(a) In general
The Secretary shall provide, through the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, or whatever agency or agencies the Secretary considers appropriate, an annual survey of existing methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers in each State.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
Amendments
2018—Pub. L. 115–334 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
2002—Pub. L. 107–171 substituted "an annual survey" for "a continuing survey" and struck out at end "The initial survey, which shall be completed no later than one year following October 8, 1976, shall include the number of types of such marketing methods in existence, the volume of business conducted through each such marketing method, and the impact of such marketing methods upon financial returns to farmers (including their impact upon improving the economic viability of small farmers) and food quality and costs to consumers."