Section 5: Functions and powers of Council

5. Functions and powers of Council (1) The functions of the Council shall be to— (a) coordinate, monitor and promote research projects and programmes— (i) entrusted to the different units set up by it; and (ii) of the different institutions engaged in agriculture, fisheries and food production without any prejudice to existing legislation concerning those institutions; (b) set research priorities in line with the needs of the agricultural sector; (c) ensure, as far as possible, the proper dissemination and practical application of the results of any such research; (d) establish units for the purpose of conducting research extension and other related activities and ensure the proper functioning, staffing and allocation of resources to such units; (da) set up and manage greenhouses, hydroponics centres and other infrastructure for the purposes of promoting hydroponics and other agricultural technologies; and (e) advise the Minister generally on national policies and other matters related to food and agricultural research and applications thereof. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Council may— (a) with the approval of the Minister, raise such loan as may be required to finance the setting up of greenhouses, hydroponics centres and other infrastructure; (b) rent out greenhouses, hydroponics centres and other infrastructure on such terms and conditions as it may determine; and (c) levy fees in respect of services in connection with greenhouses, hydroponics centres and other infrastructure and of transfer of any other food and agricultural technologies. [S. 5 amended by s. 15 (b) of Act 14 of 2005 w.e.f. 21 April 2005.] [Issue 1] F19 – 2