; (B) the environment; (C) rural families, households, and economies; and (D) consumers, food, and nutrition; and (3) focus on matters relating to drought prevention, preparedness, response, and mitigation. (b) Policy research center described A policy research center referred to in subsection (a) that is eligible to apply for funding under that subsection is a State agricultural experiment station, college or university, or other public research institution or organization that has a history of providing objective, scientific information to Federal agencies and the public to support and enhance efficient, accurate implementation of Federal drought preparedness and drought response programs, including interagency thresholds used to determine eligibility for mitigation or emergency assistance. (c) Preference In making awards under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have information, analysis, and research relating to drought mitigation. (d) Activities Funding may be provided under this section for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and education concerning policy research activities consistent with this section, including activities that— (1) support weekly production of and enhancements to the United States Drought Monitor; (2) support other products and services to help better prepare and respond to drought, including— (A) work carried out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture; (B) through the expansion of drought resilience and monitoring tools that span across disciplines from climatology and remote sensing to planning and geospatial analysis; and (C) communications products and services