(a) In general

The Secretary may cooperate with other Federal agencies or entities, States or political subdivisions of States, national governments, local governments of other nations, domestic or international organizations, domestic or international associations, and other persons to carry out this chapter.

(b) Responsibility

The individual or entity cooperating with the Secretary under subsection (a) of this section shall be responsible for -

(1)

the authority necessary to conduct the operations or take measures on all land and properties within the foreign country or State, other than those owned or controlled by the United States; and

(2)

other facilities and means as the Secretary determines necessary.

(c) Transfer of biological control methods

The Secretary may transfer to a State, Federal agency, or other person biological control methods using biological control organisms against plant pests or noxious weeds.

(d) Cooperation in program administration

The Secretary may cooperate with State authorities or other persons in the administration of programs for the improvement of plants, plant products, and biological control organisms.

(e) Phytosanitary issues

The Secretary shall ensure that phytosanitary issues involving imports and exports are addressed based on sound science and consistent with applicable international agreements. To accomplish these goals, the Secretary may -

(1)

conduct direct negotiations with plant health officials or other appropriate officials of other countries;

(2)

provide technical assistance, training, and guidance to any country requesting such assistance in the development of agricultural health protection systems and import/export systems; and

(3)

maintain plant health and quarantine expertise in other countries -

(A)

to facilitate the establishment of phytosanitary systems and the resolution of phytosanitary issues;

(B)

to assist those countries with agricultural health protection activities; and

(C)

to provide general liaison on agricultural health issues with the plant health or other appropriate officials of the country