7 U.S.C. § 1911 — Consultation of Secretary of Agriculture with farmers, farm and commodity organizations and other persons and organizations; travel and per diem expenses

(a) Even if another law says otherwise,, whenever the Secretary of Agriculture determines that additional legislative authority is necessary to develop new agricultural programs involving supply adjustments or marketing regulations through marketing orders, marketing quotas, or price support programs with respect to any agricultural commodity, or to make substantial revisions in any existing agricultural legislation or programs, he may consult and advise with farmers, farm organizations, and appropriate commodity organizations, if any, for the commodity involved, to review the problems involved, the need for new legislation, and the provisions which should be included in any that proposed legislation. (b) In addition, whenever and to the extent he deems that action necessary or desirable, the Secretary of Agriculture may consult and advise with any person or group of people, or organizations, including farmers, handlers, processors, or others connected with the production, processing, handling, or use of the commodity involved, with respect to the problems involved and need for legislation and the provisions which should be included in any that proposed legislation. (c) In order that the Secretary of Agriculture may be assured of being able to get the advice of any that person or organization, he is authorized, whenever he determines that action necessary, to pay for each day’s attendance at meetings and while traveling to and from that meetings, transportation expenses and instead of subsistence, a per diem in the amount authorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 for Federal employees. No salary or other compensation must be paid.