((a)) ** Establishment of program** The Secretary of Agriculture (hereafter referred to in this section as the “Secretary”) may establish a program to use volunteers in carrying out the programs of the Department of Agriculture.

((b)) ** Acceptance of personnel** The Secretary may accept, subject to regulations issued by the Office of Personnel Management, voluntary service for the Department of Agriculture for such purpose if the service:

((1)) is to be without compensation; and

((2)) will not be used to displace any employee of the Department of Agriculture including the local, county, and State committees established under .

((c)) ** Federal employee status** Any individual who provides voluntary service under this section shall not be considered a Federal employee, except for purposes of chapter 81 of title 5 (relating to compensation for injury), and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28 (relating to tort claims).