MINORITY FARMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

SEC. 14008. [7 U.S.C. 2279 note; Public Law 110–246] MINORITY FARMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) Establishment.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the “Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers” (in this section referred to as the “Committee”). (b) Duties.—The Committee shall provide advice to the Secretary on— (1) the implementation of section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279); (2) methods of maximizing the participation of minority farmers and ranchers in Department of Agriculture programs; and (3) civil rights activities within the Department as such activities relate to participants in such programs. (c) Membership.— (1) In general.—The Committee shall be composed of not more than 15 members, who shall be appointed by the Secretary, and shall include— (A) not less than four socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)(2))); (B) not less than two representatives of nonprofit organizations with a history of working with minority farmers and ranchers; (C) not less than two civil rights professionals; (D) not less than two representatives of institutions of higher education with demonstrated experience working with minority farmers and ranchers; and (E) such other persons as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Ex-officio members.—The Secretary may appoint such employees of the Department of Agriculture as the Secretary considers appropriate to serve as ex-officio members of the Committee. * * * * * * *