In carrying out the provisions of this subdivision and of each such plan, the department shall have power to designate administrative areas; to provide for the selection or election of local, county, and state committees of persons participating or cooperating in the plan; to employ such agents or agencies and to establish such agencies as it may find to be necessary; to cooperate with local and state agencies and with agencies of other states and of the federal government; to arrange with the university system of New Hampshire for the conduct of such research and educational activities in connection with the formulation and operation of such plan as may appear advisable; to enter into agreements with producers and to provide by other voluntary methods for adjustment in the utilization of land and in farming practices, and for payments in connection therewith, in amounts which the department determines to be fair and reasonable. In carrying out each such plan, the department and the commissioner are authorized to delegate any of the powers herein conferred to such agency as may be designated by the commissioner and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture.