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2014 Farm Bill: Cooperation with Program Research and Evaluation

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2017-0048
Resource type
Policy Memos
Guidance Documents
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Policy Memo (51.85 KB)
DATE: August 4, 2017
POLICY MEMO: 2014 Farm Bill
SUBJECT: Cooperation with Program Research and Evaluation
TO: Regional Directors
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
All Regions

The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) (PL 113-79) clarifies requirements for participation in evaluations and research in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the implementation of this provision.

Section 4023 of the Farm Bill amends section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 USC 2026) to clarify that states, state agencies, local agencies, institutions, facilities such as data consortiums, and contractors participating in programs authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, are required to cooperate with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials and contractors conducting evaluations and studies and submit information in the time and manner required.

Regional offices are asked to share this guidance with the state agencies.

State agencies should direct any questions concerning this guidance to the appropriate FNS regional office.

Jeffrey N. Cohen
Acting Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

Page updated: April 05, 2023

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.