The Forestry Research Advisory Council (FRAC) is a non-discretionary Federal Advisory Committee mandated by the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981. The FRAC provides recommendations and advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on forestry research. The Agriculture and Food Act directs the Secretary to appoint the FRAC, which advises on how to efficiently accomplish the purposes of the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962. The FRAC focuses on developing and utilizing the Nation's forest resources, forestry schools, and forest industries. FRAC recommendations support states in carrying out a program of forestry research through land-grant colleges or agricultural experiment stations and other state-supported colleges and universities that offer graduate training in forestry. The FRAC also provides advice related to the Forest Service research program, which is authorized by the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978.

The FRAC is composed of up to 20 members appointed by the Secretary and drawn from federal, state, university, industry, and non-governmental organizations. It convenes at least annually and presents recommendations to the Secretary on regional and national planning for forestry research. The Deputy Chief of the Forest Service Research and Development serves as the Executive Secretary of the FRAC and coordinates development of FRAC agendas and other activities with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which is responsible for apportionment of funds under the McIntire-Stennis Program. 

• Forestry Research Advisory Council - Official Charter