Programs Authorize».-—

Sec. 502. Programs Authorize».-—The Secretary of Agriculture (hereafter referred to as the “Secretary”) is directed and authorized to conduct in cooperation and in coordination with colleges and universities the following programs to carry out the purposes of this title. 86 Stat. 672 (a) Rural Development Extension Programs.—Rural development extension programs shall consist of the collection, interpretation, mid dissemination of useful information and knowledge from research and other sources to units of multistate regional agencies, State, county, municipal, and other units of government multicounty planning and development districts, organizations of citizens contributing to rural development, business, Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations or other federally recognized Indian tribal groups, or industries that employ or may employ people in rural areas. These programs also shall include technical services and educational activity, including instruction for persons not enrolled as students in colleges or universities, to facilitate and encourage the use and practical application of this information. These programs also may include feasibility studies and planning assistance. (b) Rural Development Research.—Rural development research shall consist of research, investigations, and basic feasibility studies in any field or discipline which may develop principles, facts, scientific and technical knowledge, new technology, and other information that may be useful to agencies of Federal, State, and local government, industries in rural areas, Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations or other federally recognized Indian tribal groups, and other organizations involved in rural development programs and activities in planning and carrying out such programs and activities or otherwise be practical and useful in achieving increased rural development. (c) Small Farm Extension, Research, and Development Programs.—Small farm extension and research and development programs shall consist of extension and research programs with respect to new approaches for small farms in management, agricultural production techniques, farm machinery technology, new products, cooperative agricultural marketing, and distribution suitable to the economic development of family size farm operations.