--- kind: "range" citation: "7 U.S.C. §§ 1581–1610" title: "7" from: "1581" to: "1610" count: 27 release: "119-102" url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/1581..1610" --- # §1581. Prohibitions relating to importations The importation into the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) is prohibited of— - (1) any agricultural or vegetable seeds if any such seed contains [noxious-weed seeds](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-9-A) or the [labeling](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-18) of which is false or misleading in any respect; - (2) [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) of any seeds subject to this subchapter (except that this shall not apply to [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) of wheat, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, field corn, sorghum, broomcorn, flax, millet, proso, soybeans, cowpeas, field peas, or field beans, which are not imported for seeding purposes and are declared for cleaning, processing, or manufacturing purposes, and not for seeding purposes); - (3) any seed containing 10 per centum or more of any agricultural or vegetable seeds, unless the invoice pertaining to such seed and any other [labeling](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-18) of such seed bear a lot identification and the name of each [kind](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) and [variety](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12) of vegetable seed present in any amount and each [kind](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) or [kind](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) and [variety](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12) of agricultural seed present in excess of 5 per centum of the whole, and unless in the case of hybrid seed present in excess of 5 per centum of the whole it is designated as hybrid.[^1] - (4) any agricultural seeds or any mixture thereof, or any vegetable seeds or any mixture thereof, for seeding purposes, that have been [treated](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-23), unless each container thereof bears a [label](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-17) giving the following information and statements in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md): - (A) A word or statement indicating that the seeds have been [treated](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-23); - (B) The commonly accepted coined, chemical (generic), or abbreviated chemical name of any substance used in such treatment; - (C) If the substance used in such treatment in the amount remaining with the seeds is harmful to humans or other vertebrate [animals](/usc/7/8901.md?p=7), an appropriate caution statement approved by the Secretary of Agriculture as adequate for the protection of the public, such as “Do not use for food or feed or oil purposes”; Provided, That the caution statement for mercurials and similarly toxic substances, as defined in said rules and regulations, shall be a representation of a skull and crossbones and a statement such as “This seed has been [treated](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-23) with POISON”, in red letters on a background of distinctly contrasting color; and - (D) A description, approved by the Secretary of Agriculture as adequate for the protection of the public, of any process used in such treatment. # §1582. Procedure relating to importations; disposal of refuse; exceptions - (a) The Secretary of the Treasury shall deliver to the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to joint rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md), samples of seed and [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) which are being imported into the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1), or offered for import, giving notice thereof to the owner or consignee, and if it appears from the examination of such samples that any seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) offered to be imported into the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) are subject to the provisions of this subchapter and do not comply with the provisions of this subchapter, or if the [labeling](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-18) of such seed is false or misleading in any respect, such seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) shall be refused admission, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall refuse delivery to the owner or consignee, who may appear, however, before the Secretary of Agriculture and show cause why the seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) should be admitted. Seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) refused admission and not exported by the owner or consignee within twelve months from the date of notice of such refusal shall be destroyed in accordance with joint rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md): Provided, That the Secretary of the Treasury may authorize the delivery of seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) which are being imported or offered for import to the owner or consignee thereof, pending decision as to the admission of such seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) and for cleaning, [labeling](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-18), or other reconditioning if required to bring such seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) into compliance with the provisions of this chapter, upon the execution by such owner or consignee of a good and sufficient bond conditioned upon redelivery of the seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) upon demand unless redelivery is waived because the seed is reconditioned to bring it into compliance with this chapter or is destroyed under Government supervision under this chapter, and providing for the payment of such liquidated damages in the event of default as may be required pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury: And provided further, That all expenses incurred by the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) (including travel, per diem or subsistence, and salaries of officers or employees of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1)) in connection with the supervision of cleaning, [labeling](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-18), other reconditioning, or destruction, of seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) under this subchapter shall be reimbursed to the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) by the owner or consignee of the seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21), and such reimbursements shall be recredited to the appropriation from which the expenses were paid, the amount of such expenses to be determined in accordance with joint regulations under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md), and all expenses in connection with the storage, cartage, and labor on the seed or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) which are refused admission or delivery, shall be paid by the owner or consignee, and in default of such payment shall constitute a lien against future importations made by such owner or consignee. - (b) The refuse from any seeds or [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) which are allowed to be cleaned under bond shall be destroyed in accordance with joint rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md). - (c) The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply— - (1) when seed is shipped in bond through the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1), or - (2) when the Secretary of Agriculture finds that a substantial proportion of the importations of any [kind](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) of seed is used for other than seeding purposes, and he provides by rules and regulations that seed of such [kind](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) not imported for seeding purposes shall be exempted from the provisions of the chapter: Provided, That importations of such [kinds](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) of seed shall be accompanied by a declaration setting forth the use for which imported when and as required under joint rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md). - (d) The provisions of this subchapter prohibiting the importation of seed shall not apply— - (1) when seed grown in the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) is returned from a foreign country without having been admitted into the commerce of any foreign country: Provided, That there is satisfactory proof as provided for in the joint rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md), that the seed was grown in the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) and was not admitted into the commerce of a foreign country and was not commingled with other seed, or - (2) when seed is imported for sowing for experimental or breeding purposes and not for sale: Provided, That declarations are filed, and importations are limited in quantity, as provided for in the rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md), to assure that the importations are for experimental or breeding purposes. # [§1583. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–439, § 5(b)(4), Jan. 8, 1983, 96 Stat. 2288 — repealed] # [§1584. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–439, § 5(b)(4), Jan. 8, 1983, 96 Stat. 2288 — repealed] # §1585. Certain seeds not adapted for general agricultural use Whenever the Secretary of Agriculture, after a public hearing, determines that seed of alfalfa or red clover from any foreign country is not adapted for general agricultural use in the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1), the Secretary shall publish the determination and the reasons for the determination. # §1586. Certain acts prohibited It shall be unlawful for any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2)— - (a) To sell or offer for sale— - (1) any seed for seeding purposes if imported under this subchapter for other than seeding purposes; - (2) any [screenings](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-21) of any seeds for seeding purposes if imported under this subchapter for other than seeding purposes; or - (3) any seed which is prohibited entry under the provisions of this chapter. - (b) To make any false or misleading representation with respect to any seed subject to this subchapter being imported into the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) or offered for import: Provided, That this subsection shall not be deemed violated by any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) if the false or misleading representation is the name of a [variety](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12) indistinguishable in appearance from the seed being imported or offered for import and the records and other pertinent facts reveal that such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) relied in good faith upon representations with respect to the name of the indistinguishable [variety](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12) made by the shipper of the seed. # §1591. Delegation of duties Any duties devolving upon the Secretary of Agriculture by virtue of the provisions of this chapter may with like force and effect be executed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, of the Department of Agriculture as the Secretary may designate for the purpose. # §1592. Rules and regulations - (a) The Secretary of Agriculture shall make such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary for the effective enforcement of this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this section. - (b) The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Agriculture shall make, jointly or severally, such rules and regulations as they may deem necessary for the effective enforcement of subchapter III of this chapter. - (c) Prior to the promulgation of any rule or regulation under this chapter, due notice shall be given by publication in the Federal Register of intention to promulgate and the time and place of a public hearing to be held with reference thereto, and no rule or regulation may be promulgated until after such hearing. Any rule or regulation shall become effective on the date fixed in the promulgation, which date shall be not less than thirty days after publication in the Federal Register and may be amended or revoked in the manner provided for its promulgation. # §1593. Standards, tests, tolerances - (a) The samplings, analyses, tests, or examinations of seeds made in connection with the administration of this chapter shall be made by methods set forth by rules and regulations prescribed under [section 1592 of this title](/usc/7/1592.md). - (b) The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized and directed to make and promulgate by rules and regulations, reasonable tolerances as to the percentages and rates of occurrence required to be stated or required by this chapter. - (c) For the purpose of [section 1571(b) of this title](/usc/7/1571.md?p=b), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized and directed to investigate, determine, establish, and promulgate from time to time such reasonable standards of [germination](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-14) for each [kind](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-11) of vegetable seed as will in his judgment best protect crop production. # §1593a. Seed variety information and survey - (a) **Information—** - (1) **In general—** [Grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) submitted for public testing shall be evaluated for selected specific agronomic performance characteristics and intrinsic end-use performance characteristics, as determined by the Secretary, with the results of the evaluations made available to the Secretary. - (2) **Dissemination of information—** The Secretary shall disseminate varietal performance information obtained under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) to [plant](/usc/7/8901.md?p=10) breeders, [producers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb), and end users. - (b) **Survey—** The Secretary shall periodically conduct, compile, and publish a survey of [grain](/usc/7/75.md?p=g) [varieties](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12) commercially produced in the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1). - (c) **Analysis of variety survey data—** The Secretary shall analyze the [variety](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12) surveys conducted under [subsection (b)](#b) in conjunction with available applied research information on intrinsic quality characteristics of the [varieties](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-12), to evaluate general intrinsic crop quality characteristics and trends in production related to intrinsic quality characteristics. This information shall be disseminated as required by [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2). # §1594. Prohibition against alterations No [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) shall detach, alter, deface, or destroy any [label](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-17) provided for in this chapter or the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder by the Secretary of Agriculture, or alter or substitute seed in a manner that may defeat the purpose of this chapter. # §1595. Seizure - (a) Any seed sold, delivered for transportation in [interstate commerce](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-3), or transported in interstate or [foreign commerce](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-5) in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall, at the time of such violation or at any time thereafter, be liable to be proceeded against on libel of information and condemned in any district court of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) within the jurisdiction of which the seed is found. - (b) If seed is condemned by a decree of the court as being in violation of the provisions of this chapter, it may be disposed of by the court by— - (1) sale; or - (2) delivery to the owner thereof after he has appeared as claimant and paid the court costs and fees and storage and other proper expenses and executed and delivered a bond with good and sufficient sureties that such seed will not be sold or disposed of in any jurisdiction contrary to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder, or the laws of such jurisdiction; or - (3) destruction. - (c) If such seed is disposed of by sale, the proceeds of the sale, less the court costs and fees and storage and other proper expenses, shall be paid into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts, but such seed shall not be sold or disposed of in any jurisdiction contrary to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder, or the laws of such jurisdiction. - (d) The proceedings in such libel cases shall conform, as nearly as may be, to the proceedings in admiralty, except that either party may demand trial by jury of any issue of fact joined in any such case; and such proceedings shall be at the suit of and in the name of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1). # §1596. Penalties - (a) Any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) who knowingly, or as a result either of gross negligence or of a failure to make a reasonable effort to inform himself of the pertinent facts, violates any provision of this chapter or the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall pay a fine of not more than $1,000, for the first offense, and upon conviction for each subsequent offense not more than $2,000. - (b) Any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) who violates any provision of this chapter or the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder shall forfeit to the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) a sum, not less than $25 or more than $500, for each such violation, which forfeiture shall be recoverable in a civil suit brought in the name of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1). # §1597. Agent’s acts as binding principal When construing and enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the act, omission, or failure of any officer, agent, or other [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) acting for or employed by any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2), partnership, [corporation](/usc/7/1502.md?p=b-5), company, society, or association, shall in every case be also deemed to be the act, omission, or failure of such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2), partnership, [corporation](/usc/7/1502.md?p=b-5), company, society, or association, as well as that of the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) employed. # §1598. Notice of intention to prosecute Before any violation of this chapter is reported by the Secretary of Agriculture to any [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) attorney for institution of a criminal proceeding, the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) against whom such proceeding is contemplated shall be given appropriate notice and an opportunity to prevent[^1] his views, either orally or in writing, with regard to such contemplated proceeding. # §1599. Cease and desist proceedings - (a) **Hearing—** Whenever the Secretary of Agriculture has reason to believe that any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) has violated or is violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder, he shall cause a complaint in writing to be served upon the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2), stating his charges in that respect, and requiring the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) to attend and testify at a hearing at a time and place designated therein, at least thirty days after the service of such complaint; and at such time and place there shall be afforded the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) a reasonable opportunity to be informed as to the evidence introduced against him (including the right of cross-examination), and to be heard in [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) or by counsel and through witnesses, under such rules and regulations as the Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe. At any time prior to the close of the hearing the Secretary of Agriculture may amend the complaint; but in case of any amendment adding new provisions the hearing shall, on the request of the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2), be adjourned for a period not exceeding fifteen days. - (b) **Report of Secretary of Agriculture—** If, after such hearing, the Secretary of Agriculture finds that the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) has violated or is violating any provisions of the chapter or rules and regulations covered by the charges, he shall make a report in writing in which he shall [state](/usc/7/1359aa.md?p=5) his findings as to the facts, and shall issue and cause to be served on the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) an [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) requiring such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) to cease and desist from continuing such violation. The testimony taken at the hearing shall be reduced to writing and filed in the records of the Department of Agriculture. - (c) **Amendment of report—** Until the record in such hearing has been filed in a court of appeals as provided in [section 1600 of this title](/usc/7/1600.md), the Secretary of Agriculture at any time, upon such notice and in such manner as he deems proper, but only after reasonable opportunity to the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) to be heard, may amend or set aside the report or [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), in whole or in part. - (d) **Service—** Complaints, [orders](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), and other processes of the Secretary of Agriculture under this section may be served by anyone duly authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture, either (1) by delivering a copy thereof to the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) to be served, or to a member of the partnership to be served, or to the president, secretary, or other executive officer or a director of the [corporation](/usc/7/1502.md?p=b-5) to be served; or (2) by leaving a copy thereof at the principal office or place of business of such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2), partnership, or [corporation](/usc/7/1502.md?p=b-5); or (3) by mailing a copy thereof by registered mail or by certified mail addressed to such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2), partnership, or [corporation](/usc/7/1502.md?p=b-5) at his or its last known principal office or place of business. The verified return by the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) so serving said complaint, [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), or other process setting forth the manner of said [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) shall be proof of the same, and the return postoffice receipt for said complaint, [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), or other process mailed by registered mail or by certified mail as aforesaid shall be proof of the service of the same. # §1600. Appeal to court of appeals An [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) made under [section 1599 of this title](/usc/7/1599.md) shall be final and conclusive unless within thirty days after the service the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) appeals to the court of appeals for the circuit in which such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) resides or has his principal place of business by filing with the clerk of such court a written petition praying that the Secretary’s [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) be set aside or modified in the manner stated in the petition, together with a bond in such sum as the court may determine, conditioned that such [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) will pay the costs of the proceedings if the court so directs. The clerk of the court shall immediately cause a copy of the petition to be delivered to the Secretary, and the Secretary shall thereupon file in the court the record in such proceedings, as provided in [section 2112 of title 28](/usc/28/2112.md). If before such record is filed, the Secretary amends or sets aside his report or [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), in whole or in part, the petitioner may amend the petition within such time as the court may determine, on notice to the Secretary. At any time after such petition is filed the court, on application of the Secretary, may issue a temporary injunction restraining, to the extent it deems proper, the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) and his officers, directors, agents, and employees from violating any of the provisions of the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) pending the final determination of the appeal. The evidence so taken or admitted and filed as aforesaid as a part of the record, shall be considered by the court as the evidence in the case. The court may affirm, modify, or set aside the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) of the Secretary. If the court determines that the just and proper disposition of the case requires the taking of additional evidence, the court shall [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) the hearing to be reopened for the taking of such evidence, in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the court may deem proper. The Secretary may modify his findings as to the facts, or make new findings, by reason of the additional evidence so taken, and he shall file such modified or new findings and his recommendations, if any, for the modification or setting aside of his [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), with the return of such additional evidence. If the court of appeals affirms or modifies the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) of the Secretary, its decree shall operate as an injunction to restrain the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) and his officers, directors, agents, and employees from violating the provisions of such [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) or such [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) as modified. # §1601. Enforcement of order If any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) against whom an [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) is issued under [section 1599 of this title](/usc/7/1599.md) fails to obey the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), the Secretary of Agriculture, or the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1), by its Attorney General, may apply to the court of appeals of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1), within the circuit where the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) against whom the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) was issued resides or has his principal place of business, for the enforcement of the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), and shall file the record in such proceedings, as provided in [section 2112 of title 28](/usc/28/2112.md). Upon such filing of the application the court shall cause notice thereof to be served upon the [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) against whom the [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10) was issued. The evidence to be considered, the procedure to be followed, and the jurisdiction of the court shall be the same as provided in [section 1600 of this title](/usc/7/1600.md) for applications to set aside or modify [orders](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10). # §1602. Separability The institution of any one of the proceedings provided for in sections [1595](/usc/7/1595.md), [1596](/usc/7/1596.md), [1599 to 1601](/usc/7/1599..1601.md) of this title shall not bar institution of any of the others, except that action shall not be instituted under both subsections 1596(a) and (b) of this title for the same cause of action. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to recommend prosecution, or institution of civil penalty proceedings, libel proceedings, cease-and-desist proceedings, or proceedings for the enforcement of a cease-and-desist [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), for minor violations of this chapter or the rules and regulations made and promulgated thereunder whenever he believes that the public interest will be adequately served by suitable written notice or warning. # §1603. Procedural powers; witness fees and mileage - (a) In carrying on the work herein authorized, the Secretary of Agriculture, or any officer or employee designated by him for such purpose, shall have power to hold hearings, administer oaths, sign and issue subpenas, examine witnesses, take depositions, and require the production of books, records, accounts, memoranda, and papers, and have access to office and warehouse premises. Upon refusal by any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) to appear, testify, or produce pertinent books, records, accounts, memoranda, and papers in response to a subpena, or to permit access to premises, the proper [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) district court shall have power to compel obedience thereto. - (b) Witnesses summoned before the Secretary or any officer or employee designated by him shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1), and witnesses whose depositions are taken and the [persons](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) taking the same shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like service in the courts of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1). # §1604. Publication After judgment by the court, or the issuance of a cease and desist [order](/usc/7/2902.md?p=10), in any case arising under this chapter, notice thereof shall be given by publication in such manner as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations made and promulgated under this chapter. # §1605. Authorization of appropriations - (a) There is authorized to be appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for administering this chapter. - (b) [Funds](/usc/7/4531.md?p=5) appropriated for carrying into effect the purpose of this chapter shall be available for allotment by the Secretary of Agriculture to the bureaus and offices of the Department of Agriculture and for transfer to other departments and agencies of the Government which the Secretary of Agriculture may call upon to assist or cooperate in carrying out such purposes or for services rendered or to be rendered in connection therewith. Appropriations made under this authorization, within the limit prescribed in such appropriations, may be expended for the share of the [United States](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-1) in the expense of the International Seed Testing Congress in carrying out plans for correlating the work of the various adhering governments on problems relating to seed analyses or other subjects which the Congress may determine to be necessary in the interest of international seed trade. # §1606. Authorization of expenditures The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to make such expenditures for rent, outside of the District of Columbia, printing, binding, telegrams, telephones, books of reference, publications, furniture, stationery, office and laboratory equipment, travel, and other supplies, including reporting services, such research necessary to develop methods of processing, bulking, blending, sampling, testing, and merchandising seeds necessary to the administration of this chapter and other necessary expenses in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, and as may be appropriated for by the Congress. # §1607. Cooperation with other governmental agencies The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to cooperate with any other department or agency of the Federal Government; or with any [State](/usc/7/1359aa.md?p=5), Territory, District, or possession, or department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or with any producing, trading, or consuming organization, whether operating in one or more jurisdictions, in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. # §1608. Separability If any provision of this chapter, or the application thereof to any [person](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter, and the application of such provisions to other [persons](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-2) or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. # §1609. Repeals [Sections 111 to 116](/usc/7/111..116.md) of this title are repealed on the one hundred and eightieth day after August 9, 1939: Provided, however, That the notices with respect to imported alfalfa and red clover seed promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture under the [authority](/usc/7/2009aa.md?p=1) of [sections 111 to 116](/usc/7/111..116.md) of this title, and in effect on August 9, 1939, shall remain with the same full force and effect as if promulgated under this chapter. # §1610. Effective date This chapter shall take effect as follows: As to agricultural seeds, and the importation of vegetable seeds, on the one hundred and eightieth day after August 9, 1939; as to vegetable seeds in [interstate commerce](/usc/7/1561.md?p=a-3), one year after August 9, 1939; and as to [sections 1591 to 1593](/usc/7/1591..1593.md) of this title, on August 9, 1939.