§ 2.21 Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.

(a) The following delegations of authority are made by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (who holds the title of Chief Scientist of the Department). (1) Related to research, extension, and education. (i) Direct, coordinate and provide national leadership and support for research, extension and teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences to meet major needs and challenges in development of new food and fiber; food and agriculture viability and competitiveness in the global economy; enhancing economic opportunities and quality of life for rural America; food and agricultural system productivity and development of new crops and new uses; the environment and natural resources; or the promotion of human health and welfare pursuant to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ). (ii) Provide national leadership and support for research, extension, and teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences to carry out sustainable agriculture research and education; a National Plant Genetic Resources Program; a national agricultural weather information system; and any other provisions pursuant to title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-624, 104 Stat. 3703). (iii) Exercise the authorities of the Secretary in administering the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority, including awarding grants and entering into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other transactions (7 U.S.C. 3319k). (iv) Carry out research, technology development, technology transfer, and demonstration projects related to the economic feasibility of the manufacture and commercialization of natural rubber from plants containing hydrocarbons and other critical agricultural materials from native agricultural crops having strategic and industrial importance (7 U.S.C. 178-178n)