H.R. 1904 — Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act

This section states the purposes of the Act: (1) to strategically align agriculture climate research and data systems; (2) to strengthen technical assistance and technology transfer; and (3) to establish a national agriculture climate research agenda to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

This section establishes within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist the Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee to advise on climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics. The committee's duties include (1) reviewing and recommending national policies and priorities for data collection and research agendas on topics such as carbon sequestration, soil health, livestock methane, wetland management, and climate-smart practices; (2) identifying research gaps and developing biennial agendas and annual recommendations; (3) evaluating program effectiveness every five years; (4) reviewing technology assessment mechanisms; (5) establishing data protocols every five years; (6) consulting stakeholders and other federal agencies; (7) reviewing technology transfer; and (8) suggesting annual budget priorities. The committee comprises 18 members, including 14 ex officio USDA officials (e.g., Chief Scientist, Under Secretaries, agency Administrators, and Forest Service Deputy Chief) and 5 appointees (1 from the National Academy of Sciences and 4 from nominations by producer groups, industry, nonprofits, and other entities), with appointed members serving terms of up to 6 years.