Section 553 Of Article 8. Sustainable Agriculture From California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 8.
553
. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Regents of
the University of California establish the Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education Program to support all of the following:
(1) Competitive grants for research on topics described in Section
552.
(2) The giving of instructions and practical demonstrations in
agriculture and imparting information through demonstrations,
publications, and otherwise, and for printing and distribution of
information in connection with the Sustainable Agriculture Research
and Education Program. Where feasible, these demonstrations shall
include field research conducted on cooperating farms.
(3) Planning for and management of University of California
farmlands committed to supporting long-term continuous research in
sustainable agricultural practices and farming systems.
(b) Those eligible to apply for competitive grants under
subdivision (a) shall include individuals affiliated with public and
private institutions of higher education and with nonprofit
tax-exempt organizations.
(c) All grant applications shall be subject to peer review for
scientific merit.
(d) In awarding grants, preference shall be given to projects that
include field evaluation and offer the greatest potential for
measurable progress toward attaining the long-term goals pursuant to
Section 552.