[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 384 Reported in Senate (RS)]
Calendar No. 60
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 384
[Report No. 111-19]
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to
provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food security, to
stimulate rural economies, and to improve emergency response to food
crises, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 5, 2009
Mr. Lugar (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Harkin, Ms. Collins,
Mr. Kerry, and Mr. Begich) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
May 13, 2009
Reported by Mr. Kerry, with amendments
[Omit the part struck through and insert the part printed in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to
provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food security, to
stimulate rural economies, and to improve emergency response to food
crises, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Global Food
Security Act of 2009''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--POLICY OBJECTIVES, PLANNING AND COORDINATION
Sec. 101. Statement of policy.
Sec. 102. Comprehensive food security strategy.
Sec. 103. Reports.
TITLE II--BILATERAL PROGRAMS
Sec. 201. Agriculture, rural development, and nutrition.
Sec. 202. Agricultural research.
TITLE III--UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE
Sec. 301. Amendments to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
TITLE IV--EMERGENCY RAPID RESPONSE TO FOOD CRISES
Sec. 401. <DELETED>Emergency food assistance account</DELETED>Emergency
rapid response to food crises account.
Sec. 402. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Nearly 1,000,000,000 people worldwide suffer from food
insecurity, defined as a lack of access to sufficient food to
meet dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
(2) The number of food insecure increased from 849,000,000
in 2006 to 982,000,000 in 2007, according to the Department of
Agriculture.
(3) The World Food Programme reports that 25,000 people die
each day from malnutrition-related causes.
(4) The food security situation of lower income countries
is projected to continue to deteriorate over the next decade.
(5) Nearly half of the world's food insecure live in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
(6) The agricultural sector comprises large portions of the
total labor force in many developing countries, as high as 70
to 80 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it also contributes
about 35 percent of the total gross national product (GNP).
(7) Agriculture has been shown to be an efficient engine of
economic growth in developing countries, with the benefit of
promoting income for the poorest, equity, and social justice.
(8) A diverse and secure food supply has health benefits,
including increasing child survival, improving cognitive and
physical development of children, especially those under two
years of age, increasing immune system function including
resistance to HIV/AIDS, and improving human performance.
(9) Rapid increases in global food costs <DELETED>since
2007</DELETED>in 2007 and 2008 and downturns in the global
economy threaten to significantly undermine gains achieved in
poverty reduction and health programs over the past decade.
(10) The poor in developing countries spend as much as 50
to 70 percent of their incomes on food.
(11) Three out of five of those suffering from hunger are
rural small-scale agriculturalists. One out of five is a rural
landless laborer, and another one-fifth are urban poor,
according to the United Nations Hunger Task Force.
(12) Women, who are often heads of households, comprise a
large proportion of small holders and face unique challenges
and heightened vulnerability to food insecurity. Studies show
that increasing the incomes and access to food for women
benefits the entire household as they are more likely to share
these resources with family members.
(13) A comprehensive approach to long-term food security
should encompass improvements in nutrition, education,
agricultural infrastructure and productivity, finance and
markets, safety net programs, job creation, household incomes,
research and technology, and the environment.
(14) A comprehensive food security strategy should include
expertise of private voluntary organizations and cooperatives,
many of which have experience in working with the rural poor,
community-based organizations, and local administrators to
improve agriculture, businesses, and infrastructure and to
address nutrition and food security needs at the household and
community level.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
(2) Agricultural assistance.--The term ``agricultural
assistance'' means assistance that has the objective of
improving agriculture and rural development through such
strategies as raising agricultural productivity, strengthening
infrastructure, enhancing human and institutional capacity at
educational institutions, including those of higher education,
creating markets and a conducive business environment,
improving health and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable
groups, and expanding access to technology through extension
and related programs.
<DELETED>(2)</DELETED>(3) Appropriate congressional
committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
<DELETED>(3)</DELETED>(4) Chronic food insecurity.--The
term ``chronic food insecurity'' means ongoing and persistent
lack of access to sufficient food to meet dietary needs for an
active and healthy life.
<DELETED>(4)</DELETED>(5) Extreme poverty.--The term
``extreme poverty'' means income of less than half of the
poverty level as defined by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development for the relevant year.
<DELETED>(5)</DELETED>(6) Institution of higher
education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' means
educational institutions providing post-secondary education and
training.
TITLE I--POLICY OBJECTIVES, PLANNING AND COORDINATION
SEC. 101. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States to promote global food
security, to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, to alleviate poverty,
to improve agricultural productivity and rural development, to support
the development of institutions of higher learning that will enhance
human capacity, entrepreneurial skills and job creation, agricultural
research and technology, and the dissemination of farming techniques to
all parts of the agriculture sector, and to support sustainable farming
methods.
SEC. 102. COMPREHENSIVE FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY.
(a) Special Coordinator.--The President shall designate an
individual to serve <DELETED>in the Executive Office of the President</DELETED>
as the Special Coordinator for Food Security. The coordinator shall
assist the President by--
(1) advising the President on international food security
issues;
(2) taking such actions as are necessary to ensure the
coordination of the food security efforts and programs of the
United States, including the activities of Federal agencies;
and
(3) overseeing the development and implementation of the
strategy described in subsection (b).
(b) Content of Strategy.--The strategy referred to in subsection
(a)(3) is a comprehensive food security strategy that--
(1) includes specific and measurable goals, benchmarks and
time frames, and a plan of action to achieve the objectives
described in section 101;
(2) seeks, to the greatest extent possible, to encourage
the leverage of--
(A) resources of private sector providers of
agriculture inputs, processors, and marketers,
including through the Global Development Alliances of
the United States Agency for International Development
and other measures;
(B) consultation with the academic and research
community, private voluntary organizations<DELETED>,
and</DELETED>, cooperatives, and other program
implementers;
(C) the coordination of United States food security
efforts with similar efforts of international
organizations, international financial institutions,
the governments of developing and developed countries,
and United States and international nongovernmental
organizations; and
(D) the incorporation of approaches directed at
reaching women living in poverty.
(3) provides appropriate linkages with United States
international health programs, such as the President's
Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief;
(4) reflects a whole-of-government approach that
incorporates and encompasses the programs of relevant Federal
departments and agencies that engage in some aspect of food
security, including the Department of State, the United States
Agency for International Development, the Department of
Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Millennium
Challenge Corporation, the Department of the Treasury, the
Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the
Department of Health and Human Services; and
(5) provides annual monitoring and evaluation of the
program addressing progress toward improving access to food,
availability of food, utilization of food, and risk factors
associated with food insecure populations.
(c) Implementation.--The United States Agency for International
Development shall be the lead agency in implementing the strategy
described in subsection (b).
SEC. 103. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and not later than December 31 of
each year thereafter through 2014, the President shall submit
to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the
implementation of the strategy described in section 102(b).
(2) Content.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) a copy of the strategy and an indication of any
changes made in the strategy during the preceding
calendar year;
(B) an assessment of progress made during the
preceding calendar year toward meeting the objectives
described in section 101 and the specific goals,
benchmarks, and time frames specified in the strategy
described in section 102(b);
(C) a description of United States Government
programs contributing to the achievement of the
objectives described in section 101, including the
amounts expended on such programs during the preceding
fiscal year; and
(D) an assessment of United States efforts to
encourage and leverage business and philanthropic
participation in United States food security programs
and to coordinate such programs with similar efforts of
international organizations, international financial
institutions, the governments of developing and
developed countries, and United States and
international nongovernmental organizations.
(3) Government accountability office report.--Not later
than 270 days after the submission of each report under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
report that contains--
(A) a review of, and comments addressing, the
report submitted under paragraph (1); and
(B) recommendations relating to any additional
actions the Comptroller General <DELETED>determines to
be necessary</DELETED>believes are important to improve
a global food security strategy and its implementation.
(b) Program Review.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report containing--
(A) an assessment of progress made during the
preceding four years toward meeting the objectives
described in section 101 and the specific goals,
benchmarks, and time frames specified in the strategy
described in section 102(b); and
(B) an evaluation of the impact during the
preceding four years of United States food security
programs on food security, health, and economic growth
in countries suffering from chronic food insecurity.
(2) Basis for report.--The report required under paragraph
(1) shall be based on assessments and impact evaluations
utilizing sound quantitative and qualitative methodologies and
techniques used in the behavioral sciences.
TITLE II--BILATERAL PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND NUTRITION.
(a) Authority.--Section 103(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151a(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(D) to expand the economic participation of people living
in extreme poverty and those who lack access to agriculturally
productive land, including through productive safety net
programs and health and nutrition programs, and to integrate
those living in extreme poverty into the economy;
``(E) to support conservation farming and other sustainable
agricultural techniques to respond to changing climatic
conditions and water shortages; and
``(F) to improve nutrition of vulnerable populations, such
as children under the age of two years old, and pregnant or
lactating women.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the President to provide assistance under section 103
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151a) for the purpose
of carrying out activities under this section, in addition to funds
otherwise available for such purpose--
(1) $750,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(2) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(3) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
(4) $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
(5) $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
SEC. 202. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
Section 103A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C.
2151a-1) is amended in the first sentence--
(1) by striking ``, and (3) make'' and inserting ``, (3)
make''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, and
(4) include research on biotechnological advances appropriate
to local ecological conditions, including genetically modified
technology.''.
TITLE III--UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE
SEC. 301. AMENDMENT TO FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961.
Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2220a et
seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``TITLE XII--UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE
``SEC. 296. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
``(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) Agriculture has been a driver of economic growth as
the foundation of industry and commerce in developed countries.
``(2) Institutions of higher education, including
vocational education, can promote a robust agriculture sector
through the dissemination of knowledge, the building of human
capital, research and technology, and extension.
``(3) According to a World Bank study, higher education
contributes to national productivity, raises living standards,
and improves the ability of a country to compete globally.
``(4) Enrollment rates in higher education are 5 percent in
Africa, 10 percent in South Asia, 19 percent in East Asia, and
23 percent in North Africa and the Middle East.
``(5) Universities in the United States have a history of
serving as engines of development.
``(6) Many universities in the United States have
experience in partnering with foreign universities on faculty
and student exchanges, curriculum development, joint research
projects, and extension.
``(7) Land-grant universities and other universities in the
United States have demonstrated their ability to cooperate with
international agencies, educational <DELETED>and research
institutions</DELETED>institutions, and national and
international research institutions in other countries, the
private sector, and nongovernmental organizations worldwide in
expanding global agricultural production, processing, business
and trade, and promoting better management of agricultural and
natural resources, including adaptation to the effects of
climate change, to the benefit of aid recipient countries and
the United States.
``(8) Population growth will exert pressures on food
supplies and prices and require investments in increased
agricultural productivity, processing, marketing, trade,
research, extension, and technology in order to provide food
security, ensure health, and build the basis for economic
growth.
``(9) United States foreign assistance support for higher
education has declined from the 1990s.
``(10) Global food security is in the interest of the
United States because it promotes stability and economic
growth, increases trade opportunities, and alleviates hunger
and poverty.
``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to authorize United
States assistance that promotes food security, agriculture
productivity, rural development, poverty and malnutrition alleviation,
and environmental sustainability by engaging the expertise of United
States institutions of higher education in collaboration with public
and private institutions in developing countries.
``SEC. 297. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) United states universities.--The terms `United States
universities' and `United States institutions of higher
education' mean those colleges or universities in each State,
territory, or possession of the United States, or the District
of Columbia--
``(A) now receiving, or which may hereafter
receive, benefits under the Act of July 2, 1862
(commonly known as the First Morrill Act) (7 U.S.C. 301
et seq.), or the Act of August 30, 1890 (known as the
Second Morrill Act) (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), which are
commonly known as `land-grant' universities;
``(B) institutions now designated or which may
hereafter be designated as sea-grant colleges under the
National Sea Grant College and Program Act (33 U.S.C.
1121 et seq.), which are commonly known as sea-grant
colleges;
``(C) Native American land-grant colleges as
authorized under the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301
note); and
``(D) other United States <DELETED>colleges and
universities that</DELETED>colleges, universities, and
other educational institutions that--
``(i) have demonstrable capacity in
teaching, research, and extension (including
outreach) activities in the agricultural
sciences; and
``(ii) can contribute effectively to the
attainment of the objective of this title.
``(2) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
``(3) Public and private partners of universities.--The
term `public and private partners of universities' includes
entities that have cooperative or contractual agreements with
universities, which may include formal or informal associations
of universities, other education institutions, national and
international agriculture research institutions, United States
Government and State agencies, private voluntary organizations,
nongovernmental organizations, firms operated for profit,
nonprofit organizations, multinational banks, and, as
designated by the Administrator, any organizations,
institutions, or agencies incorporated in foreign countries.
``(4) Agriculture.--The term `agriculture' means the
science and practice of activities related to food, feed,
livestock, or fiber production, processing, marketing,
distribution, utilization, and trade, and encompasses the study
and practice of family and consumer sciences, nutrition, food
sciences, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, aquaculture,
floraculture, livestock management, veterinary medicine, and
other environmental and natural resource sciences.
``SEC. 298. AUTHORITY.
``(a) In General.--In order to eradicate hunger and malnutrition,
establish global food security, promote growth in agricultural
productivity, trade expansion, and the sustainable use of natural
resources, and alleviate poverty, the President is authorized to
provide assistance on such terms and conditions as he may determine to
implement program components through United States land-grant
universities, other eligible universities, and public and private
partners of universities in the United States and other countries,
consistent with sections 103 and 103A of this Act, for the following
purposes:
``(1) Research on problems affecting food, agriculture,
forestry, livestock, and fisheries.
``(2) Improved human capacity and institutional capacity
for the global application of agricultural and related
environmental sciences.
``(3) Agricultural development and trade research and
extension services to support the access of rural populations
to national and global markets.
``(4) The application of agricultural sciences to solving
food, health, nutrition, rural income, and environmental
problems, especially among chronically food insecure
populations.
``(b) Types of Support.--Assistance provided pursuant to this
section may include support for--
``(1) continued efforts by international agricultural
research centers and other international research entities to
provide a global network, including United States universities
and foreign universities, for international scientific
collaboration on crops, livestock, forests, fisheries, farming
resources, sustainable agricultural and land management
technology, and food systems of global importance;
``(2) long-term collaborative research support programs
between United States and foreign institutions of higher
education including the training of students, teachers,
extension specialists, and researchers;
``(3) broad dissemination of agricultural research through
extension, cooperatively with existing public or private
extension systems;
``(4) the participation of universities and public and
private partners of universities in programs of multilateral
banks and agencies that receive United States assistance;
``(5) an expansion of learning opportunities about
agriculture for students, teachers, school administrators,
community leaders, entrepreneurs, and the general public
through international internships and exchanges, graduate
assistantships, faculty positions, and other means of education
and extension;
``(6) competitive grants to United States universities,
public and private partners of universities, and universities
in other countries for research, institution and policy
development, extension, training, and other programs for global
agricultural development, trade and the responsible management
of natural resources; and
``(7) support for developing and strengthening national
agricultural research systems in developing countries.
``(c) Objectives.--Programs under this title shall be carried out
so as to utilize the capabilities of United States universities to
assist--
``(1) in developing institutional capacity in recipient
countries for classroom teaching in agriculture, plant and
animal sciences, human nutrition, vocational training,
extension services, and business training;
``(2) in agricultural research conducted in recipient
countries, at international agricultural research centers, or
in the United States;
``(3) in the planning, initiation, and development of
extension services through which information concerning
agriculture, farming techniques, environment, nutrition, and
related subjects will be made available to farmers and farming
communities in recipient countries; and
``(4) in the exchange of educators, students, and
scientists for the purpose of assisting in successful
development in recipient countries.
``(d) Role of Administrator.--The President shall exercise his
authority under this title through the Administrator.
``(e) Collaborative Research Support Program.--Of the amounts
authorized to be appropriated under section 201(b) of the Global Food
Security Act of 2009, up to $45,000,000 may be made available annually
for the Collaborative Research Support Program for fiscal years 2010
through 2014.
``(f) Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.--
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 201(b) of
the Global Food Security Act of 2009, up to $50,000,000 may be made
available annually for core long-term research for the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research for fiscal years 2010
through 2014.
``(g) Board for Higher Education Collaboration for Technology,
Agriculture, Research, and Extension.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a
permanent Board for Higher Education Collaboration for
Technology, Agriculture, Research, and Extension (referred to
as `Board') for purposes of assisting the Administrator in the
administration of the HECTARE Program, the Collaborative
Research Support Program, and all other manner of university
engagement authorized under this title.
``(2) Membership.--The Board shall consist of at least 7
members, of whom--
``(A) not less than 4 shall be selected from United
States universities; and
``(B) not less than 3 shall be selected from
representatives of nongovernmental organizations or
international education consortia devoted to
agriculture research and education.
``(3) Duties.--The duties of the Board shall include the
following:
``(A) Responsibility for advising the Administrator
on issues related to the planning, implementation, and
monitoring of activities described in this title.
``(B) Advising the Administrator on the formulation
of basic policy, program design, procedures, and
criteria for the HECTARE Program.
``(C) Advising the Administrator on the
qualifications of interested institutions of higher
education based on--
``(i) their ability to work collaboratively
to improve agricultural production, scientific
research, and the dissemination of sustainable
agricultural technologies;
``(ii) their commitment to expanding and
applying their academic, teaching, research,
and outreach capacities; and
``(iii) their commitment to partner with
private organizations, civil society, other
universities, and government entities.
``(D) Advising the Administrator on which countries
could benefit from programs carried out under section
299 and have an interest in establishing or developing
agricultural institutions that engage in teaching,
research, or extension services.
``(E) Making recommendations to the Administrator
on the means to improve the effectiveness of activities
authorized by this title and undertaken by universities
and public and private partners of universities.
``(F) Assessing the impact of programs carried out
under this title in solving agricultural problems,
improving global food security, addressing natural
resource issues, and strengthening institutional
capacity at foreign university partners in developing
countries.
``(G) Reviewing issues concerning implementation of
this title as requested by universities and making
recommendations to the Administrator on their
resolution.
``(H) Advising the Administrator on any and all
issues as requested.
``(4) Review of collaborative research support program.--
Not later than 1 year after the appointment of the members of
the Board, the Board shall conduct a review of the
Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP) with regard to
the research focus of existing CRSP activities and their
relevance to addressing hunger, malnutrition, agricultural
productivity, and poverty alleviation, and shall make
recommendations to the Administrator to strengthen the CRSP
program.
``(5) Subordinate units.--The Administrator may authorize
the Board to create such subordinate units as may be necessary
for the performance of its duties.
``(6) Annual report consultation.--The Board shall be
consulted in the preparation of the annual report required by
section 299A and on other agricultural development activities
related to programs under this title.
``(7) Term.--The terms of members shall be set by the
Administrator at the time they are appointed.
``(8) Reimbursement of expenses.--Members of the Board
shall be entitled to such reimbursement of expenses incurred in
the performance of their duties (including per diem in lieu of
subsistence while away from their homes or regular place of
business) as the Administrator deems appropriate on a case-by-
case basis.
``SEC. 299. HIGHER EDUCATION COLLABORATION FOR TECHNOLOGY, AGRICULTURE,
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide United
States assistance for the development of higher educational capacity in
the field of agriculture in a manner that builds and strengthens
institutional and human capacity of developing countries in the field
of agriculture and related sciences, promotes entrepreneurship and
economic growth in rural areas, increases agricultural productivity and
sustainable agriculture, alleviates poverty and malnutrition, promotes
nutritional diversity, and promotes good government through the
participation of United States institutions of higher education.
``(b) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a
program to be known as the Higher Education Collaboration for
Technology, Agriculture, Research, and Extension (in this section
referred to as the `Program' or `HECTARE') for the purpose of providing
assistance in support of policies and programs in eligible countries
that advance hunger alleviation by increasing agricultural productivity
and rural development through partnerships with institutions of higher
education.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Assistance plan.--The term `assistance plan' means a
multi-year plan developed by the United States Agency for
International Development in coordination with a foreign
government or university to provide assistance for agricultural
education programs at a country or regional level.
``(2) Board.--The term `Board' means the Board for Higher
Education Collaboration for Technology, Agriculture, Research,
and Extension.
``(3) Hectare school.--The term `HECTARE school' means an
institution of higher education in an eligible country that is
designated as the lead educational institution for purposes of
a country or regional assistance plan.
``(4) Eligible country.--The term `eligible country' means
a country that meets the requirements of subsection (g).
``(d) Form of Assistance.--Assistance may be provided under this
section in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to
or with eligible entities described in subsection (h) and shall be
provided pursuant to assistance plans as described in subsection (f).
Assistance may not be provided under this section in the form of loans.
``(e) Use of Funds.--Assistance provided under this section may be
used to provide support to HECTARE schools or, where appropriate, other
institutions of higher education in eligible countries for the
following purposes:
``(1) Academic exchange programs for students, faculty
members, extension educators, and school administrators with
HECTARE schools, other institutions of higher education, and
United States universities.
``(2) Strengthening agricultural sciences curricula,
including vocational training.
``(3) Increasing research capacity, output, and quality.
``(4) Improving the dissemination of information and
technology to farmers and others engaged in agriculture.
``(5) Identifying leading educational institutions uniquely
able to serve as regional hubs to promote the purposes
specified in paragraphs (1) through (4) and promoting
cooperation between such institutions and other educational
institutions through regional networks.
``(f) Assistance Plans.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall provide
assistance under this section pursuant to an assistance plan
developed in coordination with an eligible country that
establishes a multi-year plan for significantly improving
agricultural productivity and investing in rural economies
through the strengthening of agricultural programs at
institutions of higher education.
``(2) Elements.--An assistance plan should--
``(A) take into account the national development
strategy of the eligible country or the participation
of the eligible country in a regional development
strategy;
``(B) identify an institution of higher education
for designation as a HECTARE school that has programs
in agricultural sciences;
``(C) identify the partnership between the HECTARE
school and other institutions of higher education that
may include schools or research institutions in the
United States and foreign countries, government
agencies, including local and regional governments,
private business, and civil society;
``(D) identify appropriate channels for
dissemination of farming techniques to the field; and
``(E) identify the plans of the HECTARE school
for--
``(i) conducting agricultural research and
technology transfer and extension;
``(ii) strengthening the teaching of
agriculture science, including programs aimed
at curriculum, faculty, and students;
``(iii) improving university
administration; and
``(iv) establishing methods by which to
engage with other institutions of higher
education to fulfill the purposes of the
Program.
``(g) Eligible Countries.--
``(1) Criteria.--The Administrator shall, in consultation
with the Board, identify eligible countries for purposes of
this section. Such determination shall be based, to the maximum
extent possible, upon objective and quantifiable indicators of
a country's demonstrated commitment to the following:
``(A) Investments in, and support for, rural
economies, including the protection of private property
rights, the promotion of private sector growth and
sustainable management of natural resources, the rights
of women, and the well-being of women and children.
``(B) Raising agricultural productivity of small-
and medium-sized farms.
``(C) Alleviating poverty and hunger among the
entire population.
``(D) Strengthening the system of higher education
with regard to agricultural sciences, teaching,
research, and technology.
``(E) The wide dissemination of farming techniques,
especially to small- and medium-sized farmers.
``(F) Good governance, transparency, and anti-
corruption policies.
``(2) Additional factors.--The Administrator, in selecting
eligible countries, shall consider--
``(A) the extent to which the country clearly meets
or exceeds the eligibility criteria;
``(B) the opportunity to increase agricultural
productivity, enhance human and institutional capacity,
and reduce hunger in the country;
``(C) the availability of funds to carry out this
section;
``(D) the percentage of the country's population
that faces chronic food insecurity; and
``(E) the existence of an institution of higher
education in a food secure country that can serve as a
regional hub for assistance to other schools in need of
assistance in countries experiencing chronic food
insecurity.
``(h) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible for assistance under
this section are the following:
``(1) United States universities working in partnership
with HECTARE schools in eligible countries.
``(2) HECTARE schools and other institutions of higher
education in eligible countries.
``(3) Nongovernmental organizations or private entities.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--<DELETED>Of the amounts
authorized pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under
section 201(b) of the Global Food Security Act of 2009, there is
authorized</DELETED>There is authorized to be appropriated to the
President for the purpose of carrying out activities under this
section--
``(1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(2) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(3) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
``(4) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
``(5) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
``(j) Disclosure of Funding Received by United States
Universities.--The Administrator shall prescribe regulations providing
for the utilization by United States universities of alternative
sources of public and private funding to carry out the purposes of this
title and requiring the disclosure, not less than annually, of all such
alternative funding, both prospective and received.
``SEC. 299A. ANNUAL REPORT.
``Not later than October 1, 2010, and annually thereafter, the
President shall submit to Congress a report detailing the activities
carried out under this title during the preceding fiscal year and
containing a projection of programs and activities to be conducted in
the following year.''.
TITLE IV--EMERGENCY RAPID RESPONSE TO FOOD CRISES
SEC. 401. <DELETED>EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE ACCOUNT</DELETED>EMERGENCY
RAPID RESPONSE TO FOOD CRISES ACCOUNT.
(a) Authority.--Whenever the President determines it to be
important to the national interest, the President may furnish on such
terms and conditions as he may determine appropriate assistance under
this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.)
for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent food assistance needs,
notwithstanding any provision of law which restricts assistance to
foreign countries.
(b) Establishment of Account.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established a <DELETED>United
States Emergency Food Assistance Fund</DELETED>United States
Emergency Rapid Response to Food Crises Fund to carry out the
purposes of this section (in this section referred to as the
``Fund'').
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--<DELETED>There are
authorized</DELETED>Subject to the limitations in this title,
and notwithstanding any other provision of this or any other
Act, there are authorized to be appropriated to the President
from time to time such sums as may be necessary for the Fund to
carry out the purposes of this section, except that no amount
of funds may be appropriated which, when added to amounts
previously appropriated but not yet obligated for such purpose,
would cause the total of such appropriated amounts to exceed
$500,000,000.
(3) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant
to this section shall remain available until expended.
(c) Use of Funds.--Assistance provided under this section may
include--
(1) the local and regional purchase and distribution of
food; and
(2) the provision of emergency non-food assistance,
including vouchers or cash transfers, safety net programs, or
other appropriate non-food assistance.
(d) Limited Delegation of Authority.--The authority under
subsection (a) may be delegated to the Administrator, provided that not
more than $100,000,000 may be made available in any fiscal year
pursuant to determinations made by the Administrator pursuant to the
delegation of such authority.
(e) Reporting Requirements.--The Administration shall submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 5
days before providing assistance pursuant to a determination made under
this section. The report shall indicate the unexpected urgent food
needs to be addressed by the assistance and the amount of assistance to
be provided.
SEC. 402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year
2010 for the purpose of carrying out this title.
Calendar No. 60
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 384
[Report No. 111-19]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to
provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food security, to
stimulate rural economies, and to improve emergency response to food
crises, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
May 13, 2009
Reported with amendments