STUDY ON BIOENERGY OPERATIONS.

SEC. 11014. STUDY ON BIOENERGY OPERATIONS. (a) Study.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a study to evaluate the role of animal manure as a source of fertilizer and its potential additional uses. Such study shall include— (1) a determination of the extent to which animal manure is utilized as fertilizer in agricultural operations by type (including species and agronomic practices employed) and size; (2) an evaluation of the potential impact on consumers and on agricultural operations (by size) resulting from limitations being placed on the utilization of animal manure as fertilizer; and (3) an evaluation of the effects on agriculture production contributable to the increased competition for animal manure use due to bioenergy production, including as a feedstock or a replacement for fossil fuels. (b) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). * * * * * * *