Office of Biotechnology Policy

(a) In general Subtitle B of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7651 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end following: 621. Office of Biotechnology Policy (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to establish an Office of Biotechnology Policy to provide for the effective coordination of agricultural policies and activities within the Department related to biotechnology, while taking into account the effects of actions of other government agencies. (b) Establishment of Office; principal responsibilities The Secretary shall establish in the Department an Office of Biotechnology Policy, which shall be responsible for— (1) facilitating the coordination of the development of Department policy on biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and related topics; (2) facilitating the coordination of activities and services of the Department, including research, extension, and education activities, regarding the development, regulation, availability, and use of biotechnology tools and products under— (A) the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); (B) the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.); (C) the eighth paragraph of the matter under the heading BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY in the Act of March 4, 1913 (commonly known as the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act) (21 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); (D) the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); (E) the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.); (F) the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.); and (G) other applicable laws; (3) offering consultation to other agencies of the Department in fulfilling their responsibilities relating to biotechnology under— (A) the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.); (B) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.); (C) the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–170; 110 Stat. 1489); and (D) other applicable laws; and (4) performing such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (c) Interagency coordination In support of its responsibilities under subsection (b), the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities between cross-Departmental agencies and offices and 1 or more of the following: (1) The Environmental Protection Agency. (2) The Food and Drug Administration. (3) Any other Federal or State agency. (d) Outreach The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall consult with biotechnology developers, academics, agricultural producers, and others that may be affected by biotechnology-related activities or actions of the Department or other Federal agencies, as necessary, in carrying out the responsibilities of the Office of Biotechnology Policy under this section. (e) Director The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall be under the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.. (b) Clerical amendments The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–185; 112 Stat. 523) is amended— (1) by striking the items relating to sections 401, 402, 403, 405, 409, 612, 617, 631, and 632; (2) by striking the item relating to subtitle C of title VI; (3) by inserting after the item relating to section 404 the following: Sec. 405. National food safety training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance program.; (4) by inserting after the item relating to section 408 the following: Sec. 410. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 411. Agricultural biotechnology research and development for developing countries. Sec. 412. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 413. Food and agriculture service learning program.; (5) by inserting after the item relating to section 616 the following: Sec. 617. Forestry products advanced utilization research.; and (6) by inserting after the item relating to section 619 the following: Sec. 620. Senior Scientific Research Center. Sec. 621. Office of Biotechnology Policy..