PUBLIC LAW 106-224-^JUNE 20, 2000 114 STAT. 409 cooperative agreement with the National Center for Genome Resources in Santa Fe, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Iowa State University, for the estabhshment and operation of an institute (to be known as the "Bioinformatics Institute for Model Plant Species") in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the purpose of enhancing the accessibility and utility of genomic information for plant genetic research. (b) AUTHORIZATION OF AppROPRiATiONS.There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $3,000,000 for the purpose of establishing the Institute under subsection (a); and (2) such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year to carry out the cooperative agreement authorized by subsection (a). Subtitle D—Agricultural Marketing SEC. 231. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET DEVELOP- 7 USC 1621 note. MENT GRANTS. (a) GRANT PROGRAM.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.— Of the amount made available under section 261(a)(2), $15,000,000 shall be used by the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible independent producers (as determined by the Secretary) of valueadded agricultural commodities and products of agricultural commodities to assist an eligible producer— (A) to develop a business plan for viable marketing opportunities for a value-added agricultural commodity or product of an agricultural commodity; or (B) to develop strategies for the ventures that are intended to create marketing opportunities for the producers. (2) AMOUNT OF GRANT. —The total amount provided under this subsection to a grant recipient may not exceed $500,000. (3) PRODUCER STRATEGIES.— ^A producer that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall use the grant— (A) to develop a business plan or perform a feasibility study to establish a viable marketing opportunity for a value-added agricultural commodity or product of an agricultural commodity; or (B) to provide capital to establish alliances or business ventures that allow the producer to better compete in domestic or international markets. (b) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING RESOURCE CENTER PILOT PROJECT.— (1) ESTABLISHMENT. — Notwithstanding the limitation on grants in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall not use more than $5,000,000 of the funds made available under subsection (a) to establish a pilot project (to be known as the "Agricultural Marketing Resource Center") at an eligible institution described in paragraph (2) that will— (A) develop a resource center with electronic capabilities to coordinate and provide to independent producers and processors (as determined by the Secretary) of vgdue-
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