COMPOSTING RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PROGRAM.

SEC. 1456. COMPOSTING RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PROGRAM. (a) Purpose.— It is the purpose of this section to require the Secretary of Agriculture to identify and compile appropriate methods of composting agricultural wastes and the potential uses for such compost, and to make such information available to the appropriate Federal, State, or other private authorities and the general public. (b) Composting Information.— (1) Secretary.— The Secretary shall identify and compile information on— (A) the composting of agricultural wastes, including information on the composting of wastes from the production, processing, and distribution of food, fiber, forestry, livestock, and fish products, and the potential uses of such compost; and (B) laws, rules, and programs adopted by State and local governments and foreign governments that establish definitions and set standards for the processing, handling, and use of compost. (2) Consultation.— In identifying and compiling such information, the Secretary may consult with representatives of other Federal departments and such other persons as the Secretary determines appropriate. (c) Research.— The Secretary shall conduct research on the potential uses for compost derived from animal wastes, and from other waste streams as appropriate, and identify uses for such compost, including the potential for marketing such product. Such research shall also include evaluation of the application of compost derived from agricultural wastes on soil, plants, and food and fiber crops. (d) Composting Extension Program.— Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary104 STAT. 3615 shall initiate extension efforts to inform the agricultural community and the general public regarding— (1) the desirability and safety of compost derived from agricultural wastes; (2) on-farm and other composting techniques; and (3) procedures for using compost. (e) Farm Conservation Practice.— The Secretary shall consider designating composting as a farm conservation practice eligible for cost-sharing.