In carrying out the provisions of this chapter and of each plan, the department has the power to designate administrative areas; to provide for the selection or election of local and community committees of persons participating or co-operating in the plan; to employ any agents or agencies and to establish any agencies that it may find to be necessary; to co-operate with local and state agencies and with agencies of other states and of the federal government; to conduct or arrange with the University of Rhode Island for the conduct of any research and educational activities in connection with the formulation and operation of the 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 with these agreements or voluntary methods, in amounts which the department determines to be fair and reasonable. In carrying out the plan, the department and the director are authorized to delegate any of the powers conferred in this section to the agency as may be designated by the director and approved by the secretary of agriculture.