GENERAL FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES.

(a) The department may establish a binational program to support joint agricultural research and development with Israel. The scope of agricultural research and development which the program may promote and support encompasses all scientific activities related to agriculture, including production, processing, marketing, and agricultural services, with emphasis on the support of applied research to improve water, labor, and energy utilization in agriculture.

(b) The program shall support applied research in areas of potential mutual interest, including:

(1) water conservation;

(2) water management and use;

(3) soil management and conservation;

(4) innovative sources of energy for agricultural production;

(5) environmental aspects of agricultural technology;

(6) intensive crop production; and

(7) agricultural engineering and processing.

(c) The program may undertake agricultural research and development projects of mutual benefit that are located in Texas, Israel, or any other location considered advisable by the department.

(d) The department may make research or development grants or loans to public or private entities who intend to carry out the stated objectives of the program.

(e) The program shall encourage or support the exchange of agricultural producers, scientists, teachers, students, or other types of agricultural experts between the two cooperating areas of Texas and Israel.

(f) The program shall encourage and support mutual cooperation that will foster the development of trade, mutual assistance, and business relations between Texas and Israel.