is consistent with the goal of promoting computer information sharing among agencies of the Department.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 216, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3212.)

§ 6917. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12414(a)(4), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4981

§ 6918. Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture

(a) Authorization

The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the positions of—

(1) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs;

(2) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Administration; and

(3) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights.

(b) Confirmation required

The Secretary may delegate to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights responsibility for—

(1) ensuring compliance with all civil rights and related laws by all agencies and under all programs of the Department;

(2) coordinating administration of civil rights laws (including regulations) within the Department for employees of, and participants in, programs of the Department; and

(3) ensuring that necessary and appropriate civil rights components are properly incorporated into all strategic planning initiatives of the Department and agencies of the Department.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 218, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3212; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(a) [title X, § 1001(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681, 2681–41; Pub. L. 107–171, title X, § 10704(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 518; Pub. L. 112–166, § 2(a)(1), Aug. 10, 2012, 126 Stat. 1283; Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §§ 12401(a), 12415(b)(1), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4971, 4981.)

§ 6919. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

(a) Authorization

(b) DutiesThe Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall—

(1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career;

(2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;

(3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs;

(4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department;

(5) establish and periodically update the website described in subsection (d); and

(6) in carrying out the duties described in paragraphs (1) through (5), consult with and provide technical assistance to any Federal agency, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Labor.

(c) Contracts and cooperative agreementsFor purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20), or nonprofit organizations for—

(1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability of small farms;

(2) the development of educational materials;

(3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified vocational training;

(4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or

(5) the provision of internship opportunities.

(d) Website required

(1) In generalThe website required under subsection (b)(5) shall include the following:

(A) Positions identified within the Department of Agriculture that are available to veterans for apprenticeships.

(B) Apprenticeships, programs of training on the job, and programs of education that are approved for purposes of chapter 36 of title 38.

(C) Employment skills training programs for members of the Armed Forces carried out pursuant to section 1143(e) of title 10.

(D) Information designed to assist businesses, nonprofit entities, educational institutions, and farmers interested in developing apprenticeships, on-the-job training, educational, or entrepreneurial programs for veterans in navigating the process of having a program approved by a State approving agency for purposes of chapter 36 of title 38, including—

(i) contact information for relevant offices in the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, and Small Business Administration;

(ii) basic requirements for approval by each State approving agency;

(iii) recommendations with respect to training and coursework to be used during apprenticeships or on-the-job training that will enable a veteran to be eligible for agricultural programs; and

(iv) examples of successful programs and curriculums that have been approved for purposes of chapter 36 of title 38 (with consent of the organization and without any personally identifiable information).

(2) Review of website

(A) In general

(B) Ineffective websiteIf the Secretary determines that the website is not effective under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—

(i) notify the agriculture and veterans committees described in subparagraph (C) of that determination; and

(ii) not earlier than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary provides notice under clause (i), terminate the website.

(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;

(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;

(iii) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

(iv) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.

(e) Consultation required

(f) Report

(1) In generalNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2018, and annually thereafter, the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall submit a report on beginning farmer training for veterans and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs for veterans to—

(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;

(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives;

(D) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.

(2) Contents of reportThe report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a summary of the measures taken to carry out subsections (b) and (c);

(B) a description of the information provided to veterans under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b);

(D) a summary of the contracts or cooperative agreements entered into under subsection (c);

(E) a description of the programs implemented under subsection (c);

(F) a summary of the employment outreach activities directed to veterans;

(G) recommendations for how opportunities for veterans in agriculture should be developed or expanded;

(H) a summary of veteran farm lending data and a summary of shortfalls, if any, identified by the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in collecting data with respect to veterans engaged in agriculture; and

(I) recommendations, if any, on how to improve activities under subsection (b).

(g) Public dissemination of information

(1) In generalNot later than 1 year after December 20, 2018, and annually thereafter, the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall make publicly available and share broadly, including by posting on the website of the Department—

(A) the report of the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison on beginning farmer training for veterans and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs; and

(B) the information disseminated under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b).

(2) Further dissemination

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 219, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title XII, § 12304, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 985; amended Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12402, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4971.)

§ 6920. Office of Energy Policy and New Uses

The Secretary shall establish for the Department, in the Office of the Secretary, an Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 220, as added Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, § 602, June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 585.)

§ 6921. Office of Tribal Relations

(a) In general

(b) Tribal Advisory Committee

(1) DefinitionsIn this subsection:

(A) Indian tribe

(B) Relevant committees of CongressThe term “relevant committees of Congress” means—

(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;

(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and

(iii) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.

(2) Establishment of committee

(A) In general

(B) Facilitation

(3) Membership

(A) CompositionThe Committee shall be composed of 11 members, of whom—

(i) 3 shall be appointed by the Secretary;

(ii) 1 shall be appointed by the chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;

(iii) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;

(iv) 1 shall be appointed by the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;

(v) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;

(vi) 2 shall be appointed by the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; and

(vii) 2 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives.

(B) NominationsThe Secretary shall accept nominations for members of the Committee from any of the following:

(i) An Indian tribe.

(ii) A tribal organization.

(iii) A national or regional organization with expertise in issues relating to the duties of the Committee described in paragraph (4).

(D) Limitation

(E) Period of appointment; vacancies

(i) In generalEach member of the Committee—(I) subject to clause (ii), shall be appointed to a 3-year term; and(II) may be reappointed to not more than 3 consecutive terms.

(ii) Initial staggering

(iii) Vacancies

(F) Meetings

(i) In general

(ii) Office of Tribal Relations representative

(iii) Department of Interior representative

(iv) Nonvoting representatives

(4) Duties of CommitteeThe Committee shall—

(A) identify evolving issues of relevance to Indian tribes relating to programs of the Department;

(B) communicate to the Secretary the issues identified under subparagraph (A);

(i) the issues identified under subparagraph (A);

(ii) issues raised at the Tribal, regional, or national level; and

(iii) issues relating to any Tribal consultation carried out by the Department;

(D) discuss issues and proposals for changes to the regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department that impact Indian tribes;

(E) identify priorities and provide advice on appropriate strategies for Tribal consultation on issues at the Tribal, regional, or national level regarding the Department;

(F) ensure that pertinent issues of the Department are brought to the attention of an Indian tribe in a timely manner so that timely feedback from an Indian tribe can be obtained; and

(G) identify and propose solutions to any interdepartmental barrier between the Department and other Federal agencies.

(5) Reports

(A) In generalNot less frequently than once each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes—

(i) the activities of the Committee during the previous year; and

(ii) recommendations for legislative or administrative action for the following year.

(B) Response from SecretaryNot more than 45 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit a written response to that report to—

(i) the Committee; and

(ii) the relevant committees of Congress.

(6) Compensation of members

(7) Federal Advisory Committee Act exemption

(Pub. L. 103–354, title III, § 309, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title XII, § 12303, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 985; amended Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12303, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4962.)

§ 6922. Office of Homeland Security

(a) Definition of agriculture and food defense

(b) Authorization

(d) Duties

The Executive Director of Homeland Security shall—

(1) serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary on homeland security, including emergency management and agriculture and food defense;

(2) coordinate activities of the Department, including policies, processes, budget needs, and oversight relating to homeland security, including emergency management and agriculture and food defense;

(3) act as the primary liaison on behalf of the Department with other Federal departments and agencies in activities relating to homeland security, including emergency management and agriculture and food defense, and provide for interagency coordination and data sharing;

(4)

(A) coordinate in the Department the gathering of information relevant to early warning and awareness of threats and risks to the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector; and

(B) share that information with, and provide assistance with interpretation and risk characterization of that information to, the intelligence community (as defined in section 3003 of title 50), law enforcement agencies, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and State fusion centers (as defined in section 124h(j) of title 6 1

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a closing parenthesis.

 ;

(5) liaise with the Director of National Intelligence to assist in the development of periodic assessments and intelligence estimates, or other intelligence products, that support the defense of the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector;

(6) coordinate the conduct, evaluation, and improvement of exercises to identify and eliminate gaps in preparedness and response;

(7) produce a Department-wide centralized strategic coordination plan to provide a high-level perspective of the operations of the Department relating to homeland security, including emergency management and agriculture and food defense; and

(8) carry out other appropriate duties, as determined by the Secretary.

(e) Agriculture and food threat awareness partnership program

(1) Interagency exchange program

(2) Collaboration with Federal, State, and local authorities

To carry out the program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary may—

(A) enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements or contracts with Federal, State, or local authorities that have analysis and intelligence capabilities and expertise relating to the defense of the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector; and

(B) carry out any other activity under any other authority of the Secretary that is appropriate to engage the authorities described in subparagraph (A) for the defense of the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector, as determined by the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 221, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12202, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4944.)

§ 6923. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

(a) Office

(1) In general

(2) Director

(3) MissionThe mission of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production shall be to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including—

(A) community gardens and farms located in urban areas, suburbs, and urban clusters;

(B) rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production, and green walls;

(D) hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities; and

(E) other innovations in agricultural production, as determined by the Secretary.

(4) ResponsibilitiesThe Director shall be responsible for engaging in activities to carry out the mission described in paragraph (3), including by—

(A) managing programs, including for community gardens, urban farms, rooftop agriculture, and indoor vertical production;

(B) advising the Secretary;

(D) engaging in stakeholder relations and developing external partnerships;

(E) identifying common State and municipal best practices for navigating local policies;

(F) coordinating networks of community gardens and facilitating connections to local food banks, in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Service; and

(G) collaborating with other Federal agencies.

(b) Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee

(1) In generalNot later than 180 days after December 20, 2018, the Secretary shall establish an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (referred to in this subsection as the “Committee”) to advise the Secretary on—

(A) the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices; and

(B) any other aspects of the implementation of this section.

(2) Membership

(A) In generalThe Committee shall be composed of 12 members, of whom—

(i) 4 shall be individuals who are agricultural producers, of whom—(I) 2 individuals shall be agricultural producers located in an urban area or urban cluster; and(II) 2 individuals shall be farmers that use innovative technology;

(ii) 2 shall be representatives from an institution of higher education or extension program;

(iii) 1 shall be an individual who represents a nonprofit organization, which may include a public health, environmental, or community organization;

(iv) 1 shall be an individual who represents business and economic development, which may include a business development entity, a chamber of commerce, a city government, or a planning organization;

(v) 1 shall be an individual with supply chain experience, which may include a food aggregator, wholesale food distributor, food hub, or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market experience;

(vi) 1 shall be an individual from a financing entity; and

(vii) 2 shall be individuals with related experience or expertise in urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices, as determined by the Secretary.

(B) Initial appointments

(3) Period of appointment; vacancies

(A) In general

(B) Initial appointmentsOf the members first appointed to the Committee—

(i) 4 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 3 years;

(ii) 4 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and

(iii) 4 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 1 year.

(i) shall not affect the powers of the Committee; and

(ii) shall be filled as soon as practicable in the same manner as the original appointment.

(D) Consecutive terms

(4) Meetings

(A) Frequency

(B) Initial meeting

(5) Duties

(A) In generalThe Committee shall—

(i) develop recommendations and advise the Director on policies, initiatives, and outreach administered by the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production;

(ii) evaluate and review ongoing research and extension activities relating to urban, indoor, and other innovative agricultural practices;

(iii) identify new and existing barriers to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices; and

(iv) provide additional assistance and advice to the Director as appropriate.

(B) Reports

(6) Personnel matters

(A) Compensation

(B) Travel expenses

(7) Termination

(A) In general

(B) Extensions

(c) GrantsThe Director shall award competitive grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production to any of the following eligible entities:

(1) A nonprofit organization.

(2) A unit of local government.

(3) A Tribal government.

(4) Any school that serves any of grades kindergarten through grade 12.

(d) Pilot projects

(1) Urban and suburban county committees

(A) In general

(B) Effect

(C) ReportFor fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 2023, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing a summary of—

(i) the status of the pilot program under subparagraph (A);

(ii) meetings and other activities of the committees established under that subparagraph; and

(iii) the types and volume of assistance and services provided to farmers in counties in which county committees are established under that subparagraph.

(2) Increasing community compost and reducing food waste

(A) In general

(B) Eligible entities and purposes of pilot projectsUnder a cooperative agreement entered into under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide assistance to municipalities, counties, local governments, or city planners, as appropriate, to carry out planning and implementing activities that will—

(i) generate compost;

(ii) increase access to compost for agricultural producers;

(iii) reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer;

(iv) improve soil quality;

(v) encourage waste management and permaculture business development;

(vi) increase rainwater absorption;

(vii) reduce municipal food waste; and

(viii) divert food waste from landfills.

(i) Criteria

(ii) Consideration

(iii) PriorityIn selecting a pilot project under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to an application for a pilot project that—(I) anticipates or demonstrates economic benefits;(II) incorporates plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including community gardeners;(III) integrates other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts; and(IV) provides for collaboration with multiple partners.

(D) Matching requirement

(E) EvaluationThe Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot projects funded under this paragraph to assess different solutions for increasing access to compost and reducing municipal food waste, including an evaluation of—

(i) the amount of Federal funds used for each project; and

(ii) a measurement of the outcomes of each project.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 222, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12302, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4958.)

§ 6924. Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison

(a) Establishment

(b) In general

The Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison shall—

(1) coordinate food loss and waste reduction efforts within the Department of Agriculture and with other Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration;

(2) support and promote Federal programs to measure and reduce the incidence of food loss and waste and increase food recovery;

(3) provide information to, and serve as a resource for, entities engaged in food loss and waste reduction and food recovery, including information about the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, participation in Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental programs;

(4) raise awareness of the liability protections afforded under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. 1791) to persons engaged in food loss and waste reduction and food recovery; and

(5) make recommendations with respect to expanding innovative food recovery models and reducing the incidence of food loss and waste.

For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20), or nonprofit organizations for—

(1) the development of educational materials;

(2) the conduct of workshops and courses; or

(3) the conduct of research on best practices with respect to food loss and waste reduction and food recovery.

(d) Study on food waste

The Secretary shall conduct a study, in consultation with the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison, to evaluate and determine—

(1) methods of measuring food waste;

(2) standards for the volume of food waste;

(3) factors that contribute to food waste;

(4) the cost and volume of food loss;

(5) the effectiveness of existing liability protections afforded under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. 1791); and

(6) measures to ensure that programs contemplated, undertaken, or funded by the Department of Agriculture do not disrupt existing food waste recovery and disposal efforts by commercial, marketing, or business relationships.

(e) Reports

(1) Initial report

(2) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of the submission of the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains, with respect to the preceding year—

(A) an estimate of the quantity of food waste during such year; and

(B) the results of the food waste reduction and loss prevention activities carried out or led by the Department of Agriculture.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 224, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12504, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4987.)

§ 6925. Food Access Liaison

(a) Establishment

(b) Duties

The Food Access Liaison shall—

(1) coordinate the efforts of the Department, including regional offices, to experiment and consider programs and policies aimed at reducing barriers to food access for consumers, including but not limited to participants in nutrition assistance programs;

(2) provide outreach to entities engaged in activities to reduce barriers to food access in accordance with the statutory authorization for each program;

(3) provide outreach to entities engaged in activities to reduce barriers to food access, including retailers, markets, producers, and others involved in food production and distribution, with respect to the availability of, and eligibility for, Department programs;

(4) raise awareness of food access issues in interactions with employees of the Department;

(5) make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to efforts to reduce barriers to food access; and

(6) submit to Congress an annual report with respect to the efforts of the Department to reduce barriers to food access.

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 225, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12614(a), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5014.)