[House Report 112-669]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


112th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     112-669

======================================================================
 
       FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2012

                                _______
                                

 September 13, 2012.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Lucas, from the Committee on Agriculture, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                    ADDITIONAL AND DISSENTING VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 6083]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred the bill 
(H.R. 6083) to provide for the reform and continuation of 
agricultural and other programs of the Department of 
Agriculture through fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes, 
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an 
amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Agriculture 
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012''.
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture.

                          TITLE I--COMMODITIES

                    Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms

Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments.
Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments.
Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program.
Sec. 1104. Definitions.
Sec. 1105. Base acres.
Sec. 1106. Payment yields.
Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election.
Sec. 1108. Producer agreements.
Sec. 1109. Period of effectiveness.

                      Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for 
loan commodities.
Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans.
Sec. 1203. Term of loans.
Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans.
Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments.
Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed 
acreage.
Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton.
Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton.
Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains 
and seed cotton.
Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans.

                           Subtitle C--Sugar

Sec. 1301. Sugar program.

                           Subtitle D--Dairy

Part I--Dairy Producer Margin Protection and Dairy Market Stabilization 
                                Programs

Sec. 1401. Definitions.
Sec. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer 
margins.

          subpart a--dairy producer margin protection program

Sec. 1411. Establishment of dairy producer margin protection program.
Sec. 1412. Participation of dairy producers in margin protection 
program.
Sec. 1413. Production history of participating dairy producers.
Sec. 1414. Basic margin protection.
Sec. 1415. Supplemental margin protection.
Sec. 1416. Effect of failure to pay administrative fees or premiums.

             subpart b--dairy market stabilization program

Sec. 1431. Establishment of dairy market stabilization program.
Sec. 1432. Threshold for implementation and reduction in dairy producer 
payments.
Sec. 1433. Producer milk marketing information.
Sec. 1434. Calculation and collection of reduced dairy producer 
payments.
Sec. 1435. Remitting monies to the Secretary and use of monies.
Sec. 1436. Suspension of reduced payment requirement.
Sec. 1437. Enforcement.
Sec. 1438. Audit requirements.

                subpart c--commodity credit corporation

Sec. 1451. Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.

                   subpart d--initiation and duration

Sec. 1461. Rulemaking.
Sec. 1462. Duration.

  Part II--Repeal or Reauthorization of Other Dairy-related Provisions

Sec. 1481. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss 
contract programs.
Sec. 1482. Repeal of dairy export incentive program.
Sec. 1483. Extension of dairy forward pricing program.
Sec. 1484. Extension of dairy indemnity program.
Sec. 1485. Extension of dairy promotion and research program.
Sec. 1486. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission.

                        Part III--Effective Date

Sec. 1491. Effective date.

   Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.

                       Subtitle F--Administration

Sec. 1601. Administration generally.
Sec. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1603. Payment limitations.
Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies.
Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under 
farm commodity programs.
Sec. 1608. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments.
Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits.
Sec. 1611. Signature authority.
Sec. 1612. Implementation.

                         TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program

Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation 
reserve program.
Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators.
Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2005. Payments.
Sec. 2006. Contract requirements.
Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving 
uses.
Sec. 2008. Effective date.

              Subtitle B--Conservation Stewardship Program

Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program.

          Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Sec. 2201. Purposes.
Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications.
Sec. 2204. Duties of producers.
Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Sec. 2207. Effective date.

         Subtitle D--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program.

         Subtitle E--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program.

                Subtitle F--Other Conservation Programs

Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program.
Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program.
Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program.
Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program.

                 Subtitle G--Funding and Administration

Sec. 2601. Funding.
Sec. 2602. Technical assistance.
Sec. 2603. Regional equity.
Sec. 2604. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain 
farmers or ranchers for conservation access.
Sec. 2605. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance.
Sec. 2606. Review of conservation practice standards.
Sec. 2607. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation 
programs.
Sec. 2608. Standards for State technical committees.
Sec. 2609. Rulemaking authority.

 Subtitle H--Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional 
                    Provisions; Technical Amendments

Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program.
Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program.
Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program.
Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program.
Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program.
Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program.
Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program.
Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program.
Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative.
Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program.
Sec. 2712. Technical amendments.

                            TITLE III--TRADE

                     Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

Sec. 3001. General authority.
Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is 
provided.
Sec. 3003. Food aid quality.
Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group.
Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, 
delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods.
Sec. 3008. General provisions.
Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other 
assistance.
Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.

               Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program.
Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program.
Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program.

               Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.
Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 
Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops.
Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural 
Services.

                          TITLE IV--NUTRITION

         Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Sec. 4001. Retailers.
Sec. 4002. Enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental 
nutrition assistance program recipients.
Sec. 4003. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.
Sec. 4004. Updating program eligibility.
Sec. 4005. Exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense 
deduction.
Sec. 4006. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy 
assistance payments.
Sec. 4007. Eligibility disqualifications.
Sec. 4008. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits 
for lottery or gambling winners.
Sec. 4009. Improving security of food assistance.
Sec. 4010. Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile 
transactions.
Sec. 4011. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported 
agriculture share.
Sec. 4012. Restaurant meals program.
Sec. 4013. State verification option.
Sec. 4014. Repeal of grant program.
Sec. 4015. Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability.
Sec. 4016. Repeal of bonus program.
Sec. 4017. Funding of employment and training programs.
Sec. 4018. Monitoring employment and training program.
Sec. 4019. Cooperation with program research and evaluation.
Sec. 4020. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4021. Limitation on use of block grant to Puerto Rico.
Sec. 4022. Assistance for community food projects.
Sec. 4023. Emergency food assistance.
Sec. 4024. Nutrition education.
Sec. 4025. Retailer trafficking.
Sec. 4026. Technical and conforming amendments.
Sec. 4027. Tolerance level for excluding small errors.
Sec. 4028. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pilot program.
Sec. 4029. Annual State report on verification of SNAP participation.

              Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program.
Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program.
Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition 
projects.
Sec. 4104. Processing of commodities.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 4201. Farmers' market nutrition program.
Sec. 4202. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program.
Sec. 4203. Fresh fruit and vegetable program.
Sec. 4204. Additional authority for purchase of fresh fruits, 
vegetables, and other specialty food crops.
Sec. 4205. Encouraging locally and regionally grown and raised food.

                            TITLE V--CREDIT

                    Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

Sec. 5001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans.
Sec. 5002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 5003. Down payment loan program.
Sec. 5004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement.

                      Subtitle B--Operating Loans

Sec. 5101. Eligibility for farm operating loans.
Sec. 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating 
loans to youth.
Sec. 5103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to 
circumstances beyond borrower control.
Sec. 5104. Microloans.

                      Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

Sec. 5201. Eligibility for emergency loans.

                 Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts 
pilot program.
Sec. 5302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 5303. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 5304. Priority for participation loans.
Sec. 5305. Loan fund set-asides.
Sec. 5306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, 
relating to eligibility changes.

           Subtitle E--State Agricultural Mediation Programs

Sec. 5401. State agricultural mediation programs.

      Subtitle F--Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated Land

Sec. 5501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land.

                      TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

        Subtitle A--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

Sec. 6001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 6002. Rural business opportunity grants.
Sec. 6003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant 
program funds.
Sec. 6004. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 6005. Tribal college and university essential community 
facilities.
Sec. 6006. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant 
program.
Sec. 6007. Grants to nonprofit organizations to finance the 
construction, refurbishing, and servicing of individually-owned 
household water well systems in rural areas for individuals with low or 
moderate incomes.
Sec. 6008. Rural business and industry loan program.
Sec. 6009. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 6010. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Sec. 6011. Intermediary relending program.
Sec. 6012. Enhancing public/private partnerships to support rural water 
and waste disposal infrastructure.
Sec. 6013. Simplified applications.
Sec. 6014. Reauthorization of State rural development councils.
Sec. 6015. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 6016. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 6017. Delta Regional Authority.
Sec. 6018. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority.
Sec. 6019. Rural business investment program.

             Subtitle B--Rural Electrification Act of 1936

Sec. 6101. Relending for certain purposes.
Sec. 6102. Fees for certain loan guarantees.
Sec. 6103. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or 
telephone purposes.
Sec. 6104. Expansion of 911 access.
Sec. 6105. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural 
areas.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine.
Sec. 6202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants.
Sec. 6203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
Sec. 6204. Program metrics.
Sec. 6205. Study of rural transportation issues.
Sec. 6206. Agricultural transportation policy.
Sec. 6207. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major for 
purposes of environmental review.

          TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

  Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                           Policy Act of 1977

Sec. 7101. Option to not be included as Hispanic-serving agricultural 
college or university.
Sec. 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 7103. Specialty crop committee.
Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program.
Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences 
education.
Sec. 7106. Policy research centers.
Sec. 7107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion 
research program.
Sec. 7108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and 
agricultural research.
Sec. 7109. Nutrition education program.
Sec. 7110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 7111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or 
regional problems.
Sec. 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities 
at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities 
and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
Sec. 7114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers.
Sec. 7115. Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 7116. Competitive grants for international agricultural science 
and education programs.
Sec. 7117. Repeal of research equipment grants.
Sec. 7118. University research.
Sec. 7119. Extension service.
Sec. 7120. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative 
requirements.
Sec. 7121. Supplemental and alternative crops.
Sec. 7122. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 7123. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 7124. Rangeland research programs.
Sec. 7125. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 7126. Distance education and resident instruction grants program 
for insular area institutions of higher education.
Sec. 7127. Matching funds requirement.

   Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications.
Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems.
Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer 
program.
Sec. 7204. National training program.
Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 7206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 7207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program.
Sec. 7208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative.
Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 7210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension 
initiative.
Sec. 7211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 7212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy 
efficiency research and extension initiative.
Sec. 7213. Farm business management.
Sec. 7214. Regional centers of excellence.
Sec. 7215. Repeal of red meat safety research center.
Sec. 7216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 7217. National rural information center clearinghouse.

Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act 
                                of 1998

Sec. 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and 
education funded by the Department.
Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
grants program.
Sec. 7303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and 
education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, 
livestock, and poultry operations.
Sec. 7304. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program.
Sec. 7305. Grants for youth organizations.
Sec. 7306. Specialty crop research initiative.
Sec. 7307. Food animal residue avoidance database program.
Sec. 7308. Repeal of national swine research center.
Sec. 7309. Office of pest management policy.
Sec. 7310. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and 
education.

                         Subtitle D--Other Laws

Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act.
Sec. 7404. Repeal of carbon cycle research.
Sec. 7405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act.
Sec. 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 7408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data.
Sec. 7409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002.
Sec. 7410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program.
Sec. 7411. Inclusion of Northern Mariana Islands as a State under 
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.

         Subtitle E--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

                     Part 1--Agricultural Security

Sec. 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
Sec. 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural 
biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
Sec. 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
Sec. 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.

                         Part 2--Miscellaneous

Sec. 7511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program.
Sec. 7512. Grazinglands research laboratory.
Sec. 7513. Budget submission and funding.
Sec. 7514. Repeal of research and education grants for the study of 
antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Sec. 7515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network.
Sec. 7516. Repeal of seed distribution.
Sec. 7517. Natural products research program.
Sec. 7518. Sun grant program.
Sec. 7519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts.
Sec. 7520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and 
education.
Sec. 7521. Conveyance of land comprising Subtropical Horticulture 
Research Station.
Sec. 7522. Concessions, fees, and voluntary services at National 
Arboretum.
Sec. 7523. Cotton Disease Research Report.
Sec. 7524. Miscellaneous technical corrections.

                          TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

            Subtitle A--Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs

Sec. 8001. Forest land enhancement program.
Sec. 8002. Watershed forestry assistance program.
Sec. 8003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing 
program.
Sec. 8004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national 
resources leadership program.
Sec. 8005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program.
Sec. 8006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process.

 Subtitle B--Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 
                             1978 Programs

Sec. 8101. Forest Legacy Program.
Sec. 8102. Community forest and open space conservation program.

       Subtitle C--Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws

Sec. 8201. Rural revitalization technologies.
Sec. 8202. Office of International Forestry.
Sec. 8203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve 
program.
Sec. 8204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority.

           Subtitle D--National Forest Critical Area Response

Sec. 8301. Definitions.
Sec. 8302. Designation of critical areas.
Sec. 8303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the 
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas.
Sec. 8304. Good neighbor authority.

                  Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 8401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and 
analysis.
Sec. 8402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program.

                            TITLE IX--ENERGY

Sec. 9001. Definition of renewable energy system.
Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 9003. Biorefinery Assistance.
Sec. 9004. Repeal of repowering assistance program and transfer of 
remaining funds.
Sec. 9005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 9008. Biomass Research and Development.
Sec. 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers.
Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Sec. 9011. Community wood energy program.
Sec. 9012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study.
Sec. 9013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study.

                         TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

Sec. 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty 
crops.
Sec. 10003. Farmers market and local food promotion program.
Sec. 10004. Organic agriculture.
Sec. 10005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods 
Production Act of 1990.
Sec. 10006. Food safety education initiatives.
Sec. 10007. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 10008. Report on specialty crop production by certain farmers.
Sec. 10009. Report on honey.
Sec. 10010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada.
Sec. 10011. Inclusion of olive oil in import controls under the 
Agricultural Adjustment Act.
Sec. 10012. Petitions to determine organism not a plant pest.
Sec. 10013. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and 
disaster prevention programs.
Sec. 10014. Authority for regulation of plants.
Sec. 10015. Report to Congress on regulation of biotechnology.
Sec. 10016. Pesticide Registration Improvement.
Sec. 10017. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a 
biological opinion.
Sec. 10018. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides.
Sec. 10019. Inclusion of Bed Bugs in Definition of Vector Organisms.
Sec. 10020. Effective date.

                        TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

Sec. 11001. Information sharing.
Sec. 11002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on 
premium adjustments.
Sec. 11003. Supplemental coverage option.
Sec. 11004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection.
Sec. 11005. Repeal of performance-based discount.
Sec. 11006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy.
Sec. 11007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops.
Sec. 11008. Data collection.
Sec. 11009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish 
insurable yields.
Sec. 11010. Submission and review of policies.
Sec. 11011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies.
Sec. 11012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard 
reinsurance agreement.
Sec. 11013. Crop production on native sod.
Sec. 11014. Coverage levels by practice.
Sec. 11015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions.
Sec. 11016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland 
cotton.
Sec. 11017. Peanut revenue crop insurance.
Sec. 11018. Authority to correct errors.
Sec. 11019. Implementation.
Sec. 11020. Research and development priorities.
Sec. 11021. Additional research and development contracting 
requirements.
Sec. 11022. Pilot programs.
Sec. 11023. Limitation on expenditures for livestock pilot programs.
Sec. 11024. Noninsured crop assistance program.
Sec. 11025. Technical amendments.

                        TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

                         Subtitle A--Livestock

Sec. 12101. National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
Sec. 12102. Trichinae certification program.
Sec. 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
Sec. 12104. Report on compliance with World Trade Organization decision 
regarding country of origin labeling.
Sec. 12105. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, 1921.
Sec. 12106. Meat and poultry processing report.

   Subtitle B--Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource 
                               Producers

Sec. 12201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers 
and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach.

               Subtitle C--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 12301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training 
of agricultural labor force.
Sec. 12302. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure 
or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency.
Sec. 12303. Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing a minor 
to attend an animal fight.
Sec. 12304. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high 
plains water study.
Sec. 12305. Office of Tribal Relations.
Sec. 12306. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
Sec. 12307. Acer access and development program.
Sec. 12308. Prohibition against interference by State and local 
governments with production or manufacture of items in other States.
Sec. 12309. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the 
Missouri River basin.

SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

  In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
Agriculture.

                          TITLE I--COMMODITIES

                    Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms

SEC. 1101. REPEAL OF DIRECT PAYMENTS.

  (a) Repeal.--Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713, 8753) are repealed.
  (b) Continued Application for 2012 Crop Year.--Sections 1103 and 1303 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713, 
8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
Act, shall continue to apply through the 2012 crop year with respect to 
all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 
U.S.C. 8702)) and peanuts on a farm.

SEC. 1102. REPEAL OF COUNTER-CYCLICAL PAYMENTS.

  (a) Repeal.--Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714, 8754) are repealed.
  (b) Continued Application for 2012 Crop Year.--Sections 1104 and 1304 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714, 
8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
Act, shall continue to apply through the 2012 crop year with respect to 
all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 
U.S.C. 8702)) and peanuts on a farm.

SEC. 1103. REPEAL OF AVERAGE CROP REVENUE ELECTION PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8715) is repealed.
  (b) Continued Application for 2012 Crop Year.--Section 1105 of the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8715), as in 
effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall 
continue to apply through the 2012 crop year with respect to all 
covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 
8702)) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under 
section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this 
Act.

SEC. 1104. DEFINITIONS.

  In this subtitle and subtitle B:
          (1) Actual county revenue.--The term ``actual county 
        revenue'', with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, 
        means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 
        1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments 
        are required to be provided for that crop year.
          (2) Base acres.--The term ``base acres'', with respect to a 
        covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of 
        acres established under section 1101 and 1302 of the Farm 
        Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911, 7952) 
        or section 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
        Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8752), as in effect on September 
        30, 2012, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this 
        Act.
          (3) County revenue loss coverage trigger.--The term ``county 
        revenue loss coverage trigger'', with respect to a covered 
        commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the 
        Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to determine whether revenue 
        loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that 
        crop year.
          (4) Covered commodity.--The term ``covered commodity'' means 
        wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used 
        for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, 
        medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and 
        peanuts.
          (5) Effective price.--The term ``effective price'', with 
        respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price 
        calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to 
        determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to 
        be provided for that crop year.
          (6) Extra long staple cotton.--The term ``extra long staple 
        cotton'' means cotton that--
                  (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the 
                Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or 
                other similar types of extra long staple cotton, 
                designated by the Secretary, having characteristics 
                needed for various end uses for which United States 
                upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated 
                cotton-growing regions of the United States designated 
                by the Secretary or other areas designated by the 
                Secretary as suitable for the production of the 
                varieties or types; and
                  (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized 
                by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for 
                experimental purposes.
          (7) Farm base acres.--The term ``farm base acres'' means the 
        sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton 
        on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2012, and subject to 
        any adjustment under section 1105.
          (8) Medium grain rice.--The term ``medium grain rice'' 
        includes short grain rice.
          (9) Midseason price.--The term ``midseason price'' means the 
        applicable national average market price received by producers 
        for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as 
        determined by the Secretary.
          (10) Other oilseed.--The term ``other oilseed'' means a crop 
        of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, 
        mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by 
        the Secretary.
          (11) Payment acres.--
                  (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraphs 
                (B) through (D), the term ``payment acres'', with 
                respect to the provision of price loss coverage 
                payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means--
                          (i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the 
                        year to each covered commodity on a farm; and
                          (ii) 30 percent of approved total acres 
                        prevented from being planted for the year to 
                        each covered commodity on a farm.
                  (B) Maximum.--The total quantity of payment acres 
                determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the 
                farm base acres.
                  (C) Reduction.--If the sum of all payment acres for a 
                farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph 
                (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres 
                applicable to each crop proportionately.
                  (D) Exclusion.--The term ``payment acres'' does not 
                include any crop subsequently planted during the same 
                crop year on the same land for which the first crop is 
                eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the 
                crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as 
                determined by the Secretary.
          (12) Payment yield.--The term ``payment yield'' means the 
        yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 
        1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
        2002 (7 U.S.C. 7912, 7952), section 1102 of the Food, 
        Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712), as in 
        effect on September 30, 2012, or under section 1106 of this 
        Act, for a farm for a covered commodity.
          (13) Price loss coverage.--The term ``price loss coverage'' 
        means coverage provided under section 1107(b).
          (14) Producer.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``producer'' means an 
                owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that 
                shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled 
                to share in the crop available for marketing from the 
                farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced.
                  (B) Hybrid seed.--In determining whether a grower of 
                hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall--
                          (i) not take into consideration the existence 
                        of a hybrid seed contract; and
                          (ii) ensure that program requirements do not 
                        adversely affect the ability of the grower to 
                        receive a payment under this title.
          (15) Pulse crop.--The term ``pulse crop'' means dry peas, 
        lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
          (16) Reference price.--The term ``reference price'', with 
        respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the 
        following:
                  (A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel.
                  (B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel.
                  (C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel.
                  (D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel.
                  (E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel.
                  (F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
                  (G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
                  (H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel.
                  (I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight.
                  (J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton.
                  (K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight.
                  (L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight.
                  (M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight.
                  (N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight.
          (17) Revenue loss coverage.--The term ``revenue loss 
        coverage'' means coverage provided under section 1107(c).
          (18) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture.
          (19) State.--The term ``State'' means--
                  (A) a State;
                  (B) the District of Columbia;
                  (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
                  (D) any other territory or possession of the United 
                States.
          (20) Transitional yield.--The term ``transitional yield'' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal 
        Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)).
          (21) United states.--The term ``United States'', when used in 
        a geographical sense, means all of the States.
          (22) United states premium factor.--The term ``United States 
        Premium Factor'' means the percentage by which the difference 
        in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling 
        (SM) 1\1/8\-inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1\3/32\-
        inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable 
        premiums for comparable international qualities.

SEC. 1105. BASE ACRES.

  (a) Adjustment of Base Acres.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for an 
        adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered 
        commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following 
        circumstances occurs:
                  (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into 
                under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
                U.S.C. 3831) with respect to the farm expires or is 
                voluntarily terminated.
                  (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a 
                conservation reserve contract by the Secretary.
                  (C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the 
                result of the Secretary designating additional 
                oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner 
                as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) 
                of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
                U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D)).
          (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules.--For 
        the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under 
        subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the 
        owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or 
        revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the 
        farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the 
        conservation reserve contract, but not both.
  (b) Prevention of Excess Base Acres.--
          (1) Required reduction.--If the sum of the base acres for a 
        farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2) 
        exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary 
        shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities 
        or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and 
        acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual 
        cropland acreage of the farm.
          (2) Other acreage.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall include the following:
                  (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the 
                conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve 
                program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of 
                subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 
                1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq.).
                  (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a 
                Federal conservation program for which payments are 
                made in exchange for not producing an agricultural 
                commodity on the acreage.
                  (C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, 
                any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined 
                in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under 
                subsection (a)(1)(C).
          (3) Selection of acres.--The Secretary shall give the owner 
        of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a 
        covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the 
        reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made.
          (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage.--In applying 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the 
        case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary.
  (c) Reduction in Base Acres.--
          (1) Reduction at option of owner.--
                  (A) In general.--The owner of a farm may reduce, at 
                any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or 
                cotton for the farm.
                  (B) Effect of reduction.--A reduction under 
                subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a 
                manner prescribed by the Secretary.
          (2) Required action by secretary.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall proportionately 
                reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and 
                cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed 
                for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses 
                if the size of the tracts and the density of the 
                subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return 
                to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers 
                on the farm demonstrate that the land--
                          (i) remains devoted to commercial 
                        agricultural production; or
                          (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous 
                        agricultural use.
                  (B) Requirement.--The Secretary shall establish 
                procedures to identify land described in subparagraph 
                (A).

SEC. 1106. PAYMENT YIELDS.

  (a) Establishment and Purpose.--For the purpose of making payments 
under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment 
of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment 
yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, 
and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712) in accordance with this section.
  (b) Payment Yields for Designated Oilseeds.--
          (1) Determination of average yield.--In the case of 
        designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average 
        yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for 
        the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in 
        which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero.
          (2) Adjustment for payment yield.--
                  (A) In general.--The payment yield for a farm for a 
                designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the 
                following:
                          (i) The average yield for the designated 
                        oilseed determined under paragraph (1).
                          (ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the 
                        national average yield for the designated 
                        oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the 
                        national average yield for the designated 
                        oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops.
                  (B) No national average yield information 
                available.--To the extent that national average yield 
                information for a designated oilseed is not available, 
                the Secretary shall use such information as the 
                Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to 
                establish a national average yield under this section.
          (3) Use of county average yield.--If the yield per planted 
        acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of 
        the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of 
        the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary 
        shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of 
        the county yield for the purpose of determining the average 
        under paragraph (1).
          (4) No historic yield data available.--In the case of 
        establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield 
        data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for 
        dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in determining 
        the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair 
        and equitable by the Secretary.
  (c) Effect of Lack of Payment Yield.--
          (1) Establishment by secretary.--If no payment yield is 
        otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity 
        is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage 
        payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment 
        yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph 
        (2).
          (2) Use of similarly situated farms.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of law, to establish an appropriate payment 
        yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the 
        farm program payment yields applicable to that covered 
        commodity for similarly situated farms.
  (d) Single Opportunity to Update Yields Used to Determine Price Loss 
Coverage Payments.--
          (1) Election to update.--At the sole discretion of the owner 
        of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity 
        to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered 
        commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any 
        price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the 
        farm.
          (2) Time for election.--The election under paragraph (1) 
        shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2013 
        crop year as determined by the Secretary.
          (3) Method of updating yields.--If the owner of a farm elects 
        to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a 
        covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating 
        price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent 
        of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of 
        the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 
        crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop 
        year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered 
        commodity was zero.
          (4) Use of county average yield.--If the yield per planted 
        acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of 
        the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of 
        the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that 
        commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop 
        year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 
        2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average 
        yield under paragraph (3).
          (5) Effect of lack of payment yield.--
                  (A) Establishment by secretary.--For purposes of this 
                subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise 
                established for a covered commodity on a farm, the 
                Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated 
                payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm 
                under subparagraph (B).
                  (B) Use of similarly situated farms.--Notwithstanding 
                any other provision of law, to establish an appropriate 
                updated payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm 
                as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
                take into consideration the farm program payment yields 
                applicable to that covered commodity for similarly 
                situated farms, but before the yields for the similarly 
                situated farms are updated as provided in this 
                subsection.

SEC. 1107. FARM RISK MANAGEMENT ELECTION.

  (a) In General.--
          (1) Payments required.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        if the Secretary determines that payments are required under 
        subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity, the 
        Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity 
        available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant 
        to the terms and conditions of this section.
          (2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not 
        receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage 
        payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities 
        on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the 
        Secretary, unless the producer is--
                  (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as 
                defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and 
                Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))); or
                  (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined 
                by the Secretary.
  (b) Price Loss Coverage.--
          (1) Payments.--For each of the 2013 through 2017 crop years, 
        the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to 
        producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary 
        determines that--
                  (A) the effective price for the covered commodity for 
                the crop year; is less than
                  (B) the reference price for the covered commodity for 
                the crop year.
          (2) Effective price.--The effective price for a covered 
        commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of--
                  (A) the midseason price; or
                  (B) the national average loan rate for a marketing 
                assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for 
                crop years 2013 through 2017 under subtitle B.
          (3) Payment rate.--The payment rate shall be equal to the 
        difference between--
                  (A) the reference price for the covered commodity; 
                and
                  (B) the effective price determined under paragraph 
                (2) for the covered commodity.
          (4) Payment amount.--If price loss coverage payments are 
        required to be provided under this subsection for any of the 
        2013 through 2017 crop years for a covered commodity, the 
        amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the 
        producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the 
        product obtained by multiplying--
                  (A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under 
                paragraph (3);
                  (B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and
                  (C) the payment acres for the covered commodity.
          (5) Time for payments.--If the Secretary determines under 
        this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required 
        to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be 
        made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, 
        after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered 
        commodity.
          (6) Special rule.--In determining the effective price for 
        barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley 
        price.
  (c) Revenue Loss Coverage.--
          (1) Available as an alternative.--As an alternative to 
        receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for 
        a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a 
        one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-
        covered commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage 
        payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this 
        subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different 
        elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the 
        owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the 
        election available under this paragraph.
          (2) Payments.--In the case of owners of a farm that make the 
        election described in paragraph (1) for a covered commodity, 
        the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments 
        available under this subsection for each of the 2013 through 
        2017 crop years if the Secretary determines that--
                  (A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for 
                the covered commodity; is less than
                  (B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the 
                crop year for the covered commodity.
          (3) Time for payments.--If the Secretary determines under 
        this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are 
        required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments 
        shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable 
        thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for 
        the covered commodity.
          (4) Actual county revenue.--The amount of the actual county 
        revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal 
        to the product obtained by multiplying--
                  (A) the actual county yield, as determined by the 
                Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for 
                the covered commodity; and
                  (B) the higher of--
                          (i) the midseason price; or
                          (ii) the national average loan rate for a 
                        marketing assistance loan for the covered 
                        commodity in effect for crop years 2013 through 
                        2017 under subtitle B.
          (5) County revenue loss coverage trigger.--
                  (A) In general.--The county revenue loss coverage 
                trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a 
                farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county 
                revenue.
                  (B) Benchmark county revenue.--
                          (i) In general.--The benchmark county revenue 
                        shall be the product obtained by multiplying--
                                  (I) subject to clause (ii), the 
                                average historical county yield as 
                                determined by the Secretary for the 
                                most recent 5 crop years, excluding 
                                each of the crop years with the highest 
                                and lowest yields; and
                                  (II) subject to clause (iii), the 
                                average national marketing year average 
                                price for the most recent 5 crop years, 
                                excluding each of the crop years with 
                                the highest and lowest prices.
                          (ii) Yield conditions.--If the historical 
                        county yield in clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 
                        most recent crop years, as determined by the 
                        Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the 
                        transitional yield, as determined by the 
                        Secretary, the amounts used for any of those 
                        years in clause (i)(I) shall be 70 percent of 
                        the transitional yield.
                          (iii) Reference price.--If the national 
                        marketing year average price in clause (i)(II) 
                        for any of the 5 most recent crop years is 
                        lower than the reference price for the covered 
                        commodity, the Secretary shall use the 
                        reference price for any of those years for the 
                        amounts in clause (i)(II).
          (6) Payment rate.--The payment rate shall be equal to the 
        lesser of--
                  (A) the difference between--
                          (i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger 
                        for the covered commodity; and
                          (ii) the actual county revenue for the crop 
                        year for the covered commodity; or
                  (B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for 
                the crop year for the covered commodity.
          (7) Payment amount.--If revenue loss coverage payments under 
        this subsection are required to be provided for any of the 2013 
        through 2017 crop years of a covered commodity, the amount of 
        the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the 
        producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the 
        product obtained by multiplying--
                  (A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and
                  (B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the 
                farm.
          (8) Duties of the secretary.--In providing revenue loss 
        coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary--
                  (A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not 
                reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or 
                change the election made under paragraph (1);
                  (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all 
                available information and analysis, including data 
                mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of 
                revenue loss coverage payments;
                  (C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall 
                calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage 
                trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered 
                commodities and a separate actual county revenue for 
                irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities;
                  (D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each 
                planted acre for the crop year for the covered 
                commodity on the basis of the yield history of 
                representative farms in the State, region, or crop 
                reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, 
                if--
                          (i) the Secretary cannot establish the 
                        benchmark county yield for each planted acre 
                        for a crop year for a covered commodity in the 
                        county in accordance with paragraph (5); or
                          (ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5) 
                        is an unrepresentative average yield for the 
                        county (as determined by the Secretary); and
                  (E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure 
                that in order to be eligible for a payment under this 
                subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an 
                actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year 
                for which payment is sought.

SEC. 1108. PRODUCER AGREEMENTS.

  (a) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--
          (1) Requirements.--Before the producers on a farm may receive 
        price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments 
        with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the 
        crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for 
        the payments--
                  (A) to comply with applicable conservation 
                requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food 
                Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.);
                  (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection 
                requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act 
                (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.); and
                  (C) to effectively control noxious weeds and 
                otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound 
                agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary.
          (2) Compliance.--The Secretary may issue such rules as the 
        Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance 
        with the requirements of paragraph (1).
          (3) Modification.--At the request of the transferee or owner, 
        the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if 
        the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this 
        subsection, as determined by the Secretary.
  (b) Transfer or Change of Interest in Farm.--
          (1) Termination.--
                  (A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
                a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the 
                producers on a farm for which price loss coverage 
                payments or revenue loss coverage payments are provided 
                shall result in the termination of the price loss 
                coverage and revenue loss coverage, unless the 
                transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all 
                obligations under subsection (a).
                  (B) Effective date.--The termination shall take 
                effect on the date determined by the Secretary.
          (2) Exception.--If a producer entitled to a price loss 
        coverage payment or revenue loss coverage payment dies, becomes 
        incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the 
        Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules 
        issued by the Secretary.
  (c) Acreage Reports.--As a condition on the receipt of any benefits 
under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require 
producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports 
with respect to all cropland on the farm.
  (d) Tenants and Sharecroppers.--In carrying out this subtitle, the 
Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of 
tenants and sharecroppers.
  (e) Sharing of Payments.--The Secretary shall provide for the sharing 
of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments 
among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis.

SEC. 1109. PERIOD OF EFFECTIVENESS.

  This subtitle shall be effective beginning with the 2013 crop year of 
each covered commodity through the 2017 crop year.

                      Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

SEC. 1201. AVAILABILITY OF NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOANS FOR 
                    LOAN COMMODITIES.

  (a) Definition of Loan Commodity.--In this subtitle, the term ``loan 
commodity'' means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland 
cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, 
peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, 
honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
  (b) Nonrecourse Loans Available.--
          (1) In general.--For each of the 2013 through 2017 crops of 
        each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to 
        producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for 
        loan commodities produced on the farm.
          (2) Terms and conditions.--The marketing assistance loans 
        shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by 
        the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 
        1202 for the loan commodity.
  (c) Eligible Production.--The producers on a farm shall be eligible 
for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity 
of a loan commodity produced on the farm.
  (d) Compliance With Conservation and Wetlands Requirements.--As a 
condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under 
subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation 
requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.) and applicable wetland protection 
requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 
et seq.) during the term of the loan.
  (e) Special Rules for Peanuts.--
          (1) In general.--This subsection shall apply only to 
        producers of peanuts.
          (2) Options for obtaining loan.--A marketing assistance loan 
        under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 
        1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm 
        through--
                  (A) a designated marketing association or marketing 
                cooperative of producers that is approved by the 
                Secretary; or
                  (B) the Farm Service Agency.
          (3) Storage of loan peanuts.--As a condition on the approval 
        by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage 
        for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under 
        this section, the individual or entity shall agree--
                  (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory 
                basis; and
                  (B) to comply with such additional requirements as 
                the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the 
                purposes of this section and promote fairness in the 
                administration of the benefits of this section.
          (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs.--
                  (A) In general.--To ensure proper storage of peanuts 
                for which a loan is made under this section, the 
                Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs 
                (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at 
                which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined 
                by the Secretary.
                  (B) Redemption and forfeiture.--The Secretary shall--
                          (i) require the repayment of handling and 
                        other associated costs paid under subparagraph 
                        (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a 
                        loan that is redeemed under this section; and
                          (ii) pay storage, handling, and other 
                        associated costs for all peanuts pledged as 
                        collateral that are forfeited under this 
                        section.
          (5) Marketing.--A marketing association or cooperative may 
        market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in 
        any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the 
        separation of peanuts by type and quality.
          (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative 
        expenses.--The Secretary may implement any reimbursable 
        agreements or provide for the payment of administrative 
        expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is 
        consistent with those activities in regard to other loan 
        commodities.

SEC. 1202. LOAN RATES FOR NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOANS.

  (a) In General.--For purposes of each of the 2013 through 2017 crop 
years, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 
for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following:
          (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel.
          (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel.
          (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel.
          (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel.
          (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel.
          (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 
        2013 and each subsequent crop year, the simple average of the 
        adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding 
        marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced 
        October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case 
        less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound.
          (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per 
        pound.
          (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight.
          (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per 
        hundredweight.
          (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel.
          (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight 
        for each of the following kinds of oilseeds:
                  (A) Sunflower seed.
                  (B) Rapeseed.
                  (C) Canola.
                  (D) Safflower.
                  (E) Flaxseed.
                  (F) Mustard seed.
                  (G) Crambe.
                  (H) Sesame seed.
                  (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary.
          (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight.
          (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight.
          (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight.
          (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per 
        hundredweight.
          (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound.
          (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound.
          (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound.
          (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound.
          (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton.
  (b) Single County Loan Rate for Other Oilseeds.--The Secretary shall 
establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other 
oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11).

SEC. 1203. TERM OF LOANS.

  (a) Term of Loan.--In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing 
assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months 
beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which 
the loan is made.
  (b) Extensions Prohibited.--The Secretary may not extend the term of 
a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity.

SEC. 1204. REPAYMENT OF LOANS.

  (a) General Rule.--The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm 
to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan 
commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain 
rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each 
other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate 
that is the lesser of--
          (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 
        1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 
        of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
        (7 U.S.C. 7283));
          (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that--
                  (A) is calculated based on average market prices for 
                the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; 
                and
                  (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan 
                benefits across State boundaries and across county 
                boundaries; or
          (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative 
        methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity 
        that the Secretary determines will--
                  (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures;
                  (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the 
                commodity by the Federal Government;
                  (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal 
                Government in storing the commodity;
                  (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States 
                to be marketed freely and competitively, both 
                domestically and internationally; and
                  (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits 
                across State boundaries and across county boundaries.
  (b) Repayment Rates for Upland Cotton, Long Grain Rice, and Medium 
Grain Rice.--The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing 
assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, 
and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of--
          (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 
        1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 
        of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
        (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
          (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as 
        determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with 
        this section.
  (c) Repayment Rates for Extra Long Staple Cotton.--Repayment of a 
marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the 
loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus 
interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)).
  (d) Prevailing World Market Price.--For purposes of this section and 
section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation--
          (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price 
        for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain 
        rice; and
          (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce 
        periodically those prevailing world market prices.
  (e) Adjustment of Prevailing World Market Price for Upland Cotton, 
Long Grain Rice, and Medium Grain Rice.--
          (1) Rice.--The prevailing world market price for long grain 
        rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) 
        shall be adjusted to United States quality and location.
          (2) Cotton.--The prevailing world market price for upland 
        cotton determined under subsection (d)--
                  (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and 
                location, with the adjustment to include--
                          (i) a reduction equal to any United States 
                        Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality 
                        higher than Middling (M) 1\3/32\-inch; and
                          (ii) the average costs to market the 
                        commodity, including average transportation 
                        costs, as determined by the Secretary; and
                  (B) may be further adjusted, during the period 
                beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and 
                ending on July 31, 2018, if the Secretary determines 
                the adjustment is necessary--
                          (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures;
                          (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks 
                        of upland cotton by the Federal Government;
                          (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced 
                        in the United States can be marketed freely and 
                        competitively, both domestically and 
                        internationally; and
                          (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition 
                        between current-crop and forward-crop price 
                        quotations, except that the Secretary may use 
                        forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 
                        of a marketing year only if--
                                  (I) there are insufficient current-
                                crop price quotations; and
                                  (II) the forward-crop price quotation 
                                is the lowest such quotation available.
          (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments.--In making 
        adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
        establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the 
        adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United 
        States market.
  (f) Repayment Rates for Confectionery and Other Kinds of Sunflower 
Seeds.--The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a 
marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each 
other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate 
that is the lesser of--
          (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 
        1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 
        of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
        (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
          (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed.
  (g) Payment of Cotton Storage Costs.--Effective for each of the 2013 
through 2017 crop years, the Secretary shall make cotton storage 
payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the 
Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except 
that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent.
  (h) Repayment Rate for Peanuts.--The Secretary shall permit producers 
on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under 
subsection (a) at a rate that is the lesser of--
          (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under subsection 
        (b), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 
        of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
        (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
          (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will--
                  (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures;
                  (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by 
                the Federal Government;
                  (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal 
                Government in storing peanuts; and
                  (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be 
                marketed freely and competitively, both domestically 
                and internationally.
  (i) Authority to Temporarily Adjust Repayment Rates.--
          (1) Adjustment authority.--In the event of a severe 
        disruption to marketing, transportation, or related 
        infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate 
        otherwise applicable under this section for marketing 
        assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity.
          (2) Duration.--Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the 
        repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan 
        commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary 
        basis, as determined by the Secretary.

SEC. 1205. LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS.

  (a) Availability of Loan Deficiency Payments.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the 
        Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to 
        producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a 
        marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a 
        loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the 
        commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this 
        section.
          (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage.--
                  (A) Marketing assistance loans.--Subject to 
                subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn 
                pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity 
                are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under 
                section 1201.
                  (B) Loan deficiency payment.--Effective for the 2013 
                through 2017 crop years, the Secretary may make loan 
                deficiency payments available under this section to 
                producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay 
                and silage derived from a loan commodity.
  (b) Computation.--A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or 
commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the 
product obtained by multiplying--
          (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the 
        commodity; by
          (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible 
        producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers 
        obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201.
  (c) Payment Rate.--
          (1) In general.--In the case of a loan commodity, the payment 
        rate shall be the amount by which--
                  (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for 
                the loan commodity; exceeds
                  (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for 
                the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.
          (2) Unshorn pelts.--In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment 
        rate shall be the amount by which--
                  (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for 
                ungraded wool; exceeds
                  (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for 
                ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204.
          (3) Hay and silage.--In the case of hay or silage derived 
        from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by 
        which--
                  (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for 
                the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is 
                derived; exceeds
                  (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for 
                the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.
  (d) Exception for Extra Long Staple Cotton.--This section shall not 
apply with respect to extra long staple cotton.
  (e) Effective Date for Payment Rate Determination.--The Secretary 
shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made 
under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a 
quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection 
(a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the 
date the producers request the payment.

SEC. 1206. PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR GRAZED 
                    ACREAGE.

  (a) Eligible Producers.--
          (1) In general.--Effective for the 2013 through 2017 crop 
        years, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a 
        loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, 
        or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, 
        barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary 
        shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the 
        producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo 
        any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that 
        acreage.
          (2) Grazing of triticale acreage.--Effective for the 2013 
        through 2017 crop years, with respect to a producer on a farm 
        that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of 
        livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer 
        under this section if the producer enters into an agreement 
        with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale 
        on that acreage.
  (b) Payment Amount.--
          (1) In general.--The amount of a payment made under this 
        section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) 
        shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying--
                  (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under 
                section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the 
                agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; 
                by
                  (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying--
                          (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the 
                        farm with respect to which the producer elects 
                        to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; 
                        and
                          (ii)(I) the payment yield in effect for the 
                        calculation of price loss coverage under 
                        subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity 
                        on the farm; or
                          (II) in the case of a farm without a payment 
                        yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate 
                        yield established by the Secretary in a manner 
                        consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act.
          (2) Grazing of triticale acreage.--The amount of a payment 
        made under this section to a producer on a farm described in 
        subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by 
        multiplying--
                  (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under 
                section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of 
                the agreement, for the county in which the farm is 
                located; by
                  (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying--
                          (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the 
                        farm with respect to which the producer elects 
                        to forgo harvesting of triticale; and
                          (ii)(I) the payment yield in effect for the 
                        calculation of price loss coverage under 
                        subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; 
                        or
                          (II) in the case of a farm without a payment 
                        yield for wheat, an appropriate yield 
                        established by the Secretary in a manner 
                        consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act.
  (c) Time, Manner, and Availability of Payment.--
          (1) Time and manner.--A payment under this section shall be 
        made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency 
        payments are made under section 1205.
          (2) Availability.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an 
                availability period for the payments authorized by this 
                section.
                  (B) Certain commodities.--In the case of wheat, 
                barley, and oats, the availability period shall be 
                consistent with the availability period for the 
                commodity established by the Secretary for marketing 
                assistance loans authorized by this subtitle.
  (d) Prohibition on Crop Insurance Indemnity or Noninsured Crop 
Assistance.--A 2013 through 2017 crop of wheat, barley, oats, or 
triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement 
required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu 
of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an 
indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the 
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) or noninsured crop 
assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333).

SEC. 1207. SPECIAL MARKETING LOAN PROVISIONS FOR UPLAND COTTON.

  (a) Special Import Quota.--
          (1) Definition of special import quota.--In this subsection, 
        the term ``special import quota'' means a quantity of imports 
        that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-
        rate quota.
          (2) Establishment.--
                  (A) In general.--The President shall carry out an 
                import quota program during the period beginning on 
                August 1, 2013, and ending on July 31, 2018, as 
                provided in this subsection.
                  (B) Program requirements.--Whenever the Secretary 
                determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-
                week period, the Friday through Thursday average price 
                quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, 
                as quoted for Middling (M) 1\3/32\-inch cotton, 
                delivered to a definable and significant international 
                market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the 
                prevailing world market price, there shall immediately 
                be in effect a special import quota.
          (3) Quantity.--The quota shall be equal to the consumption 
        during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the 
        seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months 
        for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are 
        available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated 
        by the Secretary.
          (4) Application.--The quota shall apply to upland cotton 
        purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the 
        Secretary's announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into 
        the United States not later than 180 days after that date.
          (5) Overlap.--A special quota period may be established that 
        overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph 
        (2), except that a special quota period may not be established 
        under this subsection if a quota period has been established 
        under subsection (b).
          (6) Preferential tariff treatment.--The quantity under a 
        special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota 
        quantity for purposes of--
                  (A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic 
                Recovery Act (19 U.S.C. 2703(d));
                  (B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act 
                (19 U.S.C. 3203);
                  (C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 
                U.S.C. 2463(d)); and
                  (D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff 
                Schedule.
          (7) Limitation.--The quantity of cotton entered into the 
        United States during any marketing year under the special 
        import quota established under this subsection may not exceed 
        the equivalent of 10 week's consumption of upland cotton by 
        domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 
        months immediately preceding the first special import quota 
        established in any marketing year.
  (b) Limited Global Import Quota for Upland Cotton.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Demand.--The term ``demand'' means--
                          (i) the average seasonally adjusted annual 
                        rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton 
                        during the most recent 3 months for which 
                        official data of the Department of Agriculture 
                        are available or, in the absence of sufficient 
                        data, as estimated by the Secretary; and
                          (ii) the larger of--
                                  (I) average exports of upland cotton 
                                during the preceding 6 marketing years; 
                                or
                                  (II) cumulative exports of upland 
                                cotton plus outstanding export sales 
                                for the marketing year in which the 
                                quota is established.
                  (B) Limited global import quota.--The term ``limited 
                global import quota'' means a quantity of imports that 
                is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a 
                tariff-rate quota.
                  (C) Supply.--The term ``supply'' means, using the 
                latest official data of the Department of Agriculture--
                          (i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the 
                        beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 
                        480-pound bales) in which the quota is 
                        established;
                          (ii) production of the current crop; and
                          (iii) imports to the latest date available 
                        during the marketing year.
          (2) Program.--The President shall carry out an import quota 
        program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines 
        and announces that the average price of the base quality of 
        upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the 
        designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the 
        average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the 
        preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global 
        import quota subject to the following conditions:
                  (A) Quantity.--The quantity of the quota shall be 
                equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland 
                cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 
                most recent 3 months for which official data of the 
                Department of Agriculture are available or, in the 
                absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the 
                Secretary.
                  (B) Quantity if prior quota.--If a quota has been 
                established under this subsection during the preceding 
                12 months, the quantity of the quota next established 
                under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days 
                of domestic mill consumption calculated under 
                subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase 
                the supply to 130 percent of the demand.
                  (C) Preferential tariff treatment.--The quantity 
                under a limited global import quota shall be considered 
                to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of--
                          (i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin 
                        Economic Recovery Act (19 U.S.C. 2703(d));
                          (ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade 
                        Preference Act (19 U.S.C. 3203);
                          (iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 
                        (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)); and
                          (iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized 
                        Tariff Schedule.
                  (D) Quota entry period.--When a quota is established 
                under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the 
                quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date 
                the quota is established by the Secretary.
          (3) No overlap.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota 
        period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota 
        period or a special quota period established under subsection 
        (a).
  (c) Economic Adjustment Assistance to Users of Upland Cotton.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
        shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance 
        available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of 
        payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during 
        the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the 
        upland cotton.
          (2) Value of assistance.--Effective beginning on August 1, 
        2012, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) 
        shall be 3 cents per pound.
          (3) Allowable purposes.--Economic adjustment assistance under 
        this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users 
        of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used 
        only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, 
        convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, 
        facilities, or machinery.
          (4) Review or audit.--The Secretary may conduct such review 
        or audit of the records of a domestic user under this 
        subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out 
        this subsection.
          (5) Improper use of assistance.--If the Secretary determines, 
        after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, 
        that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was 
        not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the 
        domestic user shall be--
                  (A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the 
                Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the 
                Secretary; and
                  (B) ineligible to receive assistance under this 
                subsection for a period of 1 year following the 
                determination of the Secretary.

SEC. 1208. SPECIAL COMPETITIVE PROVISIONS FOR EXTRA LONG STAPLE COTTON.

  (a) Competitiveness Program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act 
through July 31, 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a program--
          (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long 
        staple cotton produced in the United States;
          (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced 
        in the United States; and
          (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the 
        United States remains competitive in world markets.
  (b) Payments Under Program; Trigger.--Under the program, the 
Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever--
          (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price 
        for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple 
        cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for 
        other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as 
        determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United 
        States price for a competing growth of extra long staple 
        cotton; and
          (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple 
        cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for 
        other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as 
        determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the 
        loan rate for extra long staple cotton.
  (c) Eligible Recipients.--The Secretary shall make payments available 
under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton 
produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton 
produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the 
Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this 
section.
  (d) Payment Amount.--Payments under this section shall be based on 
the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection 
(b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period 
multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and 
sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a 
consecutive 4-week period.

SEC. 1209. AVAILABILITY OF RECOURSE LOANS FOR HIGH MOISTURE FEED GRAINS 
                    AND SEED COTTON.

  (a) High Moisture Feed Grains.--
          (1) Definition of high moisture state.--In this subsection, 
        the term ``high moisture state'' means corn or grain sorghum 
        having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit 
        Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by 
        the Secretary under section 1201.
          (2) Recourse loans available.--For each of the 2013 through 
        2017 crops of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make 
        available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to 
        producers on a farm that--
                  (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop 
                of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state;
                  (B) present--
                          (i) certified scale tickets from an 
                        inspected, certified commercial scale, 
                        including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed 
                        mill, distillery, or other similar entity 
                        approved by the Secretary, pursuant to 
                        regulations issued by the Secretary; or
                          (ii) field or other physical measurements of 
                        the standing or stored crop in regions of the 
                        United States, as determined by the Secretary, 
                        that do not have certified commercial scales 
                        from which certified scale tickets may be 
                        obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest 
                        operation;
                  (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the 
                owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, 
                and that the quantity to be placed under loan under 
                this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and 
                delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or 
                on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a 
                facility maintained by the users of corn and grain 
                sorghum in a high moisture state; and
                  (D) comply with deadlines established by the 
                Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and 
                submit applications for loans under this subsection 
                within deadlines established by the Secretary.
          (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains.--A loan under this 
        subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum 
        of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a 
        quantity determined by multiplying--
                  (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a 
                high moisture state harvested on the farm of the 
                producer; by
                  (B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used 
                to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield 
                on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is 
                similar to the field from which the corn or grain 
                sorghum was obtained.
  (b) Recourse Loans Available for Seed Cotton.--For each of the 2013 
through 2017 crops of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the 
Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as 
determined by the Secretary, on any production.
  (c) Repayment Rates.--Repayment of a recourse loan made under this 
section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the 
Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of 
the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
7283)).

SEC. 1210. ADJUSTMENTS OF LOANS.

  (a) Adjustment Authority.--Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary 
may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan 
commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, 
location, and other factors.
  (b) Manner of Adjustment.--The adjustments under subsection (a) 
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that 
the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the 
anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support 
determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C.
  (c) Adjustment on County Basis.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may establish loan rates for a 
        crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that 
        results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the 
        national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result 
        in an increase in outlays.
          (2) Prohibition.--Adjustments under this subsection shall not 
        result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any 
        year.
  (d) Adjustment in Loan Rate for Cotton.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may make appropriate 
        adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in 
        quality factors.
          (2) Types of adjustments.--Loan rate adjustments under 
        paragraph (1) may include--
                  (A) the use of non-spot market price data, in 
                addition to spot market price data, that would enhance 
                the accuracy of the price information used in 
                determining quality adjustments under this subsection;
                  (B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts 
                associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 
                33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of 
                eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the 
                calculations of the premiums or discounts; and
                  (C) such other adjustments as the Secretary 
                determines appropriate, after consultations conducted 
                in accordance with paragraph (3).
          (3) Consultation with private sector.--
                  (A) Prior to revision.--In making adjustments to the 
                loan rate for cotton (including any review of the 
                adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the 
                Secretary shall consult with representatives of the 
                United States cotton industry.
                  (B) Inapplicability of federal advisory committee 
                act.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
                App.) shall not apply to consultations under this 
                subsection.
          (4) Review of adjustments.--The Secretary may review the 
        operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented 
        pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to 
        the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by 
        revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2).
  (e) Rice.--The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates 
for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in 
grade and quality (including milling yields).

                           Subtitle C--Sugar

SEC. 1301. SUGAR PROGRAM.

  (a) Continuation of Current Program and Loan Rates.--
          (1) Sugarcane.--Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture 
        Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5)) is 
        amended by striking ``the 2012 crop year'' and inserting ``each 
        of the 2012 through 2017 crop years''.
          (2) Sugar beets.--Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal 
        Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
        7272(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.
          (3) Effective period.--Section 156(i) of the Federal 
        Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
        7272(i)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.
  (b) Flexible Marketing Allotments for Sugar.--
          (1) Sugar estimates.--Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural 
        Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1)) is amended by 
        striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
          (2) Effective period.--Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural 
        Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a)) is amended by 
        striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

                           Subtitle D--Dairy

PART I--DAIRY PRODUCER MARGIN PROTECTION AND DAIRY MARKET STABILIZATION 
                                PROGRAMS

SEC. 1401. DEFINITIONS.

  In this part:
          (1) Actual dairy producer margin.--The term ``actual dairy 
        producer margin'' means the difference between the all-milk 
        price and the average feed cost, as calculated under section 
        1402.
          (2) All-milk price.--The term ``all-milk price'' means the 
        average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy 
        producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United 
        States, as determined by the Secretary.
          (3) Annual production history.--The term ``annual production 
        history'' means the production history determined for a 
        participating dairy producer under section 1413(b) whenever the 
        dairy producer purchases supplemental margin protection.
          (4) Average feed cost.--The term ``average feed cost'' means 
        the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a 
        hundredweight of milk, determined under section 1402 using the 
        sum of the following:
                  (A) The product determined by multiplying 1.0728 by 
                the price of corn per bushel.
                  (B) The product determined by multiplying 0.00735 by 
                the price of soybean meal per ton.
                  (C) The product determined by multiplying 0.0137 by 
                the price of alfalfa hay per ton.
          (5) Basic production history.--The term ``basic production 
        history'' means the production history determined for a 
        participating dairy producer under section 1413(a) for 
        provision of basic margin protection.
          (6) Consecutive two-month period.--The term ``consecutive 
        two-month period'' refers to the two-month period consisting of 
        the months of January and February, March and April, May and 
        June, July and August, September and October, or November and 
        December, respectively.
          (7) Dairy producer.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                term ``dairy producer'' means an individual or entity 
                that directly or indirectly (as determined by the 
                Secretary)--
                          (i) shares in the risk of producing milk; and
                          (ii) makes contributions (including land, 
                        labor, management, equipment, or capital) to 
                        the dairy operation of the individual or entity 
                        that are at least commensurate with the share 
                        of the individual or entity of the proceeds of 
                        the operation.
                  (B) Additional ownership structures.--The Secretary 
                shall determine additional ownership structures to be 
                covered by the definition of dairy producer.
          (8) Handler.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``handler'' means the 
                initial individual or entity making payment to a dairy 
                producer for milk produced in the United States and 
                marketed for commercial use.
                  (B) Producer-handler.--The term includes a 
                ``producer-handler'' when the producer satisfies the 
                definition in subparagraph (A).
          (9) Margin protection program.--The term ``margin protection 
        program'' means the dairy producer margin protection program 
        required by subpart A.
          (10) Participating dairy producer.--The term ``participating 
        dairy producer'' means a dairy producer that--
                  (A) signs up under section 1412 to participate in the 
                margin protection program under subpart A; and
                  (B) as a result, also participates in the 
                stabilization program under subpart B.
          (11) Stabilization program.--The term ``stabilization 
        program'' means the dairy market stabilization program required 
        by subpart B for all participating dairy producers.
          (12) Stabilization program base.--The term ``stabilization 
        program base'', with respect to a participating dairy producer, 
        means the stabilization program base calculated for the 
        producer under section 1431(b).
          (13) United states.--The term ``United States'', in a 
        geographical sense, means the 50 States, the District of 
        Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the 
        Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
        Virgin Islands of the United States, and any other territory or 
        possession of the United States.

SEC. 1402. CALCULATION OF AVERAGE FEED COST AND ACTUAL DAIRY PRODUCER 
                    MARGINS.

  (a) Calculation of Average Feed Cost.--The Secretary shall calculate 
the national average feed cost for each month using the following data:
          (1) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received 
        during that month by farmers in the United States for corn, as 
        reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the 
        Secretary.
          (2) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the 
        central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the 
        Market News-Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary.
          (3) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price 
        received during that month by farmers in the United States for 
        alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices 
        report by the Secretary.
  (b) Calculation of Actual Dairy Producer Margins.--
          (1) Margin protection program.--For use in the margin 
        protection program under subpart A, the Secretary shall 
        calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive 
        two-month period by subtracting--
                  (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive two-
                month period, determined in accordance with subsection 
                (a); from
                  (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive two-month 
                period.
          (2) Stabilization program.--For use in the stabilization 
        program under subpart B, the Secretary shall calculate each 
        month the actual dairy producer margin for the preceding month 
        by subtracting--
                  (A) the average feed cost for that preceding month, 
                determined in accordance with subsection (a); from
                  (B) the all-milk price for that preceding month.
          (3) Time for calculations.--The calculations required by 
        paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be made as soon as practicable 
        each month using the full month price of the applicable 
        reference month, but in no case shall the calculation be made 
        later than the last business day of the month.

          Subpart A--Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program

SEC. 1411. ESTABLISHMENT OF DAIRY PRODUCER MARGIN PROTECTION PROGRAM.

  The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin 
protection program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income 
by paying participating dairy producers--
          (1) basic margin protection payments when actual dairy 
        producer margins are less than the threshold levels for such 
        payments; and
          (2) supplemental margin protection payments if purchased by a 
        participating dairy producer.

SEC. 1412. PARTICIPATION OF DAIRY PRODUCERS IN MARGIN PROTECTION 
                    PROGRAM.

  (a) Eligibility.--All dairy producers in the United States are 
eligible to participate in the margin protection program, except that a 
dairy producer must sign up with the Secretary before the producer may 
receive--
          (1) basic margin protection payments under section 1414; and
          (2) if the dairy producer purchases supplemental margin 
        protection under section 1415, supplemental margin protection 
        payments under such section.
  (b) Sign-up Process.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall allow all interested 
        dairy producers to sign up to participate in the margin 
        protection program. The Secretary shall specify the manner and 
        form by which a dairy producer must sign up to participate in 
        the margin protection program.
          (2) Treatment of multi-producer operations.--If a dairy 
        operation consists of more than one dairy producer, all of the 
        dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single 
        dairy producer for purposes of--
                  (A) registration to receive basic margin protection 
                and purchase supplemental margin protection;
                  (B) payment of the administrative fee under 
                subsection (e) and producer premiums under section 
                1415; and
                  (C) participation in the stabilization program under 
                subpart B.
          (3) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations.--
        If a dairy producer operates two or more dairy operations, each 
        dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate 
        registration to receive basic margin protection and purchase 
        supplemental margin protection. Only those dairy operations so 
        registered shall be subject to the stabilization program.
  (c) Time for Sign up.--
          (1) Existing dairy producers.--During the one-year period 
        beginning on the date of the initiation of the sign-up period 
        for the margin protection program, a dairy producer that is 
        actively engaged in a dairy operation as of such date may sign 
        up with the Secretary--
                  (A) to receive basic margin protection; and
                  (B) if the producer elects, to purchase supplemental 
                margin protection.
          (2) New entrants.--A dairy producer that has no existing 
        interest in a dairy operation as of the date of the initiation 
        of the sign-up period for the margin protection program, but 
        that, after such date, establishes a new dairy operation, may 
        sign up with the Secretary during the one year period beginning 
        on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk 
        commercially--
                  (A) to receive basic margin protection; and
                  (B) if the producer elects, to purchase supplemental 
                margin protection.
  (d) Retroactivity Provision.--
          (1) Notice of availability of retroactive protection.--Not 
        later than 30 days after the effective date of this subtitle, 
        the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to 
        inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive basic 
        margin protection and retroactive supplemental margin 
        protection, subject to the condition that interested producers 
        must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the 
        Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice)--
                  (A) to participate in the margin protection program 
                and receive basic margin protection; and
                  (B) at the election of the producer under paragraph 
                (3), to also obtain supplemental margin protection.
          (2) Retroactive basic margin protection.--
                  (A) Availability.--If a dairy producer files a notice 
                of intent under paragraph (1) to participate in the 
                margin protection program before the initiation of the 
                sign-up period for the margin protection program and 
                subsequently signs up for the margin protection 
                program, the producer shall receive basic margin 
                protection retroactive to the effective date of this 
                subtitle.
                  (B) Duration.--Retroactive basic margin protection 
                under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply 
                from the effective date of this subtitle until the date 
                on which the producer signs up for the margin 
                protection program.
          (3) Retroactive supplemental margin protection.--
                  (A) Availability.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and 
                (C), if a dairy producer files a notice of intent under 
                paragraph (1) to participate in the margin protection 
                program and obtain supplemental margin protection and 
                subsequently signs up for the margin protection 
                program, the producer shall receive supplemental margin 
                protection, in addition to the basic margin protection 
                under paragraph (2), retroactive to the effective date 
                of this subtitle.
                  (B) Deadline for submission.--A notice of intent to 
                obtain retroactive supplemental margin protection must 
                be filed with the Secretary no later than the earlier 
                of the following:
                          (i) 150 days after the date on which the 
                        Secretary publishes the notice in the Federal 
                        Register required by paragraph (1).
                          (ii) The date on which the Secretary 
                        initiates the sign up period for the margin 
                        protection program.
                  (C) Election of coverage level and percentage of 
                coverage.--To be sufficient to obtain retroactive 
                supplemental margin protection, the notice of intent to 
                participate filed by a dairy producer must specify--
                          (i) a selected coverage level that is higher, 
                        in any increment of $0.50, than the payment 
                        threshold for basic margin protection specified 
                        in section 1414(b), but not to exceed $6.00; 
                        and
                          (ii) the percentage of coverage, subject to 
                        limits imposed in section 1415(c).
                  (D) Duration.--The coverage level and percentage 
                specified in the notice of intent to participate filed 
                by a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date 
                of this subtitle until the later of the following:
                          (i) October 1, 2013.
                          (ii) The date on which the Secretary 
                        initiates the sign-up period for the margin 
                        protection program.
          (4) Notice of intent and obligation to participate in margin 
        protection program.--In no way does filing a notice of intent 
        under this subsection obligate a dairy producer to sign up for 
        the margin protection program once the program rules are final, 
        but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently 
        signs up for the margin protection program, that dairy producer 
        is obligated to pay fees and premiums for any retroactive basic 
        margin protection or retroactive supplemental margin protection 
        selected in the notice of intent.
  (e) Administrative Fee.--
          (1) Administrative fee required.--A dairy producer shall pay 
        an administrative fee under this subsection to sign up to 
        participate in the margin protection program. The participating 
        dairy producer shall pay the administrative fee annually 
        thereafter to continue to participate in the margin protection 
        program.
          (2) Fee amount.--The administrative fee for a participating 
        dairy producer for a calendar year is based on the pounds of 
        milk (in millions) marketed by the dairy producer in the 
        previous calendar year, as follows:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Pounds Marketed (in millions)                  Admin. Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 less than 1                                 $100
                     1 to 10                                 $250
          more than 10 to 40                                 $500
                more than 40                                $1000
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          (3) Deposit of fees.--All administrative fees collected under 
        this subsection shall be credited to the fund or account used 
        to cover the costs incurred to administer the margin protection 
        program and the stabilization program and shall be available to 
        the Secretary, without further appropriation and until 
        expended, for use or transfer as provided in paragraph (4).
          (4) Use of fees.--The Secretary shall use administrative fees 
        collected under this subsection--
                  (A) to cover administrative costs of the margin 
                protection program and stabilization program; and
                  (B) to the extent funds remain available after 
                operation of subparagraphs (A), to cover costs of the 
                Department of Agriculture relating to reporting of 
                dairy market news and to carry out section 273 of the 
                Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1637b).
  (f) Reconstitution.--The Secretary shall prohibit a dairy producer 
from reconstituting a dairy operation for the sole purpose of the dairy 
producer--
          (1) receiving basic margin protection;
          (2) purchasing supplemental margin protection; or
          (3) avoiding participation in the stabilization program.
  (g) Priority Consideration.--A dairy operation that participates in 
the margin protection program shall be eligible to participate in the 
livestock gross margin for dairy program under the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) only after operations that are 
not participating in the production margin protection program are 
enrolled.

SEC. 1413. PRODUCTION HISTORY OF PARTICIPATING DAIRY PRODUCERS.

  (a) Production History for Basic Margin Protection.--
          (1) Determination required.--For purposes of providing basic 
        margin protection, the Secretary shall determine the basic 
        production history of the dairy operation of each participating 
        dairy producer in the margin protection program.
          (2) Calculation.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the 
        basic production history of a participating dairy producer for 
        basic margin protection is equal to the highest annual milk 
        marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the three 
        calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which 
        the dairy producer first signed up to participate in the margin 
        protection program.
          (3) Election by new producers.--If a participating dairy 
        producer has been in operation for less than a year, the dairy 
        producer shall elect one of the following methods for the 
        Secretary to determine the basic production history of the 
        dairy producer:
                  (A) The volume of the actual milk marketings for the 
                months the dairy producer has been in operation 
                extrapolated to a yearly amount.
                  (B) An estimate of the actual milk marketings of the 
                dairy producer based on the herd size of the producer 
                relative to the national rolling herd average data 
                published by the Secretary.
          (4) No change in production history for basic margin 
        protection.--Once the basic production history of a 
        participating dairy producer is determined under paragraph (2) 
        or (3), the basic production history shall not be subsequently 
        changed for purposes of determining the amount of any basic 
        margin protection payments for the dairy producer made under 
        section 1414.
  (b) Annual Production History for Supplemental Margin Protection.--
          (1) Determination required.--For purposes of providing 
        supplemental margin protection for a participating dairy 
        producer that purchases supplemental margin protection for a 
        year under section 1415, the Secretary shall determine the 
        annual production history of the dairy operation of the dairy 
        producer under paragraph (2).
          (2) Calculation.--The annual production history of a 
        participating dairy producer for a year is equal to the actual 
        milk marketings of the dairy producer during the preceding 
        calendar year.
          (3) New producers.--Subsection (a)(3) shall apply with 
        respect to determining the annual production history of a 
        participating dairy producer that has been in operation for 
        less than a year.
  (c) Required Information.--A participating dairy producer shall 
provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to 
establish--
          (1) the basic production history of the dairy operation of 
        the dairy producer under subsection (a); and
          (2) the production history of the dairy operation of the 
        dairy producer whenever the producer purchases supplemental 
        margin protection under section 1415.
  (d) Transfer of Production Histories.--
          (1) Transfer by sale or lease.--In promulgating the rules to 
        initiate the margin protection program, the Secretary shall 
        specify the conditions under which and the manner by which the 
        production history of a dairy operation may be transferred by 
        sale or lease.
          (2) Coverage level.--
                  (A) Basic margin protection.--A purchaser or lessee 
                to whom the Secretary transfers a basic production 
                history under this subsection shall not obtain a 
                different level of basic margin protection than the 
                basic margin protection coverage held by the seller or 
                lessor from whom the transfer was obtained.
                  (B) Supplemental margin protection.--A purchaser or 
                lessee to whom the Secretary transfers an annual 
                production history under this subsection shall not 
                obtain a different level of supplemental margin 
                protection coverage than the supplemental margin 
                protection coverage in effect for the seller or lessor 
                from whom the transfer was obtained for the calendar 
                year in which the transfer was made.
  (e) Movement and Transfer of Production History.--
          (1) Movement and transfer authorized.--Subject to paragraph 
        (2), if a dairy producer moves from one location to another 
        location, the dairy producer may maintain the basic production 
        history and annual production history associated with the 
        operation.
          (2) Notification requirement.--A dairy producer shall notify 
        the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under paragraph 
        (1).
          (3) Subsequent occupation of vacated location.--A party 
        subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as 
        described in paragraph (1) shall have no interest in the basic 
        production history or annual production history previously 
        associated with the operation at such location.

SEC. 1414. BASIC MARGIN PROTECTION.

  (a) Eligibility.--All participating dairy producers are eligible to 
receive basic margin protection under the margin protection program.
  (b) Payment Threshold.--Participating dairy producers shall receive a 
basic margin protection payment whenever the average actual dairy 
producer margin for a consecutive two-month period is less than $4.00 
per hundredweight of milk.
  (c) Basic Margin Protection Payment.--
          (1) Payment required.--The Secretary shall make a basic 
        margin protection payment to each participating dairy producer 
        whenever such a payment is required by subsection (b).
          (2) Amount of payment.--The basic margin protection payment 
        for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer for a 
        consecutive two-month period shall be determined as follows:
                  (A) The Secretary shall calculate the difference 
                between the average actual dairy producer margin for 
                the consecutive two-month period and $4.00, except 
                that, if the difference is more than $4.00, the 
                Secretary shall use $4.00.
                  (B) The Secretary shall multiply the amount under 
                subparagraph (A) by the lesser of the following:
                          (i) 80 percent of the production history of 
                        the dairy producer, divided by six.
                          (ii) The actual amount of milk marketed by 
                        the dairy operation of the dairy producer 
                        during the consecutive two-month period.

SEC. 1415. SUPPLEMENTAL MARGIN PROTECTION.

  (a) Election of Supplemental Margin Protection.--Supplemental margin 
protection is available only on an annual basis. A participating dairy 
producer may annually purchase supplemental margin protection to 
protect, during the calendar year for which purchased, a higher level 
of the income of a participating dairy producer than the income level 
guaranteed by basic margin protection under section 1414.
  (b) Selection of Payment Threshold.--A participating dairy producer 
purchasing supplemental margin protection for a year shall elect a 
coverage level that is higher, in any increment of $0.50, than the 
payment threshold for basic margin protection specified in section 
1414(b), but not to exceed $8.00.
  (c) Selection of Coverage Percentage.--A participating dairy producer 
purchasing supplemental margin protection for a year shall elect a 
percentage of coverage equal to not more than 90 percent, nor less than 
25 percent, of the annual production history of the dairy operation of 
the participating dairy producer.
  (d) Producer Premiums for Supplemental Margin Protection.--
          (1) Premiums required.--A participating dairy producer that 
        purchases supplemental margin protection shall pay an annual 
        premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
                  (A) the percentage selected by the dairy producer 
                under subsection (c);
                  (B) the annual production history of the dairy 
                producer; and
                  (C) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as 
                specified in the applicable table under paragraph (2) 
                or (3).
          (2) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of 
        production.--For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings 
        included in the annual production history of a participating 
        dairy producer, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to 
        each coverage level specified in the following table is as 
        follows:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Coverage Level                      Premium per Cwt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       $4.50                                $0.01
                       $5.00                               $0.025
                       $5.50                                $0.04
                       $6.00                               $0.065
                       $6.50                                $0.09
                       $7.00                               $0.434
                       $7.50                               $0.590
                       $8.00                               $0.922
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          (3) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 
        million pounds.--For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 
        pounds included in the annual production history of a 
        participating dairy producer, the premium per hundredweight 
        corresponding to each coverage level is as follows:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Coverage Level                      Premium per Cwt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       $4.50                               $0.015
                       $5.00                               $0.036
                       $5.50                               $0.081
                       $6.00                               $0.155
                       $6.50                               $0.230
                       $7.00                               $0.434
                       $7.50                               $0.590
                       $8.00                               $0.922
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          (4) Time for payment.--In promulgating the rules to initiate 
        the margin protection program, the Secretary shall provide more 
        than one method by which a participating dairy producer that 
        purchases supplemental margin protection for a calendar year 
        may pay the premium under this subsection for that year that 
        maximizes producer payment flexibility and program integrity.
  (e) Producer's Premium Obligations.--
          (1) Pro-ration of premium for new producers.--A dairy 
        producer described in section 1412(c)(2) that purchases 
        supplemental margin protection for a calendar year after the 
        start of the calendar year shall pay a pro-rated premium for 
        that calendar year based on the portion of the calendar year 
        for which the producer purchases the coverage.
          (2) Legal obligation.--A participating dairy producer that 
        purchases supplemental margin protection for a calendar year 
        shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premium for 
        that calendar year, except that, if the dairy producer retires, 
        the producer may request that Secretary cancel the supplemental 
        margin protection if the producer has terminated the dairy 
        operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer 
        will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at 
        least the next seven years.
  (f) Supplemental Payment Threshold.--A participating dairy producer 
with supplemental margin protection shall receive a supplemental margin 
protection payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin 
for a consecutive two-month period is less than the coverage level 
threshold selected by the dairy producer under subsection (b).
  (g) Supplemental Margin Protection Payments.--
          (1) In general.--The supplemental margin protection payment 
        for a participating dairy producer is in addition to the basic 
        margin protection payment.
          (2) Amount of payment.--The supplemental margin protection 
        payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy 
        producer shall be determined as follows:
                  (A) The Secretary shall calculate the difference 
                between the coverage level threshold selected by the 
                dairy producer under subsection (b) and the greater 
                of--
                          (i) the average actual dairy producer margin 
                        for the consecutive two-month period; or
                          (ii) $4.00.
                  (B) The amount determined under subparagraph (A) 
                shall be multiplied by the percentage selected by the 
                participating dairy producer under subsection (c) and 
                by the lesser of the following:
                          (i) The annual production history of the 
                        dairy operation of the dairy producer, divided 
                        by six.
                          (ii) The actual amount of milk marketed by 
                        the dairy operation of the dairy producer 
                        during the consecutive two-month period.

SEC. 1416. EFFECT OF FAILURE TO PAY ADMINISTRATIVE FEES OR PREMIUMS.

  (a) Loss of Benefits.--A participating dairy producer that fails to 
pay the required administrative fee under section 1412 or is in arrears 
on premium payments for supplemental margin protection under section 
1415--
          (1) remains legally obligated to pay the administrative fee 
        or premiums, as the case may be; and
          (2) may not receive basic margin protection payments or 
        supplemental margin protection payments until the fees or 
        premiums are fully paid.
  (b) Enforcement.--The Secretary may take such action as necessary to 
collect administrative fees and premium payments for supplemental 
margin protection.

             Subpart B--Dairy Market Stabilization Program

SEC. 1431. ESTABLISHMENT OF DAIRY MARKET STABILIZATION PROGRAM.

  (a) Program Required; Purpose.--The Secretary shall establish and 
administer a dairy market stabilization program applicable to 
participating dairy producers for the purpose of assisting in balancing 
the supply of milk with demand when dairy producers are experiencing 
low or negative operating margins.
  (b) Election of Stabilization Program Base Calculation Method.--
          (1) Election.--When a dairy producer signs up under section 
        1412 to participate in the margin protection program, the dairy 
        producer shall inform the Secretary of the method by which the 
        stabilization program base for the dairy producer for fiscal 
        year 2013 will be calculated under paragraph (3).
          (2) Change in calculation method.--A participating dairy 
        producer may change the stabilization program base calculation 
        method to be used for a calendar year by notifying the 
        Secretary of the change not later than a date determined by the 
        Secretary.
          (3) Calculation methods.--A participating dairy producer may 
        elect either of the following methods for calculation of the 
        stabilization program base for the producer:
                  (A) The volume of the average monthly milk marketings 
                of the dairy producer for the three months immediately 
                preceding the announcement by the Secretary that the 
                stabilization program will become effective.
                  (B) The volume of the monthly milk marketings of the 
                dairy producer for the same month in the preceding year 
                as the month for which the Secretary has announced the 
                stabilization program will become effective.

SEC. 1432. THRESHOLD FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND REDUCTION IN DAIRY PRODUCER 
                    PAYMENTS.

  (a) When Stabilization Program Required.--Except as provided in 
subsection (b), the Secretary shall announce that the stabilization 
program is in effect and order reduced payments for any participating 
dairy producer that exceeds the applicable percentage of the producer's 
stabilization program base whenever--
          (1) the actual dairy producer margin has been $6.00 or less 
        per hundredweight of milk for each of the immediately preceding 
        two months; or
          (2) the actual dairy producer margin has been $4.00 or less 
        per hundredweight of milk for the immediately preceding month.
  (b) Exception.--The Secretary shall not make the announcement under 
subsection (a) to implement the stabilization program or order reduced 
payments if any of the conditions described in section 1436(b) have 
been met during the two months immediately preceding the month in which 
the announcement under subsection (a) would otherwise be made by the 
Secretary in the absence of this exception.
  (c) Effective Date for Implementation of Payment Reductions.--
Reductions in dairy producer payments shall commence beginning on the 
first day of the month immediately following the date of the 
announcement by the Secretary under subsection (a).

SEC. 1433. PRODUCER MILK MARKETING INFORMATION.

  (a) Collection of Milk Marketing Data.--The Secretary shall 
establish, by regulation, a process to collect from participating dairy 
producers and handlers such information that the Secretary considers 
necessary for each month during which the stabilization program is in 
effect.
  (b) Reduce Regulatory Burden.--When implementing the process under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall minimize the regulatory burden on 
dairy producers and handlers.

SEC. 1434. CALCULATION AND COLLECTION OF REDUCED DAIRY PRODUCER 
                    PAYMENTS.

  (a) Reduced Producer Payments Required.--During any month in which 
payment reductions are in effect under the stabilization program, each 
handler shall reduce payments to each participating dairy producer from 
whom the handler receives milk.
  (b) Reductions Based on Actual Dairy Producer Margin.--
          (1) Reduction requirement 1.--Unless the reduction required 
        by paragraph (2) or (3) applies, when the actual dairy producer 
        margin has been $6.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for two 
        consecutive months, the handler shall make payments to a 
        participating dairy producer for a month based on the greater 
        of the following:
                  (A) 98 percent of the stabilization program base of 
                the dairy producer.
                  (B) 94 percent of the marketings of milk for the 
                month by the producer.
          (2) Reduction requirement 2.--Unless the reduction required 
        by paragraph (3) applies, when the actual dairy producer margin 
        has been $5.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for two 
        consecutive months, the handler shall make payments to a 
        participating dairy producer for a month based on the greater 
        of the following:
                  (A) 97 percent of the stabilization program base of 
                the dairy producer.
                  (B) 93 percent of the marketings of milk for the 
                month by the producer.
          (3) Reduction requirement 3.--When the actual dairy producer 
        margin has been $4.00 or less for any one month, the handler 
        shall make payments to a participating dairy producer for a 
        month based on the greater of the following:
                  (A) 96 percent of the stabilization program base of 
                the dairy producer.
                  (B) 92 percent of the marketings of milk for the 
                month by the producer.
  (c) Continuation of Reductions.--The largest level of payment 
reduction required under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b) 
shall be continued for each month until the Secretary suspends the 
stabilization program and terminates payment reductions in accordance 
with section 1436.
  (d) Payment Reduction Exception.--Notwithstanding any preceding 
subsection of this section, a handler shall make no payment reductions 
for a dairy producer for a month if the producer's milk marketings for 
the month are equal to or less than the percentage of the stabilization 
program base applicable to the producer under paragraph (1), (2), or 
(3) of subsection (b).

SEC. 1435. REMITTING MONIES TO THE SECRETARY AND USE OF MONIES.

  (a) Remitting Monies.--As soon as practicable after the end of each 
month during which payment reductions are in effect under the 
stabilization program, each handler shall remit to the Secretary an 
amount equal to the amount by which payments to participating dairy 
producers are reduced by the handler under section 1434.
  (b) Deposit of Monies.--All monies received under subsection (a) 
shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and 
until expended, for use or transfer as provided in subsection (c).
  (c) Use of Monies.--
          (1) Availability for certain commodity donations.--Within 
        three months of the receipt of monies under subsection (a), the 
        Secretary shall obligate the monies for the purpose of--
                  (A) purchasing dairy products for donation to food 
                banks and other programs that the Secretary determines 
                appropriate; and
                  (B) expanding consumption and building demand for 
                dairy products.
          (2) No duplication of effort.--The Secretary shall ensure 
        that expenditures under paragraph (1) are compatible with, and 
        do not duplicate, programs supported by the dairy research and 
        promotion activities conducted under the Dairy Production 
        Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.).
          (3) Accounting.--The Secretary shall keep an accurate account 
        of all monies obligated under paragraph (1).
  (d) Annual Report.--Not later than December 31 of each year that the 
stabilization program is in effect, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
report that provides an accurate accounting of--
          (1) the monies received by the Secretary during the preceding 
        fiscal year under subsection (a); and
          (2) all expenditures made by the Secretary under subsection 
        (b) during the preceding fiscal year.
  (e) Enforcement.--If a participating dairy producer or handler fails 
to remit or collect the amounts by which payments to participating 
dairy producers are reduced under section 1434, the producer or handler 
responsible for the failure shall be liable to the Secretary for the 
amount that should have been remitted or collected, plus interest. In 
addition to the enforcement authorities available under section 1437, 
the Secretary may enforce this subsection in the courts of the United 
States.

SEC. 1436. SUSPENSION OF REDUCED PAYMENT REQUIREMENT.

  (a) Determination of Prices.--For purposes of this section:
          (1) The price in the United States for cheddar cheese and 
        nonfat dry milk shall be determined by the Secretary.
          (2) The world price of cheddar cheese and skim milk powder 
        shall be determined by the Secretary.
  (b) Initial Suspension Thresholds.--The Secretary shall announce that 
the stabilization program shall be suspended whenever the Secretary 
determines that--
          (1) the actual dairy producer margin is greater than $6.00 
        per hundredweight of milk for two consecutive months;
          (2) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $6.00 
        (but greater than $5.00) for two consecutive months, and during 
        the same two consecutive months--
                  (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese 
                is equal to or greater than the world price of cheddar 
                cheese; or
                  (B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry 
                milk is equal to or greater than the world price of 
                skim milk powder;
          (3) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $5.00 
        (but greater than $4.00) for two consecutive months, and during 
        the same two consecutive months--
                  (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese 
                is more than 5 percent above the world price of cheddar 
                cheese; or
                  (B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry 
                milk is more than 5 percent above the world price of 
                skim milk powder; or
          (4) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $4.00 
        for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive 
        months--
                  (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese 
                is more than 7 percent above the world price of cheddar 
                cheese; or
                  (B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry 
                milk is more than 7 percent above the world price of 
                skim milk powder.
  (c) Enhanced Suspension Thresholds.--If the stabilization program is 
not suspended pursuant to subsection (b) for six consecutive months or 
more, the stabilization program shall be suspended whenever the 
Secretary determines that--
          (1) the actual dairy producer margin is greater than $6.00 
        per hundredweight of milk for two consecutive months;
          (2) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $6.00 
        (but greater than $5.00) for two consecutive months, and during 
        the same two consecutive months--
                  (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese 
                is not less than 97 percent of the world price of 
                cheddar cheese; or
                  (B) the price in the United States for non-fat dry 
                milk is not less than 97 percent of the world price of 
                skim milk powder;
          (3) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $5.00 
        (but greater than $4.00) for two consecutive months, and during 
        the same two consecutive months--
                  (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese 
                is more than 3 percent above the world price of cheddar 
                cheese; or
                  (B) the price in the United States for non fat dry 
                milk is more than 3 percent above the world price of 
                skim milk powder; or
          (4) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $4.00 
        for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive 
        months--
                  (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese 
                is more than 6 percent above the world price of cheddar 
                cheese; or
                  (B) the price in the United States for non fat dry 
                milk is more than 6 percent above the world price of 
                skim milk powder.
  (d) Implementation by Handlers.--Effective on the day after the date 
of the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (b) or (c) of the 
suspension of the stabilization program, the handler shall cease 
reducing payments to participating dairy producers under the 
stabilization program.
  (e) Condition on Resumption of Stabilization Program.--Upon the 
announcement by the Secretary under subsection (b) or (c) that the 
stabilization program has been suspended, the stabilization program may 
not be implemented again until, at the earliest--
          (1) two months have passed, beginning on the first day of the 
        month immediately following the announcement by the Secretary; 
        and
          (2) the conditions of section 1432(a) are again met.

SEC. 1437. ENFORCEMENT.

  (a) Unlawful Act.--It shall be unlawful and a violation of the this 
subpart for any person subject to the stabilization program to 
willfully fail or refuse to provide, or delay the timely reporting of, 
accurate information and remittance of funds to the Secretary in 
accordance with this subpart.
  (b) Order.--After providing notice and opportunity for a hearing to 
an affected person, the Secretary may issue an order against any person 
to cease and desist from continuing any violation of this subpart.
  (c) Appeal.--An order of the Secretary under subsection (b) shall be 
final and conclusive unless an affected person files an appeal of the 
order of the Secretary in United States district court not later than 
30 days after the date of the issuance of the order. A finding of the 
Secretary in the order shall be set aside only if the finding is not 
supported by substantial evidence.
  (d) Noncompliance With Order.--If a person subject to this subpart 
fails to obey an order issued under subsection (b) after the order has 
become final and unappealable, or after the appropriate United States 
district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, 
the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district 
court for enforcement of the order. If the court determines that the 
order was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated 
the order, the court shall enforce the order.

SEC. 1438. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.

  (a) Audits of Producer and Handler Compliance.--
          (1) Audits authorized.--If determined by the Secretary to be 
        necessary to ensure compliance by participating dairy producers 
        and handlers with the stabilization program, the Secretary may 
        conduct periodic audits of participating dairy producers and 
        handlers.
          (2) Sample of dairy producers.--Any audit conducted under 
        this subsection shall include, at a minimum, investigation of a 
        statistically valid and random sample of participating dairy 
        producers.
  (b) Submission of Results.--The Secretary shall submit the results of 
any audit conducted under subsection (a) to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and include such 
recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate regarding the 
stabilization program.

                Subpart C--Commodity Credit Corporation

SEC. 1451. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

  The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of 
the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this part.

                   Subpart D--Initiation and Duration

SEC. 1461. RULEMAKING.

  (a) Procedure.--The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of 
the margin protection program and the stabilization program, and for 
administration of such programs, shall be made without regard to--
          (1) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly 
        known as the Paperwork Reduction Act);
          (2) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture 
        effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to 
        notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in 
        rulemaking; and
          (3) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 
        5, United States Code.
  (b) Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking.--In carrying out 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall use the authority provided under 
section 808 of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 1462. DURATION.

  The margin protection program and the stabilization program shall end 
on December 31, 2017.

  PART II--REPEAL OR REAUTHORIZATION OF OTHER DAIRY-RELATED PROVISIONS

SEC. 1481. REPEAL OF DAIRY PRODUCT PRICE SUPPORT AND MILK INCOME LOSS 
                    CONTRACT PROGRAMS.

  (a) Repeal of Dairy Product Price Support Program.--Section 1501 of 
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8771) is 
repealed.
  (b) Repeal of Milk Income Loss Contract Program.--Section 1506 of the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8773) is repealed.

SEC. 1482. REPEAL OF DAIRY EXPORT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 
713a-14) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions 
Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7201(2)) is 
amended--
          (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and
          (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
        subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.

SEC. 1483. EXTENSION OF DAIRY FORWARD PRICING PROGRAM.

  Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8772(e)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2015'' and inserting 
        ``2020''.

SEC. 1484. EXTENSION OF DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM.

  Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 U.S.C. 450l) is amended by striking 
``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 1485. EXTENSION OF DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM.

  Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 
(7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 1486. REPEAL OF FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER REVIEW COMMISSION.

  Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed.

                        PART III--EFFECTIVE DATE

SEC. 1491. EFFECTIVE DATE.

  This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

   Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

SEC. 1501. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Eligible producer on a farm.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``eligible producer on a 
                farm'' means an individual or entity described in 
                subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, 
                assumes the production and market risks associated with 
                the agricultural production of crops or livestock.
                  (B) Description.--An individual or entity referred to 
                in subparagraph (A) is--
                          (i) a citizen of the United States;
                          (ii) a resident alien;
                          (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United 
                        States; or
                          (iv) a corporation, limited liability 
                        corporation, or other farm organizational 
                        structure organized under State law.
          (2) Farm-raised fish.--The term ``farm-raised fish'' means 
        any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a 
        controlled environment.
          (3) Livestock.--The term ``livestock'' includes--
                  (A) cattle (including dairy cattle);
                  (B) bison;
                  (C) poultry;
                  (D) sheep;
                  (E) swine;
                  (F) horses; and
                  (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary.
          (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Agriculture.
  (b) Livestock Indemnity Payments.--
          (1) Payments.--For each of the fiscal years 2012 through 
        2017, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the 
        funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock 
        indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have 
        incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal 
        mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to--
                  (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by 
                the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, 
                including wolves and avian predators; or
                  (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, 
                during the calendar year, including losses due to 
                hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, 
                extreme heat, and extreme cold.
          (2) Payment rates.--Indemnity payments to an eligible 
        producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate 
        of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock 
        on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as 
        determined by the Secretary.
          (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease.--The 
        Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible 
        producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same 
        livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to 
        section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 
        8306(d)).
  (c) Livestock Forage Disaster Program.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Covered livestock.--
                          (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause 
                        (ii), the term ``covered livestock'' means 
                        livestock of an eligible livestock producer 
                        that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning 
                        date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, 
                        as determined by the Secretary, the eligible 
                        livestock producer--
                                  (I) owned;
                                  (II) leased;
                                  (III) purchased;
                                  (IV) entered into a contract to 
                                purchase;
                                  (V) is a contract grower; or
                                  (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of 
                                due to qualifying drought conditions 
                                during--
                                          (aa) the current production 
                                        year; or
                                          (bb) subject to paragraph 
                                        (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 
                                        production years immediately 
                                        preceding the current 
                                        production year.
                          (ii) Exclusion.--The term ``covered 
                        livestock'' does not include livestock that 
                        were or would have been in a feedlot, on the 
                        beginning date of the qualifying drought or 
                        fire condition, as a part of the normal 
                        business operation of the eligible livestock 
                        producer, as determined by the Secretary.
                  (B) Drought monitor.--The term ``drought monitor'' 
                means a system for classifying drought severity 
                according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional 
                drought, as defined by the Secretary.
                  (C) Eligible livestock producer.--
                          (i) In general.--The term ``eligible 
                        livestock producer'' means an eligible producer 
                        on a farm that--
                                  (I) is an owner, cash or share 
                                lessee, or contract grower of covered 
                                livestock that provides the pastureland 
                                or grazing land, including cash-leased 
                                pastureland or grazing land, for the 
                                livestock;
                                  (II) provides the pastureland or 
                                grazing land for covered livestock, 
                                including cash-leased pastureland or 
                                grazing land that is physically located 
                                in a county affected by drought;
                                  (III) certifies grazing loss; and
                                  (IV) meets all other eligibility 
                                requirements established under this 
                                subsection.
                          (ii) Exclusion.--The term ``eligible 
                        livestock producer'' does not include an owner, 
                        cash or share lessee, or contract grower of 
                        livestock that rents or leases pastureland or 
                        grazing land owned by another person on a rate-
                        of-gain basis.
                  (D) Normal carrying capacity.--The term ``normal 
                carrying capacity'', with respect to each type of 
                grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the 
                normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph 
                (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land 
                or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing 
                period, in the absence of a drought or fire that 
                diminishes the production of the grazing land or 
                pastureland.
                  (E) Normal grazing period.--The term ``normal grazing 
                period'', with respect to a county, means the normal 
                grazing period during the calendar year for the county, 
                as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i).
          (2) Program.--For each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2017, 
        the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds 
        of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for 
        losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses 
        for covered livestock due to--
                  (A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph 
                (3); or
                  (B) fire, as described in paragraph (4).
          (3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions.--
                  (A) Eligible losses.--
                          (i) In general.--An eligible livestock 
                        producer may receive assistance under this 
                        subsection only for grazing losses for covered 
                        livestock that occur on land that--
                                  (I) is native or improved pastureland 
                                with permanent vegetative cover; or
                                  (II) is planted to a crop planted 
                                specifically for the purpose of 
                                providing grazing for covered 
                                livestock.
                          (ii) Exclusions.--An eligible livestock 
                        producer may not receive assistance under this 
                        subsection for grazing losses that occur on 
                        land used for haying or grazing under the 
                        conservation reserve program established under 
                        subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of 
                        title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
                        U.S.C. 3831 et seq.).
                  (B) Monthly payment rate.--
                          (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause 
                        (ii), the payment rate for assistance under 
                        this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case 
                        of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the 
                        lesser of--
                                  (I) the monthly feed cost for all 
                                covered livestock owned or leased by 
                                the eligible livestock producer, as 
                                determined under subparagraph (C); or
                                  (II) the monthly feed cost calculated 
                                by using the normal carrying capacity 
                                of the eligible grazing land of the 
                                eligible livestock producer.
                          (ii) Partial compensation.--In the case of an 
                        eligible livestock producer that sold or 
                        otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to 
                        drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 
                        production years immediately preceding the 
                        current production year, as determined by the 
                        Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent 
                        of the payment rate otherwise calculated in 
                        accordance with clause (i).
                  (C) Monthly feed cost.--
                          (i) In general.--The monthly feed cost shall 
                        equal the product obtained by multiplying--
                                  (I) 30 days;
                                  (II) a payment quantity that is equal 
                                to the feed grain equivalent, as 
                                determined under clause (ii); and
                                  (III) a payment rate that is equal to 
                                the corn price per pound, as determined 
                                under clause (iii).
                          (ii) Feed grain equivalent.--For purposes of 
                        clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall 
                        equal--
                                  (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 
                                15.7 pounds of corn per day; or
                                  (II) in the case of any other type of 
                                weight of livestock, an amount 
                                determined by the Secretary that 
                                represents the average number of pounds 
                                of corn per day necessary to feed the 
                                livestock.
                          (iii) Corn price per pound.--For purposes of 
                        clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall 
                        equal the quotient obtained by dividing--
                                  (I) the higher of--
                                          (aa) the national average 
                                        corn price per bushel for the 
                                        12-month period immediately 
                                        preceding March 1 of the year 
                                        for which the disaster 
                                        assistance is calculated; or
                                          (bb) the national average 
                                        corn price per bushel for the 
                                        24-month period immediately 
                                        preceding that March 1; by
                                  (II) 56.
                  (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor 
                intensity.--
                          (i) Fsa county committee determinations.--
                                  (I) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                                determine the normal carrying capacity 
                                and normal grazing period for each type 
                                of grazing land or pastureland in the 
                                county served by the applicable 
                                committee.
                                  (II) Changes.--No change to the 
                                normal carrying capacity or normal 
                                grazing period established for a county 
                                under subclause (I) shall be made 
                                unless the change is requested by the 
                                appropriate State and county Farm 
                                Service Agency committees.
                          (ii) Drought intensity.--
                                  (I) D2.--An eligible livestock 
                                producer that owns or leases grazing 
                                land or pastureland that is physically 
                                located in a county that is rated by 
                                the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 
                                (severe drought) intensity in any area 
                                of the county for at least 8 
                                consecutive weeks during the normal 
                                grazing period for the county, as 
                                determined by the Secretary, shall be 
                                eligible to receive assistance under 
                                this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 
                                monthly payment using the monthly 
                                payment rate determined under 
                                subparagraph (B).
                                  (II) D3.--An eligible livestock 
                                producer that owns or leases grazing 
                                land or pastureland that is physically 
                                located in a county that is rated by 
                                the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at 
                                least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity 
                                in any area of the county at any time 
                                during the normal grazing period for 
                                the county, as determined by the 
                                Secretary, shall be eligible to receive 
                                assistance under this paragraph--
                                          (aa) in an amount equal to 2 
                                        monthly payments using the 
                                        monthly payment rate determined 
                                        under subparagraph (B); or
                                          (bb) if the county is rated 
                                        as having a D3 (extreme 
                                        drought) intensity in any area 
                                        of the county for at least 4 
                                        weeks during the normal grazing 
                                        period for the county, or is 
                                        rated as having a D4 
                                        (exceptional drought) intensity 
                                        in any area of the county at 
                                        any time during the normal 
                                        grazing period, in an amount 
                                        equal to 3 monthly payments 
                                        using the monthly payment rate 
                                        determined under subparagraph 
                                        (B).
          (4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed 
        land.--
                  (A) In general.--An eligible livestock producer may 
                receive assistance under this paragraph only if--
                          (i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland 
                        that is managed by a Federal agency; and
                          (ii) the eligible livestock producer is 
                        prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing 
                        the normal permitted livestock on the managed 
                        rangeland due to a fire.
                  (B) Payment rate.--The payment rate for assistance 
                under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of 
                the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock 
                covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock 
                producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C).
                  (C) Payment duration.--
                          (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), an 
                        eligible livestock producer shall be eligible 
                        to receive assistance under this paragraph for 
                        the period--
                                  (I) beginning on the date on which 
                                the Federal agency excludes the 
                                eligible livestock producer from using 
                                the managed rangeland for grazing; and
                                  (II) ending on the last day of the 
                                Federal lease of the eligible livestock 
                                producer.
                          (ii) Limitation.--An eligible livestock 
                        producer may only receive assistance under this 
                        paragraph for losses that occur on not more 
                        than 180 days per year.
          (5) No duplicative payments.--An eligible livestock producer 
        may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed 
        losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3) or fire 
        under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as 
        determined by the Secretary.
  (d) Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised 
Fish.--
          (1) In general.--For each of the fiscal years 2012 through 
        2017, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the 
        funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency 
        relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and 
        farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to 
        disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or 
        other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as 
        determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under 
        subsection (b) or (c).
          (2) Use of funds.--Funds made available under this subsection 
        shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water 
        shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the 
        Secretary.
          (3) Availability of funds.--Any funds made available under 
        this subsection shall remain available until expended.
  (e) Tree Assistance Program.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Eligible orchardist.--The term ``eligible 
                orchardist'' means a person that produces annual crops 
                from trees for commercial purposes.
                  (B) Natural disaster.--The term ``natural disaster'' 
                means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, 
                freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other 
                occurrence, as determined by the Secretary.
                  (C) Nursery tree grower.--The term ``nursery tree 
                grower'' means a person who produces nursery, 
                ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for 
                commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary.
                  (D) Tree.--The term ``tree'' includes a tree, bush, 
                and vine.
          (2) Eligibility.--
                  (A) Loss.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for each of 
                the fiscal years 2012 through 2017, the Secretary shall 
                use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the 
                Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance--
                          (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible 
                        orchardists and nursery tree growers that 
                        planted trees for commercial purposes but lost 
                        the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as 
                        determined by the Secretary; and
                          (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible 
                        orchardists and nursery tree growers that have 
                        a production history for commercial purposes on 
                        planted or existing trees but lost the trees as 
                        a result of a natural disaster, as determined 
                        by the Secretary.
                  (B) Limitation.--An eligible orchardist or nursery 
                tree grower shall qualify for assistance under 
                subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the 
                eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result 
                of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 
                percent (adjusted for normal mortality).
          (3) Assistance.--Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance 
        provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery 
        tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall 
        consist of--
                  (A)(i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of 
                replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as 
                determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent 
                mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or
                  (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient 
                seedlings to reestablish a stand; and
                  (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of 
                pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an 
                eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage 
                existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to 
                prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage 
                or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as 
                determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent 
                damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage 
                and mortality).
          (4) Limitations on assistance.--
                  (A) Definitions of legal entity and person.--In this 
                paragraph, the terms ``legal entity'' and ``person'' 
                have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) 
                of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)).
                  (B) Amount.--The total amount of payments received, 
                directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity 
                (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) 
                under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any 
                crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings.
                  (C) Acres.--The total quantity of acres planted to 
                trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal 
                entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this 
                subsection may not exceed 500 acres.
  (f) Payment Limitations.--
          (1) Definitions of legal entity and person.--In this 
        subsection, the terms ``legal entity'' and ``person'' have the 
        meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food 
        Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a).
          (2) Amount.--The total amount of disaster assistance payments 
        received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity 
        (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this 
        section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may 
        not exceed $125,000 for any crop year.
          (3) Direct attribution.--Subsections (e) and (f) of section 
        1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) or any 
        successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply 
        with respect to assistance provided under this section.

                       Subtitle F--Administration

SEC. 1601. ADMINISTRATION GENERALLY.

  (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Secretary of 
Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title.
  (b) Determinations by Secretary.--A determination made by the 
Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive.
  (c) Regulations.--
          (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
        subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
        of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations 
        as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments 
        made by this title.
          (2) Procedure.--The promulgation of the regulations and 
        administration of this title and the amendments made by this 
        title and sections 11003 and 11016 of this Act shall be made 
        without regard to--
                  (A) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 
                of title 5, United States Code;
                  (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
                (commonly known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act''); 
                and
                  (C) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of 
                Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 
                13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and 
                public participation in rulemaking.
          (3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking.--In carrying 
        out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority 
        provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code.
  (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance.--
          (1) Required determination; adjustment.--If the Secretary 
        determines that expenditures under this title that are subject 
        to the total allowable domestic support levels under the 
        Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the 
        Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501)) will exceed the 
        allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the 
        Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make 
        adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that 
        period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the 
        allowable levels.
          (2) Congressional notification.--Before making any adjustment 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
        the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
        Senate a report describing the determination made under that 
        paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made.

SEC. 1602. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.

  (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938.--The following provisions of 
the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 shall not be applicable to the 
2013 through 2017 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 
1104), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the 
period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through December 
31, 2017:
          (1) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III (7 U.S.C. 
        1326 et seq.).
          (2) In the case of upland cotton, section 377 (7 U.S.C. 
        1377).
          (3) Subtitle D of title III (7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq.).
          (4) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
  (b) Agricultural Act of 1949.--The following provisions of the 
Agricultural Act of 1949 shall not be applicable to the 2013 through 
2017 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1104), cotton, 
and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period 
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and through December 31, 
2017:
          (1) Section 101 (7 U.S.C. 1441).
          (2) Section 103(a) (7 U.S.C. 1444(a)).
          (3) Section 105 (7 U.S.C. 1444b).
          (4) Section 107 (7 U.S.C. 1445a).
          (5) Section 110 (7 U.S.C. 1445e).
          (6) Section 112 (7 U.S.C. 1445g).
          (7) Section 115 (7 U.S.C. 1445k).
          (8) Section 201 (7 U.S.C. 1446).
          (9) Title III (7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq.).
          (10) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), other than sections 
        404, 412, and 416 (7 U.S.C. 1424, 1429, and 1431).
          (11) Title V (7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.).
          (12) Title VI (7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.).
  (c) Suspension of Certain Quota Provisions.--The joint resolution 
entitled ``A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing 
quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended'', 
approved May 26, 1941 (7 U.S.C. 1330, 1340), shall not be applicable to 
the crops of wheat planted for harvest in the calendar years 2013 
through 2017.

SEC. 1603. PAYMENT LIMITATIONS.

  (a) In General.--Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
U.S.C. 1308) is amended by striking subsections (b) and (c) and 
inserting the following:
  ``(b) Limitation on Payments for Covered Commodities (other Than 
Peanuts).--The total amount of payments received, directly or 
indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or 
general partnership) for any crop year under subtitle A of title I of 
the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 for 1 or 
more covered commodities (other than peanuts) may not exceed $125,000.
  ``(c) Limitation on Payments for Peanuts.--The total amount of 
payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity 
(except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under 
subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
Management Act of 2012 for peanuts may not exceed $125,000.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--
          (1) Section 1001(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
        U.S.C. 1308(f)) is amended by striking ``or title XII'' each 
        place it appears in paragraphs (5)(A) and (6)(A) and inserting 
        ``, title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
        Management Act of 2012, or title XII''.
          (2) Section 1001C(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
        U.S.C. 1308-3(a)) is amended by inserting ``title I of the 
        Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012,'' 
        after ``2008,''.
  (c) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall apply 
beginning with the 2013 crop year.

SEC. 1604. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.

  (a) Limitations and Covered Benefits.--Section 1001D(b) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended--
          (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Limitations'' 
        and inserting ``Limitations on Commodity and Conservation 
        Programs'';
          (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the 
        following new paragraphs:
          ``(1) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive 
        any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, 
        or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross 
        income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000.
          ``(2) Covered benefits.--Paragraph (1) applies with respect 
        to a payment or benefit under section 1107, subtitle B or E of 
        title I, or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
        Management Act of 2012, title II of the Farm Security and Rural 
        Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and 
        Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, 
        section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
        1524(b)), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement 
        and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333).''.
  (b) Elimination of Unused Definitions.--Paragraph (1) of section 
1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(a)) is 
amended to read as follows:
          ``(1) Average adjusted gross income.--In this section, the 
        term `average adjusted gross income', with respect to a person 
        or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income 
        or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 
        taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete 
        taxable year, as determined by the Secretary.''.
  (c) Income Determination.--Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is amended--
          (1) by striking subsection (c); and
          (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as 
        subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.
  (d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
                  (A) by striking ``subparagraph (A) or (B) of''; and
                  (B) by striking ``, the average adjusted gross farm 
                income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm 
                income'';
          (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``, average adjusted 
        gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income'' 
        both places it appears;
          (3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) 
        of this section)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, average 
                adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross 
                nonfarm income'' both places it appears; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``paragraphs (1)(C) 
                and (2)(B) of subsection (b)'' and inserting 
                ``subsection (b)(2)''; and
          (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) 
        of this section)--
                  (A) by striking ``paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of 
                subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(2)''; 
                and
                  (B) by striking ``, average adjusted gross farm 
                income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income''.
  (e) Effective Period.--Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a), as redesignated by subsection 
(c)(2) of this section, is amended by striking ``2009 through 2012'' 
and inserting ``2013 through 2017''.
  (f) Limitation on Applicability.--Section 1001(d) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) is amended by inserting before the 
period at the end the following: ``or title I of the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012''.
  (g) Transition.--Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
U.S.C. 1308-3a), as in effect on the day before the date of the 
enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2012 crop, 
fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in 
paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so 
in effect on that day).

SEC. 1605. GEOGRAPHICALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

  Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8792(d)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 1606. PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PRODUCERS FOR DEFICIENCIES.

  Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 
1996 (7 U.S.C. 7284) is amended by striking ``and title I of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform 
and Risk Management Act of 2012''.

SEC. 1607. PREVENTION OF DECEASED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING PAYMENTS UNDER 
                    FARM COMMODITY PROGRAMS.

  (a) Reconciliation.--At least twice each year, the Secretary shall 
reconcile social security numbers of all individuals who receive 
payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the 
Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are 
alive.
  (b) Preclusion.--The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of 
payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not 
eligible for payments.

SEC. 1608. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

  (a) Missing Punctuation.--Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural 
Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B)) is amended by adding 
a period at the end.
  (b) Erroneous Cross Reference.--
          (1) Amendment.--Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1739) is 
        amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made 
        by those paragraphs by striking ``1703(a)'' each place it 
        appears and inserting ``1603(a)''.
          (2) Effective date.--This subsection and the amendments made 
        by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, 
        Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 
        Stat. 1651).
  (c) Continued Applicability of Appropriations General Provision.--
Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108-7 (7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 
Stat. 48) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) by striking ``sections 1101 and 1102 of Public 
                Law 107-171'' and inserting ``subtitle A of title I of 
                the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act 
                of 2012''; and
                  (B) by striking ``such section 1102'' and inserting 
                ``such subtitle''; and
          (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012, shall take effect 
beginning with the 2013 crop year.''.

SEC. 1609. ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS.

  (a) In General.--The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil 
Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(g)), relating 
to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this 
title.
  (b) Notice.--The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, 
shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the 
Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section.

SEC. 1610. TRACKING OF BENEFITS.

  As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to 
individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made 
by those titles.

SEC. 1611. SIGNATURE AUTHORITY.

  (a) In General.--In carrying out this title and title II and 
amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, 
the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is 
inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person 
signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other 
individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the 
documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the 
person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified 
the evidence of signature authority or a signature.
  (b) Affirmation.--
          (1) In general.--Nothing in this section prohibits the 
        Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document 
        that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection 
        (a).
          (2) No retroactive effect.--A denial of benefits based on a 
        lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be 
        retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not 
        the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if 
        the third-party producers--
                  (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of 
                the documents in good faith; and
                  (B) substantively complied with all program 
                requirements.

SEC. 1612. IMPLEMENTATION.

  (a) Streamlining.--In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, 
to the maximum extent practicable--
          (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to 
        producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and 
        other administrative requirements;
          (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and 
        administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the 
        Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
          (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency 
        and effectiveness of program delivery to producers.
  (b) Maintenance of Base Acres and Payment Yields.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain through 
        September 30, 2017, for each covered commodity and upland 
        cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established 
        under--
                  (A)(i) in the case of covered commodities and upland 
                cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and 
                Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911, 7912); and
                  (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act 
                (7 U.S.C. 7952); and
                  (B)(i) in the case of covered commodities and upland 
                cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, 
                Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 
                8712); and
                  (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act 
                (7 U.S.C. 8752).
          (2)  Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain 
                separate base acres for long grain rice and medium 
                grain rice.
                  (B) Limitation.--In carrying out this paragraph, the 
                Secretary shall use the same total base acres and 
                payment yields established with respect to rice under 
                sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
                of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8718), as in effect on the day before 
                the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any 
                adjustment under section 1105.
  (c) Implementation.--The Secretary shall make available to the Farm 
Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000.

                         TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program

SEC. 2001. EXTENSION AND ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS OF CONSERVATION 
                    RESERVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Extension.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
  (b) Eligible Land.--Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``the date of enactment 
        of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and 
        inserting ``the date of the enactment of the Federal 
        Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012'';
          (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) 
        as paragraph (2);
          (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(3) grasslands that--
                  ``(A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved 
                rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the 
                predominant use;
                  ``(B) are located in an area historically dominated 
                by grasslands; and
                  ``(C) could provide habitat for animal and plant 
                populations of significant ecological value if the land 
                is retained in its current use or restored to a natural 
                condition;'';
          (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking ``filterstrips devoted 
        to trees or shrubs'' and inserting ``filterstrips or riparian 
        buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses''; and
          (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the 
        conservation reserve in a case in which--
                  ``(A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field 
                is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 
                percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a 
                conservation practice other than as a buffer or 
                filterstrip; and
                  ``(B) the remainder of the field is--
                          ``(i) infeasible to farm; and
                          ``(ii) enrolled at regular rental rates.''.
  (c) Planting Status of Certain Land.--Section 1231(c) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(c)) is amended by striking ``if'' 
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``if, 
during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use.''.
  (d) Enrollment.--Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(d) Enrollment.--
          ``(1) Maximum acreage enrolled.--The Secretary may maintain 
        in the conservation reserve at any one time during--
                  ``(A) fiscal year 2012, no more than 32,000,000 
                acres;
                  ``(B) fiscal year 2013, no more than 29,000,000 
                acres;
                  ``(C) fiscal year 2014, no more than 26,000,000 
                acres;
                  ``(D) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 
                acres;
                  ``(E) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,500,000 
                acres; and
                  ``(F) fiscal year 2017, no more than 25,000,000 
                acres.
          ``(2) Grasslands.--
                  ``(A) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the 
                limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 
                acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be 
                enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2013 
                through 2017 fiscal years.
                  ``(B) Priority.--In enrolling acres under 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to 
                land with expiring conservation reserve program 
                contracts.
                  ``(C) Method of enrollment.--In enrolling acres under 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program 
                available to owners or operators of eligible land on a 
                continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking 
                periods.''.
  (e) Duration of Contract.--Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(e)) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and 
(3) and inserting the following new paragraph:
          ``(2) Special rule for certain land.--In the case of land 
        devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or 
        wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this 
        subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the 
        limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the 
        duration of the contract.''.
  (f) Conservation Priority Areas.--Section 1231(f) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(f)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``watershed areas of the 
        Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island 
        Sound Region, and other'';
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``watersheds.--Watersheds'' 
        and inserting ``areas.--Areas''; and
          (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``a watershed's 
        designation--'' and all that follows through the period at the 
        end and inserting ``an area's designation if the Secretary 
        finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant 
        adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to 
        agricultural production activities.''.

SEC. 2002. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

  (a) Extension.--Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''; and
          (2) by striking ``a program'' and inserting ``a farmable 
        wetland program''.
  (b) Eligible Acreage.--Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``flow 
from a row crop agriculture drainage system'' and inserting ``surface 
and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production''.
  (c) Acreage Limitation.--Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B)) is amended by striking 
``1,000,000'' and inserting ``750,000''.
  (d) Clerical Amendment.--The heading of section 1231B of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b) is amended to read as follows: 
``farmable wetland program''.

SEC. 2003. DUTIES OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

  (a) Limitation on Harvesting, Grazing, or Commercial Use of Forage.--
Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3832(a)(8)) is amended by striking ``except that'' and all that follows 
through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting 
``except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233;''.
  (b) Conservation Plan Requirements.--Subsection (b) of section 1232 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832) is amended to read as 
follows:
  ``(b) Conservation Plans.--The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) 
shall set forth--
          ``(1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried 
        out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; 
        and
          ``(2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land 
        during the term.''.
  (c) Rental Payment Reduction.--Section 1232 of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832) is amended by striking subsection (d).

SEC. 2004. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833) is 
amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 1233. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  ``(a) Cost-share and Rental Payments.--In return for a contract 
entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve 
program, the Secretary shall--
          ``(1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation 
        measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the 
        Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in 
        the public interest; and
          ``(2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the 
        contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary 
        to compensate for--
                  ``(A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or 
                other eligible lands normally devoted to the production 
                of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a 
                less intensive use;
                  ``(B) the retirement of any base history that the 
                owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and
                  ``(C) the development and management of grasslands 
                for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, 
                including to soil, water, air, and wildlife.
  ``(b) Specified Activities Permitted.--The Secretary shall permit 
certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a 
contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is 
consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary, as follows:
          ``(1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the 
        forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a 
        natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate.
          ``(2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water 
        quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting 
        seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction 
        of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the 
        acres covered by the authorized activity--
                  ``(A) managed harvesting and other commercial use 
                (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except 
                that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, 
                in coordination with the State technical committee--
                          ``(i) shall develop appropriate vegetation 
                        management requirements; and
                          ``(ii) shall identify periods during which 
                        managed harvesting may be conducted, such that 
                        the frequency is not more than once every three 
                        years;
                  ``(B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the 
                control of invasive species, except that in permitting 
                such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the 
                Secretary, in coordination with the State technical 
                committee--
                          ``(i) shall develop appropriate vegetation 
                        management requirements and stocking rates for 
                        the land that are suitable for continued 
                        routine grazing; and
                          ``(ii) shall identify the periods during 
                        which routine grazing may be conducted, such 
                        that the frequency is not more than once every 
                        two years, taking into consideration regional 
                        differences such as--
                                  ``(I) climate, soil type, and natural 
                                resources;
                                  ``(II) the number of years that 
                                should be required between routine 
                                grazing activities; and
                                  ``(III) how often during a year in 
                                which routine grazing is permitted that 
                                routine grazing should be allowed to 
                                occur; and
                  ``(C) the installation of wind turbines and 
                associated access, except that in permitting the 
                installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall 
                determine the number and location of wind turbines that 
                may be installed, taking into account--
                          ``(i) the location, size, and other physical 
                        characteristics of the land;
                          ``(ii) the extent to which the land contains 
                        wildlife and wildlife habitat; and
                          ``(iii) the purposes of the conservation 
                        reserve program under this subchapter.
          ``(3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer 
        practices incidental to agricultural production on lands 
        adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not 
        destroy the permanent vegetative cover.
  ``(c) Authorized Activities on Grasslands.--For eligible land 
described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the 
following activities:
          ``(1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and 
        necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is 
        consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, 
        and shrub species appropriate to that locality.
          ``(2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, 
        subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season 
        for critical bird species in the area.
          ``(3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and 
        construction of fire breaks.
          ``(4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and 
        livestock watering.
  ``(d) Resource Conserving Use.--
          ``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year 
        before the date of termination of a contract under the program, 
        the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make 
        conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining 
        protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract.
          ``(2) Conservation plan.--The Secretary shall require an 
        owner or operator carrying out the activities described in 
        paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan.
          ``(3) Re-enrollment prohibited.--Land improved under 
        paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation 
        reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of 
        the contract.''.

SEC. 2005. PAYMENTS.

  (a) Trees, Windbreaks, Shelterbelts, and Wildlife Corridors.--Section 
1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3834(b)(3)(A)) is amended--
          (1) in clause (i), by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon;
          (2) by striking clause (ii); and
          (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).
  (b) Annual Rental Payments.--Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(c)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or other eligible 
        lands'' after ``highly erodible cropland'' both places it 
        appears; and
          (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(2) Methods of determination.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The amounts payable to owners or 
                operators in the form of rental payments under 
                contracts entered into under this subchapter may be 
                determined through--
                          ``(i) the submission of bids for such 
                        contracts by owners and operators in such 
                        manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or
                          ``(ii) such other means as the Secretary 
                        determines are appropriate.
                  ``(B) Grasslands.--In the case of eligible land 
                described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall 
                make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 
                75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by 
                the contract.''.
  (c) Payment Schedule.--Subsection (d) of section 1234 of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(d) Payment Schedule.--
          ``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
        section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash 
        in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and 
        specified in the contract.
          ``(2) Advance payment.--Payments under this subchapter may be 
        made in advance of determination of performance.''.
  (d) Payment Limitation.--Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(f)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, including rental 
        payments made in the form of in-kind commodities,'';
          (2) by striking paragraph (3); and
          (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).

SEC. 2006. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.

  (a) Early Termination by Owner or Operator.--Section 1235(e) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(e)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
                  (A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting 
                ``During fiscal year 2013, the Secretary''; and
                  (B) by striking ``before January 1, 1995,'';
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and 
        inserting the following:
                  ``(C) Land devoted to hardwood trees.
                  ``(D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, 
                pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, 
                wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife 
                enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare 
                and declining habitat.
                  ``(E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland.
                  ``(F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control 
                structures, flood control structures, contour grass 
                strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing 
                vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment 
                retention structures.
                  ``(G) Land located within a federally-designated 
                wellhead protection area.
                  ``(H) Land that is covered by an easement under the 
                conservation reserve program.
                  ``(I) Land located within an average width, according 
                to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation 
                Service field office technical guide, of a perennial 
                stream or permanent water body.''; and
          (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``60 days after the date on 
        which the owner or operator submits the notice required under 
        paragraph (1)(C)'' and inserting ``upon approval by the 
        Secretary''.
  (b) Transition Option for Certain Farmers or Ranchers.--Section 
1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(f)) is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)--
                  (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``Duties'' and all that follows through ``a 
                beginning farmer'' and inserting ``Transition to 
                covered farmer or rancher.--In the case of a contract 
                modification approved in order to facilitate the 
                transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired 
                farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting ``, 
                including preparing to plant an agricultural crop'' 
                after ``improvements'';
                  (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``the farmer or 
                rancher'' and inserting ``the covered farmer or 
                rancher''; and
                  (D) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``section 
                1001A(b)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 1001''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``requirement of section 
        1231(h)(4)(B)'' and inserting ``option pursuant to section 
        1234(c)(2)(A)(ii)''.
  (c) Final Year Contract.--Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsections:
  ``(g) Final Year of Contract.--The Secretary shall not consider an 
owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the 
conservation reserve contract if--
          ``(1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, 
        the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; 
        and
          ``(2) the activity required under the conservation 
        stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent 
        with this subchapter.
  ``(h) Land Enrolled in Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.--
The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under 
this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is 
transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under 
subtitle H.''.

SEC. 2007. CONVERSION OF LAND SUBJECT TO CONTRACT TO OTHER CONSERVING 
                    USES.

  Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835a) is 
repealed.

SEC. 2008. EFFECTIVE DATE.

  (a) In General.--The amendments made by this subtitle shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012, except the amendment made by section 
2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this 
Act.
  (b) Effect on Existing Contracts.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
        amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity 
        or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of 
        Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of 
        title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et 
        seq.) before October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be 
        made in connection with the contract.
          (2) Updating of existing contracts.--The Secretary shall 
        permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract 
        entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of 
        title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et 
        seq.) before October 1, 2012, to update the contract to reflect 
        the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under 
        the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as 
        amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the 
        Secretary.

              Subtitle B--Conservation Stewardship Program

SEC. 2101. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

  (a) Revision of Current Program.--Subchapter B of chapter 2 of 
subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3838d et seq.) is amended to read as follows:

            ``Subchapter B--Conservation Stewardship Program

``SEC. 1238D. DEFINITIONS.

  ``In this subchapter:
          ``(1) Agricultural operation.--The term `agricultural 
        operation' means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, 
        that is--
                  ``(A) under the effective control of a producer at 
                the time the producer enters into a contract under the 
                program; and
                  ``(B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and 
                production or cultivation practices that are 
                substantially separate from other agricultural 
                operations, as determined by the Secretary.
          ``(2) Conservation activities.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The term `conservation activities' 
                means conservation systems, practices, or management 
                measures.
                  ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `conservation activities' 
                includes--
                          ``(i) structural measures, vegetative 
                        measures, and land management measures, 
                        including agriculture drainage management 
                        systems, as determined by the Secretary; and
                          ``(ii) planning needed to address a priority 
                        resource concern.
          ``(3) Conservation stewardship plan.--The term `conservation 
        stewardship plan' means a plan that--
                  ``(A) identifies and inventories priority resource 
                concerns;
                  ``(B) establishes benchmark data and conservation 
                objectives;
                  ``(C) describes conservation activities to be 
                implemented, managed, or improved; and
                  ``(D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the 
                planning, installation, and management of the new and 
                existing conservation activities.
          ``(4) Eligible land.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible land' means--
                          ``(i) private or tribal land on which 
                        agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-
                        related products are produced; and
                          ``(ii) lands associated with the land 
                        described in clause (i) on which priority 
                        resource concerns could be addressed through a 
                        contract under the program.
                  ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `eligible land' 
                includes--
                          ``(i) cropland;
                          ``(ii) grassland;
                          ``(iii) rangeland;
                          ``(iv) pasture land;
                          ``(v) nonindustrial private forest land; and
                          ``(vi) other agricultural areas (including 
                        cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural 
                        land used or capable of being used for the 
                        production of livestock), as determined by the 
                        Secretary.
          ``(5) Priority resource concern.--The term `priority resource 
        concern' means a natural resource concern or problem, as 
        determined by the Secretary, that--
                  ``(A) is identified at the national, State, or local 
                level as a priority for a particular area of a State;
                  ``(B) represents a significant concern in a State or 
                region; and
                  ``(C) is likely to be addressed successfully through 
                the implementation of conservation activities under 
                this program.
          ``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the conservation 
        stewardship program established by this subchapter.
          ``(7) Stewardship threshold.--The term `stewardship 
        threshold' means the level of management required, as 
        determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the 
        quality and condition of a natural resource.

``SEC. 1238E. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

  ``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--During each of fiscal years 2013 
through 2017, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship 
program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in 
a comprehensive manner--
          ``(1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and
          ``(2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing 
        conservation activities.
  ``(b) Exclusions.--
          ``(1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs.--Subject 
        to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the 
        definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in 
        the program:
                  ``(A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve 
                program, unless--
                          ``(i) the conservation reserve contract will 
                        expire at the end of the fiscal year in which 
                        the land is to be enrolled in the program; and
                          ``(ii) conservation reserve program payments 
                        for land enrolled in the program cease before 
                        the first program payment is made to the 
                        applicant under this subchapter.
                  ``(B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the 
                agricultural conservation easement program.
                  ``(C) Land enrolled in the conservation security 
                program.
          ``(2) Conversion to cropland.--Eligible land used for crop 
        production after October 1, 2012, that had not been planted, 
        considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at 
        least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the 
        basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does 
        not meet the requirement because--
                  ``(A) the land had previously been enrolled in the 
                conservation reserve program;
                  ``(B) the land has been maintained using long-term 
                crop rotation practices, as determined by the 
                Secretary; or
                  ``(C) the land is incidental land needed for 
                efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined 
                by the Secretary.

``SEC. 1238F. STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS.

  ``(a) Submission of Contract Offers.--To be eligible to participate 
in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the 
Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that--
          ``(1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that 
        the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or 
        exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority 
        resource concerns; and
          ``(2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship 
        threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern 
        by the end of the stewardship contract by--
                  ``(A) installing and adopting additional conservation 
                activities; and
                  ``(B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing 
                conservation activities across the entire agricultural 
                operation in a manner that increases or extends the 
                conservation benefits in place at the time the contract 
                offer is accepted by the Secretary.
  ``(b) Evaluation of Contract Offers.--
          ``(1) Ranking of applications.--In evaluating contract offers 
        submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank 
        applications based on--
                  ``(A) the level of conservation treatment on all 
                applicable priority resource concerns at the time of 
                application;
                  ``(B) the degree to which the proposed conservation 
                activities effectively increase conservation 
                performance;
                  ``(C) the number of applicable priority resource 
                concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the 
                stewardship threshold by the end of the contract;
                  ``(D) the extent to which other priority resource 
                concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the 
                stewardship threshold by the end of the contract 
                period;
                  ``(E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated 
                conservation benefits from the contract are provided at 
                the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial 
                contract offers; and
                  ``(F) the extent to which priority resource concerns 
                will be addressed when transitioning from the 
                conservation reserve program to agricultural 
                production.
          ``(2) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not assign a higher 
        priority to any application because the applicant is willing to 
        accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be 
        eligible to receive.
          ``(3) Additional criteria.--The Secretary may develop and use 
        such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are 
        necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority 
        resource concerns are effectively addressed.
  ``(c) Entering Into Contracts.--After a determination that a producer 
is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination 
that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation 
criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a 
conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the 
eligible land to be covered by the contract.
  ``(d) Contract Provisions.--
          ``(1) Term.--A conservation stewardship contract shall be for 
        a term of 5 years.
          ``(2) Required provisions.--The conservation stewardship 
        contract of a producer shall--
                  ``(A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary 
                agrees to make to the producer for each year of the 
                conservation stewardship contract under section 
                1238G(d);
                  ``(B) require the producer--
                          ``(i) to implement a conservation stewardship 
                        plan that describes the program purposes to be 
                        achieved through 1 or more conservation 
                        activities;
                          ``(ii) to maintain and supply information as 
                        required by the Secretary to determine 
                        compliance with the conservation stewardship 
                        plan and any other requirements of the program; 
                        and
                          ``(iii) not to conduct any activities on the 
                        agricultural operation that would tend to 
                        defeat the purposes of the program;
                  ``(C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land 
                that--
                          ``(i) maintain the agricultural nature of the 
                        land; and
                          ``(ii) are consistent with the conservation 
                        purposes of the conservation stewardship 
                        contract;
                  ``(D) include a provision to ensure that a producer 
                shall not be considered in violation of the contract 
                for failure to comply with the contract due to 
                circumstances beyond the control of the producer, 
                including a disaster or related condition, as 
                determined by the Secretary;
                  ``(E) include provisions requiring that upon the 
                violation of a term or condition of the contract at any 
                time the producer has control of the land--
                          ``(i) if the Secretary determines that the 
                        violation warrants termination of the 
                        contract--
                                  ``(I) the producer shall forfeit all 
                                rights to receive payments under the 
                                contract; and
                                  ``(II) the producer shall refund all 
                                or a portion of the payments received 
                                by the producer under the contract, 
                                including any interest on the payments, 
                                as determined by the Secretary; or
                          ``(ii) if the Secretary determines that the 
                        violation does not warrant termination of the 
                        contract, the producer shall refund or accept 
                        adjustments to the payments provided to the 
                        producer, as the Secretary determines to be 
                        appropriate;
                  ``(F) include provisions in accordance with 
                paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and
                  ``(G) include any additional provisions the Secretary 
                determines are necessary to carry out the program.
          ``(3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract.--
                  ``(A) In general.--At the time of application, a 
                producer shall have control of the eligible land to be 
                enrolled in the program. Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a 
                producer in eligible land covered by a contract under 
                the program shall result in the termination of the 
                contract with regard to that land.
                  ``(B) Transfer of duties and rights.--Subparagraph 
                (A) shall not apply if--
                          ``(i) within a reasonable period of time (as 
                        determined by the Secretary) after the date of 
                        the change in the interest in eligible land 
                        covered by a contract under the program, the 
                        transferee of the land provides written notice 
                        to the Secretary that all duties and rights 
                        under the contract have been transferred to, 
                        and assumed by, the transferee for the portion 
                        of the land transferred;
                          ``(ii) the transferee meets the eligibility 
                        requirements of the program; and
                          ``(iii) the Secretary approves the transfer 
                        of all duties and rights under the contract.
          ``(4) Modification and termination of contracts.--
                  ``(A) Voluntary modification or termination.--The 
                Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a 
                producer if--
                          ``(i) the producer agrees to the modification 
                        or termination; and
                          ``(ii) the Secretary determines that the 
                        modification or termination is in the public 
                        interest.
                  ``(B) Involuntary termination.--The Secretary may 
                terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that 
                the producer violated the contract.
          ``(5) Repayment.--If a contract is terminated, the Secretary 
        may, consistent with the purposes of the program--
                  ``(A) allow the producer to retain payments already 
                received under the contract; or
                  ``(B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of 
                payments received and assess liquidated damages.
  ``(e) Contract Renewal.--At the end of the initial 5-year contract 
period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 
1 additional 5-year period if the producer--
          ``(1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial 
        contract;
          ``(2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation 
        activities across the entire agricultural operation, as 
        determined by the Secretary; and
          ``(3) agrees, by the end of the contract period--
                  ``(A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least 
                two additional priority resource concerns on the 
                agricultural operation; or
                  ``(B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of two 
                existing priority resource concerns that are specified 
                by the Secretary in the initial contract.

``SEC. 1238G. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  ``(a) In General.--To achieve the conservation goals of a contract 
under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall--
          ``(1) make the program available to eligible producers on a 
        continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, one 
        of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year;
          ``(2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in 
        a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area 
        within a State; and
          ``(3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for 
        each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2).
  ``(b) Allocation to States.--The Secretary shall allocate acres to 
States for enrollment, based--
          ``(1) primarily on each State's proportion of eligible land 
        to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and
          ``(2) also on consideration of--
                  ``(A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation 
                needs associated with agricultural production in each 
                State;
                  ``(B) the degree to which implementation of the 
                program in the State is, or will be, effective in 
                helping producers address those needs; and
                  ``(C) other considerations to achieve equitable 
                geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
  ``(c) Acreage Enrollment Limitation.--During the period beginning on 
October 1, 2012, and ending on September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall, 
to the maximum extent practicable--
          ``(1) enroll in the program an additional 9,000,000 acres for 
        each fiscal year; and
          ``(2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate 
        of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial 
        assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses 
        associated with enrollment or participation in the program.
  ``(d) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--
          ``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall provide 
        annual payments under the program to compensate the producer 
        for--
                  ``(A) installing and adopting additional conservation 
                activities; and
                  ``(B) improving, maintaining, and managing 
                conservation activities in place at the agricultural 
                operation of the producer at the time the contract 
                offer is accepted by the Secretary.
          ``(2) Payment amount.--The amount of the conservation 
        stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary 
        and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following 
        factors:
                  ``(A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with 
                planning, design, materials, installation, labor, 
                management, maintenance, or training.
                  ``(B) Income forgone by the producer.
                  ``(C) Expected conservation benefits.
                  ``(D) The extent to which priority resource concerns 
                will be addressed through the installation and adoption 
                of conservation activities on the agricultural 
                operation.
                  ``(E) The level of stewardship in place at the time 
                of application and maintained over the term of the 
                contract.
                  ``(F) The degree to which the conservation activities 
                will be integrated across the entire agricultural 
                operation for all applicable priority resource concerns 
                over the term of the contract.
                  ``(G) Such other factors as determined appropriate by 
                the Secretary.
          ``(3) Exclusions.--A payment to a producer under this 
        subsection shall not be provided for--
                  ``(A) the design, construction, or maintenance of 
                animal waste storage or treatment facilities or 
                associated waste transport or transfer devices for 
                animal feeding operations; or
                  ``(B) conservation activities for which there is no 
                cost incurred or income forgone to the producer.
          ``(4) Delivery of payments.--In making payments under this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable--
                  ``(A) prorate conservation performance over the term 
                of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent 
                practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in 
                each fiscal year; and
                  ``(B) make payments as soon as practicable after 
                October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried 
                out in the previous fiscal year.
  ``(e) Supplemental Payments for Resource-conserving Crop Rotations.--
          ``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall provide 
        additional payments to producers that, in participating in the 
        program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop 
        rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate 
        for the eligible land of the producers.
          ``(2) Beneficial crop rotations.--The Secretary shall 
        determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a 
        beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under 
        paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop 
        rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation 
        and production benefits.
          ``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a payment 
        described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and 
        maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the 
        term of the contract.
          ``(4) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--In this subsection, 
        the term `resource-conserving crop rotation' means a crop 
        rotation that--
                  ``(A) includes at least 1 resource conserving crop 
                (as defined by the Secretary);
                  ``(B) reduces erosion;
                  ``(C) improves soil fertility and tilth;
                  ``(D) interrupts pest cycles; and
                  ``(E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil 
                moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation.
  ``(f) Payment Limitations.--A person or legal entity may not receive, 
directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the 
aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during 
fiscal years 2013 through 2017, excluding funding arrangements with 
Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under 
the program by the person or legal entity.
  ``(g) Specialty Crop and Organic Producers.--The Secretary shall 
ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and 
program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and 
organic producers to participate in the program.
  ``(h) Coordination With Organic Certification.--The Secretary shall 
establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic 
certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
6501 et seq.) while participating in a contract under the program.
  ``(i) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that--
          ``(1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines 
        to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of 
        the limitations established under subsection (f); and
          ``(2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the 
        program.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.
  (c) Effect on Existing Contracts.--
          (1) In general.--The amendment made by this section shall not 
        affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by 
        the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of 
        subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
        U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) before October 1, 2012, or any payments 
        required to be made in connection with the contract.
          (2) Conservation stewardship program.--Funds made available 
        under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
        U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this 
        title) may be used to administer and make payments to program 
        participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal 
        years 2009 through 2012.

          Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

SEC. 2201. PURPOSES.

  Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa) is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (3)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                  (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph 
                (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting ``and'' 
                after the semicolon; and
                  (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following 
                new subparagraph:
                  ``(B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; 
                and'';
          (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        period; and
          (3) by striking paragraph (5).

SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

  Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2) 
is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2014'' and inserting 
        ``2017'';
          (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and 
        inserting the following new paragraph:
          ``(2) Term.--A contract under the program shall have a term 
        that does not exceed 10 years.'';
          (3) in subsection (d)(4)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding 
                clause (i), by inserting ``, veteran farmer or rancher 
                (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, 
                Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
                U.S.C. 2279(e))),'' before ``or a beginning farmer or 
                rancher''; and
                  (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
                following new subparagraph:
                  ``(B) Advance payments.--
                          ``(i) In general.--Not more than 50 percent 
                        of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) 
                        may be provided in advance for the purpose of 
                        purchasing materials or contracting.
                          ``(ii) Return of funds.--If funds provided in 
                        advance are not expended during the 90-day 
                        period beginning on the date of receipt of the 
                        funds, the funds shall be returned within a 
                        reasonable time frame, as determined by the 
                        Secretary.'';
          (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(f) Allocation of Funding.--
          ``(1) Livestock.--For each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017, 
        at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments 
        under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to 
        livestock production.
          ``(2) Wildlife habitat.--For each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017, 5 percent of the funds made available for 
        payments under the program shall be targeted at practices 
        benefitting wildlife habitat.'';
          (5) in subsection (g)--
                  (A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
                ``Federally Recognized Native American Indian Tribes 
                and Alaska Native Corporations'' and inserting ``Indian 
                Tribes'';
                  (B) by striking ``federally recognized Native 
                American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations 
                (including their affiliated membership organizations)'' 
                and inserting ``Indian tribes''; and
                  (C) by striking ``or Native Corporation''; and
          (6) by adding at the end the following:
  ``(j) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Practice.--The Secretary shall 
provide payments under the program for conservation practices that 
support the restoration, development, and improvement of wildlife 
habitat on eligible land, including--
          ``(1) upland wildlife habitat;
          ``(2) wetland wildlife habitat;
          ``(3) habitat for threatened and endangered species;
          ``(4) fish habitat;
          ``(5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a 
        field; and
          ``(6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined 
        appropriate by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 2203. EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS.

  Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
3(b)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``environmental'' and 
        inserting ``conservation''; and
          (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``purpose of the 
        environmental quality incentives program specified in section 
        1240(1)'' and inserting ``purposes of the program''.

SEC. 2204. DUTIES OF PRODUCERS.

  Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
4(2)) is amended by striking ``farm, ranch, or forest'' and inserting 
``enrolled''.

SEC. 2205. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

  Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7) 
is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 1240G. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

  ``A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, 
cost share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, 
exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by 
the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2013 
through 2017, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under 
this chapter by the person or legal entity.''.

SEC. 2206. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

  Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8) 
is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and 
                inserting a semicolon;
                  (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and 
                inserting a semicolon; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraphs:
                  ``(E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and 
                demonstration activities; and
                  ``(F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or 
                innovative conservation practices.''; and
          (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2013, and every two 
years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of 
projects funded under this section, including--
          ``(1) funding awarded;
          ``(2) project results; and
          ``(3) incorporation of project findings, such as new 
        technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation 
        efforts implemented by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 2207. EFFECTIVE DATE.

  (a) In General.--The amendments made by this subtitle shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.
  (b) Effect on Existing Contracts.--The amendments made by this 
subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered 
into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of 
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) 
before October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
connection with the contract.

         Subtitle D--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

SEC. 2301. AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.

  (a) Establishment.--Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:

        ``Subtitle H--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

``SEC. 1265. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

  ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an agricultural 
conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and 
natural resources through easements or other interests in land.
  ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are to--
          ``(1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of 
        the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, 
        the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, 
        and the farmland protection program established under section 
        1238I, as such sections were in effect on September 30, 2012;
          ``(2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible 
        land;
          ``(3) protect the agricultural use and related conservation 
        values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of 
        that land; and
          ``(4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by 
        restoring and conserving eligible land.

``SEC. 1265A. DEFINITIONS.

  ``In this subtitle:
          ``(1) Agricultural land easement.--The term `agricultural 
        land easement' means an easement or other interest in eligible 
        land that--
                  ``(A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting 
                natural resources and the agricultural nature of the 
                land; and
                  ``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue 
                agricultural production and related uses subject to an 
                agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the 
                Secretary.
          ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
                  ``(A) an agency of State or local government or an 
                Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or 
                land resource council established under State law); or
                  ``(B) an organization that is--
                          ``(i) organized for, and at all times since 
                        the formation of the organization has been 
                        operated principally for, 1 or more of the 
                        conservation purposes specified in clause (i), 
                        (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of 
                        the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
                          ``(ii) an organization described in section 
                        501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt from 
                        taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; or
                          ``(iii) described in--
                                  ``(I) paragraph (1) or (2) of section 
                                509(a) of that Code; or
                                  ``(II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code 
                                and is controlled by an organization 
                                described in section 509(a)(2) of that 
                                Code.
          ``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means private 
        or tribal land that is--
                  ``(A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, 
                agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch--
                          ``(i) that is subject to a pending offer for 
                        purchase of an agricultural land easement from 
                        an eligible entity;
                          ``(ii) that--
                                  ``(I) has prime, unique, or other 
                                productive soil;
                                  ``(II) contains historical or 
                                archaeological resources; or
                                  ``(III) the protection of which will 
                                further a State or local policy 
                                consistent with the purposes of the 
                                program; and
                          ``(iii) that is--
                                  ``(I) cropland;
                                  ``(II) rangeland;
                                  ``(III) grassland or land that 
                                contains forbs, or shrubland for which 
                                grazing is the predominate use;
                                  ``(IV) pastureland; or
                                  ``(V) nonindustrial private forest 
                                land that contributes to the economic 
                                viability of an offered parcel or 
                                serves as a buffer to protect such land 
                                from development;
                  ``(B) in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or 
                related area, including--
                          ``(i) farmed or converted wetlands, together 
                        with adjacent land that is functionally 
                        dependent on that land, if the Secretary 
                        determines it--
                                  ``(I) is likely to be successfully 
                                restored in a cost effective manner; 
                                and
                                  ``(II) will maximize the wildlife 
                                benefits and wetland functions and 
                                values, as determined by the Secretary 
                                in consultation with the Secretary of 
                                the Interior at the local level;
                          ``(ii) cropland or grassland that was used 
                        for agricultural production prior to flooding 
                        from the natural overflow of--
                                  ``(I) a closed basin lake and 
                                adjacent land that is functionally 
                                dependent upon it, if the State or 
                                other entity is willing to provide 50 
                                percent share of the cost of an 
                                easement;
                                  ``(II) a pothole and adjacent land 
                                that is functionally dependent on it;
                          ``(iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands 
                        that--
                                  ``(I) are enrolled in the 
                                conservation reserve program;
                                  ``(II) have the highest wetland 
                                functions and values, as determined by 
                                the Secretary; and
                                  ``(III) are likely to return to 
                                production after they leave the 
                                conservation reserve program;
                          ``(iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that 
                        are protected by easements or some other device 
                        that achieves the same purpose as an easement; 
                        or
                          ``(v) other wetlands of an owner that would 
                        not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary 
                        determines that the inclusion of such wetlands 
                        in a wetland easement would significantly add 
                        to the functional value of the easement; or
                  ``(C) in the case of either an agricultural land 
                easement or wetland easement, other land that is 
                incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or 
                (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary 
                for the efficient administration of the easements under 
                this program.
          ``(4) Program.--The term `program' means the agricultural 
        conservation easement program established by this subtitle.
          ``(5) Wetland easement.--The term `wetland easement' means a 
        reserved interest in eligible land that--
                  ``(A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and
                  ``(B) stipulates--
                          ``(i) the rights, title, and interests in 
                        land conveyed to the Secretary; and
                          ``(ii) the rights, title, and interests in 
                        land that are reserved to the landowner.

``SEC. 1265B. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.

  ``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall facilitate and 
provide funding for--
          ``(1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land 
        easements and other interests in eligible land; and
          ``(2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of 
        natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement 
        plan.
  ``(b) Cost-share Assistance.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect the 
        agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation 
        values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to 
        eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements.
          ``(2) Scope of assistance available.--
                  ``(A) Federal share.--An agreement described in 
                paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share 
                determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 
                50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural 
                land easement or other interest in land, as determined 
                by the Secretary using--
                          ``(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional 
                        Appraisal Practice;
                          ``(ii) an area-wide market analysis or 
                        survey; or
                          ``(iii) another industry-approved method.
                  ``(B) Non-federal share.--
                          ``(i) In general.--Under the agreement, the 
                        eligible entity shall provide a share that is 
                        at least equivalent to that provided by the 
                        Secretary.
                          ``(ii) Source of contribution.--An eligible 
                        entity may include as part of its share a 
                        charitable donation or qualified conservation 
                        contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of 
                        the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the 
                        private landowner if the eligible entity 
                        contributes its own cash resources in an amount 
                        that is at least 50 percent of the amount 
                        contributed by the Secretary.
                  ``(C) Exception.--In the case of grassland of special 
                environmental significance, as determined by the 
                Secretary, the Secretary may provide an amount not to 
                exceed 75 percent of the fair market value of the 
                agricultural land easement.
          ``(3) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--
                  ``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
                evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit 
                of Federal investment under the program.
                  ``(B) Considerations.--In establishing the criteria, 
                the Secretary shall emphasize support for--
                          ``(i) protecting agricultural uses and 
                        related conservation values of the land; and
                          ``(ii) maximizing the protection of areas 
                        devoted to agricultural use.
                  ``(C) Bidding down.--If the Secretary determines that 
                2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are 
                comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the 
                Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of 
                those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost 
                to the program.
          ``(4) Agreements with eligible entities.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into 
                agreements with eligible entities to stipulate the 
                terms and conditions under which the eligible entity is 
                permitted to use cost-share assistance provided under 
                this section.
                  ``(B) Length of agreements.--An agreement shall be 
                for a term that is--
                          ``(i) in the case of an eligible entity 
                        certified under the process described in 
                        paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and
                          ``(ii) for all other eligible entities, at 
                        least three, but not more than five years.
                  ``(C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An eligible 
                entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and 
                conditions for agricultural land easements so long as 
                the Secretary determines such terms and conditions--
                          ``(i) are consistent with the purposes of the 
                        program;
                          ``(ii) permit effective enforcement of the 
                        conservation purposes of such easements;
                          ``(iii) include a right of enforcement for 
                        the Secretary, that may be used only if the 
                        terms of the easement are not enforced by the 
                        holder of the easement;
                          ``(iv) subject the land in which an interest 
                        is purchased to an agricultural land easement 
                        plan that--
                                  ``(I) describes the activities which 
                                promote the long-term viability of the 
                                land to meet the purposes for which the 
                                easement was acquired;
                                  ``(II) requires the management of 
                                grasslands according to a grasslands 
                                management plan; and
                                  ``(III) includes a conservation plan, 
                                where appropriate, and requires, at the 
                                option of the Secretary, the conversion 
                                of highly erodible cropland to less 
                                intensive uses; and
                          ``(v) include a limit on the impervious 
                        surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with 
                        the agricultural activities to be conducted.
                  ``(D) Substitution of qualified projects.--An 
                agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the 
                parties, substitution of qualified projects that are 
                identified at the time of the proposed substitution.
                  ``(E) Effect of violation.--If a violation occurs of 
                a term or condition of an agreement under this 
                subsection--
                          ``(i) the Secretary may terminate the 
                        agreement; and
                          ``(ii) the Secretary may require the eligible 
                        entity to refund all or part of any payments 
                        received by the entity under the program, with 
                        interest on the payments as determined 
                        appropriate by the Secretary.
          ``(5) Certification of eligible entities.--
                  ``(A) Certification process.--The Secretary shall 
                establish a process under which the Secretary may--
                          ``(i) directly certify eligible entities that 
                        meet established criteria;
                          ``(ii) enter into long-term agreements with 
                        certified eligible entities; and
                          ``(iii) accept proposals for cost-share 
                        assistance for the purchase of agricultural 
                        land easements throughout the duration of such 
                        agreements.
                  ``(B) Certification criteria.--In order to be 
                certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the 
                Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, 
                for the duration of the agreement--
                          ``(i) a plan for administering easements that 
                        is consistent with the purpose of this 
                        subtitle;
                          ``(ii) the capacity and resources to monitor 
                        and enforce agricultural land easements; and
                          ``(iii) policies and procedures to ensure--
                                  ``(I) the long-term integrity of 
                                agricultural land easements on eligible 
                                land;
                                  ``(II) timely completion of 
                                acquisitions of such easements; and
                                  ``(III) timely and complete 
                                evaluation and reporting to the 
                                Secretary on the use of funds provided 
                                under the program.
                  ``(C) Review and revision.--
                          ``(i) Review.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
                        review of eligible entities certified under 
                        subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure 
                        that such entities are meeting the criteria 
                        established under subparagraph (B).
                          ``(ii) Revocation.--If the Secretary finds 
                        that the certified eligible entity no longer 
                        meets the criteria established under 
                        subparagraph (B), the Secretary may--
                                  ``(I) allow the certified eligible 
                                entity a specified period of time, at a 
                                minimum 180 days, in which to take such 
                                actions as may be necessary to meet the 
                                criteria; and
                                  ``(II) revoke the certification of 
                                the eligible entity, if after the 
                                specified period of time, the certified 
                                eligible entity does not meet such 
                                criteria.
  ``(c) Method of Enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll eligible land 
under this section through the use of--
          ``(1) permanent easements; or
          ``(2) easements for the maximum duration allowed under 
        applicable State laws.
  ``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide technical 
assistance, if requested, to assist in--
          ``(1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; 
        and
          ``(2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan.

``SEC. 1265C. WETLAND EASEMENTS.

  ``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance 
wetlands through--
          ``(1) wetland easements and related wetland easement plans; 
        and
          ``(2) technical assistance.
  ``(b) Easements.--
          ``(1) Method of enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll 
        eligible land under this section through the use of--
                  ``(A) 30-year easements;
                  ``(B) permanent easements;
                  ``(C) easements for the maximum duration allowed 
                under applicable State laws; or
                  ``(D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year 
                contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year 
                easements for the purposes of this subtitle).
          ``(2) Limitations.--
                  ``(A) Ineligible land.--The Secretary may not acquire 
                easements on--
                          ``(i) land established to trees under the 
                        conservation reserve program, except in cases 
                        where the Secretary determines it would further 
                        the purposes of the program; and
                          ``(ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands 
                        where the conversion was not commenced prior to 
                        December 23, 1985.
                  ``(B) Changes in ownership.--No wetland easement 
                shall be created on land that has changed ownership 
                during the preceding 24-month period unless--
                          ``(i) the new ownership was acquired by will 
                        or succession as a result of the death of the 
                        previous owner;
                          ``(ii)(I) the ownership change occurred 
                        because of foreclosure on the land; and
                          ``(II) immediately before the foreclosure, 
                        the owner of the land exercises a right of 
                        redemption from the mortgage holder in 
                        accordance with State law; or
                          ``(iii) the Secretary determines that the 
                        land was acquired under circumstances that give 
                        adequate assurances that such land was not 
                        acquired for the purposes of placing it in the 
                        program.
          ``(3) Evaluation and ranking of offers.--
                  ``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
                evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit 
                of Federal investment under the program.
                  ``(B) Considerations.--When evaluating offers from 
                landowners, the Secretary may consider--
                          ``(i) the conservation benefits of obtaining 
                        a wetland easement, including the potential 
                        environmental benefits if the land was removed 
                        from agricultural production;
                          ``(ii) the cost-effectiveness of each wetland 
                        easement, so as to maximize the environmental 
                        benefits per dollar expended;
                          ``(iii) whether the landowner or another 
                        person is offering to contribute financially to 
                        the cost of the wetland easement to leverage 
                        Federal funds; and
                          ``(iv) such other factors as the Secretary 
                        determines are necessary to carry out the 
                        purposes of the program.
                  ``(C) Priority.--The Secretary shall place priority 
                on acquiring wetland easements based on the value of 
                the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing 
                habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
          ``(4) Agreement.--To be eligible to place eligible land into 
        the program through a wetland easement, the owner of such land 
        shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to--
                  ``(A) grant an easement on such land to the 
                Secretary;
                  ``(B) authorize the implementation of a wetland 
                easement plan developed for the eligible land under 
                subsection (f);
                  ``(C) create and record an appropriate deed 
                restriction in accordance with applicable State law to 
                reflect the easement agreed to;
                  ``(D) provide a written statement of consent to such 
                easement signed by those holding a security interest in 
                the land;
                  ``(E) comply with the terms and conditions of the 
                easement and any related agreements; and
                  ``(F) permanently retire any existing base history 
                for the land on which the easement has been obtained.
          ``(5) Terms and conditions of easement.--
                  ``(A) In general.--A wetland easement shall include 
                terms and conditions that--
                          ``(i) permit--
                                  ``(I) repairs, improvements, and 
                                inspections on the land that are 
                                necessary to maintain existing public 
                                drainage systems; and
                                  ``(II) owners to control public 
                                access on the easement areas while 
                                identifying access routes to be used 
                                for restoration activities and 
                                management and easement monitoring;
                          ``(ii) prohibit--
                                  ``(I) the alteration of wildlife 
                                habitat and other natural features of 
                                such land, unless specifically 
                                authorized by the Secretary;
                                  ``(II) the spraying of such land with 
                                chemicals or the mowing of such land, 
                                except where such spraying or mowing is 
                                authorized by the Secretary or is 
                                necessary--
                                          ``(aa) to comply with Federal 
                                        or State noxious weed control 
                                        laws;
                                          ``(bb) to comply with a 
                                        Federal or State emergency pest 
                                        treatment program; or
                                          ``(cc) to meet habitat needs 
                                        of specific wildlife species;
                                  ``(III) any activities to be carried 
                                out on the owner's or successor's land 
                                that is immediately adjacent to, and 
                                functionally related to, the land that 
                                is subject to the easement if such 
                                activities will alter, degrade, or 
                                otherwise diminish the functional value 
                                of the eligible land; and
                                  ``(IV) the adoption of any other 
                                practice that would tend to defeat the 
                                purposes of the program, as determined 
                                by the Secretary;
                          ``(iii) provide for the efficient and 
                        effective establishment of wildlife functions 
                        and values; and
                          ``(iv) include such additional provisions as 
                        the Secretary determines are desirable to carry 
                        out the program or facilitate the practical 
                        administration thereof.
                  ``(B) Violation.--On the violation of the terms or 
                conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement 
                shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the 
                owner to refund all or part of any payments received by 
                the owner under the program, together with interest 
                thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
                  ``(C) Compatible uses.--Land subject to a wetland 
                easement may be used for compatible economic uses, 
                including such activities as hunting and fishing, 
                managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, 
                if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland 
                easement plan developed for the land under subsection 
                (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and 
                enhancement of the wetland resources for which the 
                easement was established.
                  ``(D) Reservation of grazing rights.--The Secretary 
                may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland 
                easement a provision under which the owner reserves 
                grazing rights if--
                          ``(i) the Secretary determines that the 
                        reservation and use of the grazing rights--
                                  ``(I) is compatible with the land 
                                subject to the easement;
                                  ``(II) is consistent with the 
                                historical natural uses of the land and 
                                the long-term protection and 
                                enhancement goals for which the 
                                easement was established; and
                                  ``(III) complies with the wetland 
                                easement plan developed for the land 
                                under subsection (f); and
                          ``(ii) the agreement provides for a 
                        commensurate reduction in the easement payment 
                        to account for the grazing value, as determined 
                        by the Secretary.
          ``(6) Compensation.--
                  ``(A) Determination.--
                          ``(i) Permanent easements.--The Secretary 
                        shall pay as compensation for a permanent 
                        wetland easement acquired under the program an 
                        amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the 
                        program, based on the lowest of--
                                  ``(I) the fair market value of the 
                                land, as determined by the Secretary, 
                                using the Uniform Standards of 
                                Professional Appraisal Practice or an 
                                area-wide market analysis or survey;
                                  ``(II) the amount corresponding to a 
                                geographical cap, as determined by the 
                                Secretary in regulations; or
                                  ``(III) the offer made by the 
                                landowner.
                          ``(ii) 30-year easements.--Compensation for a 
                        30-year wetland easement shall be not less than 
                        50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of 
                        the compensation that would be paid for a 
                        permanent wetland easement.
                  ``(B) Form of payment.--Compensation for a wetland 
                easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form 
                of a cash payment, in an amount determined under 
                subparagraph (A).
                  ``(C) Payment schedule.--
                          ``(i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less.--
                        For wetland easements valued at $500,000 or 
                        less, the Secretary may provide easement 
                        payments in not more than 10 annual payments.
                          ``(ii) Easements valued at more than 
                        $500,000.--For wetland easements valued at more 
                        than $500,000, the Secretary may provide 
                        easement payments in at least 5, but not more 
                        than 10 annual payments, except that, if the 
                        Secretary determines it would further the 
                        purposes of the program, the Secretary may make 
                        a lump sum payment for such an easement.
  ``(c) Easement Restoration.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide financial 
        assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the 
        establishment of conservation measures and practices and 
        protect wetland functions and values, including necessary 
        maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement plan 
        developed for the eligible land under subsection (f).
          ``(2) Payments.--The Secretary shall--
                  ``(A) in the case of a permanent wetland easement, 
                pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not 
                more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as 
                determined by the Secretary; and
                  ``(B) in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay 
                an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not 
                more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as 
                determined by the Secretary.
  ``(d) Technical Assistance.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners in 
        complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements.
          ``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter into 
        1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a 
        State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry 
        out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a 
        wetland easement if the Secretary determines that the contract 
        or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.
  ``(e) Wetland Enhancement Option.--The Secretary may enter into 1 or 
more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or 
agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to 
carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary 
determines would advance the purposes of program.
  ``(f) Administration.--
          ``(1) Wetland easement plan.--The Secretary shall develop a 
        wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland 
        easement, which shall include practices and activities 
        necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the 
        enrolled lands.
          ``(2) Delegation of easement administration.--The Secretary 
        may delegate--
                  ``(A) any of the easement management, monitoring, and 
                enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other 
                Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate 
                authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry 
                out such delegated responsibilities; and
                  ``(B) any of the easement management responsibilities 
                of the Secretary to other conservation organizations if 
                the Secretary determines the organization has the 
                appropriate expertise and resources.
          ``(3) Payments.--
                  ``(A) Timing of payments.--The Secretary shall 
                provide payment for obligations incurred by the 
                Secretary under this section--
                          ``(i) with respect to any easement 
                        restoration obligation under subsection (c), as 
                        soon as possible after the obligation is 
                        incurred; and
                          ``(ii) with respect to any annual easement 
                        payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, 
                        as soon as possible after October 1 of each 
                        calendar year.
                  ``(B) Payments to others.--If an owner who is 
                entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes 
                incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such 
                payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity 
                who renders or completes the required performance, the 
                Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with 
                regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without 
                regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as 
                the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in 
                light of all of the circumstances.

``SEC. 1265D. ADMINISTRATION.

  ``(a) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary may not use program funds for 
the purposes of acquiring an easement on--
          ``(1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other 
        than land held in trust for Indian tribes;
          ``(2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an 
        agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local 
        government;
          ``(3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, 
        as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as 
        would be provided by enrollment in the program; or
          ``(4) lands where the purposes of the program would be 
        undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk 
        of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, 
        infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
  ``(b) Priority.--In evaluating applications under the program, the 
Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the 
conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 
1 year and--
          ``(1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is 
        grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term 
        easement; and
          ``(2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or 
        related area with the highest functions and value and is likely 
        to return to production after the land leaves the conservation 
        reserve program.
  ``(c) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, 
        modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such 
        interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on 
        behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if 
        the Secretary determines that--
                  ``(A) it is in the Federal Government's interest to 
                subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the 
                interest in land;
                  ``(B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or 
                termination action--
                          ``(i) will address a compelling public need 
                        for which there is no practicable alternative; 
                        or
                          ``(ii) such action will further the practical 
                        administration of the program; and
                  ``(C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or 
                termination action will result in comparable 
                conservation value and equivalent or greater economic 
                value to the United States.
          ``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall work with the owner, 
        and eligible entity if applicable, to address any 
        subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the 
        interest, or portion of such interest, in land.
          ``(3) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking any termination 
        action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide 
        written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture 
        of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
        Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
  ``(d) Land Enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program.--The Secretary 
may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) 
if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into 
the program.
  ``(e) Allocation of Funds for Agricultural Land Easements.--Of the 
funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the program for a 
fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use for 
agricultural land easements--
          ``(1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2016; and
          ``(2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2017.''.
  (b) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--Before an eligible entity 
or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of 
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or 
person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is 
provided and in exchange for the assistance--
          (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under 
        subtitle B of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.); 
        and
          (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements 
        under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et 
        seq.).
  (c) Cross Reference; Calculation.--Section 1244 of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by inserting ``and'' at the end of 
                        subparagraph (A);
                          (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end of 
                        subparagraph (B); and
                          (iii) by striking subparagraph (C);
                  (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); 
                and
                  (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following 
                new subparagraph:
          ``(2) the agricultural conservation easement program 
        established under subtitle H; and''; and
          (2) in subsection (f)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
                        ``programs administered under subchapters B and 
                        C of chapter 1 of subtitle D'' and inserting 
                        ``conservation reserve program established 
                        under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D 
                        and wetland easements under section 1265C''; 
                        and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``an 
                        easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 
                        1 of subtitle D'' and inserting ``a wetland 
                        easement under section 1265C''; and
                  (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(5) Calculation.--In calculating the percentages described 
        in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that 
        was included in calculations of percentages made under such 
        paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2012, and that remains 
        enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under 
        paragraph (1).''.
  (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

         Subtitle E--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

SEC. 2401. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is 
amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the 
following new subtitle:

        ``Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

``SEC. 1271. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

  ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a regional 
conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on 
eligible land through--
          ``(1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and
          ``(2) contracts with producers.
  ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are as follows:
          ``(1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and 
        functions similar to those of the following programs, as in 
        effect on September 30, 2012:
                  ``(A) The agricultural water enhancement program 
                established under section 1240I.
                  ``(B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program 
                established under section 1240Q.
                  ``(C) The cooperative conservation partnership 
                initiative established under section 1243.
                  ``(D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion 
                and sediment control established under section 1240P.
          ``(2) To further the conservation, restoration, and 
        sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural 
        resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale.
          ``(3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with 
        producers in--
                  ``(A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, 
                State, and local natural resource regulatory 
                requirements related to production on eligible land; 
                and
                  ``(B) implementing projects that will result in the 
                carrying out of eligible activities that affect 
                multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest 
                operations on a local, regional, State, or multi-State 
                basis.

``SEC. 1271A. DEFINITIONS.

  ``In this subtitle:
          ``(1) Covered program.--The term `covered program' means the 
        following:
                  ``(A) The agricultural conservation easement program.
                  ``(B) The environmental quality incentives program.
                  ``(C) The conservation stewardship program.
          ``(2) Eligible activity.--The term `eligible activity' means 
        any of the following conservation activities:
                  ``(A) Water quality or quantity conservation, 
                restoration, or enhancement projects relating to 
                surface water and groundwater resources, including--
                          ``(i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to 
                        the production of less water-intensive 
                        agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or
                          ``(ii) irrigation system improvement and 
                        irrigation efficiency enhancement.
                  ``(B) Drought mitigation.
                  ``(C) Flood prevention.
                  ``(D) Water retention.
                  ``(E) Air quality improvement.
                  ``(F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and 
                enhancement.
                  ``(G) Erosion control and sediment reduction.
                  ``(H) Other related activities that the Secretary 
                determines will help achieve conservation benefits.
          ``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means land on 
        which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related 
        products are produced, including--
                  ``(A) cropland;
                  ``(B) grassland;
                  ``(C) rangeland;
                  ``(D) pastureland;
                  ``(E) nonindustrial private forest land; and
                  ``(F) other land incidental to agricultural 
                production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on 
                which significant natural resource issues could be 
                addressed under the program.
          ``(4) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner' means 
        any of the following:
                  ``(A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer 
                association or other group of producers.
                  ``(B) A State or unit of local government.
                  ``(C) An Indian tribe.
                  ``(D) A farmer cooperative.
                  ``(E) A water district, irrigation district, rural 
                water district or association, or other organization 
                with specific water delivery authority to producers on 
                agricultural land.
                  ``(F) An institution of higher education.
                  ``(G) An organization with an established history of 
                working cooperatively with producers on agricultural 
                land, as determined by the Secretary, to address--
                          ``(i) local conservation priorities related 
                        to agricultural production, wildlife habitat 
                        development, or nonindustrial private forest 
                        land management; or
                          ``(ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, 
                        water quality, sediment reduction, or other 
                        natural resource issues.
          ``(5) Partnership agreement.--The term `partnership 
        agreement' means an agreement entered into under section 1271B 
        between the Secretary and an eligible partner.
          ``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the regional 
        conservation partnership program established by this subtitle.

``SEC. 1271B. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.

  ``(a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--The Secretary may enter 
into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a 
project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an 
eligible activity on eligible land.
  ``(b) Length.--A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to 
exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one 
time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the 
objectives of the program.
  ``(c) Duties of Partners.--
          ``(1) In general.--Under a partnership agreement, the 
        eligible partner shall--
                  ``(A) define the scope of a project, including--
                          ``(i) the eligible activities to be 
                        implemented;
                          ``(ii) the potential agricultural or 
                        nonindustrial private forest land operations 
                        affected;
                          ``(iii) the local, State, multi-State, or 
                        other geographic area covered; and
                          ``(iv) the planning, outreach, 
                        implementation, and assessment to be conducted;
                  ``(B) conduct outreach to producers for potential 
                participation in the project;
                  ``(C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of 
                a producer participating in the project in applying for 
                assistance under section 1271C;
                  ``(D) leverage financial or technical assistance 
                provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help 
                achieve the project objectives;
                  ``(E) conduct an assessment of the project's effects; 
                and
                  ``(F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the 
                Secretary on its results and funds leveraged.
          ``(2) Contribution.--An eligible partner shall provide a 
        significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the 
        project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under 
        subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary.
  ``(d) Applications.--
          ``(1) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
        competitive process to select applications for partnership 
        agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar 
        conservation purposes as a group.
          ``(2) Criteria used.--In carrying out the process described 
        in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria 
        used in evaluating applications.
          ``(3) Content.--An application to the Secretary shall include 
        a description of--
                  ``(A) the scope of the project, as described in 
                subsection (c)(1)(A);
                  ``(B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and 
                reporting on progress made towards achieving the 
                project's objectives;
                  ``(C) the program resources requested for the 
                project, including the covered programs to be used and 
                estimated funding needed from the Secretary;
                  ``(D) eligible partners collaborating to achieve 
                project objectives, including their roles, 
                responsibilities, capabilities, and financial 
                contribution; and
                  ``(E) any other elements the Secretary considers 
                necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively 
                select applications for funding under the program.
          ``(4) Priority to certain applications.--The Secretary may 
        give a higher priority to applications that--
                  ``(A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the 
                need for a natural resource regulatory requirement;
                  ``(B) have a high percentage of eligible producers in 
                the area to be covered by the agreement;
                  ``(C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial 
                and technical resources and coordinate with other 
                local, State, or national efforts;
                  ``(D) deliver high percentages of applied 
                conservation to address conservation priorities or 
                regional, State, or national conservation initiatives;
                  ``(E) provide innovation in conservation methods and 
                delivery, including outcome-based performance measures 
                and methods; or
                  ``(F) meet other factors that are important for 
                achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by 
                the Secretary.

``SEC. 1271C. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.

  ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into contracts with 
producers to provide financial and technical assistance to--
          ``(1) producers participating in a project with an eligible 
        partner, as described in section 1271B; or
          ``(2) producers that fit within the scope of a project 
        described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area 
        designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to 
        implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of 
        a partner.
  ``(b) Terms and Conditions.--
          ``(1) Consistency with program rules.--Except as provided in 
        paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and 
        conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with 
        the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part 
        of the project, as described in the application under section 
        1271B(d)(3)(C).
          ``(2) Adjustments.--Except with respect to statutory program 
        requirements governing appeals, payment limitations, and 
        conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the 
        discretionary program rules of a covered program--
                  ``(A)   to provide a simplified application and 
                evaluation process; and
                  ``(B) to better reflect unique local circumstances 
                and purposes if the Secretary determines such 
                adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of 
                the program.
  ``(c) Payments.--
          ``(1) In general.--In accordance with statutory requirements 
        of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make 
        payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary 
        to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program.
          ``(2) Payments to producers in states with water quantity 
        concerns.--The Secretary may provide payments to producers 
        participating in a project that addresses water quantity 
        concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient to 
        encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland farming.
          ``(3) Waiver authority.--To assist in the implementation of 
        the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the 
        limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating 
        producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is 
        necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program.

``SEC. 1271D. FUNDING.

  ``(a) Availability of Funds.--The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of 
the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 
2013 through 2017 to carry out the program.
  ``(b) Duration of Availability.--Funds made available under 
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
  ``(c) Additional Funding and Acres.--
          ``(1) In general.--In addition to the funds made available 
        under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of 
        the funds and acres made available for a covered program for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017 in order to ensure 
        additional resources are available to carry out this program.
          ``(2) Unused funds and acres.--Any funds or acres reserved 
        under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program 
        that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that 
        fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered 
        program.
  ``(d) Allocation of Funding.--Of the funds and acres made available 
for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall 
allocate--
          ``(1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on 
        a State competitive process administered by the State 
        Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical 
        committee established under subtitle G;
          ``(2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on 
        a national competitive process to be established by the 
        Secretary; and
          ``(3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the 
        critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F.
  ``(e) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--None of the funds made 
available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative 
expenses of eligible partners.

``SEC. 1271E. ADMINISTRATION.

  ``(a) Disclosure.--In addition to the criteria used in evaluating 
applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall 
make publicly available information on projects selected through the 
competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1).
  ``(b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2013, and every two 
years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the 
status of projects funded under the program, including--
          ``(1) the number and types of eligible partners and producers 
        participating in the partnership agreements selected;
          ``(2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and
          ``(3) total funding committed to projects, including from 
        Federal and non-Federal resources.

``SEC. 1271F. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.

  ``(a) In General.--In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), 
the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and 
producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under 
this section.
  ``(b) Critical Conservation Area Designations.--
          ``(1) Priority.--In designating critical conservation areas 
        under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to 
        geographical areas based on the degree to which the 
        geographical area--
                  ``(A) includes multiple States with significant 
                agricultural production;
                  ``(B) is covered by an existing regional, State, 
                binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has 
                established objectives, goals, and work plans and is 
                adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority;
                  ``(C) would benefit from water quality improvement, 
                including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment 
                control, and addressing nutrient management activities 
                affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, 
                or international significance;
                  ``(D) would benefit from water quantity improvement, 
                including improvement relating to--
                          ``(i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or 
                        other water sources; or
                          ``(ii) a need to promote water retention and 
                        flood prevention; or
                  ``(E) contains producers that need assistance in 
                meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource 
                regulatory requirement that could have a negative 
                economic impact on agricultural operations within the 
                area.
          ``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary may not designate more than 
        8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this 
        section.
  ``(c) Administration.--
          ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
        Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or 
        producer contract under this section in a manner that is 
        consistent with the terms of the program.
          ``(2) Relationship to existing activity.--The Secretary 
        shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible 
        activities carried out in critical conservation areas 
        designated under this section complement and are consistent 
        with other Federal and State programs and water quality and 
        quantity strategies.
          ``(3) Additional authority.--For a critical conservation area 
        described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use 
        authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention 
        Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), other than section 14 of such Act 
        (16 U.S.C. 1012), to carry out projects for the purposes of 
        this section.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

                Subtitle F--Other Conservation Programs

SEC. 2501. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

  Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839bb(e)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 2502. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM.

  Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-
2) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(b) Funding.--
          ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2008 through 2017.
          ``(2) Availability of funds.--In addition to funds made 
        available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity 
        Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to 
        remain available until expended.''.

SEC. 2503. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Funding.--Section 1240R(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3839bb-5(f)) is amended by inserting before the period at the 
end the following: ``and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 
2013 through 2017''.
  (b) Report on Program Effectiveness.--Not later than two years after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry of the Senate a report evaluating the effectiveness of the 
voluntary public access program established by section 1240R of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5), including--
          (1) identifying cooperating agencies;
          (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres 
        enrolled by each State and tribal government;
          (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible 
        lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic 
        benefits; and
          (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the 
        program that would be helpful to such Committees.

SEC. 2504. AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCED SERVICES PROGRAM.

  (a) Funding.--Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(c) Funding.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out the ACES 
        program using funds made available to carry out each program 
        under this title.
          ``(2) Exclusion.--Funds made available to carry out the 
        conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the 
        ACES program.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2505. SMALL WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM.

  (a) Availability of Funds.--Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed 
Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1)) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
        a semicolon;
          (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting 
        a semicolon;
          (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
          (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                  ``(H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, to remain 
                available until expended.''.
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the 
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) 
is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 2506. AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) Uses.--Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
U.S.C. 1524(b)(2)) is amended--
          (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating 
        subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), 
        respectively; and
          (2) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)--
                  (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
                ``or resource conservation practices''; and
                  (B) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses 
                (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), 
                respectively.
  (b) Commodity Credit Corporation.--
          (1) Funding.--Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop 
        Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B)) is amended to read as 
        follows:
                  ``(B) Funding.--The Commodity Credit Corporation 
                shall make available to carry out this subsection not 
                less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.''.
          (2) Certain uses.--Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop 
        Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C)) is amended--
                  (A) in clause (i)--
                          (i) by striking ``50'' and inserting ``30''; 
                        and
                          (ii) by striking ``(A), (B), and (C)'' and 
                        inserting ``(A) and (B)''; and
                  (B) in clause (iii), by striking ``40'' and inserting 
                ``60''.

                 Subtitle G--Funding and Administration

SEC. 2601. FUNDING.

  (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(a) Annual Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017, 
the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under 
this title (including the provision of technical assistance):
          ``(1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of 
        chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent 
        practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the 
        transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring 
        owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and 
        socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
          ``(2) The agriculture conservation easement program under 
        subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable--
                  ``(A) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2013;
                  ``(B) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2014;
                  ``(C) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2015;
                  ``(D) $525,000,000 in fiscal year 2016; and
                  ``(E) $266,000,000 in fiscal year 2017.
          ``(3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of 
        chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to 
        administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008.
          ``(4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B 
        of chapter 2 of subtitle D.
          ``(5) The environmental quality incentives program under 
        chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent 
        practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017.''.
  (b) Guaranteed Availability of Funds.--Section 1241 of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended--
          (1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (h) as 
        subsections (c) through (i); respectively; and
          (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
        subsection:
  ``(b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts made available by subsection 
(a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified 
in such subsection for fiscal years 2013 through 2017 and shall remain 
available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs 
specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through 
modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related 
administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall 
remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but 
shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the 
subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining 
unobligated.''.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2602. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841), as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1) of 
this Act, is amended to read as follows:
  ``(c) Technical Assistance.--
          ``(1) Availability of funds.--Commodity Credit Corporation 
        funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs 
        specified in subsection (a)--
                  ``(A) shall be available for the provision of 
                technical assistance for the programs for which funds 
                are made available as necessary to implement the 
                programs effectively; and
                  ``(B) shall not be available for the provision of 
                technical assistance for conservation programs 
                specified in subsection (a) other than the program for 
                which the funds were made available.
          ``(2) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2012, the 
        Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent 
        years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
        and Forestry of the Senate a report--
                  ``(A) detailing the amount of technical assistance 
                funds requested and apportioned in each program 
                specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal 
                year; and
                  ``(B) any other data relating to this subsection that 
                would be helpful to such Committees.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2603. REGIONAL EQUITY.

  (a) In General.--Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3841) is amended by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by 
section 2601(b)(1) of this Act) and inserting the following:
  ``(e) Regional Equity.--
          ``(1) Equitable distribution.--In determining funding 
        allocations each fiscal year, the Secretary shall, after 
        considering available funding and program demand in each State, 
        provide a distribution of funds for conservation programs under 
        subtitle D (excluding the conservation reserve program under 
        subchapter B of chapter 1), subtitle H (excluding wetland 
        easements under section 1265C), and subtitle I to ensure 
        equitable program participation proportional to historical 
        funding allocations and usage by all States.
          ``(2) Minimum percentage.--In determining the specific 
        funding allocations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
                  ``(A) ensure that during the first quarter of each 
                fiscal year each State has the opportunity to establish 
                that the State can use an aggregate allocation amount 
                of at least 0.6 percent of the funds made available for 
                those conservation programs; and
                  ``(B) for each State that can so establish, provide 
                an aggregate amount of at least 0.6 percent of the 
                funds made available for those conservation 
                programs.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2604. RESERVATION OF FUNDS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN 
                    FARMERS OR RANCHERS FOR CONSERVATION ACCESS.

  (a) In General.--Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(4) Preference.--In providing assistance under paragraph 
        (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or 
        rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, 
        Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
        2279(e))) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of 
        paragraph (1).''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2605. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRAM ENROLLMENTS AND ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General.--Subsection (i) (as redesignated by section 
2601(b)(1)) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3841) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``wetlands reserve 
        program'' and inserting ``agricultural conservation easement 
        program'';
          (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating 
        paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), 
        respectively; and
          (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
                  (A) by striking ``agricultural water enhancement 
                program'' and inserting ``regional conservation 
                partnership program''; and
                  (B) by striking ``1240I(g)'' and inserting 
                ``1271C(c)(3)''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2606. REVIEW OF CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARDS.

  Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3842(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting ``the Federal Agriculture Reform and 
Risk Management Act of 2012''.

SEC. 2607. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL CONSERVATION 
                    PROGRAMS.

  (a) In General.--Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following 
        new subparagraph:
                  ``(E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in 
                section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
                and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).'';
          (2) in subsection (d), by inserting ``, H, and I'' before the 
        period at the end;
          (3) in subsection (f)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``country'' and 
                inserting ``county''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``subsection 
                (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4)'' and inserting ``subsection 
                (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2)''; and
          (4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
  ``(j) Improved Administrative Efficiency and Effectiveness.--In 
administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary 
shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
          ``(1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to 
        producers by streamlining conservation planning and program 
        resources; and
          ``(2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance 
        efficiency and effectiveness.
  ``(k) Relation to Other Payments.--Any payment received by an owner 
or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental 
payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of 
payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive 
under any of the following:
          ``(1) This Act.
          ``(2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.).
          ``(3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act 
        of 2012.
          ``(4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), 
        (2), or (3).''.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2608. STANDARDS FOR STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.

  Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(b)) 
is amended by striking ``Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the 
Secretary shall develop'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall review 
and update as necessary''.

SEC. 2609. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.

  Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3841 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
section:

``SEC. 1246. REGULATIONS.

  ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as 
are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such 
regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a 
fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under 
section 1244(f).
  ``(b) Rulemaking Procedure.--The promulgation of regulations and 
administration of programs under this title--
          ``(1) shall be carried out without regard to--
                  ``(A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary 
                effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating 
                to notices of proposed rulemaking and public 
                participation in rulemaking; and
                  ``(B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code 
                (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and
          ``(2) shall be made as an interim rule effective on 
        publication with an opportunity for notice and comment.
  ``(c) Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking.--In promulgating 
regulations under this section, the Secretary shall use the authority 
provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code.''.

 Subtitle H--Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional 
                    Provisions; Technical Amendments

SEC. 2701. COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3830) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of chapter 1 of subtitle D of 
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq.) is 
amended to read as follows: ``CONSERVATION RESERVE''.

SEC. 2702. EMERGENCY FORESTRY CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3831a) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 
        1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a) before 
        October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
        connection with the contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B 
        of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
        Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2703. WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C 
        of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
        Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) before October 1, 2012, or 
        any payments required to be made in connection with the 
        contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under 
        subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as 
        added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2704. FARMLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM AND FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of chapter 2 of subtitle D of 
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq.) is 
amended by striking ``AND FARMLAND PROTECTION''.
  (c) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendments made by 
        this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any 
        contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under 
        subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
        Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) before 
        October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
        connection with the contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under 
        subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as 
        added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2705. GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D 
        of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
        Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.) before October 1, 2012, 
        or any payments required to be made in connection with the 
        contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under 
        subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as 
        added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2706. AGRICULTURAL WATER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3839aa-9) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 
        1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-9) 
        before October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
        connection with the contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the regional conservation partnership program under 
        subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as 
        added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2707. WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3839bb-1) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 
        1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-1) 
        before October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
        connection with the contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the environmental quality incentives program under 
        chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act 
        of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2708. GREAT LAKES BASIN PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3839bb-3) is repealed.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2709. CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3839bb-4) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 
        1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-4) 
        before October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
        connection with the contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the regional conservation partnership program under 
        subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as 
        added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2710. COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3843) is repealed.
  (b) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by this 
        section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract 
        entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 
        of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843) before 
        October 1, 2012, or any payments required to be made in 
        connection with the contract.
          (2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to 
        carry out the regional conservation partnership program under 
        subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as 
        added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out 
        contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of 
        law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed 
        on September 30, 2012.
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 2711. ENVIRONMENTAL EASEMENT PROGRAM.

  Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq.) is repealed.

SEC. 2712. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

  (a) Definitions.--Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
striking ``E'' and inserting ``I''.
  (b) Program Ineligibility.--Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811(a)) is amended by striking ``predominate'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``predominant''.
  (c) Specialty Crop Producers.--Section 1242(i) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(i)) is amended in the header by striking 
``Speciality'' and inserting ``Specialty''.

                            TITLE III--TRADE

                     Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

SEC. 3001. GENERAL AUTHORITY.

  Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is amended--
          (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``(to 
        be implemented by the Administrator)'' after ``under this 
        title''; and
          (2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and 
        inserting the following new paragraph:
          ``(7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises 
        and reduce the future need for emergency aid.''.

SEC. 3002. SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH WHICH ASSISTANCE IS 
                    PROVIDED.

  Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1)) is 
amended by striking ``13 percent'' and inserting ``11 percent''.

SEC. 3003. FOOD AID QUALITY.

  Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h)) is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)--
                  (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
                          (i) by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
                        inserting ``In consultation with the Secretary, 
                        the Administrator''; and
                          (ii) by inserting ``to establish a 
                        mechanism'' after ``this title'';
                  (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
                (B); and
                  (C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
                following new paragraphs:
                  ``(C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current 
                and new agricultural commodities and products thereof 
                in different program settings and for particular 
                recipient groups, including the testing of prototypes;
                  ``(D) to establish and implement appropriate 
                protocols for quality assurance of food products 
                procured by the Secretary for food aid programs; and
                  ``(E) to periodically update program guidelines on 
                the recommended use of agricultural commodities and 
                food products in food aid programs to reflect findings 
                from the implementation of this subsection and other 
                relevant information.'';
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
        inserting ``In consultation with the Secretary, the 
        Administrator''; and
          (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``fiscal years 2009 through 
        2011, not more than $4,500,000'' and inserting ``fiscal years 
        2013 through 2017, not more than $1,000,000''.

SEC. 3004. MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.

  Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a)) is 
amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.

SEC. 3005. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

  (a) Membership.--Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1725(b)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6);
          (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
          (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(7) representatives from the United States agricultural 
        processing sector involved in providing agricultural 
        commodities for programs under this Act; and''.
  (b) Consultation.--Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1725(d)) is amended--
          (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the 
        following:
          ``(1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation 
        regulations, handbooks, and guidelines.--Not later than 45 days 
        before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline 
        implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to 
        a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, 
        becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to 
        the Group for review and comment.''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts.--The 
        Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group 
        on the implementation of section 202(h).''.
  (c) Reauthorization.--Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 
U.S.C. 1725(f)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3006. OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION.

  (a) Regulations and Guidance.--Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c)) is amended--
          (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and Guidance'' 
        after ``Regulations'';
          (2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new 
        sentence: ``Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
        enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
        Act of 2012, the Administrator shall issue all regulations and 
        revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the 
        amendments made to this title by such Act.''; and
          (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and guidance'' after 
        ``develop regulations''.
  (b) Funding.--Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1726a(f)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (2)--
                  (A) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
                (D);
                  (B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph 
                (E) and inserting the period; and
                  (C) by striking subparagraph (F);
          (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
          (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) 
        and (4), respectively; and
          (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``, except for 
                paragraph (2)(F), for which only $2,500,000 shall be 
                made available during fiscal year 2009'' and inserting 
                ``and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of 
                fiscal years 2013 through 2017''; and
                  (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``2012'' and 
                inserting ``2017''.
  (c) Implementation Reports.--Not later than 270 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for 
International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture 
and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 
describing--
          (1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for 
        Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c));
          (2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit 
        requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act 
        (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) by an eligible organization that is a 
        nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in 
        section 402 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1732)); and
          (3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit 
        requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that 
        is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food 
        Program or other multilateral organization.

SEC. 3007. ASSISTANCE FOR STOCKPILING AND RAPID TRANSPORTATION, 
                    DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF SHELF-STABLE 
                    PREPACKAGED FOODS.

  Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is 
amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3008. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

  (a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy.--Section 403(b) of the Food 
for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new sentence: ``The Secretary or the Administrator, as 
appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal 
and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential 
benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities 
within the recipient country.''.
  (b) Prevention of Price Disruptions.--Section 403(e) of the Food for 
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(e)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``reasonable market price'' 
        and inserting ``fair market value''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(3) Coordination on assessments.--The Secretary and the 
        Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out 
        paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used 
        by implementing agencies for determining the fair market value 
        described in paragraph (2).''.
  (c) Report on Use of Funds.--Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act (7 
U.S.C. 1733) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
  ``(m) Report on Use of Funds.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
Act of 2012, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to 
Congress a report--
          ``(1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds for 
        administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal 
        transportation, storage and handling, and associated 
        distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that 
        received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; 
        and
          ``(2) describing how those funds were used by the eligible 
        organization.''.

SEC. 3009. PREPOSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.

  Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4)) is 
amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                  (A) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''; and
                  (B) by striking ``for each such fiscal year not more 
                than $10,000,000 of such funds'' and inserting ``for 
                each of fiscal years 2001 through 2012 not more than 
                $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 
                2013 through 2017 not more than $15,000,000 of such 
                funds''; and
          (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following 
        new subparagraph:
                  ``(B) Additional prepositioning sites.--The 
                Administrator may establish additional sites for 
                prepositioning in foreign countries or change the 
                location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign 
                countries after conducting, and based on the results 
                of, assessments of need, feasibility, and cost.''.

SEC. 3010. ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

  Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1)) is 
amended--
          (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``agricultural 
        trade'' and inserting ``food aid'';
          (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the 
        semicolon at the end the following: ``and the intended 
        beneficiaries of the project or activity''; and
          (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)--
                  (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (I);
                  (B) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subclause 
                (II); and
                  (C) by inserting after subclause (II) the following 
                new subclause:
                                  ``(III) the McGovern-Dole 
                                International Food for Education and 
                                Child Nutrition Program established by 
                                section 3107 of the Farm Security and 
                                Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 
                                1736o-1);''.

SEC. 3011. DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS TO FINANCE SALES OR TO PROVIDE OTHER 
                    ASSISTANCE.

  Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended by 
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3012. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 412(a)(1) of the Food 
for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``for 
fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,500,000,000'' and 
inserting ``$2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 
and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.
  (b) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--Paragraph (1) of 
section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(e)) is amended 
to read as follows:
          ``(1) Funds and commodities.--For each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017, of the amounts made available to carry out 
        emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title 
        II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for 
        nonemergency food assistance programs under such title.''.

SEC. 3013. MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.

  (a) Elimination of Obsolete Reference to Study.--Section 415(a)(2)(B) 
of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g-2(a)(2)(B)) is amended by 
striking ``, using recommendations'' and all that follows through 
``quality enhancements''.
  (b) Extension.--Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736g-2(c)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3014. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM.

  Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
        by inserting ``, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 
        or 0.5 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal 
        years 2013 through 2017,'' after ``2012''; and
          (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.

               Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

SEC. 3101. FUNDING FOR EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

  Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 
5641(b)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3102. FUNDING FOR MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM.

  Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 
5641(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3103. FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM.

  Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 
5723(a)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

               Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

SEC. 3201. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.

  (a) Extension.--The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is 
amended--
          (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017'';
          (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017'';
          (3) in subsection (k), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''; and
          (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.
  (b) Repeal of Completed Project.--Subsection (f) of the Food for 
Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended by striking paragraph 
(6).

SEC. 3202. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST.

  Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736f-1) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking ``2012'' both 
        places it appears and inserting ``2017''; and
          (2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2012'' both places it 
        appears and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3203. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS.

  (a) Direct Credits or Export Credit Guarantees.--Section 1542(a) of 
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 
101-624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.
  (b) Development of Agricultural Systems.--Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of 
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 
101-624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 3204. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD 
                    NUTRITION PROGRAM.

  (a) Reauthorization.--Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1(l)(2)) is amended by 
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
  (b) Technical Correction.--Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1(d)) is amended by 
striking ``to'' in the matter preceding paragraph (1).

SEC. 3205. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS.

  (a) Purpose.--Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5680(b)) is amended by striking 
``related barriers to trade'' and inserting ``technical barriers to 
trade''.
  (b) Funding.--Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2)) is amended--
          (1) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C); and
          (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the 
        following new subparagraph:
                  ``(D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 
                through 2017.''.

SEC. 3206. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

  Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking 
``section'' and all that follows through the period and inserting the 
following: ``section--
          ``(1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 
        2012; and
          ``(2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 3207. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL 
                    SERVICES.

  (a) In General.--Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 225 (7 
U.S.C. 6931) the following new section:

``SEC. 225A. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL 
                    SERVICES.

  ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary is authorized to establish in the 
Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign 
Agricultural Services.
  ``(b) Confirmation Required.--If the Secretary establishes the 
position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural 
Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed 
by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
  ``(c) Functions of Under Secretary.--
          ``(1) Principal functions.--Upon establishment, the Secretary 
        shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for 
        Foreign Agricultural Services those functions under the 
        jurisdiction of the Department that are related to foreign 
        agricultural services.
          ``(2) Additional functions.--The Under Secretary of 
        Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform 
        such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by 
        the Secretary.
  ``(d) Succession.--Any official who is serving as Under Secretary of 
Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services on the date of 
the enactment of this section and who was appointed by the President, 
by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required 
to be reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the 
successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if 
the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the 
new position, with 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
section (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays 
rapid succession).''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 225 of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6931) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and 
        Foreign Agricultural Services'' each place it appears and 
        inserting ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services''; 
        AND
          (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``and foreign 
        agricultural''.
  (c) Permanent Authority.--Section 296(b) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking ``or'' at the end;
          (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting a semicolon; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the 
        Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for 
        Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section 
        225A;''.

                          TITLE IV--NUTRITION

         Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SEC. 4001. RETAILERS.

  (a) Definition of Retail Food Store.--Section 3(p)(1)(A) of the Food 
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(1)(A)) is amended by 
striking ``at least 2'' and inserting ``at least 3''.
  (b) Alternative Benefit Delivery.--Section 7(f) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(f)) is amended--
          (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
          ``(2) Imposition of costs.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), the Secretary shall require participating 
                retailers (including restaurants participating in a 
                State option restaurant program intended to serve the 
                elderly, disabled, and homeless) to pay 100 percent of 
                the costs of acquiring, and arrange for the 
                implementation of, electronic benefit transfer point-
                of-sale equipment and supplies.
                  ``(B) Exemptions.--The Secretary may exempt from 
                subparagraph (A)--
                          ``(i) farmers' markets, military 
                        commissaries, nonprofit food buying 
                        cooperatives, and establishments, 
                        organizations, programs, or group living 
                        arrangements described in paragraphs (5), (7), 
                        and (8) of section 3(k); and
                          ``(ii) establishments described in paragraphs 
                        (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k), other than 
                        restaurants participating in a State option 
                        restaurant program.''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(4) Termination of manual vouchers.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Effective beginning on the 
                effective date of this paragraph, except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), no State shall issue manual vouchers 
                to a household that receives supplemental nutrition 
                assistance under this Act or allow retailers to accept 
                manual vouchers as payment, unless the Secretary 
                determines that the manual vouchers are necessary, such 
                as in the event of an electronic benefit transfer 
                system failure or a disaster situation.
                  ``(B) Exemptions.--The Secretary may exempt 
                categories of retailers or individual retailers from 
                subparagraph (A) based on criteria established by the 
                Secretary.
          ``(5) Unique identification number required.--In an effort to 
        enhance the antifraud protections of the program, the Secretary 
        shall require all parties providing electronic benefit transfer 
        services to provide for and maintain a unique terminal 
        identification number information through the supplemental 
        nutrition assistance program electronic benefit transfer 
        transaction routing system. In developing the regulations 
        implementing this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider 
        existing commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit 
        transactions. The Secretary shall issue proposed regulations 
        implementing this paragraph not earlier than 2 years after the 
        date of enactment of this paragraph.''.
  (c) Electronic Benefit Transfers.--Section 7(h)(3)(B) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(3)(B)) is amended by striking 
``is operational--'' and all that follows through ``(ii) in the case of 
other participating stores,'' and inserting ``is operational''.
  (d) Approval of Retail Food Stores and Wholesale Food Concerns.--
Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018) is 
amended--
          (1) in the 2d sentence of subsection (a)(1) by striking ``; 
        and (C)'' and inserting ``; (C) whether the applicant is 
        located in an area with significantly limited access to food; 
        and (D)'';
          (2) in subsection (b) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(3) Retail food stores with significant sales of excluded 
        items.--
                  ``(A) In general.--No retail food store for which at 
                least 45 percent of the total sales of the retail food 
                store is from the sale of excluded items described in 
                section 3(k)(1) may be authorized to accept and redeem 
                benefits unless the Secretary determines that the 
                participation of the retail food store is required for 
                the effective and efficient operation of the 
                supplemental nutrition assistance program.
                  ``(B) Application.--Subparagraph (A) shall be 
                effective--
                          ``(i) in the case of retail food stores 
                        applying to be authorized for the 1st time, 
                        beginning on the date that is 1 year after the 
                        effective date of this paragraph; and
                          ``(ii) in the case of retail food stores 
                        participating in the program on the effective 
                        date of this paragraph, during periodic 
                        reauthorization in accordance with subsection 
                        (a)(2)(A).''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following:
  ``(g) EBT Service Requirement.--An approved retail food store shall 
provide adequate EBT service as described in section 7(h)(3)(B).''.

SEC. 4002. ENHANCING SERVICES TO ELDERLY AND DISABLED SUPPLEMENTAL 
                    NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RECIPIENTS.

  (a) Enhancing Services to Elderly and Disabled Program Recipients.--
Section 3(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(p)) 
is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (3) by striking ``and'' at the end,
          (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and'', and
          (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
          ``(5) a governmental or private nonprofit food purchasing and 
        delivery service that--
                  ``(A) purchases food for, and delivers such food to, 
                individuals who are--
                          ``(i) unable to shop for food; and
                          ``(ii)(I) not less than 60 years of age; or
                          ``(II) physically or mentally handicapped or 
                        otherwise disabled;
                  ``(B) clearly notifies the participating household at 
                the time such household places a food order--
                          ``(i) of any delivery fee associated with the 
                        food purchase and delivery provided to such 
                        household by such service; and
                          ``(ii) that a delivery fee cannot be paid 
                        with benefits provided under supplemental 
                        nutrition assistance program; and
                  ``(C) sells food purchased for such household at the 
                price paid by such service for such food and without 
                any additional cost markup.''.
  (b) Implementation.--
          (1) Issuance of rules.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        issue regulations that--
                  (A) establish criteria to identify a food purchasing 
                and delivery service referred to in section 3(p)(5) of 
                the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended by this 
                Act, and
                  (B) establish procedures to ensure that such 
                service--
                          (i) does not charge more for a food item than 
                        the price paid by the such service for such 
                        food item,
                          (ii) offers food delivery service at no or 
                        low cost to households under such Act,
                          (iii) ensures that benefits provided under 
                        the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
                        are used only to purchase food, as defined in 
                        section 3 of such Act,
                          (iv) limits the purchase of food, and the 
                        delivery of such food, to households eligible 
                        to receive services described in section 
                        3(p)(5) of such Act as so amended,
                          (v) has established adequate safeguards 
                        against fraudulent activities, including 
                        unauthorized use of electronic benefit cards 
                        issued under such Act, and
                          (vi) such other requirements as the Secretary 
                        deems to be appropriate.
          (2) Limitation.--Before the issuance of rules under paragraph 
        (1) , the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve more than 20 
        food purchasing and delivery services referred to in section 
        3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended by 
        this Act, to participate as retail food stores under the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program.

SEC. 4003. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

  Section 4(b)(6)(F) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2013(b)(6)(F)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 4004. UPDATING PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY.

  Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014) is 
amended--
          (1) in the 2d sentence of subsection (a) by striking 
        ``households in which each member receives benefits'' and 
        inserting ``households in which each member receives cash 
        assistance'', and
          (2) in subsection (j) by striking ``or who receives benefits 
        under a State program'' and inserting ``or who receives cash 
        assistance under a State program''.

SEC. 4005. EXCLUSION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA FROM EXCESS MEDICAL EXPENSE 
                    DEDUCTION.

  Section 5(e)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2014(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                  ``(C) Exclusion of medical marijuana.--The Secretary 
                shall promulgate rules to ensure that medical marijuana 
                is not treated as a medical expense for purposes of 
                this paragraph.''.

SEC. 4006. STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCES BASED ON THE RECEIPT OF ENERGY 
                    ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS.

  (a) Standard Utility Allowances in the Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program.--Section 5(e)(6)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)) is amended--
          (1) in clause (i) by inserting ``, subject to clause (iv)'' 
        after ``Secretary''; and
          (2) in clause (iv)(I) by striking ``the household still 
        incurs'' and all that follows through the end of the subclause 
        and inserting ``the payment received by, or made on behalf of, 
        the household exceeds $10 or a higher amount annually, as 
        determined by the Secretary.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income 
Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A)) is amended 
by inserting before the semicolon at the end ``, except that, for 
purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established 
under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), such 
payments or allowances exceed $10 or a higher amount annually, as 
determined by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with section 
5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I))''.
  (c) Effective and Implementation Date.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), this 
        section and the amendments made by this section shall take 
        effect beginning on October 1, 2013, for all certification 
        periods beginning after that date.
          (2) State option to delay implementation for current 
        recipients.--A State may, at the option of the State, implement 
        a policy that eliminates or minimizes the effect of the 
        amendments made by this section for households that receive a 
        standard utility allowance as of the date of enactment of this 
        Act for not more than a 180-day period beginning on the date on 
        which the amendments made by this section would otherwise 
        affect the benefits received by a household.

SEC. 4007. ELIGIBILITY DISQUALIFICATIONS.

  Section 6(e)(3)(B) of Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2015(e)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``section;'' and inserting the 
following:
                  ``section, subject to the condition that the course 
                or program of study--
                          ``(i) is part of a program of career and 
                        technical education (as defined in section 3 of 
                        the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
                        Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)) that 
                        may be completed in not more than 4 years at an 
                        institution of higher education (as defined in 
                        section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
                        (20 U.S.C. 1002)); or
                          ``(ii) is limited to remedial courses, basic 
                        adult education, literacy, or English as a 
                        second language;''.

SEC. 4008. ENDING SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFITS 
                    FOR LOTTERY OR GAMBLING WINNERS.

  (a) In General.--Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2015) is amended by adding at the end the following:
  ``(r) Ineligibility for Benefits Due to Receipt of Substantial 
Lottery or Gambling Winnings.--
          ``(1) In general.--Any household in which a member receives 
        substantial lottery or gambling winnings, as determined by the 
        Secretary, shall lose eligibility for benefits immediately upon 
        receipt of the winnings.
          ``(2) Duration of ineligibility.--A household described in 
        paragraph (1) shall remain ineligible for participation until 
        the household meets the allowable financial resources and 
        income eligibility requirements under subsections (c), (d), 
        (e), (f), (g), (i), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of section 5.
          ``(3) Agreements.--As determined by the Secretary, each State 
        agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall establish 
        agreements with entities responsible for the regulation or 
        sponsorship of gaming in the State to determine whether 
        individuals participating in the supplemental nutrition 
        assistance program have received substantial lottery or 
        gambling winnings.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(a)) is amended in the 2d sentence by 
striking ``sections 6(b), 6(d)(2), and 6(g)'' and inserting 
``subsections (b), (d)(2), (g), and (r) of section 6''.

SEC. 4009. IMPROVING SECURITY OF FOOD ASSISTANCE.

  Section 7(h)(8) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2016(h)(8)) is amended--
          (1) in the heading by striking ``card fee'' and inserting 
        ``of cards'';
          (2) by striking ``A State'' and inserting the following:
                  ``(A) Fees.--A State''; and
          (3) by adding after subparagraph (A) (as so designated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
                  ``(B) Purposeful loss of cards.--
                          ``(i) In general.--Subject to terms and 
                        conditions established by the Secretary in 
                        accordance with clause (ii), if a household 
                        makes excessive requests for replacement of the 
                        electronic benefit transfer card of the 
                        household, the Secretary may require a State 
                        agency to decline to issue a replacement card 
                        to the household unless the household, upon 
                        request of the State agency, provides an 
                        explanation for the loss of the card.
                          ``(ii) Requirements.--The terms and 
                        conditions established by the Secretary shall 
                        provide that--
                                  ``(I) the household be given the 
                                opportunity to provide the requested 
                                explanation and meet the requirements 
                                under this paragraph promptly;
                                  ``(II) after an excessive number of 
                                lost cards, the head of the household 
                                shall be required to review program 
                                rights and responsibilities with State 
                                agency personnel authorized to make 
                                determinations under section 5(a); and
                                  ``(III) any action taken, including 
                                actions required under section 6(b)(2), 
                                other than the withholding of the 
                                electronic benefit transfer card until 
                                an explanation described in subclause 
                                (I) is provided, shall be consistent 
                                with the due process protections under 
                                section 6(b) or 11(e)(10), as 
                                appropriate.
                  ``(C) Protecting vulnerable persons.--In implementing 
                this paragraph, a State agency shall act to protect 
                homeless persons, persons with disabilities, victims of 
                crimes, and other vulnerable persons who lose 
                electronic benefit transfer cards but are not 
                intentionally committing fraud.
                  ``(D) Effect on eligibility.--While a State may 
                decline to issue an electronic benefits transfer card 
                until a household satisfies the requirements under this 
                paragraph, nothing in this paragraph shall be 
                considered a denial of, or limitation on, the 
                eligibility for benefits under section 5.''.

SEC. 4010. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON ACCEPTANCE OF BENEFITS OF MOBILE 
                    TRANSACTIONS.

  Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
          ``(14) Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of 
        mobile transactions.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall pilot the use 
                of mobile technologies determined by the Secretary to 
                be appropriate to test the feasibility and implications 
                for program integrity, by allowing retail food stores, 
                farmers markets, and other direct producer-to-consumer 
                marketing outlets to accept benefits from recipients of 
                supplemental nutrition assistance through mobile 
                transactions.
                  ``(B) Demonstration projects.--To be eligible to 
                participate in a demonstration project under subsection 
                (a), a retail food store, farmers market, or other 
                direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlet shall 
                submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that 
                includes--
                          ``(i) a description of the technology;
                          ``(ii) the manner by which the retail food 
                        store, farmers market or other direct producer-
                        to-consumer marketing outlet will provide proof 
                        of the transaction to households;
                          ``(iii) the provision of data to the 
                        Secretary, consistent with requirements 
                        established by the Secretary, in a manner that 
                        allows the Secretary to evaluate the impact of 
                        the demonstration on participant access, ease 
                        of use, and program integrity; and
                          ``(iv) such other criteria as the Secretary 
                        may require.
                  ``(C) Date of completion.--The demonstration projects 
                under this paragraph shall be completed and final 
                reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than 
                July 1, 2015.
                  ``(D) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall submit 
                a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House 
                of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
                Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes a 
                finding, based on the data provided under subparagraph 
                (C) whether or not implementation in all States is in 
                the best interest of the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program.''.

SEC. 4011. USE OF BENEFITS FOR PURCHASE OF COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED 
                    AGRICULTURE SHARE.

  Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2019) is 
amended in the 1st sentence by inserting ``agricultural producers who 
market agricultural products directly to consumers shall be authorized 
to redeem benefits for the initial cost of the purchase of a community-
supported agriculture share,'' after ``food so purchased,''.

SEC. 4012. RESTAURANT MEALS PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
(7 U.S.C. 2020(e)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (22) by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in paragraph (23)(C) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(24) if the State elects to carry out a program to contract 
        with private establishments to offer meals at concessional 
        prices, as described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 
        3(k)--
                  ``(A) the plans of the State agency for operating the 
                program, including--
                          ``(i) documentation of a need that eligible 
                        homeless, elderly, and disabled clients are 
                        underserved in a particular geographic area;
                          ``(ii) the manner by which the State agency 
                        will limit participation to only those private 
                        establishments that the State determines 
                        necessary to meet the need identified in clause 
                        (i); and
                          ``(iii) any other conditions the Secretary 
                        may prescribe, such as the level of security 
                        necessary to ensure that only eligible 
                        recipients participate in the program; and
                  ``(B) a report by the State agency to the Secretary 
                annually, the schedule of which shall be established by 
                the Secretary, that includes--
                          ``(i) the number of households and individual 
                        recipients authorized to participate in the 
                        program, including any information on whether 
                        the individual recipient is elderly, disabled, 
                        or homeless; and
                          ``(ii) an assessment of whether the program 
                        is meeting an established need, as documented 
                        under subparagraph (A)(i).''.
  (b) Approval of Retail Food Stores and Wholesale Food Concerns.--
Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
  ``(h) Private Establishments.--
          ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), no private 
        establishment that contracts with a State agency to offer meals 
        at concessional prices as described in paragraphs (3), (4), and 
        (9) of section 3(k) may be authorized to accept and redeem 
        benefits unless the Secretary determines that the participation 
        of the private establishment is required to meet a documented 
        need in accordance with section 11(e)(24).
          ``(2) Existing contracts.--
                  ``(A) In general.--If, on the day before the 
                effective date of this subsection, a State has entered 
                into a contract with a private establishment described 
                in paragraph (1) and the Secretary has not determined 
                that the participation of the private establishment is 
                necessary to meet a documented need in accordance with 
                section 11(e)(24), the Secretary shall allow the 
                operation of the private establishment to continue 
                without that determination of need for a period not to 
                exceed 180 days from the date on which the Secretary 
                establishes determination criteria, by regulation, 
                under section 11(e)(24).
                  ``(B) Justification.--If the Secretary determines to 
                terminate a contract with a private establishment that 
                is in effect on the effective date of this subsection, 
                the Secretary shall provide justification to the State 
                in which the private establishment is located for that 
                termination.
          ``(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
        September 30, 2013, and 90 days after the last day of each 
        fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the 
        Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
        the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
        Senate on the effectiveness of a program under this subsection 
        using any information received from States under section 
        11(e)(24) as well as any other information the Secretary may 
        have relating to the manner in which benefits are used.''.
  (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(k)) is amended by inserting ``subject to 
section 9(h)'' after ``concessional prices'' each place it appears.

SEC. 4013. STATE VERIFICATION OPTION.

  Section 11(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2020(p)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(p) State Verification Option.--In carrying out the supplemental 
nutrition assistance program, a State agency shall be required to use 
an income and eligibility, or an immigration status, verification 
system established under section 1137 of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1320b-7), in accordance with standards set by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 4014. REPEAL OF GRANT PROGRAM.

  Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2020(t)) is repealed.

SEC. 4015. DATA EXCHANGE STANDARDIZATION FOR IMPROVED INTEROPERABILITY.

  (a) Data Exchange Standardization.--Section 11 of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
  ``(v) Data Exchange Standardization for Improved Interoperability.--
          ``(1) Data exchange standards.--
                  ``(A) Designation.--The Secretary, in consultation 
                with an interagency work group which shall be 
                established by the Office of Management and Budget, and 
                considering State perspectives, shall, by rule, 
                designate a data exchange standard for any category of 
                information required to be reported under this Act.
                  ``(B) Data exchange standards must be nonproprietary 
                and interoperable.--The data exchange standard 
                designated under subparagraph (A) shall, to the extent 
                practicable, be nonproprietary and interoperable.
                  ``(C) Other requirements.--In designating data 
                exchange standards under this subsection, the Secretary 
                shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate--
                          ``(i) interoperable standards developed and 
                        maintained by an international voluntary 
                        consensus standards body, as defined by the 
                        Office of Management and Budget, such as the 
                        International Organization for Standardization;
                          ``(ii) interoperable standards developed and 
                        maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, 
                        such as the National Information Exchange 
                        Model; and
                          ``(iii) interoperable standards developed and 
                        maintained by Federal entities with authority 
                        over contracting and financial assistance, such 
                        as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council.
          ``(2) Data exchange standards for reporting.--
                  ``(A) Designation.--The Secretary, in consultation 
                with an interagency work group established by the 
                Office of Management and Budget, and considering State 
                perspectives, shall, by rule, designate data exchange 
                standards to govern the data reporting required under 
                this part.
                  ``(B) Requirements.--The data exchange standards 
                required by subparagraph (A) shall, to the extent 
                practicable--
                          ``(i) incorporate a widely-accepted, 
                        nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable 
                        format;
                          ``(ii) be consistent with and implement 
                        applicable accounting principles; and
                          ``(iii) be capable of being continually 
                        upgraded as necessary.
                  ``(C) Incorporation of nonproprietary standards.--In 
                designating reporting standards under this subsection, 
                the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, 
                incorporate existing nonproprietary standards, such as 
                the eXtensible Markup Language.''.
  (b) Effective Dates.--
          (1) Data exchange standards.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
        shall issue a proposed rule under section 11(v)(1) of the Food 
        and Nutrition Act of 2008 within 12 months after the effective 
        date of this section, and shall issue a final rule under such 
        section after public comment, within 24 months after such 
        effective date.
          (2) Data reporting standards.--The reporting standards 
        required under section 11(v)(2) of such Act shall become 
        effective with respect to reports required in the first 
        reporting period, after the effective date of the final rule 
        referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, for which the 
        authority for data collection and reporting is established or 
        renewed under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

SEC. 4016. REPEAL OF BONUS PROGRAM.

  Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2025(d)) is repealed.

SEC. 4017. FUNDING OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

  Section 16(h)(1)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2025(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``$90,000,000'' and inserting 
``$79,000,000''.

SEC. 4018. MONITORING EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM.

  (a) Reporting Measures.--Section 16(h)(5) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(h)(5)) is amended to read:
          ``(5)(A) In general.--The Secretary shall monitor the 
        employment and training programs carried out by State agencies 
        under section 6(d)(4) and assess their effectiveness in--
                  ``(i) preparing members of households participating 
                in the supplemental nutrition assistance program for 
                employment, including the acquisition of basic skills 
                necessary for employment; and
                  ``(ii) increasing the numbers of household members 
                who obtain and retain employment subsequent to their 
                participation in such employment and training programs.
          ``(B) Reporting measures.--The Secretary, in consultation 
        with the Secretary of Labor, shall develop reporting measures 
        that identify improvements in the skills, training education or 
        work experience of members of households participating in the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program. Measures shall be 
        based on common measures of performance for federal workforce 
        training programs, so long as they reflect the challenges 
        facing the types of members of households participating in the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program who participate in a 
        specific employment and training component. The Secretary shall 
        require that each State employment and training plan submitted 
        under section 11(3)(19) identify appropriate reporting measures 
        for each of their proposed components that serve at least 100 
        people. Such measures may include:
                  ``(i) the percentage and number of program 
                participants who received employment and training 
                services and are in unsubsidized employment subsequent 
                to the receipt of those services;
                  ``(ii) the percentage and number of program 
                participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary 
                credential, including a registered apprenticeship, or a 
                regular secondary school diploma or its recognized 
                equivalent, while participating in or within 1 year 
                after receiving employment and training services;
                  ``(iii) the percentage and number of program 
                participants who are in an education or training 
                program that is intended to lead to a recognized 
                postsecondary credential, including a registered 
                apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, a 
                regular secondary school diploma or its recognized 
                equivalent, or unsubsidized employment;
                  ``(iv) subject to the terms and conditions set by the 
                Secretary, measures developed by each State agency to 
                assess the skills acquisition of employment and 
                training program participants that reflect the goals of 
                their specific employment and training program 
                components, which may include, but are not limited to--
                          ``(I) the percentage and number of program 
                        participants who are meeting program 
                        requirements in each component of the State's 
                        education and training program; and
                          ``(II) the percentage and number of program 
                        participants who are gaining skills likely to 
                        lead to employment as measured through testing, 
                        quantitative or qualitative assessment or other 
                        method; and
                  ``(v) other indicators as approved by the Secretary.
          ``(C) State report.--Each State agency shall annually prepare 
        and submit to the Secretary a report on the State's employment 
        and training program that includes the numbers of supplemental 
        nutrition assistance program participants who have gained 
        skills, training, work or experience that will increase their 
        ability to obtain regular employment using measures identified 
        in subparagraph (B).
          ``(D) Modifications to the state employment and training 
        plan.--Subject to the terms and conditions established by the 
        Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the state agency's 
        performance with respect to employment and training outcomes is 
        inadequate, the Secretary may require the State agency to make 
        modifications to their employment and training plan to improve 
        such outcomes.
          ``(E) Periodic evaluation.--
                  ``(i) In general.--Subject to terms and conditions 
                established by the Secretary, not later than October 1, 
                2015, and not less frequently than once every 5 years 
                thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a study to 
                review existing practice and research to identify 
                employment and training program components and 
                practices that--
                          ``(I) effectively assist members of 
                        households participating in the supplemental 
                        nutrition assistance program in gaining skills, 
                        training, work, or experience that will 
                        increase their ability to obtain regular 
                        employment, and
                          ``(II) are best integrated with statewide 
                        workforce development systems.
                  ``(ii) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall 
                submit a report that describes the results of the study 
                under clause (i) to the Committee on Agriculture in the 
                House of Representatives, and the Committee on 
                Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in the Senate.''.
  (b) Effective Date.--Notwithstanding section 4(c) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(a)), the Secretary shall issue 
interim final regulations implementing the amendment made by subsection 
(a) no later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. 
States shall include such reporting measures in their employment and 
training plans for the 1st fiscal year thereafter that begins no sooner 
than 6 months after the date that such regulations are published.

SEC. 4019. COOPERATION WITH PROGRAM RESEARCH AND EVALUATION.

  Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
  ``(l) Cooperation With Program Research and Evaluation.--States, 
State agencies, local agencies, institutions, facilities such as data 
consortiums, and contractors participating in programs authorized under 
this Act shall cooperate with officials and contractors acting on 
behalf of the Secretary in the conduct of evaluations and studies under 
this Act and shall submit information at such time and in such manner 
as the Secretary may require.''.

SEC. 4020. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2027(a)(1)) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 4021. LIMITATION ON USE OF BLOCK GRANT TO PUERTO RICO.

  Section 19(a)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2028(a)(2)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                          ``(iii) Limitation on use of funds.--None of 
                        the funds made available to the Commonwealth of 
                        Puerto Rico under this subparagraph may be used 
                        to provide nutrition assistance in the form of 
                        cash benefits.''.

SEC. 4022. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

  (a) Definition.--Section 25(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(1)(B)(i)) is amended--
          (1) in subclause (II) by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in subclause (III) by striking ``or'' at the end and 
        inserting ``and''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following:
                                  ``(IV) to provide incentives for the 
                                consumption of fruits and vegetables 
                                among low-income individuals; or''.
  (b) Additional Funding.--Section 25(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034) is amended by adding at the end the following:
          ``(3) Funding.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Out of any funds in the Treasury 
                not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the 
                Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out 
                this section not less than $10,000,000 for fiscal year 
                2013 and each fiscal year thereafter. Of the amount 
                made available under this subparagraph for each such 
                fiscal year, $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out 
                subsection (a)(1)(B)(I)(IV).
                  ``(B) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall be 
                entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to 
                carry out this section, the funds transferred under 
                subparagraph (A) without further appropriation.
                  ``(C) Maintenance of funding.--The funding provided 
                under subparagraph (A) shall supplement (and not 
                supplant) other Federal funding made available to the 
                Secretary to carry out this section.''.

SEC. 4023. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Purchase of Commodities.--Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2008 through 2012'' and 
        inserting ``2012 through 2017''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2)--
                  (A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and 
                inserting the following:
                  ``(A) for fiscal year 2012, $260,250,000;
                  ``(B) for fiscal year 2013 the dollar amount of 
                commodities specified in subparagraph (A) adjusted by 
                the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been 
                adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2011 
                and June 30, 2012, and subsequently increased by 
                $20,000,000;'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (C)--
                          (i) by striking ``2010 through 2012, the 
                        dollar amount of commodities specified in'' and 
                        inserting ``2014 through 2017, the total amount 
                        of commodities under''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``2008'' and inserting 
                        ``2012''; and
                          (iii) by striking the period at the end and 
                        inserting:``; and''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following:
                  ``(D) for fiscal year 2013 the dollar amount of 
                commodities specified in subparagraph (B), and for each 
                of the fiscal years 2014 through 2017 the respective 
                dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph 
                (C), increased by $5,000,000.''.
  (b) Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.--Section 209(d) of 
the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7511a(d)) is 
amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 4024. NUTRITION EDUCATION.

  Section 28(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2036a(b)) is amended by inserting ``and physical activity'' after 
``healthy food choices''.

SEC. 4025. RETAILER TRAFFICKING.

  The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 29. RETAILER TRAFFICKING.

  ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide the 
Department of Agriculture with additional resources to prevent 
trafficking in violation of this Act by strengthening recipient and 
retailer program integrity. Additional funds are provided to supplement 
the Department's payment accuracy, and retailer and recipient integrity 
activities.
  ``(b) Funding.--
          ``(1) In general.--Out of any funds in the Treasury not 
        otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
        transfer to the Secretary to carry out this section not less 
        than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year 
        thereafter.
          ``(2) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall be 
        entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out 
        this section the funds transferred under paragraph (1) without 
        further appropriation.
          ``(3) Maintenance of funding.--The funding provided under 
        paragraph (1) shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal 
        funding for programs carried out under this Act.''.

SEC. 4026. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

  (a) Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012) 
is amended--
          (1) in subsection (g) by striking ``coupon,'' the last place 
        it appears and inserting ``coupon'';
          (2) in subsection (k)(7) by striking ``or are'' and inserting 
        ``and'';
          (3) by striking subsection (l);
          (4) by redesignating subsections (m) through (t) as 
        subsections (l) through (s), respectively; and
          (5) by inserting after subsection (s) (as so redesignated) 
        the following:
  ``(t) `Supplemental nutritional assistance program' means the program 
operated pursuant to this Act.''.
  (b) Section 4(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2013(a)) is amended by striking ``benefits'' the last place it appears 
and inserting ``Benefits''.
  (c) Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014) 
is amended--
          (1) in the last sentence of subsection (i)(2)(D) by striking 
        ``section 13(b)(2)'' and inserting ``section 13(b)''; and
          (2) in subsection (k)(4)(A) by striking ``paragraph (2)(H)'' 
        and inserting ``paragraph (2)(G)''.
  (d) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2015(d)(4)) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (B)(vii) by moving the left margin 2 ems 
        to the left, and
          (2) in subparagraph(F)(iii) by moving the left margin 4 ems 
        to the left.
  (e) Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2016(h)) is amended by redesignating the 2d paragraph (12) as paragraph 
(13).
  (f) Section 9(a)(3) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2018(a)) is amended by moving the left margin 2 ems to the left.
  (g) Section 12 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2021) 
is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)(3)(C) by striking ``civil money 
        penalties'' and inserting ``civil penalties''; and
          (2) in subsection (g)(1) by striking ``(7 U.S.C. 1786)'' and 
        inserting ``(42 U.S.C. 1786)''.
  (h) Section 15(b)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2024(b)(1)) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking ``an benefit'' 
and inserting ``a benefit''.
  (i) Section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2025(a)) is amended in the proviso following paragraph (8) by striking 
``, as amended.''.
  (j) Section 18(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2027(e)) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking ``sections 7(f)'' 
and inserting ``section 7(f)''.
  (k) Section 22(b)(10)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2031(b)(10)(B)(i)) is amended in the last sentence by striking 
``Food benefits'' and inserting ``Benefits''.
  (l) Section 26(f)(3)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2035(f)(3)(C)) is amended by striking ``subsection'' and 
inserting ``subsections''.
  (m) Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2036(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``(Public Law 98-8; 7 U.S.C. 612c 
note)'' and inserting ``(7 U.S.C. 7515)''.
  (n) Section 509 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3056g) 
is amended in the section heading by striking ``food stamp programs'' 
and inserting ``supplemental nutrition assistance program''.
  (o) Section 4115(c)(2)(H) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1871) is amended by striking 
``531'' and inserting ``454''.
  (p) Section 3803(c)(2)(C)(vii) of title 31 of the United States Code 
is amended by striking ``section 3(l)'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``section 3(s)''.
  (q) Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``section 3(l)'' and 
        inserting ``section 3(s)'';
          (2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``section 3(l)'' and 
        inserting ``section 3(s)''; and
          (3) in subsection (e)(2) by striking ``section 3(l)'' and 
        inserting ``section 3(s)''.
  (r) The Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 
612c) is amended--
          (1) in section 4(a) by striking ``Food Stamp Act of 1977'' 
        and inserting ``Food and Nutrition Act of 2008''; and
          (2) in section 5--
                  (A) in subsection (i)(1) by striking ``Food Stamp Act 
                of 1977'' and inserting ``Food and Nutrition Act of 
                2008''; and
                  (B) in subsection (l)(2)(B) by striking ``Food Stamp 
                Act of 1977'' and inserting ``Food and Nutrition Act of 
                2008''.
  (s) The Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended--
          (1) in the heading of section 453(j)(10) by striking ``food 
        stamp'' and inserting ``supplemental nutrition assistance'';
          (2) in section 1137--
                  (A) in subsection (a)(5)(B) by striking ``food 
                stamp'' and inserting ``supplemental nutrition 
                assistance''; and
                  (B) in subsection (b)(4) by striking ``food stamp 
                program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977'' and 
                inserting ``supplemental nutrition assistance program 
                under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008''; and
          (3) in the heading of section 1631(n) by striking ``Food 
        Stamp'' and inserting ``Supplemental Nutrition Assistance''.

SEC. 4027. TOLERANCE LEVEL FOR EXCLUDING SMALL ERRORS.

  The Secretary shall set the tolerance level for excluding small 
errors for the purposes of section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c))--
          (1) for fiscal year 2013 at an amount no greater than $25; 
        and
          (2) for each fiscal year thereafter, the amount specified in 
        paragraph (1) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty 
        food plan is adjusted under section 3(u)(4) of such Act between 
        June 30, 2011, and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal 
        year.

SEC. 4028. COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS PILOT PROGRAM.

  (a) Study.--
          (1) In general.--Prior to establishing the pilot program 
        under subsection (b), the Secretary shall conduct a study to be 
        completed not later than 2 years after the effective date of 
        this section to assess--
                  (A) the capabilities of the Commonwealth of the 
                Northern Mariana Islands to operate the supplemental 
                nutrition assistance program in the same manner in 
                which the program is operated in the States (as defined 
                in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act (7 U.S.C. 
                2011 et seq)); and
                  (B) alternative models of the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program operation and benefit delivery that 
                best meet the nutrition assistance needs of the 
                Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
          (2) Scope.--The study conducted under paragraph (1)(A) will 
        assess the capability of the Commonwealth to fulfill the 
        responsibilities of a State agency, including--
                  (A) extending and limiting participation to eligible 
                households, as prescribed by sections 5 and 6 of the 
                Act;
                  (B) issuing benefits through EBT cards, as prescribed 
                by section 7 of the Act;
                  (C) maintaining the integrity of the program, 
                including operation of a quality control system, as 
                prescribed by section 16(c) of the Act;
                  (D) implementing work requirements, including 
                operating an employment and training program, as 
                prescribed by section 6(d) of the Act; and
                  (E) paying a share of administrative costs with non-
                Federal funds, as prescribed by section 16(a) of the 
                Act.
  (b) Establishment.--If the Secretary determines that a pilot program 
is feasible, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program for the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to operate the 
supplemental nutrition assistance program in the same manner in which 
the program is operated in the States.
  (c) Scope.--The Secretary shall utilize the information obtained from 
the study conducted under subsection (a) to establish the scope of the 
pilot program established under subsection (b).
  (d) Report.--Not later than June 30, 2018, the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
report on the pilot program carried out under this section, including 
an analysis of the feasibility of operating in the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
as it is operated in the States.
  (e) Funding.--
          (1) Study.--Of the funds made available under section 
        18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, the Secretary 
        may use not more than $1,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2013 
        and 2014 to conduct the study described in subsection (a).
          (2) Pilot program.--Of the funds made available under section 
        18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, for the 
        purposes of establishing and carrying out the pilot program 
        established under subsection (b) of this section, including the 
        Federal costs for providing technical assistance to the 
        Commonwealth, authorizing and monitoring retail food stores, 
        and assessing pilot operations, the Secretary may use not more 
        than--
                  (A) $13,500,000 in fiscal year 2015; and
                  (B) $8,500,000 in each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

SEC. 4029. ANNUAL STATE REPORT ON VERIFICATION OF SNAP PARTICIPATION.

  (a) Annual Report.--Not later 1 year after the date specified by the 
Secretary in the 180-period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
this Act, and annually thereafter, each State agency that carries out 
the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall submit to the 
Secretary a report containing sufficient information for the Secretary 
to determine whether the State agency has, for the then most recently 
concluded fiscal year preceding such annual date, verified that 
households to which such State agency provided such assistance in such 
fiscal year--
          (1) did not obtain benefits attributable to a deceased 
        individual; and
          (2) did not include an individual who was simultaneously 
        included in a household receiving such assistance in another 
        State.
  (b) Penalty for Noncompliance.--For any fiscal year for which a State 
agency fails to comply with subsection (a), the Secretary shall reduce 
by 50 percent the amount otherwise payable to such State agency under 
section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 with respect to 
such fiscal year.

              Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

SEC. 4101. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

  Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 
(7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended in the 1st sentence 
by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 4102. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.

  Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 
U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended--
          (1) in paragraphs (1) and (2)(B) of subsection (a) by 
        striking ``2012'' each place it appears and inserting ``2017'';
          (2) in the 1st sentence of subsection (d)(2) by striking 
        ``2012'' and inserting ``2017'';
          (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:
  ``(g) Eligibility.--Except as provided in subsection (m), the States 
shall only provide assistance under the commodity supplemental food 
program to low-income individuals aged 60 and older.''; and
          (4) by adding at the end the following:
  ``(m) Phase-out.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an 
individual who receives assistance under the commodity supplemental 
food program on the day before the effective date of this subsection 
shall continue to receive that assistance until the date on which the 
individual no longer qualifies for assistance under the eligibility 
criteria for the program in effect on the day before the effective date 
of this subsection.''.

SEC. 4103. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES TO SPECIAL NUTRITION 
                    PROJECTS.

  Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (7 
U.S.C. 1431e(2)(A)) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking ``2012'' 
and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 4104. PROCESSING OF COMMODITIES.

  (a) Section 17 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC 
Amendments of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended by--
          (1) striking the heading and inserting ``commodity donations 
        and processing''; and
          (2) adding at the end the following:
  ``(c) Processing.--For any program included in subsection (b), the 
Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of State or Federal 
law relating to the procurement of goods and services--
          ``(1) retain title to commodities delivered to a processor, 
        on behalf of a State (including a State distributing agency and 
        a recipient agency), until such time as end products containing 
        such commodities, or similar commodities as approved by the 
        Secretary, are delivered to a State distributing agency or to a 
        recipient agency; and
          ``(2) promulgate regulations to ensure accountability for 
        commodities provided to a processor for processing into end 
        products, and to facilitate processing of commodities into end 
        products for use by recipient agencies. Such regulations may 
        provide that--
                  ``(A) a processor that receives commodities for 
                processing into end products, or provides a service 
                with respect to such commodities or end products, in 
                accordance with its agreement with a State distributing 
                agency or a recipient agency, provide to the Secretary 
                a bond or other means of financial assurance to protect 
                the value of such commodities; and
                  ``(B) in the event a processor fails to deliver to a 
                State distributing agency or a recipient agency an end 
                product in conformance with the processing agreement 
                entered into under this Act, the Secretary take action 
                with respect to the bond or other means of financial 
                assurance pursuant to regulations promulgated under 
                this paragraph and distribute any proceeds obtained by 
                the Secretary to one or more State distributing 
                agencies and recipient agencies as determined 
                appropriate by the Secretary.''.
  (b) Definitions.--Section 18 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act 
and WIC Amendments of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended by striking 
paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:
          ``(1) The term `commodities' means agricultural commodities 
        and their products that are donated by the Secretary for use by 
        recipient agencies.
          ``(2) The term `end product' means a food product that 
        contains processed commodities.''.
  (c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the Commodity 
Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; 
Public Law 100-237) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and 
                inserting the following:
                  ``(B) the program established under section 4(b) of 
                the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
                2013(b));''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (3)(D) by striking ``the Committee 
                on Education and Labor'' and inserting ``the Committee 
                on Education and the Workforce'';
          (2) in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) by striking ``section 32 of 
        the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)'' and 
        inserting ``section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 
        612c)'';
          (3) in subsection (e)(1)(D)(iii) by striking subclause (II) 
        and inserting the following:
                                  ``(II) the program established under 
                                section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition 
                                Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b));''; and
          (4) in subsection (k) by striking ``the Committee on 
        Education and Labor'' and inserting ``the Committee on 
        Education and the Workforce''.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

SEC. 4201. FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.

  Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
U.S.C. 3007) is amended--
          (1) in the section heading by striking ``seniors'';
          (2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
  ``(a) Funding.--
          ``(1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall use to carry 
        out and expand the farmers market nutrition program $20,600,000 
        for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
          ``(2) Additional funding.--There is authorized to be 
        appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
        subsection for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.'';
          (3) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                striking ``seniors''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, and low-income 
                families who are determined to be at nutritional risk'' 
                after ``low-income seniors'';
          (4) in subsection (c) by striking ``seniors'';
          (5) in subsection (d) by striking ``seniors'';
          (6) in subsection (e) by striking ``seniors'';
          (7) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) as 
        subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and
          (8) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
  ``(c) State Grants and Other Assistance.--The Secretary shall carry 
out the Program through grants and other assistance provided in 
accordance with agreements made with States, for implementation through 
State agencies and local agencies, that include provisions--
          ``(1) for the issuance of coupons or vouchers to 
        participating individuals;
          ``(2) establishing an appropriate annual percentage 
        limitation on the use of funds for administrative costs; and
          ``(3) specifying other terms and conditions as the Secretary 
        deems appropriate to encourage expanding the participation of 
        small scale farmers in Federal nutrition programs.''.

SEC. 4202. NUTRITION INFORMATION AND AWARENESS PILOT PROGRAM.

  Section 4403 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
U.S.C. 3171 note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.

SEC. 4203. FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.

  Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1769a) is amended--
          (1) in the section heading, by striking ``fresh'';
          (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``fresh'';
          (3) in subsection (b), by striking ``fresh''; and
          (4) in subsection (e), by striking ``fresh''.

SEC. 4204. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS, 
                    VEGETABLES, AND OTHER SPECIALTY FOOD CROPS.

  Section 10603 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 612c-4) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017'';
          (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
          (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
        subsection:
  ``(c) Pilot Grant Program for Purchase of Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.--
          ``(1) In general.--Using amounts made available to carry out 
        subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a 
        pilot program under which the Secretary will give not more than 
        five participating States the option of receiving a grant in an 
        amount equal to the value of the commodities that the 
        participating State would otherwise receive under this section 
        for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
          ``(2) Use of grant funds.--A participating State receiving a 
        grant under this subsection may use the grant funds solely to 
        purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to 
        schools and service institutions in the State that participate 
        in the food service programs under the Richard B. Russell 
        National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) and the 
        Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
          ``(3) Selection of participating states.--The Secretary shall 
        select participating States from applications submitted by the 
        States.
          ``(4) Reporting requirements.--
                  ``(A) School and service institution requirement.--
                Schools and service institutions in a participating 
                State shall keep records of purchases of fresh fruits 
                and vegetables made using the grant funds and report 
                such records to the State.
                  ``(B) State requirement.--Each participating State 
                shall submit to the Secretary a report on the success 
                of the pilot program in the State, including 
                information on--
                          ``(i) the amount and value of each type of 
                        fresh fruit and vegetable purchased by the 
                        State; and
                          ``(ii) the benefit provided by such purchases 
                        in conducting the school food service in the 
                        State, including meeting school meal 
                        requirements.''.

SEC. 4205. ENCOURAGING LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY GROWN AND RAISED FOOD.

  (a) Commodity Purchase Streamlining.--The Secretary may permit each 
school food authority with a low annual commodity entitlement value, as 
determined by the Secretary, to elect to substitute locally and 
regionally grown and raised food for the authority's allotment, in 
whole or in part, of commodity assistance for the school meal programs 
under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 
et seq.) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), 
if--
          (1) the election is requested by the school food authority;
          (2) the Secretary determines that the election will reduce 
        State and Federal administrative costs; and
          (3) the election will provide the school food authority with 
        greater flexibility to purchase locally and regionally grown 
        and raised foods.
  (b) Farm-to-school Demonstration Programs.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may establish farm-to-school 
        demonstration programs under which school food authorities, 
        agricultural producers producing for local and regional 
        markets, and other farm-to-school stakeholders will collaborate 
        with the Agriculture Marketing Service to, on a cost neutral 
        basis, source food for the school meal programs under the 
        Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et 
        seq.) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et 
        seq.) from local farmers and ranchers in lieu of the commodity 
        assistance provided to the school food authorities for the 
        school meal programs.
          (2) Requirements.--
                  (A) In general.--Each demonstration program carried 
                out under this subsection shall--
                          (i) facilitate and increase the purchase of 
                        unprocessed and minimally processed locally and 
                        regionally grown and raised agricultural 
                        products to be served under the school meal 
                        programs;
                          (ii) test methods to improve procurement, 
                        transportation, and meal preparation processes 
                        for the school meal programs;
                          (iii) assess whether administrative costs can 
                        be saved through increased school authority 
                        flexibility to source locally and regionally 
                        produced foods for the school meal programs; 
                        and
                          (iv) undertake rigorous evaluation and share 
                        information about results of the demonstration 
                        program, including cost savings, with the 
                        Secretary, other school food authorities, 
                        agricultural producers producing for the local 
                        and regional market, and the general public.
                  (B) Plans.--In order to be selected to carry out a 
                demonstration program under this subsection, a school 
                food authority shall submit to the Secretary a plan at 
                such time and in such manner as the Secretary may 
                require, and containing information with respect to the 
                requirements described in clauses (i) through (iv) of 
                subparagraph (A).
          (3) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
        technical assistance to demonstration program participants to 
        assist such participants to acquire bids from potential vendors 
        in a timely and cost-effective manner.
          (4) Length.--The Secretary shall determine the appropriate 
        length of time for each demonstration program under this 
        subsection.
          (5) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate among 
        relevant agencies of the Department of Agriculture and non-
        governmental organizations with appropriate expertise to 
        facilitate the provision of training and technical assistance 
        necessary to the successful implementation of demonstration 
        programs carried out under this subsection.
          (6) Number.--Subject to the availability of funds to carry 
        out this subsection, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        implement at least 10 demonstration programs under this 
        subsection.
          (7) Diversity and balance.--In carrying out demonstration 
        programs under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the 
        maximum extent practicable, ensure--
                  (A) geographical diversity;
                  (B) at least half of the demonstration programs are 
                completed in collaboration with school food authorities 
                with small annual commodity entitlements, as determined 
                by the Secretary;
                  (C) at least half of the demonstration programs are 
                completed in rural or tribal communities;
                  (D) equitable treatment of school food authorities 
                with a high percentage of students eligible for free or 
                reduced price lunches, as determined by the Secretary; 
                and
                  (E) at least one of the demonstration programs is 
                completed on a military installation as defined in 
                section 2687(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code.

                            TITLE V--CREDIT

                    Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

SEC. 5001. ELIGIBILITY FOR FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.

  (a) In General.--Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``(a) In General.--The'' and inserting the 
        following:
  ``(a) In General.--
          ``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The'';
          (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after ``limited 
        liability companies'' the following: ``, and such other legal 
        entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,'';
          (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through 
        (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively;
          (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking ``and 
        limited liability companies'' each place it appears and 
        inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal 
        entities'';
          (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking ``(3)'' and ``(4)'' and 
        inserting ``(C)'' and ``(D)'', respectively; and
          (6) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(2) Special deeming rules.--
                  ``(A) Eligibility of certain operating-only 
                entities.--An entity that is or will become only the 
                operator of a family farm is deemed to meet the owner-
                operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the 
                individuals that are the owners of the family farm own 
                more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the 
                Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity.
                  ``(B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An 
                entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph 
                (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of 
                this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 
                other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership 
                requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 
                percent of the ownership interests of each embedded 
                entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly 
                by the individuals that own the family farm.''.
  (b) Direct Farm Ownership Experience Requirement.--Section 302(b)(1) 
of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1)) is amended by inserting ``or has 
other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the 
Secretary,'' after ``3 years''.
  (c) Conforming Amendments.--
          (1) Section 304(c)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2)) by 
        striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a)'' and 
        inserting ``clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1)''.
          (2) Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended--
                  (A) by inserting after ``partnership'' the following: 
                ``, or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems 
                appropriate,''; and
                  (B) by striking ``or partners'' each place it appears 
                and inserting ``partners, or owners''.

SEC. 5002. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

  (a) Eligibility.--Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)) is amended by inserting after 
``limited liability companies'' the following: ``, or such other legal 
entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,''.
  (b) Limitation on Loan Guarantee Amount.--Section 304(e) of such Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1924(e)) is amended by striking ``75 percent'' and inserting 
``90 percent''.
  (c) Extension of Program.--Section 304(h) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1924(h)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 5003. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C)) is amended by striking 
``$500,000'' and inserting ``$667,000''.
  (b) Technical Correction.--Section 310E(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1935(b)) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2).

SEC. 5004. ELIMINATION OF MINERAL RIGHTS APPRAISAL REQUIREMENT.

  Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1927) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating 
subsection (e) as subsection (d).

                      Subtitle B--Operating Loans

SEC. 5101. ELIGIBILITY FOR FARM OPERATING LOANS.

  Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``(a) In General.--The'' and inserting the 
        following:
  ``(a) In General.--
          ``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The'';
          (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after ``limited 
        liability companies'' the following: ``, and such other legal 
        entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,'';
          (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through 
        (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively;
          (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking ``and 
        limited liability companies'' each place it appears and 
        inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal 
        entities'';
          (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking ``(3)'' and ``(4)'' and 
        inserting ``(C)'' and ``(D)'', respectively; and
          (6) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(2) Special deeming rule.--An entity that is an operator 
        described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, 
        by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership 
        requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent 
        of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such 
        entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that 
        own the family farm.''.

SEC. 5102. ELIMINATION OF RURAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR OPERATING 
                    LOANS TO YOUTH.

  Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``who are rural 
residents''.

SEC. 5103. AUTHORITY TO WAIVE PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR YOUTH LOANS DUE TO 
                    CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND BORROWER CONTROL.

  Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1941(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
  ``(5) The Secretary may, on a case by case basis, waive the personal 
liability of a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if any 
default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond the control of the 
borrower.''.

SEC. 5104. MICROLOANS.

  (a) In General.--Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
  ``(c) Microloans.--
          ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
        may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans.
          ``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not make or guarantee 
        a microloan under this subsection that exceeds $35,000 or that 
        would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 
        1 time for microloans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower 
        to exceed $70,000.
          ``(3) Applications.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
        Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline 
        the application and approval process for microloans under this 
        subsection.
          ``(4) Cooperative lending projects.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                Secretary may contract with community-based and 
                nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other 
                intermediaries, as the Secretary determines 
                appropriate--
                          ``(i) to make or guarantee a microloan under 
                        this subsection; and
                          ``(ii) to provide business, financial, 
                        marketing, and credit management services to 
                        borrowers.
                  ``(B) Requirements.--Before contracting with an 
                entity described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary--
                          ``(i) shall review and approve--
                                  ``(I) the loan loss reserve fund for 
                                microloans established by the entity; 
                                and
                                  ``(II) the underwriting standards for 
                                microloans of the entity; and
                          ``(ii) establish such other requirements for 
                        contracting with the entity as the Secretary 
                        determines necessary.''.
  (b) Exceptions for Direct Loans.--Section 311(c)(2) of such Act (7 
U.S.C. 1941(c)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
          ``(2) Exceptions.--In this subsection, the term `direct 
        operating loan' shall not include--
                  ``(A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or
                  ``(B) a microloan made to a young beginning farmer or 
                rancher or a military veteran farmer, as defined by the 
                Secretary.''.
  (c) Section 312(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1942(a)) is amended by 
inserting ``(including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary)'' 
after ``A direct loan''.
  (d) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is amended by 
inserting ``a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or military 
veteran farmer or'' after ``The interest rate on''.

                      Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

SEC. 5201. ELIGIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY LOANS.

  Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1961(a)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``owner-operators (in the case of loans for a 
        purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans 
        for a purpose under subtitle B)'' each place it appears and 
        inserting ``(in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance 
        with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case 
        of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators'';
          (2) by inserting after ``limited liability companies'' the 
        1st place it appears the following: ``, or such other legal 
        entities as the Secretary deems appropriate''; and
          (3) by inserting after ``limited liability companies'' the 
        2nd place it appears the following: ``, or other legal 
        entities'';
          (4) by striking ``and limited liability companies,'' and 
        inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal 
        entities'';
          (5) by striking ``ownership and operator'' and inserting 
        ``ownership or operator''; and
          (6) by adding at the end the following: ``An entity that is 
        an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is 
        deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under 
        this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership 
        interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned 
        directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family 
        farm.''.

                 Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

SEC. 5301. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS 
                    PILOT PROGRAM.

  Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 5302. ELIGIBLE BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

  (a) Conforming Amendments Relating to Changes in Eligibility Rules.--
Section 343(a)(11) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)) is amended--
          (1) by inserting after ``joint operation,'' the 1st place it 
        appears the following: ``or such other legal entity as the 
        Secretary deems appropriate,'';
          (2) by striking ``or joint operators'' each place it appears 
        and inserting ``joint operators, or owners''; and
          (3) by inserting after ``joint operation,'' the 2nd and 3rd 
        place it appears the following: ``or such other legal 
        entity,''.
  (b) Modification of Acreage Ownership Limitation.--Section 
343(a)(11)(F) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F)) is amended by 
striking ``median acreage'' and inserting ``average acreage''.

SEC. 5303. LOAN AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.

  Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 5304. PRIORITY FOR PARTICIPATION LOANS.

  Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
                                  ``(III) Priority.--In order to 
                                maximize the number of borrowers served 
                                under this clause, the Secretary--
                                          ``(aa) shall give priority to 
                                        applicants who apply under the 
                                        down payment loan program under 
                                        section 310E or joint financing 
                                        arrangements under section 
                                        307(a)(3)(D); and
                                          ``(bb) may offer other 
                                        financing options under this 
                                        subtitle to applicants only if 
                                        the Secretary determines that 
                                        down payment or other 
                                        participation loan options are 
                                        not a viable approach for the 
                                        applicants.''.

SEC. 5305. LOAN FUND SET-ASIDES.

  Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''; and
          (2) by striking ``of the total amount''.

SEC. 5306. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO BORROWER TRAINING PROVISION, 
                    RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY CHANGES.

  Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``section 302(a)(2) or 
311(a)(2)'' and inserting ``section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B)''.

           Subtitle E--State Agricultural Mediation Programs

SEC. 5401. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.

  Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is 
amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2017''.

      Subtitle F--Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated Land

SEC. 5501. LOANS TO PURCHASERS OF HIGHLY FRACTIONATED LAND.

  The first section of Public Law 91-229 (25 U.S.C. 488) is amended in 
subsection (b)(1) by striking ``pursuant to section 205(c) of the 
Indian Land Consolidation Act (25 U.S.C. 2204(c))'' and inserting ``or 
to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the 
purchase of highly fractionated land''.

                      TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

        Subtitle A--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

SEC. 6001. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY GRANTS.

  Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii)) by striking ``$30,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting 
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6002. RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS.

  Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D)) is amended by striking ``$15,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6003. ELIMINATION OF RESERVATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANT 
                    PROGRAM FUNDS.

  Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C).

SEC. 6004. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM.

  Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)) is amended to read as follows:
          ``(22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall continue a 
                national rural water and wastewater circuit rider 
                program that--
                          ``(i) is consistent with the activities and 
                        results of the program conducted before the 
                        date of enactment of this paragraph, as 
                        determined by the Secretary; and
                          ``(ii) receives funding from the Secretary, 
                        acting through the Rural Utilities Service.
                  ``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
                paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each 
                fiscal year thereafter.''.

SEC. 6005. TRIBAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY 
                    FACILITIES.

  Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking ``$10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$5,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6006. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANT 
                    PROGRAM.

  Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)) is amended by striking ``$35,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$27,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6007. GRANTS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO FINANCE THE 
                    CONSTRUCTION, REFURBISHING, AND SERVICING OF 
                    INDIVIDUALLY-OWNED HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEMS IN 
                    RURAL AREAS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW OR MODERATE 
                    INCOMES.

  Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1926e(d)) is amended by striking ``$10,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$5,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6008. RURAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM.

  (a) Flexibility for the Business and Loan Program.--Section 
310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``including working 
capital'' after ``employment''.
  (b) Greater Flexibility for Adequate Collateral Through Accounts 
Receivable.--Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following: ``In the discretion of the 
Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create 
or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to 
the Federal Government, the Secretary may take account receivables as 
security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and 
a borrower may use account receivables as collateral to secure a loan 
made or guaranteed under this subsection.''.
  (c) Regulations.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations 
as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section.

SEC. 6009. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

  Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12)) is amended by striking ``$50,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$40,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6010. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTS.

  Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''; and
          (2) by inserting ``and not more than 7 percent'' after ``5 
        percent''.

SEC. 6011. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922-1936a) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:

``SEC. 310H. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

  ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall make loans to the entities, 
for the purposes, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in 
the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of section 623(a) of the Community 
Economic Development Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9812(a)).
  ``(b) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For loans 
under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
through 2017.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
        a period; and
          (3) by striking subparagraph (C).

SEC. 6012. ENHANCING PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT RURAL WATER 
                    AND WASTE DISPOSAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

  Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``require'';
          (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``require'' after ``(1)'';
          (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, require'' after 
        ``314'';
          (4) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``require'' after 
        ``loans,'';
          (5) in paragraph (4)--
                  (A) by inserting ``require'' after ``(4)''; and
                  (B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
          (6) in paragraph (5)--
                  (A) by inserting ``require'' after ``(5)''; and
                  (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
                ``; and''; and
          (7) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct and 
        guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the 
        maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to 
        finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by--
                  ``(A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to 
                finance eligible projects in rural communities where 
                the population exceeds 5,500;
                  ``(B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance 
                eligible projects in rural communities where the impact 
                on rate payers will be material when compared to 
                financing with a loan guarantee;
                  ``(C) establishing and applying a materiality 
                standard when determining the difference in impact on 
                rate payers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee;
                  ``(D) in the case of projects that require interim 
                financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such 
                projects initially seek such financing from private or 
                cooperative lenders; and
                  ``(E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower 
                can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, 
                including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a 
                new direct loan.''.

SEC. 6013. SIMPLIFIED APPLICATIONS.

  (a) In General.--Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
  ``(h) Simplified Application Forms.--Except as provided in subsection 
(g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent 
practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a 
single page application where possible, for grants and relending 
authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 
310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E.''.
  (b) Report to the Congress.--Within 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report 
that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made 
by subsection (a).

SEC. 6014. REAUTHORIZATION OF STATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS.

  Section 378(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2008m(h)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 6015. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.

  Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 6016. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``$40,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' and inserting ``$20,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6017. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 382M(a) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-12(a)) is 
amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
2012'' and inserting ``$12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
through 2017''.
  (b) Termination of Authority.--Section 382N of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
2009aa-13) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 6018. NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL AUTHORITY.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 383N(a) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-12(a)) is 
amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
2012'' and inserting ``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
2017''.
  (b) Termination of Authority.--Section 383O of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
2009bb-13) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 6019. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

  Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``$50,000,000 for the period 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$20,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

             Subtitle B--Rural Electrification Act of 1936

SEC. 6101. RELENDING FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

  (a) In General.--The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 
et seq.) is amended--
          (1) in section 2(a), by inserting ``(including relending for 
        this purpose as provided in section 4)'' after ``efficiency'';
          (2) in section 4(a), by inserting ``(including relending to 
        ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated in 
        the proviso in this section)'' after ``efficiency''; and
          (3) in section 313(b)(2)(B)--
                  (A) by inserting ``(acting through the Rural 
                Utilities Service)'' after ``Secretary''; and
                  (B) by inserting ``energy efficiency (including 
                relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose),'' 
                after ``promoting''.
  (b) Current Authority.--The authority provided in this section is in 
addition to any other relending authority of the Secretary under the 
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.) or any other 
law.
  (c) Administration.--The Secretary (acting through the Rural 
Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section 313 of the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c) in the same manner as on 
the day before enactment of this Act until such time as any regulations 
necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully 
implemented.

SEC. 6102. FEES FOR CERTAIN LOAN GUARANTEES.

  The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is 
amended by inserting after section 4 the following:

``SEC. 5. FEES FOR CERTAIN LOAN GUARANTEES.

  ``(a) In General.--For electrification baseload generation loan 
guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge 
an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee.
  ``(b) Fee.--The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee 
shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning 
of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 
661a(5)(C))).
  ``(c) Limitation.--Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee 
described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other 
debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal 
Government.''.

SEC. 6103. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR ELECTRIFICATION OR 
                    TELEPHONE PURPOSES.

  Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
940c-1(f)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 6104. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.

  Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
940e(d)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 6105. ACCESS TO BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN RURAL 
                    AREAS.

  Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) 
is amended--
          (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and 
        inserting the following:
          ``(2) Priorities.--In making or guaranteeing loans under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give--
                  ``(A) the highest priority to applicants that offer 
                to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion 
                of households that, prior to the provision of the 
                broadband service, had no incumbent service provider; 
                and
                  ``(B) priority to applicants that offer in their 
                applications to provide broadband service not 
                predominantly for business service, but where at least 
                25 percent of customers in the proposed service 
                territory are commercial interests.'';
          (2) in subsection (d)--
                  (A) in paragraph (5)--
                          (i) by striking ``and'' at the end of 
                        subparagraph (B);
                          (ii) by striking the period at the end of 
                        subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                  ``(D) the amount and type of support requested; and
                  ``(E) a list of the census block groups or tracts 
                proposed to be so served.''; and
                  (B) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(8) Additional process.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        process under which an incumbent service provider which, as of 
        the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5) with 
        respect to an application submitted by the provider, is 
        providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but 
        shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less 
        than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, information 
        regarding the broadband services that the provider offers in 
        the proposed service territory, so that the Secretary may 
        assess whether the application meets the requirements of this 
        section with respect to eligible projects.'';
          (3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
          ``(3) Requirement.--In considering the technology needs of 
        customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary shall 
        take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for the 
        construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment in the 
        territory.''; and
          (4) in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 
        ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

SEC. 6201. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2335A of the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is 
amended by striking ``$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
through 2012'' and inserting ``$65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2013 through 2017''.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of Public Law 102-551 (7 
U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 6202. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANTS.

  Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 
U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7)) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                  (A) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2012''; and
                  (B) by striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting 
                ``$50,000,000''; and
          (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.

SEC. 6203. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

  Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 1632b(i)) is amended by striking ``$6,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``$1,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2013 through 2017''.

SEC. 6204. PROGRAM METRICS.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect data 
regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, 
including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant 
or loan program, and measure the short and long term viability of award 
recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance 
using award funds under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection 
Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106-224), section 9007 of 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107), 
section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
940c(b)(2)), or section 306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 
379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11), 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, or 2009 
through 2009m).
  (b) Data.--The data collected under subsection (a) shall include 
information collected from recipients both during the award period and 
after the period as determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 
years after the award period ends.
  (c) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
report that contains the data described in subsection (a). The report 
shall include detailed information regarding--
          (1) actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data;
          (2) the number of jobs, including self-employment and the 
        value of salaries and wages;
          (3) how the provision of funds from the grant or loan 
        involved affected the local economy;
          (4) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer 
        base; and
          (5) such other information as the Secretary deems 
        appropriate.

SEC. 6205. STUDY OF RURAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of 
Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described 
in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
  (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary 
of Transportation shall submit to the Congress the updated version of 
the study required by subsection (a).

SEC. 6206. AGRICULTURAL TRANSPORTATION POLICY.

  The Secretary of Agriculture shall participate on behalf of the 
interests of agriculture and rural America in all policy development 
proceedings or other proceedings of the Surface Transportation Board 
that may establish freight rail transportation policy affecting 
agriculture and rural America.

SEC. 6207. CERTAIN FEDERAL ACTIONS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED MAJOR FOR 
                    PURPOSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.

  In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in the rural 
development mission area of the Department of Agriculture, an action of 
the Secretary before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act 
that does not involve the provision by the Department of Agriculture of 
Federal dollars or a Federal loan guarantee, including--
          (1) the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the 
        decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded activity;
          (2) a lien accommodation or subordination;
          (3) a debt settlement or restructuring; or
          (4) the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower,
shall not be considered a major Federal action.

          TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

  Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                           Policy Act of 1977

SEC. 7101. OPTION TO NOT BE INCLUDED AS HISPANIC-SERVING AGRICULTURAL 
                    COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.

  Section 1404(10)(A) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(10)(A)) is amended--
          (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``that'';
          (2) in clause (i)--
                  (A) by inserting ``that'' before ``qualify''; and
                  (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (3) in clause (ii)--
                  (A) by inserting ``that'' before ``offer''; and
                  (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
                ``; and''; and
          (4) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                          ``(iii) with respect to which the Secretary 
                        has not received a statement of the declaration 
                        of the intent of a college or university to not 
                        be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural 
                        college or university.''.

SEC. 7102. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND 
                    ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.

  (a) Extension of Termination Date.--Section 1408(h) of the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3123(h)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
  (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, 
and Economics Advisory Board.--Section 1408(c) of the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3123(c)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, 
        extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations 
        to the Secretary based on that consultation.''.

SEC. 7103. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.

  Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(c)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Measures'' and inserting 
        ``Programs'';
          (2) by striking paragraph (2);
          (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as 
        paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
          (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
                  (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``Programs that would'' and inserting 
                ``Research, extension, and teaching programs designed 
                to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop 
                industry, including programs that would'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``including 
                improving the quality and taste of processed specialty 
                crops'' before the semicolon; and
                  (C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``the remote 
                sensing and the'' before ``mechanization''.

SEC. 7104. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

  The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy 
Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A (7 U.S.C. 
3151a) the following new section:

``SEC. 1415B. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

  ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
          ``(1) Qualified entity.--The term `qualified entity' means--
                  ``(A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the 
                United States that, or an individual who, operates a 
                veterinary clinic providing veterinary services--
                          ``(i) in a rural area, as defined in section 
                        343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
                        Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)); and
                          ``(ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation;
                  ``(B) a State, national, allied, or regional 
                veterinary organization or specialty board recognized 
                by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
                  ``(C) a college or school of veterinary medicine 
                accredited by the American Veterinary Medical 
                Association;
                  ``(D) a university research foundation or veterinary 
                medical foundation;
                  ``(E) a department of veterinary science or 
                department of comparative medicine accredited by the 
                Department of Education;
                  ``(F) a State agricultural experiment station; or
                  ``(G) a State, local, or tribal government agency.
          ``(2) Veterinarian shortage situation.--The term 
        `veterinarian shortage situation' means a veterinarian shortage 
        situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A.
  ``(b) Establishment.--
          ``(1) Competitive grants.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
        program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that 
        carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for 
        the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining 
        veterinary services.
          ``(2) Eligibility requirements.--A qualified entity shall be 
        eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the 
        entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary 
        determines will--
                  ``(A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage 
                situations;
                  ``(B) support or facilitate private veterinary 
                practices engaged in public health activities; or
                  ``(C) support or facilitate the practices of 
                veterinarians who are providing or have completed 
                providing services under an agreement entered into with 
                the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2).
  ``(c) Award Processes and Preferences.--
          ``(1) Application, evaluation, and input processes.--In 
        administering the grant program established under this section, 
        the Secretary shall--
                  ``(A) use an appropriate application and evaluation 
                process, as determined by the Secretary; and
                  ``(B) seek the input of interested persons.
          ``(2) Coordination preference.--In selecting recipients of 
        grants to be used for any of the purposes described in 
        subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to 
        qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination 
        with other qualified entities, with respect to any such 
        purpose.
          ``(3) Consideration of available funds.--In selecting 
        recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes 
        described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into 
        consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the 
        purposes for which the grant funds will be used.
          ``(4) Nature of grants.--A grant awarded under this section 
        shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or 
        education grant.
  ``(d) Use of Grants to Relieve Veterinarian Shortage Situations and 
Support Veterinary Services.--
          ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
        qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded 
        under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations 
        and support veterinary services for any of the following 
        purposes:
                  ``(A) To promote recruitment (including for programs 
                in secondary schools), placement, and retention of 
                veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of 
                veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary 
                technology.
                  ``(B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary 
                interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and 
                veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other 
                than the types of expenses described in section 
                1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety 
                or food animal medicine.
                  ``(C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary 
                education programs (including faculty recruitment and 
                retention), veterinary residency and fellowship 
                programs, or veterinary internship and externship 
                programs carried out in coordination with accredited 
                colleges of veterinary medicine.
                  ``(D) To provide continuing education and extension, 
                including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-
                based education, for veterinarians, veterinary 
                technicians, and other health professionals needed to 
                strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety.
                  ``(E) To provide technical assistance for the 
                preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary 
                for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation 
                under this section or section 1415A.
          ``(2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics.--A 
        qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use 
        funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to 
        establish or expand veterinary practices, including--
                  ``(A) equipping veterinary offices;
                  ``(B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of 
                such veterinary practices, as determined by the 
                Secretary; or
                  ``(C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in 
                which a portion of the facilities will address 
                education or extension needs.
  ``(e) Special Requirements for Certain Grants.--
          ``(1) Terms of service requirements.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Funds provided through a grant 
                made under this section to a qualified entity described 
                in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under 
                subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement 
                between the Secretary and such entity that includes a 
                required term of service for such entity (including a 
                qualified entity operating as an individual), as 
                prospectively established by the Secretary.
                  ``(B) Considerations.--In establishing a term of 
                service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
                consider only--
                          ``(i) the amount of the grant awarded; and
                          ``(ii) the specific purpose of the grant.
          ``(2) Breach remedies.--
                  ``(A) In general.--An agreement under paragraph (1) 
                shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement 
                by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph 
                (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the 
                grant funds, with interest.
                  ``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may grant a waiver of 
                the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the 
                Secretary determines that such qualified entity 
                demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need.
                  ``(C) Treatment of amounts recovered.--Funds 
                recovered under this paragraph shall--
                          ``(i) be credited to the account available to 
                        carry out this section; and
                          ``(ii) remain available until expended 
                        without further appropriation.
  ``(f) Prohibition on Use of Grant Funds for Construction.--Except as 
provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under 
this section may not be used--
          ``(1) to construct a new building or facility; or
          ``(2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing 
        building or facility, including site grading and improvement 
        and architect fees.
  ``(g) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations 
to carry out this section.
  ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available 
until expended.''.

SEC. 7105. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SCIENCES 
                    EDUCATION.

  Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)) is amended by striking 
``section $60,000,000'' and all that follows and inserting the 
following: ``section--
          ``(1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2012; 
        and
          ``(2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7106. POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

  Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) is amended--
          (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``agricultural and 
        food'' before ``policy'';
          (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
        (1)--
                  (A) by striking ``Secretary may'' and inserting 
                ``Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the 
                Chief Economist,'';
                  (B) by striking ``make grants, competitive grants, 
                and special research grants to, and enter into 
                cooperative agreements and other contracting 
                instruments with,'' and inserting ``make competitive 
                grants to or enter into cooperative agreements with''; 
                and
                  (C) by inserting ``with a history of providing 
                unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress'' 
                after ``subsection (b)'';
          (3) in subsection (b), by striking ``other research 
        institutions'' and all that follows through ``shall be 
        eligible'' and inserting ``and other public research 
        institutions and organizations shall be eligible'';
          (4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
        (d) and (e), respectively;
          (5) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new 
        subsection:
  ``(c) Preference.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have 
extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing 
Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development 
analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the 
farm, multiregional, national, and international levels.''; and
          (6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph 
        (4)) and inserting the following new subsection:
  ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        1996 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7107. REPEAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION INTERVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 
                    RESEARCH PROGRAM.

  Section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174) is repealed.

SEC. 7108. REPEAL OF PILOT RESEARCH PROGRAM TO COMBINE MEDICAL AND 
                    AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

  Section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174a) is repealed.

SEC. 7109. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

  Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(f)) is amended by striking 
``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7110. CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

  Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is amended by striking the 
section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection 
(a) and inserting the following:

``SEC. 1433. APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE 
                    RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

  ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        support continuing animal health and disease research programs 
        at eligible institutions--
                  ``(A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 
                through 2012; and
                  ``(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.
          ``(2) Use of funds.--Funds made available under this section 
        shall be used--
                  ``(A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal 
                health and disease research, publishing and 
                disseminating the results of such research, and 
                contributing to the retirement of employees subject to 
                the Act of March 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. 331);
                  ``(B) for administrative planning and direction; and
                  ``(C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary 
                for conducting the research described in subparagraph 
                (A).''.

SEC. 7111. REPEAL OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR RESEARCH ON NATIONAL OR 
                    REGIONAL PROBLEMS.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1434 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--
          (1) Matching funds.--Section 1438 of the National 
        Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
        1977 (7 U.S.C. 3200) is amended in the first sentence by 
        striking ``, exclusive of the funds provided for research on 
        specific national or regional animal health and disease 
        problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this title,''.
          (2) Authorization of appropriations for existing and certain 
        new agricultural research programs.--Section 1463(c) of the 
        National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy 
        Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311(c)) is amended by striking 
        ``sections 1433 and 1434'' and inserting ``section 1433''.

SEC. 7112. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES 
                    AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE 
                    UNIVERSITY.

  Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended by striking 
``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7113. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCE FACILITIES 
                    AND EQUIPMENT AT INSULAR AREA LAND-GRANT 
                    INSTITUTIONS.

  (a) Supporting Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research.--
          (1) In general.--Section 1447B(a) of the National 
        Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
        1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(a)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(a) Purpose.--It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant 
colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to--
          ``(1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant 
        equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and
          ``(2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, 
        including pest and disease research.''.
          (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 1447B of the National 
        Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
        1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2) is amended in the heading--
                  (A) by inserting ``and support tropical and 
                subtropical agricultural research'' after 
                ``equipment''; and
                  (B) by striking ``institutions'' and inserting 
                ``colleges and universities''.
  (b) Extension.--Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-
2(d)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7114. REPEAL OF NATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING VIRTUAL CENTERS.

  Section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) is repealed.

SEC. 7115. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

  Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by striking 
``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7116. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE 
                    AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

  Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b(c)) is amended to read 
as follows:
  ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        1999 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7117. REPEAL OF RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

  Section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a) is repealed.

SEC. 7118. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.

  Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended in both of 
subsections (a) and (b) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7119. EXTENSION SERVICE.

  Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking 
``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7120. AUDITING, REPORTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
                    REQUIREMENTS.

  Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (2), by adding ``and'' at the end;
                  (B) by striking paragraph (3); and
                  (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3);
          (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as 
        subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
          (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
        subsection:
  ``(b) Administrative Expenses.--
          ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and 
        notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may 
        retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for 
        agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance 
        programs for the administration of those programs authorized 
        under this Act or any other Act.
          ``(2) Exceptions.--The limitation on administrative expenses 
        under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel expenses 
        under subsection (d) or any other provision of law related to 
        the administration of agricultural research, extension, and 
        teaching assistance programs that contains a limitation on 
        administrative expenses that is less than the limitation under 
        paragraph (1).''.

SEC. 7121. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations and Termination.--Section 1473D 
of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy 
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; and
          ``(2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.
  (b) Competitive Grants.--Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``use such research funding, 
special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary 
determines,'' and inserting ``make competitive grants''.

SEC. 7122. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR NLGCA INSTITUTIONS.

  Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by 
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7123. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

  (a) Competitive Grants.--Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3322(b)) 
is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
``competitive'' before ``grants''.
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1477 of the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3324) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 1477. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out this subtitle--
          ``(1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2012; 
        and
          ``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
  ``(b) Prohibition on Use.--Funds made available under this section 
may not be used to acquire or construct a building.''.

SEC. 7124. RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

  Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) is amended by striking 
``subtitle'' and all that follows and inserting the following: 
``subtitle--
          ``(1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2012; 
        and
          ``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7125. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND RESPONSE.

  Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a)) is amended by striking 
``response such sums as are necessary'' and all that follows and 
inserting the following: ``response--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2002 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7126. DISTANCE EDUCATION AND RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM 
                    FOR INSULAR AREA INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

  (a) Distance Education Grants for Insular Areas.--
          (1) Competitive grants.--Section 1490(a) of the National 
        Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
        1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(a)) is amended by striking ``or 
        noncompetitive''.
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 1490(f) of the 
        National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy 
        Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)) is amended by striking 
        ``section'' and all that follows and inserting the following: 
        ``section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2002 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.
  (b) Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas.--Section 1491(c) 
of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy 
Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)) is amended by striking ``such sums as 
are necessary'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``to 
carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2002 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7127. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.

  (a) In General.--The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subtitle:

                    ``Subtitle P--General Provisions

``SEC. 1492. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.

  ``(a) Matching Funds Requirement.--The recipient of a competitive 
grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law and that 
involves applied research or extension that is commodity-specific or 
State-specific shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a 
combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through 
such grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such grant.
  ``(b) Waiver Authority.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
requirement under subsection (a) with respect to a competitive grant 
that involves applied research or extension that the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory 
Board has determined is a national priority under section 1408(c).
  ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
          ``(1) Applied research.--The term `applied research' has the 
        meaning given such term in section 251(f)(1)(B) of the 
        Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
        6971(f)(1)(B)).
          ``(2) Covered law.--The term `covered law' means each of the 
        following provisions of law:
                  ``(A) This title.
                  ``(B) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et 
                seq.).
                  ``(C) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
                Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.).
                  ``(D) Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural 
                Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
                  ``(E) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the 
                Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
                3202 et seq.).
                  ``(F) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
                Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i).''.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (9) of section 2(b) of the 
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 
450i(b)) is amended--
          (1) by striking subparagraph (B);
          (2) in the heading, by inserting ``for equipment grants'' 
        after ``funds'';
          (3) by striking ``(A) Equipment grants.--''; and
          (4) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs 
        (A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such 
        subparagraphs two ems to the left.
  (c) Application to Amendments.--
          (1) New grants.--Section 1492 of the National Agricultural, 
        Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added 
        by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described 
        in such section awarded after October 1, 2012, unless the 
        provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded 
        specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds 
        requirement under such section.
          (2) Existing grants.--A matching funds requirement in effect 
        on or before October 1, 2012, under a covered law shall 
        continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision of 
        law on or before that date.

   Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

SEC. 7201. BEST UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.

  Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 (7 U.S.C. 5814) is amended in the first sentence--
          (1) by striking ``$40,000,000 for each fiscal year''; and
          (2) by inserting ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 
        through 2017'' after ``chapter''.

SEC. 7202. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

  Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 
through 2017.''.

SEC. 7203. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER 
                    PROGRAM.

  Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; and
          ``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7204. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.

  Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2012 through 2017.''.

SEC. 7205. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.

  Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``such funds as may be necessary''; and
          (2) by striking ``subtitle'' and all that follows and 
        inserting the following: ``subtitle--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        1991 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7206. REPEAL OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEM.

  Subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) is repealed.

SEC. 7207. REPEAL OF RURAL ELECTRONIC COMMERCE EXTENSION PROGRAM.

  Section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 (7 U.S.C. 5923) is repealed.

SEC. 7208. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

  Section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is repealed.

SEC. 7209. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

  Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended--
          (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking 
        ``subsections (e) through (i)'' and inserting ``subsections (e) 
        through (g)'';
          (2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking 
        ``subsections (e) through (i)'' and inserting ``subsections (e) 
        through (g)'';
          (3) in subsection (c)(2)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the 
                end;
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                  ``(C) the project involves a pest that has been 
                designated as a pest of public health significance by 
                the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for 
                Disease Control and Prevention, as described in section 
                2(nn) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
                Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136(nn)).'';
          (4) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i);
          (5) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as 
        subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively;
          (6) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))--
                  (A) in the heading, by inserting ``, Bed Bugs, and 
                Other Pests'' after ``Termite''; and
                  (B) by inserting ``, bed bugs, and other pests, 
                including pests that the Secretary determines are a 
                risk to public health'' after ``termites'' each place 
                it appears in paragraphs (1), (2)(A), and (3);
          (7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))--
                  (A) by striking ``2012'' each place it appears in 
                paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 
                ``2017''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (4)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and 
                        honey bee health disorders'' after 
                        ``collapse''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, 
                        including best management practices'' after 
                        ``strategies'';
          (8) by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by 
        paragraph (5)), the following new subsection:
  ``(g) Bed Bug Control.--
          ``(1) Authorization and use of grants.--The Secretary, in 
        consultation with a task force appointed under subsection 
        (b)(2), shall award grants under this subsection for purposes 
        of--
                  ``(A) developing more efficacious methods of 
                detecting, preventing, and managing bed bugs; and
                  ``(B) conducting basic and applied bed bug biology 
                research.
          ``(2) Grants.--
                  ``(A) Requests for proposals.--The Secretary shall, 
                not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
                of this subsection and in consultation with the task 
                force, publish a request for openly competitive grant 
                proposals for research projects for the purposes 
                described in paragraph (1).
                  ``(B) Award of grants.--Not later than 180 days after 
                the date of such publication, the Secretary shall--
                          ``(i) evaluate the grant proposals referred 
                        to in subparagraph (A) in consultation with the 
                        task force; and
                          ``(ii) award grants to entities that 
                        submitted grant proposals for research projects 
                        the Secretary determines are meritorious for 
                        the purposes described in paragraph (1).
                  ``(C) Notification requirement.--The Secretary shall 
                notify the task force of any award made under 
                subparagraph (B) not later than 30 days after awarding 
                such grant.
          ``(3) Consultation and coordination.--To expedite the 
        approval or registration under section 3, section 18, or 
        section 24 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and 
        Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a, 136p, and 136v) of the methods 
        identified or discovered through research projects funded under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall consult and coordinate 
        with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 
        regarding--
                  ``(A) the awarding of grants under this subsection; 
                and
                  ``(B) the evaluation of the results of such research 
                projects.''; and
          (9) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (5)), by 
        striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7210. REPEAL OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                    INITIATIVE.

  Section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925a) is repealed.

SEC. 7211. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

  Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended--
          (1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(e) Farm Business Management Encouraged.--Following the completion 
of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this 
section, the Secretary shall provide a priority to grant proposals 
found in the review process to be scientifically meritorious using the 
same criteria the Secretary uses to give priority to grants under 
section 1672D(b).''; and
          (2) in subsection (f)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' 
                        at the end;
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
                        period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subparagraph:
                  ``(C) $16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2012'' and 
                inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7212. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL BIOENERGY FEEDSTOCK AND ENERGY 
                    EFFICIENCY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925e) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)) is 
amended--
          (1) by striking clause (xi); and
          (2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) 
        and (xii), respectively.

SEC. 7213. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

  Section 16f72D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)) is amended by striking ``such sums as 
are necessary to carry out this section.'' and inserting the following: 
``to carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; and
          ``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7214. REGIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

  The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended 
by inserting after section 1672D (7 U.S.C. 5925f) the following new 
section:

``SEC. 1673. REGIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

  ``(a) Funding Priorities.--The Secretary shall prioritize regional 
centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities 
for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension 
program administered by the Secretary.
  ``(b) Composition.--A regional center of excellence is composed of 1 
or more of the eligible entities specified in section 2(b)(7) of the 
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 
450i(b)(7)).
  ``(c) Criteria for Regional Centers of Excellence.--The criteria for 
consideration to be recognized as a regional center of excellence shall 
include efforts--
          ``(1) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by 
        reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, 
        teaching, and extension;
          ``(2) to leverage available resources by using public/private 
        partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions 
        of higher education, and the Federal Government;
          ``(3) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness 
        and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences 
        through extension activities;
          ``(4) to increase the economic returns to rural communities 
        by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-
        priority agricultural issues; and
          ``(5) to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at 
        colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, 
        schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA 
        Institutions).''.

SEC. 7215. REPEAL OF RED MEAT SAFETY RESEARCH CENTER.

  Section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 (7 U.S.C. 5929) is repealed.

SEC. 7216. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES.

  Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``is'' and inserting ``are''; and
          (2) by striking ``section'' and all that follows and 
        inserting the following: ``section--
                  ``(A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 
                through 2012; and
                  ``(B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.''.

SEC. 7217. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.

  Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.

Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act 
                                of 1998

SEC. 7301. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                    EDUCATION FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

  Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2)) is amended--
          (1) in the heading by striking ``Merit review of extension'' 
        and inserting ``Relevance and merit review of research, 
        extension,'';
          (2) in subparagraph (A)--
                  (A) by inserting ``relevance and'' before ``merit''; 
                and
                  (B) by striking ``extension or education'' and 
                inserting ``research, extension, or education''; and
          (3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``on a continuous 
        basis'' after ``procedures''.

SEC. 7302. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION COMPETITIVE 
                    GRANTS PROGRAM.

  Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(f)) is amended by striking ``2012'' 
and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7303. REPEAL OF COORDINATED PROGRAM OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                    EDUCATION TO IMPROVE VIABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM 
                    SIZE DAIRY, LIVESTOCK, AND POULTRY OPERATIONS.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 407 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7627) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)), as 
amended by section 7212(b), is further amended--
          (1) by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section 
        7212(b)); and
          (2) by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by section 
        7212(b)) as clause (xi).

SEC. 7304. REPEAL OF BOVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM.

  Section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7629) is repealed.

SEC. 7305. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.

  Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)) is amended by striking ``section 
such sums as are necessary'' and all that follows and inserting the 
following: ``section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7306. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

  Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and genomics'' 
                and inserting ``genomics, and other methods''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``handling and 
                processing,'' after ``production efficiency,'';
          (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(d) Research Projects.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary 
shall award competitive grants on the basis of--
          ``(1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a panel 
        of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal 
        entities, and the specialty crop industry; and
          ``(2) a final funding determination made by the Secretary 
        based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact 
        conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives 
        for the specific specialty crop.''; and
          (3) in subsection (h)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``(1) In general.--Of the 
                        funds'' and inserting the following:
          ``(1) Mandatory funding.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Of the funds''; and
                          (ii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subparagraph:
                  ``(B) Subsequent funding.--Of the funds of the 
                Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make 
                available to carry out this section--
                          ``(i) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
                          ``(ii) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                        2014 and 2015;
                          ``(iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
                          ``(iv) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 and 
                        each fiscal year thereafter.''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2012'' and 
                inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7307. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

  Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by striking ``2012'' 
and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7308. REPEAL OF NATIONAL SWINE RESEARCH CENTER.

  Section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-185; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed.

SEC. 7309. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

  Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``such sums as are necessary''; and
          (2) by striking ``section'' and all that follows and 
        inserting the following: ``section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        1999 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7310. REPEAL OF STUDIES OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                    EDUCATION.

  Subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.) is repealed.

                         Subtitle D--Other Laws

SEC. 7401. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.

  Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 
178n(a)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``such sums as are necessary''; and
          (2) by striking ``Act'' and all that follows and inserting 
        the following: ``Act--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        1991 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7402. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994.

  (a) Definition of 1994 Institutions.--Section 532 of the Equity in 
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public 
Law 103-382) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``Memorial'';
          (2) in paragraph (26), by striking ``Community'';
          (3) by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27);
          (4) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), 
        (8), (9), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), 
        (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), 
        (31), (32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (8), 
        (9), (10), (5), (11), (12), (13), (14), (16), (18), (19), (20), 
        (21), (23), (24), (25), (26), (33), (27), (28), (29), (30), 
        (31), (32), (34), (35), (36), and (15) respectively, and 
        transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
          (5) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), 
        the following new paragraph:
          ``(1) Aaniih Nakoda College.'';
          (6) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), 
        the following new paragraphs:
          ``(6) College of the Muscogee Nation.
          ``(7) Comanche Nation College.'';
          (7) by inserting after paragraph (16) (as so redesignated) 
        the following new paragraph:
          ``(17) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.''; and
          (8) by inserting after paragraph (21) (as so redesignated) 
        the following new paragraph:
          ``(22) Navajo Technical College.''.
  (b) Endowment for 1994 Institutions.--Section 533(b) of the Equity in 
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public 
Law 103-382) is amended in the first sentence by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.
  (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants.--Section 535 of the 
Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; 
Public Law 103-382) is amended by striking ``2012'' each place it 
appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting ``2017''.
  (d) Research Grants.--
          (1) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 536(c) of the 
        Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
        301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended in the first sentence 
        by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
          (2) Research grant requirements.--Section 536(b) of the 
        Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
        301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended by striking ``with at 
        least 1 other land-grant college or university'' and all that 
        follows and inserting the following: ``with--
          ``(1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of 
        Agriculture; or
          ``(2) at least 1--
                  ``(A) other land-grant college or university 
                (exclusive of another 1994 Institution);
                  ``(B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as 
                defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural 
                Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
                U.S.C. 3103)); or
                  ``(C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that 
                section).''.

SEC. 7403. RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.

  Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is 
amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7404. REPEAL OF CARBON CYCLE RESEARCH.

  Section 221 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 
6711) is repealed.

SEC. 7405. COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH GRANT ACT.

  (a) Extension.--Section 2(b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and 
Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A)) is amended in 
the matter preceding clause (i) by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.
  (b) Priority Areas.--Section 2(b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and 
Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2)) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                  (A) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                  (B) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                          ``(viii) plant-based foods that are major 
                        sources of nutrients of concern (as determined 
                        by the Secretary).'';
          (2) in subparagraph (B)--
                  (A) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                  (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting a semicolon; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
                          ``(ix) the research and development of 
                        surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination 
                        delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for 
                        zoonotic diseases in wildlife reservoirs 
                        presenting a potential concern to public health 
                        or domestic livestock; and
                          ``(x) the identification of animal drug needs 
                        and the generation and dissemination of data 
                        for safe and effective therapeutic applications 
                        of animal drugs for minor species and minor 
                        uses of such drugs in major species.'';
          (3) in subparagraph (C)--
                  (A) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon 
                ``, including the effects of plant-based foods that are 
                major sources of nutrients of concern on diet and 
                health'';
                  (B) in clause (iii), by inserting before the 
                semicolon ``, including plant-based foods that are 
                major sources of nutrients of concern'';
                  (C) in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon 
                ``, including postharvest practices conducted with 
                respect to plant-based foods that are major sources of 
                nutrients of concern''; and
                  (D) in clause (v), by inserting before the period ``, 
                including improving the functionality of plant-based 
                foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern'';
          (4) in subparagraph (D)--
                  (A) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as 
                clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and
                  (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new 
                clause:
                          ``(iv) the effectiveness of conservation 
                        practices and technologies designed to address 
                        nutrient losses and improve water quality;''; 
                        and
          (5) in subparagraph (F)--
                  (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting 
                ``economics,'' after ``trade,'';
                  (B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses 
                (vi) and (vii), respectively; and
                  (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new 
                clause:
                          ``(v) the economic costs, benefits, and 
                        viability of producers adopting conservation 
                        practices and technologies designed to improve 
                        water quality;''.
  (c) General Administration.--Section 2(b)(4) of the Competitive, 
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4)) is 
amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                  ``(F) establish procedures under which a commodity 
                board established under a commodity promotion law (as 
                such term is defined under section 501(a) of the 
                Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
                (7 U.S.C. 7401(a))) or a State commodity board (or 
                other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to 
                the Secretary proposals for requests for applications 
                to specifically address particular issues related to 
                the priority areas specified in paragraph (2).''.
  (d) Special Considerations.--Section 2(b)(6) of the Competitive, 
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6)) is 
amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                  ``(E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific 
                research proposals submitted under procedures 
                established under paragraph (4)(F).''.
  (e) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4.--Section 2(e) of the 
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 
450i(e)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``minor use pesticides'' 
        and inserting ``pesticides for minor agricultural use and for 
        use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the 
        Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 
        note)''; and
          (2) in paragraph (4)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and for use 
                on specialty crops'' after ``minor agricultural use'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                  (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph 
                (G); and
                  (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following 
                new subparagraphs:
                  ``(C) prioritize potential pest management technology 
                for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty 
                crops;
                  ``(D) conduct research to develop the data necessary 
                to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, 
                and associated tolerances;
                  ``(E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by 
                residues of pesticides registered for minor 
                agricultural use and for use on domestically grown 
                specialty crops;
                  ``(F) assist in the registration and reregistration 
                of pest management technologies for minor agricultural 
                use and for use on specialty crops; and''.
  (f) Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture.--Section 2 of the 
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) 
is amended by striking subsection (k).

SEC. 7406. RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 6 of the Renewable 
Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) is amended in the 
first sentence by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
  (b) Termination Date.--Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension 
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95-306) is amended by 
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 7407. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.

  Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) 
is amended by striking ``2012'' each place it appears and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 7408. REPEAL OF USE OF REMOTE SENSING DATA.

  Section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 
1996 (7 U.S.C. 5935) is repealed.

SEC. 7409. REPEAL OF REPORTS UNDER FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT 
                    ACT OF 2002.

  (a) Repeal of Report on Producers and Handlers for Organic 
Products.--Section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.
  (b) Repeal of Report on Genetically Modified Pest-protected Plants.--
Section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(Public Law 107-171; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed.
  (c) Repeal of Study on Nutrient Banking.--Section 7411 of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public 
Law 107-171) is repealed.

SEC. 7410. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

  Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
U.S.C. 3319f) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) 
                through (R) and inserting the following new 
                subparagraphs:
                  ``(A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop 
                farming practices;
                  ``(B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, 
                nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies;
                  ``(C) entrepreneurship and business training;
                  ``(D) financial and risk management training 
                (including the acquisition and management of 
                agricultural credit);
                  ``(E) natural resource management and planning;
                  ``(F) diversification and marketing strategies;
                  ``(G) curriculum development;
                  ``(H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;
                  ``(I) resources and referral;
                  ``(J) farm financial benchmarking;
                  ``(K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in 
                acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers;
                  ``(L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational 
                training for veterans; and
                  ``(M) other similar subject areas of use to beginning 
                farmers or ranchers.'';
                  (B) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and community-
                based organizations'' and inserting ``, community-based 
                organizations, and school-based agricultural 
                educational organizations'';
                  (C) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the 
                following new paragraph:
          ``(8) Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Not less than 5 percent of the 
                funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal 
                year shall be used to support programs and services 
                that address the needs of military veteran beginning 
                farmers and ranchers.
                  ``(B) Coordination permitted.--A recipient of a grant 
                under this section using the grant as described in 
                subparagraph (A) may coordinate with a recipient of a 
                grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) in 
                addressing the needs of military veteran beginning 
                farmers and ranchers with disabilities.''; and
                  (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(11) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a grant 
        under this section may not use more than 10 percent of the 
        funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying 
        out the initiatives described in paragraph (1).'';
          (2) in subsection (h)(1)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                  ``(C) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017, to remain available until expended.''; 
                and
          (3) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.

SEC. 7411. INCLUSION OF NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS AS A STATE UNDER 
                    MCINTIRE-STENNIS COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ACT.

  Section 8 of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the McIntire-
Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a-7) is amended by 
striking ``and Guam'' and inserting ``Guam, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands''.

         Subtitle E--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

                     PART 1--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY

SEC. 7501. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.

  Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8912(c)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7502. ASSISTANCE TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY IN AGRICULTURAL 
                    BIOSECURITY PLANNING, PREPARATION, AND RESPONSE.

  Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8913) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
                  (A) by striking ``such sums as may be necessary''; 
                and
                  (B) by striking ``subsection'' and all that follows 
                and inserting the following: ``subsection--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''; and
          (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``is authorized to be 
        appropriated to carry out this subsection'' and all that 
        follows and inserting the following: ``are authorized to be 
        appropriated to carry out this subsection--
          ``(1) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012; 
        and
          ``(2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7503. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COUNTERMEASURES.

  Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8921(b)) is amended by striking ``is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section'' and all that follows and 
inserting the following: ``are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out this section--
          ``(1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012; 
        and
          ``(2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 7504. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.

  Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8922(e)) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``sums as are necessary''; and
          (2) by striking ``section'' and all that follows and 
        inserting the following: ``section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through 2012, to remain available until expended; and
          ``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017, 
        to remain available until expended.''.

                         PART 2--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 7511. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PILOT PROGRAM.

  Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking ``5 years'' and 
        inserting ``9 years''; and
          (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``1, 3, and 5 years'' 
        and inserting ``5, 7, and 9 years''.

SEC. 7512. GRAZINGLANDS RESEARCH LABORATORY.

  Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking ``5-year 
period'' and inserting ``9-year period''.

SEC. 7513. BUDGET SUBMISSION AND FUNDING.

  Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 7614c) is amended--
          (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
          ``(1) Covered program.--The term `covered program' means--
                  ``(A) each research program carried out by the 
                Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research 
                Service for which annual appropriations are requested 
                in the annual budget submission of the President; and
                  ``(B) each competitive program carried out by the 
                National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which 
                annual appropriations are requested in the annual 
                budget submission of the President.
          ``(2) Request for awards.--The term `request for awards' 
        means a funding announcement published by the National 
        Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed 
        information on funding opportunities at the Institute, 
        including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, 
        evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions 
        on how to apply for such opportunities.''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
  ``(e) Additional Presidential Budget Submission Requirement.--
          ``(1) In general.--Each year, the President shall submit to 
        Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the 
        President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each 
        funding request for a covered program.
          ``(2) Information described.--The information described in 
        this paragraph includes--
                  ``(A) baseline information, including with respect to 
                each covered program--
                          ``(i) the funding level for the program for 
                        the fiscal year preceding the year the annual 
                        budget submission of the President is 
                        submitted;
                          ``(ii) the funding level requested in the 
                        annual budget submission of the President, 
                        including any increase or decrease in the 
                        funding level; and
                          ``(iii) an explanation justifying any change 
                        from the funding level specified in clause (i) 
                        to the level specified in clause (ii);
                  ``(B) with respect to each covered program that is 
                carried out by the Economic Research Service or the 
                Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff 
                years of the program;
                  ``(C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, 
                and the expected publication date, scope, and 
                allocation level for, each request for awards to be 
                published under or associated with--
                          ``(i) each priority area specified in section 
                        2(b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and 
                        Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 
                        450i(b)(2));
                          ``(ii) each research and extension project 
                        carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, 
                        Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
                        1990 (7 U.S.C. 5811(a));
                          ``(iii) each grant to be awarded under 
                        section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
                        Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
                        5925b(a));
                          ``(iv) each grant awarded under section 
                        412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, 
                        and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 
                        7632(d)); and
                          ``(v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of 
                        the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
                        2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1)); or
                  ``(D) any other information the Secretary determines 
                will increase congressional oversight with respect to 
                covered programs.
          ``(3) Prohibition.--Unless the President submits the 
        information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, 
        the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal 
        year that is authorized under--
                  ``(A) section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and 
                Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b));
                  ``(B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5811);
                  ``(C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b);
                  ``(D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, 
                Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 
                7632); or
                  ``(E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural 
                Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
  ``(f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture.--Each year on a date 
that is not later than the date on which the President submits the 
annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and 
education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the 
fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is 
submitted, including--
          ``(1) a review of the extent to which those activities--
                  ``(A) are duplicative or overlap within the 
                Department of Agriculture; or
                  ``(B) are similar to activities carried out by--
                          ``(i) other Federal agencies;
                          ``(ii) the States (including the District of 
                        Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and 
                        other territories or possessions of the United 
                        States);
                          ``(iii) institutions of higher education (as 
                        defined in section 101 of the Higher Education 
                        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); or
                          ``(iv) the private sector; and
          ``(2) for each report submitted under this section on or 
        after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national 
        priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, 
        and education, taking into account domestic needs.''.

SEC. 7514. REPEAL OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS FOR THE STUDY OF 
                    ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA.

  Section 7521 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 3202) is repealed.

SEC. 7515. REPEAL OF FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE NETWORK.

  Section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 5936) is repealed.

SEC. 7516. REPEAL OF SEED DISTRIBUTION.

  Section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 415-1) is repealed.

SEC. 7517. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.

  Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 5937(e)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 7518. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking ``the Department of 
        Energy'' and inserting ``other appropriate Federal agencies (as 
        determined by the Secretary)'';
          (2) in subsection (c)(1)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``multistate'' 
                and all that follows through the period and inserting 
                ``integrated, multistate research, extension, and 
                education programs on technology development and 
                technology implementation.'';
                  (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
                  (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph 
                (C);
          (3) in subsection (d)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``in accordance with 
                        paragraph (2)'';
                          (ii) by striking ``gasification'' and 
                        inserting ``bioproducts''; and
                          (iii) by striking ``the Department of 
                        Energy'' and inserting ``other appropriate 
                        Federal agencies'';
                  (B) by striking paragraph (2); and
                  (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as 
                paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
          (4) in subsection (g), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.
  (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1)) is amended 
by striking ``subsection (c)(1)(D)(i)'' and inserting ``subsection 
(c)(1)(C)(i)''.

SEC. 7519. REPEAL OF STUDY AND REPORT ON FOOD DESERTS.

  Section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed.

SEC. 7520. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND 
                    EDUCATION.

  Section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 5938) is repealed.

SEC. 7521. CONVEYANCE OF LAND COMPRISING SUBTROPICAL HORTICULTURE 
                    RESEARCH STATION.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) County.--The term ``County'' means Miami-Dade County in 
        the State of Florida.
          (2) Property.--The term ``Property'' means approximately 2 
        acres, more or less, of the federally owned land comprising the 
        Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in the County, 
        which--
                  (A) has been mutually delineated by the Secretary and 
                the authorized representative of the County; and
                  (B) fronts on SW 67th Avenue in Palmetto Bay, 
                Florida.
          (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Agriculture.
  (b) Property Conveyance.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on 
        which the County deposits the consideration under paragraph (2) 
        and cost reimbursement provided in this section with the 
        Department of Agriculture, the Secretary shall convey and 
        quitclaim to the County, all rights, title, and interests of 
        the United States in the Property, subject to easements and 
        rights of record and such other reservations, terms, and 
        conditions as the Secretary may prescribe.
          (2) Consideration.--
                  (A) In general.--As consideration for the conveyance 
                of the Property, the County shall pay to the Secretary 
                an amount in cash equal to the market value of the 
                property.
                  (B) Appraisal.--To determine the market value of the 
                Property, the Secretary shall have the Property 
                appraised for the highest and best use of the Property 
                in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for 
                Federal Land Acquisitions developed by the Interagency 
                Land Acquisition Conference. The approved appraisal 
                shall at all times be the property of the United 
                States.
          (3) Corrections.--With the agreement of the County, the 
        Secretary may make minor corrections or modifications to the 
        legal description of the Property.
          (4) Costs.--
                  (A) Transaction costs.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (C), the County shall, at closing for the 
                conveyance of the Property under this section, pay or 
                reimburse the Secretary, as appropriate, for the 
                reasonable transaction and administrative personnel 
                costs associated with the conveyance authorized by this 
                section, including the transaction costs of appraisal, 
                title, hazardous substances examination, and closing 
                costs.
                  (B) Administrative costs.--In addition to transaction 
                costs under subparagraph (A), the County shall pay 
                administrative costs in the liquidated amount of 
                $50,000.
                  (C) Attorneys' fees.--The County and the Secretary 
                shall each bear their own attorneys' fees.
          (5) Survey.--The County shall, at its cost, survey the 
        exterior boundaries of the Subtropical Horticulture Research 
        Station and the Property in accordance with Federal survey 
        standards and to the satisfaction of the Secretary, and shall 
        provide to the Secretary certified originals with signature and 
        raised seal.
          (6) Release.--The County, by a recordable instrument that the 
        Secretary determines is satisfactory, shall release the 
        Department of Agriculture from the instrument dated September 
        8, 2006, titled ``Unity of Title''.
          (7) Security fencing.--On or before closing for the 
        conveyance of the Property under this section, the County 
        shall, at its cost, contract for the construction of a security 
        fence located on the boundary between the Property and the 
        adjacent land administered by the Secretary. The fence shall be 
        of materials and standards approved in advance by the 
        Secretary. The Secretary may approve temporary security 
        structures for use during construction phases of the fence.
          (8) Other terms.--The Secretary and the County may otherwise 
        effect the purpose of this section on such additional terms as 
        are mutually acceptable and which are not inconsistent with the 
        provisions of this section.
  (c) Receipts.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall deposit all funds 
        received from the conveyance authorized under this section, 
        including the market value consideration and the reimbursement 
        for costs, into the Treasury of the United States to be 
        credited to the appropriation for the Agricultural Research 
        Service.
          (2) Use of funds.--Notwithstanding any limitation in 
        applicable appropriation Acts for the Department of Agriculture 
        or the Agricultural Research Service, all funds deposited into 
        the Treasury pursuant to subsection (b) shall be available to 
        the Secretary until expended, without further appropriation, 
        for the operation, upkeep, and maintenance of the Subtropical 
        Horticulture Research Station.

SEC. 7522. CONCESSIONS, FEES, AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES AT NATIONAL 
                    ARBORETUM.

  Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``or nonprofit 
        organizations that support the purpose of the National 
        Arboretum'' after ``mission of the National Arboretum''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(d) Recognition of Donors.--A non-profit organization granted a 
concession under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if such 
recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 7523. COTTON DISEASE RESEARCH REPORT.

  Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus fusarium 
oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as 
``FOV Race 4'') and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including--
          (1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton 
        industry in the United States;
          (2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives 
        to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current 
        FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and
          (3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that 
        establishes--
                  (A) detection and identification goals;
                  (B) containment goals;
                  (C) eradication goals; and
                  (D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the 
                United States to maximize resources, information 
                sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness.

SEC. 7524. MISCELLANEOUS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

  Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking 
``Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 
1994'' and inserting ``Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform 
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994''.

                          TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

            Subtitle A--Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs

SEC. 8001. FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103) is repealed.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 8002 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) 
is amended by striking subsection (a).
  (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 8002. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103b) is repealed.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 8003. EXPIRED COOPERATIVE NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS MARKETING 
                    PROGRAM.

  Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 
U.S.C. 2112) is repealed.

SEC. 8004. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION AGRICULTURAL LAND NATIONAL 
                    RESOURCES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
of 2008 (16 U.S.C. 1649a) is repealed.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 8005. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6542) is repealed.
  (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2012.

SEC. 8006. SEPARATE FOREST SERVICE DECISIONMAKING AND APPEALS PROCESS.

  Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1993 (Public Law 102-381; 16 U.S.C. 1612 note) is 
repealed. Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74; 125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) 
shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and 
resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and 
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604) 
that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental 
assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

 Subtitle B--Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 
                             1978 Programs

SEC. 8101. FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM.

  Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance 
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103c) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there are authorized to be appropriated--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; and
          ``(2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 8102. COMMUNITY FOREST AND OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

  Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance 
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103d) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there are authorized to be appropriated--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; and
          ``(2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

       Subtitle C--Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws

SEC. 8201. RURAL REVITALIZATION TECHNOLOGIES.

  Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 8202. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY.

  Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change 
Prevention Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6704) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, 
there are authorized to be appropriated--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        1996 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 8203. CHANGE IN FUNDING SOURCE FOR HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE 
                    PROGRAM.

  Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 
6578) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``In General'' and 
        inserting ``Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2012'';
          (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and
          (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
        subsections:
  ``(b) Fiscal Years 2013 Through 2017.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section 
$9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
  ``(c) Additional Source of Funds.--In addition to funds appropriated 
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a 
fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds 
appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation 
and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a et seq.) as the Secretary 
determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, 
management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the 
healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of 
section 504.''.

SEC. 8204. STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING PROJECT AUTHORITY.

  Section 347(a) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section 101(e) of division A 
of Public Law 105-277; 16 U.S.C. 2104 note) is amended by striking 
``2013'' and inserting ``2017''.

           Subtitle D--National Forest Critical Area Response

SEC. 8301. DEFINITIONS.

  In this title:
          (1) Critical area.--The term ``critical area'' means an area 
        of the National Forest System designated by the Secretary under 
        section 8302
          (2) National forest system.--The term ``National Forest 
        System'' has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of 
        the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 
        1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
          (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Agriculture.

SEC. 8302. DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL AREAS.

  (a) Designation Requirements.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
designate critical areas within the National Forest System for the 
purposes of addressing--
          (1) deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of 
        the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect 
        infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and
          (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease 
        outbreaks through preventative treatments.
  (b) Designation Method.--In considering National Forest System land 
for designation as a critical area, the Secretary shall use--
          (1) for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent annual 
        forest health aerial surveys of mortality and defoliation; and
          (2) for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect 
        and Disease Risk Map.
  (c) Time for Initial Designations.--The first critical areas shall be 
designated by the Secretary not later than 60 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act.
  (d) Duration of Designation.--The designation of a critical area 
shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of the designation.

SEC. 8303. APPLICATION OF EXPEDITED PROCEDURES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE 
                    HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003 TO CRITICAL 
                    AREAS.

  (a) Applicability.--Subject to subsections (b) through (e), title I 
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) 
(including the environmental analysis requirements of section 104 of 
that Act (16 U.S.C. 6514), the special administrative review process 
under section 105 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6515), and the judicial review 
process under section 106 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6516)), shall apply to 
all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in a critical 
area.
  (b) Application of Other Law.--Section 322 of Public Law 102-381 (16 
U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply to projects conducted 
in accordance with this section.
  (c) Required Modifications.--In applying title I of the Healthy 
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) to Forest 
Service projects and activities in a critical area, the Secretary shall 
make the following modifications:
          (1) The authority shall apply to the entire critical area, 
        including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface 
        area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility 
        criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 
        6512(a)).
          (2) All projects and activities of the Forest Service, 
        including necessary connected actions (as described in section 
        1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a 
        successor regulation)), shall be considered to be authorized 
        hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of applying the 
        title.
  (d) Smaller Projects.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
        project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this 
        section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be--
                  (A) considered an action categorically excluded from 
                the requirements for an environmental assessment or an 
                environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of 
                title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
                regulation); and
                  (B) exempt from the special administrative review 
                process under section 105 of the Healthy Forests 
                Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515).
          (2) Exclusion of certain areas.--Paragraph (1) does not apply 
        to--
                  (A) a component of the National Wilderness 
                Preservation System;
                  (B) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or 
                Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is 
                restricted or prohibited;
                  (C) a congressionally designated wilderness study 
                area; or
                  (D) an area in which activities under paragraph (1) 
                would be inconsistent with the applicable land and 
                resource management plan.
  (e) Forest Management Plans.--All projects and activities carried out 
in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle shall be consistent with 
the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of 
the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 
U.S.C. 1604) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the 
critical area.

SEC. 8304. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State'' means a 
        State that contains National Forest System land.
          (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Agriculture.
          (3) State forester.--The term ``State forester'' means the 
        head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry 
        programs in an eligible State.
  (b) Cooperative Agreements and Contracts.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a cooperative 
        agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with a 
        State forester to authorize the State forester to provide the 
        forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration and protection 
        services described in paragraph (2) on National Forest System 
        land in the eligible State.
          (2) Authorized services.--The forest, rangeland, and 
        watershed restoration and protection services referred to in 
        paragraph (1) include the conduct of--
                  (A) activities to treat insect infected trees;
                  (B) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; and
                  (C) any other activities to restore or improve 
                forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish 
                and wildlife habitat.
          (3) State as agent.--Except as provided in paragraph (6), a 
        cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph 
        (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for 
        the Secretary in providing the restoration and protection 
        services authorized under that paragraph.
          (4) Subcontracts.--In accordance with applicable contract 
        procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter 
        into subcontracts to provide the restoration and protection 
        services authorized under a cooperative agreement or contract 
        entered into under paragraph (1).
          (5) Timber sales.--Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of 
        the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) 
        shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative 
        agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1).
          (6) Retention of nepa responsibilities.--Any decision 
        required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act 
        of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to any 
        restoration and protection services to be provided under this 
        section by a State forester on National Forest System land 
        shall not be delegated to a State forester or any other officer 
        or employee of the eligible State.
          (7) Applicable law.--The restoration and protection services 
        to be provided under this section shall be carried out on a 
        project-to-project basis under existing authorities of the 
        Forest Service.

                  Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Provisions

SEC. 8401. REVISION OF STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FOREST INVENTORY AND 
                    ANALYSIS.

  (a) Revision Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the 
strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared 
pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) to address the 
requirements imposed by subsection (b).
  (b) Elements of Revised Strategic Plan.--In revising the strategic 
plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the 
organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the 
following:
          (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest 
        inventory program and include inventory and analysis of 
        interior Alaska.
          (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban 
        settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, 
        and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, 
        and risk to pests and diseases.
          (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and 
        carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national 
        level, including by ownership type.
          (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information 
        from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list 
        of core data variables collected on forest inventory and 
        analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need.
          (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output 
        program and accessibility of the annualized information on that 
        database.
          (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and 
        analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters 
        and other users of information from the forest inventory and 
        analysis.
          (7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal 
        resources to improve information analysis and information 
        management.
          (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation 
        Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United 
        States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial 
        analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest 
        inventory and analysis program.
          (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use.
          (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest 
        stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership 
        with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family 
        forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest 
        stewardship.
          (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical 
        precision of estimates at the sub-State level.
  (c) Submission of Revised Strategic Plan.--The Secretary of 
Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

SEC. 8402. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN ACES PROGRAM.

  The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest 
Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs 
executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture 
Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to 
section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) to 
provide technical services for conservation-related programs and 
authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System 
lands.

                            TITLE IX--ENERGY

SEC. 9001. DEFINITION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM.

  Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
U.S.C. 8101) is amended by--
          (1) striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
          ``(4) Biobased product.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The term `biobased product' means 
                a product determined by the Secretary to be a 
                commercial or industrial product (other than food or 
                feed) that is--
                          ``(i) composed, in whole or in significant 
                        part, of biological products, including 
                        renewable domestic agricultural materials and 
                        forestry materials; or
                          ``(ii) an intermediate ingredient or 
                        feedstock.
                  ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `biobased product', with 
                respect to forestry materials, includes forest products 
                that meet biobased content requirements, 
                notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the 
                age of the product, or whether the market for the 
                product is new or emerging.'';
          (2) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and 
        (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (16);
          (3) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(9) Forest product.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The term `forest product' means a 
                product made from materials derived from the practice 
                of forestry or the management of growing timber.
                  ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `forest product' 
                includes--
                          ``(i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, and 
                        wood products; and
                          ``(ii) any recycled products derived from 
                        forest materials.''; and
          (4) inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated), the 
        following new paragraph:
          ``(15) Renewable energy system.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                term `renewable energy system' means a system that--
                          ``(i) produces usable energy from a renewable 
                        energy source; and
                          ``(ii) may include distribution components 
                        necessary to move energy produced by such 
                        system to the initial point of sale.
                  ``(B) Limitation.--A system described in subparagraph 
                (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy 
                at retail.''.

SEC. 9002. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.

  Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 8102(h)) is amended--
          (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' after ``funding'';
          (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 9003. BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Program Adjustments.--Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (c), by striking ``to eligible entities'' 
        and all that follows through ``guarantees for loans'' and 
        inserting ``to eligible entities guarantees for loans'';
          (2) by striking subsection (d);
          (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as 
        subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and
          (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
                  (A) by striking ``subsection (c)(2)'' each place it 
                appears and inserting ``subsection (c)''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``subsection 
                (h)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''.
  (b) Funding.--Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection (a)(3), is 
amended--
          (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 and 2010'' after ``funding'';
          (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 9004. REPEAL OF REPOWERING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND TRANSFER OF 
                    REMAINING FUNDS.

  (a) Repeal.--Subject to subsection (b), section 9004 of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8104) is repealed.
  (b) Use of Remaining Funding for Rural Energy for America Program.--
Funds made available pursuant to subsection (d) of such section 9004 
that are unobligated on the day before the date of the enactment of 
this section shall--
          (1) remain available until expended;
          (2) be used by the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out 
        financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements and 
        renewable energy systems under section 9007(a)(2) of the Farm 
        Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 
        8107(a)(2)); and
          (3) be in addition to any other funds made available to carry 
        out that program.

SEC. 9005. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.

  Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 8105(c)) is amended--
          (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding'';
          (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding'';
          (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
          (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 9006. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

  Subsection (d) of section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106(d)) is amended to read as 
follows:
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 9007. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.

  (a) Program Adjustments.--
          (1) Repeal of feasibility studies.--Section 9007(c) of the 
        Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 
        8107(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (3).
          (2) Tiered application process.--Section 9007(c) of the Farm 
        Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(c)) is 
        further amended by--
                  (A) redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
                  (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following 
                new paragraph:
          ``(2) Tiered application process.--In carrying out this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered 
        application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies 
        based on the cost of the proposed project with the process most 
        simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A), more 
        comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (B), and 
        most comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph 
        (C). The three tiers for such process shall be as follows:
                  ``(A) Tier 1.--Projects for which the cost of the 
                project funded under this subsection is not more than 
                $80,000.
                  ``(B) Tier 2.--Projects for which the cost of the 
                project funded under this subsection is more than 
                $80,000 but less than $200,000.
                  ``(C) Tier 3.--Projects for which the cost of the 
                project funded under this subsection is $200,000 or 
                more.''.
  (b) Funding.--Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(g)) is amended--
          (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding'';
          (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding'';
          (3) in the heading of paragraph (3), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding''; and
          (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(4) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 9008. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

  Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 8108(h)) is amended--
          (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding'';
          (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting ``for 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' after ``funding''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.

SEC. 9009. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCERS.

  Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''; and
          (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
        ``2017''.

SEC. 9010. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
U.S.C. 8111) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) by striking paragraph (6); and
                  (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as 
                paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively;
          (2) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) by striking ``Program to'' and all that follows 
                through ``support the establishment'' and inserting 
                ``Program to support the establishment'';
                  (B) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and
                  (C) by striking paragraph (2);
          (3) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
                          (i) in clause (viii), by striking ``; and'' 
                        and inserting a semicolon;
                          (ii) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause 
                        (x); and
                          (iii) by inserting after clause (viii) the 
                        following new clause:
                          ``(ix) existing project areas that have 
                        received funding under this section and the 
                        continuation of funding of such project areas 
                        to advance the maturity of such project areas; 
                        and''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)--
                          (i) by striking subclause (III); and
                          (ii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) 
                        as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively;
          (4) by striking subsection (d);
          (5) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
        (d) and (e), respectively; and
          (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
                  (A) by striking ``(e) Funding.--Of the funds'' and 
                inserting ``(e) Funding.--
          ``(1) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012.--Of the funds''; and
                  (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(2) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--
                  ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), there 
                are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
                section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.
                  ``(B) Multiyear contracts.--For each multiyear 
                contract entered into by the Secretary during a fiscal 
                year under this section, the Secretary shall ensure 
                that sufficient funds are obligated from the 
                appropriation for that fiscal year to fully cover all 
                payments required by the contract for all years of the 
                contract.''.

SEC. 9011. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY PROGRAM.

  Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 8113(e)) is amended by striking ``carry out this section'' 
and all that follows and inserting the following: ``carry out this 
section--
          ``(1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012; 
        and
          ``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 9012. REPEAL OF BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY.

  Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed.

SEC. 9013. REPEAL OF RENEWABLE FERTILIZER STUDY.

  Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed.

                         TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

SEC. 10001. SPECIALTY CROPS MARKET NEWS ALLOCATION.

  Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 1622b(b)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 10002. REPEAL OF GRANT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE MOVEMENT OF SPECIALTY 
                    CROPS.

  Section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 1622c) is repealed.

SEC. 10003. FARMERS MARKET AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM.

  Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 
U.S.C. 3005) is amended--
          (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and local food'' 
        after ``farmers' market'';
          (2) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) by inserting ``and Local Food'' after ``Farmers' 
                Market'';
                  (B) by striking ``farmers' markets and to promote''; 
                and
                  (C) by striking the period and inserting ``and assist 
                in the development of local food business 
                enterprises.'';
          (3) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (1) and 
        inserting the following new paragraph:
          ``(1) In general.--The purposes of the Program are to 
        increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to, 
        locally and regionally produced agricultural products by 
        assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of--
                  ``(A) domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, 
                community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism 
                activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer 
                market opportunities; and
                  ``(B) local and regional food business enterprises 
                that process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally 
                or regionally produced food products.'';
          (4) in subsection (c)(1)--
                  (A) by inserting ``or other agricultural business 
                entity'' after ``cooperative''; and
                  (B) by inserting ``, including a community supported 
                agriculture network or association'' after 
                ``association'';
          (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g);
          (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
        subsections:
  ``(e) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary 
shall give priority to applications submitted by eligible entities that 
include proposals for projects that--
          ``(1) benefit underserved communities;
          ``(2) develop market opportunities for small and mid-sized 
        farm and ranch operations; and
          ``(3) include a strategic plan to maximize the use of funds 
        to build capacity for local and regional food systems in a 
        community.
  ``(f) Funds Requirements for Eligible Entities.--
          ``(1) Matching funds.--An entity receiving a grant under this 
        section for a project to carry out a purpose described in 
        subsection (b)(1)(B) shall provide matching funds in the form 
        of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 
        percent of the total cost of such project.
          ``(2) Limitation on use of funds.--An eligible entity may not 
        use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for 
        the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or 
        structure.''; and
          (7) in subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' 
                        at the end;
                          (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the 
                        period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subparagraph:
                  ``(D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.'';
                  (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4);
                  (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5); 
                and
                  (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following 
                new paragraphs:
          ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
          ``(3) Use of funds.--Of the funds made available to carry out 
        this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds shall 
        be used for the purposes described in subparagraph (A) of 
        subsection (b)(1) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used 
        for the purposes described in subparagraph (B) of such 
        subsection.
          ``(4) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than 5 
        percent of the total amount made available to carry out this 
        section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative 
        expenses.''.

SEC. 10004. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE.

  (a) Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives.--Section 7407(d) 
of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 
5925c(d)) is amended--
          (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
          (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(2) Mandatory funding.--In addition to funds made available 
        under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section 
        $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.''; and
          (3) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
                  (A) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting 
                ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''; and
                  (B) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
  (b) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National Organic 
Program.--Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 
U.S.C. 6521) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
  ``(c) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National Organic 
Program.--The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems 
of the national organic program.''.
  (c) Authorization of Appropriations for National Organic Program.--
Section 2123 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
6522) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                  (B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); 
                and
                  (C) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following 
                new paragraph:
          ``(6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017; 
        and''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(c) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National Organic 
Program.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation and in 
addition to any other funds made available to carry out section 
2122(c), the Secretary shall use to carry out such section $5,000,000 
for fiscal year 2013, to remain available until expended.''.
  (d) National Organic Certification Cost-share Program.--Section 10606 
of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) 
is repealed.

SEC. 10005. INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORGANIC FOODS 
                    PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990.

  The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting 
after section 2122 (7 U.S.C. 6521) the following new section:

``SEC. 2122A. INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT.

  ``(a) Investigation.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may take such investigative 
        actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out 
        this title--
                  ``(A) to verify the accuracy of any information 
                reported or made available under this title; and
                  ``(B) to determine, with regard to actions, 
                practices, or information required under this title, 
                whether a person covered by this title has committed a 
                violation of any provision of this title.
          ``(2) Investigative powers.--The Secretary may administer 
        oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance 
        of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any 
        records required to be maintained under section 2112(d) or 
        2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation.
  ``(b) Unlawful Act.--It shall be unlawful and a violation of this 
title for any person covered by this title--
          ``(1) to refuse to provide information required by the 
        Secretary under this title; or
          ``(2) to violate--
                  ``(A) a suspension or revocation of the organic 
                certification of a producer or handler; or
                  ``(B) a suspension or revocation of the accreditation 
                of a certifying agent.
  ``(c) Enforcement.--
          ``(1) Suspension.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, after notice 
                and opportunity for an expedited administrative 
                hearing, suspend the organic certification of a 
                producer or handler, or accreditation of a certifying 
                agent, if the Secretary has reason to believe that a 
                person producing or handling an agricultural product, 
                or a certifying agent, has violated or is violating any 
                provision of this title. The decision to suspend a 
                certification under this subparagraph by the Secretary 
                may be appealed to a United States district court not 
                later than 30 days after such decision is made and 
                shall not take effect until judicial review of such 
                decision is completed.
                  ``(B) Continuation of suspension through appeal.--If 
                the Secretary determines subsequent to an investigation 
                that a violation of this title by a person covered by 
                this title has occurred, the suspension shall remain in 
                effect until the Secretary issues a revocation of the 
                certification of the person or of the accreditation of 
                the certifying agent, covered by this title, after an 
                expedited administrative appeal under section 2121 has 
                been completed.
          ``(2) Revocation.--After notice and opportunity for an 
        administrative appeal under section 2121, if a violation of 
        this title is determined to have occurred, the Secretary shall 
        revoke the organic certification of the producer or handler, or 
        the accreditation of the certifying agent.
  ``(d) Appeal.--
          ``(1) In general.--A revocation of a certification or an 
        accreditation under subsection (c)(2) shall be final and 
        conclusive unless the affected person files an appeal of the 
        revocation, if the affected person so elects, to a United 
        States district court as provided in section 2121(b) not later 
        than 30 days after the date of the revocation under subsection 
        (c)(2).
          ``(2) Standard.--A revocation of a certification or an 
        accreditation under subsection (c)(2) shall be set aside only 
        if the revocation of such certification or such accreditation 
        is clearly erroneous.
  ``(e) Noncompliance.--
          ``(1) In general.--If a person covered by this title fails to 
        obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation under 
        subsection (c)(2) after such revocation has become final and 
        conclusive or after the appropriate United States district 
        court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, 
        the United States may apply to the appropriate United States 
        district court for enforcement of such revocation.
          ``(2) Enforcement.--If the court determines that the 
        revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the 
        person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the 
        revocation.
          ``(3) Civil penalty.--If the court finds that the person 
        violated the revocation of a certification or an accreditation 
        under subsection (c)(2), the person shall be subject to one or 
        more of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) of 
        section 2120.''.

SEC. 10006. FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVES.

  Section 10105(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 7655a(c)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting 
``2017''.

SEC. 10007. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.

  Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 
U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) by striking ``subsection (j)'' and inserting 
                ``subsection (l)''; and
                  (B) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017'';
          (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following 
        new subsection:
  ``(b) Grants Based on Value and Acreage.--Subject to subsection (c), 
for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is 
accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant 
for such fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the 
same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) 
for such fiscal year as--
          ``(1) the average of the most recent available value of 
        specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of 
        specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the 
        most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to
          ``(2) the average of the most recent available value of 
        specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of 
        specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the 
        most recent Census of Agriculture data.'';
          (3) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l);
          (4) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new 
        subsections:
  ``(j) Multistate Projects.--Not later than 180 days after the 
effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
Act of 2012, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the 
purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for 
projects involving--
          ``(1) food safety;
          ``(2) plant pests and disease;
          ``(3) research;
          ``(4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and
          ``(5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this 
        section, as determined by the Secretary.
  ``(k) Administration.--
          ``(1) Department.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not use 
        more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out 
        this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
          ``(2) States.--A State receiving a grant under this section 
        may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the 
        grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.''; and
          (5) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))--
                  (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as 
                subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and 
                moving such subparagraphs two ems to the right;
                  (B) by striking ``Of the funds'' and inserting the 
                following:
          ``(1) In general.--Of the funds'';
                  (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by 
                        subparagraph (A)), by striking ``and'' at the 
                        end;
                          (ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by 
                        subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at 
                        the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subparagraph:
                  ``(D) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each 
                fiscal year thereafter.''; and
                  (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(2) Multistate projects.--Of the funds made available under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection 
        (j), to remain available until expended--
                  ``(A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
                  ``(B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
                  ``(C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
                  ``(D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
                  ``(E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.''.

SEC. 10008. REPORT ON SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCTION BY CERTAIN FARMERS.

  (a) Report Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall, in 
consultation with interested persons, submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on specialty crop 
production by small-holder, women, minority, and socially disadvantaged 
producers (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))) throughout the United States, 
including--
          (1) an assessment of--
                  (A) the number of such producers in the United 
                States;
                  (B) the economic and social challenges such producers 
                have in increasing production capacity and value; and
                  (C) the resources needed to increase or add value to 
                the production of such producers;
          (2) a list of the resources available at the Department of 
        Agriculture to provide assistance to such producers;
          (3) an evaluation of private sector resources and initiatives 
        that could be used to increase production capacity and value 
        for the crops grown by such producers; and
          (4) an evaluation of how geographic differences affect 
        opportunities available to small-holder producers.
  (b) Updates and Completion.--The Secetary shall submit the completed 
report required under subsection (a) not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
Management Act of 2012. Beginning on such date of enactment, the 
Secretary shall update the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives every 90 days on the progress made toward completing 
the report.

SEC. 10009. REPORT ON HONEY.

  (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with persons 
affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the 
identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a 
report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity 
of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and 
United States agriculture.
  (b) Considerations.--In preparing the report required under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March, 
2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and 
Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or 
clarifications necessary to update such petition.

SEC. 10010. BULK SHIPMENTS OF APPLES TO CANADA.

  (a) Bulk Shipment of Apples to Canada.--Section 4 of the Export Apple 
Act (7 U.S.C. 584) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``Apples in'' and inserting ``(a) Apples 
        in''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without complying 
with the provisions of this Act.''.
  (b) Definition of Bulk Bin.--Section 9 of the Export Apple Act (7 
U.S.C. 589) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
  ``(5) The term `bulk bin' means a bin that contains a quantity of 
apples weighing more than 100 pounds.''.
  (c) Regulations.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue 
regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section

SEC. 10011. INCLUSION OF OLIVE OIL IN IMPORT CONTROLS UNDER THE 
                    AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ACT.

  Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e-1(a)) 
is amended by inserting ``olive oil,'' after ``olives (other than 
Spanish-style green olives),''.

SEC. 10012. PETITIONS TO DETERMINE ORGANISM NOT A PLANT PEST.

  (a) Petition to Determine Organism Not a Plant Pest.--The Plant 
Protection Act is amended by inserting after section 411 (7 U.S.C. 
7711) the following new section:

``SEC. 411A. PETITION TO DETERMINE ORGANISM NOT A PLANT PEST.

  ``(a) Petition.--A person may petition the Secretary for a 
determination that an organism that is subject to regulation by the 
Secretary as a plant pest under this Act is not a plant pest for 
purposes of this Act.
  ``(b) Review of Petition.--
          ``(1) Assessment and analysis required.--In reviewing a 
        petition submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
        conduct the following with respect to an organism that is the 
        subject of the petition:
                  ``(A) Plant pest risk assessment.--An assessment of 
                the likelihood that such organism is a plant pest.
                  ``(B) Environmental analysis.--An analysis of any 
                likely adverse effects of such organism on the soil, 
                water, air quality, non-target organisms, and listed 
                threatened and endangered species and the critical 
                habitat of such species for the environment in which 
                such organism is likely to be grown or otherwise used 
                under the conditions specified in such petition.
          ``(2) Determination.--The Secretary shall issue a 
        determination that an organism is not a plant pest for purposes 
        of this Act if the Secretary determines, based on sound science 
        and the plant pest risk assessment conducted under paragraph 
        (1)(A), that an organism is not likely to be a plant pest.
          ``(3) Review period.--
                  ``(A) Initial review period.--Not later than one year 
                after the date on which the Secretary determines that a 
                petition submitted under subsection (a) is complete, 
                the Secretary shall complete the plant pest risk 
                assessment and the environmental analysis required 
                under paragraph (1) and issue a determination with 
                respect to such petition under paragraph (2).
                  ``(B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend the one-
                year review period referred to in subparagraph (A) for 
                a petition for one additional period of not more than 
                180 days if the Secretary determines that additional 
                review is necessary. The Secretary shall notify the 
                person who submitted the petition, in writing, of the 
                reasons for the extension and an estimate of the time 
                period necessary to complete the review.
          ``(4) Effect of failure to meet time period.--Notwithstanding 
        any other provision of law, if after completing the plant pest 
        risk assessment, but not the environmental analysis, required 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary finds that there is no 
        reason to believe that an organism is a plant pest and does not 
        grant or deny a petition submitted under subsection (a) with 
        respect to such organism within the time period required under 
        paragraph (3), such organism shall be deemed not to be a plant 
        pest for purposes of this Act.
          ``(5) Effect on pesticide registration.--In the case of an 
        organism containing a plant-incorporated protectant (as defined 
        in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
        any successor regulation) with respect to which an application 
        for registration of the plant-incorporated protectant is 
        pending under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
        Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a et seq.), a determination made 
        under paragraph (2) that an organism is not a plant pest or the 
        deeming that an organism is not a plant pest under paragraph 
        (4) shall not be effective until the registration of the plant-
        incorporated protectant contained in such organism is approved 
        under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
        (7 U.S.C. 136a et seq.). If such registration is not approved, 
        a determination made under paragraph (2) that an organism is 
        not a plant pest or a deeming that an organism is not a plant 
        pest under paragraph (4) shall not become effective.
          ``(6) Subsequent authority to regulate.--Notwithstanding a 
        determination that an organism is not a plant pest under 
        paragraph (2) or that such organism has been deemed not to be a 
        plant pest under paragraph (4), the Secretary may issue a 
        determination, based on information discovered after the date 
        of such determination or the date on which the organism was so 
        deemed and sound science, that an organism is a plant pest for 
        purposes of this Act.
          ``(7) Public notice.--
                  ``(A) Notice.--The Secretary shall publish notice in 
                the Federal Register of--
                          ``(i) the grant or denial of a petition 
                        submitted under subsection (a) with respect to 
                        an organism; or
                          ``(ii) the deeming that such organism is not 
                        a plant pest under paragraph (4).
                  ``(B) Risk assessments and environmental analysis.--
                The Secretary shall provide to the person who submitted 
                a petition under subsection (a), and make available to 
                the public, the risk assessment and environmental 
                analysis prepared under paragraph (1) with respect to 
                such petition.
  ``(c) Applicability of Environmental Analysis Conducted for Petition 
to Determine Organism Not a Plant Pest.--
          ``(1) Exclusive analysis performed.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of law, the environmental analysis required 
        under subsection (b)(1) and as specifically described in such 
        subsection shall be the only analysis or procedure regarding 
        the effects on the environment of an organism that is the 
        subject of a petition submitted under subsection (a) required 
        or authorized by law with respect to reviewing and taking 
        action on such a petition.
          ``(2) Prohibition on use of funds for other analyses.--No 
        funds made available by any Act shall be obligated, expended, 
        or used for any analysis or procedure regarding the effects on 
        the environment of an organism conducted for purposes of this 
        section other than the environmental analysis required under 
        subsection (b)(1).
          ``(3) Prohibition on solicitation of funds for environmental 
        analysis.--The Secretary shall not require or solicit any 
        financial assistance from a person submitting a petition under 
        subsection (a) for any analysis or procedure regarding the 
        effects on the environment of an organism or for any other 
        analysis or procedure not specifically authorized by subsection 
        (b)(1).
  ``(d) Use of Data From Permits for Purposes of Petition for a 
Determination That an Organism Not a Plant Pest.--Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, the Secretary shall use data collected under a 
permit issued by the Secretary under section 411(a) with respect to an 
organism, among other relevant data, for purposes of the review of a 
petition submitted under subsection (a) with respect to such 
organism.''.
  (b) Authority of Review for and Environmental Analysis Applicable to 
Permits.--Section 411 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7711) is 
amended--
          (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as 
        subsections (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and
          (2) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new 
        subsections:
  ``(c) Limitation on Analyses and Procedures for Permits.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the analyses or procedures 
required under the regulations issued by the Secretary under the 
Federal Plant Pest Act and continued in effect in accordance with 
section 438(c) shall be the only analyses or procedures required or 
authorized by law with respect to reviewing and taking action on an 
application for a permit submitted under subsection (a).
  ``(d) Environmental Analysis Applicable to Certain Permits.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in reviewing an application 
for a permit submitted under subsection (a) that is not excluded from 
environmental review under regulations issued by the Secretary in 
effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection (or any 
successor regulations), the Secretary shall conduct an environmental 
analysis described in section 411A(b)(1)(B). Such analysis shall be the 
only environmental analysis or procedure required or authorized by law 
with respect to reviewing and taking action on such an application.''.
  (c) Transitional Provisions.--
          (1) Completeness.--
                  (A) Completeness of petitions.--Notwithstanding any 
                other provision of law, including section 411A of the 
                Plant Protection Act (as added by subsection (a)), if 
                the Secretary of Agriculture determined that a petition 
                submitted before the date of the enactment of this 
                section under section 340.6 of title 7, Code of Federal 
                Regulations, for a determination that an organism is 
                not a plant pest was complete before such date, the 
                Secretary shall consider such petition to be complete 
                and maintain the status such petition had in the 
                process for the review of such petition on such date 
                under section 340.6 of title 7, Code of Federal 
                Regulations.
                  (B) Completeness of applications for permits.--
                Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including 
                subsection (c) of section 411 of the Plant Protection 
                Act (7 U.S.C. 7711) (as amended by subsection (b)), if 
                the Secretary of Agriculture determined that an 
                application for a permit submitted under subsection (a) 
                of such section (7 U.S.C. 7711) before the date of the 
                enactment of this section was complete before such 
                date, the Secretary shall consider such application to 
                be complete and maintain the status such application 
                had in the process for the review of such application 
                on such date under subsection (a) of such section.
          (2) Use of environmental analysis.--
                  (A) Use of environmental analysis for petitions.--
                Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
                Secretary of Agriculture shall use any environmental 
                analysis conducted for purposes of a petition submitted 
                under section 340.6 of title 7, Code of Federal 
                Regulations, before the date of the enactment of this 
                section with respect to an organism to the greatest 
                extent possible to complete the environmental analysis 
                conducted under section 411A of the Plant Protection 
                Act (as added by subsection (a)) for purposes of a 
                petition submitted under subsection (a) of such section 
                with respect to such organism.
                  (B) Use of environmental analysis for applications 
                for permits.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
                law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall use any 
                environmental analysis conducted for purposes of an 
                application for a permit submitted under subsection (a) 
                of section 411 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 
                7711) before the date of the enactment of this section 
                with respect to such organism to the greatest extent 
                possible to complete the environmental analysis 
                conducted under subsection (d) of such section (as 
                amended by subsection (b)) with respect to such 
                organism.
          (3) Special consideration for review of certain petitions.--
                  (A) Pending petitions without a completed plant pest 
                risk assessment.--Notwithstanding section 411A(b)(3) of 
                the Plant Protection Act (as added by subsection (a)), 
                the Secretary of Agriculture shall determine the length 
                of the period for the review of petitions submitted 
                under section 340.6 of title 7, Code of Federal 
                Regulations, before the date of the enactment of this 
                section for which a plant pest risk assessment has not 
                been completed on or before such date of enactment.
                  (B) Pending petitions with a completed plant pest 
                risk assessment.--
                          (i) Deeming of certain petitions.--
                        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
                        with respect to each covered petition, if the 
                        Secretary finds that there is no reason to 
                        believe that the organism that is the subject 
                        of such covered petition is a plant pest and 
                        the Secretary does not grant or deny such 
                        covered petition not later than 90 days after 
                        the date of the enactment of this section, such 
                        organism shall be deemed not to be a plant pest 
                        for purposes of the Plant Protection Act (7 
                        U.S.C. 7701 et seq.).
                          (ii) Covered petition defined.--In this 
                        subparagraph, the term ``covered petition'' 
                        means a petition submitted before the date of 
                        the enactment of this section under section 
                        340.6 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, 
                        for a determination that an organism is not a 
                        plant pest for which a plant pest risk 
                        assessment and an environmental assessment have 
                        been published and a notice and comment period 
                        on each assessment has been completed as of 
                        such date of enactment.
          (4) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Agriculture 
        shall issue such regulations as the Secretary considers 
        necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section.

SEC. 10013. CONSOLIDATION OF PLANT PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND 
                    DISASTER PREVENTION PROGRAMS.

  (a) Relocation of Legislative Language Relating to National Clean 
Plant Network.--Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) 
is amended--
          (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
          (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
        subsection:
  ``(e) National Clean Plant Network.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program to 
        be known as the `National Clean Plant Network' (referred to in 
        this subsection as the `Program').
          ``(2) Requirements.--Under the Program, the Secretary shall 
        establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and 
        pathogen elimination services--
                  ``(A) to produce clean propagative plant material; 
                and
                  ``(B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant 
                material in sites located throughout the United States.
          ``(3) Availability of clean plant source material.--Clean 
        plant source material produced or maintained under the Program 
        may be made available to--
                  ``(A) a State for a certified plant program of the 
                State; and
                  ``(B) private nurseries and producers.
          ``(4) Consultation and collaboration.--In carrying out the 
        Program, the Secretary shall--
                  ``(A) consult with--
                          ``(i) State departments of agriculture; and
                          ``(ii) land-grant colleges and universities 
                        and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are 
                        defined in section 1404 of the National 
                        Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                        Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
                  ``(B) to the extent practicable and with input from 
                the appropriate State officials and industry 
                representatives, use existing Federal or State 
                facilities to serve as clean plant centers.''.
  (b) Funding.--Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection 
Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) (as so redesignated) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and each fiscal year 
        thereafter.'' and inserting ``; and''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(5) $71,500,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year 
        thereafter.''.
  (c) Repeal of Existing Provision.--Section 10202 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7761) is repealed.
  (d) Clarification of Use of Funds for Technical Assistance.--Section 
420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) (as amended by 
subsection (a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
  ``(g) Relationship to Other Law.--The use of Commodity Credit 
Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance 
shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the 
Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures 
for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i).''.

SEC. 10014. AUTHORITY FOR REGULATION OF PLANTS.

  (a) Regulation of Plants Under Plant Protection Act.--Subject to 
subsection (b), any living stage of a plant, including any nucleic acid 
or other genetic material as contained in such plant, shall be 
exclusively subject to regulation under statutes under which the 
Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to issue regulations with 
respect to plants, including the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et 
seq.).
  (b) Regulation of Certain Pesticidal Substances Under Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.--A pesticidal substance 
contained in a plant shall be subject to regulation as a plant-
incorporated protectant (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code 
of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation) under the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
  (c) Requirements for Regulation of Certain Pesticidal Substances 
Under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.--The 
regulations issued by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency with respect to plant-incorporated protectants under the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), 
including section 3(c)(1)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(1)(C)), 
section 3(c)(2)(A) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(2)(A)), section 7 of 
such Act (7 U.S.C. 136e), section 8 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136f), 
section 9 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136g), and section 17 of such Act (7 
U.S.C. 136o), shall--
          (1) be based on sound science;
          (2) use the least burdensome requirements; and
          (3) provide for exemptions from the requirements otherwise 
        applicable to pesticides that are not plant-incorporated 
        protectants.
  (d) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Plant.--The term ``plant'' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 
        7702).
          (2) Pesticidal substance.--The term ``pesticidal substance'' 
        means a substance or a mixture of substances that--
                  (A) is contained in any living stage of a plant 
                that--
                          (i) as of the date of the enactment of this 
                        subsection, is subject to part 340 of title 7, 
                        Code of Federal Regulations; or
                          (ii) has been determined not to be a plant 
                        pest under section 411A(b)(2) or deemed not to 
                        be a plant pest under section 411A(b)(4); and
                  (B) is intended for preventing, destroying, 
                repelling, or mitigating any pest.

SEC. 10015. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON REGULATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY.

  Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services and the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency, shall submit to Congress a report on the measures 
taken and proposed to be taken by the Secretaries and the Administrator 
to provide for balanced and appropriate regulatory oversight of 
agricultural biotechnology products, by--
          (1) reducing regulatory burdens on research conducted by 
        academic institutions, small businesses, and public entities in 
        developing lower-cost plant and animal sources of food, feed, 
        fuel, and fiber developed through biotechnology, with special 
        emphasis on minor use crops, orphan crops, and sources of 
        protein;
          (2) identifying categories of products developed through 
        biotechnology for which a history of safe use has been 
        established and providing with respect to such products reduced 
        data requirements, expedited review periods, exemptions from 
        regulation, and other measures, as appropriate, based on sound 
        science; and
          (3) developing and implementing a cohesive national policy 
        for the low-level presence of agronomic biotechnology material 
        in crops, including grain and other commodity crops, for food, 
        feed, and processing.

SEC. 10016. PESTICIDE REGISTRATION IMPROVEMENT.

  (a) Maintenance Fees.--
          (1) Fees.--Section 4(i) of the Federal Insecticide, 
        Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a-1(i)) is 
        amended--
                  (A) in paragraph (5)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
                        ``aggregate amount of'' and all that follows 
                        through the end of the subparagraph and 
                        inserting ``aggregate amount of $27,800,000 for 
                        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.'';
                          (ii) in subparagraph (D)--
                                  (I) in clause (i), by striking 
                                ``shall be'' and all that follows 
                                through the semicolon and inserting 
                                ``shall be $115,500 for each of fiscal 
                                years 2013 through 2017;''; and
                                  (II) in clause (ii), by striking 
                                ``shall be'' and all that follows 
                                through the period and inserting 
                                ``shall be $184,800 for each of fiscal 
                                years 2013 through 2017.'';
                          (iii) in subparagraph (E)(i)--
                                  (I) in subclause (I), by striking 
                                ``shall be'' and all that follows 
                                through the semicolon and inserting 
                                ``shall be $70,600 for each of fiscal 
                                years 2013 through 2017;''; and
                                  (II) in subclause (II), by striking 
                                ``shall be'' and all that follows 
                                through the period and inserting 
                                ``shall be $122,100 for each of fiscal 
                                years 2013 through 2017.'';
                          (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (F), (G), 
                        and (H) as subparagraphs (G), (H), and (I), 
                        respectively;
                          (v) by inserting after subparagraph (E), the 
                        following new subparagraph:
                  ``(F) Fee reduction for certain small businesses.--
                          ``(i) Waiver.--Except as provided in clause 
                        (ii), the Administrator shall waive 25 percent 
                        of the fee under this paragraph applicable to 
                        the first registration of any qualified small 
                        business entity under this paragraph.
                          ``(ii) Limitation.--The Administrator shall 
                        not grant a waiver under clause (i) to a 
                        qualified small business entity if the 
                        Administrator determines that the entity has 
                        been formed or manipulated primarily for the 
                        purpose of qualifying for the waiver.
                          ``(iii) Definition.--For purposes of this 
                        subparagraph, the term `qualified small 
                        business entity' means a corporation, 
                        partnership, or unincorporated business that--
                                  ``(I) has 500 or fewer employees;
                                  ``(II) during the 3-year period prior 
                                to the most recent maintenance fee 
                                billing cycle, had an average annual 
                                global gross revenue from all sources 
                                that did not exceed $10,000,000; and
                                  ``(III) holds not more than 5 
                                pesticide registrations under this 
                                paragraph.'';
                          (vi) in subparagraph (G) (as redesignated by 
                        clause (iv)), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and 
                        inserting ``this paragraph''; and
                          (vii) in subparagraph (I) (as so 
                        redesignated), by striking ``2012'' and 
                        inserting ``2017'';
                  (B) in paragraph (6)--
                          (i) by striking ``2014'' and inserting 
                        ``2019''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``paragraphs (1) through 
                        (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (5)'';
                  (C) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and 
                (7); and
                  (D) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as 
                paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
          (2) Extension of prohibition on tolerance fees.--Section 
        408(m)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 
        U.S.C. 346a(m)(3)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 
        2012'' and inserting ``September 30, 2017''.
          (3) Reregistration and expedited processing fund.--
                  (A) Source and use.--Section 4(k)(2)(A) of the 
                Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 
                U.S.C. 136a-1(k)(2)(A)) is amended--
                          (i) by inserting ``, to enhance the 
                        information systems capabilities to improve the 
                        tracking of pesticide registration decisions,'' 
                        after ``paragraph (3)'' each place it appears; 
                        and
                          (ii) in clause (i)--
                                  (I) by inserting ``offset'' before 
                                ``the costs of reregistration''; and
                                  (II) by striking ``in the same 
                                portion as appropriated funds''.
                  (B) Expedited processing of similar applications.--
                Section 4(k)(3)(A) of the Federal Insecticide, 
                Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a-
                1(k)(3)(A)) is amended--
                          (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 
                        striking ``2008 through 2012, between 1/8 and 
                        1/7'' and inserting ``2013 through 2017, 
                        between 1/9 and 1/8''; and
                          (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``new''.
                  (C) Enhancements of information technology systems 
                for improvement in review of pesticide applications.--
                Section 4(k) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
                Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a-1(k)) is amended--
                          (i) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) 
                        as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively;
                          (ii) by inserting after paragraph (3) the 
                        following new paragraph:
          ``(4) Enhancements of information technology systems for 
        improvement in review of pesticide applications.--
                  ``(A) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017, the Administrator shall use not more than 
                $800,000 of the amounts made available to the 
                Administrator in the Reregistration and Expedited 
                Processing Fund for the activities described in 
                subparagraph (B).
                  ``(B) Activities.--The Administrator shall use 
                amounts made available from such Fund to improve the 
                information systems capabilities for the Office of 
                Pesticide Programs to enhance tracking of pesticide 
                registration decisions, which shall include--
                          ``(i) the electronic tracking of--
                                  ``(I) registration submissions; and
                                  ``(II) the status of conditional 
                                registrations;
                          ``(ii) enhancing the database for information 
                        regarding endangered species assessments for 
                        registration review;
                          ``(iii) implementing the capability to 
                        electronically review labels submitted with 
                        registration actions; and
                          ``(iv) acquiring and implementing the 
                        capability to electronically assess and 
                        evaluate confidential statements of formula 
                        submitted with registration actions.''; and
                          (iii) in the first sentence of paragraph (6) 
                        (as redesignated by clause (i)), by striking 
                        ``to carry out the goals established under 
                        subsection (l)'' and inserting ``for the 
                        purposes described in paragraphs (2), (3), and 
                        (4) and to carry out the goals established 
                        under subsection (l)''.
  (b) Pesticide Registration Service Fees.--
          (1) Amount of fees.--Section 33(b) of the Federal 
        Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w-
        8(b)) is amended--
                  (A) in paragraph (3)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
                        ``Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal 
                        Act'' and inserting ``Federal Agriculture 
                        Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
                        ``S10409'' and all that follows through the 
                        period and inserting ``S___ through S___, dated 
                        ___.'';
                  (B) in paragraph (6)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) by striking ``October 1, 2008'' 
                                and inserting ``October 1, 2013''; and
                                  (II) by striking ``September 30, 
                                2010'' and inserting ``September 30, 
                                2015''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                  (I) by striking ``October 1, 2010'' 
                                and inserting ``October 1, 2015''; and
                                  (II) by striking ``September 30, 
                                2010'' and inserting ``September 30, 
                                2015''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (8)(C)(ii)--
                          (i) in subclause (I), by striking ``or'' at 
                        the end;
                          (ii) in subclause (II), by striking the 
                        period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subclause:
                                  ``(III) on the basis that the 
                                Administrator rejected the application 
                                under subsection (f)(4)(B).''.
          (2) Pesticide registration fund.--Section 33(c)(3)(B) of the 
        Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 
        136w-8(c)(3)(B)) is amended--
                  (A) in clause (i), by striking ``2008 through 2012'' 
                and inserting ``2013 through 2017'';
                  (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``grants'' and all 
                that follows through the end of clause (ii) and 
                inserting ``grants, for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017, $500,000.''; and
                  (C) in clause (iii), by striking ``2008 through 
                2012'' and inserting ``2013 through 2017''.
          (3) Assessment of fees.--Section 33(d) of the Federal 
        Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w-
        8(d)) is amended--
                  (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2002'' each place 
                it appears and inserting ``2012'';
                  (B) by striking paragraph (4); and
                  (C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
          (4) Reforms to reduce decision time review periods.--Section 
        33(e) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide 
        Act (7 U.S.C. 136w-8(e)) is amended by striking ``Pesticide 
        Registration Improvement Act of 2003'' and inserting ``Federal 
        Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012''.
          (5) Decision time review periods.--Section 33(f) of the 
        Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 
        136w-8(f)) is amended--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Pesticide 
                Registration Improvement Renewal Act'' and inserting 
                ``Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 
                2012'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``S10409'' and all 
                that follows through the period and inserting ``S__ 
                through S___, dated ___.''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (4)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and 
                        fee'' before the period; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                  (I) in the heading, by striking 
                                ``Completeness of application'' and 
                                inserting ``Initial content and 
                                preliminary technical screenings'';
                                  (II) in clause (i)--
                                          (aa) by striking ``Not 
                                        later'' and inserting the 
                                        following:
                                  ``(I) Not later''.
                                          (bb) by adding at the end the 
                                        following new subclause:
                                  ``(II) After conducting the initial 
                                content screening described in 
                                subclause (I) and in accordance with 
                                clause (iv), the Administrator shall 
                                conduct a preliminary technical 
                                screening--
                                          ``(aa) not later than 45 days 
                                        after the date on which the 
                                        decision time review period 
                                        begins (for applications with 
                                        decision time review periods of 
                                        not more than 180 days); and
                                          ``(bb) not later than 90 days 
                                        after the date on which the 
                                        decision time review period 
                                        begins (for applications with 
                                        decision time review periods 
                                        greater than 180 days).'';
                                  (III) in clause (ii) by striking 
                                ``under clause (i)'' and all that 
                                follows through the period and 
                                inserting ``at any time before the 
                                Administrator completes the preliminary 
                                technical screening under clause 
                                (i)(II) that the application failed the 
                                initial content or preliminary 
                                technical screening and the applicant 
                                does not correct such failure before 
                                the date that is 10 business days after 
                                the applicant receives a notification 
                                of the failure, the Administrator shall 
                                reject the application. The 
                                Administrator shall make every effort 
                                to provide a written notification of 
                                such rejection during the 10-day period 
                                that begins on the date the 
                                Administrator completes the preliminary 
                                technical screening.'';
                                  (IV) in clause (iii)--
                                          (aa) in the heading, by 
                                        inserting ``initial content'' 
                                        before ``screening'' ;
                                          (bb) in the matter preceding 
                                        subclause (I), by inserting 
                                        ``content'' after ``initial''; 
                                        and
                                          (cc) in subclause (II), by 
                                        striking ``contains'' and 
                                        inserting ``appears to 
                                        contain''; and
                                  (V) by adding at the end the 
                                following new clause:
                          ``(iv) Requirements of preliminary technical 
                        screening.--In conducting a preliminary 
                        technical screening of an application, the 
                        Administrator shall determine if--
                                  ``(I) the application and the data 
                                and information submitted with such 
                                application are accurate and complete; 
                                and
                                  ``(II) the application, data, and 
                                information are consistent with the 
                                proposed labeling and any proposal for 
                                a tolerance or exemption from the 
                                requirement for a tolerance under 
                                section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
                                and Cosmetic Act, and are such that, 
                                subject to full review under the 
                                standards of this Act, could result in 
                                the granting of the application.''.
          (6) Reports.--Section 33(k) of the Federal Insecticide, 
        Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w-8(k)) is 
        amended--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``March 1, 2014'' 
                and inserting ``March 1, 2017''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) in clause (vi), by striking 
                                ``and'' at the end;
                                  (II) in clause (vii), by inserting 
                                ``and'' at the end; and
                                  (III) by adding at the end the 
                                following new clause:
                          ``(viii) the number of extensions of decision 
                        time review periods agreed to under subsection 
                        (f)(5) along with a description of the reason 
                        that the Administrator was unable to make a 
                        decision within the initial decision time 
                        review period;'';
                          (ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' 
                        at the end;
                          (iii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the 
                        period and inserting a semicolon; and
                          (iv) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subparagraphs:
                  ``(G) a review of the progress made toward--
                          ``(i) carrying out section 4(k)(4) and the 
                        amounts from the Reregistration and Expedited 
                        Processing Fund used for the purposes described 
                        in such section;
                          ``(ii) implementing systems for the 
                        electronic tracking of registration submissions 
                        by December 31, 2013;
                          ``(iii) implementing a system for tracking 
                        the status of conditional registrations, 
                        including making non-confidential information 
                        related to such conditional registrations 
                        publicly available by December 31, 2013;
                          ``(iv) implementing enhancements to the 
                        endangered species knowledge database, 
                        including making non-confidential information 
                        related to such database publicly available;
                          ``(v) implementing the capability to 
                        electronically submit and review labels 
                        submitted with registration actions;
                          ``(vi) acquiring and implementing the 
                        capability to electronically assess and 
                        evaluate confidential statements of formula 
                        submitted with registration actions by December 
                        31, 2014; and
                          ``(vii) facilitating public participation in 
                        certain registration actions and the 
                        registration review process by providing 
                        electronic notification to interested parties 
                        of additions to the public docket;
                  ``(H) the number of applications rejected by the 
                Administrator under the initial content and preliminary 
                technical screening conducted under subsection (f)(4);
                  ``(I) a review of the progress made in updating the 
                Pesticide Incident Data System, including progress 
                toward making the information contained in such System 
                available to the public (as the Administrator 
                determines is appropriate); and
                  ``(J) an assessment of the public availability of 
                summary pesticide usage data.''.
          (7) Termination of effectiveness.--Section 33(m) of the 
        Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 
        136w-8(m)) is amended--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2012'' and 
                inserting ``2017''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) in the heading, by striking 
                                ``2013'' and inserting ``2018'';
                                  (II) by striking ``2013,'' and 
                                inserting ``2018,''; and
                                  (III) by striking ``September 30, 
                                2012'' and inserting ``September 30, 
                                2017'';
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                  (I) in the heading by striking 
                                ``2014'' and inserting ``2019'';
                                  (II) by striking ``2014,'' and 
                                inserting ``2019,''; and
                                  (III) by striking ``September 30, 
                                2012'' and inserting ``September 30, 
                                2017'';
                          (iii) in subparagraph (C)--
                                  (I) in the heading by striking 
                                ``2014'' and inserting ``2019''; and
                                  (II) by striking ``September 30, 
                                2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 
                                2019''; and
                          (iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
                        ``2012'' each place it appears and inserting 
                        ``2017''.

SEC. 10017. MODIFICATION, CANCELLATION, OR SUSPENSION ON BASIS OF A 
                    BIOLOGICAL OPINION.

  (a) In General.--Except in the case of a voluntary request from a 
pesticide registrant to amend a registration under section 3 of the 
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a), a 
registration of a pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on 
the basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the 
National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and 
Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of the study referred 
to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2014, whichever is earlier, only 
if--
          (1) the modification, cancellation, or suspension is 
        undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136d); 
        and
          (2) the Biological Opinion complies with the recommendations 
        contained in the study referred to in subsection (b).
  (b) National Academy of Sciences Study.--The study commissioned by 
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on March 10, 
2011, shall include, at a minimum, each of the following:
          (1) A formal, independent, and external peer review, 
        consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of 
        each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a).
          (2) Assessment of economic impacts of measures or 
        alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion.
          (3) An examination of the specific scientific and procedural 
        questions and issues pertaining to economic feasibility 
        contained in the June 23, 2011 letter sent to the Administrator 
        (and other Federal officials) by the Chairmen of the Committee 
        on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the 
        Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of 
        the Committee on Appropriations, of the House of 
        Representatives.

SEC. 10018. USE AND DISCHARGES OF AUTHORIZED PESTICIDES.

  (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Reducing 
Regulatory Burdens Act of 2012''.
  (b) Use of Authorized Pesticides.--Section 3(f) of the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(f)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
          ``(5) Use of authorized pesticides.--Except as provided in 
        section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the 
        Administrator or a State may not require a permit under such 
        Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters 
        of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under 
        this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from 
        the application of such pesticide.''.
  (c) Discharges of Pesticides.--Section 402 of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
  ``(s) Discharges of Pesticides.--
          ``(1) No permit requirement.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), a permit shall not be required by the Administrator or a 
        State under this Act for a discharge from a point source into 
        navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, 
        distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 
        and Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, 
        resulting from the application of such pesticide.
          ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the 
        following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue:
                  ``(A) A discharge resulting from the application of a 
                pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal 
                Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is 
                relevant to protecting water quality, if--
                          ``(i) the discharge would not have occurred 
                        but for the violation; or
                          ``(ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide 
                        residue in the discharge is greater than would 
                        have occurred without the violation.
                  ``(B) Stormwater discharges subject to regulation 
                under subsection (p).
                  ``(C) The following discharges subject to regulation 
                under this section:
                          ``(i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent.
                          ``(ii) Treatment works effluent.
                          ``(iii) Discharges incidental to the normal 
                        operation of a vessel, including a discharge 
                        resulting from ballasting operations or vessel 
                        biofouling prevention.''.

SEC. 10019. INCLUSION OF BED BUGS IN DEFINITION OF VECTOR ORGANISMS.

  (a) Definition.--Section 2(oo) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 
and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136(oo)) is amended by inserting ``bed 
bugs,'' after ``cockroaches,''.
  (b) Efficacy Data for Exempted Pesticides.--Section 25(b) of the 
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w(b)) 
is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: 
``Notwithstanding the exemption of a pesticide under this subsection, 
the Administrator shall require the submission of efficacy data (and 
evaluate such data) if the pesticide is labeled for or proposed to be 
labeled for the control of a pest of public health significance. The 
Administrator shall not permit the sale or distribution of any product 
that is marketed, distributed, or sold with a claim that such product 
will control a public health pest if the efficacy data submitted under 
this subsection does not support such claim.''.

SEC. 10020. EFFECTIVE DATE.

  (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this title and 
the amendments made by this title take effect on October 1, 2012.
  (b) Exceptions.--The following provisions of this title shall take 
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act:
          (1) Section 10008.
          (2) Section 10009.
          (3) Section 10010.

                        TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

SEC. 11001. INFORMATION SHARING.

  Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)) 
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(4) Information.--
                  ``(A) Request.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm 
                Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an 
                agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by 
                the producer any information (including Farm Service 
                Agency Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or 
                any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist 
                the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring 
                the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under 
                this subtitle.
                  ``(B) Privacy.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that 
                receives the information of a producer pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in 
                accordance with paragraph (1).
                  ``(C) Sharing.--Nothing in this section prohibits the 
                sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved 
                insurance provider of the producer.''.

SEC. 11002. PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION ON VIOLATIONS OF PROHIBITION ON 
                    PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS.

  Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1508(a)(9)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
                  ``(C) Publication of violations.--
                          ``(i) Publication required.--Subject to 
                        clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a 
                        timely manner on the website of the Risk 
                        Management Agency information regarding each 
                        violation of this paragraph, including any 
                        sanctions imposed in response to the violation, 
                        in sufficient detail so that the information 
                        may serve as effective guidance to approved 
                        insurance providers, agents, and producers.
                          ``(ii) Protection of privacy.--In providing 
                        information under clause (i) regarding 
                        violations of this paragraph, the Corporation 
                        shall redact the identity of the persons and 
                        entities committing the violations in order to 
                        protect their privacy.''.

SEC. 11003. SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE OPTION.

  (a) Availability of Supplemental Coverage Option.--Paragraph (3) of 
section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)) is 
amended to read as follows:
          ``(3) Yield and loss basis options.--A producer shall have 
        the option of purchasing additional coverage based on--
                  ``(A)(i) an individual yield and loss basis; or
                  ``(ii) an area yield and loss basis;
                  ``(B) an individual yield and loss basis, 
                supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and 
                loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the 
                individual yield and loss policy, as described in 
                paragraph (4)(C); or
                  ``(C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the 
                coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B).''.
  (b) Level of Coverage.--Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of the 
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)) is amended to read as 
follows:
          ``(4) Level of coverage.--
                  ``(A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield.--
                Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of 
                coverage--
                          ``(i) shall be dollar denominated; and
                          ``(ii) may be purchased at any level not to 
                        exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 
                        percent of the area yield (as determined by the 
                        Corporation).
                  ``(B) Information.--The Corporation shall provide 
                producers with information on catastrophic risk and 
                additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within 
                the allowable limits of coverage provided in this 
                paragraph).
                  ``(C) Supplemental coverage option.--
                          ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding 
                        subparagraph (A), in the case of the 
                        supplemental coverage option described in 
                        paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer 
                        producers the opportunity to purchase coverage 
                        in combination with a policy or plan of 
                        insurance offered under this subtitle that 
                        would allow indemnities to be paid to a 
                        producer equal to a part of the deductible 
                        under the policy or plan of insurance--
                                  ``(I) at a county-wide level to the 
                                fullest extent practicable; or
                                  ``(II) in counties that lack 
                                sufficient data, on the basis of such 
                                larger geographical area as the 
                                Corporation determines to provide 
                                sufficient data for purposes of 
                                providing the coverage.
                          ``(ii) Trigger.--Coverage offered under 
                        paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be 
                        triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 
                        10 percent of normal levels (as determined by 
                        the Corporation).
                          ``(iii) Coverage.--Subject to the trigger 
                        described in clause (ii), coverage offered 
                        under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not 
                        exceed the difference between--
                                  ``(I) 90 percent; and
                                  ``(II) the coverage level selected by 
                                the producer for the underlying policy 
                                or plan of insurance.
                          ``(iv) Ineligible crops and acres.--Crops for 
                        which the producer has elected under section 
                        1107(c)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Reform 
                        and Risk Management Act of 2012 to receive 
                        revenue loss coverage and acres that are 
                        enrolled in the stacked income protection plan 
                        under section 508B shall not be eligible for 
                        supplemental coverage under this subparagraph.
                          ``(v) Calculation of premium.--
                        Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for 
                        coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and 
                        clause (i) shall--
                                  ``(I) be sufficient to cover 
                                anticipated losses and a reasonable 
                                reserve; and
                                  ``(II) include an amount for 
                                operating and administrative expenses 
                                established in accordance with 
                                subsection (k)(4)(F).''.
  (c) Payment of Portion of Premium by Corporation.--Section 508(e)(2) 
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                  ``(H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option 
                authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be 
                equal to the sum of--
                          ``(i) 70 percent of the additional premium 
                        associated with the coverage; and
                          ``(ii) the amount determined under subsection 
                        (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection 
                        (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating 
                        and administrative expenses.''.
  (d) Effective Date.--The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall 
begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and 
loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss 
basis, not later than for the 2013 crop year.

SEC. 11004. PREMIUM AMOUNTS FOR CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTECTION.

  Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
                  ``(A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, 
                the amount of the premium established by the 
                Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk 
                protection is available shall be reduced by the 
                percentage equal to the difference between the average 
                loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a 
                reasonable reserve.''.

SEC. 11005. REPEAL OF PERFORMANCE-BASED DISCOUNT.

  (a) Repeal.--Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
U.S.C. 1508(d)) is amended--
          (1) by striking paragraph (3); and
          (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B)) is amended--
          (1) by inserting ``or'' at the end of clause (i);
          (2) by striking clause (ii); and
          (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).

SEC. 11006. PERMANENT ENTERPRISE UNIT SUBSIDY.

  Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
                  ``(A) In general.--The Corporation may pay a portion 
                of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for 
                which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or 
                enterprise unit basis that is higher than would 
                otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2).''.

SEC. 11007. ENTERPRISE UNITS FOR IRRIGATED AND NONIRRIGATED CROPS.

  Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1508(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
                  ``(D) Nonirrigated crops.--Beginning with the 2013 
                crop year, the Corporation shall make available 
                separate enterprise units for irrigated and 
                nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties.''.

SEC. 11008. DATA COLLECTION.

  Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1508(g)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
                  ``(E) Sources of yield data.--To determine yields 
                under this paragraph, the Corporation--
                          ``(i) shall use county data collected by the 
                        Risk Management Agency or the National 
                        Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or
                          ``(ii) if sufficient county data is not 
                        available, may use other data considered 
                        appropriate by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 11009. ADJUSTMENT IN ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY TO ESTABLISH 
                    INSURABLE YIELDS.

  Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1508(g)(4)(B)) is amended by striking ``60'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``70''.

SEC. 11010. SUBMISSION AND REVIEW OF POLICIES.

  Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h)) 
is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)--
                  (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
                clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting 
                appropriately;
                  (B) by striking ``(1) In general.--In addition'' and 
                inserting the following:
          ``(1) Authority to submit.--
                  ``(A) In general.--In addition''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                  ``(B) Review and submission by corporation.--The 
                Corporation shall review any policy developed under 
                section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under 
                section 523 and submit the policy or program to the 
                Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the 
                sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the 
                policy or program--
                          ``(i) will likely result in a viable and 
                        marketable policy consistent with this 
                        subsection;
                          ``(ii) would provide crop insurance coverage 
                        in a significantly improved form; and
                          ``(iii) adequately protects the interests of 
                        producers.''; and
          (2) in paragraph (3)--
                  (A) by striking ``A policy'' and inserting the 
                following:
                  ``(A) In general.--A policy''; and
                  (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                  ``(B) Specified review and approval priorities.--In 
                reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the 
                Board under this subsection for approval, the Board--
                          ``(i) shall make the development and approval 
                        of a revenue policy for peanut producers a 
                        priority so that a revenue policy is available 
                        to peanut producers in time for the 2013 crop 
                        year;
                          ``(ii) shall make the development and 
                        approval of a downed rice policy and margin 
                        coverage policy for rice producers a priority 
                        so that each policy is available to rice 
                        producers in time for the 2013 crop year; and
                          ``(iii) may approve a submission that is made 
                        pursuant to this subsection that would, 
                        beginning with the 2013 crop year, allow 
                        producers that purchase policies in accordance 
                        with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate 
                        enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of 
                        crops in counties.''.

SEC. 11011. EQUITABLE RELIEF FOR SPECIALTY CROP POLICIES.

  Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 
U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
clause:
                          ``(iii) Equitable relief for specialty crop 
                        policies.--
                                  ``(I) In general.--For each of the 
                                2011 through 2015 reinsurance years, in 
                                addition to the total amount of funding 
                                for reimbursement of administrative and 
                                operating costs that is otherwise 
                                required to be made available in each 
                                such reinsurance year pursuant to an 
                                agreement entered into by the 
                                Corporation, the Corporation shall use 
                                $41,000,000 to provide additional 
                                reimbursement with respect to eligible 
                                insurance contracts for any 
                                agricultural commodity that is not 
                                eligible for a benefit under subtitles 
                                A, B or C of title I of the Federal 
                                Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                                Act of 2012.
                                  ``(II) Treatment.--Additional 
                                reimbursements made under this clause 
                                shall be included as part of the base 
                                level of administrative and operating 
                                expense reimbursement to which any 
                                limit on compensation to persons 
                                involved in the direct sale and service 
                                of any eligible crop insurance contract 
                                required under an agreement entered 
                                into by the Corporation is applied.
                                  ``(III) Rule of construction.--
                                Nothing in this clause shall be 
                                construed as statutory assent to the 
                                limit described in subclause (II).''.

SEC. 11012. BUDGET LIMITATIONS ON RENEGOTIATION OF THE STANDARD 
                    REINSURANCE AGREEMENT.

  Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 
1508(k)(8)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
                  ``(F) Budget.--
                          ``(i) In general.--The Board shall ensure 
                        that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement 
                        negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as 
                        compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance 
                        Agreement--
                                  ``(I) to the maximum extent 
                                practicable, shall be budget neutral; 
                                and
                                  ``(II) in no event, may significantly 
                                depart from budget neutrality.
                          ``(ii) Use of savings.--To the extent that 
                        any budget savings is realized in the 
                        renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance 
                        Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the 
                        savings are determined not to be a significant 
                        departure from budget neutrality under clause 
                        (i), the savings shall be used to increase the 
                        obligations of the Corporation under 
                        subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523.''.

SEC. 11013. CROP PRODUCTION ON NATIVE SOD.

  (a) Federal Crop Insurance.--Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(o)) is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``, or the producer 
        cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled,'' 
        after ``tilled'';
          (2) in paragraph (2)--
                  (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 
                ``Ineligibility for'' and inserting ``Reduction in''; 
                and
                  (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for benefits 
                under--'' and all that follows through the period at 
                the end and inserting ``for--
                          ``(i) a portion of crop insurance premium 
                        subsidies under this subtitle in accordance 
                        with paragraph (3);
                          ``(ii) benefits under section 196 of the 
                        Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act 
                        of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333); and
                          ``(iii) payments described in subsection (b) 
                        or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act 
                        of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308).''; and
          (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new 
        paragraphs:
          ``(3) Administration.--
                  ``(A) In general.--During the first 4 crop years of 
                planting on native sod acreage by a producer described 
                in paragraph (2)--
                          ``(i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent 
                        of the transitional yield of the producer; and
                          ``(ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy 
                        provided for the producer under this subtitle 
                        shall be 50 percentage points less than the 
                        premium subsidy that would otherwise apply.
                  ``(B) Yield substitution.--During the period native 
                sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer 
                may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage.
          ``(4) Application.--This subsection shall only apply to 
        native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area.''.
  (b) Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance.--Section 196(a)(4) of the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
7333(a)(4)) is amended--
          (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``ineligibility'' 
        and inserting ``benefit reduction'';
          (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``, or the producer 
        cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled,'' 
        after ``tilled'';
          (3) in subparagraph (B)--
                  (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking 
                ``Ineligibility'' and inserting ``Reduction in''; and
                  (B) in clause (i), by striking ``for benefits under--
                '' and all that follows through the period at the end 
                and inserting ``for--
                                  ``(I) benefits under this section;
                                  ``(II) a portion of crop insurance 
                                premium subsidies under the Federal 
                                Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et 
                                seq.) in accordance with subparagraph 
                                (C); and
                                  ``(III) payments described in 
                                subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 
                                of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
                                U.S.C. 1308).''; and
          (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following 
        new subparagraphs:
                  ``(C) Administration.--
                          ``(i) In general.--During the first 4 crop 
                        years of planting on native sod acreage by a 
                        producer described in subparagraph (B)--
                                  ``(I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 
                                65 percent of the transitional yield of 
                                the producer; and
                                  ``(II) the crop insurance premium 
                                subsidy provided for the producer under 
                                the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
                                U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) shall be 50 
                                percentage points less than the premium 
                                subsidy that would otherwise apply.
                          ``(ii) Yield substitution.--During the period 
                        native sod acreage is covered by this 
                        paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields 
                        for the native sod acreage.
                  ``(D) Application.--This paragraph shall only apply 
                to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority 
                Area.''.
  (c) Cropland Report.--
          (1) Baseline.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
        and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the cropland 
        acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in 
        cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable 
        county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and 
        including that information for the most recent year for which 
        that information is available.
          (2) Annual updates.--Not later than January 1, 2014, and each 
        January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2017, the Secretary of 
        Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
        House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
        Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes--
                  (A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county 
                and State as of the date of submission of the report; 
                and
                  (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding 
                year in each applicable county and State.

SEC. 11014. COVERAGE LEVELS BY PRACTICE.

  Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508) 
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(p) Coverage Levels by Practice.--Beginning with the 2014 crop 
year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry 
land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each 
production practice.''.

SEC. 11015. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER PROVISIONS.

  (a) Definition.--Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
U.S.C. 1502(b)) is amended--
          (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs 
        (4) through (10), respectively; and
          (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
          ``(3) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning 
        farmer or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who has not 
        actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide 
        insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, 
        landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, 
        as determined by the Secretary.''.
  (b) Premium Adjustments.--Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting ``and beginning 
        farmers or ranchers'' after ``limited resource farmers'';
          (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new 
        paragraph:
          ``(8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection 
        regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer 
        or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 
        percentage points greater than premium assistance that would 
        otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for 
        subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the 
        applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level 
        selected by the beginning farmer or rancher.''; and
          (3) in subsection (g)--
                  (A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
                          (i) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the 
                        end;
                          (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the 
                        period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                          ``(iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer 
                        or rancher who was previously involved in a 
                        farming or ranching operation, including 
                        involvement in the decisionmaking or physical 
                        involvement in the production of the crop or 
                        livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained 
                        by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield 
                        that is the higher of--
                                  ``(I) the actual production history 
                                of the previous producer of the crop or 
                                livestock on the acreage determined 
                                under subparagraph (A); or
                                  ``(II) a yield of the producer, as 
                                determined in clause (i).''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 
                11009)--
                          (i) by inserting ``(I)'' after ``(ii)'';
                          (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
                        inserting ``; or''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                                          ``(II) in the case of 
                                        beginning farmers or ranchers, 
                                        replace each excluded yield 
                                        with a yield equal to 80 
                                        percent of the applicable 
                                        transitional yield.''.

SEC. 11016. STACKED INCOME PROTECTION PLAN FOR PRODUCERS OF UPLAND 
                    COTTON.

  (a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of 
Upland Cotton.--The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting 
after section 508A (7 U.S.C. 1508a) the following new section:

``SEC. 508B. STACKED INCOME PROTECTION PLAN FOR PRODUCERS OF UPLAND 
                    COTTON.

  ``(a) Availability.--Beginning not later than the 2013 crop of upland 
cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland 
cotton an additional policy (to be known as the `Stacked Income 
Protection Plan'), which shall provide coverage consistent with the 
Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue 
Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year.
  ``(b) Required Terms.--The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income 
Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income 
Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements:
          ``(1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 
        percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county 
        revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible 
        is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are 
        triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the 
        expected county revenue.
          ``(2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all 
        counties with upland cotton production--
                  ``(A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent 
                practicable; or
                  ``(B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the 
                basis of such larger geographical area as the 
                Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for 
                purposes of providing the coverage.
          ``(3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or 
        area coverage in effect on the producer's acreage or as a 
        stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual 
        or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage 
        available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not 
        exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage.
          ``(4) Establish coverage based on--
                  ``(A) an expected price that is the higher of--
                          ``(i) the expected price established under 
                        existing Group Risk Income Protection or area 
                        wide policy offered by the Corporation for the 
                        applicable county (or area) and crop year; or
                          ``(ii) $0.6861 per pound; and
                  ``(B) an expected county yield that is the higher 
                of--
                          ``(i) the expected county yield established 
                        for the existing area-wide plans offered by the 
                        Corporation for the applicable county (or area) 
                        and crop year (or, in geographic areas where 
                        area-wide plans are not offered, an expected 
                        yield determined in a manner consistent with 
                        those of area-wide plans); or
                          ``(ii) the average of the applicable yield 
                        data for the county (or area) for the most 
                        recent 5 years, excluding the highest and 
                        lowest observations, from the Risk Management 
                        Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics 
                        Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data 
                        is not available, such other data considered 
                        appropriate by the Secretary.
          ``(5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection 
        per acre (referred to as a `protection factor') of not less 
        than the higher of the level established on a program wide 
        basis or 120 percent.
          ``(6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected 
        county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to 
        the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the 
        Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the 
        amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1).
          ``(7) In all counties for which data are available, establish 
        separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-irrigated 
        practices.
  ``(c) Reinsurance.--When the $0.6861 reference price is equal to or 
greater than the expected price established under the existing Group 
Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation 
for the applicable county (or area) and crop year or the yield 
established under subsection (b)(4)(B) is used to establish the 
expected county yield, the Corporation shall reinsure at 100 percent 
that portion of the indemnity that is attributable to the difference 
between--
          ``(1) the $0.6861 reference price and the expected price 
        established under the existing Group Risk Income Protection or 
        area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable 
        county (or area) and crop year; and
          ``(2) the yield established under subsection (b)(4)(B).
  ``(d) Premium.--Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the 
Stacked Income Protection Plan shall--
          ``(1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a 
        reasonable reserve; and
          ``(2) include an amount for operating and administrative 
        expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F).
  ``(e) Payment of Portion by Corporation.--Subject to section 
508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all 
qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall 
be--
          ``(1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established 
        under subsection (d) for the coverage level selected; and
          ``(2) the amount determined under subsection (d)(2), subject 
        to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover 
        administrative and operating expenses.
  ``(f) Relation to Other Coverages.--The Stacked Income Protection 
Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of 
upland cotton.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F)) is amended by inserting ``or 
authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B'' after ``of this 
subparagraph''.

SEC. 11017. PEANUT REVENUE CROP INSURANCE.

  The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 
508B, as added by the previous section, the following new section:

``SEC. 508C. PEANUT REVENUE CROP INSURANCE.

  ``(a) In General.--Effective beginning with the 2013 crop year, the 
Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to 
producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts.
  ``(b) Effective Price.--Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of 
the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance 
program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal 
to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the 
farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States.
  ``(c) Adjustments.--
          ``(1) In general.--The effective price for peanuts 
        established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk 
        Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions.
          ``(2) Administration.--If an adjustment is made under 
        paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation 
        shall--
                  ``(A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent 
                manner; and
                  ``(B) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
                House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
                report that describes the reasons for the 
                adjustment.''.

SEC. 11018. AUTHORITY TO CORRECT ERRORS.

  Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(c)) 
is amended--
          (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' and 
        inserting the following:
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
          (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Beginning with'' 
        and inserting the following:
          ``(2) Frequency.--Beginning with''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(3) Corrections.--
                  ``(A) In general.--In addition to the corrections 
                permitted by the Corporation as of the date of 
                enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
                Management Act of 2012, the Corporation shall allow an 
                agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to 
                subparagraph (B)--
                          ``(i) within a reasonable amount of time 
                        following the applicable sales closing date, to 
                        correct unintentional errors in information 
                        that is provided by a producer for the purpose 
                        of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan 
                        of insurance made available under this subtitle 
                        to ensure that the eligibility information is 
                        correct;
                          ``(ii) within a reasonable amount of time 
                        following--
                                  ``(I) the acreage reporting date, to 
                                correct unintentional errors in factual 
                                information that is provided by a 
                                producer after the sales closing date 
                                to reconcile the information with the 
                                information reported by the producer to 
                                the Farm Service Agency; or
                                  ``(II) the date of any subsequent 
                                correction of data by the Farm Service 
                                Agency made as a result of the 
                                verification of information; and
                          ``(iii) at any time, to correct unintentional 
                        errors that were made by the Farm Service 
                        Agency or an agent or approved insurance 
                        provider in transmitting the information 
                        provided by the producer to the approved 
                        insurance provider or the Corporation.
                  ``(B) Limitation.--In accordance with the procedures 
                of the Corporation, correction to the information 
                described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) 
                may only be made if the corrections do not allow the 
                producer--
                          ``(i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for 
                        insurance;
                          ``(ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an 
                        insurance guarantee or indemnity, or avoid 
                        premium owed, if a cause of loss exists or has 
                        occurred before any correction has been made; 
                        or
                          ``(iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement 
                        under any Federal or State law.
                  ``(C) Exception to late filing sanctions.--Any 
                corrections made pursuant to this paragraph shall not 
                be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in 
                the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation.''.

SEC. 11019. IMPLEMENTATION.

  Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515) is 
amended--
          (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and 
        inserting the following new paragraph:
          ``(1) Systems maintenance and upgrades.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain and 
                upgrade the information management systems of the 
                Corporation used in the administration and enforcement 
                of this subtitle.
                  ``(B) Requirement.--
                          ``(i) In general.--In maintaining and 
                        upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall 
                        ensure that new hardware and software are 
                        compatible with the hardware and software used 
                        by other agencies of the Department to maximize 
                        data sharing and promote the purposes of this 
                        section.
                          ``(ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative 
                        project.--As soon as practicable, the Secretary 
                        shall develop and implement an acreage report 
                        streamlining initiative project to allow 
                        producers to report acreage and other 
                        information directly to the Department.''; and
          (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and 
        inserting the following new paragraph:
          ``(1) Information technology.--
                  ``(A) In general.--For purposes of subsection (j)(1), 
                the Corporation may use, from amounts made available 
                from the insurance fund established under section 
                516(c), not more than--
                          ``(i)(I) for fiscal year 2013, $25,000,000; 
                        and
                          ``(II) for each of fiscal years 2014 through 
                        2017, $10,000,000; or
                          ``(ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting 
                        Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is 
                        substantially completed by September 30, 2014, 
                        not more than $15,000,000 for each of the 
                        fiscal years 2014 through 2017.
                  ``(B) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify the 
                Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
                Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the 
                substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting 
                Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than 
                July 1, 2014.''.

SEC. 11020. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.

  Section 522(c)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1522(c)(6)) is amended by striking ``a pasture, range, and forage 
program'' and inserting ``policies that increase participation by 
producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet 
sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, and sugarcane''.

SEC. 11021. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING 
                    REQUIREMENTS.

  Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) 
is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (10)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the Food, 
                Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting 
                ``the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                Act of 2012'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking ``2009'' 
                and inserting ``2013''; and
                  (C) in subparagraph (C)--
                          (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``2010'' and 
                        inserting ``2013''; and
                          (ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``Food, 
                        Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and 
                        inserting ``the Federal Agriculture Reform and 
                        Risk Management Act of 2012'';
          (2) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and
          (3) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new 
        paragraphs:
          ``(17) Margin coverage for catfish.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer to 
                enter into a contract with a qualified entity to 
                conduct research and development regarding a policy to 
                insure producers against reduction in the margin 
                between the market value of catfish and selected costs 
                incurred in the production of catfish.
                  ``(B) Eligibility.--Eligibility for the policy 
                described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to 
                freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and 
                reared in controlled or selected environments.
                  ``(C) Implementation.--The Board shall review the 
                policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 
                508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that 
                the policy--
                          ``(i) will likely result in a viable and 
                        marketable policy consistent with this 
                        subsection;
                          ``(ii) would provide crop insurance coverage 
                        in a significantly improved form;
                          ``(iii) adequately protects the interests of 
                        producers; and
                          ``(iv) the proposed policy meets other 
                        requirements of this subtitle determined 
                        appropriate by the Board.
          ``(18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance 
        policies.--
                  ``(A) Authority.--The Corporation shall offer to 
                enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities 
                to carry out research and development regarding--
                          ``(i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that 
                        is grown expressly for the purpose of producing 
                        a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable 
                        electricity, or biobased products; and
                          ``(ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that 
                        is grown for a purpose described in clause (i).
                  ``(B) Research and development.--Research and 
                development with respect to each of the policies 
                required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the 
                effectiveness of risk management tools for the 
                production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, 
                including policies and plans of insurance that--
                          ``(i) are based on market prices and yields;
                          ``(ii) to the extent that insufficient data 
                        exist to develop a policy based on market 
                        prices and yields, evaluate the policies and 
                        plans of insurance based on the use of weather 
                        indices, including excessive or inadequate 
                        rainfall, to protect the interest of crop 
                        producers; and
                          ``(iii) provide protection for production or 
                        revenue losses, or both.
          ``(19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall contract 
                with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine 
                the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a 
                catastrophic event.
                  ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 
                shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
                House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
                report that describes the results of the study 
                conducted under subparagraph (A).
          ``(20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance 
        plan.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall conduct 
                activities or enter into contracts to carry out 
                research and development to develop a whole farm risk 
                management insurance plan, with a liability limitation 
                of $1,000,000, that allows a diversified crop or 
                livestock producer the option to qualify for an 
                indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 
                percent of the average gross farm revenue or the 
                expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be 
                expected of the producer, as determined by the 
                Corporation.
                  ``(B) Eligible producers.--The Corporation shall 
                permit producers (including direct-to-consumer 
                marketers and producers servicing local and regional 
                and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce 
                multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty 
                crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture 
                products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any 
                other plan under this subtitle.
                  ``(C) Diversification.--The Corporation may provide 
                diversification-based additional coverage payment 
                rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in 
                recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and 
                livestock diversification strategies for producers that 
                grow multiple crops or that may have income from the 
                production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the 
                farm.
                  ``(D) Market readiness.--The Corporation may include 
                coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or 
                any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation 
                determines to be the minimum required in order to 
                remove the commodity from the field.
                  ``(E) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
                of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall 
                submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
                Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that 
                describes the results and feasibility of the research 
                and development conducted under this paragraph, 
                including an analysis of potential adverse market 
                distortions.
          ``(21) Study of food safety insurance.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer to 
                enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities 
                to conduct a study to determine whether offering 
                policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from 
                food safety and contamination issues would benefit 
                agricultural producers.
                  ``(B) Subject.--The study described in subparagraph 
                (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance 
                coverage that provide protection for production or 
                revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at 
                a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer 
                group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or 
                recall related to a contamination concern.
                  ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall 
                submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
                Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that 
                describes the results of the study conducted under 
                subparagraph (A).
          ``(22) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall contract 
                with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine 
                the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a 
                catastrophic event.
                  ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 
                shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
                House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
                report that describes the results of the study 
                conducted under subparagraph (A).
          ``(23) Poultry business interruption insurance policy.--
                  ``(A) Authority.--The Corporation shall offer to 
                enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a 
                university or other legal entity to carry out research 
                and development regarding a policy to insure the 
                commercial production of poultry against business 
                interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy.
                  ``(B) Research and development.--As part of the 
                research and development conducted pursuant to a 
                contract or cooperative agreement entered into under 
                subparagraph (A), the entity shall--
                          ``(i) evaluate the market place for business 
                        interruption insurance that is available to 
                        poultry growers;
                          ``(ii) determine what statutory authority 
                        would be necessary to implement a business 
                        interruption insurance through the Corporation;
                          ``(iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or 
                        plan of insurance offered under this subtitle 
                        to insure against losses due to the bankruptcy 
                        of an business integrator; and
                          ``(iv) analyze the costs to the Federal 
                        Government of a Federal business interruption 
                        insurance program for poultry growers.
                  ``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms 
                `poultry' and `poultry grower' have the meanings given 
                those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and 
                Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 182(a)).
                  ``(D) Deadline for contract or cooperative 
                agreement.--Not later than six months after the date of 
                the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall 
                enter into the contract or cooperative agreement 
                required by subparagraph (A).
                  ``(E) Deadline for completion of research and 
                development.--Not later than one year after the date of 
                the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall 
                submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
                Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that 
                describes the results of the research and development 
                conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative 
                agreement entered into under subparagraph (A).''.

SEC. 11022. PILOT PROGRAMS.

  Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523(a)) 
is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, at the sole discretion 
        of the Corporation,'' after ``may''; and
          (2) by striking paragraph (5).

SEC. 11023. LIMITATION ON EXPENDITURES FOR LIVESTOCK PILOT PROGRAMS.

  Section 523(b)(10) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1523(b)(10)) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``fiscal year 2004 and 
        each subsequent fiscal year'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
        years 2004 through 2012''; and
          (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                  ``(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each 
                subsequent fiscal year.''.

SEC. 11024. NONINSURED CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 
1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333), as amended by section 11013(b)) is further 
amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
                following new paragraph:
          ``(1) In general.--
                  ``(A) Coverages.--In the case of an eligible crop 
                described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of 
                Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster 
                assistance program to provide coverages based on 
                individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) 
                equivalent to--
                          ``(i) catastrophic risk protection available 
                        under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop 
                        Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)); or
                          ``(ii) additional coverage available under 
                        subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that 
                        Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does not exceed 65 
                        percent.
                  ``(B) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out 
                this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred 
                to in this section as the `Agency').''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2)(A)--
                          (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after 
                        the semicolon at the end;
                          (ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause 
                        (iii); and
                          (iii) by inserting after clause (i) the 
                        following new clause:
                                  ``(ii) for which additional coverage 
                                under subsections (c) and (h) of 
                                section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) 
                                is not available; and'';
          (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``The Secretary'' and 
        inserting ``Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary''; and
          (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(l) Payment Equivalent to Additional Coverage.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make available to a 
        producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section 
        a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage 
        under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal 
        Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does not exceed 65 
        percent of the established yield for the eligible crop on the 
        farm, computed by multiplying--
                  ``(A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 
                percent of the established yield for the crop, as 
                determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 
                5 percent;
                  ``(B) 100 percent of the average market price for the 
                crop, as determined by the Secretary; and
                  ``(C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as 
                determined by the Secretary, that reflects--
                          ``(i) in the case of a crop that is produced 
                        with a significant and variable harvesting 
                        expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the 
                        production cycle for the crop that is, as 
                        applicable--
                                  ``(I) harvested;
                                  ``(II) planted but not harvested; or
                                  ``(III) prevented from being planted 
                                because of drought, flood, or other 
                                natural disaster, as determined by the 
                                Secretary; or
                          ``(ii) in the case of a crop that is produced 
                        without a significant and variable harvesting 
                        expense, such rate as shall be determined by 
                        the Secretary.
          ``(2) Premium.--To be eligible to receive a payment under 
        this subsection, a producer shall pay--
                  ``(A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and
                  ``(B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is 
                equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
                          ``(i) the number of acres devoted to the 
                        eligible crop;
                          ``(ii) the established yield for the eligible 
                        crop, as determined by the Secretary under 
                        subsection (e);
                          ``(iii) the coverage level elected by the 
                        producer;
                          ``(iv) the average market price, as 
                        determined by the Secretary; and
                          ``(v) .0525.
          ``(3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged 
        farmers.--The additional coverage made available under this 
        subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, 
        and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the 
        Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the 
        premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2).
          ``(4) Premium payment and application deadline.--
                  ``(A) Premium payment.--A producer electing 
                additional coverage under this subsection shall pay the 
                premium amount owed for the additional coverage by 
                September 30 of the crop year for which the additional 
                coverage is purchased.
                  ``(B) Application deadline.--The latest date on which 
                additional coverage under this subsection may be 
                elected shall be the application closing date described 
                in subsection (b)(1).
          ``(5) Effective date.--Additional coverage under this 
        subsection shall be available beginning with the 2014 
        crop.''.workhome100now . com

SEC. 11025. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

  (a) Eligibility for Department Programs.--Section 508(b) of the 
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is amended--
          (1) by striking paragraph (7); and
          (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as 
        paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively.
  (b) Exclusions to Assistance for Losses Due to Drought Conditions.--
          (1) In general.--Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop 
        Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A)) is amended--
                  (A) by striking ``(A) Eligible losses.--'' and all 
                that follows through ``An eligible'' in clause (i) and 
                inserting the following:
                  ``(A) Eligible losses.--An eligible'';
                  (B) by striking clause (ii); and
                  (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as 
                clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting 
                appropriately.
          (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade 
        Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A)) is amended--
                  (A) by striking ``(A) Eligible losses.--'' and all 
                that follows through ``An eligible'' in clause (i) and 
                inserting the following:
                  ``(A) Eligible losses.--An eligible'';
                  (B) by striking clause (ii); and
                  (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as 
                clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting 
                appropriately.

                        TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

                         Subtitle A--Livestock

SEC. 12101. NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER.

  Section 375(e)(6)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008j(e)(6)(C)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and 
inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 12102. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.

  Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 
8304(d)(1)) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 
``2012'' each place it appears and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 12103. NATIONAL AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH PLAN.

  Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 8322(d)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.

SEC. 12104. REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION DECISION 
                    REGARDING COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING.

  Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture 
of the House of representatives a report detailing the steps the 
Secretary will take so that the United States is in compliance with the 
decision of the World Trade Organization in United States - Certain 
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Requirements (DS384, DS386).

SEC. 12105. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REGULATIONS UNDER THE PACKERS AND 
                    STOCKYARDS ACT, 1921.

  (a) Repeal of Certain Regulation Requirement.--Section 11006 of the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 
Stat. 2120) is repealed.
  (b) Repeal of Certain Existing Regulations.--The following provisions 
of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, are repealed:
          (1) Subsections (n) and (o) of section 201.2.
          (2) Subsection (a) of section 201.3.
          (3) Subsection (a) of section 201.215.
  (c) Prohibition on Enforcement of Certain Regulations or Issuance of 
Similar Regulations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
Secretary of Agriculture shall not--
          (1) enforce the provisions of title 9, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, referred to in subsection (b);
          (2) finalize or implement section 201.2(l), 201.2(t), 
        201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of 
        title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added 
        by the rule entitled ``Implementation of Regulations Required 
        Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 
        2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act'' (75 Fed. Reg. 35338 
        (June 22, 2010)); or
          (3) issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the 
        provisions referred to in subsection (b) or in paragraph (2).

SEC. 12106. MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING REPORT.

  Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with States, processors, 
and producers, shall submit to Congress a report describing--
          (1) additional steps that can be taken to better meet the 
        needs of small and very small meat and poultry producers and 
        processors that are subject to Federal or State inspection; and
          (2) methods to create an electronic submission option for the 
        approval of meat labels and to provide improved public access 
        to information on the label approval process.

   Subtitle B--Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource 
                               Producers

SEC. 12201. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS 
                    AND RANCHERS AND VETERAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

  (a) Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and 
Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.--Section 2501 of the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is 
amended--
          (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and veteran 
        farmers and ranchers'' after ``ranchers'';
          (2) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and veteran 
                farmers or ranchers'' after ``ranchers'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting ``and 
                veteran farmers or ranchers'' after ``ranchers''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (4)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) in clause (i), by striking 
                                ``and'' at the end;
                                  (II) in clause (ii), by striking the 
                                period at the end and inserting ``; 
                                and''; and
                                  (III) by adding at the end the 
                                following new clause:
                          ``(iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                        2013 through 2017.''; and
                          (ii) by adding at the end the following new 
                        subparagraph:
                  ``(D) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
                $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
                2017.'';
          (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``or veteran farmers 
        and ranchers'' after ``socially disadvantaged farmers and 
        ranchers'';
          (4) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``veteran 
                farmers or ranchers and'' before ``members''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``veteran 
                farmers or ranchers and'' before ``members''; and
          (5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)--
                  (A) in clause (i), by inserting ``and veteran farmers 
                or ranchers'' after ``ranchers''; and
                  (B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and veteran 
                farmers or ranchers'' after ``ranchers''.
  (b) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Section 2501(e) of the 
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
2279(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
          ``(7) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer or 
        rancher' means a farmer or rancher who served in the active 
        military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or 
        released from the service under conditions other than 
        dishonorable.''.

SEC. 12202. OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH.

  Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)) is amended to read as 
follows:
          ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this subsection--
                  ``(A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
                years 2009 through 2012; and
                  ``(B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.''.

               Subtitle C--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

SEC. 12301. GRANTS TO IMPROVE SUPPLY, STABILITY, SAFETY, AND TRAINING 
                    OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR FORCE.

  Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2008q-1) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through 2012; and
          ``(2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.''.

SEC. 12302. EVALUATION REQUIRED FOR PURPOSES OF PROHIBITION ON CLOSURE 
                    OR RELOCATION OF COUNTY OFFICES FOR THE FARM 
                    SERVICE AGENCY.

  (a) Prohibition on Closure or Relocation of Offices With High 
Workload Volume.--Section 14212 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 6932a) is amended by striking subsection (a) and 
inserting the following new subsection:
  ``(a) Prohibition on Closure or Relocation of Offices With High 
Workload Volume.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or 
relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in a State 
if the Secretary determines, after conducting the evaluation required 
under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume 
compared with other county offices in the State.''.
  (b) Workload Evaluation.--Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
6932a(b)(1)) is amended--
          (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) 
        and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses 
        two ems to the right;
          (2) by striking ``the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum 
        extent practicable'' and inserting ``the Farm Service Agency--
                  ``(A) to the maximum extent practicable'';
          (3) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
                  (A) by inserting ``as of the date of the enactment of 
                this Act'' after ``employees''; and
                  (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
                ``; and''; and
          (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                  ``(B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all 
                workload assessments for Farm Service Agency county 
                offices that were open and operational as of January 1, 
                2012, during the period that begins on a date that is 
                not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
                of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                Act of 2012 and ends on the date that is 18 months 
                after such date of enactment.''.

SEC. 12303. PROHIBITION ON ATTENDING AN ANIMAL FIGHT OR CAUSING A MINOR 
                    TO ATTEND AN ANIMAL FIGHT.

  Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156(a)(1)) is 
amended by striking the period and inserting ``or to knowingly attend 
or knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture.''.

SEC. 12304. PROGRAM BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY STATUS FOR PARTICIPANTS IN HIGH 
                    PLAINS WATER STUDY.

  Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking ``this Act 
or an amendment made by this Act'' and inserting ``this Act, an 
amendment made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
Management Act of 2012, or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture 
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012''.

SEC. 12305. OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.

  (a) In General.--Title III of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 (7 
U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103-354) the following new section:

``SEC. 309. OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.

  ``The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an 
Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on policies related 
to Indian tribes.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by 
inserting after paragraph (8), as added by section 3207, the following 
new paragraph:
          ``(9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the 
        Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in 
        accordance with section 309; and''.

SEC. 12306. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.

  (a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7 
U.S.C. 6918) the following new section:

``SEC. 219. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.

  ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the Department 
the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
  ``(b) Duties.--The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall--
          ``(1) provide information to returning veterans about, and 
        connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and 
        agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate 
        to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including 
        assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational 
        benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or 
        ranching career;
          ``(2) provide information to veterans concerning the 
        availability of and eligibility requirements for participation 
        in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning 
        farmer and rancher programs;
          ``(3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and 
        ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for 
        participation in agricultural programs; and
          ``(4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with 
        employees of the Department.''.
  (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by 
inserting after paragraph (9), as added by section 12305, the following 
new paragraph:
          ``(10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the 
        Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural 
        Liaison in accordance with section 219.''.

SEC. 12307. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

  (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make grants 
to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the 
efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions 
to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following 
activities:
          (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple 
        syrup production.
          (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple 
        syrup industry.
          (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products.
          (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately-held 
        land containing species of trees in the genus Acer--
                  (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities 
                on the land; or
                  (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including 
                by lease or other means, for access by the public for 
                maple-sugaring activities.
  (b) Application.--In submitting an application for a grant under this 
section, a State or tribal government shall include--
          (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the 
        grant funds;
          (2) a description of the benefits that the State or tribal 
        government intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such 
        activities; and
          (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities 
        or maple syrup production that the State or tribal government 
        anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such 
        activities.
  (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or 
tribal government liability law.
  (d) Definition of Maple-sugaring.--In this section, the term ``maple-
sugaring'' means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the 
genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food.
  (e) Regulations.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such 
regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2013 through 2017.

SEC. 12308. PROHIBITION AGAINST INTERFERENCE BY STATE AND LOCAL 
                    GOVERNMENTS WITH PRODUCTION OR MANUFACTURE OF ITEMS 
                    IN OTHER STATES.

  (a) In General.--The government of a State or locality therein shall 
not impose a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of 
any agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate 
commerce if--
          (1) such production or manufacture occurs in another State; 
        and
          (2) the standard or condition is in addition to the standards 
        and conditions applicable to such production or manufacture 
        pursuant to--
                  (A) Federal law; and
                  (B) the laws of the State and locality in which such 
                production or manufacture occurs.
  (b) Agricultural Product Defined.--In this section, the term 
``agricultural product'' has the meaning given such term in section 207 
of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1626).

SEC. 12309. INCREASED PROTECTION FOR AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS IN THE 
                    MISSOURI RIVER BASIN.

  (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
          (1) Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin during 
        2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of the 
        upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain snowpack.
          (2) Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month period 
        of March through July totaled an estimated 48,400,000 acre-feet 
        (referred to in this section as ``MAF''). This runoff volume 
        was more than 20 percent greater than the design storm for the 
        Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System (referred to in this 
        section as ``System''), which was based on the 1881 runoff of 
        40.0 MAF during the same 5-month period.
          (3) During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61,000,000 acre-
        feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far surpassing 
        the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was set during the 
        flood of 1997.
          (4) Given the incredible amount of water entering the 
        reservoir system, the summer months were spent working to 
        evacuate as much water from the reservoir system as possible, 
        ultimately leading to record high water releases from Gavins 
        Point Dam of 160,000 cubic feet per second, a rate that more 
        than doubled the previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet 
        per second set in 1997.
          (5) For nearly 4 months, these extremely high releases from 
        Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and sustained 
        flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska as 
        well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri 
        inundated by a flooding river 3 to 5 feet deep, up to 11 miles 
        wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to miles per hour.
          (6) Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or 
        destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was 
        done to roads and other public infrastructure.
          (7) In addition to the homes, businesses, and infrastructure 
        impacted by the flooding, hundreds of thousands of acres of 
        cropland were affected.
          (8) The Department of Agriculture has estimated that 400,000 
        to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop land in 
        the world was flooded in 2011.
          (9) Local Farm Services Agency representatives have estimated 
        that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to damaged or lost 
        crops and unplanted acres.
          (10) Not only did the flooding eliminate the crop, but it is 
        highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put this land 
        back into production at any point in the near future.
          (11) Producers will have to contend with large piles of sand, 
        silt, and other debris that have been deposited in their 
        fields, meaning the impact of this flood will be felt in the 
        agricultural communities up and down the river for many, many 
        years to come.
          (12) Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the 
        reservoir system that is set aside for flood control is based 
        upon the vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, 
        because prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the 
        ``high water mark''.
          (13) Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011, it 
        is clear that that year's flooding now represents a new ``high 
        water mark'', surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood.
          (14) It is important that the flood control related functions 
        of the System management be adjusted to reflect the reality of 
        the 2011 flood as the new ``worst case scenario'' for flooding 
        along the Missouri River.
          (15) System management may begin to be adjusted to account 
        for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of 
        storage space within the System that is allocated to flood 
        control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the 
        greatest flood experienced--the flood of 2011.
          (16) As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States 
        received disaster declarations from the Department of 
        Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the 
        damage done by the high water.
          (17) Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the 
        Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the 
        agriculture community with the resources to put their land back 
        into production any time soon.
          (18) Without the protection that will come from a fundamental 
        change in the reservoir System's flood control storage 
        allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural 
        interests who may be in a position to restart their operations 
        will find it difficult to justify doing so, given the fact that 
        they will not be protected from similar flooding in the future.
          (19) On behalf of Agribusiness in Hamburg, Iowa, and its 
        neighboring communities, the Secretary of Agriculture should 
        use any authority and all relationships the Secretary has with 
        other Federal agencies to ensure that the area and local 
        agricultural economy are protected from flooding.
  (b) Updated Management of the Missouri River to Protect Agricultural 
Interests.--In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize 
the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the 
Missouri River basin, the Congress directs the Secretary of Agriculture 
to take action to promote immediate increased flood protection for 
farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri 
River basin by working within his jurisdiction to support efforts--
          (1) to recalculate the amount of space within the System that 
        is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011 flood as 
        the model; and
          (2) to increase the River's channel capacity between the 
        reservoirs and below Gavins Point.

                           Brief Explanation


                          Title I--Commodities

     Repeals the Direct Payment program beginning with 
the 2013 crop year.
     Repeals the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) 
program beginning with the 2013 crop year.
     Repeals the Counter-Cyclical Payment (CCP) program 
beginning with the 2013 crop year.
     Provides producers with a one-time choice between 
participating in Price Loss Coverage (PLC) or Revenue Loss 
Coverage (RLC). The choice is made on a farm-by-farm and crop-
by-crop basis. Both options utilize the reference prices given 
below.

                            REFERENCE PRICES
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            H.R. 6083 as
        Reference price             Units      Current law     amended
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wheat.........................           Bu         4.17            5.50
Rice..........................             Cwt     10.50           14.00
Corn..........................           Bu         2.63            3.70
Oats..........................           Bu         1.79            2.40
Barley\1\.....................           Bu         2.63            4.95
Sorghum.......................           Bu         2.63            3.95
Cotton........................           Lb         0.7125        n/a
Peanuts.......................          Ton       495             535
Soybeans......................           Bu         6.00            8.40
Other Oilseeds................             Cwt     12.68           20.15
Dry Peas......................             Cwt      8.32           11.00
Lentils.......................             Cwt     12.81           19.97
Small Chickpeas...............             Cwt     10.36           19.04
Large Chickpeas...............             Cwt     12.81           21.54
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     USDA is directed to use the all-barley price for 
making Price Loss Coverage and Revenue Loss Coverage payments 
for barley.
     Cotton is ineligible for PLC and RLC and instead 
is offered an area-based crop insurance product to resolve the 
World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute with Brazil.
     Reauthorizes nonrecourse loans for loan 
commodities for the 2013 to 2017 crops years at loan rates 
established in current law. Adjustments are made to the cotton 
marketing loan rate to resolve the WTO dispute with Brazil.
     Eliminates the separate farm and non-farm adjusted 
gross income limits. Individuals with a 3-year average adjusted 
gross income greater than $950,000 are ineligible for commodity 
and conservation program benefits.
     Individuals and entities may only receive up to a 
combined total of $125,000 from both PLC and RLC payments.
     Reauthorizes the sugar policy established in 
current law.
     Reauthorizes the Livestock Indemnity Program, the 
Livestock Forage Disaster Program, Emergency Assistance for 
Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish and the Tree 
Assistance Program.
     Establishes a voluntary risk management safety net 
for dairy producers; the Dairy Producer Margin Protection and 
Dairy Market Stabilization Programs.
     Dairy producers have the option to sign up for 
basic margin protection developed to aid in better risk 
management practices when milk prices and feed prices converge.
     Producers signing up for the margin protection 
program would be subject to the Dairy Market Stabilization 
Program.
     Among the risk management tools authorized for 
dairy producers is a new program that will provide a basic 
level of protection for up to 80 percent of production history 
when margins fall below $4.00 for a consecutive two month 
period.
     Saves $37 million over 10 years, nearly a 10 
percent saving from the current baseline.
     Creates one new program: the voluntary risk 
management, which is tied to a market stabilization program.
     Reauthorizes 3 programs: (1) Dairy Forward Pricing 
Program; (2) Dairy Indemnity Program; and (3) Dairy Promotion 
and Research Program.
     Eliminates 4 programs: (1) Dairy Product Price 
Support Program; (2) Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC); 
(3) Dairy Export Incentive Program; and (4) Federal Milk 
Marketing Order Review Commission.

                         Title II--Conservation

     Provides farmers, ranchers, foresters and 
landowners with voluntary, incentive-based financial and 
technical assistance for conservation practices.
     Consolidates 23 programs into 13, while increasing 
flexibility and program efficiency.
     Amends the Conservation Reserve Program to improve 
and focus acres on the most environmentally sensitive lands. 
Enrollment is incrementally scaled back to 25 million acres by 
2017. Flexibility for haying and grazing is included, in 
addition to two million acres reserved for grassland contracts. 
While transitioning acres, expiring contracts are given 
priority consideration for working lands and grasslands 
contracts and Conservation Stewardship Program contracts. The 
Transition Incentives Program (TIP) will continue.
     The Conservation Stewardship Program allows for 
producers to adopt new conservation practices while maintaining 
and protecting existing improvements made on natural resources. 
Enrollment is 9 million acres per year.
     Reauthorizes and amends the Environmental Quality 
Incentives Program to include functions of the past Wildlife 
Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), providing similar wildlife 
incentives. Also, EQIP provides cost share incentives to 
producers to meet or avoid the need for national, state, or 
local regulation. The Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) 
subprogram will continue.
     Reauthorizes the Voluntary Public Access and 
Habitat Incentive Program.
     Establishes the Regional Conservation Partnership 
Program (RCPP) by the consolidation of four programs, including 
all of their major functions in order to leverage program 
dollars to increase effectiveness. RCPP allows for USDA and 
outside partners to work directly with producers to address 
natural resource concerns. This is a competitive program that 
USDA will select based on the merit of the targeted regions 
application. The Secretary may designate Critical Conservation 
Areas that are under significant regulatory pressure.
     Creates the Agricultural Conservation Easement 
Program (ACEP) in order to consolidate all easement programs to 
increase flexibility for the administration. ACEP allows for 
different lands to be enrolled into working grassland or 
farmland aspect or the wetland easement portion to enhance 
water quality and wildlife habitat.

                            Title III--Trade

     Amends The Food for Peace Act to emphasize 
building resiliency through development programs.
     Reduces the maximum allowable cash assistance for 
administrative costs in food aid from 13 percent to 11 percent.
     Directs USDA and USAID to consult on improving 
food aid quality and to work together to deploy new 
formulations, and reauthorizes $1 million from the Food for 
Peace Act for these purposes.
     Updates reporting requirements and extends funding 
for monitoring and enforcement of programs.
     Amends The Food for Peace Act by reducing the 
authorization for appropriations from $2.5 billion to $2 
billion per year and sets a minimum level of development 
programming at $400 million per year. Directs USDA and USAID to 
collect information on the benefits of monetization in local 
economies.
     Amends The Food for Peace Act by increasing 
funding for prepositioning from $10 million to $15 million per 
year. Reauthorizes $8 million for shelf-stable, prepackaged 
foods, and extends authorization for the micronutrient 
fortification program.
     Reauthorizes the Market Access Program to provide 
assistance on a cost-share basis, targeting small businesses, 
farmer cooperatives, and non-profit trade organizations.
     Extends the Foreign Market Development, Emerging 
Markets, and the GSM-102 programs through 2017.
     Reauthorizes the John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter 
Farmer-to-Farmer program and increases the minimum level of 
funding from $10 million to $15 million per year to provide 
technical assistance for agricultural improvements in 
developing countries.
     Extends the Food for Progress Act through 2017 and 
repeals an outdated provision related to a project in Malawi.
     Extends Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops 
(TASC) through 2017 and clarifies that technical barriers to 
trade can be addressed through the program.
     To assist in the conservation of genetic diversity 
in food crops through the collection and storage of the 
germplasm of food crops the Global Crop Diversity Trust is 
extended through 2017 at a contribution level of $50 million.
     Allows for the establishment of an Under Secretary 
of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services, appointed by 
the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, to 
address trade challenges and export opportunities for 
agriculture.

                          Title IV--Nutrition

     Saves $16 billion over 10 years from the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
     Restricts program eligibility to those households 
receiving cash assistance from other low-income programs.
     Closes a loophole in SNAP related to the Low 
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments.
     Eliminates state performance bonuses.
     Cracks down on waste, fraud and abuse by ending 
SNAP benefits for lottery winners, providing more 
accountability in the SNAP Employment and Training program, and 
increasing oversight of SNAP programs for the homeless, 
elderly, and disabled.
     Provides the Secretary with more resources to 
prevent trafficking of SNAP benefits.
     Requires states to use an immigration status 
verification system to verify an applicant's immigration 
status.
     Improves the quality of SNAP-approved retail 
stores.
     Seeks to eliminate the advertisement and promotion 
of SNAP.
     Increases assistance for food banks by providing 
an additional $25 million per year for The Emergency Food 
Assistance Program (TEFAP).
     Increases support for Community Food Projects and 
designates funding for projects that provide incentives for 
low-income individuals to purchase more fruits and vegetables.
     Expands the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to 
allow participating elementary schools to purchase fresh, 
frozen, canned and dried produce.
     Establishes pilot programs for the purchase of 
more locally grown foods for schools.

                            Title V--Credit

     Amends Farm Ownership Loans by including ``other 
legal entities'' to the list of eligible borrowers, and 
provides clarification to Secretary for individuals meeting the 
3-year farming or ranching experience requirement.
     Amends Conservation Loan and Loan Guarantee 
Program by raising Loan Guarantee amount from 75 to 90 percent.
     Amends Maximum Loan Value for Down Payment Loan 
Program from 45 percent of $500,000 to 45 percent of $667,000.
     Repeals mineral rights appraisals requirement for 
real estate loans.
     Amends Personal Liability for Youth Loans, on a 
case by case basis, to enable youth to obtain student loans and 
grants for higher education.
     Amends Emergency Loans by adding ``or other such 
legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate'' to the list 
of approved borrowers.
     Extends the Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program through 2017.
     Amends Direct Farm Operating Loans to grant FSA 
authority to provide young, beginning, veteran and urban 
farmers and ranchers smaller microloans up to $35,000.
     Amends Priority for Joint Financing Participation 
Loans and Down Payment Loans within Direct Farm Ownership Loans 
maximizing number of borrowers served for a given level of 
appropriations.
     Amends median farm size limitation by replacing 
``median'' with ``average'' allowing more otherwise qualified 
applicants to receive beginning farmer ownership loans.
     Extends Secretary's ability to make loans under 
each subtitle through 2017.
     Extends Loan Fund Set-Asides through 2017.
     Repeals ``rural residents'' requirement allowing 
all youth the opportunity to receive a Youth Operating Loan.
     Extends the State Agricultural Mediation Programs 
through 2017, allowing agriculture and USDA-related disputes to 
be resolved.
     Amends Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated 
Land to meet the needs of Indian tribes and tribal members.

                      Title VI--Rural Development

     Thirteen programs are eliminated and funding 
levels are reduced by more than $1.5 billion over 5 years, a 
50% reduction in authorizations. In addition, $100 million in 
mandatory money is not reauthorized.
     Requires the Secretary to track the success of 
investments through grants and loans in order to improve rural 
development programs. Also requires the Secretary to develop 
simplified application forms to reduce administrative burdens 
and to make programs more accessible to small, rural 
communities.
     Reauthorizes programs to assist rural communities 
in addressing critical water and wastewater needs through loans 
and grants for municipal and household wells. Provides 
opportunities to enhance the public-private partnerships to 
support Rural Water and Waste Disposal Infrastructure in rural 
communities.
     Reauthorizes the Business & Industry Loan 
Guarantee Program with additional changes that allow for small 
rural lenders to more easily participate in local communities 
by improving existing credit structure through the guarantee of 
quality loans that provide community benefits. Funding set 
aside for locally and regionally produced food is capped at 7% 
of the program.
     Reauthorizes the Intermediary Relending Program 
and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program in order to 
assist small businesses to start or expand their operations.
     Reauthorizes Value-Added Producer Grants with $50 
million in mandatory funding. These grants benefit producers 
and cooperatives that process agricultural commodities to 
capture increased margins directly by the agricultural 
producer.
     Reauthorizes the Broadband Loan Program with 
additional provisions to increase transparency and to ensure 
investments focus on areas without broadband service. Emphasis 
is placed on projects which serve both businesses and homes to 
maximize the economic impact of entire rural areas.
     Reauthorizes Community Facilities programs to 
assist communities in developing essential health, safety, and 
educational assets.
     Reauthorizes the Delta and Great Plains Regional 
Authorities, and the Rural Business Opportunities Grants 
Program to assist communities and regions in the planning and 
execution of economic development activities.
     Amends the Rural Electrification Act to authorize 
loans and grants to promote energy efficiency. Amends fees for 
certain loan guarantees.

          Title VII--Research, Extension, and Related Matters

     Intramural research programs are reauthorized to 
be carried out through the Agricultural Research Service, 
Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics 
Service and the Forest Service.
     Authority for extramural research grants and 
formula funds programs administered by the National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture are extended.
     University research for agricultural activities 
are reauthorized for 1862, 1890 and 1994 Land Grant Colleges 
and Universities.
     Competitive grants for Non-Land Grant Colleges of 
Agriculture (NLGCA) institutions are reauthorized in order to 
maintain and expand research and outreach in regards to 
agriculture, renewable resources and production practices.
     The National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
Education and Economics Advisory Board is reauthorized while 
enhancing the involvement of other agricultural industry 
interest in the consultation of agricultural priorities.
     Agriculture and Food Research Initiative continue 
critical agriculture research by providing competitive grants 
through integrated research and extension activities.
     Enhances accountability, transparency and 
consistency of USDA administered research, extension and 
education funding by mandating that the annual Presidential 
Budget Submission include sufficient information for the 
Congress to thoroughly evaluate and approve future spending 
plans. With regard to extramural competitive grant programs, 
USDA will be barred from obligating appropriated funds unless a 
comprehensive spending plan is submitted with the President's 
budget and approved by Congress.
     The Veterinary Services Grant Program is 
authorized in order to address the shortage of veterinarians. 
This requires an entity to develop programs to relieve 
shortages, support private practices, and support those 
practices that successfully complete a specific service 
requirement.
     The Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Organic 
Research and Extension Initiative, Sustainable Agriculture 
Research and Extension, and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Development Program are reauthorized.

                          Title VIII--Forestry

     The forestry title promotes the health and active 
management of America's national, state, and private forests.
     Conservation programs such as the Forest Legacy 
Program and the Community Open Space Program, and Healthy 
Forest Reserve Programs are reauthorized.
     Contains authority for the Forest Service to 
accelerate its treatment of national forests affected by pine 
bark beetle infestation and natural disasters. This authority 
streamlines the approval process for the Forest Service in 
selecting afflicted areas that need treatment within our 
national forests.
     To assist rural economies, the title reauthorizes 
the Office of International Forestry, which is designed to help 
facilitate the development of foreign markets for domestically 
produced wood products and the Rural Revitalization 
Technologies program in order to provide grants and technical 
assistance to forested rural communities.
     Promotes forest health by extending the Forest 
Stewardship Contracting program for an additional four years, 
allowing the Forest Service to engage in needed restoration 
work on our national forests.

                            Title IX--Energy

     Reauthorizes programs that promote the development 
of advanced biofuels and renewable energy with discretionary 
funding.
     Creates a tiered application process for farmers 
and rural businesses applying for smaller grants under the 
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
     Clarifies Congressional intent of REAP by 
eliminating funding for ethanol blender pumps.
     Prioritizes funding of the Biomass Crop Assistance 
Program (BCAP) for the establishment of dedicated energy crops 
by eliminating the collection, harvest, storage, and 
transportation (CHST) payments.
     Ensures certain domestic forest products with 
mature markets are eligible under federal procurement 
guidelines for renewable products under the Biobased Markets 
Program.
     Provides competitive grants to non-profit entities 
to provide information and outreach on the benefits of 
biodiesel fuel use.
     Repeals programs that have outlived their 
usefulness or have never been fully implemented.

                         Title X--Horticulture

     Increases funding to $70,000,000 per year for the 
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with funding provided for 
multi-state projects.
     Provides $20,000,000 per year for the Farmers 
Market and Local Food Promotion Program to improve and expand 
direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities including the 
development of local food system infrastructure.
     Combats pest and disease by consolidating two very 
effective programs, the Plant Pest and Disease Management and 
Disaster Prevention Program and the National Clean Plant 
Network. Increases funding for this combined program to 
$71,500,000 per year.
     Provides funding for the Organic Production and 
Market Data Initiatives Program and the National Organic 
Program as well as enhances investigation and enforcement 
tools.
     Provides regulatory relief by eliminating a costly 
and duplicative permitting requirement for pesticide 
applications.
     Imposes a temporary stay on the EPA from acting on 
pesticide registrations based on Biological Opinions from the 
Services not withstanding a peer review.
     Reiterates the authority of the Secretary to 
regulate products of biotechnology under the Plant Protection 
Act.
     Reauthorizes the registration process for 
pesticide manufacturers.

                        Title XI--Crop Insurance

     Requires the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide 
an authorized agent or an approved insurance provider (AIP) 
information that may assist in insuring the producer.
     Requires Risk Management Agency (RMA) to publish 
violations of the prohibition on rebates to serve as guidance 
to AIPs, agents and producers.
     Establishes a supplemental coverage option (SCO) 
to provide producers the option of purchasing area coverage by 
itself or in addition to individual coverage. Producers may 
also purchase margin coverage and do so in addition to 
individual and area coverage.
     Continues reduced premiums on enterprise unit 
policies.
     Requires enterprise units to be made available by 
practice.
     Requires the use of data collected by the RMA, 
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), or both, to 
determine yields. Where sufficient county data is not 
available, authorizes the Secretary to use data from other 
sources.
     Adjusts the actual production history used to 
determine insurable yields.
     Requires the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 
(FCIC) to review policies developed under research and 
development contracting authority, or pilot programs, and 
submit to the FCIC Board for review policies that will likely 
result in viable and marketable policies, provide crop 
insurance in a significantly improved form, and adequately 
protect the interests of producers.
     Provides equitable relief on specialty crop 
policies that were disproportionately adversely impacted by the 
Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) but clarifies that 
Congress does not provide statutory assent to SRA provisions.
     Requires the FCIC Board to ensure that SRA 
renegotiations maintain budget neutrality to the maximum extent 
practicable, and use any savings that may be realized for 
specific crop insurance purposes.
     Limits availability on crop insurance to protect 
native sod.
     Allows producers to elect different coverage 
levels by practice.
     Provides beginning farmers and ranchers with 
additional premium assistance, enhanced T-yields, and the 
ability to use previous producer's APH or an assigned yield.
     Requires a stacked income protection plan to be 
made available to upland cotton producers.
     Requires a revenue crop insurance policy for 
peanut producers to be made available.
     Authorizes AIPs and agents to correct 
unintentional errors to ensure accuracy of all insurance 
information.
     Requires the Secretary to maintain and upgrade 
information management systems and to implement an acreage 
report streamlining initiative.
     Provides for research and development contracting 
priorities. Makes specialty crops, sweet sorghum, biomass 
sorghum, rice, peanuts and sugarcane a research and development 
priority.
     Amends the noninsured crop assistance program 
(NAP) to allow for the purchase of additional NAP coverage with 
respect to crops for which no coverage is available under 
Federal Crop Insurance.

                        Title XII--Miscellaneous

     Reauthorizes National Sheep Industry Improvement 
Center.
     Reauthorizes Trichinae Certification Program.
     Reauthorizes National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
     Authorizes Report on Compliance with World Trade 
Organization Decision Regarding Country of Origin Labeling.
     Repeals Certain Regulations Under the Packers and 
Stockyard Act, 1912.
     Requires Meat and Poultry Processing Report on 
Better Meeting the Needs of Small Meat and Poultry Growers.
     Amends Outreach and Assistance for Socially 
Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and 
Ranchers.
     Reauthorizes Office of Advocacy and Outreach.
     Authorizes Grants to Improve Supply, Stability, 
Safety, and Training of Agricultural Labor Force.
     Requires Evaluation for Purposes of Prohibition on 
Closure or Relocation of County Offices for the Farm Service 
Agency.
     Prohibits Attending an Animal Fight or Causing a 
Minor to Attend and Animal Fight.
     Reauthorizes Program Benefit Eligibility Status 
for Participants in High Plains Water Study.
     Requires an Office of Tribal Relations.
     Authorizes Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
     Authorizes Acer Access and Development Program.
     Prohibits Interference by State and Local 
Governments with Production or Manufacture of Items in Other 
States.
     Increases Protection for Agricultural Interests in 
the Missouri River Basin.

                            Purpose and Need

    The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act 
(FARRM) is the product of nearly three years of deliberations, 
including 46 House hearings and audits, a joint deficit 
reduction proposal developed between leaders of the House and 
Senate Committees on Agriculture, and, ultimately, Committee 
consideration and passage on an overwhelming and bipartisan 
basis. As measured by the length of the Committee's 
consideration and by the depth of its evaluation, having fully 
examined the purpose and effectiveness of each and every 
authority under the jurisdiction of the Committee, FARRM is the 
product of extensive analysis and research.
    Once enacted into law, the Congressional Budget Office 
(CBO) estimates that FARRM will yield taxpayers more than $35 
billion in deficit reduction. FARRM proposes to achieve these 
substantial budget savings through significant reform. FARRM 
repeals or consolidates more than 100 programs, saves $16 
billion from SNAP by curbing abuse, eliminates Direct Payments 
and reforms commodity policy at a savings of more than $14 
billion, saves another $6 billion by consolidating 23 
conservation programs into 12, and brings about long overdue 
regulatory relief for farmers and ranchers. The Committee 
believes that if all committees of Congress and all functions 
of government underwent the review, reform, and reductions that 
this Committee has imposed upon policies under its 
jurisdiction, the United States would be well on its way to a 
smaller government and a balanced budget.

                          Title I--Commodities

    For its share, Title I sustains a 37.5 percent reduction. 
These savings are accomplished through a complete reform of 
U.S. farm policy, repealing all of current policy under Title I 
relative to row crops, except for the marketing loan which is 
maintained with an adjustment to the cotton loan in order to 
address a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute. In lieu of 
current policy, producers are given a choice between two less 
expensive risk management options under Title I as well as some 
additional tools to manage risk that producers may purchase 
under Federal Crop Insurance.
    Upon FARRM's passage, Title I and Federal Crop Insurance 
will have been cut by more than $30 billion over the past seven 
years, contributing $24 billion to deficit reduction. This 
reduction in funding stands in contrast to the rising costs of 
other functions of the U.S. government. Additionally, foreign 
subsidies and tariffs are trending sharply upward according to 
two independent reports issued during the Committee's 
development of FARRM, which serve as prescient reminders of 
both the appropriateness of and need for U.S. farm policy.
    The resilience and strength of the U.S. farm sector over 
much of the past decade, its contribution to two economic 
recoveries and millions of on and off-farm jobs, and its 
positive contribution to the nation's balance of trade have 
been acknowledged by both proponents and opponents of U.S. farm 
policy, but for purposes of advancing very different 
objectives. Relatively strong crop prices and production 
experienced over the past ten years have been viewed by 
opponents as obviating the need for much or even all of farm 
policy, while proponents have pointed to the current policy's 
evident success in creating a positive business environment at 
low cost to the taxpayer--only a small fraction of 1 percent of 
the federal budget. Ultimately, Mother Nature is weighing in on 
the dispute, imposing a widespread and severe drought that 
currently grips at least 29 states. This serves as a reminder 
of the unique risks farmers and ranchers face that necessitate 
effective U.S. farm policy.
    Robust prices for at least some crops, in part brought on 
by the drought, will undoubtedly serve as a straw man for those 
who might still contend that the significant savings and 
reforms achieved by FARRM are insufficient, that the deficit 
and growing national debt demand even more. Those without the 
benefit of history may find this argument compelling. However, 
the nation's experience with the past three farm bills leads to 
a different conclusion. While the 1996 farm bill was predicated 
on forecasts of high prices that ultimately plunged, resulting 
in billions of dollars in additional costs, the 2002 and 2008 
farm bills were predicated on or at least designed to deal with 
dramatic price declines that ultimately never materialized, 
yielding substantially lower costs to taxpayers. Prudent policy 
and honest budgeting, informed by these experiences, directed 
the Committee to couple the fiscal successes of the previous 
two farm bills with the market-orientation and regulatory 
relief of the 1996 law in order to accomplish significant 
savings and reform.
    It is in the context of these overarching objectives that 
the Committee took into consideration the substantive policy 
priorities of all those impacted by a farm bill, including the 
nation's farmers and ranchers. Relative to the farm safety net, 
despite what seemed at times to be a cacophony of views, 
several key themes constantly emerged.
    The first and most widely shared theme is that Congress 
should do no harm to Federal Crop Insurance. The cuts made in 
the 2008 farm bill, the cuts made unilaterally by the 
Administration just two years later in its renegotiation of the 
Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA), and dramatic policy 
changes elsewhere in the administration of crop insurance, 
raised the alarm that 32 years of progress in making crop 
insurance the cornerstone of U.S. farm policy it is today could 
be jeopardized. One of the most significant challenges the 
Committee faced was honoring producer priority to protect crop 
insurance while also satisfying the wishes of some producers 
who wanted a revenue-based program offered under Title I, goals 
which are to some extent at cross purposes due to interaction.
    The second and third themes--producer choice and price 
protection respectively--are also widely held, though there are 
earnest differences as to approach. From hearings held in all 
regions of the country, it was evident that producers were 
uncomfortable with Washington creating a one-size-fits-all 
approach to Title I. It would be a mistake, however, to 
interpret the concern on the part of these producers as being 
interested in a choice simply for the sake of being allowed to 
make one. Even among producer groups and producers who 
expressed a common preference for revenue-based support under 
the commodity title, differences were sufficient to produce two 
alternate options that farmers could choose from under the 
Senate farm bill.
    However, it is price protection that is at the heart of 
producers' interest in choice. For producers of some crops, 
limited variances in yield from year to year greatly diminished 
the value of a farm policy based on revenue because their peril 
was not revenue but rather price. Although frequently 
mischaracterized as a regional divide separating northern and 
southern producers and crops, omission of a price-based 
alternative to revenue-based programs would disenfranchise 
producers of every crop from every region who contended that 
the farm bill's primary purpose is to address long-term price 
declines.
    In regard to cotton policy, the Committee weighed the 
options carefully in light of ongoing efforts to resolve the 
WTO dispute with Brazil. As the report to the 2008 farm bill 
chronicles, very substantial changes have been made to U.S. 
cotton policy to address the WTO complaint, including in the 
2006 budget reconciliation and the 2008 farm bill. These 
reforms to U.S. cotton policy have occurred alongside major 
changes in cotton prices, reductions in U.S. cotton acreage and 
increases in Brazil cotton acreage, as well as increases in 
Brazilian support for its producers since the time the Brazil 
cotton case was initiated. The fundamental change in U.S. 
cotton policy included in the House farm bill eliminates any 
objectionable remnant of that policy.
    In relation to rules of eligibility, as part of overall 
reform efforts, the Committee reluctantly imposes a lower 
adjusted gross income (AGI) means test that is uniform to all 
income sources for the commodity programs in Title I and for 
Title II conservation programs. AGI rules were sharply lowered 
four years ago in the 2008 farm bill and changed again just 
last year as part of the annual appropriations process. 
However, the Committee does maintain reasonable payment 
limitations and rules that allow producers to share the risks 
of farming with family members and do so without confronting 
new obstacles and added layers of bureaucratic red tape.
    Finally, the Committee considered and rejected proposed 
changes to U.S. sugar policy that would have reverted the 
policy to 1985. U.S. sugar policy has operated at zero cost to 
taxpayers and is projected to remain a zero cost policy into 
the future. Under WTO and NAFTA commitments, the United States 
is the biggest importer of sugar in the world and has a totally 
open market with Mexico. However, heavily subsidized and 
protected foreign sugar producing countries distort global 
markets, alternately shorting world supplies and driving up 
prices or glutting world supplies and depressing prices, 
divorced from real market forces. U.S. sugar policy allows 
highly efficient U.S. producers to remain competitive on a 
lopsided global playing field while providing safe, low cost 
sugar to consumers.

Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

    The Committee reported bill maintains existing disaster 
assistance for livestock producers when their livestock die due 
to severe weather, disease, or other acts of nature. It also 
continues assistance for natural disasters that destroy forage 
used for grazing, honey bees, farm fish, orchard trees, and 
nursery trees. The Livestock Indemnity Program, the Livestock 
Forage Disaster Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, 
Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised, and the Tree Assistance Program 
are established and proven programs in the livestock and the 
orchard & nursery tree sectors.
    Rapidly rising input costs, volatile export markets, 
natural disasters, and other unpredictable factors present 
production risks to animal agriculture. The emerging drought in 
the summer of 2012 is an example of an unpredictable event with 
the potential to upset business models and adversely affect 
producers and consumers. Many crops have access to insurance 
products that help them manage this production risk. The 
Committee applauds the efforts of the animal agriculture 
community to explore such products as evidenced by a number of 
reports called for in this legislation, including swine 
catastrophic disease loss, poultry business interruption, and 
poultry catastrophic disease loss insurance.
    Unless and until additional insurance products can be 
developed and adopted by the livestock sector, these programs 
will be a vital tool to help manage production risks and 
protect animal agriculture, and ultimately consumers, from the 
consequences of natural disasters.
    In the case of orchardists and nursery tree growers who 
produce trees, bushes and vines for commercial purposes, the 
Tree Assistance Program helps them replant trees, bushes and 
vines destroyed by natural disasters.

Dairy Margin Protection Program

    The failure of existing dairy programs to address the 
challenges faced by dairy farmers in recent years led the 
Committee to reconsider the best means for managing price 
volatility and producer risk in the dairy sector.
    Current dairy programs focus on price support. While milk 
prices were mostly stable when these supports were first 
enacted, annual fluctuations in farm milk prices are now 
routine, with milk prices regularly moving between lows and 
record or near-record highs over the past decade. In 2009, the 
dairy industry suffered dramatic losses, as dairy prices fell 
sharply from record highs in 2007-2008 at a time when feed 
costs were rising substantially above long-run averages.
    While milk price is an important factor for the financial 
success of dairy producers, another significant factor is the 
cost of dairy feed, which accounts for about three-quarters of 
a dairy farm's operating costs or about one-half of total 
costs.
    In light of these considerations, focus has shifted to a 
safety net that is centered on a ``milk margin.'' The margin is 
the amount available to pay all other costs once the feed bill 
is paid and can be calculated by subtracting a national feed 
cost from the national farm milk price.
    The dairy margin protection program is designed to address 
both catastrophic conditions, which can result in the severe 
loss of equity for dairy farmers, such as those witnessed in 
2009, as well as long periods of low margins, such as those 
experienced in 2002.
    For producers who elect to participate, basic catastrophic 
coverage will be provided at no cost. According to testimony 
from Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) to 
the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Livestock, 
Dairy, and Poultry, ``Although base program coverage comes at 
no cost to producers, the probability of receiving a large 
payment from the base program is small.''
    Participating producers who exercise their option to buy 
supplemental margin protection coverage will be able to access 
a specific level and amount of risk management protection that 
is tailored to their farms' risk management needs. By offering 
a lower premium on supplemental coverage for the first 4 
million pounds of production, the Committee has incentivized 
producers of all sizes to utilize this risk management tool on 
at least a portion of their production.

Dairy Market Stabilization Program

    Voluntary participation in the margin protection program 
requires producers to be subject to the dairy market 
stabilization program. According to testimony from the National 
Milk Producers Federation to the House Agriculture Committee's 
Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, ``The purpose of 
the program is to make what occurs naturally in the marketplace 
occur sooner and faster and reducing price volatility. . . . It 
also reduces that cost of the margin program resulting in 
savings compared to current dairy programs. . . . The simple 
fact of the matter is that dairy farmers and the cooperatives 
they own bear the burden of balancing the supply of milk with 
processor demand for that milk.''
    In order to address the concern about the effect a supply 
management program may have on the U.S. dairy industry growing 
export potential, the program incorporates a series of 
qualifiers that would prevent any reduction in domestic supply 
of milk if the U.S. and world prices misaligned.
    According to testimony from FAPRI to the House Agriculture 
Committee's Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, when 
the stabilization program operates, it lasts a very short 
period of time because of the world price triggers. FAPRI's 
analysis used a stochastic model to draw 500 alternatives for 
the conditioning variables in determining the dairy baseline, 
which incorporate historical distributions of the conditioning 
factors to make certain any historical correlation in these 
conditioning factors is included. None of the 500 potential 
outcomes show long-term multi-year operation of the program.

Repeal of Dairy Product Price Support Program

    The Dairy Product Price Support Program was created in 1949 
as a means to help provide government support for farm-level 
milk prices through government purchases of dairy products. 
During most of its lifespan, the program targeted a set milk 
price, and later established pricing targets for federal 
purchases of key products, such as cheese, butter, and nonfat 
milk powder, that would help support that milk price. In the 
2008 Farm Bill, the program was altered to support specific 
product price levels.
    Many in the dairy industry have advocated for the repeal of 
this program for several reasons. First, it supports dairy 
farmers all around the world, including America's competitors. 
The current program helps balance world supplies by encouraging 
the periodic global surplus of milk products to be purchased by 
U.S. taxpayers. As a result, dairy farmers in other countries, 
particularly the Oceania region, enjoy as much price protection 
from the program as our own U.S. farmers.
    Secondly, the program has reduced total demand for U.S. 
dairy products by diverting some of the U.S. milk products into 
government warehouses, rather than to commercial buyers. It 
creates a dynamic where it is more difficult for the U.S. to be 
a consistent supplier of many products, since sometimes the 
domestic industry has products to export, and at other times, 
it is easier for the domestic industry to just sell its product 
to the government.
    Thirdly, the program disincentivizes product innovation by 
creating a government market for products that the marketplace 
doesn't want. For example, because the government purchases 
nonfat dry milk, too much of this is produced instead of 
protein-standardized skim milk powder, as well as specialty 
milk proteins, such as milk protein concentrates, which are in 
demand both domestically and internationally.
    Also, USDA only buys products of certain size and packaging 
specifications. Once purchased, nonfat dry milk powder 
returning back to the market from government storage also 
presents challenges, dampening the recovery of prices.
    Finally, the program seeks to achieve price levels that are 
no longer relevant to farmers, as the price support levels have 
been considerably less than the cost of production for many 
years. As demonstrated by the dairy crisis of 2009, this 
program was not an effective safety net.

Repeal of Milk Income Loss Contract Program

    The Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program is a price-
based safety net, which is ineffective for today's dairy 
producers.
    Since the inception of MILC, large dairy farm operators 
have expressed concern that the payment limit has negatively 
affected their income. For larger farm operations, their annual 
production is well above the limit, and any in excess of that 
receives no risk protection. Limiting the level of protection 
to a maximum of 2.985 million pounds of milk a year provides a 
safety net for less than 30 percent of the total milk produced 
in the U.S.
    Despite the feed cost adjustor that was added in the 2008 
farm bill, MILC does not adequately offset high feed costs. If 
milk prices are at average levels and feed costs are high, 
farmers can suffer substantial losses and still not receive any 
assistance from MILC. The feed cost adjustment program does not 
go into effect until the standard feed ration reaches $147 per 
ton, and it also only covers about 30 percent of the feed price 
increase above this level.
    The inadequacy of MILC as a safety net was most evident 
through most of 2008, when high feed costs overwhelmed average 
milk prices and put most farmers into a deep hole without the 
help of any MILC payments.

Repeal of Dairy Export Incentive Program

    The Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) has generally 
been used in concert with the dairy price support program. As 
such, it has only been made available in a very limited way 
after the price support program has begun purchasing and 
storing dairy products.
    Instead of expanding world markets for U.S. dairy products 
which requires a long-term commitment to serving those markets, 
the U.S. government has only used DEIP either in response to 
heavy European subsidization of dairy exports or as an 
alternative to storing products under the price support 
program. The program generates a baseline cost without 
providing any consistent, meaningful return to the U.S. dairy 
sector.

Extension of Dairy Forward Pricing Program

    The ability for producers and processors to manage price 
risk is limited under the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. 
By extending the dairy forward pricing program, producers and 
processors will be able to continue to make use of forward 
contracting to manage price risk, without the practice being 
found a violation of the requirements of marketing orders. The 
program is strictly voluntary and will only apply to Classes 
II, III and IV milk.

Extension of Dairy Indemnity Program

    The Dairy Indemnity Program provides payments to dairy 
producers who have been directed by a public regulatory agency 
to remove their milk from the commercial market because it has 
been contaminated by pesticides, toxic substances, and/or 
chemical residues. Because such events can be devastating to 
the financial well-being of producers through no fault of their 
own, the Committee proposes to extend the program's 
authorization through FY 2017.

Extension of Dairy Promotion and Research Program

    The Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 authorized a 
national producer program for dairy product promotion, 
research, and education to increase human consumption of milk 
and dairy products and reduce milk surpluses. Under the 
program, promotion and research is conducted to strengthen the 
dairy industry's position in the marketplace and to maintain 
and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for fluid milk 
products and dairy products produced in the United States.

Federal Milk Marketing Order Review

    The 2008 farm bill revised the federal milk marketing order 
amendment procedures in order to streamline and expedite the 
amendment process. As there continues to be interest in 
marketing order reform, stakeholders are encouraged to make use 
of this administrative process, which allows for petition of 
the Secretary at any time and a hearing process whereby 
producers and processors can provide input. The House 
Agriculture Committee continues to provide oversight of this 
process and refrain from any legislative changes to the order 
system until stakeholders have exhausted their administrative 
remedies.

                         Title II--Conservation

    The conservation title authorizes cost-share and technical 
assistance for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and landowners 
through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. 
Through these programs, producers protect and restore water 
quality and quantity, air quality, wildlife habitat and address 
regulatory requirements while providing a safe, abundant, and 
affordable food supply. The conservation programs have grown in 
size and significance in recent farm bills.
    The Food Security Act of 1985 authorized several 
conservation measures intended to address concerns about the 
impact of agricultural production on soil erosion and wetland 
loss. The 1996 Farm Bill took the groundbreaking step of 
consolidating previously discretionary funded programs into one 
new program funded with mandatory money from the Commodity 
Credit Corporation (CCC). The program created, the 
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is one of the 
most successful and popular programs among farmers and 
ranchers.
    During consideration of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002, budget circumstances allowed for the 
expansion of conservation programs with the addition of $17.5 
billion to the conservation baseline for the life of the 2002 
Bill and the out-year baseline as well. The Conservation 
Security Program was created.
    Despite budget pressures, the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 increased conservation spending by nearly 
$4.5 billion during the life of the bill and created new 
targeted conservation programs such as the Chesapeake Bay 
Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative 
(CCPI), and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). 
However, the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), the Grassland 
Reserve Program (GRP), the Small Watershed Rehabilitation 
Program, and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive 
Program remained without adequate baselines given the demand 
and interest in these programs.
    The Committee recognizes that these programs serve as a 
foundation for improved conservation efforts. The Committee's 
priority to assist farmers and ranchers in addressing 
environmental regulations and conservation needs has not 
changed. The Committee reported bill maintains the core 
functions and goals of the conservation title while eliminating 
or combining 23 duplicative and overlapping programs into 13 
programs to allow for streamlined delivery, while also 
providing $6.1 billion in savings below baseline funding.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

    The Committee strongly supports the Conservation Reserve 
Program as one of the main pillars of cost-effective 
conservation available to farmers and ranchers. However, 
through the hearing process, the Committee recognized that 
market pressures are moving land into production. Maximum 
enrollment of CRP is incrementally stepped down to 25 million 
acres allowing enrollment to focus on the most environmentally 
sensitive lands. Additionally, the Committee reported bill 
further addresses this issue by directing the Secretary to 
conduct a onetime early out of land that is not considered 
environmentally sensitive.
    The reported bill directs the Secretary to reserve two 
million acres under CRP for working grassland contracts to 
capture land that was previously eligible under GRP. The 
reported bill further directs USDA to provide landowners with 
added flexibility to better manage their enrolled acres with 
managed activities such as haying and grazing or in the cases 
of drought or other emergencies.
    To ensure that environmental benefits are maintained, the 
reported bill gives expiring CRP acres priority consideration 
for working grassland contracts, and the Conservation 
Stewardship Program, as well as the ability to enter into 
contracts under working land programs before the CRP contract 
expires. Beginning farmers or ranchers will continue to be 
eligible for greater access to productive land with the 
continuation of the Transition Incentives Program (TIP).
    The Committee is concerned that USDA has not been fully 
utilizing CRP technical assistance authorities and funding 
enacted by the 2008 Farm Bill for agency infrastructure, 
including outreach, training, and other technical services. The 
Committee expects USDA to better utilize this authority for 
internal support and to support outreach and partnership with 
non-governmental organizations and other qualified entities to 
ensure that producers and landowners are fully aware of their 
options under the program.
    The Committee directs the Secretary of Agriculture to, 
within one year of enactment, report to Congress on the quality 
of land currently enrolled in CRP based on the land capability 
classification system, the erodibility index, other eligible 
lands criteria, and natural resource benefits. The report 
should include justification for using the prescribed 
environmental benefits index threshold for any acres enrolled 
into the program after enactment. The Secretary shall complete 
such a report five years thereafter and include the same 
information on land quality and decisions to enroll types of 
acres based on the environmental benefits index. If the 
decision is made to use a different environmental benefits 
index threshold or methodology for making decisions to enroll 
program contracts, reasons for the decision should be included 
in the report.
    Additionally the Committee directs the Secretary of 
Agriculture, within two years of enactment, to complete a 
comprehensive economic impact study that specifically evaluates 
the impact the CRP has had on rural communities. The report 
should include the average county rental rates and rental rates 
paid for CRP land.
    While the Committee agreed to an overall reduction in the 
maximum acres that could be enrolled in CRP, this should not 
serve as an indicator of declining or reduced support for CRP. 
The Committee intends for CRP to be implemented at authorized 
levels, and for the program to continue as one of USDA's key 
conservation programs. Because there are widespread concerns 
that CRP rental rates are below prevailing local market levels, 
USDA shall update rental rates annually and use incentive 
payments for continuous CRP practices to make the program 
competitive with other programs and more economically viable 
for producers.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

    The Conservation Stewardship Program encourages producers 
to adopt new conservation measures while maintaining current 
practices to protect natural resources. The Committee 
encourages the Secretary to place emphasis on adopting new 
practices; with new contracts addressing at least one 
additional priority resource concern and renewing contracts 
that address at least two priority resource concerns.
    The Committee intends for the supplemental payment to 
encourage producers to adopt new, additional beneficial crop 
rotations that provide significant conservation benefits. The 
payments are to be available to producers across the country 
and should not be limited to a particular crop, cropping 
system, or region of the country. In the Southeast, peanuts are 
an example of a crop that responds well to increased rotation 
lengths, which help peanut producers, conserve water, more 
effectively control disease, and reduce inputs to control 
disease and increase productivity. Alfalfa is another important 
rotation crop in many parts of the country and plays a role in 
adding value to a producers' operation as well as providing 
natural resource benefits. The Committee recognizes sorghum's 
very significant contributions to resource conservation as a 
water-conserving crop and expects the Secretary to include 
sorghum in any supplemental payments for resource conserving 
crop rotations made available under the CSP, in addition to 
maximizing sorghum's role in achieving the purposes of the 
Regional Conservation Partnership Program and the Environmental 
Quality Incentives Program.
    The Committee believes conservation programs as implemented 
by USDA should recognize the use of innovative technology such 
as enhanced efficiency fertilizers. Enhanced efficiency 
fertilizers, which reduce nitrate losses to the environment, 
help protect water quality, and reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions, include slow- and controlled-release fertilizers 
(absorbed, coated, occluded or reacted) and stabilized nitrogen 
fertilizers (nitrification inhibitors and nitrogen stabilizers) 
and are recognized by NRCS' 590 National Nutrient Standard and 
by State regulators of fertilizers.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

    The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides cost 
share incentives to producers to meet or avoid the need for 
national, state, or local regulation. Under the Committee 
reported bill, EQIP will provide additional incentives for 
wildlife by consolidating the functions of the Wildlife Habitat 
Incentives Program (WHIP) and requiring 5% of the program 
funding to go towards wildlife habitat incentives.
    The Committee addresses the concerns heard in hearings and 
field hearings regarding beginning farmers by maintaining set-
asides for beginning farmers or ranchers and socially 
disadvantaged producers while including a priority for veteran 
farmers. Producers under these set-asides would also be 
eligible to have up to 50% of upfront project costs covered in 
advance.
    The Committee recognizes the broad responsibilities of the 
EQIP program and the great work that it does in promoting 
environmental stewardship among livestock and poultry farmers 
around the country and maintains that 60% of allocation go 
towards these producers. Within six months of enactment, the 
Committee requests from USDA a report on funds spent over the 
duration of the last Farm Bill and on whether NRCS has met its 
statutory obligations. Additionally, the Committee encourages 
NRCS to evaluate its education program and make sure that it is 
providing all potential users within each state an opportunity 
to become educated about the EQIP program and how each farmer 
can incorporate EQIP into their farm stewardship management 
plans. The Committee also requests a comprehensive breakdown of 
practices used and how each state spent its allocated funds to 
also be included in the report.
    The program maintains the Conservation Innovation Grant 
(CIG) subprogram to promote new and innovative conservation 
practices. The reported bill directs the secretary to report to 
the Committee every two years on project funding and results of 
projects authorized under CIG. The Committee intends for 
increased transparency over innovative conservation projects 
and monitoring that these innovative conservation practices are 
later incorporated into common conservation practices.
    The Committee reported bill does not reauthorize the Air 
Quality Initiative; however, the Committee intends for EQIP to 
continue to provide financial assistance to producers operating 
in nonattainment areas to make air quality improvements, 
including reducing emissions from mobile or stationary sources, 
to help them comply with Federal air quality standards and 
associated requirements or regulations.

Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

    The Committee reported bill addresses duplication and 
funding issues identified with FRPP, WRP, and GRP by 
consolidating their functions into one easement program for 
streamlined and flexible administration. ACEP consolidates all 
easement programs into one umbrella program with two legs: (1) 
Agriculture Land Easements (ALE) to protect grasslands or 
farmland from non-agriculture development and (2) Wetlands 
Easements to restore, maintain, and protect wetlands.
    The reported bill establishes that the federal match of ALE 
will not exceed 50% of the eligible land's fair market value. 
However, the Committee recognizes that historically the 
purchase of grasslands easements have occurred with a higher 
federal match. The reported bill gives the Secretary the 
authority to pay up to 75% of the fair market value to address 
the purchase of grassland easements.
    The Committee directs the Secretary, at a national level, 
to reserve 40% of allocations for agriculture land easements 
until 2016 and 50% in 2017. The Committee intends that states 
will have the flexibility to allocate funding as appropriate to 
address the eligible lands in their region.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

    The Committee understands that a targeted approach to 
conservation practices can achieve a greater conservation 
benefit. The Committee is also cognizant of specific regions of 
the country that are under significant regulatory pressure or 
have serious concerns regarding specific natural resources. The 
Committee reported bill creates the Regional Conservation 
Partnership Program by consolidating four programs into one 
targeted initiative that leverages USDA funding and resources 
by partnering with private organizations to address natural 
resource concerns.
    The Committee eliminates the Agricultural Water Enhancement 
(AWEP) Program, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, the 
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiatives (CCPI) 
Program, and the Great Lakes Basin Program. However, the 
functions of each of these programs are still necessary and the 
Committee intends for the Secretary to capture their functions 
in the implementation of the RCPP. Eligible conservation 
practices implemented currently through these programs should 
be continued under the new consolidated program.
    Targeted conservation initiatives will be developed on the 
local level and selected by USDA through a competitive, merit 
based application process. All resource concerns should hold 
equal weighting. The Committee encourages the Secretary to 
distribute funding equitably across the nation and to not 
ignore different natural resource concerns that may be unique 
to each region.
    The Committee strongly encourages the Secretary to only 
choose partners who have a successful history of working with 
agriculture producers.
    Additionally, USDA may designate Critical Conservation 
Areas to target conservation programs in regions under 
significant regulatory pressure. The Committee reported bill 
has set allocation levels for the state and national levels in 
addition to the Critical Conservation areas to help address 
priorities.

Funding and Administration

    Section 2607 of the Committee reported bill combines 
language on improved administrative efficiency and streamlining 
from individual programs and places it here to apply to all 
conservation programs. It expands and clarifies requirements 
for developing a streamlined conservation application process. 
It clarifies that any payment received under this title is in 
addition to and does not affect total payments that an owner or 
operator is otherwise eligible to receive. The Committee 
encourages the Secretary to significantly increase the use of 
computer-based conservation practice planning tools that 
incorporate Light Detection and Ranging elevation data to 
modernize and simplify conservation planning, improve 
efficiency of technical assistance, and improve service to 
private landowners.

                            Title III--Trade


Humanitarian assistance and agricultural development programs

    The United States provides nearly half of all food aid 
provided around the world through emergency humanitarian 
responses and non-emergency, agricultural development programs. 
The Committee reported bill modifies the general authorities in 
Title II of the Food for Peace Act to place a greater emphasis 
on projects which focus on building resiliency in the recipient 
population where food shortfalls and droughts are common.
    The Committee reported bill adjusts the maximum allowable 
level of cash assistance for administrative and programmatic 
costs in Title II of the Food for Peace Act to ensure that 
scarce cash resources are made available only for costs and 
expenses which cannot be readily funded through the 
monetization process in the first period of a new project. The 
Committee expects USAID to closely evaluate its guidance and 
approval process to ensure that direct and indirect program 
costs are clearly defined and to ensure that administrative 
costs in the programs are minimized.
    In May 2011 the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
completed a report which cites deficiencies in the nutrition 
and quality controls of U.S. food aid commodities. Included in 
this report are recommendations that USAID review food aid 
packaging, track food aid quality throughout the supply chain, 
and ensure that available food aid commodities meet the 
nutritional needs of recipients. The Committee notes that USAID 
has sufficient and specific authority to address the 
recommendations made by GAO, and expects USAID to build strong 
public-private partnerships with food manufacturers and other 
stakeholders to more quickly address the deficiencies 
highlighted in the May 2011 report using currently available 
studies on food aid quality and nutrition. The Committee 
reported bill reauthorizes funding at a lower level for these 
activities to encourage USAID to focus on deploying food aid 
products already developed under this authority.
    The Committee reported bill directs USDA and USAID to 
establish a formal mechanism by which new products will be 
approved through both agencies in a timely manner. In the view 
of the Committee, USDA and USAID are not coordinating 
sufficiently and should quickly modify the interagency process 
to ensure new food aid commodities are made available to 
appropriately target recipient populations. In support of 
efforts to provide appropriate commodities to vulnerable 
populations, authority is extended for shelf-stable, 
prepackaged foods and micronutrient fortification of food aid 
commodities.
    The Committee notes that while USAID places significant 
burdens for success of programs upon implementing partners and 
other stakeholders, feedback from these groups through the Food 
Aid Consultative Group (FACG) is not adequately incorporated 
into program guidelines. The Committee reported bill instructs 
USAID to give sufficient notice of changes to the FACG before 
new guidance is finalized, and requires new guidance to be 
promulgated in a timely manner after any changes to the Food 
for Peace Act.
    Authority is extended for the Famine Early Warning System 
Network to provide advance information to more quickly and 
effectively respond to an emerging crisis. However, the 
Committee is disappointed in efforts by USAID to complete 
implementation of new information technology systems authorized 
in previous legislation. No additional funding is provided for 
new information technology systems, and the Committee fully 
expects USAID to complete development and management of those 
systems without additional Food for Peace resources.
    Funding is continued for additional monitoring and 
evaluation of programs at a level which reflects resources 
available for Food for Peace programs. The Committee reported 
bill also requires that USAID report on the monitoring and 
evaluation activities actually conducted. In 2009 GAO concluded 
that monitoring of programs was inconsistent and that program 
management was not modified to reflect information gained from 
the monitoring and evaluation conducted by or for USAID. 
Through provisions in the Committee reported bill, the 
Committee expects USAID to make significant improvements in 
program guidance based on the monitoring and evaluation 
conducted.
    In June 2011 GAO reported on inefficiencies and adverse 
impacts of monetization. The Committee agrees that both USDA 
and USAID should have consistent policies governing both 
agencies monetization activities. The Committee reported bill 
requires that USAID consider the benefits of monetization when 
considering a proposal under Food for Peace. The Committee 
notes existing requirements for USDA and USAID to approve only 
those sales which will not disrupt the usual marketing and 
processing of commodities in the recipient country, and 
clarifies that commodities should be sold at a fair market 
value.
    Recognizing the necessity of responding quickly to 
humanitarian emergencies, authority is increased for the 
prepositioning of food aid commodities which allows USAID to 
increase the number of prepositioning sites, as appropriate.
    The Committee reported bill reduces the authorized level of 
funding for the Food for Peace Act while extending sufficient 
authority to provide funding above the ten-year average 
appropriation. The Committee recognizes the importance of non-
emergency agricultural development programs to create resilient 
communities in vulnerable populations, and extends minimum 
levels of funding to support development activities.
    The Committee is disappointed that the report on local and 
regional purchase of food aid commodities, which was required 
under previous legislation, was not made available to the 
Committee prior to consideration of the bill as introduced. The 
report was expected to quantify the challenges associated with 
relying on purchases of foreign commodities to address acute 
humanitarian needs. The Committee also recognizes that more 
than $300 million in local purchases of commodities is 
routinely carried out under authorities contained in other 
legislation.
    The Committee reported bill increases authority for the 
John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program 
contained in the Food for Peace Act to extend the program which 
mobilizes U.S. volunteers from the agricultural industry, 
universities, and non-profit organizations to assist their 
counterparts in developing and emerging economies.

Trade Programs

    The U.S. agricultural industry is highly dependent on 
exports, with nearly a third of all cash receipts generated 
from international markets. The Committee reported bill ensures 
that U.S. producers are able to capitalize on these 
opportunities by making strategic investments in programs 
designed to address foreign barriers to U.S. exports. Increased 
margins for U.S. farm output translates to greater capital 
flows back to rural America, supporting farms and their rural 
communities.
    The Market Access Program is reauthorized to provide 
assistance on a cost-share basis, targeting small businesses, 
famer cooperatives, and non-profit trade organizations. Private 
contributions are estimated at 60 percent of total annual 
spending on trade promotion and market development, further 
increasing the effectiveness of promotional activities.
    Additional programs which are reauthorized include the 
Foreign Market Development Program which gives preference to 
trade groups which represent an entire industry, Technical 
Assistance for Specialty Crops to address non-tariff trade 
barriers for specialty crop exports, and the Emerging Markets 
Program to promote generic U.S. exports in emerging economies.
    The Committee reported bill also reauthorizes the GSM -102 
program while preserving USDA's authority to manage usage of 
the program to meet certain administrative goals, including the 
ability to adjust tenor and fees associated with guarantees 
made available under the program.
    The Committee recognizes that exports are vitally important 
to the U.S. economy. Given the need to spur economic growth and 
job creation the Committee reported bill amends the Department 
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to provide for the 
establishment of an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign 
Agricultural Services. The agricultural sector has been and 
continues to be a major contributor to the nation's overall 
level of exports and is one of only a few sectors of the 
economy that traditionally has had a positive net trade 
balance. However, U.S. agricultural exports face increased 
barriers overseas.
    The Committee reported bill meets the need to address 
tariff and non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. agricultural 
exports by providing a full time, singular focus on trade and 
foreign agricultural programs. The Committee expects this new 
focus to allow more effective coordination and to provide a 
single point of contact for resolving internal and external 
trade and foreign agricultural affairs issues through a high 
level of representation for agricultural trade issues within 
the Executive Branch and with Congress, stakeholders, foreign 
governments and international bodies. The Committee does not 
intend for this provision to create the need for additional 
personnel or appropriations for USDA.

                          Title IV--Nutrition


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), 
formerly known as the food stamp program, has seen 
unprecedented growth over the past ten years and today accounts 
for almost 80 percent of the Committee's mandatory spending. 
Consequently, the Committee agreed to make reforms in SNAP that 
resulted in a reduction of $16 billion over ten years, which is 
a two percent reduction to the program.
    The Committee views these changes as part of its ongoing 
responsibility to ensure that SNAP is of the highest integrity. 
The provisions passed by the Committee will close program 
loopholes; reduce waste, fraud and abuse; and ensure that the 
program continues to serve those who are in need of food 
assistance according to the rule of law. It is the Committee's 
clear intent that families who lawfully qualify for assistance 
under SNAP law are not prevented from receiving their benefits. 
The changes made to SNAP in the 2008 farm bill remain fully 
intact and will continue to benefit SNAP participants.
    The Committee agrees that SNAP provides important support 
for many Americans and these reported provisions further 
protect the program. In order to ensure the integrity of this 
program, the Committee will continue to refine SNAP to better 
target valuable benefits to serve those in need, while making a 
reasonable reduction in the deficit.

Making Common Sense Reforms and Closing Program Loopholes

    The FARRM Act makes common sense reforms to SNAP 
eligibility. Since passage of the Personal Responsibility and 
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, states have had 
the option of using ``categorical eligibility,'' or automatic 
eligibility, to streamline SNAP administration for those 
receiving benefits from other low-income assistance programs. 
These other programs are Temporary Assistance for Needy 
Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other 
state general assistance programs. TANF assistance can be in 
the form of cash or non-cash benefits (i.e. informational 
brochures, or access to an informational 800-number). When 
states implement ``broad-based'' categorical eligibility, they 
may permit households to use the asset and gross income test of 
the alternate assistance program. As of May 2012, 43 
jurisdictions (40 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 
the U.S. Virgin Islands) have implemented broad-based 
categorical eligibility. These jurisdictions generally make all 
households with incomes below a state-determined income 
threshold eligible for SNAP.
    The bill would restrict categorical eligibility to only 
those households receiving cash assistance from SSI, TANF, or a 
state-run general assistance program, saving taxpayers $11.5 
billion over ten years. This would disqualify those merely 
receiving a TANF-funded brochure, a referral to an ``800'' 
number telephone hotline, as well as other non-cash assistance. 
It is estimated that 3.9 percent of the 46.2 million people 
currently enrolled in SNAP would be affected by this provision. 
Those who no longer have categorical eligibility status under 
the amended provision would have the opportunity to be reviewed 
for SNAP eligibility independent of their status as a TANF 
beneficiary. And those who receive cash assistance from SSI, 
TANF, or a state-run general assistance program will still be 
categorically eligible for SNAP.
    Next, the FARRM Act closes a loophole in SNAP regarding how 
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments 
interact with SNAP benefit calculation. Current law allows low-
income households receiving any amount of LIHEAP assistance, 
even a nominal payment, to automatically qualify for the SNAP 
Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). In the last several years, 
recipients in approximately 16 states and the District of 
Columbia have qualified for the SNAP SUA under this provision.
    Under current law, if a participant received $1 in LIHEAP, 
they can automatically deduct the SUA from their income. 
Therefore, their net income was reduced, and they subsequently 
received a higher amount in SNAP benefits. Under the 
Committee's reported bill, a household must receive a minimum 
LIHEAP payment of $10 per year to qualify for the SUA 
deduction, thus saving the taxpayers $4.5 billion over ten 
years. The revised provision will not affect any household 
receiving traditional LIHEAP assistance or any household that 
can demonstrate an out-of-pocket utility cost.
    The Committee also eliminated state performance bonuses, 
saving $480 million over ten years. States are responsible for 
administering the SNAP program and are legally bound to process 
applications in a timely manner, ensure households receive the 
accurate amount of SNAP benefits, and make certain the program 
is administered in the most effective and efficient manner. In 
this economic climate the Committee believes it is very 
difficult to justify awarding states bonuses for practices that 
should be the daily operating procedure.

Cracking Down on Waste, Fraud and Abuse

    The FARRM Act makes significant strides to crack down on 
waste, fraud and abuse within SNAP. The Committee was concerned 
by press reports of two lottery winners, both receiving more 
than $1 million in winnings, who were also found to have been 
receiving SNAP assistance. The bill includes a provision that 
would put an end to millionaire lottery winners receiving SNAP, 
and will prevent them from receiving any benefits if they do 
not meet SNAP eligibility requirements. The Committee is aware 
that the Secretary must define the terms ``substantial lottery 
or gambling winnings'' in order to carry out this provision. 
The Committee intends for the Secretary to establish a 
reasonable threshold for such winnings that balances the need 
to maintain strong program integrity, the ability of states to 
administer the provision, and the burden on SNAP households.
    Furthermore, the legislation requires that state SNAP 
Employment and Training (E&T) programs be limited to assisting 
only those college students enrolled in specific career and 
technical education courses or basic adult education, remedial, 
and literacy courses. The Committee was alarmed to learn that 
some states were taking great liberty in administering their 
SNAP E&T programs; therefore, the Committee took steps to 
ensure only those college students meeting the specified 
criteria could be served by a state's SNAP E&T program. To 
further improve the accountability of the SNAP E&T program, the 
bill requires states to report on how their programs are 
assisting SNAP participants in gaining skills, training, and 
work, or experience that leads to employment.
    The legislation also reduces fraud at retail stores by 
requiring a more rigorous standard for stores to become 
eligible to process SNAP benefits. Retailers will be required 
to stock more foods like fruits and vegetables, with the 
Committee's expectation that retailers can meet this 
requirement by providing products that are fresh, frozen or 
canned. Retailers will be required to pay 100 percent of the 
costs for acquiring and implementing EBT point-of-sale 
equipment. By including this provision, the Committee is 
targeting fraud within the program, and does not intend for 
credit card companies, banks, or others to impose any 
additional fees in regard to the acceptance of SNAP EBT 
benefits. The bill terminates the use of manual vouchers except 
in such circumstances as a disaster or EBT system failure. 
Manual vouchers can serve as a quick-response in emergency 
situations, and the Committee expects vouchers to be used in 
the event of a disaster when power is unavailable for an 
extended period of time.
    The legislation bans stores from participating in SNAP if 
they have significant sales of prohibited items like alcohol 
and tobacco. The Committee is aware that some stores are 
concerned about remaining eligible for the program under this 
change; however, the Committee provides the Secretary with 
discretion to exempt stores from this provision if the store is 
deemed necessary to serve SNAP recipients. The Committee 
expects the Secretary to ensure participants have a choice of 
stores and that there are sufficient options in underserved 
areas.
    Additionally, the Committee expects the Secretary to work 
with retailers and relevant stakeholders in developing 
regulations to implement a unique terminal identification 
system. Credit card associations are considering implementation 
of this practice across the entire retail industry in the near 
future, and it is imperative that the Secretary work with SNAP-
approved retailers to ensure there are no additional costs or 
burdens that are duplicative or inconsistent with common 
commercial practices.
    Recognizing that issuance of SNAP benefits to all 
participants on the same date within a month creates many 
challenges both for suppliers and retailers, the Committee 
directs the Secretary to begin working with states to stagger 
the monthly issuance of SNAP benefits across an entire month 
for new beneficiaries. To prevent disruption, the Committee 
does not expect states to make immediate changes for current 
beneficiaries nor does the Committee suggest a change in 
current policy to allow for more than once-per-month issuance 
of benefits. The Committee encourages the Secretary to work 
with all stakeholders, particularly those within states that 
are in the process of staggering SNAP benefits, to ensure 
distribution is of the greatest benefit to the economy at the 
least cost.
    The FARRM Act recognizes the need to increase the 
Secretary's oversight of those states and territories choosing 
to operate a Restaurant Meals Program strictly for the purpose 
of serving homeless, elderly and disabled participants. 
Currently, states and territories have the option of running 
this program without seeking approval from the Department, 
which has raised the Committee's concern over proper use and 
implementation of this authority. The bill requires those 
states and territories to submit their request as part of their 
state plan and gain approval from the Department before 
implementing a Restaurant Meals Program. The plan must 
demonstrate a need for such a program along with effective 
control measures. If states and territories are found not 
operating the program in a proper manner or do not provide 
sufficient justification for establishing a program, it is the 
Committee's expectation that the Secretary will suspend or not 
approve such programs.
    The Committee is concerned about the use of funds to 
advertise and promote the use of SNAP through the use of 
national outreach funds. Recent news articles have described 
SNAP advertisements airing on the radio and television as well 
as information on the Department's website encouraging the 
enrollment of participants by suggesting that community 
outreach partners ``throw a great party.'' With historically 
high SNAP enrollments, the Committee directs these outreach 
funds to be used towards The Emergency Food Assistance Program 
(TEFAP).
    The bill also expands upon the bipartisan work begun by the 
Committee on Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee to 
allow data both within and across key federal assistance 
programs to operate more efficiently. These standardization 
activities promote transparency, flexibility, and consistency 
so data can be shared across the various information technology 
platforms established by federal and state agencies, increasing 
administrative efficiency and reducing improper payments. This 
provision is not intended to provide additional authority to 
standardize data, but to drive the process to occur across 
multiple federal agencies.
    The bill includes a provision that allows SNAP benefits to 
be used for the purchase of community-supported agriculture 
(CSA) shares. The Committee is aware that the Secretary 
currently permits CSA businesses to participate in SNAP. 
Farmers organized as a CSA can participate in a manner similar 
to farmers' markets; SNAP recipients use SNAP benefits and 
receive eligible food items from the CSA at the time product is 
delivered (i.e. at the point-of-sale). Non-profit CSAs are 
permitted to accept SNAP benefit payment up to 14 days in 
advance of product delivery. The Committee expects that the 
Secretary will administer this provision in accordance with 
current practice and procedures for authorized community-
supported agriculture businesses.

Additional nutrition programs

    Food banks have been successful in effectively utilizing 
federal commodities and securing private sector donations in 
order to feed hungry Americans. However, local food banks have 
been struggling to provide enough food to needy families in the 
current economic climate. Recognizing the challenges food banks 
are facing, the FARRM Act provides an additional $25 million 
per year for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
    Furthermore, it is the intent of the Committee that the 
Secretary purchase and deliver emergency foods so as to 
maximize the continuity of food product flow to emergency 
feeding organizations throughout the year to better enable them 
to meet the need for assistance in local communities, 
particularly in times of high demand. To meet this objective, 
the Committee strongly encourages the Secretary to review 
potential bonus and surplus removal purchases on a real-time 
basis and adjust the timing of mandatory food purchases and 
deliveries to address periods when bonus and specialty crop 
deliveries are expected to be low. Having a more balanced 
delivery of both mandatory and bonus food purchases will enable 
emergency feeding organizations to better serve those in need. 
The Committee also intends for the Secretary to consider the 
cost of regulatory changes on the operation of emergency 
feeding operations in order to prevent such regulatory changes 
from adversely affecting the services provided by the emergency 
feeding organizations. The Committee encourages the Secretary 
to work with emergency feeding organizations to address these 
concerns.
    The FARRM Act makes changes to the Commodity Supplemental 
Food Program (CSFP) that will transition this program into 
serving only the elderly while allowing the small percentage of 
women and children currently enrolled in the program to 
continue to receive services until they have exceeded the age 
of eligibility. The Committee intends that individuals 
participating in CSFP on the day immediately prior to the 
effective date of this provision shall remain eligible until 
such time as an individual is no longer eligible for the 
program in any age or category. For example, a participating 
infant on effective date may remain in the program as he or she 
ages into subsequent age/categories, if otherwise eligible. 
Women and children will all continue to be served by the 
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and 
Children (WIC), which is more suited to their dietary needs.
    The Committee agreed to increase funding for Community Food 
Projects by an additional $10 million per fiscal year, with 
half of this increased funding being designated to projects 
that help communities provide incentives for low-income 
individuals to purchase fruits and vegetables. The Committee 
recognizes that there has been tremendous growth in the 
purchase of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Rather than 
duplicate programs, the Committee increased funding for an 
existing program that is flexible and has been successful in 
helping communities address the food and nutritional needs of 
its citizens.
    The FARRM Act also removes the word ``fresh'' from the 
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The purpose of the program 
is to encourage the increased consumption of fruits and 
vegetables in a variety of forms in elementary schools with a 
high number of low-income students. This change will allow 
elementary schools participating in this program to maximize 
their funding by having the option of purchasing fresh, frozen, 
canned, and dried fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables 
in all forms, as emphasized by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for 
Americans, provide a variety of micronutrients and fiber that 
are important to maintaining overall health. The Committee 
recognizes the challenges schools face in the storage and 
preparation of fresh foods, and to accommodate those needs, the 
bill provides schools with greater flexibility while still 
serving school children with a variety of nutritious produce. 
The Committee expects the Secretary to inform states and 
schools of this change to the program through notification.
    Additionally, the Committee believes that participants in 
all federally funded nutrition assistance programs deserve 
access to a variety of safe and nutritious food. The 2010 
Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognized that Americans' 
consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber is below target, 
and all forms of these products increase the intake of 
essential vitamins and nutrients. The Committee encourages the 
Secretary to include all forms of fruits, vegetables and 
beans--canned, fresh, frozen, and dried--in nutrition 
assistance programs, and to educate program participants that 
all forms of these foods can help them meet the Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans.
    The bill includes a pilot program within the Department of 
Defense (DOD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This pilot 
would allow up to five states to use their DOD Fresh funding 
allocation to source local produce. The Committee expects 
states that are selected to participate in this pilot to use 
this funding solely for the procurement of local fresh fruits 
and vegetables for school children. The Committee also intends 
for the pilots to be carefully evaluated in order to help 
inform future national policy.

                            Title V--Credit

    The House Agriculture Committee understands that access to 
credit is crucial to America's economy as a whole, but more 
importantly to the health and success of family farms, ranches, 
and the entire agricultural sector. To that end, the FARRM Act 
provides greater flexibility to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) 
in facilitating credit programs.
    Under current law, FSA provides Farm Ownership Loans to 
owners of farms. However, when a family forms a separate entity 
for transition or liability reasons, Farm Ownership Loans are 
no longer available to them. By adding ``other legal entities'' 
to the list of eligible borrowers, the Committee reported bill 
enables FSA to assist qualified operating entities with Farm 
Ownership Loans even when the entity does not own real estate 
or is a member of the operating entity thus providing 
flexibility and greater participation to the program.
    The Committee reported bill provides clarification and 
flexibility to the Secretary to adjust experience requirements 
to avoid excluding those who are qualified, but may not be able 
to meet the current 3-year farming or ranching experience 
requirement, thus enabling more young or beginning farmers and 
ranchers to participate in the program.
    The Committee reported bill increases the Conservation Loan 
guarantee amount from 75 to 90 percent (a percentage similar to 
other loan programs), encouraging a larger participation rate 
for beginning farmers and ranchers, while continuing to protect 
priority for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers.
    In an effort to provide greater participation for beginning 
farmers and ranchers and increased flexibility to FSA, the 
Committee reported bill increases the maximum loan value for 
the Down Payment Loan Program from 45 percent of $500,000 to 45 
percent of $667,000.
    Throughout last summer's audit hearings the Committee found 
several areas in which FSA could streamline certain 
administrative mandates. As a result, the Committee repealed 
the Mineral Rights Appraisals requirement for real estate 
loans. Moving forward, this change should reduce costs for both 
the borrower and FSA as third party appraisals could be used in 
some cases instead of FSA having to obtain a new appraisal that 
specifically includes the mineral value.
    Under the current statute, delinquent youth loan borrowers 
are subject to provisions of the Debt Collection Improvement 
Act. This can result in undue hardship, as a youth loan 
recipient could be rendered ineligible for student loans and 
grants, which may prevent them from obtaining higher education. 
The Committee reported bill directs the Secretary, on a case-
by-case basis, to waive the personal liability and cancel any 
remaining debt in situations in which failure was beyond the 
youth's control (i.e. project failure due to disease or natural 
disaster).
    The Committee reported bill directs the Secretary to 
establish a microloan program to better serve young, beginning, 
veteran and urban farmers and ranchers.
    The Committee reported bill directs FSA to prioritize joint 
financing agreements and Down Payment Loans within the Direct 
Farm Ownership Loan program in order to maximize the number of 
borrowers served for a given level of appropriations.
    Under current law, beginning farmer ownership loans are 
limited to applicants who do not own real estate in excess of 
30 percent of the median farm size in the county. In some 
counties however, the median size is so small that an applicant 
cannot qualify if they own any real estate. To that end, the 
Committee reported bill reconciles the median farm size 
limitation by replacing ``median'' with ``average''. In almost 
every county, the average is greater than the median farm size. 
This allows more otherwise qualified applicants to receive 
beginning farmer ownership loans.
    Most FSA loans are available to all agriculture producers, 
no matter if they reside in rural, suburban, or urban areas. 
However, FSA Youth Operating Loans are currently only available 
to youth (ages 10-20) who live in rural areas (areas with 
50,000 or less residents). The Committee reported bill removes 
the ``rural residents'' requirement allowing all youth the 
opportunity to receive a Youth Operating Loan similar to all 
other FSA loans, while continuing to require that youth 
borrowers would need to be under the supervision of an 
organization, such as 4-H, FFA or Boys/Girls Clubs.
    The Committee reported bill makes changes to the loan 
program for purchasers of highly fractionated tribal land to 
ensure that the program meets the needs of tribal members.

                      Title VI--Rural Development

    The Committee reported bill addresses fiscal constraints by 
reducing authorizations for appropriations by more than $1.5 
billion over five years. Based on discussions with 
stakeholders, and in conjunction with the reduced number of 
programs, the Committee expects this action will ensure scarce 
funds are concentrated in the most effective programs.
    In testimony before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on 
Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign 
Agriculture, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
responded to several critical issues in programs operated by 
USDA. Among these was the impact that funding set-asides have 
on the fragmentation of rural development programs, and the 
overlap or duplication across programs. Additional testimony by 
witnesses representing counties, municipalities, and non-profit 
rural development organizations cited both the confusing number 
of programs and the burden of applying for assistance as a 
major impediment to accessing rural development funding at 
USDA. The Committee agrees with a number of the GAO's 
conclusions and the concerns of municipal organizations. The 
Committee reported bill addresses these concerns by eliminating 
thirteen programs, requiring the Secretary to collect 
information on the success of loans and grants over time, and 
requiring the Secretary to create simplified applications.
    GAO also highlighted a need for measuring the effectiveness 
of rural development programs. Committee passed bill addresses 
this need by requiring the Secretary to collect data regarding 
economic activity created through the loans and grants provided 
to rural communities. The Committee expects these efforts will 
create a harmonized baseline of information for effective use 
by USDA and Congress. It is the intent of the Committee to 
integrate this collected information with program changes and 
rulemaking.
    In testimony reviewing rural development programs in 
advance of formulating the Committee reported bill, 
stakeholders spoke to the importance of regional collaboration 
to create effective outcomes. The Committee recognizes that the 
Secretary can coordinate the efforts of USDA with other Federal 
agencies, and expects the Secretary to ensure rural development 
funds are carefully targeted for the greatest impact possible. 
The Committee reported bill also addresses regional 
collaboration through the reauthorization of the Delta Regional 
Authority, the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority, and 
the State Rural Development Councils.
    Testimony presented to review broadband programs clearly 
indicated a need for transparency through the application 
process for incumbent providers to respond appropriately to 
applications for new funding in their service territory. The 
Committee reported bill addresses this need by authorizing the 
Secretary to establish a process by which incumbent providers 
may submit comments.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of ``Main Street'' 
businesses to rural communities, and that the recent economic 
downturn has reduced the affordability of credit in rural 
areas, putting considerable strain on these small businesses. 
The Committee reported bill addresses this issue through 
changes to the Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Program intended 
to ensure working capital is an eligible use of funds. The 
Committee reported bill also provides flexibility for the 
Secretary to consider accounts receivable for the purposes of 
collateral to allow lenders to help meet the capital needs of 
small businesses in rural areas. The Committee encourages USDA 
to examine additional ways to guarantee lending to small brick-
and-mortar, community-owned businesses, such as an increased 
loan guarantee percentage for smaller loans, a streamlined 
process for making B&I loans of less than $250,000, and making 
operating lines of credit eligible as a program use. 
Additionally, the Committee encourages USDA to better 
coordinate with the Small Business Administration on outreach 
related to the B&I loan guarantee program to rural lenders.
    The Committee recognizes that with over $3 billion in 
pending applications for water and wastewater projects 
throughout rural America, reauthorization of water 
infrastructure programs is a vital component to rural economic 
development. Access to water systems promotes the health of 
rural communities and attracts businesses to invest in 
communities which are well supported by critical 
infrastructure. To address the current backlog, the Committee 
passed bill directs USDA to maximize the use of guarantees 
through private or cooperative lenders for projects in larger 
communities. The Committee expects these provisions to leverage 
available funds to serve more communities than might otherwise 
be served solely through direct loans.

          Title VII--Research, Extension, and Related Matters


Option to determine status

    The Committee recognizes that for institutions with degree 
programs in the agricultural sciences that qualify as a 
Hispanic Serving Institution under the Higher Education Act of 
1965, the subsequent automatic qualification as a Hispanic 
Serving Agricultural College or University then precludes that 
institution from qualification as a Non-Land-Grant College of 
Agriculture. The Committee does not take a position on how an 
institution should be designated, but has provided that 
Hispanic Serving Institutions with degree programs in the 
agricultural sciences may make a one-time choice which 
designation they wish to be considered under for purposes of 
access to program funding eligibility.

National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics 
        Advisory Board

    The National Agricultural Research, Education, Extension, 
and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) was created in 1996. 
The NAREEEAB replaced an existing user's advisory board and 
consolidated the functions of numerous other boards, task 
forces and councils. This advisory board has since served as 
the principal advisory mechanism to the Secretary, Under 
Secretary, agency administrators and the Congress on all 
aspects of the Research, Education and Economics (REE) mission 
area.
    In creating the NAREEEAB, the Congress intended for this 
board to recommend policies, identify short and long term 
national priorities for REE programs, and to evaluate program 
results and effectiveness among other assigned duties. The 
Congress has since added multiple duties and consultative 
functions to the Board's mandate. In doing so, the Committee is 
aware that the work load and learning curve of the volunteer 
members is high. It has become apparent to the Committee that 
it can take several years for new board members to become 
comfortable not only with the diverse subject matter under 
review, but likewise the law and administrative functions they 
are required to evaluate. While the statute defines the length 
of a Board member's individual term, the Congress has never 
included nor intended for board members to be subject to a 
limit on the number of terms they can serve. Unfortunately, the 
Committee has become aware that USDA has instituted an 
arbitrary term limit policy on Board members that inhibits the 
individual members and the overall Board's effectiveness. The 
Committee strongly encourages the Secretary to reverse this 
policy.
    Among the duties of the Board previously assigned was the 
responsibility to review and make recommendations on procedures 
for merit review of competitive grant proposals. The Committee 
has become aware that the USDA initially requested comments of 
the NAREEEAB following enactment of the merit review 
requirement in 1998 but has never revisited the question. The 
Committee is concerned that the USDA has misunderstood the 
legal mandate for merit review and has included clarification 
that for purposes of this review, merit is to be equated with 
the relevancy of the research or extension project to the 
community it is meant to serve. The Committee envisions that 
the process of evaluating a grant application would start with 
scientific peer review, and those applications deemed to be of 
sufficient scientific quality would then be reviewed and 
awarded on the basis of merit and relevancy. The Committee has 
further required that the NAREEEAB consult with industry 
stakeholders in developing their guidance and that the USDA 
consult on an ongoing basis with the NAREEEAB to ensure that 
these reviews are functioning as intended.
    The Committee recognizes the interest in growing 
agricultural commodities in less traditional production areas. 
As such, the Committee encourages the Secretary in consultation 
with the NAREEEAB, in both the intramural research carried out 
by the Agricultural Research Service and in the competitive 
grants programs carried out through AFRI and other authorities, 
to carry out and fund research into the unique situations 
facing producers in urban areas. These unique situations may 
include reclaiming land previously used for industrial purposes 
or neglected residential areas, and addressing needs such as 
the remediation of soils to make them capable of producing 
agricultural commodities for human consumption.

Veterinary services grant program

    Our veterinary workforce is responsible for ensuring that 
the food we eat is safe, but they are facing a critical 
shortage in the public, private, industrial and academic 
sectors, and the problem is growing. Our Nation's large-animal 
vets are truly on the front lines of food safety, public 
health, animal health and national security. The demand for 
large-animal veterinarians is increasing, and lack of these 
specialists in many areas of the country will continue to put 
our agricultural economy and the safety of our food supply at 
risk.
    Since the fall of 2000, the Committee on Agriculture has 
worked on ways of resolving the serious veterinary shortage 
problem confronting many rural communities. With the passage of 
the National Veterinary Medical Service Act in December of 
2003, a program was finally authorized to incentivize large 
animal veterinarians to practice in communities that USDA 
designated as veterinarian shortage areas. With this program in 
place, large animal veterinarians are able to apply on a 
competitive basis for educational loan repayment assistance in 
exchange for their commitment to practice in shortage areas.
    To the extent that the loan program is successful, it's 
important to consider that this was just the first step. While 
this assistance will be very helpful in attracting 
veterinarians to these communities, there remain gaps in 
veterinarian recruitment, attracting and training technical 
support staff, and simply meeting the long-term costs of 
operating veterinarian practices in these communities.
    The Veterinarian Services Investment Act is meant to 
address these secondary needs and is designed to complement the 
loan repayment program to help large animal veterinarians 
become established in these rural communities.
    This bill recognizes and addresses a real problem in rural 
America. This legislation will authorize grants to address 
workforce shortages based on the needs of underserved areas. 
For example, grants could be used to recruit veterinarians and 
veterinary technicians in shortage areas and communities. It 
could add veterinarians expanding and establishing practices in 
high-need areas. It could establish mobile portable clinics and 
televet services and establish education programs, including 
continuing education, distance education, and factor 
recruitment in veterinary science.

Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education

    The Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science 
and Technology Fellowship Program (Borlaug Fellowship Program) 
helps developing countries strengthen agricultural practices by 
providing scientific training and collaborative research 
opportunities to visiting researchers, policymakers, and 
university faculty. The Borlaug Fellowship Program has provided 
over 500 fellowships for agricultural professional from 64 
developing countries worldwide. Currently, Fellowships can run 
from six to twelve weeks depending on research topic and 
funding availability. The Committee is concerned that the 
length of the fellowships currently offered may be too brief in 
term in some instances to provide real training and research 
opportunities. The Committee understands that a brief short 
term fellowship is an effective method to provide certain 
specific training and research opportunities. However, the 
Committee would urge the Secretary to modify the implementation 
of the program to also provide longer term training and 
collaborative research opportunities to address those instances 
where a long term fellowship would allow greater in depth 
training and research.

Extension research

    The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-
formal educational network. Each state, territory, and the 
District of Columbia has an office at its land-grant 
universities and a network of local or regional offices which 
are staffed by experts who provide practical, research-based 
education to agricultural producers, small business owners, 
youth, consumers, and others in rural and urban communities. 
The Committee encourages the Secretary to ensure that 
Cooperative Extension is effectively utilized to deliver the 
educational component of USDA programs. The Secretary is also 
encouraged to engage in discussions with other federal 
departments and agencies to consider ways to use the 
Cooperative Extension to deliver education for other federal 
programs as practicable.

Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements

    The Committee is concerned about the increasing use of 
assessments, fees, and higher indirect costs rates imposed on 
its university partners by the Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS). These university partners play a major role in achieving 
ARS research priorities and objectives. In a time of scarce 
budgetary resources, ARS must ensure limited research dollars 
are maximized and administrative costs are reduced to the 
fullest extent possible. In recent years, ARS has imposed a 
variety of administrative assessments on its university 
partners, effectively reducing funds intended for important 
research projects. The Committee expects ARS to operate within 
historical administrative cost parameters, namely by imposing a 
administrative cost cap not exceeding four percent. All 
administrative assessments, fees, dues, or charges, of any 
type, must be included within this overall administrative cost 
cap. ARS must administer its programs more efficiently to 
ensure valuable research funds are maximized so it may continue 
to maintain a robust agricultural research enterprise. The 
Committee encourages ARS to continue university research 
partnerships to ensure our nation's premier educational and 
clinical institutions play a major role in achieving ARS and 
congressional research objectives.

Matching funds requirement

    The use of matching funds has proven to be an effective 
tool in leveraging limited Federal resources with commitments 
from those benefitting from agricultural research and 
extension. Unfortunately, the application of these policies by 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been arbitrary 
and inconsistent.
    Efforts by the Committee to develop a comprehensive policy 
on research and extension matching funds originated during the 
development of the 2008 farm bill. At the time, it was noted 
that as research programs have been authorized or modified, the 
incorporation of matching requirements was done in a subjective 
manner. An effort was initiated during the 2008 farm bill 
conference to harmonize the matching requirements, but due to 
the complexity of the task and time constraints, the effort was 
dropped with the understanding that the Committees and USDA 
would undertake a stakeholder process designed to provide 
recommendations in advance of the 2012 farm bill. Unfortunately 
that process never materialized after the 2008 bill.
    The House Agriculture Committee has maintained an interest 
in engaging stakeholders in a discussion about how to harmonize 
these policies to improve consistency and transparency in their 
application. Several requests have been made for suggestions on 
how best to approach this issue and the consensus seemed to be 
that the Committee should propose a discussion draft. The 
language included in Committee legislation was the result of 
technical assistance received by the USDA and is meant to begin 
this discussion.
    As part of the discussion that has already commenced, it is 
important to highlight what the provision does, as well as what 
it does not do.
    The provision, once implemented would apply to competitive 
grants for extension or applied agricultural research. These 
grants would be subject to a 100 percent match of cash or in-
kind support from any other source, but only if the grant is 
specific to a state or commodity. The Secretary would have the 
authority to waive the matching requirement if the grant is 
deemed to be a national priority using the process established 
for priority setting conducted as part of the statutory mandate 
of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and 
Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB). The use of the NAREEEAB in 
this way is not without precedent. Under the Organic Food 
Production Act, the authority of the Secretary to create a 
National List of approved and prohibited substances that shall 
be included in the standards for organic production and 
handling is limited to the advice of the National Organic 
Standards Board.
    Current matching fund policies, such as that under the 
Agricultural and Food Research Initiative impose a requirement 
of a non-Federal match to commodity specific grants that are 
not of national scope, but under a plain reading of the law 
would apply to regional collaborative grants involving multiple 
States.
    It is the intent of the Committee that the match policy 
allow for cash or support from ``any'' other source, including 
other federal funds. However, we are aware that under this 
statutory language such funds would have to be consistent with 
the purpose of both grants. As stated above, this language is 
meant to begin discussions on important issues surrounding a 
universal match policy.
    The Committee is aware of both the difficulty in meeting 
these requirements and the inconsistency in which they are 
applied and has attempted to develop a policy that is 
reasonable, transparent and consistently applied across the 
universe of USDA competitive agricultural research and 
extension grant programs.

Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System

    The Committee is aware that advanced weather forecasts 
using Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting 
(TAMDAR) systems have been used by the Federal Aviation 
Administration, the U.S. Weather Service, and the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for over seven years. 
The Committee supports advanced forecasting employing TAMDAR in 
that it enhances U.S. and allied meteorological forecasting 
systems, thus providing improved reliability and situational 
awareness, which is particularly useful in agricultural 
forecasts. The Committee therefore encourages continued use of 
this system by the Department of Agriculture.

Regional Centers of Excellence

    With limited resources to invest in critical programs, the 
Committee has considered multiple options by which Federal 
funds can be leveraged to improve overall program 
effectiveness. With the recognition that multiple institutions 
and organizations participate in projects of similar interest, 
the Committee has sought to incentivize the formation of formal 
partnerships and other organizational structures as Regional 
Centers of Excellence. The Committee reported bill directs that 
such centers that meet established criteria be granted priority 
in receipt of competitive research and extension grants.
    The Committee would recommend USDA to promulgate 
regulations implementing section 1673 in accordance with 
appropriate regulatory procedures in order to allow interested 
stakeholders to gain a firm understanding of USDA's 
implementation of the provision.

Specialty Crop Research Initiative

    The Committee is aware of concerns that the required merit 
review process under the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and 
other competitive grants programs is not functioning as 
intended. Congress established the merit review requirement to 
ensure that grant applications that are of sufficient 
scientific quality as determined through a process of peer 
review shall then be evaluated and final awards be made based 
on the merit and relevancy of the grant request with respect to 
the constituency being served. In carrying out the merit and 
relevancy review process under the Specialty Crop Research 
Initiative, the Committee expects that the review and ranking 
for impact to be conducted by a panel of specialty crop 
industry representatives for the specific specialty crop. The 
Committee further encourages the Secretary to prioritize 
competitive grants to address imminent threats which may impact 
the future of specialty crop production in this country.

Competitive, Special, and facilities Research Grant Act

    The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is the 
premier competitive research and extension grants program 
within the USDA. The AFRI program was established in 2008 as a 
successor program to the National Research Initiative 
Competitive Grants Program and the Initiative for Future 
Agriculture and Food Systems. The statutory priorities for the 
AFRI program are purposefully broad. In developing these 
priorities, the Congress was aware that as science evolves, a 
balance needed to be achieved between the need for flexibility 
to respond to new and emerging threats and opportunities, and 
the need for transparency and accountability in the expenditure 
of taxpayer funds.
    Concerns are periodically raised regarding the annual 
allocations among the various statutory programmatic priorities 
and sub priorities. The Committee was aware of these 
qualitative concerns but lacked quantitative information on 
which to base any policy modifications. As a continuation of 
the programmatic audit carried out by the Committee in 
preparation for developing the FARRM Act, the Committee 
requested USDA provide a listing of recent awards under the 
AFRI program sorted according the corresponding statutory 
priorities and sub priorities. USDA initially responded to the 
Committee that it had no means by which to track grants in 
relationship to the statutory authority upon which they are 
awarded. The Committee ultimately received a partial response 
to the oversight request after a delay of more than 3 months, 
but only days prior to consideration of the FARRM Act. The data 
reveal a dramatic shift in awards funding away from traditional 
areas of production agriculture. For instance, awards for 
research in plant systems dropped from 38.7% of available funds 
in fiscal year 2007, the final full year under of the 
predecessor programs, to 18.4% in 2011. Awards for research in 
animal systems fell from 22.4% to 9.4% over the same time 
period.
    The Committee is concerned that the allocation of research 
and extension awards under the AFRI program is inconsistent 
with our national priorities. This same concern was raised by 
the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural 
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies 
in their report for the fiscal year 2012 appropriations when 
the subcommittee stated that ``over the past few years, 
numerous reports from Federal agencies and private 
philanthropic and scientific organizations have highlighted the 
need for the United States to invest in agricultural research, 
particularly to ensure productivity growth and to develop and 
refine sound natural resources management practices for U.S. 
farmers and ranchers and others around the world. In light of 
this advice and the nation's serious budget deficit and debt 
problems, the agency should be focusing its research efforts on 
only the highest priority, scientifically merited research. 
While there are many interesting research topics and a 
multitude of issues that could be researched, the Committee 
expects the agency to focus on its core mission of agricultural 
research by setting a very high standard for research funded by 
the agency and requiring a rigorous peer review.''
    The Committee agrees with the concerns raised by the 
Appropriations Subcommittee and has included language related 
to the President's annual budget submission to both improve the 
transparency and the accountability for the funding 
administered by the USDA under AFRI and other competitive 
agricultural research and extension grants programs.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of basic animal 
health research to support the farmed cervidae industry, and as 
such, supports research focusing on the development of viable 
strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of 
infectious, parasitic and toxic diseases of farmed deer and the 
mapping of the deer genome.
    The Committee recognizes the growing importance of and need 
for comprehensive and practical scientific and economic 
assessments of agricultural practices and technologies intended 
to improve agriculture's water quality and quantity 
performance. This is particularly the case as states work with 
producers on high priority or high profile water quality 
challenges. Such scientific and economic assessments are needed 
for the major crop producing regions of the country, taking 
into account soils, climate, crops grown, and the technologies 
and agricultural practices in use. The goal of such assessments 
should be to develop information and continue to build on the 
tools already in place. The assessments should continue to 
develop new and innovative approaches to help producers and 
policy makers in states understand what is affordable, 
achievable and sustainable for producers. The assessment can 
then he used to consider how different water quality policy 
choices relate to other important societal objectives involving 
agriculture. The Committee encourages the Secretary to initiate 
a multi-year effort to help the states and USDA continue to 
develop this base of science and knowledge through the funding 
of proposals from qualified institutions capable of supporting 
interdisciplinary teams of researchers and experts to carry out 
such efforts.
    The Committee recognizes the success of the Conservation 
Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) and the cross collaborative 
approach between multiple agencies at USDA, and strongly 
encourages USDA to continue and expand on those efforts. The 
Committee does not intend for this provision to be a 
replacement for or duplication of CEAP, but rather as a source 
of sound, complementary economic and technical information that 
could be used in conjunction with CEAP to create more accurate 
assessments of the effects of prospective conservation measures 
on agricultural land.
    The Committee recognizes that maintaining and enhancing 
wild rice, a uniquely American specialty crop, depends on 
continued use of traditional breeding methods, along with the 
application of new genetic tools to make conventional breeding 
more efficient. Genetic analysis of shattering, disease 
resistance, reduced plant height, and other traits require not 
only development of new genetic markers for wild rice, but also 
new methods for gathering accurate phenotypic information on 
the plants. The use of these improved genetic resources in the 
future depends on their continued availability through reliable 
seed storage methods. Some research has been done on 
maintaining viability of stored seeds, but these need to be 
translated into reliable and useful methods at the local level 
to ensure breeding progress.
    The Committee would hope that the Secretary would consider 
the following research objectives regarding wild rice genetic 
resources: preserving and enhancing wild rice breeding lines 
for testing and release as future varieties; developing 
phenotyping methods and genotypic markers for various traits; 
using genotypic and phenotypic information to identify superior 
genetic resources for breeding and to develop more efficient 
breeding methods; evaluating and maintaining the genetic 
distinctiveness of wild rice breeding lines and populations; 
and developing improved methods for short- and medium-term 
storage of wild rice breeding lines and populations.

Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978

    The National Association of University Forest Resources 
Programs (NAUFRP), (formerly the National Association of 
Professional Forestry Schools and Colleges) represents 69 of 
our nation's universities and their respective scientists, 
educators and extension specialists. NAUFRP's purpose is to 
advance the health, productivity, and sustainability of 
America's forests by providing university-based natural 
resource education, research, science, extension and 
international programs. The Committee would encourage USDA to 
engage in discussions with NAUFRP to ensure that their 
proposals for ecosystem services, invasive species management, 
and innovative biobased products are appropriately addressed.

Budget submission and funding

    The Committee is aware of the need for the statutory 
priorities for the various agricultural research, education and 
extension programs to be written with sufficient flexibility so 
that the Administrators of the USDA research agencies can 
respond quickly and efficiently to emerging problems and 
opportunities. The Committee is equally cognizant of the need 
for taxpayer funds to be used in a transparent and accountable 
manner.
    Recent changes that have occurred in Congressional 
appropriations procedures have empowered USDA bureaucrats to 
direct spending seemingly without regard to statutory 
priorities. Coupling the extraordinary spending discretion 
granted to the agencies with a lack of transparency relating to 
the priority setting process exposes these critical programs to 
allegations of waste, fraud and abuse.
    As a follow up to a series of programmatic audits conducted 
by the Committee, a request was submitted for the Department to 
provide a listing of grants awarded by the USDA under one 
principal competitive grants program sorted according to the 
statutory priorities for which the funding was appropriated. 
The Department was unable to provide this information for more 
than 3 months due to what was at the time a lack of ability by 
the Department to track program funding according to the 
authorized priorities.
    A review of the data ultimately provided by the Department 
demonstrates a significant reduction in funding provided for 
research related to core production agricultural programs. The 
Committee reported bill does not significantly alter the 
priorities for the various competitive research and extension 
programs. Nor does the Committee draft adopt specific across 
the board set asides. In order to increase the ability of 
Congress to oversee funding allocations, the Committee reported 
bill instead creates a new requirement on the Secretary to 
provide transparency and accountability with regard to the 
research, extension and education budget. It is the intent of 
the Committee that USDA provide increasingly detailed spending 
plans to Congress in advance of the development of annual 
appropriations measures so that the legislature and interested 
constituencies can weigh the merits of these allocations 
against evolving priorities, and as a representative body the 
Congress can approve or disapprove of the proposed allocations.
    Working cooperatively between the branches and fully 
involving interested stakeholders in the priority setting 
process will likely result in better understanding of the need 
and benefits of investment in agricultural research, extension 
and education programs.

Sun Grant program

    The Committee reported bill directs the Secretary to 
utilize and leverage the investment, resources and capacities 
of the current regional Sun Grant Program Centers and Sub-
center to continue their leadership and management of the 
regional Sun Grant competitive grants program.

                          Title VIII--Forestry

    The Committee believes that healthy national, state, and 
private forests should be a high priority for the Department. 
Healthy forests are an important component of helping sustain 
fire-resistant communities and promoting economic health across 
rural America. The Committee reported bill reflects the 
priorities of the Committee by providing the Forest Service the 
tools necessary to improve forest management over the course of 
the bill.

Forest Service decision making process

    The Committee reported bill includes language that 
clarifies that the Forest Service does not need to engage in a 
notice, comment, and appeal process for routine actions. This 
language came as a result of a federal court decision in March 
2012 that the agency must engage in this process for 
noncontroversial actions such as planting trees after wildfire, 
trail maintenance, or one-time events such as races. The 
Committee believes this is a burdensome requirement for the 
Forest Service when no other federal agency is required to 
engage in a similar process. The Committee is also concerned 
that this requirement will have an adverse impact on rural 
economies by virtue of restricting the number of revenue-
generating activities that may occur on National Forest lands.

Stewardship Contracting

    The Committee provided the Forest Service with a four-year 
extension of authority to conduct Stewardship contracting. This 
approach to land management has proved effective nationwide 
since it was first authorized in 1999 and extended in 2003. 
Stewardship contracting allows the Forest Service to conduct 
important forest restoration work by allowing the value of wood 
removed to help offset the cost of needed restoration 
treatments, like forest thinning, introduction of prescribed 
fire, and habitat improvements for a variety of species. It is 
important to note that Stewardship contracting is not intended 
to replace the existing timber sale contract. Where there are 
robust wood markets, the Forest Service can frequently achieve 
its forest restoration and habitat goals simply by offering 
carefully designed timber sales. The Committee asks the Chief 
to work with purchasers of Forest Service timber to address 
concerns they have raised about methods of selecting the 
winning bidders on Stewardship contracts, and to provide 
feedback to losing bidders to help increase their understanding 
of the process to become more effective in the future. The 
Committee asks the Chief to include liability limitations for 
operations fires in all types of Stewardship Contracts and 
Stewardship Agreements. These liability limitations should be 
substantially similar to the protections in existing timber 
sale contracts.

Pine Bark Beetle

    The outbreak of the pine bark beetle afflicting states 
across the nation is a great concern to the Committee. To date, 
an estimated 41 million acres have been affected, creating 
potentially hazardous fuel loads in several western states. The 
Committee reported bill includes provisions to provide the 
Forest Service with increased flexibility to address this issue 
and work with partners to mitigate the potential damage. The 
Committee wishes to clarify that the Secretary has the 
authority to designate critical areas at any point beyond the 
initial 60-day deadline specified in Sec. 8302. In reviewing 
the threat maps for designation of possible critical areas, the 
Secretary has the authority to treat those areas that are not 
immediately threatened by a disease outbreak in order to reduce 
the threat of future outbreak.

Forest Inventory and Analysis

    The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is the 
nation's only comprehensive forest inventory system for 
assessing the health and sustainability of the nation's forests 
across all ownerships. FIA provides essential data related to 
forest species composition, forest growth rates, and forest 
health data and is the baseline inventory estimate used in the 
State-wide Assessments and Strategies for Forest Resources. The 
program provides unbiased information that has immediate 
utility to foresters, landowners and many other users by 
serving as the basis for monitoring trends in wildlife habitat, 
wildfire risk, insect and disease threats, predicting spread of 
invasive species and for responding to contemporary forest 
issues such as estimating sustainable woody biomass supplies 
for renewable energy production, forest carbon inventories, and 
determining the timber supply available to support local mills 
and local jobs. The Committee recognizes the critical 
importance of the FIA program and directs the Forest Service to 
place increased emphasis within the agency's Research and 
Development program to implement the strategic plan called for 
in Sec. 8401.

Forest Service Retired Employees

    The Committee is concerned about the increasing number of 
retired Forest Service employees in recent years. Section 8402 
included language to allow the Forest Service to hire retired 
employees under the Agriculture Conservation Experienced 
Services (ACES) program. The Forest Service will continue to 
see a large number of retirements in the comings years. 
Allowing the Forest Service to participate in the ACES program 
allows the agency to retain the institutional knowledge 
acquired through the years by these senior employees.

                            Title IX--Energy

    The Committee continued the efforts of the 2002 and 2008 
Farm Bills in drafting the energy title of the Committee 
reported bill. The Committee recognized rural America's 
important role in contributing to America's energy needs. The 
Committee focus in drafting the energy title was to continue to 
facilitate the establishment of new types of renewable energy 
feedstocks across rural America and to assist agriculture 
producers and rural small business to become more energy 
efficient.
    With the exception of the Flexible Feedstock program, the 
programs under the energy title did not have a budget baseline 
beyond the expiration of the 2008 Farm Bill. Given the 
difficult budgetary decisions already affecting the drafting of 
a new bill, the Committee did not include mandatory funding for 
programs in the energy title. The Committee chose to keep the 
framework for renewable energy in place by reauthorizing 
several programs with discretionary funding and modifications 
to the underlying statutory authority. Despite the lack of 
mandatory funding, the Committee expects to see significant 
progress in the development of advanced biofuel feedstocks over 
the course of the Farm Bill.

BioPreferred Program

    The Biobased Market Program is intended to stimulatethe 
production of new biobasedproducts and to energize 
emergingmarkets for those products. While the focus of the 
program is to promote new products and emerging markets, the 
program shall not create market disadvantages for certain 
biobased products relative to other biobased products. The 
Committee would hope that in its current rulemaking process, 
that mature markets for biobased products, including products 
made from forestry and cotton materials, are not put at a 
competitive disadvantage, particularly in comparison to 
products that may be imported into the United States. The 
Committee has heard concerns from a variety of sources within 
the forest products industry, including lumber producers, about 
their eligibility to participate in this program. And as such, 
the Committee reported bill amends the definition of a biobased 
product in order to clarify that forest products should be 
included in the Biopreferred program.

Rural Energy for America Program

    The Committee reported bill amends the definition of a 
``renewable energy system'' to clarify what is eligible for 
financial assistance under the Renewable Energy for America 
Program (REAP). The Department announced an initiative in 
October 2010 to assist in the installation of 10,000 blender 
pumps over a five year period. The intent of the program has 
been to promote energy efficiency and the production of 
renewable energy, rather than energy delivery. Therefore, 
blender pumps or other mechanisms to dispense fuel on a retail 
level are not a use of the program consistent with this 
purpose.
    The Committee reported bill also streamlines the 
application process for REAP to create a three-tiered 
application process. The Committee believes that due to the 
wide range of projects funded under the program, those 
producers seeking smaller amounts of assistance should not be 
required to submit the same volume of information as those 
seeking larger amounts.

Biomass Crop Assistance Program

    The Biomass Crop Assistance Program was reauthorized with 
modifications. The program as written in the 2008 Farm Bill was 
not implemented in a manner consistent with the Committee's 
vision. Initial estimates of the program projected spending of 
$70 million on the program over the course of the Farm Bill. 
However, approximately $924 million has been spent on the 
program through the end of FY 11. After issuance of the final 
rule in October 2010, the Committee believes the program is now 
being run in a manner consistent with Congressional intent. To 
ensure that the purpose of the program continued to be carried 
out, the Committee removed the authorization of payments for 
the collection, harvesting, storage, and transportation of 
eligible materials to a biomass conversion facility. The 
Committee intends that the purpose should be on the 
establishment of new crops, rather than funding existing crops.

                         Title X--Horticulture


Horticulture

    Specialty crops--fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery 
plants--account for almost half of the domestic crop value in 
the United States.
    The Committee believes that the specialty crop industry can 
be best served through Federal and State efforts that help 
producers increase their respective competitive positions 
through marketing, promotion, plant pest and disease pressures, 
and research programs. The FARRM Act builds upon the popular 
and successful programs established in the 2008 Farm Bill with 
this notion in mind. Expanding export markets and increasing 
access to locally produced products is a priority in the FARRM 
Act.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

    The bill makes several changes to the Specialty Crop Block 
Grant program, which has been successful in enhancing the 
competitiveness of specialty crops by promoting increased 
consumption of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, fostering local 
and regional economic development, and enhancing research on 
specialty crops. The FARRM Act increases funding for the 
Specialty Crop Block Grant program to $70,000,000 for each 
fiscal year. The Committee also adjusts the grant allocation 
formula in a manner that balances the value of specialty crops 
with the number of acres devoted to specialty crop production 
within states. The Committee directs both USDA and the states 
to limit the administrative funds at 3 and 8 percent 
respectively to capitalize on the funds available to growers.
    The Committee recognizes the difficulty in coordinating and 
funding multi-state projects within the block grant program, 
and the Committee expects the USDA to issue guidance and work 
with states in making grants available for such projects. These 
multi-state projects may include food safety, research, plant 
pest and disease, and crop specific projects. These projects 
have the ability to link growers across state lines and promote 
much needed collaborative research. In the Secretary's 
guidance, effective multi-state collaborative research should 
not limit needed equipment and facilities if it is found they 
are essential to research advancements. Furthermore, multi-
state projects may encourage the use of farm financial 
benchmarking, which can be used as a tool to provide financial 
training, management training, risk management training, and 
diversification and marketing strategies for all producers.

Plant Pest and Disease

    To ensure the continued availability of funding for the 
important work of the National Clean Plant Network, the 
Committee has combined this program with the Pest and Disease 
program and increased baseline funding for both. The Committee 
expects that annual funding for the important work of the 
National Clean Plant Network will not be less than the level 
provided in FY2012 and may be provided to the Network without 
regard to the process for distributing funds to address the 
other provisions of Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act.
    The Committee recognizes that Disease Management and 
Disaster Prevention Programs as previously authorized in the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 includes imminent 
pressing and persistent threats from pests and disease, such as 
Citrus Greening, to agriculture production.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of the Federal 
government, specifically the USDA, developing and maintaining 
the highest technological capability of identifying plant pests 
and invasive species. Further, the Committee believes that the 
advanced technological capabilities acquired through 
development of plant pest and invasive species detection 
technologies should facilitate the development of a 
coordinated, interagency response plan for the federal 
government to effectively mitigate plant pests and invasive 
species. The Committee encourages USDA to take the appropriate 
steps to facilitate information and technology sharing with 
other appropriate agencies of the Federal government involved 
in invasive species management such as Department of the 
Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard and 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Farmers Markets

    The Committee recognizes the growing interest among 
producers and consumers to provide and purchase locally-grown 
agricultural products. The FARRM Act expands the Farmers Market 
Promotion Program to include food system infrastructure and 
increases funding for competitive grants to expand farmers 
markets and other direct-to-consumer market opportunities.

Olive Oil Marketing Order

    The Committee has taken steps to permit the establishment 
of a marketing order for domestically produced olive oil. 
Should this marketing order be established, the Committee 
expects USDA, in conjunction with the U.S. Trade 
Representative's office, to ensure the marketing order is 
implemented in a manner that will not cause undue trade 
disruption.

Honey Standard of Identity

    The Committee is concerned with the Food and Drug 
Administration's denial of the honey industry's 2006 citizen's 
petition calling for a federal standard of identity for honey. 
Consequently, the Committee directs USDA to submit a report to 
the Commissioner of the FDA on the importance of establishing 
such a standard. The Committee recognizes that inconsistent 
standards can cause confusion in the market place and legal 
challenges. The Committee instructs the USDA to take into 
consideration the honey industry's petition filed with the Food 
and Drug Administration.

Organics

    Organic agriculture and its products continue to occupy a 
prominent place in the minds of American consumers. Recent 
surveys show that seventy-eight percent of U.S. families say 
they choose organic food, up from seventy three percent in 
2009. Further, seventy-two percent of survey respondents say 
they are familiar with the USDA organic seal and its meaning.
    Consumer confidence in the integrity of USDA National 
Organic Program (NOP) is fundamental to the continued growth of 
the organic sector. An essential element of strong consumer 
confidence is the ability of the NOP to efficiently administer 
enforcement actions against producers and handlers who violate 
NOP regulations.
    The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act 
strengthens the ability of the NOP to bring enforcement actions 
against violators of the NOP regulations by permitting the 
Secretary to administer oaths, affirmations, subpoena witness, 
compel their attendance, take evidence and require the 
production of records during the course of an NOP 
investigation. The Act also ensures due process is afforded to 
organic producers and handlers by affirming the right to 
judicial review of USDA orders suspending organic 
certification.

Importance of Biotechnology

    Since its introduction in the late 1990's Agricultural 
biotechnology has been embraced by American farmers with 94% of 
soybeans, 88% of corn and 90% of cotton grown in the U.S. 
through varieties improved by modern biotechnology.
    Currently, nearly two billion people in our global 
community are malnourished, and the need to sustain a rapidly 
growing global population places an imperative on finding ways 
to meet daily life needs in an environmentally sustainable way. 
According to the U.S. State Department, it will be necessary to 
produce as much food in the next 50 years as was produced 
during the previous 10,000 years combined. Science and 
innovation in agriculture will be required to produce this 
amount of food, feed and fiber in an environmentally 
sustainable way. U.S. consumers must be assured of the 
availability of an adequate, wholesome and economical food 
supply.
    The wide spread adoption of agricultural biotechnology has 
resulted in several environmental improvements. Because of no-
till and reduced-till practices associated with the use of 
biotechnology crops, soil quality and carbon storage has 
improved, on-farm fuel use has declined, and greenhouse gas 
emissions have been reduced. In 2009, the aggregate 
environmental effect of these benefits was equivalent to 
removing of 17.7 billion kg of carbon dioxide from the 
atmosphere or removing 7.8 million cars from the road for one 
year.

Legal Challenges

    The Committee is aware that many industry and academic 
experts agree that frivolous legal challenges have made the 
U.S. regulatory process for agricultural biotechnology products 
an impediment to the timely review and commercialization of 
valuable new products. While administrative reforms have been 
introduced at USDA in an effort to produce decisions better 
able to withstand procedural challenges in federal court, the 
Committee is concerned that expenditure of the limited 
resources available to the USDA should be based on the 
prioritization of risk, not responding to questionable 
procedural claims. The numerous oversight activities carried 
out by the Committee have all led to the conclusion that 
targeted legislation is needed to ensure advances in modern 
agriculture will be available in the future.
    Opponents of technology filing lawsuits once agricultural 
biotechnology products are approved by USDA, claim that the 
Department experts have not conducted proper environmental 
analyses despite the rigorous environmental reviews conducted 
by USDA and the lack of evidence that previously approved crops 
are harmful to health or the environment. Lawsuits dramatically 
slow USDA's review of new products and cost the Department 
millions of dollars each year, slows down the entire process 
and stigmatizes the technology without any scientific basis. 
The delay in regulatory approvals creates uncertainty for 
farmers, researchers and companies.

Implications

    Conducting extensive reviews of products with a history of 
safe use diverts scarce resources from higher priority 
applications. When researchers are prohibited from studying new 
technologies because of costs associated with regulation, it 
reduces farmer choice and threatens discoveries of scientific 
breakthroughs that could help feed a rapidly growing world 
population.
    Other countries recognize the value of efficient 
agricultural biotechnology regulation. Brazil, for example, has 
accelerated its regulatory processes while continuing to 
rigorously evaluate environmental safety concerns. In a six-
year period beginning with 2005, Brazil completed the review of 
28 biotech crops and the USDA completed its review of 15. The 
average time to review a product in Brazil is 27 months 
compared to the average time in the U.S. of 38.4 months (as of 
2010). According to USDA, between 1992 and 1999, USDA, on 
average, took 178 days to complete a review of a biotech crop. 
Currently, that process takes two to five years. The Committee 
has acted to ensure that U.S. farmers and businesses are not at 
a competitive disadvantage when it comes to our foreign trading 
partners. Such a disadvantage makes it more difficult for the 
U.S. to grow a 21st Century bio-economy.

Legislation to Address Current Regulatory Review Process

    The Committee has taken note of the enormous challenges 
confronting the current USDA review process for innovative new 
agricultural products and the serious hardships that prolonged 
litigation has had on growers and others who rely on the review 
to be efficient, transparent and science-based. The FARRM Act 
provisions are intended to address those challenges by 
consolidating the Secretary's review of potential adverse 
environmental effects and potential plant pest risk under one 
statute, the Plant Protection Act, with clearly defined time 
tables.
    The Committee is likewise aware of potential procedural 
challenges brought against the USDA related to the issuance of 
confined field test permits for new and novel traits that meet 
well defined regulatory criteria. The Committee would like to 
reiterate that the purpose of confined field test permits 
authorized by the Secretary is to accumulate the information 
needed to properly assess potential environmental effects and 
plant pest risk at such time as a petition for nonregulated 
status is submitted for review by the Secretary.
    The Committee recognizes that the regulations that would be 
in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection currently 
provide USDA flexibility to forego environmental assessments 
under certain circumstances through the use of categorical 
exclusions. As noted in International Center for Technology 
Assessment v. Johanns (473 F.Supp.2d 9) (D.D.C. 2007), 
generally, APHIS's regulations require environmental assessment 
preparation for field trials (7 C.F.R. Sec. 372.5(b)(5)(i)). 
The regulations also set forth, however, a series of 
``categorically excluded actions'' that do not require the 
preparation of an EA or EIS. These excluded actions include 
``[p]ermitting, or acknowledgment of notifications for, 
confined field releases of genetically engineered organisms and 
products.'' It is the intent of the Committee to preserve that 
flexibility and apply this Act's environmental analysis 
requirements only in the instances where the Department has 
previously determined that an environmental assessment or an 
environmental impact statement had been required. The Secretary 
would be expected to tailor the level of detail in the 
environmental analysis to the scope and complexity of the 
action under review.
    The current environmental review process has proven to be 
very cumbersome. The Secretary must attempt to comply with a 
variety of different statutory requirements and regulatory 
procedures in order to address the likely environmental effects 
of actions taken under the Plant Protection Act. The amendment 
ensures that those environmental effects, including effects on 
threatened and endangered species, will be addressed in a 
consistent, timely manner under a single statutory mandate and 
set of procedures.
    The Committee also presumes that the current regulatory 
definition of ``organism'' would be used as the basis for any 
new rulemaking; however, we intend to give the Secretary 
flexibility in this matter.

Failure To Meet Time Period

    If the Secretary has failed to act on a petition within the 
requisite time period under paragraph (3), the Committee 
expects that, should the environmental analysis required under 
paragraph (1) not be completed on the date the organism is 
deemed not to be a plant pest by operation of law, the analysis 
will be completed within no more than 90 days after such date.

Background on Establishment of PRIA

    The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) is a 
landmark law enacted on January 23, 2004. Congress reauthorized 
PRIA (now known as ``PRIA 2'') for another five years on 
October 9, 2007. The law is intended to provide additional 
resources for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 
registration activities and more predictable service for 
pesticide registrants.
    PRIA created an entirely new paradigm for EPA to process 
applications for pesticide registrations and other related 
actions, including establishing specific timelines with 
corresponding fee schedules. Under PRIA 1, the Agency's Office 
of Pesticide Programs was required to process applications 
within timeframes specified for each of the 50 categories of 
registration actions. PRIA 1 also established specific fees for 
each of the 50 categories. Under PRIA 2, the number of 
categories increased to 140 and PRIA 3 would establish 189 
categories.
    PRIA legislation retained and increased the product 
maintenance fees that support reregistration and tolerance 
reassessment authorized under the Food Quality Protection Act. 
Pesticide registrants paid $110 million in maintenance fees 
during the authorization of PRIA (which expires in October 
2012) and registrants are scheduled to pay $139 million in 
maintenance fees for the five year period to be covered by the 
proposed ``PRIA 3.''
    PRIA established a prohibition against the collection of 
other registration fees (as distinct from registration service 
fees) authorized under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and 
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). PRIA also suspended the Agency's 
authority to collect tolerance fees which had been authorized 
by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Implications of Additional Fees Proposed by Administration

    Since 1989, various White House administrations have sought 
to reinstate old and prohibited fees and the current 
administration is no exception. In Fiscal Year 2013, industry 
registrants have already agreed to revenues ranging from $31 
million to $38 million for maintenance and registration service 
fees. For Fiscal Year 2013, the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) has proposed an additional $27 million in maintenance 
fees and an additional $24 million in registration service 
fees.
    If these proposed fees are enacted, the revenue would go to 
the U.S. Treasury where it would be unavailable to EPA's 
Pesticide Program. Moreover, enactment of these fees would 
require amendments to FIFRA and FFDCA, thus undermining the 
letter and intent of PRIA. Congress has repeatedly barred 
collection of increased fees proposed by OMB and rejected White 
House proposals to modify FIFRA and FFDCA accordingly. To enact 
pesticide fee increases beyond those authorized by PRIA would 
jeopardize the many gains in EPA's pesticide registration 
program to the many stakeholders that benefit from EPA's 
scientifically rigorous regulation of this industry.

EPA and USDA Coordination for Decisions on Plant Incorporated 
        Protectants (PIPs)

    Congress has previously directed the Administrator to 
expedite the review of reduced-risk pesticides, FIFRA Section 
3(c)(10), 7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(10). In reauthorizing PRIA, the 
Committee is troubled by apparent inefficiencies in the EPA's 
registration process for two categories of reduced-risk 
pesticides: plant-incorporated protectants, both individual and 
combined trait products, and herbicides used over the top of 
herbicide-tolerant crops, both individually and in combination. 
Both categories of pesticide products involve a parallel, 
albeit independent, review of the relevant plant products by 
the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act and implementing 
regulations.
    The Committee expects that the Administrator and the 
Secretary will coordinate and otherwise conduct their 
respective reviews in such a manner as not to cause any undue 
delay in action being taken on the particular application, 
petition or other request pending before them. Nor should any 
provision of PRIA be used to delay action by the Administrator 
on an application submitted under FIFRA without good cause 
shown.

Provisions Under ``PRIA 3''

    The following provisions are included in the third 
reauthorization of PRIA:
     extends the authority of EPA to collect 
maintenance fees until 2017;
     extends the prohibition on collection of other 
registration and tolerance fees to 2019 and 2017, respectively;
     establishes a small business cap;
     allocates funds for EPA to use for the enhancement 
and improvement of IT systems for the registration of 
pesticides and tracking of key information;
     amends the percentage of maintenance fees devoted 
to review of inerts and fast track amendments;
     increases registration service fees during the 
life of PRIA 3 by 2.5%;
     provides that the Administrator shall identify 
reforms in processing that would allow it to improve decision 
times beyond those provided for in the Act; and
     cites new schedule of decision review times.

``PRIA 3'' Tables

    The Committee includes in this report an Appendix that 
contains ``PRIA 3'' Tables with the applicable schedules of 
covered pesticide registrations applications and corresponding 
registration service fees and decision time review periods.

Pesticide Biological Opinions

    The Committee has been made aware of the dramatically 
different views on approaches to assessing and managing 
potential risks to fish, wildlife and plant species between the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Fish and Wildlife 
Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (collectively, 
the Services). Consequently, these agencies disagree on 
fundamental legal and science policy matters related to their 
respective obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 
and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act 
(FIFRA). These scientific disagreements, along with inability 
to develop a sound and workable process for consultation under 
ESA, threaten public health, agricultural productivity, and 
global competitiveness with no commensurate benefit to 
threatened and endangered species.
    FIFRA requires EPA to evaluate unreasonable risk of harm to 
human health or the environment (including fish, wildlife and 
``non-target'' plants) before granting pesticide registrations 
or amendments to existing pesticide registrations.
    FIFRA requires applicants for pesticide registration 
actions (registrants) to submit to EPA a robust set of 
scientific data to ensure the protection of the environment. 
EPA also considers other available data and has the authority 
to require additional data from pesticide registrants to ensure 
decisions are scientifically sound. EPA's Office of Pesticide 
Programs is uniquely staffed to critically evaluate the 
voluminous available data on the potential pesticide effects.
    ESA provides for an additional level of scrutiny by 
requiring federal agencies, such as EPA, to consult with the 
Services on ``agency actions'' (such as a pesticide 
registration) that could impact threatened or endangered 
species or their critical habitats. As part of the consultation 
process, the Services issue a ``biological opinion'' which may 
recommend additional modifications or restrictions to ``agency 
actions.''
    In the last decade, EPA has been sued to compel 
consultations with the Services for hundreds of products 
throughout the nation, and has agreed to do so. These lawsuits 
are ``procedural'' in nature citing a lack of ``consultation'' 
with the Services and rarely attack EPA's underlying analysis 
of the science-based record. Most importantly, however, such 
lawsuits divert precious government resources from actually 
protecting endangered species. Several of the lawsuits filed 
have resulted in Court-ordered ``interim'' restrictions on the 
use of critical pesticides. In January 2011, an activist group 
filed a suit against EPA involving more than 380 pesticides and 
214 threatened or endangered species. A suit of this magnitude 
could seriously jeopardize agriculture and pest control 
activities in 49 states.
    The EPA has made significant efforts to meet obligations 
under FIFRA and ESA, while the Services have produced 
biological opinions that many observers find grossly flawed, 
ignore pertinent data, and rely on outdated and irrelevant 
studies. Therefore, the five partial consultations conducted 
since 2002 have not been fully implemented. As a result, EPA 
has not found the Service's recommendations sufficiently based 
on sound science to compel registrants to adopt them.
    This inability to resolve fundamental scientific issues at 
the heart of a consultation involving pesticides led EPA 
Administrator Lisa Jackson and the Secretaries of the United 
States Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and 
Department of Commerce to recently ask the National Research 
Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to 
provide guidance on six key scientific issues. This action, 
however, does not stop the litigation, nor will it impede 
courts from unilaterally imposing unwarranted pesticide 
restrictions. In a joint oversight hearing held on May 4, 2011, 
between the Committee's on Agriculture and Natural Resources, 
it became clear to many of the Committee's respective Members 
that the requested NRC study was incomplete and lacking in the 
scope necessary to critically review existing biological 
opinions in their entirety.

Response for Why Legislation Is Needed

    Committee Members have therefore raised numerous concerns 
with the failure of the NRC study contract to include unbiased 
scientific peer review of the Services' biological opinions as 
well as an analysis of the technological and economic 
feasibility of the proposed ``Reasonable and Prudent Measures'' 
or ``Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives''.
    To ensure the NRC study addresses the concerns raised by 
interested parties during the hearing, the Committee continues 
to strongly assert that the following scientific questions must 
be included in the NRC study to properly examine the numerous 
issues raised by the Services' biological opinions to date. 
Questions that the Committee has asked the agency to include in 
the NRC contract include:
    The NAS recently provided guidance on evaluation of data 
quality for EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 
evaluations. What criteria should the EPA and the Services be 
using in evaluating data for acceptability and relative quality 
in regulatory decision-making? How should decisions on data 
acceptability be documented?
    A well defined weight-of-evidence framework would provide 
some structure and transparency to the objective assessment of 
information relied upon for regulatory decision-making. Is 
there a recommended framework for a ``weight-of-evidence'' 
approach for evaluation of all relevant available data and how 
should that framework be applied?
    Were apparent incongruities or inconsistencies in available 
data appropriately addressed and clearly described in the 
Services' biological opinions? Were the implications of the 
inconsistencies considered in describing the uncertainty in the 
assessment?
    Were the rationales used to support jeopardy or adverse 
modification determinations well-grounded in empirical 
observations? Have the Services clearly articulately the 
limitations and uncertainties associated with the effects 
determinations?
    When worst-case assumptions are made, how should they be 
documented to make the level of conservatism apparent, 
consistent with Presidential memoranda?
    Should uncertainty factors be reduced or eliminated as more 
recent empirical data are made available? If so, have the 
Services adopted this principle in their effects determinations 
conducted to date?
    Were the assumptions used to fill data gaps supported by 
empirical data, reasonable and clearly articulated?
    Were the specific assumptions and inferences used to 
support jeopardy and adverse modification determinations 
plausible? That is, did the Services include an assessment of 
the a priori likelihood that critical assumptions and 
inferences would prove true if tested?
    Where in the assessment process should the Services involve 
the expertise of other federal and state Agencies, as well as 
non-federal entities such as growers and other stakeholders, in 
the risk assessment process?
    The problem formulation includes a description of the 
different stressors that are influential on species survival. 
How are considerations of key stressors for endangered and 
threatened species and the relative significance of their known 
or potential impacts incorporated into a jeopardy finding as 
part of the Biological Opinion?
    How should consideration of key stressors inform the 
Reasonable and Prudent Measures (RPMs) or Reasonable and 
Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) suggested at the end of the 
consultation process? For example, if habitat loss is 
identified as the predominant factor impacting a species in 
question, how will measures to lessen impact include 
consideration of mitigation options that increase or improve 
habitat?
    How should the Services consider the human health 
implications of the impact of proposed mitigation measures on 
mosquito population control efforts?
    The Committee is likewise concerned that the scope of work 
of the NRC must cover direct and indirect economic impacts. 
Therefore, it is imperative that any review of these biological 
opinions be comprehensive in nature, and address the following 
issues pertaining to economic feasibility, consistent with 50 
C.F.R. Sec.  402.02 before moving forward with implementation 
of any pending or future biological opinions related to FIFRA 
registered products.
    What factors should the Services consider to make the 
determination that proposals are ``technologically feasible''?
    What factors should the Services consider to make the 
determination that the proposals are ``economically feasible''?
    Can you recommend an appropriate framework for conducting a 
benefit-cost analysis (BCA) for determining and documenting 
economic and technical feasibility?
    In addition to a BCA, a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) 
can provide a rigorous way to identify and evaluate options 
that achieve the most effective use of the resources available. 
Can you recommend an appropriate framework for conducting a CEA 
to evaluate a range of possible alternatives under 
consideration?
    For both BCAs and CEAs how should the Services document and 
analyze important uncertainties associated with proposed RPAs? 
Furthermore, to what extent is it recommended that the Services 
provide a sensitivity analysis to reveal whether, and to what 
extent, the results of the analysis are sensitive to plausible 
changes in the main assumptions and inputs?
    To what extent is it recommended that the Services identify 
and consider important ancillary benefits and countervailing 
risks related to proposed RPAs? (For example, potential 
reduction in habitat resulting from changes in land management 
practices in response to proposed restrictions.)
    Taken together, these questions represent a reasonable 
basis on which to achieve scientific consensus. The Committee 
urges the EPA, USDA and Services' to take such action as is 
necessary to amend, supplement or reinitiate the request to the 
NRC to ensure that their work, once completed will be thorough 
and defensible.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

    The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
(``FIFRA'') is a regulatory statute that governs the sale and 
use of pesticides in the United States through the registration 
and labeling of such products. Its objective is to protect 
human health and the environment from unreasonable adverse 
effects of pesticides, taking into account the costs and 
benefits of various product uses. Pesticides regulated under 
FIFRA include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, 
rodenticides, and other designated substances. The 
Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') reviews scientific 
data submitted by chemical manufacturers on toxicity and 
behavior in the environment to evaluate risks and exposure 
associated with a product's use.
    FIFRA prohibits the sale of any pesticide unless it is 
registered and labeled indicating approved uses and 
restrictions. It is a violation of Federal law to use such a 
chemical in a manner that is inconsistent with the label 
instructions. If a registration is granted, EPA makes a finding 
that the chemical `when used in accordance with widespread and 
commonly recognized practice it will not generally cause 
unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.' (7 U.S.C. 
136a(c)(5)(D)). EPA then specifies the approved uses and 
conditions of use of the pesticide, and this is required to be 
explained on the product label.

The Clean Water Act

    The objective of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
(commonly known as the ``Clean Water Act'' or the ``CWA'') is 
to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological 
integrity of the nation's waters. The primary mechanism for 
achieving this objective is the CWA's prohibition on the 
discharge of any pollutant without a National Pollutant 
Discharge Elimination System (``NPDES'') permit. EPA has the 
authority to regulate the discharge of pollutants either 
through general permits or through individual permits. NPDES 
permits specify limits on what pollutants may be discharged 
from point sources and in what amounts. Under the CWA, 47 
states and territories have been authorized to implement NPDES 
permits and enforce permits. EPA manages the Clean Water Act 
program in the remaining states and territories.
    NPDES permits are the basic regulatory tool of the CWA. EPA 
or an authorized state may issue compliance orders, or file 
civil suits against those who violate the terms of a permit. In 
addition, in the absence of Federal or state action, 
individuals may bring a citizen suit in United States district 
court against those who violate the terms of an NPDES permit, 
or against those who discharge without a valid permit.

Litigation

    In over 30 years of administering the CWA, EPA had never 
required an NPDES permit for the application of a pesticide, 
when the pesticide is applied in a manner consistent with FIFRA 
and its regulations. While the CWA contains a provision 
granting citizen suits against those who violate permit 
conditions or those who discharge without an NPDES permit, 
FIFRA has no citizen suit provision. As a result, beginning in 
the late 1990s, a series of citizen lawsuits were filed by 
parties, contending that an NPDES permit is necessary when 
applying a FIFRA-regulated product over, into, or near 
waterbodies. These cases generated several Court of Appeals 
decisions that created confusion and concern among pesticide 
users regarding the applicability of the CWA with regard to 
pesticide use.
    As the litigation continued, concern and confusion grew 
among farmers, forest landowners, and public health officials, 
prompting EPA to issue interim, and later final, interpretive 
guidance in August 2003 and January 2005, and then to undertake 
a rulemaking to clarify and formalize the Agency's 
interpretation of the CWA as it applied to pesticide use. The 
EPA rule was finalized in November 2006 (71 Fed. Reg. 68483 
(Nov. 27, 2006)), and was the culmination of a three year 
participatory rulemaking process that began with the interim 
interpretive statement in 2003 and involved two rounds of 
public comment.
    The 2006 EPA rule codified EPA's long-standing 
interpretation that the application of chemical and biological 
pesticides for their intended purpose and in compliance with 
pesticide label restrictions is not a discharge of a 
``pollutant'' under the CWA, and therefore, that an NPDES 
permit is not required. The rule clearly defined specific 
circumstances in which the use of pesticides in accordance with 
all relevant requirements under FIFRA is not a CWA ``discharge 
of a pollutant,'' explaining in detail the rationale for the 
Agency's interpretation.
    When the rule was finalized, environmental groups, as well 
as farm and pesticide industry groups, filed petitions for 
review of the rule in several Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal. 
The petitions were consolidated in the Sixth Circuit. The Sixth 
Circuit ultimately vacated the rule on January 7, 2009 in 
National Cotton Council v. EPA (553 F.3d 927; hereinafter, 
National Cotton Council), concluding that the final rule was 
not a reasonable interpretation of the CWA's permitting 
requirements. The court rejected EPA's contention that, when 
pesticides are applied over, into, or near waterbodies to 
control pests, they are not considered pollutants as long as 
they comply with FIFRA, and held that NPDES permits are 
required for all pesticide applications that may leave a 
residue in water.
    EPA estimated that the ruling would affect approximately 
365,000 pesticide applicators that perform some 5.6 million 
pesticide applications annually. The court's decision, which 
would apply nationally, was to be effective seven days after 
the deadline for rehearing expired or seven days after a denial 
of any petition for rehearing. Parties had until April 9, 2009 
to seek rehearing.
    On April 9, 2009, the government chose not to seek 
rehearing in the National Cotton Council case. The government 
instead filed a motion to stay issuance of the court's mandate 
for two years to provide EPA time to develop an entirely new 
NPDES permitting process to cover pesticide use. As part of 
this, EPA needed to propose and issue a final NPDES general 
permit for pesticide applications, for states to develop 
permits, and for EPA to provide outreach and education to the 
regulated community. Industry groups filed a petition seeking 
en banc review, asking the full Sixth Circuit to reconsider the 
decision from the three-judge panel.
    On June 8, 2009, the Sixth Circuit granted EPA a two-year 
stay of the court's mandate, in response to their earlier 
request. The Sixth Circuit denied the industry groups' petition 
for rehearing in August 2009. The court-ordered deadline for 
EPA to promulgate a new permitting process for pesticides under 
the Clean Water Act was April 9, 2011. On March 3, 2011, EPA 
filed another request for an extension with the court. On March 
28, 2011, the Sixth Circuit granted an extension through 
October 31, 2011. The Court's extension only temporarily 
postponed the need for an NPDES permit for pesticide use, and 
did not obviate the need for this legislation.
    Two petitions were filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in 
December 2009 by representatives of the agriculture community 
and the pesticide industry, requesting that the U.S. Supreme 
Court review the National Cotton Council case. A number of 
parties, including numerous Members of Congress, filed amicus 
briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of or opposition 
to the petitions. On February 22, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court 
denied the petitioners' request without comment.

EPA development of a new permitting process to cover pesticide use

    EPA continued to move ahead and developed a new NPDES 
permitting process to cover pesticide use, and on October 31, 
2011, EPA issued a final NPDES Pesticide General Permit for 
point source discharges from the application of pesticides to 
waters of the United States. The permit covers four pesticide 
uses: (1) mosquito and other flying insect pest control; (2) 
aquatic weed and algae control; (3) aquatic nuisance animal 
control; and (4) forest canopy pest control. It does not cover 
terrestrial applications to control pests on agricultural crops 
or forest floors, and does not cover activities exempt from 
permitting under the CWA (irrigation return flow, agricultural 
stormwater runoff) and discharges that will require coverage 
under an individual permit, such as discharges of pesticides to 
waterbodies that are considered impaired under CWA Sec. 303(d) 
for that discharged pesticide. This general permit provides 
coverage for discharges in the states where EPA is the NPDES 
permitting authority. In the remaining states, the states are 
authorized to develop and issue the NPDES pesticide permits.

Implications

    The Committee has received testimony and other information 
on the implications of the Sixth Circuit's holding in the 
National Cotton Council case, and the new permitting process 
that EPA has had to develop under the CWA as a result of that 
holding, on state and local agencies, mosquito control 
districts, water districts, pesticide applicators, agriculture, 
forest managers, and other stakeholders. On February 16, 2011, 
the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the 
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a 
joint hearing with the Nutrition and Horticulture Subcommittee 
of the House Committee on Agriculture to consider means for 
reducing the regulatory burdens posed by the case, National 
Cotton Council v. EPA (6th Cir. 2009), and to consider related 
draft legislation.
    Despite being limited to four categories of pesticide uses, 
EPA's new general permit for covered pesticides stands to be 
the single greatest expansion of the permitting process in the 
history of the NPDES program. EPA has estimated that it can 
expect approximately 5.6 million covered pesticide applications 
per year by approximately 365,000 applicators--virtually 
doubling the number of entities currently subject to NPDES 
permitting. (U.S. EPA, Fact Sheet for 2010 Public Notice of: 
Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 
Pesticides General Permit (PGP) for Discharges from the 
Application of Pesticides to or over, including near Waters of 
the U.S., at 14, available at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/
proposedXpgpXfs.pdf.)
    With this unprecedented expansion comes real and tangible 
burdens for EPA and the states that will have to issue the 
permits, those whose livelihoods depend on the use of 
pesticides, and even everyday citizens going about their daily 
lives.
    EPA has said that they will be able to conform the current 
process to meet the Sixth Circuit's mandate. Even so, much of 
the responsibility of developing and issuing general permits 
falls on the states. Forty-five states (and the Virgin Islands) 
are now facing increased financial and administrative burdens 
in order to comply with the new permitting process. In a time 
when too many states are being forced to make difficult 
budgetary cuts, the nation cannot afford to impose more 
financial burdens.
    The expanded permitting process also imposes enormous 
burdens on pesticide users who encompass a wide range of 
individuals from state agencies, city and county 
municipalities, mosquito control districts, water districts, 
pesticide applicators, farmers, ranchers, forest managers, 
scientists and others. The new and duplicative permitting 
process is increasing both the administrative difficulty and 
costs for pesticide applicators to come into compliance with 
the law. Compliance no longer means simply following 
instructions on a pesticide label. Instead, applicators have to 
navigate a complex process of identifying the relevant permit, 
filing with the regulatory authority a valid notice of intent 
to comply with the permit and having a familiarity with all of 
the permit's conditions and restrictions. Along with increased 
administrative burdens comes an increased monetary burden. 
Estimates are that the cost associated with the EPA permit 
scheme to small businesses could be as high as $50,000 per 
business, annually.
    In addition to the costs of coming into compliance, 
pesticide users are subject to an increased risk of litigation 
and exorbitant fines. Applicators not in compliance face fines 
of up to $37,500 per day per violation, not including 
attorney's fees. Given the fact that a large number of 
applicators have never been subject to NPDES and its permitting 
process, even a good faith effort to be in compliance could 
fall short. Moreover, the CWA allows for private actions 
against individuals who may or may not have committed a 
violation. Thus, while EPA may exercise its judgment and 
refrain from prosecuting certain applicators, they remain 
vulnerable to citizen suits. Unless Congress acts, hundreds of 
thousands of farmers, foresters, and public health pesticide 
users will remain under the constant threat of lawsuits, now 
that the Sixth Circuit's April 9, 2011 deadline has passed.
    It is not only pesticide regulators and applicators who are 
being affected by the new permitting requirements. Rather, the 
Sixth Circuit's decision is affecting everyday citizens, who 
rely on the benefits provided by pesticides and their 
responsible application. Pesticide use is an essential part of 
agriculture. Imposing a burdensome and duplicative permitting 
process on our nation's farmers threatens their ability to 
continue to provide the country with a safe and reliable food 
supply. Many family farmers and small applicators lack the 
resources to ensure compliance with a cumbersome and detailed 
permit scheme. Moreover, for those farmers who are able to 
comply, delays that are inherent in permitting schemes are ill-
suited for prompt pest control actions necessary in 
agriculture. Failure to apply a pesticide soon after a pest is 
first detected could result in recurring and greater pest 
damage in subsequent years if a prolific insect were to become 
established in plant hosts. The Secretary of Agriculture, Hon. 
Thomas J. Vilsack, has said that a permitting system under the 
CWA for pesticide use ``is ill-suited to the demands of 
agricultural production.'' (Letter, Hon. Thomas J. Vilsack, 
Secretary of Agriculture, to Hon. Lisa P. Jackson, 
Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Subject: 
The National Cotton Council of America, et al., v. United 
States Environmental Protection Agency (Mar. 6, 2009)).
    Forest landowners also stand to suffer under the new permit 
scheme. EPA's permit scheme stands to result in a reduction in 
the use of forest pest control as a forest management tool, 
resulting in the acceleration of tree mortality and general 
decline in overall forest health. It also is erecting barriers 
for the control of pests, such as Gypsy Moth and Forest Tent 
Caterpillar. This may result in a higher incidence of 
preventable tree kills and defoliated landscapes.
    The Committee also recognizes the importance of the aerial 
application of pest control tools. These tools are useful not 
only to ensure overall food safety and food security, but also 
to promote public health through improved mosquito control 
techniques. The ARS Aerial Application Technology Program 
conducts innovative research making aerial applications more 
efficient, effective, and precise. This program has yielded 
more effective public health control programs, as well as 
increased efficiencies and greater crop production. Research 
for aerial application serves the public interest as a vital 
tool for the future.
    Finally, the Sixth Circuit's holding could have significant 
implications for public health. The National Centers for 
Disease Control officially recognizes the following as a 
partial list of mosquito-borne diseases--Eastern Equine 
Encephalitis, Japanese Encephalitis, La Crosse Encephalitis, 
St. Louis Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Western Equine 
Encephalitis, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Rift Valley Fever, and 
Yellow Fever. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/listXmosquitoborne.htm.) 
EPA's permit program poses the possibility of critical delays 
in emergency responses to insect and disease outbreaks and 
stands to divert resources from controlling environmental pests 
to litigation and administrative burdens.

Development of legislation in response to the Sixth Circuit decision

    As a result of concerns raised by Federal, state, local, 
and private stakeholders regarding the interrelationship 
between FIFRA and the CWA and the concerns posed by the new and 
duplicative permitting process under the CWA, the House 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and House 
Committee on Agriculture sought technical assistance from EPA 
to draft very narrow legislation targeted only at addressing 
the Sixth Circuit's holding in National Cotton Council and 
return the state of pesticide regulation to the status quo--
before the courts got involved. The Provisions of Section 10017 
are based on the technical assistance that EPA provided to the 
Committees, and is intended to be consistent with EPA's final 
rule from November 2006. The bill amends FIFRA and the CWA to 
eliminate the requirement of an NPDES permit for applications 
of pesticides authorized for sale, distribution, or use under 
FIFRA.

Sulfuryl Fluoride

    On May 1, 2012, EPA published a Federal Register notice 77 
Fed. Reg. 25661 requesting additional comment on several issues 
raised during the agency's January 19, 2011, request for 
comments on the proposed tolerance revocation and stay request 
for the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride. In its latest request, EPA 
asked the public to provide additional information on several 
issues that were raised by commenters on EPA's earlier 
proposal, including certain legal issues regarding the 
implementation of Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act section 
408 and factual issues regarding the availability of 
alternatives to sulfuryl fluoride and impacts that would result 
if it were no longer available as a fumigant.
    The Committee appreciates the EPA's efforts to come to 
terms with what the Agency admits are ``the unusual 
circumstances'' surrounding the application of certain risk 
assessment policies in a situation where the vast majority of 
exposure results from fluoride sources other than sulfuryl 
fluoride, including naturally occurring sources. The current 
proposal continues however to cast doubt over the use of an 
important pesticide that, with the strong encouragement of the 
EPA, was adopted by the agriculture and food industries. The 
Committee is concerned that the reluctance to use sulfuryl 
fluoride by producers and related businesses during a lengthy 
administrative process may contribute to higher food costs and 
pose considerable challenges to maintaining food safety. For 
that reason, the Committee urges the EPA Administrator to 
withdraw the proposed order until such time as the relevant 
legal and factual issues have been resolved.

                        Title XI--Crop Insurance

    Over the course of the past 20 years, the United States has 
gone from ensuring 83 million acres to 264 million acres, a 218 
percent increase. Over that same period, the value of 
production protected by crop insurance has risen from roughly 
$11.3 billion in 1992 to $113.5 billion in 2011. Vast 
improvements in crop insurance over the past 20 years have 
resulted in growers taking up this tool as the cornerstone of 
their risk management strategy. With crop insurance, farmers 
have ``skin'' in the game, paying in a record $4.5 billion in 
crop insurance premiums in 2011.
    Through several audit, field, and Washington-based hearings 
in preparation for writing the farm bill--along with countless 
meetings with farmers and farm groups--the resounding message 
the Committee heard was that we should do no harm to crop 
insurance.
    The Committee heeded the message of not harming crop 
insurance and has used the opportunity to make several 
improvements, building on the tool that has become the 
cornerstone of the risk management framework for our nation's 
farmers.

Information sharing

    The Committee recognizes that many of the errors discovered 
in the delivery of crop insurance are due to the agent or the 
approved insurance provider not receiving information from the 
Farm Service Agency or not receiving that information in a 
timely manner. The Committee expects the Department of 
Agriculture to ensure that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) shares 
information with agents and approved insurance providers (AIPs) 
in a timely manner to ensure effective coverage for producers 
and to reduce errors.

Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium 
        adjustments

    The Committee has consistently sought to enjoin rebating 
under federal crop insurance. The Committee remains concerned 
about inadequate enforcement, as well as overly broad 
interpretations of the very limited exceptions that have been 
statutorily granted. The Committee expects the Department to 
enhance enforcement efforts, give the narrowest application to 
the exceptions granted, and to publish violations as required 
by this section in order to provide clear guidance on what is 
permissible under the statute. That being said, finite 
enforcement resources and judgment require the Department to 
focus on activities that are serious and plain violations 
rather than discovering ``rebates'' in long-standing business 
practices that have, heretofore, existed in harmony alongside 
anti-rebating rules without a detrimental effect on crop 
insurance.

Supplemental Coverage Option

    The Committee recognizes that budget conditions have 
greatly limited the resources available under Title I of the 
Farm Bill and that this requires the Department to use 
authorities granted under the Federal Crop Insurance Act to 
help fill at least a part of the void. The Supplemental 
Coverage Option (SCO), which statutorily requires that 
producers be allowed to supplement individual yield or revenue 
policies with area-based yield or revenue policies on the same 
acreage, is an essential part of this effort and, as such, must 
be made available for the 2013 crop year for all producers in 
all counties seeking such coverage.
    The Committee understands that the Department has cited 
limited data as a possible reason to delay availability in 
certain counties and for certain crops. However, the Committee 
observes that this section and section 11008 of this Act 
greatly enhances the Department's capacity to gather and use 
the necessary data for timely implementation for the 2013 crop 
year. The Committee particularly expects that SCO will also be 
implemented for the 2013 crop year for crops that have a 
history of low participation and coverage levels under crop 
insurance, including rice and peanuts in all counties where 
these crops are produced. The Committee encourages the 
Department to work to ensure that price discovery issues do not 
impede availability of SCO to any producer, including producers 
of medium grain rice.
    Finally, the Committee would note that the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act is a broad grant of statutory authority which 
already authorizes SCO even without the express grant now 
provided under this section. The Committee is concerned that 
specific legislation is frequently required to address producer 
needs that could and should be met under the general grant of 
authority and urges the Department to exercise its authority to 
meet producer needs under this general grant rather than wait 
for Congress to require it. This is both in the interest of 
producers and to ensure that the broad, organic statute does 
not become a patchwork of specific requirements.
    The Committee also expects that the Department will approve 
margin coverage in time for the 2013 crop year and specifically 
grants legal authority to offer such coverage under the Act.
    The Committee would note in this instance as well as in the 
case of SCO that such legal authority already exists without 
the express approval of margin coverage under this section. 
Moreover, the Committee is concerned that the Department is 
applying the limitations imposed under the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act, generally, on the development of new policies 
under section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act when the 
Act expressly instructs the Department not to do so. Section 
508(h)(2) specifically excuses section 508(h) submissions from 
limitations generally applicable under the statute, yet the 
Department has applied these limitations nevertheless. The 
Committee expects the Department to give meaning to the 
statutory instruction that ``a policy or other material 
submitted to the Board under this subsection may be prepared 
without regard to the limitations contained in this subtitle'' 
without the need for a statutory restatement. Finally, the 
Committee expects that a producer may purchase additional 
coverage, margin coverage, and SCO on the same acreage since 
margin coverage is meant to be a supplement to additional 
coverage.

Repeal of performance-based discount

    The Committee notes that any number of discounts or rebates 
have been tested in previous years and have failed. Amendments 
to the statute made in this Act and previous Acts have largely 
eliminated the authority for discounts and rebates and the 
inequities on produces and increased burdens on delivery that 
these schemes tend to generate. For this reason, the Committee 
expects the Department to avoid the expansion of activities 
operating under any authorities that remain.

Permanent Enterprise Unit Subsidy

    The Committee would observe that the Department has the 
authority to carry out the enhanced premium support of 
Enterprise Units without the express authority the Committee 
now grants in this section. The Committee expects the 
Department to continue to carry out the enhanced premium 
support of Enterprise Units in a manner that makes such an 
election at least as cost-effective to producers as it was 
prior to enactment of this legislation.

Enterprise Units for Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Crops

    The Committee restates that authority already exists to 
achieve this important goal for producers and expects the 
Department to implement this section in time for the 2013 crop 
year as required by this amendment to the statute.

Data collection

    The authority granted under this section is to ensure, 
among other things, that SCO and the Stacked Income Protection 
Plan for Upland Cotton (STAX) are offered in all counties for 
the 2013 crop year.

Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurance yields

    The Committee intends to reduce the double deductible 
producers face due to actual deductibles and those unintended 
deductibles created by artificially low Actual Production 
Histories (APHs). The Committee urges an aggressive effort to 
address this problem through the use of the authorities under 
this section and other authorities, including through a greatly 
expanded use of personal T-Yields and other effective 
approaches.

Submission and approval of pilot programs and other policies

    For the same reason, the Committee elected not to make 
changes to the private submission process established under 
section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act in order to 
foster the greatest possible flexibility in the development of 
policies that will effectively serve producers. The Committee 
expects that a revenue policy for peanut producers as well as 
margin coverage and downed rice coverage for rice producers 
will be made available to producers in time for the 2013 crop 
year. The Committee further expects the Department to approve 
the separating of enterprise units by risk rating so that such 
enterprise unit coverage is available in time for the 2013 crop 
year.

Equitable relief for specialty crop producers

    The Committee recognizes that specialty crop contracts were 
especially and unfairly impacted by the Standard Reinsurance 
Agreement (SRA) and provides $41 million for each of the 2011 
through 2015 reinsurance years in order to mitigate the adverse 
impacts. With respect to future reinsurance years to which this 
section applies, the Committee intends that the additional 
amounts provided to approved insurance providers be paid to 
agents at the same time as amounts paid pursuant to the ``soft 
cap'' on administrative and operating expenses.
    The Committee further intends that the disbursements made 
under this section be paid without regard to the conditions 
imposed on the payment of administrative and operating expense 
amounts above the ``soft cap.'' Finally, the Committee expects 
the Department to ensure that amounts made available with 
respect to previous or current reinsurance years are disbursed 
by approved insurance providers to agents in a manner 
consistent with payments made in those years under the ``soft 
cap.''
    The Committee underscores that the provision of this 
equitable relief does not in any way provide statutory assent 
to the administrative imposition of limits on administrative 
and operating expenses or compensation to agents under the SRA.

Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance 
        agreement

    The Committee expects the Department to negotiate budget 
neutral Standard Reinsurance Agreements. To the extent that 
there are any savings from such an agreement, such savings must 
be used to increase premium assistance to producers, enhance 
administrative and operating expense reimbursement to ensure 
effective delivery, or fund pilot programs. The Committee notes 
the extraordinary cuts made in the last SRA, much through 
administratively imposed restrictions on administrative and 
operating expense reimbursement and on agent compensation 
although authority for such restrictions is not to be found in 
statute. While the statute is broad, it expressly states 
administrative and operating expense reimbursement rates, and 
had never before been construed to authorize government 
intervention into private contracts between approved insurance 
providers and agents.
    The Committee recognizes the covenants not to sue over 
these provisions, imposed on approved insurance providers who 
are privy to a contract with the federal government and on 
agents who are not privy to contract, as an acknowledgement by 
the Department of these issues. The Committee expects that the 
Department will consult the committees of jurisdiction more 
closely in future negotiations of the SRA, correct the 
overreaches of the 2011 SRA, and consult with agent 
representatives in such negotiations given the impact the SRA 
now has on agents both in terms of finances and workload. The 
Committee also recognizes that agents are the eyes and ears of 
crop insurance on the ground and encourages the Department to 
involve agents in the promulgation of rules, regulations, and 
policies of crop insurance in order to preempt program 
vulnerabilities before they occur.

Crop production on native sod

    The Committee considered this issue carefully and opted to 
confine the section's reach to the Prairie Pothole National 
Priority Area. The section contains prescriptive requirements 
and also broader authority to effectuate its purpose. The 
Committee expects the Department to exercise any discretion it 
may have in carrying out this section in a manner that is 
balanced and not overly onerous on producers.

Coverage levels by practice

    The Committee expects the Department to allow producers to 
elect different coverage levels by irrigation practice 
beginning with the 2014 crop year as provided for in this 
section. However, the Committee encourages the Department to 
implement this section earlier if practicable.

Beginning farmer and rancher provisions

    The Committee expects the Department to carry out this 
section in a manner that imposes minimal burden on beginning 
farmers and ranchers, producers, approved insurance providers, 
and agents.

Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (STAX)

    In order to address a World Trade Organization (WTO) 
dispute, U.S. cotton policy is fundamentally altered under the 
provisions of this Act, sharply limiting cotton producer 
support under the commodity title to the marketing loan. The 
Committee expects such coverage to be offered to all cotton 
producers in all counties in time for the 2013 crop year. The 
section would provide the bulwark of risk management for cotton 
producers through crop insurance and so this section's 
implementation in 2013 is essential. Provisions in this section 
and section 11008 enable the Department to implement this 
policy for cotton producers in a timely manner. The Committee 
expects the Corporation to cover the costs of that portion of 
indemnities attributable to the reference price.

Peanut revenue crop insurance

    The Committee expects the peanut revenue policy required 
under this section to be made available in time for the 2013 
crop year. With substantially declining support under the 
commodity title, producers are expected to assume greater 
responsibility in managing price and production risks on the 
farm. In order to achieve this, all producers of all crops in 
all regions need access to risk management tools that they can 
purchase that are cost-effective on their operations.

Authority to correct errors

    The Committee views the sharing of information required 
under section 11001 and the authority to correct errors as key 
components to ensuring that producers have effective coverage 
in place at the time of a loss and to protecting program 
integrity. The Committee expects the Department to implement 
this section in a manner that does not eliminate any 
authorities or practices preexisting the enactment of this Act 
that permit the correction of errors but rather as additive 
authority.
    The Committee relied heavily upon the Department for its 
drafting and policy expertise in crafting this section, the 
spirit of which is intended by the Committee to allow the 
correction of unintentional errors to the maximum extent 
practicable. Neither program nor producer is served if coming 
forward with unintentional errors is punished as it may chill 
attempts at correction while leaving the producer without 
coverage if and when the error is discovered.

Implementation

    The Committee expects the Department to work closely with 
the FSA, the RMA, approved insurance providers, and agent and 
producer representatives in developing any acreage report 
streamlining initiative project to ensure that the best 
interests of the producer are served.

Research and development priorities

    The Committee expects the Department to make the 
development of policies that increase the participation of 
underserved commodities a priority, particularly policies 
serving sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, and 
sugarcane.

Additional research and development contracting requirements

    The Committee expects the Department to develop effective 
margin coverage for catfish producers and further emphasizes 
the need for the development of policies that effectively serve 
energy-dedicated biomass sorghum and sweet sorghum, as is 
required under this Act.

Pilot programs

    The Committee expects this provision to further remove 
unnecessary impediments to the initiation of pilot programs 
designed to test the effectiveness of risk management tools for 
producers.

Noninsured crop assistance program (NAP)

    The Committee is concerned that the improvements to NAP not 
impede the development of crop insurance policies for crops 
served by NAP. The Committee affirms the goal of developing 
effective crop insurance policies for all producers, crops, and 
regions so that producers meaningfully pay for the risk 
management coverage on their operations. Reliance on NAP should 
be a last resort.
    The Committee recognizes the need for NAP to provide 
financial assistance to producers of non-insured crops, such as 
fern fronds, when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented 
planting occurs due to natural disasters. With respect to NAP 
coverage, the Committee expects the inventory values of fern 
fronds to be counted separately from rooted fern plants.

                        Title XII--Miscellaneous


Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Report

    On June 29, 2010 the World Trade Organization finalized the 
ruling on Canadian and Mexican challenges to the United States' 
mandatory country of origin law with respect to beef and pork. 
The decision was adverse to elements of mandatory country of 
origin labeling. A question remains as to whether or not the 
issue can be resolved administratively or require changes in 
the statute. The Committee expects that the Secretary will 
report to Congress how the Administration will bring the 
Administration into compliance with this decision. The 
Committee does not intend this provision to presuppose that 
determination.

GIPSA

    The Committee addresses regulations prompted by Section 
11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, which 
were proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 22, 
2010 and titled ``Implementation of Regulations Required Under 
Title XI, of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008''. 
On July 20, 2010, the Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Subcommittee 
of the House Committee on Agriculture conducted a hearing on 
Farm Bill programs under its jurisdiction administered by USDA. 
During the hearing a broad array of concerns were expressed by 
Members of the Committee. Members asserted that the proposed 
rule went far beyond the scope of the Farm Bill, lacked a sound 
economic analysis necessary to judge both the need and utility 
of the proposed rule and may have been the result of a flawed 
rulemaking process.
    On October 1, 2010, 115 Members of the House wrote the 
Secretary of Agriculture requesting a cost benefit analysis 
that has yet to be conducted. On April 6, April 13, and May 4, 
2011 the Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Subcommittee conducted 
hearings on the beef, pork, and poultry sectors respectively. 
During these hearings, representatives from the beef, poultry 
and pork sectors testified about the challenges facing their 
communities, including the proposed GIPSA regulation. On May 
18, 2011, 147 Members wrote the Secretary requesting him to 
withdraw the rule and repropose with an economic analysis.
    The FY 2012 Agriculture Appropriations, H.R. 2112, 
contained Section 721 barring USDA work on major portions of 
proposed rule. The Appropriations Committee-reported 
appropriations for FY 2013, H.R. 5973, contains Section 719, 
barring USDA action on these same components of the proposed 
rule and repealing three items on which the Administration had 
completed rulemaking.
    The Committee asserts that the Packers and Stockyards Act 
has an important role to play in our livestock markets. That 
said, the Committee continues to express its concerns with 
actions taken thus far to implement the 2008 amendments. The 
Committee action seeks to codify language similar to that 
adopted in 2011 with Section 721 of H.R. 2112 as modified by 
Section 719 of H.R. 5973, except that the Committee reported 
bill would prohibit the Secretary from issuing similar 
regulations or adopting similar policies in the future.

Meat and Poultry Processing Report

    The Committee reported bill directs the Secretary to submit 
a report to Congress detailing steps that the Department can 
take to better meet the needs of federally and State inspected 
small and very small meat and poultry slaughter and processing 
plants, and to improve the electronic submission and approval 
process for labels. As it weighs various options to improve 
public access to label approval process information, the 
Committee suggests the Department consider publishing a user-
friendly web page that includes relevant information.
    The Committee intends that in developing the report, the 
Secretary will include input from niche market livestock and 
poultry producers. The report should build upon and update, as 
appropriate, the 2006-2007 FSIS Strategic Implementation Plan 
for Strengthening Small and Very Small Plant Outreach, and 
should focus on assistance that can be offered to meet the 
requirements of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act. In addition, the Committee intends 
that the Secretary will consider the needs of custom and mobile 
slaughter and processing plants in meeting the requirements for 
receiving USDA official marks of inspection.

                           Section-By-Section


Sec. 1. Short Title; Table of Contents

Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture

                          Title I--Commodities


                    SUBTITLE A--REPEALS AND REFORMS

Sec. 1101. Repeal of Direct Payments

    Section 1101 repeals direct payments effective with the 
2013 crop year.

Sec. 1102. Repeal of Counter-Cyclical Payments

    Section 1102 repeals the counter-cyclical payments 
effective with the 2013 crop year.

Sec. 1103. Repeal of Average Crop Revenue Election Program

    Section 1103 repeals the Average Crop Revenue Election 
(ACRE) program effective with the 2013 crop year.

Sec. 1104. Definitions

    Section 1104 contains majority and all common definitions 
for the Title.

Sec. 1105. Base Acres

    Section 1105 continues the Secretary's authority to provide 
for adjustments to base acres for covered commodities and 
cotton when a CRP contract is terminated, acres are released 
from the CRP or when the Secretary designates additional 
oilseeds in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1106. Payment Yields

    Section 1106(a) continues the Secretary's authority to 
establish payment yields for each farm for any designated 
oilseed that does not have a payment yield.
    Section 1106(b) continues the method of determining the 
payment yield for designated oilseeds in the same manner as 
current law.
    Section 1106(c) authorizes the Secretary to establish a 
payment yield if no payment yield is otherwise established for 
a covered commodity using the program payment yields of 
similarly situated farms.
    Section 1106(d) In time for the 2013 crop year, the owner 
of the farm can update the payment yields of each covered 
commodity once.

Sec. 1107. Farm Risk Management Election

    Section 1107(a) states that producers with more than 10 
planted acres of covered commodities may elect Price Loss 
Coverage or Revenue Loss Coverage.
    Section 1107(b) makes producers eligible for a price loss 
coverage payment for covered commodities for the 2013-2017 crop 
years when the effective price for a covered commodity is less 
than the reference price for the covered commodities. The 
effective price is the higher of the national average market 
price for a covered commodity for the first 5 months of the 
marketing year (the midseason price) and the national average 
marketing loan rate established in subtitle B. The reference 
prices are set in Sec. 1104(16). If a payment is required, the 
payment will be the difference between the reference price and 
the effective price multiplied by the payment yield (defined in 
Sec. 1104(12)) and the payment acres (defined in 
Sec. 1104(11)). The Secretary shall make price loss coverage 
payments on October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, 
after the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity.
    Section 1107(c) offers an alternative to price loss 
coverage. A farmer can make a one-time, irrevocable election on 
a crop by crop, farm by farm basis to receive revenue loss 
coverage. Farmers will receive revenue loss coverage payments 
for the 2013-2017 crop years when the actual county revenue for 
a covered commodity in a crop year is less than the county 
revenue loss trigger for the covered commodity.
    The actual farm revenue is the product of multiplying the 
actual county yield for each planted acre of the covered 
commodity and the higher the first 5 months of the marketing 
year (the midseason price) or the national average marketing 
loan rate established in subtitle B. The county revenue loss 
coverage trigger for a covered commodity is 85 percent of the 
benchmark county revenue.
    The benchmark county revenue is the average historical 
county yield of a covered commodity in a county for the most 
recent 5 years, excluding the highest and the lowest, subject 
to the average national marketing year price. In calculating 
the benchmark county revenue the Secretary shall use the higher 
of the historical county yield or 70 percent of the historical 
county transitional yield. For price the Secretary shall use 
the higher of the national marketing year average price or the 
reference price (set in Sec. 1104(16)).
    The payment rate is the difference between the county 
revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity and the 
actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered 
commodity or 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the 
crop year for the covered commodity.
    If payments are required the payment amount is the 
determined by multiplying the payment rate and the payment 
acres of the covered commodity on the farm. Payments are to be 
made on October 1 or as soon as practicable thereafter, after 
the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity.

Sec. 1108. Producer Agreements

    Section 1108 states that before a producer of a covered 
commodity can receive a payment under section 1107 he or she 
must comply with sod buster provisions in subtitle B of title 
XII of the '85 act, and the swampbuster provisions of subtitle 
C of the title XII of the '85 act, keep the land in agriculture 
or conserving use, and effectively control noxious weeds.
    If a producer sells or otherwise transfers his farm to 
someone else, the new owner or operator must assume all of the 
compliance obligations or the right to either the price loss 
coverage payment or the revenue loss coverage payment is 
terminated.
    The producer is still required to submit to the Secretary 
acreage reports. Accidental errors in the reports will not 
result in loss of payment.
    The Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect 
the interest of tenants and sharecroppers and for sharing the 
payments among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable 
basis.

Sec. 1109. Period of Effectiveness

    Section 1109 sets 2013-2017 as the period of effectiveness 
for this subtitle.

                      SUBTITLE B--MARKETING LOANS

Sec. 1201. Availability of Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loans for 
        Loan Commodities

    Section 1201 authorizes nonrecourse loans for loan 
commodities for 2013-2017 crop years in the same manner as 
current law. It also includes a requirement that producers 
comply with certain conservation requirements.

Sec. 1202. Loan Rates for Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loans

    Section 1202 continues current law establishing loan rates 
for commodities, except for an adjustment to upland cotton, as 
follows for the 2013-2017 crop years:
    Wheat, $2.94 (same as current law)
    Corn, $1.95 (same as current law)
    Grain Sorghum, $1.95 (same as current law)
    Barley, $1.95 (same as current law, though now using the 
all barley price)
    Oats, $1.39 (same as current law)
    Upland Cotton, for the 2013 and each subsequent crop year, 
the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for 
the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, but in no case 
less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound.
    Extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 (same as current law)
    Long grain rice, $6.50 (same as current law)
    Medium/short grain rice, $6.50 (same as current law)
    Soybeans, $5.00 (same as current law)
    Other oilseeds, $10.09 (same as current law)
    Dry Peas, $5.40 (same as current law)
    Lentils, $11.28 (same as current law)
    Small Chickpeas, $7.43 (same as current law)
    Large Chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight (same as current 
law)
    Peanuts, $355 per ton (same as current law)
    Graded wool, $1.15 (same as current law)
    Non-graded wool, $0.40 (same as current law)
    Honey, $0.69 (same as current law)
    Mohair, $4.20 (same as current law)

Sec. 1203. Term of Loans

    Section 1203 continues the provisions of the current law on 
the terms of loans: 9 months; no extensions.

Sec. 1204. Repayment of Loans

    Section 1204 requires the repayment of marketing assistance 
loans in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1205. Loan Deficiency Payments

    Section 1205 authorizes loan deficiency payments for 2013-
2017 crop years under same conditions as 2002 Farm Bill.

Sec. 1206. Payments In Lieu of Loan Deficiency Payments for Grazed 
        Acreage

    Section 1206 continues the authorization for payments in 
lieu of LDPs for producers who have grazed acreage for the 
2013-2017 crop years under in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1207. Special Marketing Loan Provisions for Upland Cotton

    Section 1207 continues the authorization for the President 
to issue special import quota for the 2013-2017 crop year in 
the same manner as current law using only official USDA data.

Sec. 1208. Special Competitive Provisions for Extra Long Staple Cotton

    Section 1208 continues the authorization through July 31, 
2013 of the special competitive provisions for extra long 
staple cotton in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1209. Availability of Recourse Loans for High Moisture Feed Grains 
        and Seed Cotton

    Section 1209 continues the authorization for recourse loans 
for these crops for the 2013-2017 crop years in same manner as 
current law.

Sec. 1210. Adjustment of Loans

    Section 1210 authorizes the Secretary to adjust loan rates.

                           SUBTITLE C--SUGAR

Sec. 1301. Sugar Program

    Section 1301 reauthorizes the sugar program requiring the 
Secretary to administer the program in the same manner as 
current law.

                           SUBTITLE D--DAIRY

Part I--Dairy Producer Margin Protection and Dairy Market Stabilization 
                                Programs


Sec. 1401. Definitions

    Section 1401 defines the terms used in the Dairy Producer 
Margin Protection and Dairy Market Stabilization Programs, 
including that a ``participating dairy producer'' is a dairy 
producer that registers for the dairy producer margin 
protection program, and, as a result of the registration, also 
participates in the dairy market stabilization program.

Sec. 1402. Calculation of Average Feed Cost and Actual Dairy Producer 
        Margins

    Section 1402 establishes that the average feed cost be 
calculated each month using the price of corn, the price of 
soybean meal in central Illinois, and the price of alfalfa hay, 
as reported by the Secretary.
    For use in the margin protection program, directs the 
Secretary to calculate the actual dairy producer margin for 
each consecutive 2 month period by subtracting the average feed 
cost from the all-milk price for that period.
    For use in the stabilization program, directs the Secretary 
to calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each 
preceding month by subtracting the average feed cost from the 
all-milk price for that period.

          Subpart A--Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program


Sec. 1411. Establishment of Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program

    Section 1411 directs the Secretary to establish a dairy 
producer margin protection program by providing basic margin 
protection payments when margins are less than a $4 threshold 
level, and providing supplemental margin protection up to an $8 
margin if purchased by the producer.

Sec. 1412. Participation of Dairy Producers in Margin Protection 
        Program

    Section 1412 establishes that all dairy producers in the 
United States are eligible to participate in and sign-up for 
the margin protection program to receive basic margin 
protection, and, if the producer so chooses, to purchase 
supplemental margin protection.

Sec. 1413. Production History of Participating Dairy Producers

    Section 1413 establishes the production history of 
producers.

Sec. 1414. Basic Margin Protection

    Section 1414 establishes a basic margin protection program 
under which participating dairy producers receive a basic 
margin protection payment when the average actual dairy 
producer margin falls below $4.00 for a consecutive two-month 
period.

Sec. 1415. Supplemental Margin Protection

    Section 1415 establishes that a dairy producer may purchase 
supplemental margin protection on a yearly basis to protect a 
higher level of income than under the basic margin program.

Sec. 1416. Effect of Failure To Pay Administrative Fees and Premiums

    Section 1416 mandates that a dairy producer, who elects to 
participate in the basic or supplemental margin protection 
programs and fails to pay the required administrative fees or 
premiums, may not receive basic or supplemental margin 
protection payments and remains legally obligated to pay such 
fees or premiums.

             Subpart B--Dairy Market Stabilization Program


Sec. 1431. Establishment of Dairy Market Stabilization Program

    Section 1431 establishes a dairy market stabilization 
program which is triggered when the actual dairy producer 
margin has been $6 or less per hundredweight of milk for the 
immediately preceding 2 months or $4 or less for the 
immediately preceding month. If the stabilization program is 
triggered, the Secretary will order reduced payments for the 
participating producer that exceeds the applicable percentage 
of the producer's stabilization base.

Sec. 1432. Threshold for Implementation and Reduction in Dairy Producer 
        Payments

    Section 1432 requires the Secretary to announce that the 
stabilization program is in effect and payment reductions are 
required.

Sec. 1433. Producer Milk Marketing Information

    Section 1433 requires the Secretary to establish a process 
to collect the necessary information while the stabilization 
program is in effect.

Sec. 1434. Calculation and Collection of Reduced Dairy Producer 
        Payments

    Section 1434 requires handlers to reduce payments to 
participating dairy producers during any month in which payment 
reductions are in effect.

Sec. 1435. Remitting Monies to the Secretary and Use of Monies

    Section 1435 requires handlers to remit to the Secretary an 
amount equal to reduced producer payments.

Sec. 1436. Suspension of Reduced Payment Requirement

    Section 1436 lists the thresholds at which the Secretary 
will suspend the stabilization program.

Sec. 1437. Enforcement

    Section 1437 makes it unlawful for any person subject to 
the stabilization program to not provide or to delay the 
reporting of accurate information and remittance of funds to 
the Secretary.

Sec. 1438. Audit Requirements

    Section 1438 is the audit requirements for the 
stabilization program.

                Subpart C--Commodity Credit Corporation


Sec. 1451. Use of Commodity Credit Corporation

    Section 1451 requires the Secretary to use the funds and 
facilities of the CCC to carry out the program.

                   Subpart D--Initiation and Duration


Sec. 1461. Rulemaking

    Section 1461 exempts the programs from the Administrative 
Procedures Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Sec. 1462. Duration

    Section 1462 terminates the margin protection program and 
the stabilization program on December 31, 2017.

  Part II--Repeal or Reauthorization of Other Dairy-Related Provisions


Sec. 1481. Repeal of Dairy Product Price Support and Milk Income Loss 
        Contract Programs

    Section 1481 repeals the dairy price support and milk 
income loss programs.

Sec. 1482. Repeal of Dairy Export Incentive Program

    Section 1482 repeals the dairy export incentive program.

Sec. 1483. Extension of Dairy Forward Pricing Program

    Section 1483 reauthorizes the dairy forward pricing program 
through 2020.

Sec. 1484. Extension of Dairy Indemnity Program

    Section 1484 reauthorizes the dairy indemnity program 
through 2017.

Sec. 1485. Extension of Dairy Promotion and Research Program

    Section 1485 reauthorizes the dairy promotion and research 
program through 2017.

Sec. 1486. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission

    Section 1486 repeals the federal milk marketing order 
review commission.

                        Part III--Effective Date


Sec. 1491. Effective Date

    Section 1491 states this subtitle is effective October 1, 
2012.

   SUBTITLE E--SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Sec. 1501. Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance

    In general, section 1501 authorizes the continuation of 
certain Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs, 
previously codified in subtitle B of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Act, as a standalone provision within the bill.
    Section 1501(a) is the definitions section. The section 
strikes definitions that are no longer relevant to the title.
    Section 1501(b) authorizes the Livestock Indemnity Payments 
(LIP) for fiscal years 2012 through 2017. The subsection 
authorizes the Secretary to use such sums as necessary of the 
funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to be used to make 
livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers for 
livestock losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse 
weather or attacks by federally reintroduced animals, such as 
wolves or avian predators. It maintains the 75% of the market 
value rate for indemnity.
    Section 1501(c) authorizes the Livestock Forage Disaster 
Program (ELFP) for fiscal years 2012 through 2017. The 
subsection authorizes the Secretary to use such sums as 
necessary from the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide 
compensation to eligible livestock producers for livestock 
losses due to grazing losses caused by drought or fire. 
Coverage includes native or improved pastureland with permanent 
vegetative cover, or land that has crops that are specifically 
planted for the purpose of grazing livestock. However, an 
eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance for land 
used for haying or grazing under the Conservation Reserve 
Program. The language maintains the payment rate for losses 
caused by drought for 1 month at equal to the lesser of 60 
percent of the lesser of the monthly feed cost for all covered 
livestock owned or leased by the eligible producer, or the 
monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying 
capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock 
producer. Fire losses continue to be limited to fires that have 
occurred on federally managed land. The section maintains the 
payment rate for losses due to fire at equal to 50 percent of 
the monthly feed costs for the total number of livestock 
covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock 
producer. The language eliminates the minimum risk management 
purchase requirement.
    Section 1501(d) authorizes the Emergency Assistance for 
Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) for fiscal 
years 2012 through 2017. The subsection authorizes the 
Secretary to use $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity 
Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief for producers to 
aid in the reduction of loss due to disease and adverse 
weather. The language clarifies that that loss due to disease 
includes losses from cattle tick fever. The subsection 
maintains the provision that the funds shall remain available 
until expended.
    Section 1501(e) authorizes the Tree Assistance Program 
(TAP) for fiscal years 2012 through 2017. The Secretary is 
authorized to use such sums as are necessary of the funds of 
the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance to 
orchardists and nursery growers for losses of trees due to 
natural disaster. The language provides a reimbursement rate of 
65% of the cost of replanting trees for losses in excess of 15% 
mortality. The language increases the payment cap under TAP to 
$125,000 per crop year. It further maintains the 500 acre limit 
on total number of acres planted in trees or tree seedlings for 
which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive 
payments under this subsection.
    Section 1501(f) includes the payment limitation for the 
entire section. The language increases the payment cap for 
total amount of disaster assistance payments, excluding TAP 
payments, to $125,000 received, either directly or indirectly, 
by a person or legal entity. The language eliminated the AGI 
limitation for payments under this section. It further 
maintains the application of direct attribution provisions to 
this section.

                       SUBTITLE F--ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 1601. Administration Generally

    Section 1601 allows the Secretary to use the funds and 
facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out 
this title. It also provides for an expedited implementation of 
this title.
    The Secretary's authority to adjust expenditures under this 
title to ensure the United States remains in compliance with 
our international trade agreements is continued in the same 
manner as current law.

Sec. 1602. Suspension of Permanent Price Support Authority

    Section 1602 continues the suspension of permanent price 
authority in the Agriculture Marketing Adjustment Act of 1938 
and the Agricultural Act of 1949.

Sec. 1603. Payment Limitations

    Section 1603 limits the total amount of payments a person 
or a legal entity can receive under subtitle A to $125,000.

Sec. 1604. Adjusted Gross Income Limitation

    Section 1604 replaces the two income limitation test (farm 
and nonfarm income) with a single $950,000 adjusted gross 
income limitation for commodity and conservation programs.

Sec. 1605. Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

    Section 1605 continues the geographically disadvantaged 
farmers and ranchers program authorization for reimbursement 
payments through 2017 in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1606. Personal Liability of Producers for Deficiencies

    Section 1606 extends the personal liability of producers 
for deficiencies through 2017 in the same manner as current 
law.

Sec. 1607. Prevention of Deceased Individuals Receiving Payments Under 
        Farm Commodity Programs

    Section 1607 continues the requirement that the Secretary 
prevent deceased individuals from receiving farm commodity 
program payments by reconciling the social security numbers of 
all individuals who received payments under this title with the 
Commissioner of Social Security in the same manner as current 
law.

Sec. 1608. Technical Corrections

    Section 1608 includes technical corrections.

Sec. 1609. Assignment of Payments

    Section 1609 continues the authority of a producer who 
receives a payment under this title to assign the payment to 
someone else after proper notice to the secretary in the same 
manner as current law.

Sec. 1610. Tracking of Benefits

    Section 1610 reauthorizes the Secretary to track the 
benefits provided to individuals getting payments under titles 
I and II in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1611. Signature Authority

    Section 1611 continues the signature authority of a 
producer in the same manner as current law.

Sec. 1612. Implementation

    Section 1612 requires the Secretary to maintain records on 
base acres and the records for the separate base acres for long 
grain and medium grain rice through 2017. The Secretary shall 
make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this 
title $100,000,000.

                         Title II--Conservation


                SUBTITLE A--CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM

Sec. 2001. Extension and Enrollment Requirements of Conservation 
        Reserve Program

    Section 2001(a) extends the Conservation Reserve Program 
(CRP) through fiscal year 2017.
    Section 2001(b) amends the definition of eligible land by 
updating the date for cropping history under highly erodible 
lands; by removing marginal pasture land converted to wetland 
or established as wildlife habitat prior to 1999; by adding 
grasslands as eligible lands; by including filterstrips and 
riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, and grasses as 
cropland that would otherwise be ineligible; and by amending 
the requirement for buffers and filterstrips associated with 
the remainder of a field enrolled in CRP.
    Section 2001(c) amends the requirement for certain lands to 
be considered planted to an agricultural commodity for the 
purposes of determining eligibility to land that was devoted to 
a conserving use during the crop year; and eliminates the 
inclusion of land enrolled in the water bank program.
    Section 2001(d) reduces the acreage cap for fiscal years 
2013-2017:
          FY2012--32,000,000 acres
          FY2013--29,000,000 acres
          FY2014--26,000,000 acres
          FY2015--26,000,000 acres
          FY2016--25,500,000 acres
          FY2017--25,000,000 acres
    It further adds a provision for enrollment of 2,000,000 
acres of grasslands and authorizes the Secretary to give 
priority to expiring CRP contracts to be enrolled under the 
grasslands cap.
    Section 2001(e) eliminates the five-year extension option 
for hardwood trees as well as the additional one-year extension 
for contracts which expired during the 2002 calendar year. 
Owners and operators of land with hardwoods, windbreaks, or 
wildlife corridors may specify the duration of the contract 
within the 10-15 year limitation.
    Section 2001(f) eliminates the specified conservation 
priority area watersheds and leaves the ability to designate a 
priority area--including non-watershed areas--to the discretion 
of the Secretary. It further eliminates the ability for a State 
agency to apply for withdrawal from a designation.

Sec. 2002. Farmable Wetland Program

    Section 2002 extends the Farmable Wetlands Program through 
fiscal year 2017, decreases the program cap from 1,000,000 to 
750,000 acres and makes several changes that are clarifying in 
nature. The program has been further amended so it is no longer 
a pilot program.

Sec. 2003. Duties of Owners and Operators

    Section 2003(a) amends the limitation on harvesting, 
grazing and commercial use of forage by moving it from the 
section establishing the duties of owners and operators to the 
section enumerating the duties of the secretary.
    Section 2003(b) amends the conservation plan requirements 
by eliminating the option for the plan to provide for permanent 
retirement of existing base history.
    Section 2003(c) eliminates the umbrella rental rate 
reduction for certain authorized uses of the land. Similar 
rental rate language appears in the section enumerating the 
duties of the Secretary.

Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary

    Section 2004 requires the Secretary to allow for certain 
harvesting, grazing and commercial use of forage in exchange 
for a reduction in the rental rate at not less than 25 percent, 
except for in the case of drought or other emergency created by 
natural disaster, where the activity may occur without any 
reduction in the rental rate. The section provides for the 
incidental use of buffers adjacent to agricultural lands. The 
section adds a new subsection (c) that requires the Secretary 
to permit certain haying and grazing practices on grasslands 
specifically. It adds provisions for individuals with expiring 
contracts to initiate conservation and land improvement 
practices in the final year of the contract with a commensurate 
reduction in rental value. Re-enrollment of these lands is 
prohibited for at least five years.

Sec. 2005. Payments

    Section 2005(a) is a technical conforming amendment in 
response to the elimination of section 1235A.
    Section 2005(b) adds ``other eligible land'' to the annual 
rental payment language. Subsection (b) further adds the 
determination for payments to owners or operators of grasslands 
at 75 percent of the grazing value of the land under contract.
    Section 2005(c) amends the payment schedule section to 
eliminate in-kind commodity payments through Commodity Credit 
Corporation stocks.
    Section 2005(d) is a technical conforming amendment in 
response to the elimination of in-kind commodity payments.

Sec. 2006. Contract Requirements

    Section 2006(a) allows for a one-time early termination 
option for an owner or operator if the contract has been in 
effect for five years. The section further specifies what 
environmentally sensitive land is exempted from the early 
termination.
    Section 2006(b) makes adjustments to the transition options 
language regarding the transfer of land from a retired farmer 
or rancher to a beginning farmer or rancher.
    Section 2006(c) allows for an owner or operator to enroll 
into the Conservation Stewardship Program in the last year of 
the owner or operator conservation reserve contract.

Sec. 2007. Conversion of Land Subject to Contract to Other Conserving 
        Uses

    Section 2007 repeals Section 1235A of the Food Security Act 
of 1985, Conservation of Land Subject to Contract to other 
Conserving Uses which is no longer applicable for contracts in 
place prior to November 28, 1990.

              SUBTITLE B--CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Sec. 2101. Conservation Stewardship Program

    Section 2101 revises the Conservation Stewardship Program.
    Definitions: The section includes a definition of 
``agricultural operation'', strikes the definition of 
``conservation measurement tool'' to conform with other 
amendments, redefines ``priority resource concern'', and it 
revises the definition of ``eligible land''.
    Establishment and purposes: The section authorizes the 
program through 2017. It limits the excluded land by allowing 
for CRP land to be enrolled in the final year of the contract. 
The section increases emphasis on new conservation. It also 
eliminates the requirement that not more than 10 percent of the 
acres enrolled be non-industrial private forest land. The 
section allows enrollment of lands that are under agricultural 
land easements option of the ACE Program.
    Stewardship contracting: The section requires participants, 
at the time of the contract offer, to be meeting the 
stewardship threshold of at least two priority resource 
concerns with at least one additional priority resource concern 
by the end of the contract. It establishes a priority 
consideration for land with expiring CRP contracts. The section 
also eliminates the conservation measurement tool. It adds the 
requirement for the producer, in order to renew a contract for 
an additional year, to meet the stewardship threshold of at 
least two additional priority resource concerns or exceed the 
threshold of at least two existing priority resource concerns 
by then end of the contract period. It eliminates the on-farm 
research and demonstration, or pilot testing provisions.
    Duties of the Secretary: The section replaces the 
conservation measurement tool with a science-based stewardship 
threshold. It includes an acreage enrollment limitation of 
9,000,000 acres for each fiscal year and a national average 
rate of $18 per acre, which shall include costs of assistance.

          SUBTITLE C--ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM

Sec. 2201. Purposes

    Section 2201 adds ``developing and improving wildlife'' to 
the purposes section.

Sec. 2202. Establishment and Administration

    Section 2202 extends EQIP though fiscal year 2017.
    Section 2223 amends the term of an EQIP contract to a 
period not to exceed 10 years, eliminating the minimum 
requirement. The increased payments to certain producers 
section is amended to include veteran farmers or ranchers. The 
section increases the amount allowed for an advanced payment to 
50 percent and includes a new requirement that funds provided 
in advance but not expended during the required 90-day period 
be returned. It maintains the 60 percent allocation for 
livestock production and creates a new 5 percent allocation for 
practices benefiting wildlife habitat. The section adds a new 
subsection in order to include wildlife habitat restoration, 
improvement, and development activities under EQIP.

Sec. 2203. Evaluation of Applications

    Section 2203 amends the evaluation of application process 
section for the purpose of a conforming amendment.

Sec. 2204. Duties of Producers

    Section 2204 is a technical amendment to the duties of 
producers section.

Sec. 2205. Limitation on Payments

    Section 2205 establishes the payment limitation at $450,000 
and eliminates the waiver authority.

Sec. 2206. Conservation Innovation Grants and Payments

    Section 2206 adds a reporting requirement to CIG projects.

         SUBTITLE D--AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM

Sec. 2301. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    Section 2301 establishes a new Agricultural Conservation 
Easement (ACE) Program consolidating the Wetland Reserve 
Program, the Grassland Reserve Program, and the Farmland 
Protection Program. The purposes of the program include 
restoring, protecting, and enhancing wetlands; protecting the 
agricultural use and conservation values on agricultural lands; 
and protecting grazing uses and related conservation values on 
agricultural lands. The program has two distinct branches under 
the umbrella easement program--agricultural land easements and 
wetland easements.
    The program includes definitions for ``agricultural land 
easement'', ``wetland easement'', ``eligible entity'', and 
``eligible land''.
    Under the Agricultural Land Easements, the Secretary 
facilitates and provides funds to eligible entities to purchase 
conservation easements in agricultural land and grasslands. The 
easements shall be permanent easements, or easements for the 
maximum duration allowed under applicable State law. The scope 
of the federal share shall not exceed 50 percent of the fair 
market value of the land using the USPAP, an area-wide market 
analysis survey, or another industry approved method. There is 
an exemption for grasslands of special environmental 
significance, by which the Secretary may provide up to 75 
percent of the fair market value.
    The Agricultural Land Easement Program establishes a 
process under which an eligible entity may be certified by the 
Secretary, though non-certified entities may still participate. 
Agreements between the Secretary and an eligible entity shall 
be at least three, but no more than five years unless the 
eligible entity is certified, in which case the term shall be a 
minimum of five years.
    Under the Wetlands Easements, the Secretary enrolls 
wetlands through the use of 30-year easements; permanent 
easements; easements for the maximum duration allowed under 
State law; or for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts. The 
Secretary shall not acquire easements on land that has been 
established to trees in CRP, or farmed wetlands or converted 
wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to 
December 23, 1985. The program establishes a priority based on 
the value of the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing 
habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
    Compensation for permanent easements shall be in an amount 
necessary to encourage enrollment in the program based on the 
lowest of the fair market value, the amount corresponding to a 
geographical cap, or the offer made by the landowner. In the 
case of a 30-year wetland easement, compensation shall be not 
less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the 
compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland 
easement.
    The Wetlands Easement Program further authorizes the 
Secretary to provide financial assistance to owners to carry 
out the establishment of conservation measures and practices to 
protect wetland functions and values including maintenance. In 
the case of restoration on permanent wetland easements, the 
Secretary shall pay at least 70 percent, but not more than 100 
percent, of the costs. In the case of a 30-year wetland 
easement, the Secretary shall pay at least 50 percent, but not 
more than 75 percent of the costs. The entire ACE Program 
includes a priority for certain lands currently enrolled in CRP 
with a contract set to expire within 1 year.
    Of the funds made available under the program, at least 40 
percent are reserved for agricultural land easements for fiscal 
years 2013 through 2016 and at least 50 percent for 
agricultural land easements in fiscal year 2017.

         SUBTITLE E--REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Sec. 2401. Regional Conservation Partnership Program

    Section 2401 establishes a Regional Conservation 
Partnership Program by combining program purposes of the 
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), the Chesapeake 
Bay Watershed Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnership 
Initiatives Program (CCPI), and the Great Lakes Basin Program. 
The new Regional Program works through the existing programs--
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), 
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the 
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)--in order to further 
conservation, restoration and sustainable use of soil, water, 
air, wildlife and related natural resources on a regional or 
watershed scale while encouraging eligible partners to 
cooperate with producers in meeting or avoiding the need for 
natural resource regulatory requirements related to 
agricultural production and implement projects that will affect 
operations on a local, regional, State, or multi-State basis.
    The program includes definitions for ``covered programs'', 
``eligible activities'', ``eligible land'' and ``eligible 
partner''.
    Under the program, the Secretary may enter into short term 
contracts with eligible partners, who are selected through a 
competitive process. A partnership agreement may not exceed 
five years, but may be extended one time for up to 12 months if 
necessary to meet the objectives of the program. Through the 
contracts, partners will assist producers with installing and 
maintaining conservation activities through existing programs. 
An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the 
overall costs of the scope of the project. The program includes 
several priorities for applications, including the ability to 
assist producers in meeting or avoiding regulatory 
requirements.
    The Secretary may also enter into contracts directly with 
producers who are in an established project area. The Secretary 
shall make payments directly to the producer in an amount 
determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the 
purposes of the program. The language includes a waiver from 
the adjusted gross income requirement.
    The program includes a section for critical conservation 
areas under which the Secretary can administer the program as 
well as very limited flood prevention and erosion control 
projects. When implementing projects under the critical 
conservation areas, the Secretary may use additional 
authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention 
Act.
    The funding for the program consists of mandatory funds out 
of the Commodity Credit Corporation of $100,000,000 for each 
fiscal year, as well as a 6 percent reservation of funds out of 
the conservation programs mentioned above. Out of all of the 
funds, 25 percent is allocated to the State conservationist, 50 
percent is allocated to the Secretary on a national competitive 
basis, and 25 percent is allocated for the critical 
conservation areas.

                SUBTITLE F--OTHER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Sec. 2501. Conservation of Private Grazing Land

    Section 2501 extends Conservation of Private Grazing Land 
through fiscal year 2017.

Sec. 2502. Grassroots Source Water Protection Program

    Section 2502 extends the Grassroots Water Protection 
Program. It further makes available $5,000,000 in mandatory 
money to remain available until expended.

Sec. 2503. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program

    Section 2503 extends the Voluntary Public Access program 
through fiscal year 2017, reduces its mandatory funding level 
to $30,000,000 and requires a report on program effectiveness.

Sec. 2504. Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program

    Section 2504 provides funding for ACES through the funds 
made available to carry out each program under the title, 
excluding CRP.

Sec. 2505. Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program

    Section 2505 reauthorizes the appropriations of the Small 
Watershed Rehabilitation Program at current appropriated levels 
through fiscal year 2017 and further authorizes $250,000,000 in 
mandatory money for the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program 
for fiscal year 2013, to remain available until expended.

Sec. 2506. Agricultural Management Assistance Program

    Section 2506 amends the Agricultural Management Assistance 
Program, within the Federal Crop Insurance Act, by eliminating 
the practice of planting trees for windbreaks or for improving 
water quality and mitigation of risk through resource 
conservation practices as uses for financial assistance under 
the program. The section further eliminates the exception of 
$15,000,000 in mandatory funding through each fiscal year while 
maintaining the base $10,000,000 in funding. The section amends 
the percentages for the distribution of funds decreasing the 
funds through Natural Resources Conservation Services to 30 
percent, maintaining the funds for organic certification cost 
share through Agricultural Marketing Service at 10 percent, and 
increasing the funds through the Risk Management Agency to 60 
percent.

                 SUBTITLE G--FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 2601. Funding

    Section 2601(a) extends and amends the funding section for 
conservation programs provided by the Commodity Credit 
Corporation funds.
    Funding levels:
    CRP TIP--$25,000,000 set aside in the period of fiscal 
years 2013-2017.
    ACE--
          $450,000,000 in FY13;
          $475,000,000 in FY14;
           $500,000,000 in FY15;
           $525,000,000 in FY16; and
           $266,000,000 in FY17.
    EQIP--$1,750,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2013-2017.
    Section 2601(b) makes the funding covered by this section 
no year funds.

Sec. 2602. Technical Assistance

    Section 2602 amends the funding section of the 1985 Act to 
include an amended technical assistance subsection and also 
requires a report to Congress on technical assistance.

Sec. 2603. Regional Equity

    Section 2603 amends Regional Equity by striking the 
$15,000,000 target for regional equity allocations and replaces 
it with 0.6 percent of the funds made available for 
conservation programs in order to allow allocations to 
synchronize with annual program appropriations.

Sec. 2604. Reservation of Funds to Provide Assistance to Certain 
        Farmers or Ranchers for Conservation Access

    Section 2604 extends the 5 percent reservation of funds for 
both socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers 
through fiscal year 2017. The language adds a priority within 
the reservation of funds for producers who are veterans.

Sec. 2605. Annual Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance

    Section 2605 makes technical amendments to the annual 
reporting requirement on program enrollments and assistance.

Sec. 2606. Administrative Requirements Applicable to All Conservation 
        Programs

    Section 2606 adds a new subsection to the administrative 
requirements for conservation programs that requires the 
Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, to seek to reduce 
administrative burdens and costs by streamlining and taking 
advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and 
effectiveness. The section clarifies that any payment received 
under the title is in addition to, and does not affect, the 
total amount of payments an owner or operator is otherwise 
eligible to receive.

Sec. 2607. Standards for State Technical Committees

    Section 2607 makes a technical change to the standards for 
state technical committees.

Sec. 2608. Rulemaking Authority

    Section 2608 requires the Secretary to promulgate 
regulations, gives the Secretary rulemaking authority in 
regards to conservation programs, and provides for the 
operation of the programs under interim rules.

 SUBTITLE H--REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED PROGRAM AUTHORITIES AND TRANSITIONAL 
                               PROVISIONS

Sec. 2701. Comprehensive Conservation Enhancement Program

    Section 2701 repeals the Comprehensive Conservation 
Enhancement Program.

Sec. 2702. Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program

    Section 2702 repeals the Emergency Forestry Conservation 
Reserve Program, but provides for the continuation of existing 
contracts until the contract's expiration.

Sec. 2703. Wetlands Reserve Program

    Section 2703 repeals the Wetlands Reserve Program, but 
provides for the continuation of existing contracts until the 
contract's expiration.

Sec. 2704. Farmland Protection Program and Farm Viability Program

    Section 2704 repeals the Farmland Protection Program, but 
provides for the continuation of existing contracts until the 
contract's expiration.

Sec. 2705. Grasslands Reserve Program

    Section 2705 repeals the Grassland Reserve Program, but 
provides for the continuation of existing contracts until the 
contract's expiration.

Sec. 2706. Agricultural Water Enhancement Program

    Section 2706 repeals the Agricultural Water Enhancement 
Program, but provides for the continuation of existing 
contracts until the contract's expiration.

Sec. 2707. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program

    Section 2707 repeals the Wildlife Habitat Incentive 
Program, but provides for the continuation of existing 
contracts until the contract's expiration.

Sec. 2708. Great Lakes Basin Program

    Section 2708 repeals the Great Lakes Basin Program.

Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program

    Section 2709 repeals the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, 
but provides for the continuation of existing contracts until 
the contract's expiration.

Sec. 2710. Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative

    Section 2710 repeals the Cooperative Conservation 
Partnership Initiative, but provides for the continuation of 
existing contracts until the contract's expiration.

Sec. 2711. Environmental Easement Program

    Section 2711 repeals the Environmental Easement Program.

Sec. 2712. Technical Amendments

    Section 2712 includes technical amendments.

                            Title III--Trade


                     SUBTITLE A--FOOD FOR PEACE ACT

Sec. 3001. General Authority

    Section 3001 amends section 201 of the Food for Peace Act 
by updating the general authorities with language focused on 
building resilience to reduce the future need for emergency 
food aid.

Sec. 3002. Support for Organizations through which Assistance is 
        Provided

    Section 3002 amends section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace 
Act by reducing the maximum allowable cash assistance available 
for administrative costs in non-emergency programs from 13% to 
11% of the total funds made available for the program.

Sec. 3003. Food Aid Quality

    Section 3003 amends section 202(h) of the Food for Peace 
Act by requiring the Administrator to consult with the 
Secretary in performing the requirements of this subsection 
related to food aid quality; by establishing a mechanism for 
USDA and USAID to evaluate food aid commodities and implement 
appropriate changes; by instructing the agencies to update 
program guidance on the use of new commodities; and by limiting 
the available funding for these purposes to $1 million.

Sec. 3004. Minimum Levels of Assistance

    Section 3004 amends section 204(a) of the Food for Peace 
act by reauthorizing the minimum levels of commodities 
available for emergency and non-emergency assistance under Food 
for Peace.

Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group

    Section 3005 amends Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act 
by reauthorizing the Food Aid Consultative Group (the 
``Group'') and adding representatives from the processing 
sector to the Group. The provision further requires the 
Administrator to consult with the Group on the implementation 
of food aid quality provisions and requires the Administrator 
to provide the Group at least 45 days notice before a proposed 
regulation handbook or guideline, or revision thereof, becomes 
final.

Sec. 3006. Oversight, Monitoring, and Evaluation

    Section 3006 amends section 207 of the Food for Peace Act 
by requiring that all regulations and revisions to agency 
guidance necessary for implementation of the Federal 
Agricultural Reform and Risk Management Act be issued within 
270 days of enactment. The provision removes authority for 
purchasing new computer systems, removes obsolete reporting 
requirements, and provides $10 million per year for monitoring 
and evaluation. Further, the provision requires a report on the 
extent of monitoring and evaluation required by eligible 
organizations participating in Food for Peace programs.

Sec. 3007. Assistance for Stockpiling and Rapid Transportation, 
        Delivery, and Distribution of Shelf-stable Pre-packaged Foods

    Section 3007 amends section 208 of the Food for Peace Act 
by reauthorizing assistance for stockpiling and rapid 
transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable 
prepackaged foods at $8 million per year.

Sec. 3008. General Provisions

    Section 3008 amends section 403 of the Food for Peace Act 
by requiring USDA and USAID to seek information on the 
potential benefits of monetization to local economies. The 
provision further clarifies that implementing partners should 
sell monetized commodities at fair market value. The Secretary 
and the Administrator are also instructed to coordinate 
assessments which guide the use of monetization to ensure 
consistency across programs. The provision requires USAID to 
issue a report detailing the use of funds made available for 
implementing partners, including funds for administrative and 
indirect costs.

Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of Agricultural Commodities

    Section 3009 amends section 407(c) of the Food for Peace 
Act by increasing funding for prepositioning of agricultural 
commodities from $10 million to $15 million per year. The 
section also allows the Administrator discretion to establish 
additional prepositioning sites based on the results of 
assessments of need, feasibility, and cost.

Sec. 3010. Annual Report Regarding Food Aid Programs and Activities

    Section 3010 amends section 407(f) of the Food for Peace 
Act by requiring the annual report regarding food aid programs 
and activities to include information on the actual 
beneficiaries of the programs and by specifying the report 
include the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and 
Child Nutrition Program.

Sec. 3011. Deadline for Agreements To Finance Sales or To Provide Other 
        Assistance

    Section 3011 amends section 408 of the Food for Peace Act 
by extending the expiration of Food for Peace authorities 
through 2017.

Sec. 3012. Authorization of Appropriations

    Section 3012 amends section 412 of the Food for Peace Act 
by reducing the authorization for appropriations from $2.5 to 
$2 billion per year and sets the minimum level of development 
programming at $400 million per year.

Sec. 3013. Micronutrient Fortification Programs

    Section 3013 amends section 415 of the Food for Peace Act 
by striking a reference to an obsolete report and reauthorizing 
the micronutrient fortification program through 2017.

Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program

    Section 3014 amends section 501 of the Food for Peace Act 
by reauthorizing the Farmer-to-Farmer program and increasing 
the minimum level of funding from $10 million to $15 million 
per year.

               SUBTITLE B--AGRICULTURAL TRADE ACT OF 1978

Sec. 3101. Funding for Export Credit Guarantee Program

    Section 3101 amends section 211 of the Agricultural Trade 
Act of 1978 by reauthorizing funding for the Export Credit 
Guarantee Program through 2017.

Sec. 3102. Funding for Market Access Program

    Section 3102 amends section 211 of the Agricultural Trade 
Act of 1978 by reauthorizing funding for the Market Access 
Program through 2017.

Sec. 3103. Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program

    Section 3103 amends section 703 of the Agricultural Trade 
Act of 1978 to reauthorize funding for the Foreign Market 
Development Coordinator Program through 2017.

               SUBTITLE C--OTHER AGRICULTURAL TRADE LAWS

Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985

    Section 3201 amends the Food for Progress Act of 1985 by 
reauthorizing the program through 2017 and repeals a completed 
project in Malawi.

Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust

    Section 3202 amends the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act 
to reauthorize the Trust through 2017.

Sec. 3203. Promotion of Agricultural Exports to Emerging Markets

    Section 3203 amends section 1542 of the Food, Agriculture, 
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by reauthorizing the 
promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets through 
2017.

Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 
        Nutrition Program

    Section 3204 amends section 3107 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing the McGovern-Dole 
International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program 
through 2017.

Sec. 3205. Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops

    Section 3205 amends section 3205 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize the export 
assistance program known as Technical Assistance for Specialty 
Crops through 2017 at $9 million per year and clarifies that 
technical barriers to trade can be addressed through the 
program.

Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust

    Section 3206 amends section 3202(c) of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 by reauthorizing the U.S. 
Agency for International Development to make a contribution of 
up to $50 million over 5 years to the Global Crop Diversity 
Trust.

Sec. 3207 Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural 
        Services

    Section 3207 amends Subtitle B of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 by adding a new section 
allowing USDA to establish the position of Under Secretary for 
Foreign Agricultural Services, which would be appointed by the 
President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

                          Title IV--Nutrition


         SUBTITLE A--SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Sec. 4001. Retailers

    Subsection (a) amends section 3 of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (the ``Act'') by requiring retailers to provide 
perishable items in at least 3 of the staple food categories.
    Subsection (b) amends section 7 of the Act by requiring 
that retailers will be responsible for purchasing and paying 
for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (``SNAP'') point-
of-sale equipment and supplies. The subsection terminates the 
use of manual vouchers except in cases of disasters or other 
similar situations. The subsection requires parties providing 
electronic benefit transfer services to maintain unique 
terminal identification numbers throughout the SNAP routing 
system.
    Subsection (c) amends section 7 of the Act by removing 
outdated language related to the use of coupons.
    Subsection (d) amends section 9 of the Act by making 
retailers selling more than 45% of prohibited SNAP items, such 
as alcohol and tobacco, ineligible to participate in the 
program.

Sec. 4002. Enhancing Services to Elderly and Disabled Supplement 
        Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients

    Section 4002 amends section 3 of the Act by adding 
governmental or nonprofit food purchasing delivery services to 
the list of eligible retailers if they serve elderly or 
disabled individuals who are otherwise unable to shop for their 
own food.

Sec. 4003. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

    Section 4003 amends section 4 of the Act by reauthorizing 
the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Sec. 4004. Updating Program Eligibility

    Section 4004 amends section 5 of the Act by restricting 
categorical eligibility for SNAP to only those households 
receiving cash assistance through other low-income assistance 
programs.

Sec. 4005. Exclusion of Medical Marijuana from Excess Medical Expense 
        Deduction

    Section 4005 amends section 5 of the Act by prohibiting 
medical marijuana from being treated as a medical expense for 
purposes of income deductions.

Sec. 4006. Standard Utility Allowances Based on the Receipt of Energy 
        Assistance Payments

    Section 4006 amends section 5 of the Act by requiring a 
household to receive a Low Income Home Energy Assistance 
Program (LIHEAP) payment of $10 or more in order to receive the 
SNAP Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) deduction when 
calculating SNAP benefits.

Sec. 4007. Eligibility Disqualifications

    Section 4007 amends section (6) of the Act by requiring 
that State SNAP Employment and Training programs be limited to 
assisting only those college students enrolled in specific 
career and technical education courses or basic adult 
education, remedial, and literacy courses.

Sec. 4008. Ending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits 
        for Lottery or Gambling Winners

    Section 4008 amends section 6 of the Act by making any 
household in which a member receives substantial lottery or 
gambling winnings ineligible for SNAP benefits.

Sec. 4009. Improving Security of Food Assistance

    Section 4009 amends section 7 of the Act by allowing States 
to request information from households that repeatedly lose 
their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card in order to 
investigate potential fraud and trafficking violations. The 
section provides protection for those who are not intentionally 
committing fraud.

Sec. 4010. Demonstration Projects on Acceptance of Benefits of Mobile 
        Transactions

    Section 4010 amends section 7 of the Act by requiring the 
Secretary of Agriculture (the ``Secretary'') to implement a 
pilot program to test the feasibility of allowing retailers to 
accept SNAP benefits through mobile transactions.

Sec. 4011. Use of Benefits for Purchase of Community-Supported 
        Agriculture Shares

    Section 4011 amends section 10 of the Act by allowing SNAP 
benefits to be used for the purchase of community-supported 
agriculture shares.

Sec. 4012. Restaurant Meals Program

    Section 4012 amends section 11 of the Act by requiring 
greater oversight of States choosing to operate a Restaurant 
Meals Program that allows only homeless, elderly and disabled 
SNAP populations to redeem their benefits at approved 
restaurants. The section requires USDA to approve the State's 
implementation plan and ensure that a documented need exists to 
serve the target populations in specific geographic areas.

Sec. 4013. State Verification Option

    Section 4013 amends section 11 of the Act by requiring 
States to use an immigration status verification system to 
verify an applicant's immigration status.

Sec. 4014. Repeal of Grant Program

    Section 4014 repeals section 11 of the Act to eliminate a 
program that allows grant funding to be used for advertising to 
promote SNAP participation.

Sec. 4015. Data Exchange Standardization for Improved Interoperability

    Section 4015 amends section 11 of the Act by establishing 
requirements consistent with other means tested programs for 
the electronic content and format of data used in the 
administration of SNAP.

Sec. 4016. Repeal of Bonus Programs

    Section 4016 repeals section 16 of the Act to eliminate the 
performance bonuses provided to States for effectively 
administering SNAP.

Sec. 4017. Funding of Employment and Training Programs

    Section 4017 amends section 16 of the Act by reducing the 
allocation to State agencies to carry out employment and 
training programs from $90 million to $79 million per year.

Sec. 4018. Monitoring Employment and Training Programs

    Section 4018 amends section 16 of the Act by requiring that 
the Secretary implement monitoring and performance measures for 
State employment and training programs. The section requires 
that the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Labor, develop reporting measures for participants in 
employment and training programs. The section requires that 
States report annually on such measures. The section further 
provides that if a State agency's performance is inadequate, 
the Secretary may require the State agency to modify its 
employment and training plan.

Sec. 4019. Cooperation with Program Research and Evaluation

    Section 4019 amends section 17 of the Act by requiring 
entities that participate in SNAP programs to cooperate with 
the Department of Agriculture and its agents in conducting 
evaluations and studies authorized under the Act.

Sec. 4020. Authorization of Appropriations

    Section 4020 amends section 18 of the Act by extending the 
authorization for appropriations to carry out the Act through 
fiscal year 2017.

Sec. 4021. Limitation on Use of Block Grant to Puerto Rico

    Section 4021 amends section 19 of the Act by ensuring that 
no funds made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may 
be used to provide nutrition assistance in the form of cash.

Sec. 4022. Assistance for Community Food Projects

    Section 4022 amends section 25 of the Act by providing an 
additional $10 million per fiscal year for Community Food 
Projects, $5 million per fiscal year which shall be used to 
provide incentives for the consumption of fruits and vegetables 
by low-income individuals.

Sec. 4023. Emergency Food Assistance

    Section 4023 amends section 27 of the Act by providing an 
additional $25 million per fiscal year for Emergency Food 
Assistance. The section also reauthorizes Emergency Food 
Program Infrastructure Grants through fiscal year 2017.

Sec. 4024. Nutrition Education

    Section 4024 amends section 28 of the Act by including 
``physical activity'' as an allowable activity under the SNAP 
nutrition education program.

Sec. 4025. Retailer Trafficking

    Section 4025 amends the Act by providing $5 million each 
fiscal year for USDA to use in preventing SNAP fraud and 
trafficking violations.

Sec. 4026. Technical and Conforming Amendments

    Section 4026 makes technical and conforming amendments to 
the Act.

Sec. 4027. Tolerance Level for Excluding Small Errors

    Section 4027 prevents the Secretary from excluding payment 
errors greater than $25 from improper payments calculations.

Sec. 4028. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Pilot Program

    Section 4028 requires the Secretary to conduct a study to 
assess the capabilities of the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands (CNMI) to operate the SNAP program in the same 
manner it is operated in the States. The section requires that 
if, following the study, the Secretary determines that it is 
feasible for the CNMI to operate the SNAP program in the same 
manner it is operated by the States, the Secretary shall 
establish a pilot program in CNMI for such purposes.

Sec. 4029. Annual State Report on Verification of Snap Participation

    Section 4029 requires States to submit an annual report to 
the Secretary sufficient to show that the State is verifying 
that its SNAP recipients are not receiving benefits in more 
than one state and that no benefits are being paid to deceased 
individuals.

              SUBTITLE B--COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS

Sec. 4101. Commodity Distribution Program

    Section 4101 amends section 4 of the Agriculture and 
Consumer Protection Act of 1973 by reauthorizing the Commodity 
Distribution Program through fiscal year 2017.

Sec. 4102. Commodity Supplemental Food Program

    Section 4102 amends section 5 of the Agriculture and 
Consumer Protection Act of 1973 by modifying the eligibility of 
the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to serve only elderly 
populations. Those individuals under the age of 60 currently 
being served by the program may remain in the program until 
they no longer meet the current eligibility requirements. The 
section also reauthorizes the program through fiscal year 2017.

Sec. 4103. Distribution of Surplus Commodities to Special Nutrition 
        Projects

    Section 4103 amends section 114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture 
and Food Act of 1981 by reauthorizing Distribution of Surplus 
Commodities to Special Nutrition Projects through fiscal year 
2017.

Sec. 4104. Processing of Commodities

    Section 4104 amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act 
and WIC Amendments of 1987 by ensuring that the Secretary has 
legal standing to enter into national processing agreements and 
allows the Secretary to retain title to commodities processed 
under those agreements prior to their final delivery to 
schools.

                       SUBTITLE C--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 4201. Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

    Section 4201 amends section 4402 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by expanding the program purposes 
to allow additional at-risk populations to be served and by 
requiring the Secretary to specify terms and conditions to 
encourage expanding the participation of small-scale farmers in 
Federal nutrition programs.

Sec. 4202. Nutrition Information and Awareness Pilot Program

    Section 4202 repeals section 4403 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by eliminating the Nutrition 
Information and Awareness Pilot Program.

Sec. 4203. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

    Section 4203 amends section 19 of the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act by expanding the forms of fruits and 
vegetables made available to students through the Fresh Fruit 
and Vegetable Program to include canned, frozen, and dried.

Sec. 4204. Additional Authority for Purchase of Fresh Fruits, 
        Vegetables, and Other Specialty Food Crops

    Section 4204 amends section 10603 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by requiring the Secretary to 
establish a pilot program in which five participating States 
shall have the option to receive a grant to purchase fresh 
fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service 
institutions in lieu of participating in the DOD fresh program.

Sec. 4205. Encouraging Locally and Regionally Grown and Raised Food.

    Section 4205 requires the Secretary to allow small rural 
schools to purchase locally and regionally grown food in lieu 
of the school's commodity assistance provided under school meal 
programs. The section also allows the Secretary to establish 
farm-to-school demonstration programs at up to 10 schools.

                            Title V--Credit


                    SUBTITLE A--FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS

Sec. 5001. Eligibility for Farm Ownership Loans

    Section 5001(a) expands eligibility for farm ownership 
loans by including ``other legal entities'' to the list of 
eligible borrowers that includes farmers, ranchers, farming 
cooperatives and private domestic companies. An entity that is 
or will become only the operator of a family farm is deemed to 
meet the owner operator requirements if the owners own more 
than 50% of the entity. An entity that is an owner-operator 
that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities is deemed 
to meet the direct ownership requirement if at least 75% of the 
embedded entity is owned directly or indirectly by the 
individuals that own the farm.
    Section 5001(b) allows a borrower to meet the experience 
requirements of farming or ranching for 3 years is he or she 
has ``other acceptable experience for a period of time, as 
determined by the Secretary''.

Sec. 5002. Conservation Loan and Loan Guarantee Program

    Section 5002 expands the eligibility for the conservation 
loan and guarantee program by adding ``or other such legal 
entities as the Secretary deems appropriate'' to the list of 
eligible borrowers. It also raises the limitation on the loan 
guarantee from 75% to 90% and extends the program until 2017.

Sec. 5003. Down Payment Loan Program

    Section 5003 increase the possible principal amount of the 
loan from 45% of $500,000 to 45% of $667,000.

Sec. 5004. Elimination of Mineral Rights Appraisal Requirement

    Section 5004 eliminates the requirement to do a mineral 
rights appraisal for real estate loans.

                      SUBTITLE B--OPERATING LOANS

Sec. 5101. Eligibility for Farm Operating Loans

    Section 5101 expands eligibility for operating loans by 
including ``other legal entities'' to the list of eligible 
borrowers that includes farmers, ranchers, farming cooperatives 
and private domestic companies. An entity that is an operator 
and is owned in whole or in part by other entities is deemed to 
meet the direct ownership if at least 75% of the embedded 
entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that 
own the farm.

Sec. 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating 
        loans to youth

    Section 5102 expands eligibility by striking the words 
``rural residency'' from the eligibility requirements for 
operating loans to young farmers.

Sec. 5103. Authority To Waive Personal Liability for Youth Loans Due to 
        Circumstances Beyond Borrower Control

    Section 5103 allows the Secretary, on a case by case basis, 
to waive the personal liability of a borrower for an operating 
loan if any default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond 
the control of the borrower.

Sec. 5104. Microloans

    Section 5104 authorizes the Secretary to make operating 
loans of $35,000 to eligible borrowers.

                      SUBTITLE C--EMERGENCY LOANS

Sec. 5201. Eligibility for Emergency Loans

    Section 5201 expands the eligibility for emergency loans by 
adding ``or other such legal entities as the Secretary deems 
appropriate'' to the list of approved borrowers. An entity that 
is an owner-operator and is owned in whole or in part by other 
entities is deemed to meet the direct ownership if at least 75% 
of the embedded entity is owned directly or indirectly by the 
individuals that own the farm.

                 SUBTITLE D--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    Sec. 5301. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual 
Development Accounts Pilot Program
    Section 5301 reauthorizes the Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program through 2017.

Sec. 5302. Eligible Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

    Section 5302 expands the definition of a beginning farmer 
or rancher to include ``or other such legal entity''. It also 
changes the acreage ownership limitation from 30% of the median 
acreage of farms in the county to 30% of the average acreage of 
farms in the county.

Sec. 5303. Loan Authorization Levels

    Section 5303 reauthorizes the Secretary's ability to make 
loans under each subtitle through 2017.

Sec. 5304. Priority for Participation Loans

    Section 5304 adds a new priority for beginning farmer and 
rancher direct loans to those applicants who apply under the 
down payment loan program or for joint financing arrangements.

Sec. 5305. Loan Fund Set-Asides

    Section 5305 reauthorizes the loan fund set-asides through 
2017.

Sec. 5306. Conforming Amendment to Borrower Training Provision, 
        Relating to Eligibility Changes

    Section 5306 is a conforming amendment to a borrower 
training provision.

           SUBTITLE E--STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS

Sec. 5401. State Agricultural Mediation Programs

    Section 5401 reauthorizes the state agricultural mediation 
programs through 2017.

      SUBTITLE F--LOANS TO PURCHASERS OF HIGHLY FRACTIONATED LAND

Sec. 5501. Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated Land

    Section 5501 authorizes the use of a revolving loan fund 
for purchasers of highly fractionated land.

                      Title VI--Rural Development


        SUBTITLE A--CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT

Sec. 6001. Water, Waste disposal, and Wastewater Facility Grants

    The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended 
to decrease the current authorization of appropriations for 
water, waste disposal and wastewater facility grants (7 U.S.C. 
1926(a)(2)(B)(vii)) from $30,000,000 to $15,000,000 for each 
fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6002. Rural Business Opportunity Grants

    Rural Business Opportunity Grants (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D)) 
are reauthorized through 2017.

Sec. 6003. Elimination of Reservation of Community Facilities Grant 
        Program Funds

    A reservation of funds (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) within the 
community facilities grant program is repealed.

Sec. 6004. Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program

    The Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider program (7 
U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)) is amended to continue with a national 
program that is consistent with the activities and results of 
the program prior to enactment of this paragraph, and funded 
from the Secretary through the Rural Utilities Service. 
$20,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 
2013 and each fiscal year thereafter.

Sec. 6005. Tribal College and University Essential Community Facilities

    Tribal College and University Essential Community 
Facilities (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25(C)) is amended to decrease the 
current authorization of appropriations from $10,000,000 to 
$5,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6006. Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grant 
        Program

    Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grant 
Program (7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)) is amended to decrease the 
current authorization of appropriations from $35,000,000 to 
$27,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6007. Grants to Nonprofit Organizations to Finance the 
        Construction, Refurbishing, and Servicing of Individually-owned 
        Household Water Well Systems in Rural Areas for Individuals 
        with Low or Moderate Incomes

    Grants to nonprofits to finance the construction, 
refurbishing, and servicing of individually-owned household 
water well systems (7 U.S.C. 1926e(d)) is amended to decrease 
the current authorization of appropriations from $10,000,000 to 
$5,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6008. Rural Business and Industry Loan Program

    The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended 
(7 U.S.C. 932(a)(2)(A)) to authorize working capital as a loan 
purpose. The Business and Industry loan program (7 U.S.C. 
1932(g)) is amended to allow, where the action would not create 
or contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the 
Federal Government, in the discretion of the Secretary, 
accounts receivables as security for a loan under this 
subsection.

Sec. 6009. Rural Cooperative Development Grants

    Rural Cooperative Development Grants (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12)) 
is amended to decrease the current authorization level from 
$50,000,000 to $40,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6010. Locally or Regionally Produced Agricultural Food Products

    Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products 
(7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I)) is reauthorized through 2017. 
The Secretary shall reserve not more than 7 percent of funds 
made available to carry out this loan program for this 
authority.

Sec. 6011. Intermediary Relending Program

    Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1922-1936a) is amended to authorize the 
Intermediary Relending Program. $10,000,000 is authorized to be 
appropriated for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6012. Enhancing Public/Private Partnerships to Support Rural Water 
        and Waste Disposal Infrastructure

    Water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans (7 
U.S.C. 1983) are amended to encourage financing by private or 
cooperative lenders, to the maximum extent practicable, for 
rural water and waste disposal facilities by using loan 
guarantees where the population exceeds 5,500, using direct 
loans where the impact on rate payers will be material when 
compared to financing with a loan guarantee, establishing and 
applying a materiality standard regarding the difference in 
impact on rate payers, requiring projects that require interim 
financing in excess of $500,000 initially seek financing from 
private or cooperative lenders, and determining if an existing 
direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or 
cooperative lender prior to providing a new direct loan.

Sec. 6013. Simplified Applications

    Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1983a) authorizing the Secretary, to the maximum extent 
practicable, develop a simplified application process, 
including single page applications where possible, for specific 
grants and relending programs authorized in this title. Within 
2 years, after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of 
simplified applications.

Sec. 6014. Reauthorization of State Rural Development Councils

    State Rural Development Councils (7 U.S.C. 2008m(h)) are 
reauthorized through 2017.

Sec. 6015. Grants for NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters

    Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters (7 U.S.C. 
2008p(d)) are authorized to be appropriated at $1,000,000 for 
each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6016. Rural Microentrepreneuer Assistance Program

    The Rural Microentrepreneuer Assistance Program (7 U.S.C. 
2008s(d)(2)) is amended to decrease the current authorization 
level from $40,000,000 to $20,000,000 for each fiscal year 
through 2017.

Sec. 6017. Delta Regional Authority

    The Delta Regional Authority is reauthorized (7 U.S.C. 
2009aa-13) and amended (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-12(a)) to decrease the 
current authorization level from $30,000,000 to $12,000,000 for 
each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6018. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority

    The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (7 U.S.C. 
2009bb-13) is reauthorized and amended (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-12(a)) 
to decrease the current authorization level from $30,000,000 to 
$2,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6019. Rural Business Investment Program

    The Rural Business Investment Program (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-18) 
is amended to decrease the current authorization level from 
$50,000,000 to $20,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

             SUBTITLE B--RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT OF 1936

Sec. 6101. Relending for Certain Purposes

    The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et 
seq.) is amended to authorize loans for borrower relending to 
ultimate consumers for the purpose of energy efficiency. Loans 
and grants are also authorized under the Cushion of Credit 
Payments Program for relending to ultimate consumers for the 
purpose of energy efficiency.

Sec. 6102. Fees for Certain Loan Guarantees

    The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et 
seq.) is amended to require that the Secretary, at the request 
of an electrification baseload generation loan guarantee 
borrower, charge an upfront fee that is equal to the costs of 
the loan guarantee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee. A 
borrower may not use funds from a loan or other debt obligation 
made or guaranteed by the Federal Government to pay the fee.

Sec. 6103. Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or 
        Telephone Purposes

    Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification 
or telephone purposes (7 U.S.C. 940c-1(f)) are reauthorized.

Sec. 6104. Expansion of 911 Access

    Expansion of 911 access (7 U.S.C. 940e(d)) is reauthorized.

Sec. 6105. Access to Broadband Telecommunications Services in Rural 
        Areas

    The Broadband Program (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is reauthorized and 
amended to provide a priority for applications that are not 
predominantly for business service but where at least 25 
percent of customers in the proposed service territory are 
commercial interests. Publication of notice of applications 
shall include the amount and type of support requested and a 
list of the census block groups or tracts to be served. The 
Secretary is authorized to establish a process where an 
incumbent service provider that as of the date of the 
publication of notice of an application is providing broadband 
service to a remote rural area, may submit information to the 
Secretary information regarding the broadband services offered 
in the application's proposed service territory so that the 
Secretary may assess whether the application is an eligible 
project. The Secretary is also authorized to take into 
consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for construction 
or acquisition of facilities and equipment in considering the 
technology needs of customers in a proposed service territory.

                       SUBTITLE C--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 6201. Distance Learning and Telemedicine

    Distance Learning and Telemedicine (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is 
amended to decrease the current authorization level from 
$100,000,000 to $65,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 6202. Value-Added Agricultural Market Development Program Grants

    Value-Added Agricultural Market Development Program Grants 
(7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7)) are reauthorized.

Sec. 6203. Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program

    The Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration program (7 
U.S.C. 1632b(i)) is amended to decrease the current 
authorization from $6,000,000 to $1,000,000 for each fiscal 
year through 2017.

Sec. 6204. Program Metrics

    The Secretary is authorized to collect data regarding 
economic activities created through grants and loans and to 
measure the short- and long-term viability of award recipients 
and any entities to who those recipients provide assistance 
using award funds under certain authorities. The data shall be 
collected both during the award period and after the award 
period for a minimum of 2 years. Not later than 4 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
that contains data collected including specific information on 
actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data, the number 
of jobs, including self employment and the value of salaries 
and wages, how the grant or loan affected the local economy and 
any other benefit, as the Secretary deems appropriate.

Sec. 6205. Study of Rural Transportation Issues

    An update on the study on rural transportation issues is 
authorized to be submitted not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act to Congress.

Sec. 6206. Agricultural Transportation Policy

    This section authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to 
participate in all proceedings of the Surface Transportation 
Board that may establish freight rail transportation policy 
affecting agriculture and rural America.

Sec. 6207. Certain Federal Actions not to be Considered Major for 
        Purposes of Environmental Review

    An action of the Secretary that does not involve the 
provision of Federal dollars or a loan guarantee from the 
Department of Agriculture, including approval by USDA of a 
borrower's decision to commence a privately funded activity, a 
lien accommodation or subordination, a debt settlement or 
restructuring, or the restructuring of a business entity by a 
borrower, in the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant 
program in the rural development mission area of the Department 
of Agriculture, shall not be considered a major Federal action.

          Title VII--Research, Extension, and Related Matters


  SUBTITLE A--NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING 
                           POLICY ACT OF 1977

Sec. 7101. Option to not be Included as Hispanic-Serving Agricultural 
        College or University

    The National Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Teaching 
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(10)(A)) is amended to allow 
Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities to opt 
out of the designation.

Sec. 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
        Economics Advisory Board

    The National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, 
and Economics Advisory Board (7 U.S.C. 3123) is extended 
through September 30, 2017 and amended to provide authority for 
the board to consult with industry groups and make 
recommendations to the Secretary.

Sec. 7103. Specialty Crop Committee

    Amends Specialty Crop Committee (7 U.S.C. 3123a) to 
authorize in its annual report recommendations regarding 
research, extension and teaching programs designed to improve 
competitiveness in the specialty crop industry.

Sec. 7104. Veterinary Services Grant Program

    The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is amended to 
provide the Secretary authority to establish a competitive 
grant program for the purpose of developing, implementing, and 
sustaining veterinary services. Grants shall only be made to 
qualified entities that substantially relieve veterinary 
shortage situations, support or facilitate private veterinary 
practices engaged in public health activities, or support or 
facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are or have 
completed services in emergency situations. The Secretary shall 
give preference to qualified entities that coordinate with 
other qualified entities, consider together the availability of 
funds and the grant purpose when selecting grant recipients, 
and consider these grants to be competitive research, extension 
or education grants. A qualified entity may use funds to 
relieve veterinary shortage situations and support vet services 
for any of 5 purposes. However, qualified entities operating a 
veterinary clinic may only use a grant to establish or expand 
veterinary practices and those entities are subject to an 
agreement with the Secretary that includes a term of service 
for the recipient where the Secretary shall consider together 
the amount and specific purpose of the grant. The agreement 
shall provide remedies for any breach by the recipient and a 
waiver of repayment based on extreme hardship as determined by 
the Secretary. Funds recovered shall be credited to the account 
carrying out this program and remain available until expended. 
Funds may not be used for the purpose of constructing a new 
building or facility, or to acquire, expand, remodel or alter 
an existing building or facility. The Secretary shall 
promulgate regulations for this section not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this section. There are 
authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 
and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until 
expended.

Sec. 7105. Grants and Fellowships for Food and Agriculture Sciences 
        Education

    Grants and Fellowships for Food and Agricultural Sciences 
Education (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)) is amended, decreasing the 
authorization of appropriations from $60,000,000 to $40,000,000 
for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7106. Policy Research Centers

    The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) is amended to authorize the 
Secretary to act through the office of the Chief Economist, and 
make competitive grants or cooperative agreements to policy 
research centers with a history of providing unbiased, 
nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress. Eligible recipients 
are amended to include other public research institutions and 
organizations. The Secretary shall give a preference to certain 
policy research centers that provide analysis to Congress. 
There are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each 
fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7107. Repeal of Human Nutrition Intervention and Health Promotion 
        Research Program

    Human Nutrition Intervention and Health Promotion Research 
(7 U.S.C. 3174) is repealed.

Sec. 7108. Repeal of Pilot Research Program to Combine Medical and 
        Agricultural Research

    Pilot Research Program to Combine Medical and Agricultural 
Research (7 U.S.C. 3174a) is repealed.

Sec. 7109. Nutrition Education Program

    Nutrition Education Program (7 U.S.C. 3175(f)) is 
reauthorized.

Sec. 7110. Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research Programs

    Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research Programs (7 
U.S.C. 3195) is amended by decreasing the authorization of 
appropriations from $25,000,000 to $15,000,000 for each fiscal 
year through 2017.

Sec. 7111. Repeal of Appropriations for Research on National or 
        Regional Problems

    Appropriations for Research on National or Regional 
Problems (7 U.S.C. 3196) is repealed.

Sec. 7112. Grants to Upgrade Agricultural and Food Sciences Facilities 
        at 1890 Land-Grant Colleges, including Tuskegee University

    Grants to Upgrade Agricultural and Food Sciences Facilities 
at 1890 Land-Grant Colleges, including Tuskegee University (7 
U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is reauthorized.

Sec. 7113. Grants to Upgrade Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities 
        and Equipment at Insular Area Land-Grant Institutions

    Grants to Upgrade Agricultural and Food Sciences Facilities 
and Equipment at Insular Area Land-Grant Institutions (7 U.S.C. 
3222b-2(d)) is reauthorized and amended (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(a)) 
to authorize grants to support tropical and subtropical 
research, including pest and disease research.

Sec. 7114. Repeal of National Research and Training Virtual Centers

    National Research and Training Virtual Centers (7 U.S.C. 
3222c) is repealed.

Sec. 7115. Hispanic-Serving Institutions

    Hispanic-Serving Institutions (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is 
reauthorized.

Sec. 7116. Competitive Grants for International Agricultural Science 
        and Education Programs

    Competitive Grants for International Agricultural Science 
and Education Programs (7 U.S.C. 3292b(c)) is authorized at 
$5,000,000 through for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7117. Repeal of Research Equipment Grants

    Research Equipment Grants (7 U.S.C. 3310a) is repealed.

Sec. 7118. University Research

    University Research (7 U.S.C. 3311) is reauthorized.

Sec. 7119. Extension Service

    Extension Service (7 U.S.C. 3312) is reauthorized.

Sec. 7120. Auditing, Reporting, Bookkeeping, and Administrative 
        Requirements

    Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is 
amended to authorize the Secretary to retain not more than 4 
percent of amounts made available for agricultural research, 
extension and teaching assistance programs towards 
administration, with the exception of peer panel expense or 
limitations on administrative expenses that are less than 4 
percent.

Sec. 7121. Supplemental and Alternative Crops

    Supplemental and Alternative Crops (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is 
amended to authorize competitive grants and authorized at 
$1,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7122. Capacity Building Grants for NLGCA Institutions

    Capacity Building Grants for NLGCA Institutions (7 U.S.C. 
3319i(b)) is reauthorized.

Sec. 7123. Aquaculture Assistance Programs

    Aquaculture Assistance Programs (7 U.S.C. 3322(b)) are 
amended to authorize competitive grants and decrease the 
authorization of appropriations from $7,500,000 to $5,000,000 
for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7124. Rangeland Research Programs

    Rangeland Research Programs (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) is amended, 
decreasing the authorization of appropriations from $10,000,000 
to $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7125. Special Authorization for Biosecurity Planning and Response

    Special Authorization for Biosecurity Planning and Response 
(7 U.S.C. 3351(a)) is authorized at $10,000,000 for each fiscal 
year through 2017.

Sec. 7126. Distance Education and Resident Instruction Grants Program 
        for Insular Area Institutions of Higher Education

    Distance Education and Resident Instruction Grants Program 
for Insular Area Institutions of Higher Education (7 U.S.C. 
3362) is amended to authorize competitive grants at $2,000,000 
for each fiscal year through 2017. Also, Resident Instruction 
Grants for Insular Areas (7 U.S.C. 3363) is authorized at 
$2,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7127. Matching Funds Requirement

    The National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is amended 
to apply a match fund requirement to competitive grants 
involving applied research or extension that are commodity or 
State-specific under certain covered laws. The recipient shall 
provide a match of at least 100 percent of the amount of the 
grant, from sources other than funds provided through the 
grant. The Secretary is given the authority to waive the match 
requirement if the Advisory Board has determined that the 
applied research is a national priority. This provision will 
apply to grants awarded after Oct. 1, 2012, unless this 
authority is withstood.

   SUBTITLE B--FOOD, AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF 1990

Sec. 7201. Best Utilization of Biological Applications

    Best Utilization of Biological Applications (7 U.S.C. 5814) 
is authorized for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7202. Integrated Pest Management Systems

    Integrated Pest Management Systems (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is 
authorized for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7203. Sustainable Agriculture Technology Development and Transfer 
        Program

    Sustainable Agriculture Technology Development and Transfer 
Program (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)) is authorized at $5,000,000 for each 
fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7204. National Training Program

    National Training Program (7 U.S.C. 5832(9)) is authorized 
for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program

    National Genetics Resources Program (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)) is 
authorized at $1,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System

    National Agricultural Weather Information System (7 U.S.C. 
5851 et seq.) is repealed.

Sec. 7207. Repeal of Rural Electronic Commerce Extension Program

    Rural Electronic Commerce Extension Program (7 U.S.C. 5923) 
is repealed.

Sec. 7208. Repeal of Agricultural Genome Initiative

    Agricultural Genome Initiative (7 U.S.C. 5924) is repealed.

Sec. 7209. High-Priority Research and Extension Initiatives

    High-Priority Research and Extension Initiatives (7 U.S.C. 
5925) is reauthorized and amended to repeal certain 
authorities. A waiver of the matching funds requirement is 
authorized if the project involves a pest that has been 
designated as a pest of public health significance. 
Reauthorizes pollinator protection and authorizes research on 
bed bugs and pests that are a risk to public health. An annual 
report is authorized to address honey bee health disorders and 
best management practices. The Secretary shall award grants for 
the purposes of developing more efficacious methods of 
detecting, preventing and managing bed bugs and conducting 
basic and applied bed bug biology research. A timeline is 
provided requiring that the Secretary publish a request for 
competitive grant proposals and for the evaluation and award of 
grants and the notification of any awards to the task force. 
Also provides for consultation and coordination between the 
Secretary and the Administrator of the EPA regarding the 
awarding of grants under this subsection and the evaluation of 
the results of such research projects to expedite the approval 
or registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act of methods identified or discovered through 
research projects funded under this subsection.

Sec. 7210. Repeal of Nutrient Management Research and Extension 
        Initiative

    Nutrient Management Research and Extension Initiative (7 
U.S.C. 5925a) is repealed.

Sec. 7211. Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative

    The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
(7 U.S.C. 5925b) is reauthorized and amended to authorize a 
priority for grant proposals that, after the peer review 
process, are found to be scientifically meritorious under the 
criteria for priority under the farm business management grant 
authority. Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
$16,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7212. Repeal of Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock and Energy 
        Efficiency Research and Extension Initiative

    Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock and Energy Efficiency 
Research and Extension Initiative (7 U.S.C. 5925e) is repealed.

Sec. 7213. Farm Business Management

    Farm Business Management (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)) is authorized 
at $5,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7214. Regional Centers of Excellence

    The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
(7 U.S.C. 5925f) is amended to authorize the Secretary to 
prioritize regional centers of excellence for specific 
agricultural commodities to receive funding for competitive 
research or extension programs. A regional center of excellence 
is composed of 1 or more of the eligible entities under the 
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Certain criteria will 
be considered for recognition as a center of excellence.

Sec. 7215. Repeal of Red Meat Safety Research Center

    Red Meat Safety Research Center (7 U.S.C. 5929) is 
repealed.

Sec. 7216. Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities

    Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities 
(7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)) is amended, decreasing the authorization 
of appropriations from $6,000,000 to $3,000,000 for each fiscal 
year through 2017.

Sec. 7217. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse

    National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse (7 U.S.C. 
3125b(e)) is reauthorized.

SUBTITLE C--AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT 
                                OF 1998

Sec. 7301. Relevance and Merit of Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
        Education Funded by the Department

    The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform 
Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2)) is amended to require 
procedures for review to address relevance for grants 
administered on a competitive basis by the National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture and provides for ongoing consultation 
between the Secretary and advisory board regarding merit review 
procedures.

Sec. 7302. Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive 
        Grants Program

    Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive 
Grants Program (7 U.S.C. 7626(e)) is reauthorized.

Sec. 7303. Repeal of Coordinated Program of Research, Extension, and 
        Education to Improve Viability of Small and Medium Size Dairy, 
        Livestock, and Poultry Operations

    Coordinated Program of Research, Extension, and Education 
to Improve Viability of Small and Medium Size Dairy, Livestock, 
and Poultry Operations (7 U.S.C. 7627) is repealed.

Sec. 7304. Repeal of Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program

    Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program (7 U.S.C. 7629) is 
repealed.

Sec. 7305. Grants for Youth Organizations

    Grants for Youth Organizations (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)) is 
authorized at $3,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7306. Specialty Crop Research Initiative

    The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform 
Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is reauthorized and amended to 
include efforts to improve handling and processing. It is also 
amended to authorize competitive grants based on an initial 
scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter 
experts and a final funding determination based on a review and 
ranking for merit, relevance and impact by an appropriate panel 
of specialty crop industry representatives. Of the funds of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation, $25,000,000 is authorized for 
fiscal year 2013; $30,000,000 for each fiscal years 2014 and 
2015; $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 and $50,000,000 for 
fiscal year 2017 and each year thereafter.

Sec. 7307. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program

    Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program is 
reauthorized through 2017.

Sec. 7308. Repeal of National Swine Research Center

    National Swine Research Center (P.L. 105-185; 112 Stat. 
605) is repealed.

Sec. 7309. Office of Pest Management Policy

    Office of Pest management Policy (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is 
authorized at $3,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7310. Repeal of Studies of Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
        Education

    Studies of Agricultural Research, Extension and Education 
(7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.) is repealed.

                         SUBTITLE D--OTHER LAWS

Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act

    Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)) is 
authorized at $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994

    Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 
U.S.C. 301 note; P.L. 103-382) is amended to update and add 
colleges to the list of 1994 institutions. Section 533 extends 
the authorization of appropriations and the consideration of 
1994 Institutions as land-grant colleges eligible to 
participate in the youth-at-risk and the federally recognized 
Tribes Extension Program implemented under section 3(d) of the 
Smith-Lever Act. Section 535 reauthorizes Institutional 
Capacity Building Grants. Section 536 expands the list of 
partners eligible to enter into cooperative agreements with 
1994 Institutions to conduct research from land-grant colleges 
or universities only, to include ARS, Non-land Grant College of 
Agriculture, or McIntyre-Stennis recognized schools of forestry 
and authorizes funds to be appropriated as necessary for each 
of the fiscal years through 2017.

Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act

    Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is reauthorized.

Sec. 7404. Repeal of Carbon Cycle Research

    Carbon Cycle Research (7 U.S.C. 6711) is repealed.

Sec. 7405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

    Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 
U.S.C. 450(i)) is reauthorized. Plant based foods that are a 
major source of nutrients, zoonotic diseases in wildlife 
reservoirs presenting potential concern to public health or 
domestic livestock, animal drugs for minor species and minor 
uses in major species and conservation efforts addressing 
nutrient loss and water quality are authorized as priority 
areas for competitive grants. Requires the Secretary to 
establish procedures under which State or Federal commodity 
promotion entities may directly submit proposals for requests 
for applications for grants to address issues related to 
established priorities. Also authorizes the Secretary to 
provide grants to eligible entities for research proposals 
submitted by State or Federal commodity promotion entities. The 
emphasis on sustainable agriculture is repealed.

Sec. 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978

    Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) 
is reauthorized.

Sec. 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980

    National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) is 
reauthorized.

Sec. 7408. Repeal of Use of Remote Sensing Data

    Use of Remote Sensing Data (7 U.S.C. 5935) is repealed.

Sec. 7409. Repeal of Reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment 
        Act of 2002

    Reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925b note, PL 107-171) (PL 107-171; 116 Stat. 
462) (7 U.S.C. 5925a note; PL 107-171) is repealed.

Sec. 7410. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

    Sec. 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended to authorize competitive 
grants towards certain programs and services and provide a 
priority for school based agriculture education organizations. 
At least 5 percent of funds shall be used to support programs 
and services addressing the needs of beginning farmers and 
ranchers who are also military veterans. These grant recipients 
are encouraged to coordinate with recipients under the 
Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities. Of 
the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, $10,000,000 is 
authorized for each fiscal year through 2017, to be available 
until expended.

Sec. 7411. Inclusion of Northern Mariana Islands as a State under 
        McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act

    Public Law 87-788, commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis 
Cooperative Forestry Act (16 U.S.C. 582a-7) is amended to 
include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as a 
state.

         SUBTITLE E--FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008

Sec. 7501. Agricultural Biosecurity Communication Center

    Agricultural Biosecurity Communication Center (7 U.S.C. 
8912(c)) is authorized at $2,000,000 for each fiscal year 
through 2017.

Sec. 7502. Assistance to Build Local Capacity in Agricultural 
        Biosecurity Planning, Preparation, and Response

    Assistance to Build Local Capacity in Agricultural 
Biosecurity Planning, Preparation and Response (7 U.S.C. 8913) 
is each authorized at $15,000,000 for each fiscal year through 
2017.

Sec. 7503. Research and Development of Agricultural Countermeasures

    Research and Development of Agricultural Countermeasures (7 
U.S.C. 8921(b)) is amended, decreasing the authorization from 
$50,000,000 to $15,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7504. Agricultural Biosecurity Grant Program

    Agricultural Biosecurity Grant Program (7 U.S.C. 8922(e)) 
is authorized at $5,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017, 
to remain available until expended.

Sec. 7511. Enhance Use Lease Authority Pilot Program

    Enhanced Use Lease Authority Pilot Program (7 U.S.C. 3125a) 
is reauthorized through 2017.

Sec. 7512. Grazinglands Research Laboratory

    Grazinglands Research Laboratory (P.L. 110-246;122 Stat 
2019) is reauthorized through 2017.

Sec. 7513. Budget Submission and Funding

    Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 7641c) is amended to add a budget and funding 
submission requirement. The budget submission shall include for 
each funding request for covered programs, certain baseline for 
each covered program, including the location and staff years of 
each covered program carried out by ERS or ARS, and specific 
information for each request for awards under certain 
authorities. Covered programs may not be carried out during the 
fiscal year if required information is not submitted with the 
budget. A report is authorized containing a description of the 
agricultural research, extension and education activities 
carried out by the Federal government during the fiscal year 
immediately preceding.

Sec. 7514. Repeal of Research and Education Grants for the Study of 
        Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

    Research and Education Grants for the Study of Antibiotic-
Resistant Bacteria (7 U.S.C. 3202) is repealed.

Sec. 7515. Repeal of Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

    Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (7 U.S.C. 5936) is 
repealed.

Sec. 7516. Repeal of Seed Distribution

    Seed Distribution (7 U.S.C. 415-1) is repealed.

Sec. 7517. Natural Products Research Program

    Natural Products Research Program (7 U.S.C. 5937(e)) is 
authorized at $7,000,000 for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 7518. Sun Grant Program

    Sec. 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(7 U.S.C. 8114) is amended to authorize the Secretary to 
coordinate among appropriate Federal agencies. Grants are 
authorized to be used towards integrated, multistate research, 
extension and education programs on technology development and 
implementation. Funding allocations for specific programs are 
repealed. Requirements for the plan for research activities to 
be funded to address bioproducts and priorities of appropriate 
Federal agencies are amended. The Sun Grant Program is 
reauthorized.

Sec. 7519. Repeal of Study and Report on Food Deserts

    Study and Report on Food Deserts (PL 110-246, 112 Stat. 
2039) is repealed.

Sec. 7520. Repeal of Agricultural and Rural Transportation Research and 
        Education

    Agricultural and Rural Transportation Research and 
Education (7 U.S.C. 5938) is repealed.

Sec. 7521. Conveyance of Land Comprising Subtropical Horticulture 
        Research Station

    The Secretary is authorized to convey land comprising 
subtropical horticulture research station in exchange for an 
amount of cash equal to the market value of the property from 
Miami-Dade County in the state of Florida. The Secretary shall 
deposit all funds received from the conveyance into the 
Treasury of the United States, to be credited to the 
appropriation for the Agricultural Research Service, until 
expended, for the operation, upkeep and maintenance of the 
Subtropical Horticulture Research Station.

Sec. 7522. Concessions, Fees, and Voluntary Services at National 
        Arboretum

    The Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196) is amended to 
allow the Secretary to grant concessions to nonprofit 
organizations that support the purpose of the National 
Arboretum. In addition, a nonprofit organization granted a 
concession may recognize donors if such recognition is approved 
by the Secretary.

Sec. 7523. Cotton Disease Research Report

    Not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall submit to Congress a Cotton Disease Research 
Report.

Sec. 7524. Miscellaneous Technical Corrections

    The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (PL 110-246; 
122 Stat. 2013) is amended to make a technical correction.

                          Title VIII--Forestry


            SUBTITLE A--REPEAL OF CERTAIN FORESTRY PROGRAMS

Sec. 8001. Forest Land Enhancement Program

    Section 8001 amends section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act of 1978 by repealing the Forest Land Enhancement 
Program.

Sec. 8002. Watershed Forestry Assistance Program

    Section 8002 amends section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act of 1978 by repealing the Watershed Forestry 
Assistance Program.

Sec. 8003. Expired Cooperative National Forest Products Marketing 
        Program

    Section 8003 amends section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act of 1987 by repealing the Cooperative National 
Forest Products Marketing Program.

Sec. 8004. Hispanic-Serving Institution Agricultural Land National 
        Resources Leadership Program

    Section 8004 amends section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, 
and Energy Act of 2008 by repealing the Hispanic-serving 
Institutional Agricultural Land National Resources Leadership 
Program.

Section 8005. Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program

    Section 8005 amends section 303 of the Healthy Forests 
Restoration Act of 2003 by repealing the Tribal Watershed 
Forestry Assistance Program.

 SUBTITLE B--REAUTHORIZATION OF COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 
                             1978 PROGRAMS

Sec. 8101. Forest Legacy Program

    Section 8101 amends section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act of 1978 by reauthorizing the Forest Legacy 
Program through FY 2017 at $55,000,000 for each fiscal year 
2013 through 2017.

Section 8102. Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

    Section 8102 amends section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act of 1978 by reauthorizing the Community Forest 
and Open Space Conservation Program at $1,500,000 for each 
fiscal year 2013 though 2017.

       SUBTITLE C--REAUTHORIZATION OF OTHER FORESTRY-RELATED LAWS

Sec. 8201. Rural Revitalization Technologies

    Section 8201 amends section 2371 of the Food, Agriculture, 
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by reauthorizing the Rural 
Revitalization Technologies at the current level of $5,000,000 
for each fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 8202. Office of International Forestry

    Section 8201 amends section 2405 of the Global Climate 
Change Prevention Act of 1990 by reauthorizing the Office of 
International Forestry within the Forest Service at $6,000,000 
for each fiscal year 2013 though 2017.

Sec. 8203. Change in Funding Source for Healthy Forest Reserve Program

    Section 8203 amends section 508 of the Healthy Forests 
Restoration Act of 2003 by making the Healthy Forest Reserve 
Program subject to appropriated funds at an authorization level 
of $9,750,000 for each fiscal year 2013 through 2017. The 
section further allows the Secretary to use funds appropriated 
for a given fiscal to carry out the Soil Conservation and 
Domestic Allotment Act, if necessary to cover the cost of 
technical assistance, management, and enforcement 
responsibilities for land enrolled in the program as permanent 
easements or 30-year easements.

Sec. 8204. Stewardship End Result Contracting Project Authority

    Section 8204 amends section 347 of the Department of the 
Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by 
reauthorizing Forest Service's stewardship end contracting 
authority through FY 2017.

           SUBTITLE D--NATIONAL FOREST CRITICAL AREA RESPONSE

Sec. 8301. Definitions

    Section 8301 defines the terms ``critical area'' and 
``National Forest system'' for the purposes of the title.

Sec. 8302. Designation of Critical Areas

    Subsection (a) requires the Secretary to designate critical 
areas within the National Forest System for the purposes of 
addressing deteriorating forest health conditions in existence 
at the time of this Act due to insect infestation, drought, 
disease, or storm damage as well as future risk of insect 
infestations or disease outbreaks.
    Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to use the most recent 
annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and 
defoliation for the purpose of determining deteriorating forest 
health conditions at the time of this Act and the National 
Insect and Disease Risk Map for the purpose determining of 
future risk when considering National Forest System land for 
designation as a critical area.
    Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to designate the 
first critical areas no later than 60 days after enactment of 
this Act.
    Subsection (d) establishes that a critical area designation 
under this subtitle shall last for 10 years.

Sec. 8303. Application of Expedited Procedures and Activities of the 
        Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 to Critical Areas

    Subsection (a), subject to specified modifications within 
the section, allows for the application of authorities of title 
I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to all Forest 
Service projects and activities carried out in a designated 
critical area.
    Subsection (b) exempts projects conducted in accordance 
with this section from section 322 of Public Law 102-381 which 
prohibits the use of appropriations to complete and issue the 
five-year program under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
Resources Planning Act.
    Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to make the following 
modifications when applying title I authorities to Forest 
Service projects and activities in a critical area: (1) the 
authority should apply to the entire critical area; and (2) all 
projects and activities of the Forest Service shall be 
considered to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects 
for the purpose of applying this title.
    Subsection (d) excludes projects that comprise less than 
1,000 acres from the requirements for an environmental 
assessment or an environmental impact statement. The exclusion 
does not apply to: land in the National Wilderness Preservation 
System; any Federal land on which, by an Act of Congress or 
Presidential proclamation, removal of vegetation is restricted; 
a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or an area 
in which the activity would be inconsistent with the applicable 
land and resource management plan.
    Subsection (e) requires that all projects and activities 
carried out in a critical area pursuant to the subtitle shall 
be consistent with land and resource management plans.

Sec. 8304. Good Neighbor Authority

    Subsection (a) defines the terms ``eligible State'' and 
``State forester'' for the purposes of the section.
    Subsection (b) gives the Secretary authority to enter into 
cooperative agreements or contracts with a State forester 
authorizing the State forester to provide the forest, 
rangeland, and watershed restoration and protection services on 
National Forest System land in the eligible State. Restoration 
and protection services include activities to treat insect 
infected trees, activities to reduce hazardous fuels, and any 
other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and 
watershed health. Such cooperative agreement or contract may 
authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for the 
Secretary in providing those authorized services. A State 
forester may enter into subcontracts to provide those 
authorized services if it is in accordance with applicable 
contract procedures for the eligible State. Any decision 
required to be made under NEPA may not be delegated to a State 
forester or any other officer or employee of the eligible State 
under this section.
    Services performed under such cooperative agreement or 
contract shall be exempt from subsections (d) and (g) of 
section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976. 
Subsection (d) of that Act requires the Secretary to advertise 
all timber sales unless extraordinary conditions exist or the 
appraised value of the sale is less than $10,000. Subsection 
(g) of that Act requires that designation and marking, and 
supervision of harvesting of trees be conducted by persons 
employed by the Secretary and have no personal interest in the 
purchase or harvest of such products nor be in the direct or 
indirect employ of the purchaser.
    The restoration and protection services under this section 
shall be carried out on a project-by-project basis under 
existing Forest Service authorities.

                  SUBTITLE E--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 8401. Revision of Strategic Plan for Forest Inventory and Analysis

    Subsection (a) requires the Secretary to, not later than 
180 days after enactment of this Act, revise the strategic plan 
for forest inventory and analysis to address the new 
requirements imposed by this section.
    Subsection (b) enumerates a list of new requirements for 
the purpose of revising the strategic plan for forest inventory 
and analysis.
    Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to submit the revised 
strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
and Forestry of the Senate.

Sec. 8402. Forest Service Participation in ACES Program

    Section 8402 allows the Forest Service to use certain 
Forest Service funds for the purpose of using the Agricultural 
Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program to provide 
technical services for conservation-related programs and 
authorities carried out on Forest Service System lands.

                            Title IX--Energy


Sec. 9001. Definition of Renewable Energy System

    Section 9001 amends section 9001 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by modifying the definition of 
``biobased product'' and adding a definition of ``forest 
product'' to ensure that mature forest products are treated in 
the same manner as other biobased products. The section also 
adds a definition for ``renewable energy system'' which limits 
the eligible projects in the Rural Energy for America Program.

Sec. 9002. Biobased Markets Program

    Section 9002 amends section 9002 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing the Biobased 
Markets Program with discretionary funding authorized at $2 
million per fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 9003. Biorefinery Assistance

    Section 9003 amends section 9003 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by eliminating grant funding in 
the Biorefinery Assistance Program to ensure that program 
funding is spent more efficiently through loan guarantees with 
discretionary funding at $75 million per fiscal year through 
2017.

Sec. 9004. Repeal of Repowering Assistance Program and Transfer of 
        Remaining Funds

    Section 9004 amends section 9004 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by repealing the Repowering 
Assistance Program and transferring any remaining funds to the 
Rural Energy for America Program.

Sec. 9005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels

    Section 9005 amends section 9005 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing the Bioenergy 
Program for Advanced Biofuels with discretionary funding at $50 
million per fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program

    Section 9006 amends section 9006 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing the Biodiesel 
Fuel Education Program with discretionary funding at $2 million 
per fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program

    Section 9007 amends section 9007 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by eliminating the authority for 
feasibility studies, creating a three-tiered application 
process, and reauthorizing the Rural Energy for America Program 
with discretionary funding at $45 million per fiscal year 
through 2017.

Sec. 9008. Biomass Research and Development

    Section 9008 amends section 9008 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing Biomass Research 
and Development with discretionary funding at $20 million per 
fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers

    Section 9009 amends section 9010 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing the Feedstock 
Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers through 2017.

Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program

    Section 9010 amends section 9011 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by eliminating collection, 
harvest, storage, and transportation (``CHST'') payments and 
reauthorizing the program with discretionary funding at 
$75,000,000 per fiscal year through 2017. This section also 
adds ``existing project areas that have received funding'' to 
the factors the Secretary shall consider when selecting project 
areas.

Sec. 9011. Community Wood Energy Program

    Section 9011 amends section 9013 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by reauthorizing the Community 
Wood Energy Program with discretionary funding at $2 million 
per fiscal year through 2017.

Sec. 9012. Repeal of Biofuels Infrastructure Study

    Section 9012 amends section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, 
and Energy Act of 2008 by repealing the Biofuels Infrastructure 
Study.

Sec. 9013. Repeal of Renewable Fertilizer Study

    Section 9013 amends section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, 
and Energy Act of 2008 by repealing the Renewable Fertilizer 
Study.

                         Title X--Horticulture


Sec. 10001. Specialty Crops Market News Allocation

    Section 10001 amends section 10107 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 by reauthorizing 
appropriations for specialty crop news market services at 
$9,000,000 for each fiscal year, through FY 2017.

Sec. 10002. Repeal of Grant Program To Improve Movement of Specialty 
        Crops

    Sec. 10002 amends section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, 
and Energy Act of 2008 repealing the grant program to improve 
movement of specialty crops.

Sec. 10003. Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program

    Sec. 10003 amends section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer 
Direct Marketing Act of 1976 and the Farmers Market and Local 
Food Promotion Program. The section includes ``local food'' in 
the title and establishment section. It further clarifies the 
purposes section of the program to highlight ``locally and 
regionally produced agricultural products''.
    The section includes a matching fund requirement at 25 
percent for entities carrying out local and regional food 
business enterprises. It limits the use of grant money by 
prohibiting its use for purchase, construction, or 
rehabilitation of buildings or structure.
    The section makes available $20,000,000 in mandatory 
funding each year and maintains the authorization for 
$10,000,000 for the program for each fiscal year 2013 through 
FY 2017. Of the funds made available, 50 percent is reserved 
for activities related to direct producer-to-consumer market 
opportunities, such as farmers' market and roadside stands; and 
50 percent is reserved for activities of local and regional 
food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, 
and store locally or regionally produced food products. Not 
more than 5 percent of the total amount of funds made available 
to the program can be used for administrative expenses.

Sec. 10004. Organic Agriculture

    Subsection (a) amends section 7407 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 by extending the Organic 
Production and Market Data Initiatives through FY 2017 at 
$5,000,000 for each fiscal year. In addition to appropriated 
funds, the subsection makes available $5,000,000 in mandatory 
funds to remain available until expended.
    Subsection (b) amends section 2122 of the Organic Foods 
Production Act of 1990 and the National Organic Program to 
include a section requiring the Secretary to modernize database 
and technology systems for the program.
    Subsection (c) amends section 2123 of the Organic Foods 
Production Act of 1990 by reauthorizing the program at the 
current level of $11,000,000 for each fiscal year through FY 
2017. In addition to appropriated funds, the subsection makes 
available $5,000,000 in mandatory funds to remain available 
until expended.
    Subsection (d) amends section 10606 of the Farm Security 
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by repealing the National 
Organic Certification Cost-share Program.

Sec. 10005. Investigations and Enforcement of the Organic Foods 
        Production Act of 1990

    The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521) is 
amended to authorize the Secretary to take investigative 
actions necessary to carry out this title to verify the 
accuracy of information and determine whether a person covered 
by this title has committed a violation of any provision of 
this title. The Secretary is authorized to administer oaths and 
affirmations, subpoena witnesses, take evidence and require the 
production of records required to be maintained under this 
title, relevant to the investigation. It is an unlawful act for 
any person covered by this title to refuse to provide 
information required by the Secretary under this title or to 
violate a suspension or revocation of either the organic 
certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation of 
a certifying agent. The Secretary may suspend, after notice and 
opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, the 
organic certification or accreditation if the Secretary has 
reason to believe that a covered person has violated or is 
violating any provision of this title. The decision to suspend 
a certification may be appealed to a U.S. district court no 
later than 30 days after such decision is made and shall not 
take effect until judicial review of the decision is completed. 
If the Secretary, subsequent to an investigation, determines 
that a violation has occurred, the suspension shall remain in 
effect until the Secretary issues a revocation of the 
certification or the accreditation, after an expedited 
administrated appeal is completed. After the appeal, if a 
violation of this title is determined to have occurred, the 
Secretary shall revoke the certification or the accreditation. 
A revocation of a certification or accreditation may be 
appealed to a U.S. district court within 30 days of the 
revocation. A revocation shall be set aside only if the 
revocation is clearly erroneous. The Secretary may apply to the 
appropriate U.S. district court for enforcement of a final 
revocation, and the court shall enforce the revocation. Civil 
penalties under the title are authorized if there is a 
violation of the revocation.

Sec. 10006. Food Safety Education Initiatives

    Section 10006 amends section 10105 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 by extending the 
authorization of appropriations for Food Safety Education 
Initiatives at $1,000,000 through FY 2017.

Sec. 10007. Specialty Crop Block Grants

    Section 10007 amends section 101 of the Specialty Crops 
Competitiveness Act of 2004 by changing the grant allocation 
formula. It makes available $70,000,000 in mandatory funding 
for the Specialty Crop Block Grants for each fiscal year, 2013 
through 2017. The section requires the Secretary, not later 
than 180 days after the effective date of this Act, to issue 
guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate 
projects and designates mandatory funds for such purposes. The 
Secretary may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made 
available for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. A 
State receiving a Specialty Crop Block Grant may not use more 
than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a 
fiscal year for administrative expenses.

Sec. 10008. Report on Honey

    Subsection (a) requires the Secretary, in consultation with 
stakeholders, to submit a report to the Commissioner of the 
FDA, describing how an appropriate Federal standard for 
identifying honey would be in the interest of consumers and the 
honey industry. The Secretary shall submit such a report not 
later than 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act.
    Subsection (b) requires the Secretary to consider the 
March, 2006, Standard of Identity citizens' petition filed with 
the FDA, including any current industry amendments or 
clarifications, when preparing such a report.

Sec. 10009. Bulk Shipments of Apples to Canada

    Subsection (a) exempts apples shipped to Canada in bulk 
bins from the provisions of the Export Apple Act.
    Subsection (b) amends the definitions section of the Export 
Apple Act to include a definition of the term ``bulk bin''.
    Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to issue regulations 
to carry out the amendments, not later than 60 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act.

Sec. 10010. Inclusion of Olive Oil in Import Controls under the 
        Agricultural Adjustment Act

    Section 10010 amends section 8e of the Agricultural 
Adjustment Act to include olive oil in the list of commodities 
regulated by import controls.

Sec. 10011. Petitions to Determine Organism Not a Plant Pest

    The Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7711) is amended to 
expand the scope and clarify the procedures of the process by 
which a person may petition the Secretary for a determination 
that an organism that is subject to regulation by the Secretary 
as a plant pest is not a plant pest. In reviewing a petition, 
the Secretary shall conduct a plant pest risk assessment as 
well as an environmental analysis of any likely adverse effects 
of such organism on the soil, water, air quality, non-target 
organisms, and listed threatened and endangered species and the 
critical habitat of such species for the environment in which 
such organism is likely to be grown or otherwise used under the 
conditions in the petition. The Secretary shall issue a 
determination that an organism is not a plant pest if, based on 
sound science and the plant pest risk assessment, the Secretary 
determines that the organism is not likely to be a plant pest. 
The Secretary shall complete the risk assessment and authorized 
environmental analysis and issue a determination not later than 
1 year after the Secretary determines that a petition is 
complete. The Secretary may extend the 1 year review period for 
an additional 180 days if the Secretary determines the 
additional review is necessary, after written notification to 
the person submitting the petition. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, if after completing the risk assessment, the 
Secretary finds there is no reason to believe that an organism 
is a plant pest and does not grant or deny a petition within 
the time period required, such organism shall be deemed not to 
be a plant pest.
    If an organism contains a plant-incorporated protectant, a 
determination made that an organism is not a plant pest or the 
deeming that an organism is not a plant pest shall not be 
effective until the registration of the plant-incorporated 
protectant is approved under the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a et seq.). 
Notwithstanding a determination that an organism is not a plant 
pest or that such organism has been deemed not to be a plant 
pest, the Secretary may issue a determination, based on 
information discovered after the date of such determination or 
the date on which the organism was so deemed and sound science 
that an organism is a plant pest.
    The Secretary shall publish notice in the Federal Register 
of a grant or denial of a petition or a deeming that such 
organism is not a plant pest. The risk assessment and 
environmental analysis shall be provided to the person who 
submitted a petition and made available to the public.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
environmental analysis required here shall be the only analysis 
or procedure regarding the effects on the environment of an 
organism that is the subject of a petition required or 
authorized by law with respect to reviewing and taking action 
on such petition. No funds made available by any act shall be 
obligated, expended or used for any environmental analysis or 
procedure other than the environmental analysis required here 
for petitions. The Secretary shall also not require or solicit 
any financial assistance from a person submitting a petition 
for any environmental analysis or procedure required here, or 
for any other analysis or procedure.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary 
shall use data collected under a permit, with respect to an 
organism, among other relevant data, for the purposes of the 
review of a petition submitted with respect to such organism, 
and shall use the analysis or procedures required under the 
regulations issued under the Federal Plant Pest Act, continued 
in effect in accordance with section 438(c), as the only 
analyses or procedures required or authorized by law with 
respect to reviewing and taking action on an application for a 
permit.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in reviewing an 
application for a permit that is not currently excluded from 
environmental review, the Secretary shall conduct the 
environmental analysis authorized here. Such analysis shall be 
the only environmental analysis or procedure required or 
authorized by law with respect to reviewing and taking action 
on this type of permit.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including 
section 411A of the Plant Protection Act, if the Secretary 
determined that a petition submitted before the date of 
enactment of this section was complete before such date, the 
Secretary shall consider such petition to remain complete and 
maintain such status. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, including subsection (c) of section 411 of this Act, if 
the Secretary determined that a permit application submitted 
before the date of enactment of this section was complete 
before such date, the Secretary shall consider such application 
to remain complete and maintain such status.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary 
shall use any environmental analysis conducted for purposes of 
a petition before the date of enactment of this section with 
respect to an organism to the greatest extent possible to 
complete the environmental analysis conducted under section 
411A of this Act for a petition. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the Secretary shall use any environmental 
analysis conducted for purposes of a permit application before 
the date of enactment of this section with respect to an 
organism to the greatest extent possible to complete any 
environmental analysis that may be required for this type of 
permit after the date of enactment.
    The Secretary shall determine the length of the period for 
the review of petitions that were pending review on the date of 
the enactment of this section. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, for each covered petition, if the Secretary 
finds that there is no reason to believe that the subject 
organism is a plant pest, and the petition is not granted or 
denied, not later than 90 days after enactment of this section, 
such organism shall be deemed not to be a plant pest. A covered 
petition is a petition submitted before the date of enactment 
of this section for which a plant pest risk assessment and an 
environmental assessment have been published and a notice and 
comment period have been completed as of the date of enactment. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
section, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as the 
Secretary considers necessary to carry out the amendments made 
by this section.

Sec. 10012. Consolidation of Plant Pest and Disease Management and 
        Disaster Prevention Programs

    Amends the Plant Protection Act to authorize the National 
Clean Plant Network, as previously authorized in the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7761). The use 
of any Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to 
provide technical assistance shall not be considered an 
allotment or fund transfer from the Corporation for the 
purposes of the limit on expenditure for technical assistance 
imposed by the Corporation's Charter Act (7 U.S.C. 714i). The 
section makes available $71,500,000 in mandatory funds for 
fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter.

Sec.10013. Authority for Regulation of Plants

    Any living stage of a plant, including any nucleic acid or 
other genetic material as contained in such plant, shall be 
exclusively subject to regulation under statutes which 
authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations 
with respect to plants. However, a pesticidal substance that is 
contained in a plant, subjected to the Plant Protection Act and 
intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating 
any pest shall be subject to regulation as a plant incorporated 
protectant under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.). The regulations issued 
by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for 
plant-incorporated protectants shall be based on sound science, 
use the least burdensome requirements, and provide for 
exemptions from the requirements otherwise applicable to 
pesticides that are not plant-incorporated protectants.

Sec.10014. Report to Congress on Regulation of Biotechnology

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
section, the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to Congress a 
report on the measures taken and proposed to be taken to 
provide for balanced and appropriate regulatory oversight of 
agricultural biotechnology products.

Sec. 10015. Pesticide Registration Improvement

    Section 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a-1(i)) is amended by authorizing 
the total amount of maintenance fees collected in the aggregate 
to $27,800,000 through fiscal year 2017. The maximum amount of 
fees payable by a registrant holding not more than 50 pesticide 
registrations is $115,500, and for one holding over 50 
pesticide registrations, $184,800 through fiscal year 2017. The 
maximum amount of fees payable by a registrant that is a small 
business holding not more than 50 pesticide registrations is 
$70,600, and for one holding over 50 pesticide registrations, 
$122,100 through fiscal year 2017.
    The Administrator is also authorized to provide a waiver in 
the amount of 25 percent of the fee applicable to the first 
registration of a qualified small business not formed or 
manipulated primarily for the purpose of qualifying for the 
waiver. The paragraph on maintenance fees is reauthorized 
through 2017.
    The abatement of other fees not included in sections 4 or 
33 of FIFRA is extended. Section 408(m)(3) of the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(m)(3)) is extended to 
reauthorize the abatement of tolerance fees through fiscal year 
2017.
    The Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund is 
authorized to offset costs to enhance information systems 
capabilities to improve the tracking of pesticide registration 
decisions.
    Amends the Act to authorize the Administrator to use 
between \1/9\ and \1/8\ of maintenance fees collected in a 
fiscal year to review and evaluate inert ingredients through 
fiscal year 2017. The Reregistration and Expedited Processing 
Fund is also authorized to offset costs, in an amount not to 
exceed $800,000, to improving information systems capabilities 
for the Office of Pesticide Programs to enhance tracking of 
registration actions and status of conditional registrations, 
allow electronic capability of review of labels and 
confidential statements of formula in registration actions, and 
enhance database capabilities for information on endangered 
species assessments in the registration review process.
    Section 33 of this Act is amended to update the schedule of 
covered pesticide registration applications and corresponding 
fees and require its publication. Fee adjustments for covered 
pesticide registration applications are reauthorized. The Act 
is amended to allow the Administrator to provide a refund of a 
portion of a covered registration service fee on the basis that 
the application is rejected based on the initial content and 
preliminary technical screening.
    The worker protection set aside in the Pesticide 
Registration Fund is reauthorized through fiscal year 2017. 
$500,000 each fiscal year through 2017 shall be used out of the 
fund for partnership grants. The pesticide safety education 
program is reauthorized through fiscal year 2017.
    Authorization to assess registration service fees is made 
contingent upon an amount of appropriations for salaries, 
contracts, and expense for functions as of fiscal year 2012, of 
the Office of Pesticide Programs equal or greater to the amount 
of appropriations for covered functions for fiscal year 2012. 
The measure of compliance allowing a decline of 3 percent to be 
regarded as equal to the amount of appropriations is repealed.
    This Act is amended to update the schedule of decision 
review periods for covered pesticide registration actions and 
fees and require its publication. The start of the decision 
time review period begins after the receipt of the covered 
pesticide registration application and fee. The Administrator 
is also authorized to provide for a preliminary technical 
screening in addition to the current authorization for initial 
content. The preliminary technical screening shall be conducted 
not later than 45 or 90 days, whichever is appropriate, after 
the date on which the decision time review period begins. The 
Administrator is authorized to reject the application at any 
time before the completion of the authorized preliminary 
technical screening if it is determined that the application 
failed the initial content or preliminary technical screening 
and the failure is not corrected before the date that is 10 
business days after the applicant receives notification of the 
failure. The Administrator shall determine whether an 
application appears to contain necessary forms, data and draft 
labeling in conducting an initial content screening. A 
preliminary technical screening determines whether the 
application including the data and information submitted are 
accurate and complete, as well as consistent with the proposed 
labeling and any proposal for a tolerance or exemption from the 
requirement for a tolerance under the FFDCA and could result in 
the granting of the application.
    The annual report describing pesticide registration fees is 
reauthorized through March 1, 2017, including new information 
regarding the number of extensions of decision time review 
periods, progress towards carrying out section 4(k)(4) and the 
amounts from the Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund 
used for the purposes described, implementing the new 
electronic tracking system, the number of applications rejected 
by the Administrator under the initial content and preliminary 
technical screening, an update of the Pesticide Incident Data 
System, and an assessment of the public availability of summary 
pesticide usage data.
    Section 33(m) Termination of Effectiveness is in each 
instance extended 5 years.

Sec. 10016. Modification, Cancellation, or Suspension on Basis of a 
        Biological Opinion

    Except in the case of a voluntary request from a registrant 
under section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a), a registration may be 
modified, canceled or suspended on the basis of the 
implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the NMFS or 
the USFWS prior to the completion of the National Academy of 
Sciences study commissioned by the Administrator of the EPA or 
Jan. 1, 2014, whichever is earlier, only if the action is taken 
pursuant to section 6 of the Act and the Biological Opinion 
complies with the recommendations contained in the study. The 
study shall include at minimum: (1) a formal, independent, and 
external peer review, consistent with OMB policies of each 
Biological Opinion, (2) an assessment of economic impacts of 
measures or alternatives recommended in each Biological 
Opinion, (3) an examination of specific scientific and 
procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic 
feasibility contained in a June 23, 2011 letter sent to the 
Administrator and other Federal officials from Members of 
Congress.

Sec. 10017. Use and Discharges of Authorized Pesticides

    Section 10017(a) is the short title.
    Section 10017(b) amends section 3(f) of the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act prohibiting the 
Administrator or a State from requiring a permit under the 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act for pesticide applications 
authorized under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and 
Rodenticide Act, except in certain instances.
    Section 10017(c) amends section 402 of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act prohibiting the Administrator or a State 
from requiring a permit under section 402 for the application 
into navigable waters of a pesticide applications authorized 
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. 
Subsection (s)(2) provides exceptions for certain instances.

Sec. 10018. Effective Date

    The effective date of this title is October 1, 2012, except 
for Sections 10008, 10009 and 10010.

Sec. 10019. Inclusion of Bed Bugs in Definition of Vector Organisms

    The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
(FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136(oo)) is amended to include bed bugs in 
the definition of vector organisms. Also amends FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 
136w(b)) authorizing the Administrator to require the 
submission of efficacy data, and to evaluate such data, if the 
pesticide is labeled or proposed to be labeled for the control 
of a pest of public health significance. The Administrator 
shall not permit the sale or distribution of any product that 
is marketed, distributed, or sold with a claim that the product 
will control a public health pest if the data submitted under 
this subsection does not support that claim. This requirement 
is applicable to pesticides exempted under this subsection.

                        Title XI--Crop Insurance


Sec. 11001. Information Sharing

    Section 11001 if the producer authorizes it, this section 
requires the FSA to provide to an agent or an approved 
insurance provider (AIP) information that may assist the agent 
or AIP in insuring the producer.

Sec. 11002. Publication of Information on Violations of Prohibition on 
        Premium Adjustments

    Section 11002 requires the RMA to publish on its website 
violations of the prohibition to give rebates or discounts in 
premium in sufficient detail to serve as guidance to AIP, 
agents and producers.

Sec. 11003. Supplemental Coverage Option

    Section 11003 establishes the new Supplemental Coverage 
Option to give a producer the option of purchasing additional 
coverage on an individual or area yield and loss basis or a 
margin basis. Coverage cannot exceed the difference between 90 
percent of the actual loss and the coverage level selected by 
the producer of the underlying policy or plan of insurance.

Sec. 11004. Premium Amounts for Catastrophic Risk Protection

    Section 11004 requires a re-rating of the catastrophic risk 
protection premium.

Sec. 11005. Repeal of Performance-Based Discount

    Section 11005 repeals unused authority for performance-
based discounts.

Sec. 11006. Permanent Enterprise Unit Subsidy

    Section 11006 makes permanent the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation (the Corporation) authority to pay a portion of the 
premiums for policies that insure on a enterprise unit basis.

Sec. 11007. Enterprise Units for Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Crops

    Section 11007 requires enterprise units to be made 
available by practice (irrigated or non-irrigated).

Sec. 11008. Data Collection

    Section 11008 allows the use of data collected by the Risk 
Management Agency, the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service, or both, to determine yields. Where sufficient county 
data is not available, this section authorizes the Secretary to 
use data from other sources.

Sec. 11009. Adjustment in Actual Production History to Establish 
        Insurable Yields

    Section 11009 increases the percentage of the applicable 
transitional yield used to replace excluded recorded or 
appraised yields from 60 percent to 70 percent.

Sec. 11010. Submission and Review of Policies

    Section 11010 requires the Corporation to review policies 
developed under the research and development contracting 
authority at 522(c), or pilot program developed under 523, and 
submit to the Board for review policies that will likely result 
in viable and marketable policies, provide crop insurance in a 
significantly improved form, and adequately protect the 
interests of producers. This section also requires and 
encourages approval of certain policies.

Sec. 11011. Equitable Relief for Specialty Crop Producers

    Section 11011 provides equitable relief on specialty crop 
policies that were disproportionately adversely impacted by the 
SRA but clarifies that Congress does not provide statutory 
assent to SRA provisions.

Sec. 11012. Budget Limitations on Renegotiation of the Standard 
        Reinsurance Agreement

    Section 11012 requires the Board to ensure budget 
neutrality to the maximum extent practicable, and return any 
savings realized in Standard Reinsurance Agreement 
renegotiations to specific crop insurance purposes.

Sec. 11013. Crop Production on Native Sod

    Section 11013 availability on crop insurance to protect 
native sod.

Sec. 11014. Coverage Levels by Practice

    Section 11014 allows producers to elect different coverage 
for both dry land and irrigated land.

Sec. 11015. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Provisions

    Section 11015 provides beginning farmers and ranchers with 
additional premium assistance, enhanced T-yields, and the 
ability to use previous producer's APH or an assigned yield.

Sec. 11016. Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland 
        Cotton

    Section 11016 requires a stacked income protection plan to 
be made available to upland cotton producers beginning with the 
2013 crop year.

Sec. 11017. Peanut Revenue Crop Insurance

    Section 11017 creates a revenue crop insurance program for 
peanut producers, beginning in crop year 2013, using the 
effective price for peanuts equal to the Rotterdam price index, 
adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the 
U.S.

Sec. 11018. Authority to Correct Errors

    Section 11018 allows an insurance provider or agent to 
correct information to make it consistent with information a 
producer reported to FSA, provided the corrections do not allow 
the producer to obtain a disproportionate benefit or avoid any 
ineligibility requirements or legal obligations.

Sec. 11019. Implementation

    Section 11019 requires the Secretary to maintain and 
upgrade information management systems and to implement an 
acreage report streamlining initiative.

Sec. 11020. Research and Development Priorities

    Section 11020 make specialty crops, sweet sorghum, biomass 
sorghum, rice, peanuts and sugarcane a research and development 
priority.

Sec.11021. Additional Research and Development Contracting Requirements

    Section 11021 lists additional research and development 
contracting priorities.

Sec. 11022. Pilot Programs

    Section 11022 clarifies Corporation may conduct pilot 
programs at its sole discretion.

Sec. 11023. Limitation on Expenditures for Livestock Pilot Programs

    Section 11023 increases the funding for livestock pilot 
program funding to $50 million per year.

Sec. 11024. Noninsured Crop Assistance Program

    Section 11024 amends the noninsured crop assistance program 
(NAP) to allow for the purchase of additional NAP coverage for 
crops that do not otherwise have coverage under the Federal 
Crop Insurance Act.

Sec. 11025. Technical Amendments

    Section 11025 makes technical amendments.

                        Title XII--Miscellaneous


                         SUBTITLE A--LIVESTOCK

Sec. 12101. National Sheep Industry Improvement Center

    Section 12101 amends section 375 of the Consolidated Farm 
and Rural Development Act by reauthorizing the appropriations 
for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center though 
fiscal year 2017, at the current level of $10,000,000 for each 
fiscal year.

Sec. 12102. Trichinae Certification Program

    Section 12102 amends section 10405 of the Animal Health 
Protection Act by reauthorizing the Trichinae Certification 
Program through fiscal year 2017, at the current level of 
$1,500,000 to remain available until expended, as well as such 
additional sums as may be necessary.

Sec. 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan

    Section 12103 amends section 11013 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 by reauthorizing the 
National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.

Sec. 12104. Report on Compliance with World Trade Organization Decision 
        Regarding Country of Origin Labeling

    Section 12104 requires the Secretary to submit a report to 
Congress, within 90 days of the date of enactment, detailing 
the steps the Secretary will take to make the United States 
compliant with the WTO decision on country of origin labeling.

Sec. 12105. Repeal of Certain Regulations Under the Packers and 
        Stockyard Act, 1912

    Subsection (a) repeals the requirement from the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 that the Secretary 
promulgate regulations with respect to the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, 1921 that would establish criteria to consider 
in determining whether on undue or unreasonable preference has 
occurred, whether a live poultry dealer has provided reasonable 
notice of a suspension of delivery of birds, when a requirement 
of additional capital investments over the life of a poultry 
growing arrangement or a swine producing contract constitutes a 
violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act, and if a 
contractor has provided a reasonable period of time for a 
grower to remedy a breach of contract that could result in the 
termination of the arrangement or contract.
    Subsection (b) repeals provisions from the Code of Federal 
Regulations regarding capital investments, suspension of 
delivery of birds, applicability to live poultry dealers, and 
written 90 days notice of intent to suspend delivery of birds.
    Subsection (c) prohibits the Secretary from enforcing the 
provisions referred to in subsection (b). It further prohibits 
the Secretary from finalizing or implementing certain proposed 
regulations regarding the tournament system, the definitions of 
competitive injury and likelihood of competitive injury, unfair 
and unjustly discriminatory and deceptive practices or devices, 
and undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages/prejudice 
or disadvantage. Finally, subsection (c) prohibits the 
Secretary from either issuing regulations or adopting policies 
similar to the provisions referenced in subsections (b) and 
(c).

Sec. 12106. Meat and Poultry Processing Report

    Section 12106 requires the Secretary to cooperate with 
States, processors and producers in developing a report on 
better meeting the needs of small and very small meat and 
poultry growers and processors and methods to create an 
electronic submission option for the meat label approval 
process. The report must be submitted to Congress not later 
than one year of the date of enactment of this Act.

   SUBTITLE B--SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED PRODUCERS AND LIMITED RESOURCE 
                               PRODUCERS

Sec. 12201. Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers 
        and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

    Section 12201(a) amends section 2501 of the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to include 
veteran farmers and ranchers. The section makes available 
$10,000,000 in mandatory funding for each fiscal year 2013 
through 2017. The section also adds a new authorization of 
appropriations of $20,000,000 for each fiscal year 2013 through 
2017.
    Section 12201(b) includes a definition of the term 
``veteran farmer or rancher''.

Sec. 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach

    Section 12202 amends paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of 
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to 
include an authorization of appropriations of $2,000,000 for 
each fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

               SUBTITLE C--OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 12301. Grants to Improve Supply, Stability, Safety, and Training 
        of Agricultural Labor Force

    Section 12301 amends section 14204(d) of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to include an 
authorization of appropriations of $10,000,000 for each fiscal 
year 2013 through 2017.

Sec. 12302. Evaluation Required for Purposes of Prohibition on Closure 
        or Relocation of County Offices for the Farm Service Agency

    Section 12302 amends section 14212 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
    Subsection (a) replaces the two year temporary prohibition 
on the closure or relocation of a FSA county or field office 
with a permanent prohibition on closure or relocation after the 
Secretary conducts an evaluation on the workload volume of the 
office compared to other county offices.
    Subsection (b) adds a new requirement that the Secretary 
conduct an evaluation of all workload assessments for Farm 
Service Agency county offices that were open and operational as 
of January 1, 2012.
    Subsection (c) amends the notice and public meeting 
requirement in order to conform to the amendments made in 
subsection (a).
    Subsection (d) in a conforming amendment related to the 
amendment made in subsection (b).

Sec. 12303. Prohibition on Attending an Animal Fight or Causing a Minor 
        To Attend an Animal Fight

    Section 12303 amends the Animal Welfare Act by making it 
unlawful to knowingly attend an animal fighting venture or to 
knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. 
The term ``minor'' is defined as a person under the age of 18 
years old.

Sec. 12304. Program Benefit Eligibility Status for Participants in High 
        Plains Water Study

    Section 12304 amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
of 2008 to continue to prevent producers and growers who are 
participating in a 1-time study of recharge potential for the 
Ogallala Aquifer in the High Plains of Texas from losing 
eligibility for programs under the Federal Agriculture Reform 
and Risk Management Act of 2012 solely as the result of 
participation.

Sec. 12305. Office of Tribal Relations

    Subsection (a) amends Title II of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 by requiring the 
Secretary to establish an Office of Tribal Relations, within 
the Office of the Secretary, to advise the Secretary on 
policies related to Indian Tribes.
    Subsection (b) is a conforming amendment within the Act.

Sec. 12306. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

    The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 
U.S.C. 6918) is amended to authorize the position of Military 
Veterans Agricultural Liaison (liaison) within the Department 
of Agriculture (Department). The liaison shall provide 
information to returning veterans and connect returning 
veterans with beginning farmer training and agricultural 
vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs 
and interests of returning veterans. The liaison is also 
authorized to provide information to veterans concerning 
participation in agricultural programs, serve as a resource for 
assisting veteran farmers and ranchers and potential farmers 
and ranchers in applying for agricultural programs and serve as 
an advocate on behalf of veterans within the Department.

Sec. 12307. Acer Access and Development Program

    Subsection (a) authorizes the Secretary to make grants to 
States, tribal governments, and research institutions to 
support their efforts to promote the domestic maple syrup 
industry.
    Subsection (b) enumerates information that shall be 
included in a grant application.
    Subsection (c) is the rule of construction so as to not 
preempt any State or tribal government law.
    Subsection (d) provides a definition for the term ``maple-
sugaring''.

Sec. 12308. Prohibition Against Interference by State and Local 
        Governments with Production or Manufacture of Items in Other 
        States

    Subsection (a) forbids State or local governments from 
imposing a standard or condition of the production or 
manufacture of any agricultural product that is sold or offered 
for sale in interstate commerce if production or manufacture 
occurs in another State and the imposed standard or condition 
is in addition to those pursuant to Federal law and the laws of 
the State or locality in which the production or manufacture 
occurs.
    Subsection (b) defines the term ``agricultural product'' as 
the term used in the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.

Sec. 12309. Increased Protection for Agricultural Interests in the 
        Missouri River Basin

    Directs the Secretary to take action to promote immediate 
increased flood protection for farmers, producers, and other 
agricultural interests in the Missouri River basin by working 
within his jurisdiction to support efforts to recalculate the 
amount of space within the System that is allocated to flood 
control storage using the 2011 flood as the model and increase 
the River's channel capacity between the reservoirs and below 
Gavins Point.

                        Committee Consideration


                                HEARINGS

    In the 111th Congress, the Committee on Agriculture held 16 
farm bill hearings in preparation of the 2012 Farm Bill both in 
Washington, D.C. and across the country in nine different 
states. The Committee heard that in general, the 2008 Farm Bill 
was working well for most farmers and ranchers and is popular. 
However, Chairman Peterson cautioned that there would be no new 
money available to write the 2012 Farm Bill and asked farm bill 
stakeholders to take a look at current programs and to see if 
there are ways that we can better use the funding available to 
provide a safety net that will continue coverage for farmers 
and ranchers.
    Under the leadership and initiative of Chairman Lucas, the 
Committee continued the farm bill process with 11 audit 
hearings on agriculture programs to look for ways to improve 
programs for farmers, increase efficiency, and reduce spending. 
These hearings were followed-up with 7 subcommittee hearings to 
hear from national agricultural stakeholders advocating for 
policy priorities and 4 field hearings across the country to 
hear firsthand how U.S. farm policy is working for farmers and 
ranchers in advance of writing the legislation.

                      FULL COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

    On July 11, 2012, the Committee on Agriculture met pursuant 
to notice, with a quorum present to consider H.R. 6083. 
Chairman Lucas made an opening statement as did Ranking Member 
Peterson.
    Chairman Lucas placed H.R. 6083 before the Committee and, 
without objection it was considered as original text for 
purposes of amendment and open to amendment at any point.
    Chairman Lucas stated that although the bill is open to 
amendment at any point, he encouraged that amendments be 
offered on a Title by Title basis. Without objection, Title I--
Commodities was placed before the Committee for consideration 
and Counsel was recognized for a brief explanation.
    Mr. Goodlatte was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to remove the ``Dairy Producer Margin Protection and 
Dairy Market Stabilization Programs'' and replace it with a new 
``Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program''. Discussion 
occurred and by a roll call vote of 17 yeas to 29 nays, the 
amendment failed. See Roll Call #1.
    Mr. Baca offered an amendment that would add a Sense of 
Congress language regarding child labor in agriculture. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Cardoza was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that provides dairy producers with the option of 
selecting an alternative method of calculating average feed 
cost within the margin insurance program. Discussion occurred 
and by a voice vote the amendment failed.
    Mr. Fortenberry was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would place a limit on an individual of $50,000 
and $100,000 for a married couple payments under the Title I 
revenue and countercyclical commodity programs. Discussion 
occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. McIntyre was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to allow USDA to share crop information with 
501(c)(5) nonprofit agricultural commodity marketing and 
promotion organizations for the purpose of implementing state 
based programs authorized by producer referendum. Discussion 
occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Goodlatte was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to reform sugar. Discussion occurred and by a roll 
call vote of 10 yeas to 36 nays the amendment failed. See Roll 
Call # 2.
    Mr. Boswell was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require all participants in the commodity 
title to be required to show a revenue loss to be eligible for 
a PLC or RLC payment. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote 
the amendment failed.
    Mr. Gibbs was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to change the language for those that opt for the RLC 
program. The proposed language would require that the 
``majority of owners'' to agree on the option for which the 
farmland is entered into. Therefore, eliminating the possible 
to ``veto power'' that one landowner might yield over multiple 
other owners. Discussion occurred and the amendment was 
withdrawn.
    Mr. Walz was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would allow dairy farmers to stay enrolled in 
the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program during transition 
process to the new Dairy Producer Margin Program. Discussion 
occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Crawford was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require a workload assessment to be 
implemented and provided to the public before any FSA county 
office closures take place. Discussion occurred and by a voice 
vote the amendment was adopted.
    Title II--Conservation was placed before the Committee for 
consideration.
    Mr. Costa was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would reauthorize the Environmental Quality Incentive 
Program (EQIP) Conservation Innovation Grants and Payments for 
air quality concerns from agriculture operations at level 
funding of $37.5 million for fiscal year 2013 through 2017. 
Discussion occurred and by a roll call vote of 18 yeas to 26 
nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call #3.
    Title III--Trade was placed before the Committee for 
consideration.
    Mr. Rooney was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that allows USDA to establish the position of Under 
Secretary for Foreign Agricultural Services, which would be 
appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the 
Senate. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment 
was adopted.
    Title IV--Nutrition was placed before the Committee for 
consideration.
    Mrs. Schmidt was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that instructs the Secretary to exclude Medical 
Marijuana from being a deduction as a medical expense. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. Johnson was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that increases the focus within the Community Food 
Project (CFP) on participation of SNAP recipients at Farmers 
Markets. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment 
was adopted.
    Ms. Pingree was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would allow the use of SNAP benefits for the 
purchase of community-supported agriculture share (CSA). 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mrs. Roby was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would require a state agency to verify income and 
eligibility or an immigration status verification system (such 
as Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program) for 
carrying out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. McGovern was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would restore the $16.5 billion cut to the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that is 
currently in the bill. Discussion occurred and by roll call 
vote of 15 yeas to 31 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call 
#4.
    Mr. Goodlatte was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require the Secretary to consider the 
impact of a new regulation on the cost of emergency feeding 
organizations. Discussion occurred and the amendment was 
withdrawn.
    Mr. Goodlatte was again recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would maximize the continuity of food product 
flow to Emergency Feeding Organizations throughout the year 
from mandatory food deliveries from the TEFAP programs to 
States. Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Schrader was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would delete Title IV of the underlying bill and 
replace it with Title IV of the Senate bill, S. 3240, the 
Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012. Discussion 
occurred and by a roll call vote of 15 yeas to 28 nays, the 
amendment failed. See Roll Call #5.
    Ms. Fudge was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would ensure the Nation's underserved urban and rural 
communities have access to healthy food. Discussion occurred 
and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Conaway was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that strikes the language prohibiting approval of 
retail food stores with significant sales of excluded items. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Costa was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would provide to states with the flexibility to enroll 
into innovative employment and training programs for SNAP 
recipients who are also receiving funds through the Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. Discussion 
occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. King was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would require all SNAP benefits in Puerto Rico to be 
delivered by EBT cards. Discussion occurred and by a roll call 
vote of 27 yeas to 19 nays, the amendment was adopted. See Roll 
Call #6.
    Ms. Pingree was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would give more control to the States and local 
communities by authorizing schools with low annual commodity 
entitlement values (small rural school) to start making their 
own food purchases, provided USDA determines this would yield 
reduced administrative costs. Discussion occurred and by a 
voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Huelskamp was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that restores to the bill all of the SNAP reforms 
passed by the Committee to fulfill its obligation under FY2013 
budget reconciliation. Discussion occurred and by roll call 
vote of 13 yeas to 33 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call 
#7.
    Mr. Cardoza was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would strike Section 4203, restoring the 
Congressional intent for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program 
by restoring the word ``Fresh'' into the title of the program. 
Mr. Ribble raised a point of order against the amendment. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mrs. Roby was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require households that receive SNAP 
benefits to provide proof of payment for their heating and 
cooling bill in order to qualify for the income deduction. 
Discussion occurred and by a roll call vote of 17 yeas to 27 
nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call #8.
    Mr. Sablan was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would require the Secretary of Agriculture to report to 
the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on the costs of providing 
school lunches and other meals and supplements in the U.S. 
territories with a comparison of these costs to the national 
reimbursement rates provided under the Russell School Lunch Act 
and the Child Nutrition Act. Discussion occurred and the 
amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Goodlatte was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would strike funds for advertising for SNAP and 
would transfer the saving for commodity purchases for food 
banks under TEFAP. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the 
amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Neugebauer was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require $50 LIHEAP assistance per year to 
qualify for additional benefits under SNAP. Discussion occurred 
and by a voice vote the amendment failed.
    Mr. Conaway was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would establish requirements consistent with 
other means-tested programs, for the electronic content and 
format of data used in the administration of the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program. Discussion occurred and by a 
voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Huelskamp was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would set the effective date for the 
Supplemental Utility Allowance reform for January 1, 2013, and 
eliminate the option for states to delay implementation by 180 
days. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment 
failed.
    Mr. Neugebauer was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require states to submit a report once a 
year to ensure they are checking to make certain SNAP 
recipients are not deceased and are not dual-enrolled. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Title V--Credit was placed before the Committee for 
consideration.
    Ms. Fudge was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would improve federal agricultural credit programs to 
better meet the needs of small, young, beginning, veteran and 
urban farmers and ranchers. Discussion occurred and by a voice 
vote the amendment was adopted.
    Ms. Fudge was again recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would lift the residential restriction and 
funding for Youth Operating Loans. Discussion occurred and by 
voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Boswell was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would repeal the term limits for FSA Guaranteed 
Loans which are currently capped at 15 years. Discussion 
occurred and by a voice vote the amendment failed.
    Mr. Fortenberry was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would maintain eligibility for rural communities 
to compete for rural development funding. Discussion occurred 
and by a voice vote the amendment was withdrawn.
    Title VI--Rural Development was placed before the Committee 
for consideration.
    Mr. McIntyre was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would direct $50 million dollars in mandatory 
spending to address the water and wastewater backlog at USDA. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment failed.
    Mr. Johnson was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would clarify the text of the bill that 
emphasizes the economic development aspect of broadband 
projects by connecting businesses to broadband networks. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Ms. Sewell was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would allow USDA to give priority to 
applications that are otherwise eligible and support strategic 
community and economic development plans on a multi-
jurisdictional basis. Discussion occurred and by a roll call 
vote of 18 yeas to 26 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call 
#9.
    Mr. Gibson was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
to increase the RUS Broadband Program authorization level from 
$25 million to $35 million. Discussion occurred and by a roll 
call vote of 20 yeas to 24 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll 
Call #10.
    Mr. Courtney was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would clarify the definition of unincorporated 
areas to include municipally designed townships, villages, 
borough, county, or municipal subdivision. Discussion occurred 
and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Austin Scott was then recognized to offer and explain 
an amendment that would give greater flexibility within the 
purpose of the USDA Business and Industry Loan Program by 
including the term ``working capital'' as an approved purpose. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Ms. Pingree was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to remove the cap on Business and Industry (B&I) 
loans for local and regional enterprise loan guarantees. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Tipton was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would direct USDA to encourage to the maximum 
extent practicable, private or cooperative lends to finance 
rural water and waste disposal facilities by utilizing loan 
guarantees where possible. Discussion occurred and by a voice 
vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Welch was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to reauthorize the State Rural Development Councils. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. Gibson was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would increase the population threshold of rural areas and 
towns from 20,000 to 30,000 people for the Community Facility 
loans and grants program. Discussion occurred and by a voice 
vote the amendment failed.
    Mr. Walz was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to 
participate in the activities of the Surface Transportation 
Board (STB) on behalf of the interest of agriculture and rural 
America. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment 
was adopted.
    Mr. Huelskamp was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that clarifies that privately financed infrastructure 
projects undertaken by the Rural Utilities Service borrowers 
are not considered to be a major federal action. Discussion 
occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Title VII--Research, Extension, and Related Matters was 
placed before the Committee for consideration.
    Ms. Sewell was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that adds a new section that requires any recipient of a 
competition grant that is for commodity-specific or State-
specific applied research or extension to raise a one-to-one 
match of funds. Discussion occurred and the amendment was 
withdrawn.
    Mr. Fortenberry was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that provides training and technical assistance to 
beginning farmers and ranchers through competitive grants to 
land-grant institutions, community organizations, and other 
farm organizations. Discussion occurred and Mr. Fortenberry 
asked unanimous consent to strike the first three lines of the 
amendment. Without objection the amendment was revised and by a 
voice vote adopted.
    Mr. Baca was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
regarding education and training programs for agriculture farm 
workers. Discussion occurred and by a roll call vote of 17 yeas 
to 25 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call #11.
    Mrs. Schmidt was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would authorize ongoing federal bed bug research 
funding. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment 
was adopted.
    Mr. Schrader was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that increases mandatory funding for the Specialty 
Crop Research Initiative by $10 million in each Fiscal Year 
beginning in FY2013. Discussion occurred and by a roll call 
vote of 19 yeas to 26 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call 
#12.
    Title VIII--Forestry was placed before the Committee for 
consideration.
    Mr. Thompson was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that will reinforce the U.S. Forest Service's 
categorical exclusion authorities for day-to-day, non-
controversial activities. Discussion occurred and by a voice 
vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mrs. Noem was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would increase acres for categorical exclusion 
from 1,000 to 10,000 acres to be used for pin beetle mitigation 
efforts in USDA-designated areas as part of the National Forest 
Critical Area Response. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote 
the amendment was adopted.
    Mrs. Noem was again recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would authorize $200,000,000 annually for the 
National forest Critical Area Response to deal with insect 
infestations in USDA designated areas in national forests 
across the west that are battling pine beetle epidemics. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Schrader was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that creates a pilot program in the State of Oregon 
to allow for permanent timber production primarily on lands 
that have been previously harvested, ensuring a sustainable 
level of timber and forest products from federal lands to 
maintain and create jobs in the local timber industry. Mr. 
Goodlatte raised a point of order against the amendment that it 
contains subject matter within the Rule X jurisdiction of 
another committee. Chairman Lucas ruled that the amendment was 
not in order. Mr. Schrader appealed the ruling of the Chair. 
Mr. Goodlatte moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of 
the Chair. By a voice vote, the motion to table the amendment 
was agreed to and the ruling of the Chair was sustained.
    Mr. Boswell was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that provides mandatory and discretionary funding 
levels to energy programs and repeals provisions prohibiting 
REAP funding of blender pumps. Discussion occurred and the 
amendment was withdrawn.
    Mrs. Noem was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would replace the portion of the bill and allow for REAP 
funds to be use used for blender pumps. Discussion occurred and 
the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Southerland was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would include lumber within the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's Biobased Marketing Program. Discussion 
occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mrs. Noem was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that adds another factor for the Secretary to consider when 
considering allocating BCAP project funds. Discussion occurred 
and by a voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Title X--Horticulture was placed before the Committee for 
consideration.
    Mr. Welch was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that clarifies changes to allow the organic industry to 
petition USDA to establish an organic promotion order using the 
normal promotion order process. Discussion occurred and the 
amendment was withdrawn.
    Mrs. Schmidt was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that clarifies bed bugs as a vector organism and 
establishes an efficacy requirement for 25(b) or minimum risk 
pesticides labeled for the control of bed bugs and other public 
health pests. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the 
amendment was adopted.
    Ms. Sewell was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would require USDA to conduct a study on specialty crop 
production by small-holders, and women, minority, and socially 
disadvantaged farmers. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote 
the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Fortenberry was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that prioritizes underserved communities, small and 
mid-sized farms, and capacity building for local and regional 
food systems. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the 
amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Stutzman was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to ensure due process for farmers and handlers by 
affirming the right to judicial review of suspension orders. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. Costa was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would strike the repeal of the National Organic 
Certification Cost-Share Program and provide $22 million for 
producers to offset the fees associated with going through 
organic certification. Discussion occurred and by a roll call 
vote of 17 yeas to 27 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call 
#13.
    Mr. Ribble was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
to the Specialty Block Grant program to allow for grants to be 
used for multistate research projects. Discussion occurred and 
by a voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Title XI--Crop Insurance was placed before the Committee 
for consideration.
    Mr. McIntyre was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would commission a study at USDA to assess the 
private market for business interruption insurance, determine 
what statutory authority would be needed for RMA to implement a 
business interruption policy for growers, and explore the 
feasibility and cost of such a policy if it were to be 
authorized. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the 
amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Cardoza was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would allow private companies to offer 
alternative coverage to growers under the Revenue Loss Coverage 
(RLC) and Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) programs if they 
can deliver index-bases supplemental coverage at comparable 
cost and meet strict accountability standards. Discussion 
occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. McIntyre was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would increase the per farm liability limit from 
$1 million to $1.5 million in the Whole Farm Risk Management 
Insurance product. Discussion occurred and by a roll call vote 
of 19 yeas to 25 nays, the amendment failed. See Roll Call #14.
    Mr. Cardoza was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would direct USDA's Risk Management Agency to 
conduct a study into the feasibility of a crop insurance 
product that would cover producer's losses due to food safety 
recalls that they did not cause. Discussion occurred and by a 
voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. Welch was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would encourage USDA's Risk Management Agency to complete 
the development of organic elections for crop insurance. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. Walz was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would strike language in the bill that reduces federal 
crop insurance subsidies on native sod that is put into 
production for the first four years in the National Prairie 
Pothole Priority Area. Chairman recognized himself to offer and 
explain a second degree amendment that would not include the 
States of Oklahoma and Texas as part of the Walz Amendment. 
Discussion occurred and Mr. Walz withdrew his amendment as did 
Chairman Lucas.
    Mr. Kissell was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to commission the USDA to study feasibility of 
creating an insurance program to protect poultry growers and 
companies in the event of a disease outbreak or other 
catastrophic loss event. Discussion occurred and by a voice 
vote the amendment was adopted.
    Title XII--Miscellaneous was placed before the Committee 
for consideration.
    Mr. McIntyre was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to extend authorization for appropriations for FY13 
through FY17 for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, 
the Northern Border Regional Commission and the Southwest 
Border Regional Commission. Mr. Conaway raised a point of order 
to the amendment because it related to subject matter within 
Rule X jurisdiction of another committee. Chairman Lucas ruled 
that the amendment was not in order. Mr. McIntyre appealed the 
ruling of the Chair. Mr. Conaway moved to table the motion to 
appeal the ruling of the Chair. By voice vote, the motion to 
table the appeal was agreed to. Mr. McIntyre asked for a 
recorded vote on the motion to table the appeal to the point of 
order on the McIntyre amendment. The results of the recorded 
vote were 25 yeas to 20 nays. The motion to table the appeal 
was adopted and the ruling of the Chair was sustained. See Roll 
Call #15.
    Mrs. Roby was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to modify the Safe Drinking Water Act to allow water 
utilities to post their annual consumer confidence reports 
online, saving time as well as printing and mailing costs. Mr. 
Conaway raised a point of order against the amendment. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. Schrader was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment to authorize Wildlife Services to provide Explosive 
Pest Control Devices or ``cracker shells'' to farmers who are 
permitted to use such devices for bird and wildlife pest 
hazing. Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mr. King was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would reinforce the Commerce Clause by asserting the right 
of a state to trade agricultural products with another state. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. Boswell was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that created a Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison 
within the USDA to educate returning veterans about farming and 
connect them with beginning farmer training programs. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. Neugebauer was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would require USDA to turn in a report not later 
than 90 days after the enactment date of the Act to the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives detailing the steps the Secretary will take so 
that the United States is in compliance with the decision of 
the World Trade Organization regarding Country of Origin 
Labeling. Discussion occurred and by a roll call vote of 34 
yeas to 12 nays, the amendment was adopted. See Roll Call #16.
    Mr. Welch was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would authorize the Secretary to make grants to states, 
tribal government, and research institutions to research, 
promote and expand access to lands for maple sugaring. 
Discussion occurred and by roll call vote of 25 yeas to 21 
nays, the amendment was adopted. See Roll Call #17.
    Mr. Hartzler was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that repeals a provision of Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 establishing a USDA inspection and grading 
program for catfish and other species of farm-raised fish. Mr. 
Baca raised a point of order against the amendment but the 
point of order was later withdrawn. Discussion occurred and by 
a roll call vote of 20 yeas to 25 nays, the amendment failed. 
See Roll Call #18.
    Mr. David Scott was also recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that will clarify the rules governing the sugar trade 
between the United States and Columbia under the United States-
Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement in a manner similar to that 
under other U.S. Free Trade Agreements with sugar-producing 
countries. Mr. Conaway raised a point of order against the 
amendment. Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    Mrs. Noem was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations 
with the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure 
Tribal consultation and Tribal access to USDA programs. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Mr. McGovern was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would close a loophole related to spectators at 
animal fighting ventures. Discussion occurred and by roll call 
vote of 26 yeas to 19 nays, the amendment was adopted. See Roll 
Call #19.
    Mr. Neugebauer was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that would continue a provision from the 2008 Farm 
Bill that would prevent producers and growers from losing 
eligibility for any program under the Federal Agricultural 
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 solely as a result of 
participating in a 1-time study of recharge potential for the 
Ogallala Aquifer in the High Plains of the State of Texas. 
Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was 
adopted.
    Ms. Pingree was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that provides for the Secretary to cooperate with 
States, processors and growers in submitting a report to 
Congress within 12 months of enactment of the bill. Discussion 
occurred and by a voice vote the amendment was adopted.
    Mr. King was recognized to offer and explain an amendment 
that directs the Secretary of Agriculture to take action, 
within his jurisdiction to promote immediate increased flood 
protection for farmers, producers, and other agricultural 
interests in the Missouri River Basin. Mr. Boswell was 
recognized to offer an amendment in the second degree that 
would add agribusinesses in Hamburg, Iowa. Mr. Conaway raised a 
point of order, discussion occurred and the point of order was 
vacated. By a voice vote the King amendment was adopted, as 
amended by the Boswell amendment.
    Mr. Conaway was then recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that prevents the Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration from doing any further work on the 
GIPSA rulemaking that resulted from the 2008 Farm Bill by 
repealing section 11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008. Discussion occurred and by a voice vote the 
amendment was adopted.
    Mrs. Hartzler was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture acting 
through Agricultural Research Service to provide greater 
outreach and educational opportunities to the ``Socially 
Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers, and Veteran Farmers and 
Ranchers'' program by engaging in cooperative agreements with 
universities and non-profit organizations. Discussion occurred 
and by a voice vote the amendment failed.
    Mr. Huelskamp was recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that prohibits the EPA from regulating coarse 
particulate matter from activities common in rural areas or 
from natural sources. Discussion occurred and the amendment was 
withdrawn.
    Mr. Huelskamp was again recognized to offer and explain an 
amendment that defines ``water of the United States'' and 
``navigable waters'' for the purposes of regulation by the EPA. 
Discussion occurred and the amendment was withdrawn.
    There being no further amendments, Mr. Peterson moved that 
H.R. 6083, as amended, be adopted and reported favorably to the 
House with the recommendation that it pass. By a roll call vote 
of 35 yeas to 11 nays, motion was agreed to in the presence of 
a quorum. See Roll Call #20.
    Mr. Peterson moved that the Chairman, after consultation 
with the Ranking Member, be authorized to make such adjustments 
to the spending levels in the reported version of the bill as 
are necessary. Without objection, the motion was agreed to.
    Chairman Lucas informed Committee Members who wished to 
file supplemental, minority, or additional views to the bill to 
transmit them to the Counsel's Office.
    Without objection, staff was given permission to make any 
necessary clerical, technical or conforming changes to reflect 
the intent of the Committee.
    Chairman Lucas thanked all the members for their 
attentiveness and good work and adjourned the meeting.

                  REPORTING THE BILL--ROLL CALL VOTES

    In compliance with clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of 
Representatives, the Committee sets forth the record of the 
following roll call votes taken with respect to H.R. 6083.

                              ROLL CALL #1

    Summary: Amendment to Title I of H.R. 6083 that would 
remove ``Dairy Producer Margin Protection and Dairy Market 
Stabilization Programs'' and replace it with a new ``Dairy 
Producer Margin Insurance Program''.
    Offered By: Representative Bob Goodlatte
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 17 yeas, 29 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Goodlatte                   10. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. King                        11. Mr. Huelskamp
 3. Mr. Neugebauer                  12. Mr. DesJarlais
 4. Mr. Fortenberry                 13. Mrs. Ellmers
 5. Mrs. Schmidt                    14. Mr. Hultgren
 6. Mr. Thompson                    15. Mr. Ribble
 7. Mr. Rooney                      16. Mr. David Scott
 8. Mr. Gibbs                       17. Ms. Fudge
 9. Mr. Tipton

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       16. Mr. Baca
 2. Mr. Johnson                     17. Mr. Cardoza
 3. Mr. Conaway                     18. Mr. Cuellar
 4. Mr. Stutzman                    19. Mr. Costa
 5. Mr. Austin Scott                20. Mr. Walz
 6. Mr. Crawford                    21. Mr. Schrader
 7. Mrs. Roby                       22. Mr. Kissell
 8. Mr. Gibson                      23. Mr. Owens
 9. Mrs. Hartzler                   24. Ms. Pingree
10. Mr. Schilling                   25. Mr. Courtney
11. Mrs. Noem                       26. Mr. Welch
12. Mr. Peterson                    27. Mr. Sablan
13. Mr. Holden                      28. Ms. Sewell
14. Mr. McIntyre                    29. Mr. McGovern
15. Mr. Boswell

                              ROLL CALL #2

    Summary: Amendment to Title I of H.R. 6083 that would 
repeal the Feedstock Flexibility Program, repeal unnecessary 
trade restrictions, eliminate higher price support levels, 
reform domestic supply restrictions to provide more flexibility 
to USDA, and provide flexibility to USDA in administering sugar 
policies.
    Offered By: Representative Bob Goodlatte
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 10 yeas, 36 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Goodlatte                    6. Mr. Huelskamp
 2. Mr. Johnson                      7. Mr. DesJarlais
 3. Mr. Neugebauer                   8. Mr. Ribble
 4. Mr. Thompson                     9. Mr. David Scott
 5. Mr. Stutzman                    10. Ms. Fudge

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       19. Mr. Peterson
 2. Mr. King                        20. Mr. Holden
 3. Mr. Conaway                     21. Mr. McIntyre
 4. Mr. Fortenberry                 22. Mr. Boswell
 5. Mrs. Schmidt                    23. Mr. Baca
 6. Mr. Rooney                      24. Mr. Cardoza
 7. Mr. Gibbs                       25. Mr. Cuellar
 8. Mr. Austin Scott                26. Mr. Costa
 9. Mr. Tipton                      27. Mr. Walz
10. Mr. Southerland                 28. Mr. Schrader
11. Mr. Crawford                    29. Mr. Kissell
12. Mrs. Roby                       30. Mr. Owens
13. Mrs. Ellmers                    31. Ms. Pingree
14. Mr. Gibson                      32. Mr. Courtney
15. Mr. Hultgren                    33. Mr. Welch
16. Mrs. Hartzler                   34. Mr. Sablan
17. Mr. Schilling                   35. Ms. Sewell
18. Mrs. Noem                       36. Mr. McGovern

                              ROLL CALL #3

    Summary: Amendment to Title II of H.R. 6083 that would 
extend authorization of EQIP for air quality concerns.
    Offered By: Representative Jim Costa
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 18 yeas, 26 nays, 
and 2 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Tipton                      10. Mr. Schrader
 2. Mr. Gibson                      11. Mr. Kissell
 3. Mr. Boswell                     12. Mr. Owens
 4. Mr. Baca                        13. Ms. Pingree
 5. Mr. Cardoza                     14. Mr. Courtney
 6. Mr. David Scott                 15. Mr. Welch
 7. Mr. Cuellar                     16. Mr. Sablan
 8. Mr. Costa                       17. Ms. Sewell
 9. Mr. Walz                        18. Mr. McGovern

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. King                        17. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  18. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Conaway                     19. Mr. Hultgren
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 20. Mrs. Hartzler
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    21. Mr. Schilling
 9. Mr. Thompson                    22. Mr. Ribble
10. Mr. Rooney                      23. Mrs. Noem
11. Mr. Stutzman                    24. Mr. Peterson
12. Mr. Gibbs                       25. Mr. Holden
13. Mr. Austin Scott                26. Mr. McIntyre

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mrs. Ellmers                     2. Ms. Fudge

                              ROLL CALL #4

    Summary: Amendment to Title IV of H.R. 6083 that would 
strike sections 4004, 4005, and 4011.
    Offered By: Representative Jim McGovern
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 15 yeas, 31 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Boswell                      9. Ms. Pingree
 2. Mr. Baca                        10. Mr. Courtney
 3. Mr. Cardoza                     11. Mr. Welch
 4. Mr. David Scott                 12. Ms. Fudge
 5. Mr. Cuellar                     13. Mr. Sablan
 6. Mr. Costa                       14. Ms. Sewell
 7. Mr. Walz                        15. Mr. McGovern
 8. Mr. Kissell

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       17. Mrs. Roby
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   18. Mr. Huelskamp
 3. Mr. Johnson                     19. Mr. DesJarlais
 4. Mr. King                        20. Mrs. Ellmers
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  21. Mr. Gibson
 6. Mr. Conaway                     22. Mr. Hultgren
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 23. Mrs. Hartzler
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    24. Mr. Schilling
 9. Mr. Thompson                    25. Mr. Ribble
10. Mr. Rooney                      26. Mrs. Noem
11. Mr. Stutzman                    27. Mr. Peterson
12. Mr. Gibbs                       28. Mr. Holden
13. Mr. Austin Scott                29. Mr. McIntyre
14. Mr. Tipton                      30. Mr. Schrader
15. Mr. Southerland                 31. Mr. Owens
16. Mr. Crawford

                              ROLL CALL #5

    Summary: Amendment to Title IV of H.R. 6083 that would 
strike Title IV and insert it with Title IV from S. 3240.
    Offered By: Representative Kurt Schrader
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 15 yeas, 28 nays, 
and 3 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Gibson                       9. Mr. Walz
 2. Mr. McIntyre                    10. Mr. Schrader
 3. Mr. Boswell                     11. Mr. Kissell
 4. Mr. Baca                        12. Mr. Owens
 5. Mr. Cardoza                     13. Ms. Pingree
 6. Mr. David Scott                 14. Mr. Courtney
 7. Mr. Cuellar                     15. Mr. Welch
 8. Mr. Costa

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       15. Mr. Crawford
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   16. Mrs. Roby
 3. Mr. King                        17. Mr. Huelskamp
 4. Mr. Neugebauer                  18. Mr. DesJarlais
 5. Mr. Conaway                     19. Mrs. Ellmers
 6. Mr. Fortenberry                 20. Mr. Hultgren
 7. Mrs. Schmidt                    21. Mrs. Hartzler
 8. Mr. Thompson                    22. Mr. Schilling
 9. Mr. Rooney                      23. Mr. Ribble
10. Mr. Stutzman                    24. Mrs. Noem
11. Mr. Gibbs                       25. Mr. Peterson
12. Mr. Austin Scott                26. Mr. Holden
13. Mr. Tipton                      27. Mr. Sablan
14. Mr. Southerland                 28. Mr. McGovern

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Johnson                      3. Ms. Sewell
 2. Ms. Fudge

                              ROLL CALL #6

    Summary: Amendment to Title IV of H.R. 6083 that would 
require all SNAP benefits in Puerto Rico be delivered by EBT 
cards.
    Offered By: Representative Steve King
    Results: Amendment adopted by a vote of 27 yeas, 19 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       15. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   16. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. Johnson                     17. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. King                        18. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  19. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Conaway                     20. Mrs. Ellmers
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 21. Mr. Hultgren
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    22. Mrs. Hartzler
 9. Mr. Thompson                    23. Mr. Schilling
10. Mr. Rooney                      24. Mr. Ribble
11. Mr. Stutzman                    25. Mrs. Noem
12. Mr. Gibbs                       26. Mr. McIntyre
13. Mr. Austin Scott                27. Mr. Cuellar
14. Mr. Tipton

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Gibson                      11. Mr. Kissell
 2. Mr. Peterson                    12. Mr. Owens
 3. Mr. Holden                      13. Ms. Pingree
 4. Mr. Boswell                     14. Mr. Courtney
 5. Mr. Baca                        15. Mr. Welch
 6. Mr. Cardoza                     16. Ms. Fudge
 7. Mr. David Scott                 17. Mr. Sablan
 8. Mr. Costa                       18. Ms. Sewell
 9. Mr. Walz                        19. Mr. McGovern
10. Mr. Schrader

                              ROLL CALL #7

    Summary: Amendment to Title IV of H.R. 6083 that would 
restore all SNAP reforms passed by the Committee to fulfill 
their obligation under FY 2013 budget reconciliation.
    Offered By: Representative Tim Huelskamp
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 13 yeas, 33 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Goodlatte                    8. Mrs. Roby
 2. Mr. King                         9. Mr. Huelskamp
 3. Mr. Neugebauer                  10. Mr. DesJarlais
 4. Mr. Stutzman                    11. Mrs. Ellmers
 5. Mr. Gibbs                       12. Mrs. Hartzler
 6. Mr. Austin Scott                13. Mr. Ribble
 7. Mr. Southerland

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       18. Mr. Baca
 2. Mr. Johnson                     19. Mr. Cardoza
 3. Mr. Conaway                     20. Mr. David Scott
 4. Mr. Fortenberry                 21. Mr. Cuellar
 5. Mrs. Schmidt                    22. Mr. Costa
 6. Mr. Thompson                    23. Mr. Walz
 7. Mr. Rooney                      24. Mr. Schrader
 8. Mr. Tipton                      25. Mr. Kissell
 9. Mr. Crawford                    26. Mr. Owens
10. Mr. Gibson                      27. Ms. Pingree
11. Mr. Hultgren                    28. Mr. Courtney
12. Mr. Schilling                   29. Mr. Welch
13. Mrs. Noem                       30. Ms. Fudge
14. Mr. Peterson                    31. Mr. Sablan
15. Mr. Holden                      32. Ms. Sewell
16. Mr. McIntyre                    33. Mr. McGovern
17. Mr. Boswell

                              ROLL CALL #8

    Summary: Amendment to Title IV of H.R. 6083 that would 
require proof of payment for income deductions for households 
that receive SNAP benefits.
    Offered By: Representative Martha Roby
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 17 yeas, 27 nays, 
and 2 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Goodlatte                   10. Mrs. Roby
 2. Mr. Johnson                     11. Mr. Huelskamp
 3. Mr. King                        12. Mr. DesJarlais
 4. Mr. Neugebauer                  13. Mrs. Ellmers
 5. Mr. Rooney                      14. Mrs. Hartzler
 6. Mr. Stutzman                    15. Mr. Schilling
 7. Mr. Gibbs                       16. Mr. Ribble
 8. Mr. Austin Scott                17. Mrs. Noem
 9. Mr. Southerland

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       15. Mr. Cuellar
 2. Mr. Conaway                     16. Mr. Costa
 3. Mr. Fortenberry                 17. Mr. Walz
 4. Mrs. Schmidt                    18. Mr. Schrader
 5. Mr. Tipton                      19. Mr. Kissell
 6. Mr. Crawford                    20. Mr. Owens
 7. Mr. Gibson                      21. Ms. Pingree
 8. Mr. Hultgren                    22. Mr. Courtney
 9. Mr. Peterson                    23. Mr. Welch
10. Mr. McIntyre                    24. Ms. Fudge
11. Mr. Boswell                     25. Mr. Sablan
12. Mr. Baca                        26. Ms. Sewell
13. Mr. Cardoza                     27. Mr. McGovern
14. Mr. David Scott

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Thompson                     2. Mr. Holden

                              ROLL CALL #9

    Summary: Amendment to Title VI of H.R. 6083 that would 
create a universal priority across all rural development 
programs for applications which support strategic community and 
economic development plans on a multijurisdictional basis.
    Offered By: Representative Terri Sewell
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 18 yeas, 26 nays, 
and 2 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Austin Scott                10. Mr. Schrader
 2. Mr. Gibson                      11. Mr. Kissell
 3. Mr. Schilling                   12. Mr. Owens
 4. Mr. McIntyre                    13. Ms. Pingree
 5. Mr. Boswell                     14. Mr. Courtney
 6. Mr. Baca                        15. Mr. Welch
 7. Mr. David Scott                 16. Mr. Sablan
 8. Mr. Costa                       17. Ms. Sewell
 9. Mr. Walz                        18. Mr. McGovern

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. King                        17. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  18. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Conaway                     19. Mrs. Ellmers
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 20. Mr. Hultgren
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    21. Mrs. Hartzler
 9. Mr. Thompson                    22. Mr. Ribble
10. Mr. Rooney                      23. Mrs. Noem
11. Mr. Stutzman                    24. Mr. Peterson
12. Mr. Gibbs                       25. Mr. Holden
13. Mr. Tipton                      26. Mr. Cuellar

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Cardoza                      2. Ms. Fudge

                             ROLL CALL #10

    Summary: Amendment to Title VI of H.R. 6083 that would 
increase the RUS Broadband Program authorization level from $25 
million to $35 million and directs Appropriators to make not 
less than $25 million available for loans and not more than $10 
million available for grants. Grants must be made in 
combination with a loan where the grant does not exceed 10 
percent of the cost of the project, and the eligible entity 
provides matching funds from non-Federal sources.
    Offered By: Representative Chris Gibson
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 20 yeas, 24 nays, 
and 2 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Austin Scott                11. Mr. Costa
 2. Mr. Tipton                      12. Mr. Walz
 3. Mr. Gibson                      13. Mr. Schrader
 4. Mrs. Noem                       14. Mr. Kissell
 5. Mr. Peterson                    15. Mr. Owens
 6. Mr. Holden                      16. Ms. Pingree
 7. Mr. McIntyre                    17. Mr. Courtney
 8. Mr. Boswell                     18. Ms. Fudge
 9. Mr. Baca                        19. Mr. Sablan
10. Mr. Cuellar                     20. Mr. McGovern

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       13. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   14. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. Johnson                     15. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. King                        16. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  17. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Conaway                     18. Mrs. Ellmers
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 19. Mr. Hultgren
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    20. Mrs. Hartzler
 9. Mr. Thompson                    21. Mr. Schilling
10. Mr. Rooney                      22. Mr. Ribble
11. Mr. Stutzman                    23. Mr. David Scott
12. Mr. Gibbs                       24. Mr. Welch

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Cardoza                      2. Ms. Sewell

                             ROLL CALL #11

    Summary: Amendment to Title VII of H.R. 6083 regarding 
education and training programs for agriculture farm workers.
    Offered By: Representative Joe Baca
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 17 yeas, 25 nays, 
and 4 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Gibson                      10. Mr. Walz
 2. Mr. Peterson                    11. Mr. Schrader
 3. Mr. Holden                      12. Mr. Kissell
 4. Mr. Boswell                     13. Mr. Owens
 5. Mr. Baca                        14. Mr. Welch
 6. Mr. Cardoza                     15. Ms. Fudge
 7. Mr. David Scott                 16. Mr. Sablan
 8. Mr. Cuellar                     17. Mr. McGovern
 9. Mr. Costa

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Tipton
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Southerland
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mr. Crawford
 4. Mr. King                        17. Mrs. Roby
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  18. Mr. Huelskamp
 6. Mr. Conaway                     19. Mr. DesJarlais
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 20. Mrs. Ellmers
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    21. Mr. Hultgren
 9. Mr. Thompson                    22. Mrs. Hartzler
10. Mr. Rooney                      23. Mr. Schilling
11. Mr. Stutzman                    24. Mr. Ribble
12. Mr. Gibbs                       25. Mrs. Noem
13. Mr. Austin Scott

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. McIntyre                    3. Mr. Courtney
 2. Ms. Pingree                     4. Ms. Sewell

                             ROLL CALL #12

    Summary: Amendment to Title VII of H.R. 6083 to increase 
mandatory funding for the Specialty Crop Research initiative.
    Offered By: Representative Kurt Schrader
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 19 yeas, 26 nays, 
and 1 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Rooney                      11. Mr. Schrader
 2. Mr. Gibson                      12. Mr. Kissell
 3. Mr. McIntyre                    13. Mr. Owens
 4. Mr. Boswell                     14. Ms. Pingree
 5. Mr. Baca                        15. Mr. Courtney
 6. Mr. Cardoza                     16. Mr. Welch
 7. Mr. David Scott                 17. Ms. Fudge
 8. Mr. Cuellar                     18. Mr. Sablan
 9. Mr. Costa                       19. Mr. McGovern
10. Mr. Walz

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. King                        17. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  18. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Conaway                     19. Mrs. Ellmers
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 20. Mr. Hultgren
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    21. Mrs. Hartzler
 9. Mr. Thompson                    22. Mr. Schilling
10. Mr. Stutzman                    23. Mr. Ribble
11. Mr. Gibbs                       24. Mrs. Noem
12. Mr. Austin Scott                25. Mr. Peterson
13. Mr. Tipton                      26. Mr. Holden

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Ms. Sewell

                             ROLL CALL #13

    Summary: Amendment to Title X of H.R. 6083 to restore the 
National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program.
    Offered By: Representative Jim Costa.
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 17 yeas, 27 nays, 
and 2 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Gibson                      10. Mr. Schrader
 2. Mr. Ribble                      11. Mr. Kissell
 3. Mr. Boswell                     12. Mr. Owens
 4. Mr. Baca                        13. Ms. Pingree
 5. Mr. Cardoza                     14. Mr. Courtney
 6. Mr. David Scott                 15. Mr. Sablan
 7. Mr. Cuellar                     16. Ms. Sewell
 8. Mr. Costa                       17. Mr. McGovern
 9. Mr. Walz

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       15. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   16. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. Johnson                     17. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. King                        18. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  19. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Conaway                     20. Mrs. Ellmers
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 21. Mr. Hultgren
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    22. Mrs. Hartzler
 9. Mr. Thompson                    23. Mr. Schilling
10. Mr. Rooney                      24. Mrs. Noem
11. Mr. Stutzman                    25. Mr. Peterson
12. Mr. Gibbs                       26. Mr. Holden
13. Mr. Austin Scott                27. Mr. McIntyre
14. Mr. Tipton

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Welch                       2. Ms. Fudge

                             ROLL CALL #14

    Summary: Amendment to Title XI of H.R. 6083 to increase the 
per farm limit from $1 million to $1.5 million in the Whole 
Farm Risk Management Insurance product.
    Offered By: Representative Mike McIntyre.
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 19 yeas, 25 nays, 
and 2 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Gibson                      11. Mr. Kissell
 2. Mr. Peterson                    12. Mr. Owens
 3. Mr. Holden                      13. Ms. Pingree
 4. Mr. McIntyre                    14. Mr. Courtney
 5. Mr. Boswell                     15. Mr. Welch
 6. Mr. Baca                        16. Ms. Fudge
 7. Mr. David Scott                 17. Mr. Sablan
 8. Mr. Cuellar                     18. Ms. Sewell
 9. Mr. Walz                        19. Mr. McGovern
10. Mr. Schrader

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. King                        16. Mrs. Roby
 4. Mr. Neugebauer                  17. Mr. Huelskamp
 5. Mr. Conaway                     18. Mr. DesJarlais
 6. Mr. Fortenberry                 19. Mrs. Ellmers
 7. Mrs. Schmidt                    20. Mr. Hultgren
 8. Mr. Thompson                    21. Mrs. Hartzler
 9. Mr. Rooney                      22. Mr. Schilling
10. Mr. Stutzman                    23. Mr. Ribble
11. Mr. Gibbs                       24. Mrs. Noem
12. Mr. Austin Scott                25. Mr. Cardoza
13. Mr. Tipton

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Johnson                     2. Mr. Costa

                             ROLL CALL #15

    Summary: Conaway motion to table the appeal to the point of 
order on the McIntyre amendment.
    Results: Motion passed by a vote of 25 yeas, 20 nays, and 1 
not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Tipton
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Southerland
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mr. Crawford
 4. Mr. King                        17. Mrs. Roby
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  18. Mr. Huelskamp
 6. Mr. Conaway                     19. Mr. DesJarlais
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 20. Mrs. Ellmers
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    21. Mr. Gibson
 9. Mr. Thompson                    22. Mr. Hultgren
10. Mr. Rooney                      23. Mrs. Hartzler
11. Mr. Stutzman                    24. Mr. Schilling
12. Mr. Gibbs                       25. Mrs. Noem
13. Mr. Austin Scott

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Peterson                    11. Mr. Schrader
 2. Mr. Holden                      12. Mr. Kissell
 3. Mr. McIntyre                    13. Mr. Owens
 4. Mr. Boswell                     14. Ms. Pingree
 5. Mr. Baca                        15. Mr. Courtney
 6. Mr. Cardoza                     16. Mr. Welch
 7. Mr. David Scott                 17. Ms. Fudge
 8. Mr. Cuellar                     18. Mr. Sablan
 9. Mr. Costa                       19. Ms. Sewell.
10. Mr. Walz                        20. Mr. McGovern

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Ribble

                             ROLL CALL #16

    Summary: Amendment to Title XII of H.R. 6083 requiring a 
report from USDA outlining the necessary steps to be taken by 
the U.S. in order to be in compliance with the WTO COOL 
decision.
    Offered By: Representative Randy Neugebauer.
    Results: Amendment passed with 34 yeas and 12 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       18. Mr. Huelskamp
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   19. Mr. DesJarlais
 3. Mr. Johnson                     20. Mrs. Ellmers
 4. Mr. King                        21. Mr. Gibson
 5. Mr. Neugebauer                  22. Mr. Hultgren
 6. Mr. Conaway                     23. Mrs. Hartzler
 7. Mr. Fortenberry                 24. Mr. Schilling
 8. Mrs. Schmidt                    25. Mr. Ribble
 9. Mr. Thompson                    26. Mrs. Noem
10. Mr. Rooney                      27. Mr. McIntyre
11. Mr. Stutzman                    28. Mr. David Scott
12. Mr. Gibbs                       29. Mr. Cuellar
13. Mr. Austin Scott                30. Mr. Kissell
14. Mr. Tipton                      31. Mr. Owens
15. Mr. Southerland                 32. Mr. Courtney
16. Mr. Crawford                    33. Mr. Sablan
17. Mrs. Roby                       34. Ms. Sewell

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Peterson                      7. Mr. Walz
 2. Mr. Holden                        8. Mr. Schrader
 3. Mr. Boswell                       9. Ms. Pingree
 4. Mr. Baca                        10. Mr. Welch
 5. Mr. Cardoza                     11. Ms. Fudge
 6. Mr. Costa                       12. Mr. McGovern

                             ROLL CALL #17

    Summary: Amendment to Title XII of H.R. 6083 authorizing 
the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to states, tribal 
governments and research institutions to research, promote, and 
expand access to lands for maple sugaring.
    Offered By: Representative Peter Welch.
    Results: Amendment passed by a vote of 25 yeas and 21 nays.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Costa
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Walz
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mr. Schrader
 4. Mr. Fortenberry                 17. Mr. Kissell
 5. Mr. Rooney                      18. Mr. Owens
 6. Mr. Gibson                      19. Ms. Pingree
 7. Mr. Peterson                    20. Mr. Courtney
 8. Mr. Holden                      21. Mr. Welch
 9. Mr. Boswell                     22. Ms. Fudge
10. Mr. Baca                        23. Mr. Sablan
11. Mr. Cardoza                     24. Ms. Sewell
12. Mr. David Scott                 25. Mr. McGovern
13. Mr. Cuellar

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. King                        12. Mrs. Roby
 2. Mr. Neugebauer                  13. Mr. Huelskamp
 3. Mr. Conaway                     14. Mr. DesJarlais
 4. Mrs. Schmidt                    15. Mrs. Ellmers
 5. Mr. Thompson                    16. Mr. Hultgren
 6. Mr. Stutzman                    17. Mrs. Hartzler
 7. Mr. Gibbs                       18. Mr. Schilling
 8. Mr. Austin Scott                19. Mr. Ribble
 9. Mr. Tipton                      20. Mrs. Noem
10. Mr. Southerland                 21. Mr. McIntyre
11. Mr. Crawford

                             ROLL CALL #18

    Summary: Amendment to Title XII of H.R. 6083 to repeal a 
provision of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
establishing a USDA inspection and grading program for catfish 
and other species of farm-raised fish.
    Offered By: Representative Vicky Hartzler.
    Results: Amendment failed by a vote of 20 yeas, 25 nays, 
and 1 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. King                        11. Mrs. Ellmers
 2. Mr. Neugebauer                  12. Mr. Hultgren
 3. Mr. Thompson                    13. Mrs. Hartzler
 4. Mr. Rooney                      14. Mr. Schilling
 5. Mr. Stutzman                    15. Mr. Ribble
 6. Mr. Gibbs                       16. Mrs. Noem
 7. Mr. Tipton                      17. Mr. McIntyre
 8. Mr. Southerland                 18. Mr. Schrader
 9. Mr. Huelskamp                   19. Mr. Kissell
10. Mr. DesJarlais                  20. Ms. Pingree

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       14. Mr. Baca
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   15. Mr. Cardoza
 3. Mr. Johnson                     16. Mr. David Scott
 4. Mr. Conaway                     17. Mr. Cuellar
 5. Mr. Fortenberry                 18. Mr. Costa
 6. Mrs. Schmidt                    19. Mr. Walz
 7. Mr. Austin Scott                20. Mr. Owens
 8. Mr. Crawford                    21. Mr. Courtney
 9. Mrs. Roby                       22. Mr. Welch
10. Mr. Gibson                      23. Ms. Fudge
11. Mr. Peterson                    24. Mr. Sablan
12. Mr. Holden                      25. Ms. Sewell
13. Mr. Boswell

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. McGovern

                             ROLL CALL #19

    Summary: Amendment to Tile XII of H.R. 6083 to close a 
loophole related to spectators at animal fighting ventures.
    Offered By: Representative James McGovern.
    Results: Amendment adopted by a vote of 26 yeas, 19 nays, 
and 1 not voting.

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Fortenberry                 14. Mr. David Scott
 2. Mr. Thompson                    15. Mr. Cuellar
 3. Mr. Austin Scott                16. Mr. Walz
 4. Mrs. Roby                       17. Mr. Schrader
 5. Mrs. Ellmers                    18. Mr. Kissell
 6. Mr. Gibson                      19. Mr. Owens
 7. Mr. Schilling                   20. Ms. Pingree
 8. Mr. Peterson                    21. Mr. Courtney
 9. Mr. Holden                      22. Mr. Welch
10. Mr. McIntyre                    23. Ms. Fudge
11. Mr. Boswell                     24. Mr. Sablan
12. Mr. Baca                        25. Ms. Sewell
13. Mr. Cardoza                     26. Mr. McGovern

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       11. Mr. Southerland
 2. Mr. Goodlatte                   12. Mr. Crawford
 3. Mr. King                        13. Mr. Huelskamp
 4. Mr. Neugebauer                  14. Mr. DesJarlais
 5. Mr. Conaway                     15. Mr. Hultgren
 6. Mrs. Schmidt                    16. Mrs. Hartzler
 7. Mr. Rooney                      17. Mr. Ribble
 8. Mr. Stutzman                    18. Mrs. Noem
 9. Mr. Gibbs                       19. Mr. Costa
10. Mr. Tipton

                               NOT VOTING

 1. Mr. Johnson

                             ROLL CALL #20

    Summary: Final Passage of H.R. 6083
    Results: Bill passed by a vote of 35 yeas, and 11 nays

                                  YEAS

 1. Mr. Lucas                       19. Mrs. Hartzler
 2. Mr. Johnson                     20. Mr. Schilling
 3. Mr. King                        21. Mr. Ribble
 4. Mr. Neugebauer                  22. Mrs. Noem
 5. Mr. Conaway                     23. Mr. Peterson
 6. Mr. Fortenberry                 24. Mr. Holden
 7. Mrs. Schmidt                    25. Mr. McIntyre
 8. Mr. Thompson                    26. Mr. Boswell
 9. Mr. Rooney                      27. Mr. Cardoza
10. Mr. Austin Scott                28. Mr. Cuellar
11. Mr. Tipton                      29. Mr. Costa
12. Mr. Southerland                 30. Mr. Walz
13. Mr. Crawford                    31. Mr. Schrader
14. Mrs. Roby                       32. Mr. Kissell
15. Mr. DesJarlais                  33. Mr. Owens
16. Mrs. Ellmers                    34. Mr. Welch
17. Mr. Gibson                      35. Mr. Sablan
18. Mr. Hultgren

                                  NAYS

 1. Mr. Goodlatte                    7. Ms. Pingree
 2. Mr. Stutzman                     8. Mr. Courtney
 3. Mr. Gibbs                        9. Ms. Fudge
 4. Mr. Huelskamp                   10. Ms. Sewell
 5. Mr. Baca                        11. Mr. McGovern
 6. Mr. David Scott

                      COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture's 
oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in the 
body of this report.

           BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE (SECTIONS 308, 402, AND 423)

    The provisions of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (relating to estimates of new 
budget authority, new spending authority, new credit authority, 
or increased or decreased revenues or tax expenditures) are not 
considered applicable. The estimate and comparison required to 
be prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 
under clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives and sections 402 and 423 of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974 submitted to the Committee prior to the 
filing of this report are as follows:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                     Washington, DC, July 26, 2012.
Hon. Frank Lucas,
Chairman, Committee on Agriculture,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 6083, the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management act of 2012, as ordered 
reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on July 11, 
2012.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jim Langley.
            Sincerely,
                                              Douglas W. Elmendorf.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 6083--Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012

    Summary: H.R. 6083 would amend and extend a number of major 
programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), including those addressing farm income support, food 
and nutrition, land conservation, trade promotion, rural 
development, research, forestry, energy, horticulture, and crop 
insurance.
    When combined with estimated spending under CBO's baseline 
projections for those programs, CBO estimates that enacting the 
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 
would bring total direct spending for those USDA programs to 
$957.7 billion over the 2013-2022 period--$35.1 billion less 
than we project would be spent if those programs were continued 
as under current law.
    Pay-as-you-go procedures apply because enacting the 
legislation would affect direct spending. Enacting the bill 
would not affect revenues.
    The bill also would authorize appropriations over the 2013-
2017 period for existing and new USDA programs involving 
research and education, nutrition, trade promotion, rural 
development, credit assistance, forestry, conservation 
initiatives, and other miscellaneous activities. CBO estimates 
that implementing those provisions would cost about $22.1 
billion over the next five years, assuming appropriation of the 
necessary amounts.
    The bill would impose intergovernmental and private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). 
CBO estimates that the aggregate costs of mandates on state, 
local, and tribal governments would fall below the annual 
threshold established in UMRA for intergovernmental mandates 
($73 million in 2012, adjusted annually for inflation). Because 
the cost of some of the mandates on the private sector would 
depend on future regulations, CBO cannot determine whether the 
aggregate cost of those mandates would exceed the annual 
threshold established in UMRA for private-sector mandates ($146 
million in 2012, adjusted annually for inflation).
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary impact of H.R. 6083 is shown in Table 1. The costs of 
this legislation fall within budget functions 150 
(international affairs), 270 (energy), 300 (natural resources 
and environment), 350 (agriculture), 450 (community and 
regional development), and 600 (income security).

              TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF H.R. 6083, THE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      2021      2022     2013-2017   2013-2022
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               CHANGES IN DIRECT SPENDING

Estimated Budget Authority..        31    -5,023    -3,410    -3,592    -3,320    -3,428    -3,694    -3,689    -3,846    -3,780     -15,315     -33,751
Estimated Outlays...........      -306    -5,968    -3,612    -3,491    -3,327    -3,387    -3,709    -3,698    -3,834    -3,810     -16,705     -35,143

                                                      CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Estimated Authorization          4,911     5,434     5,464     5,505     5,537       511        11        11        11        11      26,852      27,407
 Level......................
Estimated Outlays...........     2,203     4,011     5,042     5,339     5,476     3,244     1,430       404       146        45      22,070     27,339
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.

    Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 
6083 will be enacted around the end of fiscal year 2012. The 
legislation would provide direct spending authority for most of 
the USDA programs authorized, amended, or created by the 
legislation through the 2013-2017 period. Following the 
baseline projection rules of section 257 of the Balanced Budget 
and Emergency Deficit Control Act, CBO estimates the 10-year 
costs of the bill by assuming that most of those programs 
continue to operate beyond that five-year authorization period.
    The following sections describe the major budgetary effects 
of each title of the bill, including changes in direct spending 
for mandatory programs and changes in spending that are subject 
to future appropriation for discretionary programs.

Direct spending

    CBO's estimates of the changes in direct spending that 
would result from enacting the legislation are presented in 
Table 2. All estimates are relative to CBO's March 2012 
baseline projections for spending by mandatory agriculture 
programs. That baseline assumes that the agriculture programs 
authorized by the most recent farm bill (Public Law 110-246) 
continue to operate beyond their statutory expiration dates 
through 2022. (The 2008 farm bill established authorizations 
through 2012 for most such programs.)

               TABLE 2. ESTIMATED EFFECTS ON DIRECT SPENDING FOR H.R. 6083, THE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      2021      2022     2013-2017   2013-2022
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         CHANGES IN OUTLAYS FROM DIRECT SPENDING

Title I--Commodity Programs:
    Repeal Direct Payments..         0    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958    -4,958     -19,832     -44,622
    Repeal Countercyclical           0         0      -101      -127      -121      -123      -130      -137      -134      -135        -349      -1,008
     Payments...............
    Repeal Average Crop              0         0      -863      -637      -470      -479      -452      -547      -632      -533      -1,970      -4,615
     Revenue Elections
     Payments...............
    Farm Risk Management             0         0     3,253     3,086     3,217     3,180     2,893     2,998     2,949     2,968       9,556      24,544
     Election...............
    Dairy Program...........       -60       -56       -46       -29         3        28         7        32        61        22        -188         -38
    Supplemental Agriculture       226       211       192       192       199       197       196       198       203       208       1,020       2,022
     Disaster Assistance....
    Other Commodity                 65        38         3         3         2         2         5         5         4         4         111         131
     Provisions.............
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title I.....       231    -4,765    -2,520     2,470    -2,128    -2,153    -2,439    -2,409    -2,507    -2,424     -11,651     -23,584

Title II--Conservation:
    Conservation Reserve             0        41      -399      -532      -479      -476      -446      -438      -427      -424      -1,369      -3,580
     Program................
    Conservation Security          -10       -77      -145      -202      -269      -345      -411      -479      -545      -612        -703      -3,095
     Program................
    Agricultural                  -146       -60       173       283       216       123        86        72        63        70         466         880
     Conservation Easement..
    Regional Conservation           -3        -7        -8        -8       -10       -10       -10       -10       -10       -10         -36         -86
     Partnership............
    Other Conservation......       131        90        51        39        15         9        10        10        10        10         326         375
    Repeal of Wildlife             -18       -37       -47       -57       -66       -76       -85       -85       -85       -85        -225        -641
     Habitat Incentives.....
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title II....       -46       -50      -375      -477      -593      -775      -856      -930      -994    -1,051      -1,541      -6,148

Title IV--Nutrition:
    Updating Program              -615    -1,240    -1,255    -1,255    -1,235    -1,210    -1,195    -1,180    -1,170    -1,155      -5,600     -11,510
     Eligibility............
    Utility Allowances......         0      -130      -530      -540      -540      -540      -550      -550      -550      -560      -1,740      -4,490
    Interaction Effects.....         0         2        10        10        10        10        10        10        10        10          32          82
    Changes to Grants.......       -37       -37       -28       -28       -30       -36       -38       -38       -38       -38        -160        -348
    Retailer Equipment......        -7        -8        -8        -8        -8        -8        -8        -8        -8        -8         -39         -79
    Expiring Provisions.....        25        25        26        26        27        27        28        28        29        29         129         270
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title IV....      -634    -1,388    -1,785    -1,795    -1,776    -1,757    -1,753    -1,738    -1,727    -1,722      -7,378     -16,075

Title VI--Rural Development:
    Value-Added Marketing            0        18        15        15         2         0         0         0         0         0          50          50
     Grants.................
    Rural Economic                   0         1         5         7         7         7         7         7         7         7          20          55
     Development Loans and
     Grants.................
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title VI....         0        19        20        22         9         7         7         7         7         7          70         105
Title VII--Research,
 Extension, and Related
 Matters:
    Organic Agriculture              8        13        16        16        16         8         3         0         0         0          69          80
     Research and Extension.
    Specialty Crop Research.        13        23        29        48        50        53        50        50        50        50         163         416
    Beginning Farmer and             3         5         8        10        10         8         5         1         0         0          36          50
     Rancher Development....
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title VII...        23        40        53        74        76        68        58        52        50        50         267         546

Title VIII--Forestry........         0         1         1         1         1         0         0         0         0         0           4           4

Title IX--Energy............        -5        -5         8         2         0         0         0         0         0         0           0           0

Title X--Horticulture:
    Farmers Market and Local        20        20        20        20        20         0         0         0         0         0         100         100
     Food Promotion.........
    Organic Agriculture and          3         4         1         1         1         0         0         0         0         0          10          10
     Technology Upgrade.....
    Specialty Crop Block             8        14        15        15        15        15        15        15        15        15          67         142
     Grants.................
    Plant, Pest, and Disease         5        13        16        17        22        22        22        22        22        22          73         181
     Management.............
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title X.....        36        51        52        53        58        37        37        37        37        37         250         435

Title XI--Crop Insurance:
    Supplemental Coverage            0        42       405       465       461       514       512       524       543       531       1,373       3,998
     Option.................
    Reducing Premiums for            0        -5       -45       -53       -54       -54       -55       -56       -57       -58        -157        -437
     CAT....................
    Enterprise Units for             0         5        50        59        60        62        65        67        68        70         174         506
     Irrigated and
     Nonirrigated Crops.....
    Adjustment in APH Yields         0        12       116       136       138       140       143       146       147       149         402       1,127
    Crop Production on               0         0        -4        -8       -11       -15       -16       -16       -16       -16         -23        -102
     Native Sod.............
    Beginning Farmer                 0         2        16        20        21        25        27        27        27        28          59         192
     Provisions.............
    Stacked Income                   0         0       314       400       380       492       540       577       574       574       1,094       3,851
     Protection for Cotton..
    Peanut Revenue Crop              0         3        26        30        30        30        30        30        30        30          89         239
     Insurance..............
    Participation Effects of         0        -7       -65       -77       -87       -90       -75       -79       -80       -79        -236        -639
     Commodity Programs.....
    Equitable Relief for            82        41        41        41         0         0         0         0         0         0         205         205
     Specialty Crop
     Producers..............
    Coverage Level by                0         2        17        20        20        21        21        21        22        22          59         166
     Practice...............
    Implementation..........         2        21        16        15        15        14         2         0         0         0          69          85
    Limitation on                    0         3        26        30        30        30        30        30        30        30          89         239
     Expenditures for
     Livestock Pilot Program
    Noninsured Assistance...         0         1        10        12        12        12        12        12        12        12          36          96
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Title XI....        84       120       923     1,089     1,015     1,181     1,235     1,283     1,300     1,292       3,231       9,523

Title XII--Miscellaneous....         5         8        10        10        10         5         2         0         0         0          43          50

      Total Changes in            -306    -5,968    -3,612    -3,491    -3,327    -3,387    -3,709    -3,698    -3,834    -3,810     -16,705    -35,143
       Outlays from Direct
       Spending.............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: CAT = Catastrophic Crop Insurance; APH = Average Producer History; components may not sum to totals because of rounding.

    Title I: Commodity Programs. Title I would repeal most 
current agricultural price and income support programs for crop 
and dairy producers. It would authorize new revenue protection 
programs for those producers, reauthorize price support loan 
programs for crop producers, and reauthorize agricultural 
disaster assistance programs for livestock producers. Under the 
bill, we estimate that federal spending on commodity programs 
would total $39.4 billion over the 2013-2022 period--or $23.6 
billion less than expected if current law were continued.
    End Current Commodity Programs. Title I would end:
           Direct payments made to producers based on 
        historical acres and yields using fixed payment rates 
        not affected by market prices;
           Countercyclical payments made to producers 
        based on historical acres and yields using payment 
        rates partly determined by market prices; and
           Average Crop Revenue Election payments made 
        to producers based on any shortfall in actual revenue 
        received by the producer compared to the expected 
        revenue.
    Each of those programs will expire at the end of 2012 but 
are assumed to continue in the CBO baseline. Ending those three 
programs would reduce spending on commodity programs, compared 
to the CBO baseline, by $50.2 billion over the 2013-2022 
period.
    Farm Risk Management Election. The commodity programs ended 
under the bill would be replaced by a new Farm Risk Management 
Election (FRME) program. Under FRME, producers would make a 
one-time choice to receive either price loss coverage (PLC) for 
their farm or revenue loss coverage (RLC) for their county. 
Each option would be available for all major crops other than 
upland cotton. Under PLC, producers would receive a payment 
from the federal government whenever the national average 
market price for each crop was less than an effective price 
specified in the legislation. This price difference would be 
paid on a fixed yield (which the producer would have one 
opportunity to update) and a portion of planted acres for each 
crop. Producers who choose RLC would receive a payment to 
partially compensate them for any difference between the actual 
revenue from selling their crops in their county and the 
revenue the government expects the producers to receive in that 
county using a calculation specified in the bill.
    CBO estimates that spending for the new FRME program would 
total $24.5 billion over the 2013-2022 period, of which $16.0 
billion would be for PLC and $8.5 billion for RLC. CBO 
estimates that, in total, FRME payments would average about 
$3.1 billion per year; however, actual payments from year to 
year would probably vary considerably from that expected 
average payment.
    Dairy Program. Subtitle D would replace current government 
support programs for dairy producers--Dairy Product Price 
Support, Milk Income Loss Contract Payments, and Dairy Export 
Incentives Program--with a new Dairy Production Margin 
Protection Program (DPMPP) and a Dairy Market Stabilization 
Program (DMSP). CBO estimates that the new dairy provisions 
would cost $353 million over the 2013-2022 period. However, 
that cost would be more than offset by repealing the current 
dairy programs. CBO estimates that enacting the dairy 
provisions in this subtitle would result in a net savings of 
$38 million over the 2013-2022 period. CBO expects that actual 
payments from the new dairy program would vary considerably 
from the average annual payments presented in this estimate.
    Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance. The bill 
would reauthorize four disaster assistance programs for 
livestock and tree-crop producers. Those programs include the 
Livestock Indemnity Program; Livestock Forage Program; 
Emergency Assistance for Livestock; and Honey Bees, Farm-raised 
Fish, and Tree Assistance. Those programs expired September 30, 
2011, and are not assumed to continue in the baseline. CBO 
estimates that continuing those programs would cost almost $2.0 
billion for the 2013-2022 period.
    Other Commodity Provisions. The bill also would reauthorize 
commodity loan programs, establish new limits for FRME and 
livestock disaster payments, and provide $100 million to USDA 
for administrative costs to implement the new programs. CBO 
estimates that those provisions would have a net cost of $131 
million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Title II: Conservation. Title II would amend USDA's land 
conservation programs that are authorized to expend funds from 
the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Under the bill, CBO 
estimates that spending on land conservation programs would 
total $57.9 billion over the 2013-2022 period--or about $6.1 
billion less than expected under a continuation of current law. 
Significant changes to USDA's conservation programs include:
     Reducing the maximum acreage eligible for the 
Conservation Reserve Program each year from 32 million acres to 
25 million acres by 2017. CBO estimates that this provision 
would reduce future spending by $3.6 billion over the 2013-2022 
period.
     Reducing maximum annual enrollment in the 
Conservation Stewardship Program from 12.769 million acres to 
9.000 million acres. CBO estimates that provision would reduce 
direct spending by $3.1 billion over the 2013-2022 period.
     Establishing a new Agricultural Conservation 
Easement Program to replace the Wetlands Reserve Program, 
Grasslands Reserve Program, Farmland Protection Program, and 
Farm Viability Program. CBO estimates that the new program 
would cost $880 million more than the amounts assumed in the 
CBO baseline for those existing programs over the 2013-2022 
period.
     Establishing a new Regional Conservation 
Partnership Program that would combine the Agricultural Water 
Enhancement Program, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, the 
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, and the Great 
Lakes Basin Program. CBO estimates that the new program would 
cost $86 million less than continuing the existing programs 
over the 2013-2022 period.
     Continuing funding for several other conservation 
programs, such as the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat 
Incentives Program and the Small Watershed Rehabilitation 
Program. CBO estimates that those provisions would cost $375 
million more than the amounts in CBO's baseline for the 2013-
2022 period.
     Repealing the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. 
CBO estimates that ending this program would reduce spending by 
$641 million relative to continuing to operate it over the 
2013-2022 period.
    Title III: Trade. The bill would amend the trade promotion 
and food assistance programs administered by USDA and the U.S. 
Agency for International Development (USAID). It would extend 
the authorized funding levels through 2017 for the:
           Export Credit Guarantee Program,
           Market Access Program,
           Foreign Market Development Program,
           Food for Progress Program, and
           Several technical assistance programs for 
        specialty crops and emerging markets.
    Because CBO's baseline assumes that those trade programs 
continue to operate beyond their scheduled expiration dates, we 
estimate that the provisions in title III would not change the 
cost of those programs, which we estimate will total $3.4 
billion over the 2013-2022 period.
    Title IV: Nutrition. The legislation would extend spending 
authority for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
(SNAP) and other nutrition assistance programs and change how 
those programs operate. In total, CBO estimates that enacting 
the provisions in title IV would cost $756 billion--$16.1 
billion less than expected under the baseline for the 2013-2022 
period.
    Updating Program Eligibility. Individuals in households in 
which all members receive cash assistance from the Temporary 
Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF), Supplemental 
Security Income, or similar state cash assistance programs are 
considered automatically eligible for SNAP and are not subject 
to the program's income and asset requirements. States 
currently have the option to extend such categorical 
eligibility to households that receive or are eligible to 
receive noncash services through TANF.
    The legislation would restrict categorical eligibility to 
households receiving cash assistance. Based on data from the 
Department of Agriculture, CBO estimates that about 1.8 million 
people per year, on average, would lose benefits if they were 
subject to SNAP's income and asset tests. In addition, about 
280,000 school-age children in those households would no longer 
be automatically eligible for free school meals through their 
receipt of SNAP benefits. CBO estimates that this provision 
would lower direct spending by $11.5 billion over the 2013-2022 
period.
    Utility Allowances. Under current law, households qualify 
for a Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowance (HCSUA) if 
they provide proof that they pay heating or cooling expenses or 
receive any assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy 
Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill would eliminate the 
automatic qualification for those allowances for households who 
receive less than $10 each year in energy assistance, beginning 
in fiscal year 2014. (States would have the option to delay 
implementation for six months for current recipients.) The 
value of the HCSUA is used, along with other factors, to 
determine the amount of housing expenses that households can 
deduct from their income.
    Some states send nominal LIHEAP benefits (typically between 
$1 and $5, and typically only once per year) to SNAP 
participants to automatically qualify them for the utility 
allowance. Based on discussions with states, CBO assumes that 
some states would continue to send LIHEAP benefits that meet 
the $10 minimum qualification to some SNAP participants, but 
others would discontinue that practice. CBO estimates that 
under this provision, nearly 500,000 households each year would 
have their SNAP benefits reduced by an average of $90 per 
month. In total, CBO estimates that enacting this provision 
would reduce direct spending by about $4.5 billion over the 
2013-2022 period.
    Interaction Effects. Restricting categorical eligibility 
would reduce the total number of households receiving SNAP 
benefits; changes to standard utility allowances would reduce 
the benefit amounts that households receive. Therefore, the 
estimated savings from each provision would be reduced if they 
were enacted simultaneously. Accounting for the interactions 
between those provisions, CBO estimates that the total savings 
would decline by $82 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Changes to Grant Programs. Enacting the legislation would 
reduce net spending for nutrition-related grant programs by 
$348 million over the 2013-2022 period. Specifically, the bill 
would:
           Eliminate $48 million in annual funding for 
        awards to states with high or improved performance in 
        administering SNAP, for total savings of $480 million 
        over the 2013-2022 period;
           Eliminate $5 million in annual funding for 
        projects to simplify application systems for SNAP and 
        improve access to the program, for total savings of $50 
        million over the 2013-2022 period;
           Provide $5 million per year for USDA to 
        pursue activities to prevent trafficking of SNAP 
        benefits, with a total cost of $50 million over the 10-
        year period;
           Provide an additional $10 million each year 
        for community food projects for a total cost of $100 
        million over the 2013-2022 period--in addition to $5 
        million per year provided by USDA under current law; 
        and
           Provide a total of $32.5 million for USDA to 
        conduct a study and pilot program in the Commonwealth 
        of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Retailer Equipment. All SNAP recipients use an electronic 
benefit transfer (EBT) card to pay for food. Under current law, 
retail food stores may request a point-of-sale terminal that 
accepts EBT cards. (Most larger grocery stores use their 
existing debit/credit card machines and program them to also 
accept EBT cards.) The cost of leasing this equipment from the 
state's EBT contractor is split between states and the federal 
government. The bill would require all retailers to assume the 
full cost of the equipment. Based on data from the USDA Food 
and Nutrition Service, CBO estimates that eliminating the 
federal share of those costs would reduce direct spending by 
$79 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Expiring Provisions. The bill would reauthorize SNAP, which 
includes funding of The Emergency Food Assistance Program 
(TEFAP) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (which 
the bill would rename the Farmers Market Nutrition Program), 
through 2017. Pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency 
Deficit Control Act of 1985, those extensions are assumed in 
CBO's current baseline projections and have no cost relative to 
that baseline. Under the assumptions underlying CBO's March 
2012 baseline projections, we estimate that extending SNAP for 
the 2013-2017 period would result in outlays of almost $370 
billion over that period (including $1.4 billion for TEFAP) and 
that extending the Farmers Market Nutrition Program would 
result in outlays of $103 million.
    In addition to reauthorizing those programs, the bill would 
increase funding for commodity purchases made through TEFAP. 
The commodities are distributed by states to local 
organizations, including food banks and shelters. That 
provision would increase direct spending for the program above 
baseline levels by $270 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Other provisions in title IV would reduce costs in SNAP by 
less than $500,000 over the 2013-2022 period:
     The bill would make households automatically 
ineligible for SNAP if a member of that household receives 
substantial lottery or gambling winnings.
     The bill would allow the Secretary of Agriculture 
to impose new restrictions on states that carry out programs to 
allow certain SNAP recipients to purchase meals at restaurants.
     The bill would require states to use the 
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program 
to verify the immigration status of non-citizen applicants.
    Title VI: Rural Development. Title VI would provide $50 
million in mandatory funding for grants to producers of value-
added agricultural products for marketing and for developing a 
business plan. The title also would authorize funding derived 
from the Cushion of Credit payments program to be used to 
provide grants and loans to rural cooperatives and other 
borrowers that relend such funds to consumers for energy-
efficiency projects. CBO estimates that spending for both 
programs would total $105 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Title VII: Research, Extension, and Related Matters. Under 
the bill, CBO estimates that spending on agriculture research, 
extension activities, and related efforts would total $760 
million--an increase of $546 million above estimated expenses 
under the baseline over the 2013-2022 period. Programs 
authorized by this title include:
     Organic Agriculture Research and Extension 
Initiative,
     Specialty Crop Research Initiative; and
     Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
    Title VIII: Forestry. Title VIII would authorize the Forest 
Service through 2017 to enter into special contracts known as 
stewardship contracts. Under such contracts, the Forest Service 
and the Department of the Interior use timber resources owned 
by the government in lieu of cash to compensate firms that 
provide certain services related to forest management. Under 
current law, authority to enter into stewardship contracts will 
expire in 2013. Because CBO expects that some of the timber 
that would be used as compensation under stewardship contracts 
would be sold under current law, we estimate that enacting this 
provision would reduce net offsetting receipts (a credit 
against direct spending) by $1 million a year over the 2014-
2017 period. Thus, enacting this provision would increase 
direct spending $4 million over the next 10 years.
    Title IX: Energy. CBO estimates that spending on the energy 
programs covered in the legislation would total $750 million 
over the 2013-2022 period--the same spending level assumed in 
the baseline. Rural energy programs that had received mandatory 
funding in the previous farm bill would now be made subject to 
appropriation.
    Title X: Horticulture. Under the bill, CBO estimates that 
spending for horticulture programs would total $1.5 billion 
over the 2013-2022 period--$435 million more than the expected 
cost of continuing those programs under current law. Programs 
authorized by the bill include:
     Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program,
     Specialty Crop Block Grants,
     Plant Pest and Disease Management, and
     A variety of other smaller programs.
    Title XI: Crop Insurance. Under the bill, CBO estimates 
that spending on federal crop insurance programs would total 
$99.0 billion over the 2013-2022 period--about $9.5 billion 
more than we expect would be spent if those programs were 
continued under current law.
    Supplemental Coverage Option. Beginning with the 2014 
crops, the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) authorized in 
section 11003 would allow farmers to combine farm-level crop 
insurance coverage with crop insurance based on county-level 
coverage. This option would be subject to a deductible of 10 
percent of expected revenue for farmers participating in the 
Price Loss Coverage program. USDA would pay 70 percent of the 
premium for the SCO policy. CBO estimates that implementing the 
supplemental coverage provisions would cost $4 billion over the 
2013-2022 period.
    Reducing Premiums for CAT. Section 11004 would require USDA 
to reduce the premium for crop insurance protection against 
catastrophic losses (known as CAT coverage). This change in 
premiums would reduce government costs because the amounts paid 
by USDA to private insurance companies for delivering crop 
insurance are based on that premium. CBO estimates that 
reducing the premium for CAT coverage would save $437 million 
over the 2013-2022 period.
    Enterprise Units for Irrigated and Nonirrigated Crops. 
Farmers who choose to buy crop insurance for a particular crop 
must buy insurance on all of the acres of that crop that they 
grow in the county. However, farmers may divide their cropland 
into separate units so that if one unit has a loss and the 
others do not, the loss is paid on the unit with a loss 
regardless of the production from other units. (Dividing 
cropland into separate units increases the likelihood of being 
paid for a loss but also increases the premium the farmer pays 
for the insurance.) Section 11007 would allow farmers to 
separate irrigated and nonirrigated farmland into different 
units without an increase in their premiums. CBO estimates that 
this change would cost $506 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Adjustments in APH Yields. Crop insurance benefits are 
generally based on a farmer's actual production history (APH). 
Under the program rules, however, the actual yields for any 
years with unusually low yields can be replaced with a ``yield 
plug'' equal to 60 percent of the average crop yield in the 
county where the insurance is purchased. Section 11009 would 
increase the ``yield plug'' from 60 percent to 70 percent for 
all years with unusually low yields. CBO estimates that change 
would cost $1.1 billion over the 2013-2022 period.
    Crop Production on Native Sod. Section 11013 would limit 
commodity program payments and benefits under the crop 
insurance and the Noninsured Assistance Program to farmers in 
the Prairie Pothole Region who convert native sod (rangeland 
that has never been cultivated) to cropland. CBO estimates that 
change would save $102 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Beginning Farmer Provisions. Section 11015 would reduce 
fees, raise premium subsidies, and allow for adjustments in the 
actual production histories of beginning farmers, which would 
increase insurance guarantees and government costs. CBO 
estimates that change would cost $192 million over the 2013-
2022 period.
    Stacked Income Protection for Cotton. Section 11016 would 
establish a new Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX). Based on 
information from USDA, CBO expects that STAX could not be 
offered before the 2014 crop of upland cotton has been 
produced. Under STAX, upland cotton producers would be eligible 
to purchase a crop insurance policy for revenue losses of 
between 10 percent and 30 percent of the expected revenue from 
cotton crops in the county, with a minimum guaranteed price of 
$0.6861 per pound. USDA would pay 80 percent of the premium of 
the STAX policy. CBO estimates that STAX would cost $3.9 
billion over the 2013-2022 period.
    Peanut Revenue Crop Insurance. Section 11017 would 
establish a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. CBO 
estimates that this program would cost $239 million over the 
2013-2022 period.
    Participation Effects of Commodity Programs. Because title 
I would eliminate direct payments and allow farmers to choose 
between countercyclical payments and a new revenue protection 
program, CBO expects that producers choosing the revenue 
program would reduce their participation in the crop insurance 
program. CBO estimates that reduction in crop insurance 
participation would save about $0.6 billion over the 2013-2022 
period.
    Other Crop Insurance Provisions. Other provisions in title 
XI would provide for additional delivery expense reimbursements 
on specialty crop policies (section 11011), allow for different 
coverage levels on a farm for irrigated and nonirrigated 
practices (section 11014), provide funding for implementation 
(section 11019), increase annual expenditures for livestock 
pilot programs (section 11023), and increase coverage options 
under the Noninsured Assistance Program (section 11024). In 
total, CBO estimates that those provisions would increase 
outlays by $790 million over the 2013-2022 period.
    Title XII: Miscellaneous. Title XII would reauthorize CCC 
spending for outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged 
and veteran farmers and ranchers, at a cost of $50 million over 
the 2013-2022 period.

Spending subject to appropriation

    CBO estimates that implementing the provisions of the 
Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 that authorize 
appropriations would cost $22.1 billion over the 2013-2017 
period, assuming appropriation of the necessary funds. Those 
discretionary costs are displayed in Table 3 and described in 
further detail below.
    Title I: Commodity Programs. Section 1605 would reauthorize 
the Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program 
to reimburse such producers for certain transportation costs. 
Based on amounts provided in recent years, CBO estimates that 
implementing this provision would cost $24 million over the 
next five years.
    Title II: Conservation. CBO estimates that implementing the 
discretionary programs authorized by title II would cost $680 
million over the 2013-2017 period. That amount includes $291 
million for conservation of private grazing land, $292 million 
for rehabilitating small watersheds, and $97 million for 
protecting grassroots source water.

 TABLE 3. ESTIMATED EFFECTS ON DISCRETIONARY SPENDING FROM IMPLEMENTING THE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK
                                             MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
                                                           2013     2014     2015     2016     2017    2013-2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Title I--Commodity Programs:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................        5        5        5        5        5          25
    Estimated Outlays..................................        4        5        5        5        5          24
Title II--Conservation:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................      165      165      165      165      825
    Estimated Outlays..................................       81      123      149      162      165         680
Title III--Trade:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................    1,697    2,199    2,202    2,205    2,209      10,511
    Estimated Outlays..................................      642    1,572    1,992    2,122    2,175       8,503
Title IV--Nutrition:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................      198      196      198      202      204         998
    Estimated Outlays..................................      182      196      198      201      204         981
Title V--Credit:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................       91       91       91       99       99         471
    Estimated Outlays..................................       84       91       91       98       99         463
Title VI--Rural Development:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................      319      319      319      319      319       1,596
    Estimated Outlays..................................       30      130      212      281      309         963
Title VII--Research, Extension, and Related Matters:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................    1,979    2,004    2,029    2,055    2,082      10,149
    Estimated Outlays..................................    1,010    1,596    2,012    2,037    2,063       8,719
Title VIII--Forestry:
    Authorization Level................................       77       77       77       77       77         386
    Estimated Outlays..................................       35       54       66       73       77         305
Title IX--Energy:
    Authorization Level................................      271      271      271      271      271       1,355
    Estimated Outlays..................................       71      150      210      252      271         953
Title X--Horticulture:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................       36       36       36       36      180
    Estimated Outlays..................................       25       33       36       36       36         166
Title XI--Crop Insurance:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................        1        0        0        0        0           1
    Estimated Outlays..................................        1        0        0        0        0           1
Title XII--Miscellaneous:
    Estimated Authorization Level......................       72       71       71       71       71         356
    Estimated Outlays..................................       39       60       71       71       71         312
      Total Changes:
          Estimated Authorization Level................    4,911    5,434    5,464    5,505    5,537      26,852
          Estimated Outlays............................    2,203    4,011    5,042    5,339    5,476     22,070
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.

    Title III: Trade. CBO estimates that implementing title III 
would cost $8.5 billion over the 2013-2017 period, assuming 
appropriation of the necessary amounts. Major components of 
that total are described below.
    Public Law 480. The Agricultural Trade Development and 
Assistance Act of 1954, typically referred to as Public Law 
480, established a variety of programs to provide food 
assistance to countries around the world. Section 3011 of the 
bill would extend the expiring authorities for title II of 
Public Law 480 (emergency and nonemergency food assistance 
programs) from December 31, 2012, to December 31, 2017. Section 
3012 would authorize the appropriation of $2 billion each year 
for those programs over the 2013-2017 period. Funding for title 
II programs, as set in annual appropriation acts, has remained 
around $1.5 billion in recent years. While section 3010 also 
would extend the authority for title I (Trade and Economic 
Development Assistance) and title III (Food for Development) of 
Public Law 480, those programs have received no new funding in 
recent years. CBO estimates that implementing section 3011 
would cost $7.5 billion over the 2013-2017 period.
    McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 
Nutrition Program. Under current law, the authorization of 
appropriations for the McGovern-Dole program expires at the end 
of 2012.The bill would reauthorize the appropriation of funds 
for this program through 2017. Funding for this program is used 
to purchase commodities and donate them overseas in support of 
infant and school feeding programs. In 2012, funding for this 
program was $184 million. Assuming that funding continues at 
that level and adjusting for anticipated inflation, CBO 
estimates that implementing this provision would cost $932 
million over the 2013-2017 period.
    Global Crop Diversity Trust. Section 3206 would reauthorize 
funding to help promote the conservation of food crops. This 
provision would authorize the appropriation of $50 million over 
the 2013-2017 period, and CBO estimates that implementing it 
would cost $50 million over that period.
    Title IV: Nutrition. CBO estimates that implementing the 
discretionary provisions of title IV would cost about $1 
billion over the 2013-2017 period, assuming appropriation of 
the necessary amounts.
    Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The bill would 
reauthorize through 2017 and modify the Commodity Supplemental 
Food Program (CSFP). The program currently provides food 
packages to low-income elderly people, pregnant and postpartum 
women, and young children. Under the bill, only low-income 
people aged 60 or older could receive benefits. CBO estimates 
that this change would reduce costs in the program by about 3 
percent per year. The CSFP received an appropriation of $177 
million in fiscal year 2012. CBO estimates that implementing 
this provision would cost $881 million over the 2013-2017 
period, assuming the appropriation of the necessary amounts.
    Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The bill would authorize 
the appropriation of funds for the Farmers Market Nutrition 
Program. Based on historical spending on similar activities, 
CBO estimates that implementing this provision would cost $100 
million over the 2013-2017 period, assuming the appropriation 
of the necessary amounts. This authority would be in addition 
to the $103 million in mandatory funds provided over that 
period for the same purpose.
    Title V: Credit. CBO estimates that implementing title V 
would cost $463 million over the 2013-2017 period, assuming 
appropriation of the necessary amounts. Components of that 
total are described below.
    Authorization of Appropriations and Allocation of Funds. 
Section 5301 would amend and extend the farm credit programs 
administered by USDA. CBO estimates that implementing the 
authorized loan levels, based on subsidy rates in 2011, would 
cost $418 million over the 2013-2017 period. Section 5301 also 
would reauthorize the conservation loan program and grants to 
farmers with individual development savings accounts. CBO 
estimates that implementing the conservation loan program and 
the individual development accounts would cost $30 million over 
the next five years.
    State Agricultural Mediation Programs. Section 5002 would 
extend the authorization for appropriations to State 
Agricultural Mediation Programs for two years, from 2015 to 
2017, and would cost $15 million over that period.
    Title VI: Rural Development. Title VI would reauthorize a 
number of rural development programs, including grants and 
other financial assistance for infrastructure improvement, 
business investment, and regional development. This title also 
would reauthorize and modify USDA's authority to guarantee 
loans under the Rural Electrification Act. CBO estimates that 
spending for those programs would total $963 million over the 
2013-2017 period, assuming appropriation of amounts specified 
and estimated to be necessary. This estimate reflects 
historical expenditure patterns for similar rural development 
activities of USDA.
    Title VII: Research, Extension, and Related Matters. Title 
VII would authorize appropriations for many agricultural 
research and education programs and initiatives. CBO estimates 
that implementing this title would cost $8.7 billion over the 
2013-2017 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary 
amounts. About $3.4 billion of that amount is specifically 
authorized by the legislation. Estimated funding for the other 
programs is based on information from USDA and on funding 
levels provided for the same or similar programs or initiatives 
in recent years.
    Estimated spending over the 2013-2017 period for research 
programs includes:
           $6.3 billion for basic research and 
        extension services and for applied research in areas 
        such as animal health, alternative crops, nutrition 
        education, aquaculture, and rangeland;
           $0.2 billion to upgrade agriculture and food 
        sciences facilities at traditionally black, Native 
        American, and Hispanic-serving facilities;
           $1.2 billion for high-priority research and 
        extension initiatives, such as biological applications, 
        organic farming, specialty crops, and food protection;
           $0.4 billion for endowments, grants, and 
        research at Native American land-grant institutions, 
        and for beginning farmer and rancher development; and
           $0.6 billion for biosecurity planning, 
        preparation, response, development of countermeasures, 
        national products research, and for research in biomass 
        and bioenergy.
    Title VIII: Forestry. Title VIII would authorize the 
appropriation of $223 million over the 2013-2017 period for 
programs established by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act 
of 1978. Those programs protect environmentally sensitive 
forest lands, provide technical assistance to private forest 
owners, and award grants to local governments to establish 
community forests. Title VIII also would authorize the 
appropriation of $82 million over that period for other 
forestry programs. In total, CBO estimates that implementing 
title VIII would cost about $305 billion over the 2013-2017 
period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.
    Title IX: Energy. Title IX would authorize appropriations 
of $1.4 billion over the next five years for the energy 
programs covered in the legislation. The bill would authorize:
           $375 million for grants and loan guarantees 
        to individuals, state and local governments, 
        cooperatives, and other entities to fund the 
        development, construction, and retrofitting of 
        demonstration- and commercial-scale biorefineries;
           $225 million for grants and loan guarantees 
        to state and local governments, rural electric 
        cooperatives, and other entities to perform energy 
        audits, purchase renewable energy systems, and improve 
        energy efficiency;
           $250 million for the Secretaries of 
        Agriculture and Energy to coordinate policies and 
        procedures that promote research and development 
        regarding the production of biofuels and biobased 
        products;
           $375 million for extending the Biomass Crop 
        Assistance Program to encourage producers to grow 
        biomass crops and to cover a portion of the cost to 
        transport biomass products to facilities that would 
        convert those products into energy; and
           $130 million for various other energy 
        programs.
    Assuming appropriations of the specified amounts, CBO 
estimates that implementing title IX would cost $953 million 
over the next five years.
    Title X: Horticulture. Assuming appropriation of the 
authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing title X 
would cost $166 million over the 2013-2017 period to support 
and encourage farmers' markets and local food promotion 
programs, modernization and technology upgrades for the 
National Organic Program, specialty crop market news, and 
organic production and market data initiatives.
    Title XI: Crop Insurance. Title XI would require USDA to 
conduct studies on the feasibility of food safety insurance, a 
poultry catastrophic disease program, and poultry business 
interruption insurance policies. CBO estimates those studies 
would cost $1 million.
    Title XII: Miscellaneous. CBO estimates that implementing 
title XII would cost $312 million over the 2013-2017 period, 
assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, for a variety 
of programs, including:
           $95 million for outreach and assistance for 
        socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and 
        ranchers,
           $70 million for national sheep industry 
        improvement center, trichinae certification, and 
        aquatic animal health,
           $86 million to development and promotion of 
        maple syrup, and
           $61 million for safety and training of the 
        agricultural labor force and for establishing an office 
        of tribal relations and a military veterans 
        agricultural liaison office in USDA.
    Pay-As-You-Go-Considerations: The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go 
Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement 
procedures for legislation affecting on-budget direct spending 
or revenues. The net changes in outlays that are subject to 
those pay-as-you-go procedures are show in the following table.

    TABLE 4. CBO ESTIMATE OF THE STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 6083, THE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2012, AS ORDERED REPORTED BY THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON
                                                                                  AGRICULTURE ON JULY 11, 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                            By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                2012     2013     2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      2021      2022     2012-2017   2012-2022
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           NET INCREASE OR DECREASE (-) IN THE DEFICIT

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact...............................       0     -306    -5,968    -3,612    -3,491    -3,327    -3,387    -3,709    -3,698    -3,834    -3,810     -16,705     -35,143
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: The bill would 
impose intergovernmental and private-sector mandates as defined 
in UMRA. CBO estimates that the aggregate costs of mandates on 
state, local, and tribal governments would fall below the 
annual threshold established in UMRA for intergovernmental 
mandates ($73 million in 2012, adjusted annually for 
inflation). Because the cost of some of the mandates on the 
private sector would depend on future regulations, CBO cannot 
determine whether the aggregate cost of those mandates would 
exceed the annual threshold established in UMRA for private-
sector mandates ($146 million in 2012, adjusted annually for 
inflation).

Mandates that apply to public and private entities

    The bill would impose an intergovernmental and private-
sector mandate by extending maintenance fees for the use of 
pesticides through 2017. The bill also would increase the 
amount of maintenance fees collected annually to about $28 
million from the current $22 million collected. According to 
information from the Environmental Protection Agency, public 
entities usually receive waivers from maintenance fees for 
minor use or public health uses. Thus, fees paid by public 
entities are minimal and make up a very small portion of the 
total fees collected. The majority of the amount collected 
would be paid by private entities.

Mandates that apply to public entities only

    The bill would preempt state laws that regulate the 
production and manufacture of agricultural products offered for 
sale in interstate commerce if those laws impose standards or 
conditions that are in addition to the standards and conditions 
imposed by federal law or the laws of the producing or 
manufacturing state. Many states have laws regulating the 
production and manufacture of agricultural products that are 
different than the laws of other states. By limiting a state's 
ability to regulate agricultural products sold under its 
jurisdiction, the bill would preempt state authority. However, 
because state and local governments would not be required to 
take any action resulting in additional spending or lost 
revenue, CBO estimates that the cost of the preemption would be 
insignificant.

Mandates that apply to private entities only

    Requirements on Dairy Handlers. The bill would impose 
mandates on dairy handlers that purchase milk from dairy 
producers participating in the Dairy Market Stabilization 
Program (DMSP). Under the DMSP, when producer margins fall 
below a designated amount, handlers would be required to report 
information to USDA, reduce payments for milk to participating 
dairy producers, and pay to USDA the amount by which the 
payment was reduced. Thus, the bill would impose new 
requirements on dairy handlers who are not voluntary 
participants in DMSP. According to information from industry 
sources, the cost for handlers to collect and report 
information under the DMSP could amount to hundreds of millions 
of dollars annually, depending on regulations to be issued by 
USDA.
    Standards for Imports of Olive Oil. The bill would require 
imports of olive oil to meet the same standards as olive oil 
produced in the United States if a marketing order for olive 
oil is established. A marketing order for olive oil has been 
proposed, but the process of approving the order is in its 
early stages. CBO has no basis for determining what the final 
standards of a marketing order would be, if approved; and thus 
the cost to importers is uncertain.
    Pesticide Fees and Reporting Requirements. The bill would 
impose a private-sector mandate by extending registration 
service fees for the use of pesticides for five years. 
Pesticide registration service fees amount to about $15 million 
annually. The bill also would impose a private-sector mandate 
if manufacturers of pesticides currently exempt from 
registration requirements would be required to submit efficacy 
data to support some statements on product labels. Based on 
information from the Environmental Protection Agency and 
industry experts, CBO expects that the cost of the mandate 
could amount to tens of millions of dollars.

                         PREVIOUS CBO ESTIMATES

Draft House Legislation

    On July 5, 2012, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for draft 
legislation that was posted on the Web site of the House 
Committee on Agriculture prior to markup. The current estimate 
is based on H.R. 6083, as ordered reported by the committee on 
July 11, 2012. The amendments adopted during markup affected 
estimates of discretionary spending.

S. 3240

    On July 6, 2012, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 
3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012, as 
passed by the Senate on June 21, 2012. CBO estimated that 
enacting S. 3240 would bring total direct spending for USDA 
programs to $970.0 billion over the 2013-2022 period, or $23.1 
billion less than CBO projected would be spent if current 
programs continued as under current law. H.R. 6083, the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012, as ordered 
reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on July 11, 
2012, would result in total direct spending for USDA programs 
of $957.7 billion over the 2013-2022 period, or $35.1 billion 
less than the CBO baseline projections for those programs. 
Thus, H.R. 6083 would result in total direct spending for USDA 
programs over the 2013-2022 period that is $12.0 billion less 
than S. 3240.
    Differences between S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 are shown in 
Table 5. The combined change in spending from provisions 
affecting commodities and crop insurance is similar between the 
two bills--$14.1 billion less in the H.R. 6083 and $14.4 
billion less in S. 3240, compared with continuation of current 
programs in the CBO baseline. However, H.R. 6083 would result 
in lower spending on commodities and more spending on crop 
insurance, compared with S. 3240.
    Title I. The total change in commodity payments between the 
House and Senate bills is shown in Table 6. Estimated commodity 
payments under the House bill would be around $4.0 billion less 
than under the Senate bill, with the House bill resulting in 
relatively smaller reductions in payments for wheat, rice, and 
peanuts, and relatively higher reductions in payments for feed 
grains and oilseeds, compared with the estimates for the Senate 
bill. The county-based revenue options in the two bills are 
similar, but payments under the price-loss coverage option in 
the House bill are expected to be lower than the farm-level 
revenue option in the Senate's legislation. In addition, the 
timing of payments in the House bill would be delayed until 
after October 1, so that there would be one less payment in the 
2013-2022 period.
    Title IV. CBO estimated that the nutrition provisions in 
title IV of S. 3240 would reduce direct spending by $4.0 
billion over the 2013-2022 period, about $12.1 billion less 
than the reductions in title IV of H.R. 6083. While S. 3240 
included the same change to utility allowances as H.R. 6083, 
H.R. 6083 contains additional cuts to SNAP, including 
provisions to restrict categorical eligibility and repeal state 
performance awards, among other changes.
    Title XI. Changes in crop insurance provisions in H.R. 6083 
are estimated to increase spending by $9.5 billion over the 
2013-2022 period, compared with the estimated increase in 
spending of $5.0 billion for the crop-insurance provisions 
included in S. 3240. The higher estimated spending for the 
House bill reflects higher participation in the Supplemental 
Coverage Option, lower savings from commodity program effects 
on crop-insurance participation, and higher spending for the 
Stacked Income Protection program for cotton producers.
    Discretionary Costs. S. 3240 would authorize spending 
subject to appropriation of $29.0 billion over the 2013-2022 
period, CBO estimates, while the authorization level in H.R. 
6083 would total an estimated $22.1 billion--$6.9 billion less 
than in S. 3240.

Agriculture Reconciliation Act of 2012

    On April 23, 2012, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for the 
Agriculture Reconciliation Act of 2012, as approved by the 
House Committee on Agriculture on April 18, 2012. CBO estimated 
that enacting that legislation would reduce direct spending in 
nutrition programs by $33.7 billion over the 2013-2022 period, 
$17.6 billion more than would result if provisions in title IV 
of H.R. 6083 were enacted. Differences in the estimates reflect 
differences in the legislation.
    The Agriculture Reconciliation Act included a change to 
SNAP utility allowances that CBO estimates would reduce 
benefits for more participants than a similar provision in H.R. 
6083. The Agriculture Reconciliation Act would require all 
households to show proof that they pay heating or cooling costs 
to claim the utility allowance. Under H.R. 6083, SNAP 
households who receive energy assistance payments below $10 
annually would no longer qualify automatically for a utility 
allowance and would have to show proof that they pay heating or 
cooling costs in order to claim the allowance; households who 
receive more than $10 annually in energy assistance would still 
qualify automatically for a utility allowance. The Agriculture 
Reconciliation Act also contained further cuts to SNAP that are 
not included in H.R. 6083, including provisions that would 
accelerate the sunset date of a benefit increase stemming from 
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and reduce funding 
for employment and training programs and nutrition education, 
among other changes.

 TABLE 5. COMPARISON BY TITLE OF THE TOTAL CHANGE IN DIRECT SPENDING FOR
H.R. 6083 AS ORDERED REPORTED ON JULY 11, 2012, AND S. 3240 AS PASSED ON
                              JUNE 21, 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Totals for fiscal years 2013-2022,
                                          in millions of dollars--
            Description            -------------------------------------
                                                H.R. 6083b
                                     S. 3240a                Differencec
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I--Commodities:
    Change in Budget Authority....     -19,188     -23,370       -4,182
    Change in Outlays.............     -19,428     -23,584       -4,156
Title II--Conservation:
    Change in Budget Authority....      -6,934      -6,446          448
    Change in Outlays.............      -6,376      -6,148          228
Title IV--Nutrition:
    Change in Budget Authority....      -3,940     -16,085      -12,135
    Change in Outlays.............      -4,000     -16,075      -12,075
Title VII--Research, Extension,
 and Related Matters:
    Change in Budget Authority....         715         580         -135
    Change in Outlays.............         681         546         -135
Title IX--Energy:
    Change in Budget Authority....         801           0         -801
    Change in Outlays.............         780           0         -780
Title XI--Crop Insurance:
    Change in Budget Authority....       5,901      10,999        5,098
    Change in Outlays.............       5,036       9,523        4,487
Title XII--Miscellaneous:
    Change in Budget Authority....        -374          50          424
    Change in Outlays.............        -319          50          369
Other Titles:d
    Change in Budget Authority....         514         538           24
    Change in Outlays.............         482         542           59
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total Changes:
    Change in Budget Authority....     -22,504     -33,751      -11,247
    Change in Outlays.............     -23,143     -35,143     -12,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
aAgriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012, as passed by the Senate
  on June 21, 2012.
bFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012, as ordered
  reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on July 11, 2012.
cDifference = House estimate less Senate estimate.
dOther titles (with differences) include: Title III--Trade (0); Title V--
  Credit (0); Title VI--Rural Development (-10); Title VIII--Forestry (-
  5); and Title X--Horticulture (77).


  TABLE 6. COMPARISON BY CROP OF THE TOTAL CHANGE IN COMMODITY PAYMENTS
 BETWEEN H.R. 6083 AS ORDERED REPORTED ON JULY 11, 2012, AND S. 3240 AS
                         PASSED ON JUNE 21, 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Totals for fiscal years 2013-2022,
                                          in millions of dollars--
               Crop                -------------------------------------
                                                H.R. 6083b
                                     S. 3240a                Differencec
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corn..............................      -5,969     -11,031       -5,062
Sorghum...........................        -525      -1,021         -496
Barley............................        -625        -138          487
Oats..............................         -13          84           97
      Total Feed Grains...........      -7,132    -12, 105       -4,973
Soybeans..........................       1,272      -1,509       -2,781
Wheat.............................      -6,673      -5,448        1,225
Upland Cottond....................      -6,077      -6,077            0
Rice..............................      -2,842      -1,075        1,767
Peanuts...........................        -314         187          501
Other Oilseeds....................          44         243          199
Dairy.............................         -59         -38           21
Dry Peas..........................          17         101           84
Lentils...........................          28          15          -13
                                   -------------------------------------
      Total Changes...............     -21,677     -25,707      -4,030
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012, as passed by the
  Senate on June 21, 2012.
b Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk management Act of 2012, as ordered
  reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on July 11, 2012.
c Difference = House minus Senate total changes.
d. Upland cotton does not include any potential benefits under the
  Stacked Income Protection Program in the Crop Insurance title, which
  CBO estimates would be $3.9 billion under H.R. 6083 and $3.2 billion
  under S. 3240 over the 2013-2022 period.
Note: Change from CBO March 2012 Baseline.

    Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Jim Langley, Greg 
Hitz, Dave Hull, Kathleen FitzGerald, Emily Holcombe, Ann 
Futrell, Dan Hoople, and Jeff LaFave.
    Impact on State, local, and tribal governments: J'nell L. 
Blanco and Lisa Ramirez-Branum.
    Impact on the private sector: Amy Petz and Vi Nguyen.
    Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.

                    Performance Goals and Objectives

    With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
performance goals and objections of this legislation are to 
provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and 
other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal 
year 2017, and for other purposes.

                   Constitutional Authority Statement

    The Committee finds the Constitutional authority for this 
legislation in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, that grants 
Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for 
carrying out the powers vested by Congress in the Constitution 
of the United States or in any department or officer thereof.

                        Committee Cost Estimate

    Pursuant to clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee report incorporates the 
cost estimate prepared by the Director of the Congressional 
Budget Office pursuant to sections 402 and 423 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No advisory committee within the meaning of section 5(b) of 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act was created by this 
legislation.

                Applicability to the Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 
104-1).

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    The Committee adopted as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act (Public Law 104-4).

Earmark Statement Required by Clause 9 of Rule XXI of the Rules of the 
                        House of Representatives

    H.R. 6083 does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of the 
House Representatives.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

               FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE I--COMMODITY PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle A--Direct Payments and Counter-Cyclical Payments

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1103. AVAILABILITY OF DIRECT PAYMENTS.

  [(a) Payment Required.--For each of the 2008 through 2012 
crop years of each covered commodity (other than pulse crops), 
the Secretary shall make direct payments to producers on farms 
for which base acres and payment yields are established.
  [(b) Payment Rate.--Except as provided in section 1105, the 
payment rates used to make direct payments with respect to 
covered commodities for a crop year shall be as follows:
          [(1) Wheat, $0.52 per bushel.
          [(2) Corn, $0.28 per bushel.
          [(3) Grain sorghum, $0.35 per bushel.
          [(4) Barley, $0.24 per bushel.
          [(5) Oats, $0.024 per bushel.
          [(6) Upland cotton, $0.0667 per pound.
          [(7) Long grain rice, $2.35 per hundredweight.
          [(8) Medium grain rice, $2.35 per hundredweight.
          [(9) Soybeans, $0.44 per bushel.
          [(10) Other oilseeds, $0.80 per hundredweight.
  [(c) Payment Amount.--The amount of the direct payment to be 
paid to the producers on a farm for a covered commodity for a 
crop year shall be equal to the product of the following:
          [(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (b).
          [(2) The payment acres of the covered commodity on 
        the farm.
          [(3) The payment yield for the covered commodity for 
        the farm.
  [(d) Time for Payment.--
          [(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), in the case of each of the 2008 through 2012 crop 
        years, the Secretary may not make direct payments 
        before October 1 of the calendar year in which the crop 
        of the covered commodity is harvested.
          [(2) Advance payments.--
                  [(A) Option.--
                          [(i) In general.--At the option of 
                        the producers on a farm, the Secretary 
                        shall pay in advance up to 22 percent 
                        of the direct payment for a covered 
                        commodity for any of the 2008 through 
                        2011 crop years to the producers on a 
                        farm.
                          [(ii) 2008 crop year.--If the 
                        producers on a farm elect to receive 
                        advance direct payments under clause 
                        (i) for a covered commodity for the 
                        2008 crop year, as soon as practicable 
                        after the election, the Secretary shall 
                        make the advance direct payment to the 
                        producers on the farm.
                  [(B) Month.--
                          [(i) Selection.--Subject to clauses 
                        (ii) and (iii), the producers on a farm 
                        shall select the month during which the 
                        advance payment for a crop year will be 
                        made.
                          [(ii) Options.--The month selected 
                        may be any month during the period--
                                  [(I) beginning on December 1 
                                of the calendar year before the 
                                calendar year in which the crop 
                                of the covered commodity is 
                                harvested; and
                                  [(II) ending during the month 
                                within which the direct payment 
                                would otherwise be made.
                          [(iii) Change.--The producers on a 
                        farm may change the selected month for 
                        a subsequent advance payment by 
                        providing advance notice to the 
                        Secretary.
          [(3) Repayment of advance payments.--If a producer on 
        a farm that receives an advance direct payment for a 
        crop year ceases to be a producer on that farm, or the 
        extent to which the producer shares in the risk of 
        producing a crop changes, before the date the remainder 
        of the direct payment is made, the producer shall be 
        responsible for repaying the Secretary the applicable 
        amount of the advance payment, as determined by the 
        Secretary.

[SEC. 1104. AVAILABILITY OF COUNTER-CYCLICAL PAYMENTS.

  [(a) Payment Required.--Except as provided in section 1105, 
for each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years for each covered 
commodity, the Secretary shall make counter-cyclical payments 
to producers on farms for which payment yields and base acres 
are established with respect to the covered commodity if the 
Secretary determines that the effective price for the covered 
commodity is less than the target price for the covered 
commodity.
  [(b) Effective Price.--
          [(1) Covered commodities other than rice.--Except as 
        provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of subsection 
        (a), the effective price for a covered commodity is 
        equal to the sum of the following:
                  [(A) The higher of the following:
                          [(i) The national average market 
                        price received by producers during the 
                        12-month marketing year for the covered 
                        commodity, as determined by the 
                        Secretary.
                          [(ii) The national average loan rate 
                        for a marketing assistance loan for the 
                        covered commodity in effect for the 
                        applicable period under subtitle B.
                  [(B) The payment rate in effect for the 
                covered commodity under section 1103 for the 
                purpose of making direct payments with respect 
                to the covered commodity.
          [(2) Rice.--In the case of long grain rice and medium 
        grain rice, for purposes of subsection (a), the 
        effective price for each type or class of rice is equal 
        to the sum of the following:
                  [(A) The higher of the following:
                          [(i) The national average market 
                        price received by producers during the 
                        12-month marketing year for the type or 
                        class of rice, as determined by the 
                        Secretary.
                          [(ii) The national average loan rate 
                        for a marketing assistance loan for the 
                        type or class of rice in effect for the 
                        applicable period under subtitle B.
                  [(B) The payment rate in effect for the type 
                or class of rice under section 1103 for the 
                purpose of making direct payments with respect 
                to the type or class of rice.
  [(c) Target Price.--
          [(1) 2008 crop year.--For purposes of the 2008 crop 
        year, the target prices for covered commodities shall 
        be as follows:
                  [(A) Wheat, $3.92 per bushel.
                  [(B) Corn, $2.63 per bushel.
                  [(C) Grain sorghum, $2.57 per bushel.
                  [(D) Barley, $2.24 per bushel.
                  [(E) Oats, $1.44 per bushel.
                  [(F) Upland cotton, $0.7125 per pound.
                  [(G) Long grain rice, $10.50 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(H) Medium grain rice, $10.50 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(I) Soybeans, $5.80 per bushel.
                  [(J) Other oilseeds, $10.10 per 
                hundredweight.
          [(2) 2009 crop year.--For purposes of the 2009 crop 
        year, the target prices for covered commodities shall 
        be as follows:
                  [(A) Wheat, $3.92 per bushel.
                  [(B) Corn, $2.63 per bushel.
                  [(C) Grain sorghum, $2.57 per bushel.
                  [(D) Barley, $2.24 per bushel.
                  [(E) Oats, $1.44 per bushel.
                  [(F) Upland cotton, $0.7125 per pound.
                  [(G) Long grain rice, $10.50 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(H) Medium grain rice, $10.50 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(I) Soybeans, $5.80 per bushel.
                  [(J) Other oilseeds, $10.10 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(K) Dry peas, $8.32 per hundredweight.
                  [(L) Lentils, $12.81 per hundredweight.
                  [(M) Small chickpeas, $10.36 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(N) Large chickpeas, $12.81 per 
                hundredweight.
          [(3) Subsequent crop years.--For purposes of each of 
        the 2010 through 2012 crop years, the target prices for 
        covered commodities shall be as follows:
                  [(A) Wheat, $4.17 per bushel.
                  [(B) Corn, $2.63 per bushel.
                  [(C) Grain sorghum, $2.63 per bushel.
                  [(D) Barley, $2.63 per bushel.
                  [(E) Oats, $1.79 per bushel.
                  [(F) Upland cotton, $0.7125 per pound.
                  [(G) Long grain rice, $10.50 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(H) Medium grain rice, $10.50 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(I) Soybeans, $6.00 per bushel.
                  [(J) Other oilseeds, $12.68 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(K) Dry peas, $8.32 per hundredweight.
                  [(L) Lentils, $12.81 per hundredweight.
                  [(M) Small chickpeas, $10.36 per 
                hundredweight.
                  [(N) Large chickpeas, $12.81 per 
                hundredweight.
  [(d) Payment Rate.--The payment rate used to make counter-
cyclical payments with respect to a covered commodity for a 
crop year shall be equal to the difference between--
          [(1) the target price for the covered commodity; and
          [(2) the effective price determined under subsection 
        (b) for the covered commodity.
  [(e) Payment Amount.--If counter-cyclical payments are 
required to be paid under this section for any of the 2008 
through 2012 crop years of a covered commodity, the amount of 
the counter-cyclical payment to be paid to the producers on a 
farm for that crop year shall be equal to the product of the 
following:
          [(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (d).
          [(2) The payment acres of the covered commodity on 
        the farm.
          [(3) The payment yield for the covered commodity for 
        the farm.
  [(f) Time for Payments.--
          [(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), if the Secretary determines under subsection (a) 
        that counter-cyclical payments are required to be made 
        under this section for the crop of a covered commodity, 
        beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable 
        thereafter, after the end of the marketing year for the 
        covered commodity, the Secretary shall make the 
        counter-cyclical payments for the crop.
          [(2) Availability of partial payments.--
                  [(A) In general.--If, before the end of the 
                12-month marketing year for a covered 
                commodity, the Secretary estimates that 
                counter-cyclical payments will be required for 
                the crop of the covered commodity, the 
                Secretary shall give producers on a farm the 
                option to receive partial payments of the 
                counter-cyclical payment projected to be made 
                for that crop of the covered commodity.
                  [(B) Election.--
                          [(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        allow producers on a farm to make an 
                        election to receive partial payments 
                        for a covered commodity under 
                        subparagraph (A) at any time but not 
                        later than 60 days prior to the end of 
                        the marketing year for that covered 
                        commodity.
                          [(ii) Date of issuance.--The 
                        Secretary shall issue the partial 
                        payment after the date of an 
                        announcement by the Secretary but not 
                        later than 30 days prior to the end of 
                        the marketing year.
          [(3) Time for partial payments.--When the Secretary 
        makes partial payments for a covered commodity for any 
        of the 2008 through 2010 crop years--
                  [(A) the first partial payment shall be made 
                after completion of the first 180 days of the 
                marketing year for the covered commodity; and
                  [(B) the final partial payment shall be made 
                beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable 
                thereafter, after the end of the applicable 
                marketing year for the covered commodity.
          [(4) Amount of partial payment.--
                  [(A) First partial payment.--For each of the 
                2008 through 2010 crops of a covered commodity, 
                the first partial payment under paragraph (3) 
                to the producers on a farm may not exceed 40 
                percent of the projected counter-cyclical 
                payment for the covered commodity for the crop 
                year, as determined by the Secretary.
                  [(B) Final payment.--The final payment for a 
                covered commodity for a crop year shall be 
                equal to the difference between--
                          [(i) the actual counter-cyclical 
                        payment to be made to the producers for 
                        the covered commodity for that crop 
                        year; and
                          [(ii) the amount of the partial 
                        payment made to the producers under 
                        subparagraph (A).
          [(5) Repayment.--The producers on a farm that receive 
        a partial payment under this subsection for a crop year 
        shall repay to the Secretary the amount, if any, by 
        which the total of the partial payments exceed the 
        actual counter-cyclical payment to be made for the 
        covered commodity for that crop year.

[SEC. 1105. AVERAGE CROP REVENUE ELECTION PROGRAM.

  [(a) Availability and Election of Alternative Approach.--
          [(1) Availability of average crop revenue election 
        payments.--As an alternative to receiving counter-
        cyclical payments under section 1104 or 1304 and in 
        exchange for a 20-percent reduction in direct payments 
        under section 1103 or 1303 and a 30-percent reduction 
        in marketing assistance loan rates under section 1202 
        or 1307, with respect to all covered commodities and 
        peanuts on a farm, during each of the 2009, 2010, 2011, 
        and 2012 crop years, the Secretary shall give the 
        producers on the farm an opportunity to make an 
        irrevocable election to instead receive average crop 
        revenue election (referred to in this section as 
        ``ACRE'') payments under this section for the initial 
        crop year for which the election is made through the 
        2012 crop year.
          [(2) Limitation.--
                  [(A) In general.--The total number of planted 
                acres for which the producers on a farm may 
                receive ACRE payments under this section may 
                not exceed the total base acreage for all 
                covered commodities and peanuts on the farm.
                  [(B) Election.--If the total number of 
                planted acres to all covered commodities and 
                peanuts of the producers on a farm exceeds the 
                total base acreage of the farm, the producers 
                on the farm may choose which planted acres to 
                enroll in the program under this section.
          [(3) Election; time for election.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide 
                notice to producers regarding the opportunity 
                to make each of the elections described in 
                paragraph (1).
                  [(B) Notice requirements.--The notice shall 
                include--
                          [(i) notice of the opportunity of the 
                        producers on a farm to make the 
                        election; and
                          [(ii) information regarding the 
                        manner in which the election must be 
                        made and the time periods and manner in 
                        which notice of the election must be 
                        submitted to the Secretary.
          [(4) Election deadline.--Within the time period and 
        in the manner prescribed pursuant to paragraph (3), all 
        of the producers on a farm shall submit to the 
        Secretary notice of an election made under paragraph 
        (1).
          [(5) Effect of failure to make election.--If all of 
        the producers on a farm fail to make an election under 
        paragraph (1), make different elections under paragraph 
        (1), or fail to timely notify the Secretary of the 
        election made, as required by paragraph (4), all of the 
        producers on the farm shall be deemed to have made the 
        election to receive counter-cyclical payments under 
        section 1104 or 1304 for all covered commodities and 
        peanuts on the farm, and to otherwise not have made the 
        election described in paragraph (1), for the applicable 
        crop years.
  [(b) Payments Required.--
          [(1) In general.--In the case of producers on a farm 
        who make an election under subsection (a) to receive 
        ACRE payments for any of the 2009 through 2012 crop 
        years for all covered commodities and peanuts, the 
        Secretary shall make ACRE payments available to the 
        producers on a farm in accordance with this subsection.
          [(2) ACRE payment.--
                  [(A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), 
                in the case of producers on a farm described in 
                paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make ACRE 
                payments available to the producers on a farm 
                for each crop year if--
                          [(i) the actual State revenue for the 
                        crop year for the covered commodity or 
                        peanuts in the State determined under 
                        subsection (c); is less than
                          [(ii) the ACRE program guarantee for 
                        the crop year for the covered commodity 
                        or peanuts in the State determined 
                        under subsection (d).
                  [(B) Individual loss.--The Secretary shall 
                make ACRE payments available to the producers 
                on a farm in a State for a crop year only if 
                (as determined by the Secretary)--
                          [(i) the actual farm revenue for the 
                        crop year for the covered commodity or 
                        peanuts, as determined under subsection 
                        (e); is less than
                          [(ii) the farm ACRE benchmark revenue 
                        for the crop year for the covered 
                        commodity or peanuts, as determined 
                        under subsection (f).
          [(3) Time for payments.--In the case of each of the 
        2009 through 2012 crop years, the Secretary shall make 
        ACRE payments beginning October 1, or as soon as 
        practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable 
        marketing year for the covered commodity or peanuts.
  [(c) Actual State Revenue.--
          [(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection 
        (b)(2)(A), the amount of the actual State revenue for a 
        crop year of a covered commodity or peanuts shall equal 
        the product obtained by multiplying--
                  [(A) the actual State yield for each planted 
                acre for the crop year for the covered 
                commodity or peanuts determined under paragraph 
                (2); and
                  [(B) the national average market price for 
                the crop year for the covered commodity or 
                peanuts determined under paragraph (3).
          [(2) Actual state yield.--For purposes of paragraph 
        (1)(A), the actual State yield for each planted acre 
        for a crop year for a covered commodity or peanuts in a 
        State shall equal (as determined by the Secretary)--
                  [(A) the quantity of the covered commodity or 
                peanuts that is produced in the State during 
                the crop year; divided by
                  [(B) the number of acres that are planted to 
                the covered commodity or peanuts in the State 
                during the crop year.
          [(3) National average market price.--For purposes of 
        paragraph (1)(B), the national average market price for 
        a crop year for a covered commodity or peanuts in a 
        State shall equal the greater of--
                  [(A) the national average market price 
                received by producers during the 12-month 
                marketing year for the covered commodity or 
                peanuts, as determined by the Secretary; or
                  [(B) the marketing assistance loan rate for 
                the covered commodity or peanuts under section 
                1202 or 1307, as reduced under subsection 
                (a)(1).
  [(d) ACRE Program Guarantee.--
          [(1) Amount.--
                  [(A) In general.--For purposes of subsection 
                (b)(2)(A) and subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                ACRE program guarantee for a crop year for a 
                covered commodity or peanuts in a State shall 
                equal 90 percent of the product obtained by 
                multiplying--
                          [(i) the benchmark State yield for 
                        each planted acre for the crop year for 
                        the covered commodity or peanuts in a 
                        State determined under paragraph (2); 
                        and
                          [(ii) the ACRE program guarantee 
                        price for the crop year for the covered 
                        commodity or peanuts determined under 
                        paragraph (3).
                  [(B) Minimum and maximum guarantee.--In the 
                case of each of the 2010 through 2012 crop 
                years, the ACRE program guarantee for a crop 
                year for a covered commodity or peanuts under 
                subparagraph (A) shall not decrease or increase 
                more than 10 percent from the guarantee for the 
                preceding crop year.
          [(2) Benchmark state yield.--
                  [(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph 
                (1)(A)(i), subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                benchmark State yield for each planted acre for 
                a crop year for a covered commodity or peanuts 
                in a State shall equal the average yield per 
                planted acre for the covered commodity or 
                peanuts in the State for the most recent 5 crop 
                year yields, excluding each of the crop years 
                with the highest and lowest yields, using 
                National Agricultural Statistics Service data.
                  [(B) Assigned yield.--If the Secretary cannot 
                establish the benchmark State yield for each 
                planted acre for a crop year for a covered 
                commodity or peanuts in a State in accordance 
                with subparagraph (A) or if the yield 
                determined under subparagraph (A) is an 
                unrepresentative average yield for the State 
                (as determined by the Secretary), the Secretary 
                shall assign a benchmark State yield for each 
                planted acre for the crop year for the covered 
                commodity or peanuts in the State on the basis 
                of--
                          [(i) previous average yields for a 
                        period of 5 crop years, excluding each 
                        of the crop years with the highest and 
                        lowest yields; or
                          [(ii) benchmark State yields for 
                        planted acres for the crop year for the 
                        covered commodity or peanuts in similar 
                        States.
          [(3) ACRE program guarantee price.--For purposes of 
        paragraph (1)(A)(ii), the ACRE program guarantee price 
        for a crop year for a covered commodity or peanuts in a 
        State shall be the simple average of the national 
        average market price received by producers of the 
        covered commodity or peanuts for the most recent 2 crop 
        years, as determined by the Secretary.
          [(4) States with irrigated and nonirrigated land.--In 
        the case of a State in which at least 25 percent of the 
        acreage planted to a covered commodity or peanuts in 
        the State is irrigated and at least 25 percent of the 
        acreage planted to the covered commodity or peanuts in 
        the State is not irrigated, the Secretary shall 
        calculate a separate ACRE program guarantee for the 
        irrigated and nonirrigated areas of the State for the 
        covered commodity or peanuts.
  [(e) Actual Farm Revenue.--For purposes of subsection 
(b)(2)(B)(i), the amount of the actual farm revenue for a crop 
year for a covered commodity or peanuts shall equal the amount 
determined by multiplying--
          [(1) the actual yield for the covered commodity or 
        peanuts of the producers on the farm; and
          [(2) the national average market price for the crop 
        year for the covered commodity or peanuts determined 
        under subsection (c)(3).
  [(f) Farm ACRE Benchmark Revenue.--For purposes of subsection 
(b)(2)(B)(ii), the farm ACRE benchmark revenue for the crop 
year for a covered commodity or peanuts shall equal the sum 
obtained by adding--
          [(1) the amount determined by multiplying--
                  [(A) the average yield per planted acre for 
                the covered commodity or peanuts of the 
                producers on the farm for the most recent 5 
                crop years, excluding each of the crop years 
                with the highest and lowest yields; and
                  [(B) the ACRE program guarantee price for the 
                applicable crop year for the covered commodity 
                or peanuts in a State determined under 
                subsection (d)(3); and
          [(2) the amount of the per acre crop insurance 
        premium required to be paid by the producers on the 
        farm for the applicable crop year for the covered 
        commodity or peanuts on the farm.
  [(g) Payment Amount.--If ACRE payments are required to be 
paid for any of the 2009 through 2012 crop years of a covered 
commodity or peanuts under this section, the amount of the ACRE 
payment to be paid to the producers on the farm for the crop 
year under this section shall be equal to the product obtained 
by multiplying--
          [(1) the lesser of--
                  [(A) the difference between--
                          [(i) the ACRE program guarantee for 
                        the crop year for the covered commodity 
                        or peanuts in the State determined 
                        under subsection (d); and
                          [(ii) the actual State revenue from 
                        the crop year for the covered commodity 
                        or peanuts in the State determined 
                        under subsection (c); and
                  [(B) 25 percent of the ACRE program guarantee 
                for the crop year for the covered commodity or 
                peanuts in the State determined under 
                subsection (d);
          [(2)(A) for each of the 2009 through 2011 crop years, 
        83.3 percent of the acreage planted or considered 
        planted to the covered commodity or peanuts for harvest 
        on the farm in the crop year; and
          [(B) for the 2012 crop year, 85 percent of the 
        acreage planted or considered planted to the covered 
        commodity or peanuts for harvest on the farm in the 
        crop year; and
          [(3) the quotient obtained by dividing--
                  [(A) the average yield per planted acre for 
                the covered commodity or peanuts of the 
                producers on the farm for the most recent 5 
                crop years, excluding each of the crop years 
                with the highest and lowest yields; by
                  [(B) the benchmark State yield for the crop 
                year, as determined under subsection (d)(2).]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle C--Peanuts

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1303. AVAILABILITY OF DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR PEANUTS.

  [(a) Payment Required.--For each of the 2008 through 2012 
crop years for peanuts, the Secretary shall make direct 
payments to the producers on a farm for which a payment yield 
and base acres for peanuts are established.
  [(b) Payment Rate.--Except as provided in section 1105, the 
payment rate used to make direct payments with respect to 
peanuts for a crop year shall be equal to $36 per ton.
  [(c) Payment Amount.--The amount of the direct payment to be 
paid to the producers on a farm for peanuts for a crop year 
shall be equal to the product of the following:
          [(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (b).
          [(2) The payment acres on the farm.
          [(3) The payment yield for the farm.
  [(d) Time for Payment.--
          [(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), in the case of each of the 2008 through 2012 crop 
        years, the Secretary may not make direct payments under 
        this section before October 1 of the calendar year in 
        which the crop is harvested.
          [(2) Advance payments.--
                  [(A) Option.--
                          [(i) In general.--At the option of 
                        the producers on a farm, the Secretary 
                        shall pay in advance up to 22 percent 
                        of the direct payment for peanuts for 
                        any of the 2008 through 2011 crop years 
                        to the producers on a farm.
                          [(ii) 2008 crop year.--If the 
                        producers on a farm elect to receive 
                        advance direct payments under clause 
                        (i) for peanuts for the 2008 crop year, 
                        as soon as practicable after the 
                        election, the Secretary shall make the 
                        advance direct payment to the producers 
                        on the farm.
                  [(B) Month.--
                          [(i) Selection.--Subject to clauses 
                        (ii) and (iii), the producers on a farm 
                        shall select the month during which the 
                        advance payment for a crop year will be 
                        made.
                          [(ii) Options.--The month selected 
                        may be any month during the period--
                                  [(I) beginning on December 1 
                                of the calendar year before the 
                                calendar year in which the crop 
                                of peanuts is harvested; and
                                  [(II) ending during the month 
                                within which the direct payment 
                                would otherwise be made.
                          [(iii) Change.--The producers on a 
                        farm may change the selected month for 
                        a subsequent advance payment by 
                        providing advance notice to the 
                        Secretary.
          [(3) Repayment of advance payments.--If a producer on 
        a farm that receives an advance direct payment for a 
        crop year ceases to be a producer on that farm, or the 
        extent to which the producer shares in the risk of 
        producing a crop changes, before the date the remainder 
        of the direct payment is made, the producer shall be 
        responsible for repaying the Secretary the applicable 
        amount of the advance payment, as determined by the 
        Secretary.

[SEC. 1304. AVAILABILITY OF COUNTER-CYCLICAL PAYMENTS FOR PEANUTS.

  [(a) Payment Required.--Except as provided in section 1105, 
for each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years for peanuts, the 
Secretary shall make counter-cyclical payments to producers on 
farms for which payment yields and base acres for peanuts are 
established if the Secretary determines that the effective 
price for peanuts is less than the target price for peanuts.
  [(b) Effective Price.--For purposes of subsection (a), the 
effective price for peanuts is equal to the sum of the 
following:
          [(1) The higher of the following:
                  [(A) The national average market price for 
                peanuts received by producers during the 12-
                month marketing year for peanuts, as determined 
                by the Secretary.
                  [(B) The national average loan rate for a 
                marketing assistance loan for peanuts in effect 
                for the applicable period under this subtitle.
          [(2) The payment rate in effect for peanuts under 
        section 1303 for the purpose of making direct payments.
  [(c) Target Price.--For purposes of subsection (a), the 
target price for peanuts shall be equal to $495 per ton.
  [(d) Payment Rate.--The payment rate used to make counter-
cyclical payments for a crop year shall be equal to the 
difference between--
          [(1) the target price for peanuts; and
          [(2) the effective price determined under subsection 
        (b) for peanuts.
  [(e) Payment Amount.--If counter-cyclical payments are 
required to be paid for any of the 2008 through 2012 crops of 
peanuts, the amount of the counter-cyclical payment to be paid 
to the producers on a farm for that crop year shall be equal to 
the product of the following:
          [(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (d).
          [(2) The payment acres on the farm.
          [(3) The payment yield for the farm.
  [(f) Time for Payments.--
          [(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), if the Secretary determines under subsection (a) 
        that counter-cyclical payments are required to be made 
        under this section for a crop of peanuts, beginning 
        October 1, or as soon as practicable after the end of 
        the marketing year, the Secretary shall make the 
        counter-cyclical payments for the crop.
          [(2) Availability of partial payments.--
                  [(A) In general.--If, before the end of the 
                12-month marketing year, the Secretary 
                estimates that counter-cyclical payments will 
                be required under this section for a crop year, 
                the Secretary shall give producers on a farm 
                the option to receive partial payments of the 
                counter-cyclical payment projected to be made 
                for the crop.
                  [(B) Election.--
                          [(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        allow producers on a farm to make an 
                        election to receive partial payments 
                        under subparagraph (A) at any time but 
                        not later than 60 days prior to the end 
                        of the marketing year for the crop.
                          [(ii) Date of issuance.--The 
                        Secretary shall issue the partial 
                        payment after the date of an 
                        announcement by the Secretary but not 
                        later than 30 days prior to the end of 
                        the marketing year.
          [(3) Time for partial payments.--When the Secretary 
        makes partial payments for any of the 2008 through 2010 
        crop years--
                  [(A) the first partial payment shall be made 
                after completion of the first 180 days of the 
                marketing year for that crop; and
                  [(B) the final partial payment shall be made 
                beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable 
                thereafter, after the end of the applicable 
                marketing year for that crop.
          [(4) Amount of partial payments.--
                  [(A) First partial payment.--For each of the 
                2008 through 2010 crop years, the first partial 
                payment under paragraph (3) to the producers on 
                a farm may not exceed 40 percent of the 
                projected counter-cyclical payment for the crop 
                year, as determined by the Secretary.
                  [(B) Final payment.--The final payment for a 
                crop year shall be equal to the difference 
                between--
                          [(i) the actual counter-cyclical 
                        payment to be made to the producers for 
                        that crop year; and
                          [(ii) the amount of the partial 
                        payment made to the producers under 
                        subparagraph (A).
          [(5) Repayment.--The producers on a farm that receive 
        a partial payment under this subsection for a crop year 
        shall repay to the Secretary the amount, if any, by 
        which the total of the partial payments exceed the 
        actual counter-cyclical payment to be made for that 
        crop year.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                           Subtitle E--Dairy

[SEC. 1501. DAIRY PRODUCT PRICE SUPPORT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Definition of Net Removals.--In this section, the term 
``net removals'' means--
          [(1) the sum of--
                  [(A) the quantity of a product described in 
                subsection (b) purchased by the Commodity 
                Credit Corporation under this section; and
                  [(B) the quantity of the product exported 
                under section 153 of the Food Security Act of 
                1985 (15 U.S.C. 713a-14); less
          [(2) the quantity of the product sold for 
        unrestricted use by the Commodity Credit Corporation.
  [(b) Support Activities.--During the period beginning on 
January 1, 2008, and ending December 31, 2012, the Secretary 
shall support the price of cheddar cheese, butter, and nonfat 
dry milk through the purchase of such products made from milk 
produced in the United States.
  [(c) Purchase Price.--To carry out subsection (b) during the 
period specified in that subsection, the Secretary shall 
purchase--
          [(1) cheddar cheese in blocks at not less than $1.13 
        per pound;
          [(2) cheddar cheese in barrels at not less than $1.10 
        per pound;
          [(3) butter at not less than $1.05 per pound; and
          [(4) nonfat dry milk at not less than $0.80 per 
        pound.
  [(d) Temporary Price Adjustment to Avoid Excess 
Inventories.--
          [(1) Adjustments authorized.--The Secretary may 
        adjust the minimum purchase prices established under 
        subsection (c) only as permitted under this subsection.
          [(2) Cheese inventories in excess of 200,000,000 
        pounds.--If net removals for a period of 12 consecutive 
        months exceed 200,000,000 pounds of cheese, but do not 
        exceed 400,000,000 pounds, the Secretary may reduce the 
        purchase prices under paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
        subsection (c) during the immediately following month 
        by not more than 10 cents per pound.
          [(3) Cheese inventories in excess of 400,000,000 
        pounds.--If net removals for a period of 12 consecutive 
        months exceed 400,000,000 pounds of cheese, the 
        Secretary may reduce the purchase prices under 
        paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) during the 
        immediately following month by not more than 20 cents 
        per pound.
          [(4) Butter inventories in excess of 450,000,000 
        pounds.--If net removals for a period of 12 consecutive 
        months exceed 450,000,000 pounds of butter, but do not 
        exceed 650,000,000 pounds, the Secretary may reduce the 
        purchase price under subsection (c)(3) during the 
        immediately following month by not more than 10 cents 
        per pound.
          [(5) Butter inventories in excess of 650,000,000 
        pounds.--If net removals for a period of 12 consecutive 
        months exceed 650,000,000 pounds of butter, the 
        Secretary may reduce the purchase price under 
        subsection (c)(3) during the immediately following 
        month by not more than 20 cents per pound.
          [(6) Nonfat dry milk inventories in excess of 
        600,000,000 pounds.--If net removals for a period of 12 
        consecutive months exceed 600,000,000 pounds of nonfat 
        dry milk, but do not exceed 800,000,000 pounds, the 
        Secretary may reduce the purchase price under 
        subsection (c)(4) during the immediately following 
        month by not more than 5 cents per pound.
          [(7) Nonfat dry milk inventories in excess of 
        800,000,000 pounds.--If net removals for a period of 12 
        consecutive months exceed 800,000,000 pounds of nonfat 
        dry milk, the Secretary may reduce the purchase price 
        under subsection (c)(4) during the immediately 
        following month by not more than 10 cents per pound.
  [(e) Uniform Purchase Price.--The prices that the Secretary 
pays for cheese, butter, or nonfat dry milk, respectively, 
under subsection (b) shall be uniform for all regions of the 
United States.
  [(f) Sales From Inventories.--In the case of each commodity 
specified in subsection (c) that is available for unrestricted 
use in the inventory of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the 
Secretary may sell the commodity at the market prices 
prevailing for that commodity at the time of sale, except that 
the sale price may not be less than 110 percent of the minimum 
purchase price specified in subsection (c) for that commodity.]

SEC. 1502. DAIRY FORWARD PRICING PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Duration.--
          (1) New contracts.--No forward price contract may be 
        entered into under the program established under this 
        section after September 30, [2012] 2017.
          (2) Application.--No forward contract entered into 
        under the program may extend beyond September 30, 
        [2015] 2020.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1506. MILK INCOME LOSS CONTRACT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Definitions.--In this section:
          [(1) Class i milk.--The term ``Class I milk'' means 
        milk (including milk components) classified as Class I 
        milk under a Federal milk marketing order.
          [(2) Eligible production.--The term ``eligible 
        production'' means milk produced by a producer in a 
        participating State.
          [(3) Federal milk marketing order.--The term 
        ``Federal milk marketing order'' means an order issued 
        under section 8c of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 
        U.S.C. 608c), reenacted with amendments by the 
        Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937.
          [(4) Participating state.--The term ``participating 
        State'' means each State.
          [(5) Producer.--The term ``producer'' means an 
        individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as 
        determined by the Secretary)--
                  [(A) shares in the risk of producing milk; 
                and
                  [(B) makes contributions (including land, 
                labor, management, equipment, or capital) to 
                the dairy farming operation of the individual 
                or entity that are at least commensurate with 
                the share of the individual or entity of the 
                proceeds of the operation.
  [(b) Payments.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into 
contracts with producers on a dairy farm located in a 
participating State under which the producers receive payments 
on eligible production.
  [(c) Amount.--Payments to a producer under this section shall 
be calculated by multiplying (as determined by the Secretary)--
          [(1) the payment quantity for the producer during the 
        applicable month established under subsection (e);
          [(2) the amount equal to--
                  [(A) $16.94 per hundredweight, as adjusted 
                under subsection (d); less
                  [(B) the Class I milk price per hundredweight 
                in Boston under the applicable Federal milk 
                marketing order; by
          [(3)(A) for the period beginning October 1, 2007, and 
        ending September 30, 2008, 34 percent;
          [(B) for the period beginning October 1, 2008, and 
        ending August 31, 2012, 45 percent; and
          [(C) for the period beginning September 1, 2012, and 
        thereafter, 34 percent.
  [(d) Payment Rate Adjustment for Feed Prices.--
          [(1) Initial adjustment authority.--During the period 
        beginning on January 1, 2008, and ending on August 31, 
        2012, if the National Average Dairy Feed Ration Cost 
        for a month during that period is greater than $7.35 
        per hundredweight, the amount specified in subsection 
        (c)(2)(A) used to determine the payment rate for that 
        month shall be increased by 45 percent of the 
        percentage by which the National Average Dairy Feed 
        Ration Cost exceeds $7.35 per hundredweight.
          [(2) Subsequent adjustment authority.--For any month 
        beginning on or after September 1, 2012, if the 
        National Average Dairy Feed Ration Cost for the month 
        is greater than $9.50 per hundredweight, the amount 
        specified in subsection (c)(2)(A) used to determine the 
        payment rate for that month shall be increased by 45 
        percent of the percentage by which the National Average 
        Dairy Feed Ration Cost exceeds $9.50 per hundredweight.
          [(3) National average dairy feed ration cost.--For 
        each month, the Secretary shall calculate a National 
        Average Dairy Feed Ration Cost per hundredweight using 
        the same procedures (adjusted to a hundredweight basis) 
        used to calculate the feed components of the estimated 
        price of 16% Mixed Dairy Feed per pound noted on page 
        33 of the USDA March 2008 Agricultural Prices 
        publication (including the data and factors noted in 
        footnote 4).
  [(e) Payment Quantity.--
          [(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
        payment quantity for a producer during the applicable 
        month under this section shall be equal to the quantity 
        of eligible production marketed by the producer during 
        the month.
          [(2) Limitation.--
                  [(A) In general.--The payment quantity for 
                all producers on a single dairy operation for 
                which the producers receive payments under 
                subsection (b) shall not exceed--
                          [(i) for the period beginning October 
                        1, 2007, and ending September 30, 2008, 
                        2,400,000 pounds;
                          [(ii) for the period beginning 
                        October 1, 2008, and ending August 31, 
                        2012, 2,985,000 pounds for each fiscal 
                        year; and
                          [(iii) effective beginning September 
                        1, 2012, 2,400,000 pounds per fiscal 
                        year.
                  [(B) Standards.--For purposes of determining 
                whether producers are producers on separate 
                dairy operations or a single dairy operation, 
                the Secretary shall apply the same standards as 
                were applied in implementing the dairy program 
                under section 805 of the Agriculture, Rural 
                Development, Food and Drug Administration, and 
                Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (as 
                enacted into law by Public Law 106-387; 114 
                Stat. 1549A-50).
          [(3) Reconstitution.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
        a producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for 
        the sole purpose of receiving additional payments under 
        this section.
  [(f) Payments.--A payment under a contract under this section 
shall be made on a monthly basis not later than 60 days after 
the last day of the month for which the payment is made.
  [(g) Signup.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into 
contracts under this section during the period beginning on the 
date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act 
and ending on September 30, 2012.
  [(h) Duration of Contract.--
          [(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), any contract entered into by producers on a dairy 
        farm under this section shall cover eligible production 
        marketed by the producers on the dairy farm during the 
        period starting with the first day of month the 
        producers on the dairy farm enter into the contract and 
        ending on September 30, 2012.
          [(2) Violations.--If a producer violates the 
        contract, the Secretary may--
                  [(A) terminate the contract and allow the 
                producer to retain any payments received under 
                the contract; or
                  [(B) allow the contract to remain in effect 
                and require the producer to repay a portion of 
                the payments received under the contract based 
                on the severity of the violation.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1509. FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER REVIEW COMMISSION.

  [(a) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of 
appropriations to carry out this section, the Secretary shall 
establish a commission to be known as the ``Federal Milk 
Marketing Order Review Commission'' (referred to in this 
section as the ``commission''), which shall conduct a 
comprehensive review and evaluation of--
          [(1) the Federal milk marketing order system in 
        effect on the date of establishment of the commission; 
        and
          [(2) non-Federal milk marketing order systems.
  [(b) Elements of Review and Evaluation.--As part of the 
review and evaluation under subsection (a), the commission 
shall consider legislative and regulatory options for--
          [(1) ensuring that the competitiveness of dairy 
        products with other competing products in the 
        marketplace is preserved and enhanced;
          [(2) enhancing the competitiveness of American dairy 
        producers in world markets;
          [(3) ensuring the competitiveness and transparency in 
        dairy pricing;
          [(4) streamlining and expediting the process by which 
        amendments to Federal milk market orders are adopted;
          [(5) simplifying the Federal milk marketing order 
        system;
          [(6) evaluating whether the Federal milk marketing 
        order system serves the interests of dairy producers, 
        consumers, and dairy processors; and
          [(7) evaluating the nutritional composition of milk, 
        including the potential benefits and costs of adjusting 
        the milk content standards.
  [(c) Membership.--
          [(1) Composition.--The commission shall consist of 14 
        members.
          [(2) Members.--As soon as practicable after the date 
        on which funds are first made available to carry out 
        this section, the Secretary shall appoint members to 
        the commission according to the following requirements:
                  [(A) At least 1 member shall represent a 
                national consumer organization.
                  [(B) At least 4 members shall represent land-
                grant universities or NLGCA Institutions (as 
                defined in section 1404 of the National 
                Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) with 
                accredited dairy economic programs, with at 
                least 2 of those members being experts in the 
                field of economics.
                  [(C) At least 1 member shall represent the 
                food and beverage retail sector.
                  [(D) 4 dairy producers and 4 dairy 
                processors, appointed so as to balance 
                geographical distribution of milk production 
                and dairy processing, reflect all segments of 
                dairy processing, and represent all regions of 
                the United States equitably, including States 
                that operate outside of a Federal milk 
                marketing order.
          [(3) Chair.--The commission shall elect 1 of the 
        appointed members of the commission to serve as 
        chairperson for the duration of the proceedings of the 
        commission.
          [(4) Vacancy.--Any vacancy occurring before the 
        termination of the commission shall be filled in the 
        same manner as the original appointment.
          [(5) Compensation.--Members of the commission shall 
        serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed by 
        the Secretary from existing budget authority for 
        necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the 
        performance of the duties of the commission.
  [(d) Report.--
          [(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the 
        date of the first meeting of the commission, the 
        commission shall submit to Congress and the Secretary a 
        report describing the results of the review and 
        evaluation conducted under this section, including such 
        recommendations regarding the legislative and 
        regulatory options considered under subsection (b) as 
        the commission considers to be appropriate.
          [(2) Opinions.--The report findings shall reflect, to 
        the maximum extent practicable, a consensus opinion of 
        the commission members, but the report may include 
        majority and minority findings regarding those matters 
        for which consensus was not reached.
  [(e) Advisory Nature.--The commission is wholly advisory in 
nature, and the recommendations of the commission are 
nonbinding.
  [(f) No Effect on Existing Programs.--The Secretary shall not 
allow the existence of the commission to impede, delay, or 
otherwise affect any decisionmaking process of the Department 
of Agriculture, including any rulemaking procedures planned, 
proposed, or near completion.
  [(g) Administrative Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
administrative support to the commission, and expend to carry 
out this section such funds as necessary from budget authority 
available to the Secretary.
  [(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section.
  [(i) Termination.--The commission shall terminate effective 
on the date of the submission of the report under subsection 
(d).]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle F--Administration

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1603. PAYMENT LIMITATIONS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Conforming Amendments.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Section 609(b)(1) of the Emergency Livestock Feed 
        Assistance Act of 1988 (7 U.S.C. 1471g(b)(1)) is 
        amended by inserting ``(before the amendment made by 
        section [1703(a)] 1603(a) of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008)'' after ``1985''.
          (3) Section 524(b)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance 
        Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(3)) is amended by inserting 
        ``(before the amendment made by section [1703(a)] 
        1603(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
        2008)'' after ``1308(5)))''.
          (4) Section 10204(c)(1) of the Farm Security and 
        Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8204(c)(1)) is 
        amended by inserting ``(before the amendment made by 
        section [1703(a)] 1603(a) of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008)'' after ``1308)''.
          (5) Section 1271(c)(3)(A) of the Food, Agriculture, 
        Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 
        2106a(c)(3)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(before the 
        amendment made by section [1703(a)] 1603(a) of the 
        Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008)'' after 
        ``1308)''.
          (6) Section 291(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 
        U.S.C. 2401(2)) is amended by inserting ``(before the 
        amendment made by section [1703(a)] 1603(a) of the 
        Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008)'' before 
        the period at the end.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1621. GEOGRAPHICALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2009 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


           Subtitle J--Miscellaneous Conservation Provisions

SEC. 2901. HIGH PLAINS WATER STUDY.

  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no person 
shall become ineligible for any program benefits under [this 
Act or an amendment made by this Act] this Act, an amendment 
made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
Management Act of 2012, or an amendment made by the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 solely as a 
result of participating in a 1-time study of recharge potential 
for the Ogallala Aquifer in the High Plains of the State of 
Texas.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE III--TRADE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 3202. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this [section $60,000,000 for the 
period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.] section--
          (1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 
        through 2012; and
          (2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          TITLE IV--NUTRITION

Subtitle A--Food Stamp Program

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART III--PROGRAM OPERATIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 4115. ISSUANCE AND USE OF PROGRAM BENEFITS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Conforming Cross-References.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Definition references.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (H) Section [531] 454 of the Social Security 
                Act (42 U.S.C. 654) is amended by striking 
                ``section 3(h)'' each place it appears and 
                inserting ``section 3(l)''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VII--RESEARCH AND RELATED MATTERS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Other Laws

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7408. EXCHANGE OR SALE AUTHORITY.

  [Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
Act of 1994] Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and 
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public 
Law 103-354; 108 Stat. 3238) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:

``SEC. 307. EXCHANGE OR SALE AUTHORITY.

  ``(a) Definition of Qualified Item of Personal Property.--In 
this section, the term `qualified item of personal property' 
means--
          ``(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7409. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PILOT PROGRAM.

  [Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
Act of 1994] Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and 
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public 
Law 103-354; 108 Stat. 3238) (as amended by section 7408) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 308. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PILOT PROGRAM.

  ``(a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7502. GRAZINGLANDS RESEARCH LABORATORY.

  Except as otherwise specifically authorized by law and 
notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal land 
and facilities at El Reno, Oklahoma, administered by the 
Secretary (as of the date of enactment of this Act) as the 
Grazinglands Research Laboratory, shall not at any time, in 
whole or in part, be declared to be excess or surplus Federal 
property under chapter 5 of subtitle I of title 40, United 
States Code, or otherwise be conveyed or transferred in whole 
or in part, for the [5-year] 9-year period beginning on the 
date of enactment of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7506. BUDGET SUBMISSION AND FUNDING.

  [(a) Definition of Competitive Programs.--In this section, 
the term ``competitive programs'' includes only competitive 
programs for which annual appropriations are requested in the 
annual budget submission of the President.]
  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Covered program.--The term ``covered program'' 
        means--
                  (A) each research program carried out by the 
                Agricultural Research Service or the Economic 
                Research Service for which annual 
                appropriations are requested in the annual 
                budget submission of the President; and
                  (B) each competitive program carried out by 
                the National Institute of Food and Agriculture 
                for which annual appropriations are requested 
                in the annual budget submission of the 
                President.
          (2) Request for awards.--The term ``request for 
        awards'' means a funding announcement published by the 
        National Institute of Food and Agriculture that 
        provides detailed information on funding opportunities 
        at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, 
        restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, 
        regulatory information, and instructions on how to 
        apply for such opportunities.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Additional Presidential Budget Submission Requirement.--
          (1) In general.--Each year, the President shall 
        submit to Congress, together with the annual budget 
        submission of the President, the information described 
        in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered 
        program.
          (2) Information described.--The information described 
        in this paragraph includes--
                  (A) baseline information, including with 
                respect to each covered program--
                          (i) the funding level for the program 
                        for the fiscal year preceding the year 
                        the annual budget submission of the 
                        President is submitted;
                          (ii) the funding level requested in 
                        the annual budget submission of the 
                        President, including any increase or 
                        decrease in the funding level; and
                          (iii) an explanation justifying any 
                        change from the funding level specified 
                        in clause (i) to the level specified in 
                        clause (ii);
                  (B) with respect to each covered program that 
                is carried out by the Economic Research Service 
                or the Agricultural Research Service, the 
                location and staff years of the program;
                  (C) the proposed funding levels to be 
                allocated to, and the expected publication 
                date, scope, and allocation level for, each 
                request for awards to be published under or 
                associated with--
                          (i) each priority area specified in 
                        section 2(b)(2) of the Competitive, 
                        Special, and Facilities Research Grant 
                        Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2));
                          (ii) each research and extension 
                        project carried out under section 
                        1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
                        Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
                        U.S.C. 5811(a));
                          (iii) each grant to be awarded under 
                        section 1672B(a) of the Food, 
                        Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
                        Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b(a));
                          (iv) each grant awarded under section 
                        412(d) of the Agricultural Research, 
                        Extension, and Education Reform Act of 
                        1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(d)); and
                          (v) each grant awarded under 
                        7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and 
                        Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 
                        3319f(c)(1)); or
                  (D) any other information the Secretary 
                determines will increase congressional 
                oversight with respect to covered programs.
          (3) Prohibition.--Unless the President submits the 
        information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal 
        year, the President may not carry out any program 
        during the fiscal year that is authorized under--
                  (A) section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, 
                and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 
                450i(b));
                  (B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
                5811);
                  (C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
                5925b);
                  (D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, 
                Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
                U.S.C. 7632); or
                  (E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and 
                Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
  (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture.--Each year on a 
date that is not later than the date on which the President 
submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural 
research, extension, and education activities carried out by 
the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately 
precedes the year for which the report is submitted, 
including--
          (1) a review of the extent to which those 
        activities--
                  (A) are duplicative or overlap within the 
                Department of Agriculture; or
                  (B) are similar to activities carried out 
                by--
                          (i) other Federal agencies;
                          (ii) the States (including the 
                        District of Columbia, the Commonwealth 
                        of Puerto Rico and other territories or 
                        possessions of the United States);
                          (iii) institutions of higher 
                        education (as defined in section 101 of 
                        the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                        U.S.C. 1001)); or
                          (iv) the private sector; and
          (2) for each report submitted under this section on 
        or after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of 
        national priorities with respect to agricultural 
        research, extension, and education, taking into account 
        domestic needs.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               PART III--NEW GRANT AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS

[SEC. 7521. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS FOR THE STUDY OF ANTIBIOTIC-
                    RESISTANT BACTERIA.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide research and 
education grants, on a competitive basis--
          [(1) to study the development of antibiotic-resistant 
        bacteria, including--
                  [(A) movement of antibiotic-resistant 
                bacteria into groundwater and surface water; 
                and
                  [(B) the effect on antibiotic resistance from 
                various drug use regimens; and
          [(2) to study and ensure the judicious use of 
        antibiotics in veterinary and human medicine, 
        including--
                  [(A) methods and practices of animal 
                husbandry;
                  [(B) safe and effective alternatives to 
                antibiotics;
                  [(C) the development of better veterinary 
                diagnostics to improve decisionmaking; and
                  [(D) the identification of conditions or 
                factors that affect antibiotic use on farms.
  [(b) Administration.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) 
of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to 
the making of grants under this section.
  [(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

[SEC. 7522. FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE NETWORK.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall make competitive 
grants to support cooperative programs between State 
cooperative extension services and nonprofit organizations to 
establish a Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network that 
provides stress assistance programs to individuals who are 
engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related 
occupations.
  [(b) Eligible Programs.--Grants awarded under subsection (a) 
may be used to initiate, expand, or sustain programs that 
provide professional agricultural behavioral health counseling 
and referral for other forms of assistance as necessary 
through--
          [(1) farm telephone helplines and websites;
          [(2) community education;
          [(3) support groups;
          [(4) outreach services and activities; and
          [(5) home delivery of assistance, in a case in which 
        a farm resident is homebound.
  [(c) Extension Services.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
subsection directly to State cooperative extension services to 
enable the State cooperative extension services to enter into 
contracts, on a multiyear basis, with nonprofit, community-
based, direct-service organizations to initiate, expand, or 
sustain cooperative programs described in subsections (a) and 
(b).
  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

[SEC. 7523. SEED DISTRIBUTION.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary shall make competitive grants 
to eligible entities to carry out a seed distribution program 
to administer and maintain the distribution of vegetable seeds 
donated by commercial seed companies.
  [(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this program include--
          [(1) the distribution of seeds donated by commercial 
        seed companies free-of-charge to appropriate--
                  [(A) individuals;
                  [(B) groups;
                  [(C) institutions;
                  [(D) governmental and nongovernmental 
                organizations; and
                  [(E) such other entities as the Secretary may 
                designate;
          [(2) distribution of seeds to underserved 
        communities, such as communities that experience--
                  [(A) limited access to affordable fresh 
                vegetables;
                  [(B) a high rate of hunger or food 
                insecurity; or
                  [(C) severe or persistent poverty.
  [(c) Administration.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) 
of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to 
the making of grants under this section.
  [(d) Selection.--An eligible entity selected to receive a 
grant under subsection (a) shall have--
          [(1) expertise regarding the distribution of 
        vegetable seeds donated by commercial seed companies; 
        and
          [(2) the ability to achieve the purpose of the seed 
        distribution program.
  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7525. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]
  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

SEC. 7526. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and carry 
out a program to provide grants to the sun grant centers and 
subcenter specified in subsection (b)--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) to enhance the efficiency of bioenergy and 
        biomass research and development programs through 
        improved coordination and collaboration among--
                  (A) the Department of Agriculture;
                  (B) [the Department of Energy] other 
                appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by 
                the Secretary); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Use of Funds.--
          (1) Competitive grants.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Activities.--Grants described in 
                subparagraph (A) shall be used by the grant 
                recipient to conduct, in a manner consistent 
                with the purposes described in subsection (a), 
                multi-institutional and [multistate--
                          [(i) research, extension, and 
                        education programs on technology 
                        development; and
                          [(ii) integrated research, extension, 
                        and education programs on technology 
                        implementation.] integrated, multistate 
                        research, extension, and education 
                        programs on technology development and 
                        technology implementation.
                  [(C) Funding allocation.--Of the amount of 
                funds that is used to provide grants under 
                subparagraph (A), the sun grant center or 
                subcenter shall use--
                          [(i) not less than 30 percent of the 
                        funds to carry out the programs 
                        described in subparagraph (B)(i); and
                          [(ii) not less than 30 percent of the 
                        funds to carry out the programs 
                        described in subparagraph (B)(ii).]
                  [(D)] (C) Administration.--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Plan for Research Activities to Be Funded.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to the availability of funds 
        under subsection (g), and in cooperation with land-
        grant colleges and universities and private industry 
        [in accordance with paragraph (2)], the sun grant 
        centers and subcenter shall jointly develop and submit 
        to the Secretary for approval a plan for addressing the 
        bioenergy, biomass, and [gasification] bioproducts 
        research priorities of the Department of Agriculture 
        and [the Department of Energy] other appropriate 
        Federal agencies at the State and regional levels.
          [(2) Gasification coordination.--With respect to 
        gasification research activity, the sun grant centers 
        and subcenter shall coordinate planning with land-grant 
        colleges and universities in their respective regions 
        that have ongoing research activities in that area.]
          [(3)] (2) Funding.--Funds described in subsection 
        (c)(2) shall be available to carry out planning 
        coordination under paragraph (1).
          [(4)] (3) Use of plan.--The sun grant centers and 
        subcenter shall use the plan described in paragraph (1) 
        in making grants under subsection (c)(1).
  (f) Annual Reports.--Not later than 90 days after the end of 
each fiscal year, a sun grant center or subcenter receiving a 
grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary a report 
that describes the policies, priorities, and operations of the 
program carried out by the center or subcenter during the 
fiscal year, including--
          (1) the results of all peer and merit review 
        procedures conducted pursuant to [subsection 
        (c)(1)(D)(i)] subsection (c)(1)(C)(i); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, of which not more 
than $4,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be made available to 
carry out subsection (e).

[SEC. 7527. STUDY AND REPORT ON FOOD DESERTS.

  [(a) Definition of Food Desert.--In this section, the term 
``food desert'' means an area in the United States with limited 
access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly such an 
area composed of predominantly lower-income neighborhoods and 
communities.
  [(b) Study and Report.--The Secretary shall carry out a study 
of, and prepare a report on, food deserts.
  [(c) Contents.--The study and report shall--
          [(1) assess the incidence and prevalence of food 
        deserts;
          [(2) identify--
                  [(A) characteristics and factors causing and 
                influencing food deserts; and
                  [(B) the effect on local populations of 
                limited access to affordable and nutritious 
                food; and
          [(3) provide recommendations for addressing the 
        causes and effects of food deserts through measures 
        that include--
                  [(A) community and economic development 
                initiatives;
                  [(B) incentives for retail food market 
                development, including supermarkets, small 
                grocery stores, and farmers' markets; and
                  [(C) improvements to Federal food assistance 
                and nutrition education programs.
  [(d) Coordination With Other Agencies and Organizations.--The 
Secretary shall conduct the study under this section in 
coordination and consultation with--
          [(1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
          [(2) the Administrator of the Small Business 
        Administration;
          [(3) the Institute of Medicine; and
          [(4) representatives of appropriate businesses, 
        academic institutions, and nonprofit and faith-based 
        organizations.
  [(e) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
the Senate the report prepared under this section, including 
the findings and recommendations described in subsection (c).
  [(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $500,000.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 7529. AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND 
                    EDUCATION.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Transportation, shall make competitive grants to 
institutions of higher education to carry out agricultural and 
rural transportation research and education activities.
  [(b) Activities.--Research and education grants made under 
this section shall be used to address rural transportation and 
logistics needs of agricultural producers and related rural 
businesses, including--
          [(1) the transportation of biofuels; and
          [(2) the export of agricultural products.
  [(c) Selection Criteria.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants 
        under this section on the basis of the transportation 
        research, education, and outreach expertise of the 
        applicant, as determined by the Secretary.
          [(2) Priority.--In awarding grants under this 
        section, the Secretary shall give priority to 
        institutions of higher education for use in 
        coordinating research and education activities with 
        other institutions of higher education with similar 
        agricultural and rural transportation research and 
        education programs.
  [(d) Diversification of Research.--The Secretary shall award 
grants under this section in areas that are regionally diverse 
and broadly representative of the diversity of agricultural 
production and related transportation needs in the rural areas 
of the United States.
  [(e) Matching Funds Requirement.--The Secretary shall require 
each recipient of a grant under this section to provide, from 
non-Federal sources, in cash or in kind, 50 percent of the cost 
of carrying out activities under the grant.
  [(f) Grant Review.--A grant shall be awarded under this 
section on a competitive, peer- and merit-reviewed basis in 
accordance with section 103(a) of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)).
  [(g) No Duplication.--In awarding grants under this section, 
the Secretary shall ensure that activities funded under this 
section do not duplicate the efforts of the University 
Transportation Centers described in sections 5505 and 5506 of 
title 49, United States Code.
  [(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 8402. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION AGRICULTURAL LAND NATIONAL 
                    RESOURCES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.

  [(a) Definition of Hispanic-Serving Institution.--In this 
section, the term ``Hispanic-serving institution'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 502(a)(5) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)).
  [(b) Grant Authority.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make 
grants, on a competitive basis, to Hispanic-serving 
institutions for the purpose of establishing an undergraduate 
scholarship program to assist in the recruitment, retention, 
and training of Hispanics and other under-represented groups in 
forestry and related fields.
  [(c) Use of Grant Funds.--Grants made under this section 
shall be used to recruit, retain, train, and develop 
professionals to work in forestry and related fields with 
Federal agencies, such as the Forest Service, State agencies, 
and private-sector entities.
  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 
2008 through 2012 such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
this section.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE IX--ENERGY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 9002. BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary 
of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency, and the Secretary of Transportation (referred to in 
this section as the ``Secretaries''), shall jointly conduct a 
study that includes--
          [(1) an assessment of the infrastructure needs for 
        expanding the domestic production, transport, and 
        distribution of biofuels given current and likely 
        future market trends;
          [(2) recommendations for infrastructure needs and 
        development approaches, taking into account cost and 
        other associated factors; and
          [(3) a report that includes--
                  [(A) a summary of infrastructure needs;
                  [(B) an analysis of alternative development 
                approaches to meeting the needs described in 
                subparagraph (A), including cost, siting, and 
                other regulatory issues; and
                  [(C) recommendations for specific 
                infrastructure development actions to be taken.
  [(b) Scope of Study.--
          [(1) In general.--In conducting the study described 
        in subsection (a), the Secretaries shall address--
                  [(A) current and likely future market trends 
                for biofuels through calendar year 2025;
                  [(B) current and future availability of 
                feedstocks;
                  [(C) water resource needs, including water 
                requirements for biorefineries;
                  [(D) shipping and storage needs for biomass 
                feedstock and biofuels, including the adequacy 
                of rural roads; and
                  [(E) modes of transportation and delivery for 
                biofuels (including shipment by rail, truck, 
                pipeline or barge) and associated 
                infrastructure issues.
          [(2) Considerations.--In addressing the issues 
        described in paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall 
        consider--
                  [(A) the effects of increased tank truck, 
                rail, and barge transport on existing 
                infrastructure and safety;
                  [(B) the feasibility of shipping biofuels 
                through pipelines in existence as the date of 
                enactment of this Act;
                  [(C) the development of new biofuels 
                pipelines, including siting, financing, timing, 
                and other economic issues;
                  [(D) the implications of various biofuel 
                blend levels on infrastructure needs;
                  [(E) the implications of various approaches 
                to infrastructure development on resource use 
                and conservation;
                  [(F) regional differences in biofuels 
                infrastructure needs; and
                  [(G) other infrastructure issues, as 
                determined by the Secretaries.
  [(c) Implementation.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretaries --
          [(1) shall--
                  [(A) consult with individuals and entities 
                with interest or expertise in the areas 
                described in subsection (b);
                  [(B) to the extent available, use the 
                information developed and results of the 
                related studies authorized under sections 243 
                and 245 of the Energy Independence and Security 
                Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140; 121 Stat. 
                1540, 1546)); and
                  [(C) submit to Congress the report required 
                under subsection (a)(3), including--
                          [(i) in the Senate--
                                  [(I) the Committee on 
                                Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                                Forestry;
                                  [(II) the Committee on 
                                Commerce, Science, and 
                                Transportation;
                                  [(III) the Committee on 
                                Energy and Natural Resources; 
                                and
                                  [(IV) the Committee on 
                                Environment and Public Works; 
                                and
                          [(ii) in the House of 
                        Representatives--
                                  [(I) the Committee on 
                                Agriculture;
                                  [(II) the Committee on Energy 
                                and Commerce;
                                  [(III) the Committee on 
                                Transportation and 
                                Infrastructure; and
                                  [(IV) the Committee on 
                                Science and Technology; and
          [(2) may issue a solicitation for a competition to 
        select a contractor to support the Secretaries.

[SEC. 9003. RENEWABLE FERTILIZER STUDY.

  [(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
receipt of appropriations to carry out this section, the 
Secretary shall--
          [(1) conduct a study to assess the current state of 
        knowledge regarding the potential for the production of 
        fertilizer from renewable energy sources in rural 
        areas, including--
                  [(A) identification of the critical 
                challenges to commercialization of rural 
                production of nitrogen and phosphorus-based 
                fertilizer from renewables;
                  [(B) the most promising processes and 
                technologies for renewable fertilizer 
                production;
                  [(C) the potential cost-competitiveness of 
                renewable fertilizer; and
                  [(D) the potential impacts of renewable 
                fertilizer on fossil fuel use and the 
                environment; and
          [(2) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
        House of Representatives and the Committee on 
        Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
        report describing the results of the study.
  [(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal 
year 2009.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE X--HORTICULTURE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle A--Horticulture Marketing and Information

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 10105. FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, 
to remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 10107. SPECIALTY CROPS MARKET NEWS ALLOCATION.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to any 
other funds made available through annual appropriations for 
market news services, there is authorized to be appropriated to 
carry out this section $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
through [2012] 2017, to remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--Pest and Disease Management

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 10202. NATIONAL CLEAN PLANT NETWORK.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to 
be known as the ``National Clean Plant Network'' (referred to 
in this section as the ``Program'').
  [(b) Requirements.--Under the Program, the Secretary shall 
establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and 
pathogen elimination services to--
          [(1) produce clean propagative plant material; and
          [(2) maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant 
        material in sites located throughout the United States.
  [(c) Availability of Clean Plant Source Material.--Clean 
plant source material may be made available to--
          [(1) a State for a certified plant program of the 
        State; and
          [(2) private nurseries and producers.
  [(d) Consultation and Collaboration.--In carrying out the 
Program, the Secretary shall--
          [(1) consult with State departments of agriculture, 
        land grant universities, and NLGCA Institutions (as 
        defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural 
        Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
        U.S.C. 3103)); and
          [(2) to the extent practicable and with input from 
        the appropriate State officials and industry 
        representatives, use existing Federal or State 
        facilities to serve as clean plant centers.
  [(e) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out the Program 
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012, to 
remain available until expended.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 10403. GRANT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE MOVEMENT OF SPECIALTY CROPS.

  [(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary may make grants under 
this section to an eligible entity described in subsection 
(b)--
          [(1) to improve the cost-effective movement of 
        specialty crops to local, regional, national, and 
        international markets; and
          [(2) to address regional intermodal transportation 
        deficiencies that adversely affect the movement of 
        specialty crops to markets inside or outside the United 
        States.
  [(b) Eligible Grant Recipients.--Grants may be made under 
this section to any of, or any combination of:
          [(1) State and local governments.
          [(2) Grower cooperatives.
          [(3) National, State, or regional organizations of 
        producers, shippers, or carriers.
          [(4) Other entities as determined to be appropriate 
        by the Secretary.
  [(c) Matching Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this 
section shall contribute an amount of non-Federal funds toward 
the project for which the grant is provided that is at least 
equal to the amount of grant funds received by the recipient 
under this section.
  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE XI--LIVESTOCK

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 11006. REGULATIONS.

  [As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 
shall promulgate regulations with respect to the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) to establish 
criteria that the Secretary will consider in determining--
          [(1) whether an undue or unreasonable preference or 
        advantage has occurred in violation of such Act;
          [(2) whether a live poultry dealer has provided 
        reasonable notice to poultry growers of any suspension 
        of the delivery of birds under a poultry growing 
        arrangement;
          [(3) when a requirement of additional capital 
        investments over the life of a poultry growing 
        arrangement or swine production contract constitutes a 
        violation of such Act; and
          [(4) if a live poultry dealer or swine contractor has 
        provided a reasonable period of time for a poultry 
        grower or a swine production contract grower to remedy 
        a breach of contract that could lead to termination of 
        the poultry growing arrangement or swine production 
        contract.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 11013. NATIONAL AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH PLAN.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                        TITLE XIV--MISCELLANEOUS

   Subtitle A--Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource 
Producers

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 1--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 14112. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]
  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2008 through 2012; and
          (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

SEC. 14113. ASSISTANCE TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY IN AGRICULTURAL 
                    BIOSECURITY PLANNING, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE.

  (a) Advanced Training Programs.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary [such 
        sums as may be necessary] to carry out this [subsection 
        for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.] 
        subsection--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2008 through 2012; and
          (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.
  (b) Assessment of Response Capability.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There [is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
        through 2012.] are authorized to be appropriated to 
        carry out this subsection--
          (1) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
        2012; and
          (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                      CHAPTER 2--OTHER PROVISIONS

SEC. 14121. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COUNTERMEASURES.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There [is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.] are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
        2012; and
          (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

SEC. 14122. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated [sums as are necessary] to carry out this 
[section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, to remain 
available until expended.] section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2008 through 2012, to remain available until 
        expended; and
          (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017, to remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle C--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 14204. GRANTS TO IMPROVE SUPPLY, STABILITY, SAFETY, AND TRAINING 
                    OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR FORCE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2008 through 2012; and
          (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 14212. PROHIBITION ON CLOSURE OR RELOCATION OF COUNTY OFFICES FOR 
                    THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY.

  [(a) Temporary Prohibition.--
          [(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), until the 
        date that is two years after the date of the enactment 
        of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may not close 
        or relocate a county or field office of the Farm 
        Service Agency.
          [(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to--
                  [(A) an office that is located not more than 
                20 miles from another office of the Farm 
                Service Agency; or
                  [(B) the relocation of an office within the 
                same county in the course of routine leasing 
                operations.]
  (a) Prohibition on Closure or Relocation of Offices With High 
Workload Volume.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or 
relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in 
a State if the Secretary determines, after conducting the 
evaluation required under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office 
has a high workload volume compared with other county offices 
in the State.
  (b) Limitation on Closure; Notice.--
          (1) Limitation.--After the period referred to in 
        subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall, before closing 
        any office of the Farm Service Agency that is located 
        more than 20 miles from another office of [the Farm 
        Service Agency, to the maximum extent practicable] the 
        Farm Service Agency--
                  (A) to the maximum extent practicable, first 
                close any offices of the Farm Service Agency 
                that--
                          [(A)] (i) are located less than 20 
                        miles from another office of the Farm 
                        Service Agency; and
                          [(B)] (ii) have two or fewer 
                        permanent full-time employees[.] as of 
                        the date of the enactment of this Act; 
                        and
                  (B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all 
                workload assessments for Farm Service Agency 
                county offices that were open and operational 
                as of January 1, 2012, during the period that 
                begins on a date that is not later than 180 
                days after the date of the enactment of the 
                Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                Act of 2012 and ends on the date that is 18 
                months after such date of enactment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


         FEDERAL AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT AND REFORM ACT OF 1996



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL MARKET TRANSITION ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Other Commodities

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 2--SUGAR

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



SEC. 156. SUGAR PROGRAM.

  (a) Sugarcane.--The Secretary shall make loans available to 
processors of domestically grown sugarcane at a rate equal to--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) 18.75 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for [the 
        2012 crop year] each of the 2012 through 2017 crop 
        years.
  (b) Sugar Beets.--The Secretary shall make loans available to 
processors of domestically grown sugar beets at a rate equal 
to--
          (1) * * *
          (2) a rate that is equal to 128.5 percent of the loan 
        rate per pound of raw cane sugar for the applicable 
        crop year under subsection (a) for each of the 2009 
        through [2012] 2017 crop years.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Effective Period.--This section shall be effective only 
for the 2008 through [2012] 2017 crops of sugar beets and 
sugarcane.

Subtitle E--Administration

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 164. PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PRODUCERS FOR DEFICIENCIES.

  (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no 
producer shall be personally liable for any deficiency arising 
from the sale of the collateral securing any nonrecourse loan 
made under this title title I of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002, [and title I of the Food, Conservation, 
and Energy Act of 2008] title I of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.), and title I of the 
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 
unless the loan was obtained through a fraudulent 
representation by the producer.
  (b) Limitations.--Subsection (a) shall not prevent the 
Commodity Credit Corporation or the Secretary from requiring a 
producer to assume liability for--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) a failure or refusal to deliver a commodity in 
        accordance with a program established under this title, 
        title I of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
        of 2002, [and title I of the Food, Conservation, and 
        Energy Act of 2008] title I of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.), and 
        title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
        Management Act of 2012.
  (c) Acquisition of Collateral.--In the case of a nonrecourse 
loan made under this title, title I of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002, [and title I of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008] title I of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.), 
and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
Management Act of 2012 or the Commodity Credit Corporation 
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714 et seq.), if the Commodity Credit 
Corporation acquires title to the unredeemed collateral, the 
Corporation shall be under no obligation to pay for any market 
value that the collateral may have in excess of the loan 
indebtedness.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle H--Miscellaneous Commodity Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 196. ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF NONINSURED CROP ASSISTANCE 
                    PROGRAM.

  (a) Operation and Administration of Program.--
          [(1) In general.--In the case of an eligible crop 
        described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of 
        Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster 
        assistance program to provide coverage equivalent to 
        the catastrophic risk protection otherwise available 
        under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
        (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)). The Secretary shall carry out this 
        section through the Consolidated Farm Service Agency 
        (in this section referred to as the ``Agency'').]
          (1) In general.--
                  (A) Coverages.--In the case of an eligible 
                crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary 
                of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop 
                disaster assistance program to provide 
                coverages based on individual yields (other 
                than for value-loss crops) equivalent to--
                          (i) catastrophic risk protection 
                        available under section 508(b) of the 
                        Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
                        1508(b)); or
                          (ii) additional coverage available 
                        under subsections (c) and (h) of 
                        section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) 
                        that does not exceed 65 percent.
                  (B) Administration.--The Secretary shall 
                carry out this section through the Farm Service 
                Agency (referred to in this section as the 
                ``Agency'').
          (2) Eligible crops.--
                  (A) In general.--In this section, the term 
                ``eligible crop'' means each commercial crop or 
                other agricultural commodity (except 
                livestock)--
                          (i) for which catastrophic risk 
                        protection under section 508(b) of the 
                        Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
                        1508(b)) is not available; [and]
                          (ii) for which additional coverage 
                        under subsections (c) and (h) of 
                        section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) 
                        is not available; and
                          [(ii)] (iii) that is produced for 
                        food or fiber.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Program [ineligibility] benefit reduction 
        relating to crop production on native sod.--
                  (A) Definition of native sod.--In this 
                paragraph, the term ``native sod'' means land--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) that has never been tilled, or 
                        the producer cannot substantiate that 
                        the ground has ever been tilled, for 
                        the production of an annual crop as of 
                        the date of enactment of this 
                        paragraph.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (B) [Ineligibility] Reduction in for 
                benefits.--
                          (i) In general.--Subject to clause 
                        (ii) and subparagraph (C), native sod 
                        acreage that has been tilled for the 
                        production of an annual crop after the 
                        date of enactment of this paragraph 
                        shall be ineligible during the first 5 
                        crop years of planting, as determined 
                        by the Secretary, [for benefits under--
                                  [(I) this section; and
                                  [(II) the Federal Crop 
                                Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et 
                                seq.).] for--
                                  (I) benefits under this 
                                section;
                                  (II) a portion of crop 
                                insurance premium subsidies 
                                under the Federal Crop 
                                Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et 
                                seq.) in accordance with 
                                subparagraph (C); and
                                  (III) payments described in 
                                subsection (b) or (c) of 
                                section 1001 of the Food 
                                Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
                                1308).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  [(C) Application.--Subparagraph (B) may apply 
                to native sod acreage in the Prairie Pothole 
                National Priority Area at the election of the 
                Governor of the respective State.]
                  (C) Administration.--
                          (i) In general.--During the first 4 
                        crop years of planting on native sod 
                        acreage by a producer described in 
                        subparagraph (B)--
                                  (I) subparagraph (B) shall 
                                apply to 65 percent of the 
                                transitional yield of the 
                                producer; and
                                  (II) the crop insurance 
                                premium subsidy provided for 
                                the producer under the Federal 
                                Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
                                1501 et seq.) shall be 50 
                                percentage points less than the 
                                premium subsidy that would 
                                otherwise apply.
                          (ii) Yield substitution.--During the 
                        period native sod acreage is covered by 
                        this paragraph, a producer may not 
                        substitute yields for the native sod 
                        acreage.
                  (D) Application.--This paragraph shall only 
                apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole 
                National Priority Area.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Payment.--[The Secretary] Subject to subsection (l), the 
Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for 
noninsured assistance under this section a payment computed by 
multiplying--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (l) Payment Equivalent to Additional Coverage.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make available 
        to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under 
        this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for 
        additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of 
        section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
        1508) that does not exceed 65 percent of the 
        established yield for the eligible crop on the farm, 
        computed by multiplying--
                  (A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 
                percent of the established yield for the crop, 
                as determined by the Secretary, specified in 
                increments of 5 percent;
                  (B) 100 percent of the average market price 
                for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; 
                and
                  (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as 
                determined by the Secretary, that reflects--
                          (i) in the case of a crop that is 
                        produced with a significant and 
                        variable harvesting expense, the 
                        decreasing cost incurred in the 
                        production cycle for the crop that is, 
                        as applicable--
                                  (I) harvested;
                                  (II) planted but not 
                                harvested; or
                                  (III) prevented from being 
                                planted because of drought, 
                                flood, or other natural 
                                disaster, as determined by the 
                                Secretary; or
                          (ii) in the case of a crop that is 
                        produced without a significant and 
                        variable harvesting expense, such rate 
                        as shall be determined by the 
                        Secretary.
          (2) Premium.--To be eligible to receive a payment 
        under this subsection, a producer shall pay--
                  (A) the service fee required by subsection 
                (k); and
                  (B) a premium for the applicable crop year 
                that is equal to the product obtained by 
                multiplying--
                          (i) the number of acres devoted to 
                        the eligible crop;
                          (ii) the established yield for the 
                        eligible crop, as determined by the 
                        Secretary under subsection (e);
                          (iii) the coverage level elected by 
                        the producer;
                          (iv) the average market price, as 
                        determined by the Secretary; and
                          (v) .0525.
          (3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially 
        disadvantaged farmers.--The additional coverage made 
        available under this subsection shall be available to 
        limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged 
        producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange 
        for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium 
        determined for a producer under paragraph (2).
          (4) Premium payment and application deadline.--
                  (A) Premium payment.--A producer electing 
                additional coverage under this subsection shall 
                pay the premium amount owed for the additional 
                coverage by September 30 of the crop year for 
                which the additional coverage is purchased.
                  (B) Application deadline.--The latest date on 
                which additional coverage under this subsection 
                may be elected shall be the application closing 
                date described in subsection (b)(1).
          (5) Effective date.--Additional coverage under this 
        subsection shall be available beginning with the 2014 
        crop.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VIII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Research Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 892. USE OF REMOTE SENSING DATA AND OTHER DATA TO ANTICIPATE 
                    POTENTIAL FOOD, FEED, AND FIBER SHORTAGES OR 
                    EXCESSES AND TO PROVIDE TIMELY INFORMATION TO 
                    ASSIST FARMERS WITH PLANTING DECISIONS.

  [(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
          [(1) remote sensing data can be useful to predict 
        impending famine problems and forest infestations in 
        time to allow remedial action;
          [(2) remote sensing data can inform the agricultural 
        community as to the condition of crops and the land 
        that sustains those crops; and
          [(3) remote sensing data and other data can be 
        valuable, when received on a timely basis, in 
        determining the need for additional plantings of a 
        particular crop or a substitute crop.
  [(b) Information Development.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, maximizing private funding and involvement, 
shall provide farmers and other interested persons with timely 
information, through remote sensing, on crop conditions, 
fertilization and irrigation needs, pest infiltration, soil 
conditions, projected food, feed, and fiber production, and any 
other information available through remote sensing.
  [(c) Coordination.--The Secretary of Agriculture and the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration shall jointly develop a proposal to provide 
farmers and other prospective users with supply and demand 
information for food and fibers.
  [(d) Sunset.--The authorities provided by this section shall 
expire 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.]
                              ----------                              


                  AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1938



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
   TITLE III--LOANS, PARITY PAYMENTS, CONSUMER SAFEGUARDS, MARKETING 
QUOTAS, AND MARKETING CERTIFICATES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--Marketing Quotas

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART VII--FLEXIBLE MARKETING ALLOTMENTS FOR SUGAR

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 359B. FLEXIBLE MARKETING ALLOTMENTS FOR SUGAR.

  (a) Sugar Estimates.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than August 1 before the 
        beginning of each of the 2008 through [2012] 2017 crop 
        years for sugarcane and sugar beets, the Secretary 
        shall estimate--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 359F. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PRODUCERS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Proportionate Shares of Certain Allotments.--
          (1) Definition of seed.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Exclusion.--The term ``seed'' does not 
                include seed of a high-fiber cane variety 
                dedicated to other uses, as determined by the 
                Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 359L. PERIOD OF EFFECTIVENESS.

  (a) In General.--This part shall be effective only for the 
2008 through [2012] 2017 crop years for sugar.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                       FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                 TITLE X--GENERAL COMMODITY PROVISIONS

             Subtitle A--Miscellaneous Commodity Provisions

SEC. 1001. PAYMENT LIMITATIONS.

  (a) * * *
  [(b) Limitation on Direct Payments, Counter-Cyclical 
Payments, and ACRE Payments for Covered Commodities (other Than 
Peanuts).--
          [(1) Direct payments.--The total amount of direct 
        payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person 
        or legal entity (except a joint venture or a general 
        partnership) for any crop year under subtitle A of 
        title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
        2008 for 1 or more covered commodities (except for 
        peanuts) may not exceed--
                  [(A) in the case of a person or legal entity 
                that does not participate in the average crop 
                revenue election program under section 1105 of 
                that Act, $40,000; or
                  [(B) in the case of a person or legal entity 
                that participates in the average crop revenue 
                election program under section 1105 of that 
                Act, an amount equal to--
                          [(i) the payment limit specified in 
                        subparagraph (A); less
                          [(ii) the amount of the reduction in 
                        direct payments under section 
                        1105(a)(1) of that Act.
          [(2) Counter-cyclical payments.--In the case of a 
        person or legal entity (except a joint venture or a 
        general partnership) that does not participate in the 
        average crop revenue election program under section 
        1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, 
        the total amount of counter-cyclical payments received, 
        directly or indirectly, by the person or legal entity 
        for any crop year under subtitle A of title I of that 
        Act for 1 or more covered commodities (except for 
        peanuts) may not exceed $65,000.
          [(3) ACRE and counter-cyclical payments.--In the case 
        of a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or 
        a general partnership) that participates in the average 
        crop revenue election program under section 1105 of the 
        Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the total 
        amount of average crop revenue election payments and 
        counter-cyclical payments received, directly or 
        indirectly, by the person or legal entity for any crop 
        year for 1 or more covered commodities (except for 
        peanuts) may not exceed the sum of--
                  [(A) $65,000; and
                  [(B) the amount by which the direct payment 
                limitation is reduced under paragraph (1)(B).
  [(c) Limitation on Direct Payments, Counter-Cyclical 
Payments, and ACRE Payments for Peanuts.--
          [(1) Direct payments.--The total amount of direct 
        payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person 
        or legal entity (except a joint venture or a general 
        partnership) for any crop year under subtitle C of 
        title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
        2008 for peanuts may not exceed--
                  [(A) in the case of a person or legal entity 
                that does not participate in the average crop 
                revenue election program under section 1105 of 
                that Act, $40,000; or
                  [(B) in the case of a person or legal entity 
                that participates in the average crop revenue 
                election program under section 1105 of that 
                Act, an amount equal to--
                          [(i) the payment limit specified in 
                        subparagraph (A); less
                          [(ii) the amount of the reduction in 
                        direct payments under section 
                        1105(a)(1) of that Act.
          [(2) Counter-cyclical payments.--In the case of a 
        person or legal entity (except a joint venture or a 
        general partnership) that does not participate in the 
        average crop revenue election program under section 
        1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, 
        the total amount of counter-cyclical payments received, 
        directly or indirectly, by the person or legal entity 
        for any crop year under subtitle C of title I of that 
        Act for peanuts may not exceed $65,000.
          [(3) ACRE and counter-cyclical payments.--In the case 
        of a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or 
        a general partnership) that participates in the average 
        crop revenue election program under section 1105 of the 
        Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the total 
        amount of average crop revenue election payments 
        received, directly or indirectly, by the person or 
        legal entity for any crop year for peanuts may not 
        exceed the sum of--
                  [(A) $65,000; and
                  [(B) the amount by which the direct payment 
                limitation is reduced under paragraph (1)(B).]
  (b) Limitation on Payments for Covered Commodities (Other 
Than Peanuts).--The total amount of payments received, directly 
or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint 
venture or general partnership) for any crop year under 
subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and 
Risk Management Act of 2012 for 1 or more covered commodities 
(other than peanuts) may not exceed $125,000.
  (c) Limitation on Payments for Peanuts.--The total amount of 
payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal 
entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any 
crop year under subtitle A of title I of the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 for peanuts 
may not exceed $125,000.
  (d) Limitation on Applicability.--Nothing in this section 
authorizes any limitation on any benefit associated with the 
marketing assistance loan program or the loan deficiency 
payment program under title I of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 or title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform 
and Risk Management Act of 2012.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Special Rules.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Federal agencies.--
                  (A) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection 
                (d), a Federal agency shall not be eligible to 
                receive any payment, benefit, or loan under 
                title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
                Act of 2008 [or title XII], title I of the 
                Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                Act of 2012, or title XII of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) State and local governments.--
                  (A) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection 
                (d), except as provided in subsection (g), a 
                State or local government, or political 
                subdivision or agency of the government, shall 
                not be eligible to receive any payment, 
                benefit, or loan under title I of the Food, 
                Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 [or title 
                XII], title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform 
                and Risk Management Act of 2012, or title XII 
                of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1001C. FOREIGN PERSONS MADE INELIGIBLE FOR PROGRAM BENEFITS.

  Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
  (a) In General.--Any person who is not a citizen of the 
United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United 
States for permanent residence under the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) shall be ineligible to 
receive any type of loans or payments made available under 
title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, 
title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
Act of 2012, the Agricultural Market Transition Act, the 
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714 et 
seq.), or subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.), or under any contract entered 
into under title XII, with respect to any commodity produced, 
or land set aside from production, on a farm that is owned or 
operated by such person, unless such person is an individual 
who is providing land, capital, and a substantial amount of 
personal labor in the production of crops on such farm.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1001D. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.

  (a) Definitions.--
          [(1) In general.--In this section:
                  [(A) Average adjusted gross income.--The term 
                ``average adjusted gross income'', with respect 
                to a person or legal entity, means the average 
                of the adjusted gross income or comparable 
                measure of the person or legal entity over the 
                3 taxable years preceding the most immediately 
                preceding complete taxable year, as determined 
                by the Secretary.
                  [(B) Average adjusted gross farm income.--The 
                term ``average adjusted gross farm income'', 
                with respect to a person or legal entity, means 
                the average of the portion of adjusted gross 
                income of the person or legal entity that is 
                attributable to activities related to farming, 
                ranching, or forestry for the 3 taxable years 
                described in subparagraph (A), as determined by 
                the Secretary in accordance with subsection 
                (c).
                  [(C) Average adjusted gross nonfarm income.--
                The term ``average adjusted gross nonfarm 
                income'', with respect to a person or legal 
                entity, means the difference between--
                          [(i) the average adjusted gross 
                        income of the person or legal entity; 
                        and
                          [(ii) the average adjusted gross farm 
                        income of the person or legal entity.]
          (1) Average adjusted gross income.--In this section, 
        the term ``average adjusted gross income'', with 
        respect to a person or legal entity, means the average 
        of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of 
        the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years 
        preceding the most immediately preceding complete 
        taxable year, as determined by the Secretary.
          (2) Special rules for certain persons and legal 
        entities.--In the case of a legal entity that is not 
        required to file a Federal income tax return or a 
        person or legal entity that did not have taxable income 
        in 1 or more of the taxable years used to determine the 
        average under [subparagraph (A) or (B) of] paragraph 
        (1), the Secretary shall provide, by regulation, a 
        method for determining the average adjusted gross 
        income[, the average adjusted gross farm income, and 
        the average adjusted gross nonfarm income] of the 
        person or legal entity for purposes of this section.
          (3) Allocation of income.--On the request of any 
        person filing a joint tax return, the Secretary shall 
        provide for the allocation of average adjusted gross 
        income[, average adjusted gross farm income, and 
        average adjusted gross nonfarm income] among the 
        persons filing the return if--
                  (A) the person provides a certified statement 
                by a certified public accountant or attorney 
                that specifies the method by which the average 
                adjusted gross income[, average adjusted gross 
                farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm 
                income] would have been declared and reported 
                had the persons filed 2 separate returns; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) [Limitations] Limitations on Commodity and Conservation 
Programs.--
          [(1) Commodity programs.--
                  [(A) Nonfarm limitation.--Notwithstanding any 
                other provision of law, a person or legal 
                entity shall not be eligible to receive any 
                benefit described in subparagraph (C) during a 
                crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, 
                if the average adjusted gross nonfarm income of 
                the person or legal entity exceeds $500,000.
                  [(B) Farm limitation.--Notwithstanding any 
                other provision of law, a person or legal 
                entity shall not be eligible to receive a 
                direct payment under subtitle A or C of title I 
                of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
                2008 during a crop year, if the average 
                adjusted gross farm income of the person or 
                legal entity exceeds $750,000.
                  [(C) Covered benefits.--Subparagraph (A) 
                applies with respect to the following:
                          [(i) A direct payment or counter-
                        cyclical payment under subtitle A or C 
                        of title I of the Food, Conservation, 
                        and Energy Act of 2008 or an average 
                        crop revenue election payment under 
                        subtitle A of title I of that Act.
                          [(ii) A marketing loan gain or loan 
                        deficiency payment under subtitle B or 
                        C of title I of the Food, Conservation, 
                        and Energy Act of 2008.
                          [(iii) A payment or benefit under 
                        section 196 of the Federal Agriculture 
                        Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 
                        U.S.C. 7333).
                          [(iv) A payment or benefit under 
                        section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, 
                        and Energy Act of 2008.
                          [(v) A payment or benefit under title 
                        IX of the Trade Act of 1974 or subtitle 
                        B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
          [(2) Conservation programs.--
                  [(A) Limits.--
                          [(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any 
                        other provision of law, except as 
                        provided in clause (ii), a person or 
                        legal entity shall not be eligible to 
                        receive any benefit described in 
                        subparagraph (B) during a crop, fiscal, 
                        or program year, as appropriate, if the 
                        average adjusted gross nonfarm income 
                        of the person or legal entity exceeds 
                        $1,000,000, unless not less than 66.66 
                        percent of the average adjusted gross 
                        income of the person or legal entity is 
                        average adjusted gross farm income.
                          [(ii) Exception.--The Secretary may 
                        waive the limitation established under 
                        clause (i) on a case-by-case basis if 
                        the Secretary determines that 
                        environmentally sensitive land of 
                        special significance would be 
                        protected.
                  [(B) Covered benefits.--Subparagraph (A) 
                applies with respect to the following:
                          [(i) A payment or benefit under title 
                        XII of this Act.
                          [(ii) A payment or benefit under 
                        title II of the Farm Security and Rural 
                        Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
                        171; 116 Stat. 223) or title II of the 
                        Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
                        2008.
                          [(iii) A payment or benefit under 
                        section 524(b) of the Federal Crop 
                        Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)).]
          (1) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
        of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible 
        to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) 
        during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, 
        if the average adjusted gross income of the person or 
        legal entity exceeds $950,000.
          (2) Covered benefits.--Paragraph (1) applies with 
        respect to a payment or benefit under section 1107, 
        subtitle B or E of title I, or title II of the Federal 
        Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012, 
        title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
        of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
        Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 
        1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
        (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)), or section 196 of the Federal 
        Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 
        U.S.C. 7333).
  [(c) Income Determination.--
          [(1) In general.--In determining the average adjusted 
        gross farm income of a person or legal entity, the 
        Secretary shall include income or benefits derived from 
        or related to--
                  [(A) the production of crops, including 
                specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the 
                Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 
                U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465)) and 
                unfinished raw forestry products;
                  [(B) the production of livestock (including 
                cattle, elk, reindeer, bison, horses, deer, 
                sheep, goats, swine, poultry, fish, and other 
                aquacultural products used for food, honeybees, 
                and other animals designated by the Secretary) 
                and products produced by, or derived from, 
                livestock;
                  [(C) the production of farm-based renewable 
                energy (as defined in section 9001 of the Farm 
                Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
                U.S.C. 8101));
                  [(D) the sale, including the sale of 
                easements and development rights, of farm, 
                ranch, or forestry land, water or hunting 
                rights, or environmental benefits;
                  [(E) the rental or lease of land or equipment 
                used for farming, ranching, or forestry 
                operations, including water or hunting rights;
                  [(F) the processing (including packing), 
                storing (including shedding), and transporting 
                of farm, ranch, and forestry commodities, 
                including renewable energy;
                  [(G) the feeding, rearing, or finishing of 
                livestock;
                  [(H) the sale of land that has been used for 
                agriculture;
                  [(I) payments or other benefits received 
                under any program authorized under title I of 
                the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
                2002 (7 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.) or title I of the 
                Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008;
                  [(J) payments or other benefits received 
                under any program authorized under title XII of 
                this Act, title II of the Farm Security and 
                Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
                171; 116 Stat. 223), or title II of the Food, 
                Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008;
                  [(K) payments or other benefits received 
                under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture 
                Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
                7333);
                  [(L) payments or other benefits received 
                under title IX of the Trade Act of 1974 or 
                subtitle B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act;
                  [(M) risk management practices, including 
                benefits received under a program authorized 
                under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
                1501 et seq.) (including a catastrophic risk 
                protection plan offered under section 508(b) of 
                that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b))); and
                  [(N) any other activity related to farming, 
                ranching, or forestry, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
          [(2) Income derived from farming, ranching, or 
        forestry.--In determining the average adjusted gross 
        farm income of a person or legal entity, in addition to 
        the inclusions described in paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall include any income reported on the 
        Schedule F or other schedule used by the person or 
        legal entity to report income from farming, ranching, 
        or forestry operations to the Internal Revenue Service, 
        to the extent such income is not already included under 
        paragraph (1).
          [(3) Special rule.--If not less than 66.66 percent of 
        the average adjusted gross income of a person or legal 
        entity is derived from farming, ranching, or forestry 
        operations described in paragraphs (1) and (2), in 
        determining the average adjusted gross farm income of 
        the person or legal entity, the Secretary shall also 
        include--
                  [(A) the sale of equipment to conduct farm, 
                ranch, or forestry operations; and
                  [(B) the provision of production inputs and 
                services to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and 
                farm operations.]
  [(d)] (c) Enforcement.--
          (1) In general.--To comply with subsection (b), at 
        least once every 3 years a person or legal entity shall 
        provide to the Secretary--
                  (A) a certification by a certified public 
                accountant or another third party that is 
                acceptable to the Secretary that the average 
                adjusted gross income[, average adjusted gross 
                farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm 
                income] of the person or legal entity does not 
                exceed the applicable limitation specified in 
                that subsection; or
                  (B) information and documentation regarding 
                the average adjusted gross income[, average 
                adjusted gross farm income, and average 
                adjusted gross nonfarm income] of the person or 
                legal entity through other procedures 
                established by the Secretary.
          (2) Denial of program benefits.--If the Secretary 
        determines that a person or legal entity has failed to 
        comply with this section, the Secretary shall deny the 
        issuance of applicable payments and benefits specified 
        in [paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b)] 
        subsection (b)(2) to the person or legal entity, under 
        similar terms and conditions as described in section 
        1001B.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e)] (d) Commensurate Reduction.--In the case of a payment 
or benefit described in [paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of 
subsection (b)] subsection (b)(2) made in a crop, program, or 
fiscal year, as appropriate, to an entity, general partnership, 
or joint venture, the amount of the payment or benefit shall be 
reduced by an amount that is commensurate with the direct and 
indirect ownership interest in the entity, general partnership, 
or joint venture of each person who has an average adjusted 
gross income[, average adjusted gross farm income, or average 
adjusted gross nonfarm income] in excess of the applicable 
limitation specified in subsection (b).
  [(f)] (e) Effective Period.--This section shall apply only 
during the [2009 through 2012] 2013 through 2017 crop, program, 
or fiscal years, as appropriate.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE XI--TRADE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Agricultural Imports

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    [DAIRY EXPORT INCENTIVE PROGRAM

  [Sec. 153. (a) During the period beginning 60 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2012, 
the Commodity Credit Corporation shall establish and operate an 
export incentive program as described in this section for dairy 
products under section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
Charter Act.
  [(b) The program established under subsection (a) shall 
provide for the Corporation to make payments, on a bid basis, 
to an entity that sells for export United States dairy 
products. The Secretary shall have sole discretion to accept or 
reject bids under such criteria as the Secretary deems 
appropriate.
  [(c) The program shall be operated under such rules and 
regulations issued by the Secretary as the Secretary deems 
necessary to ensure, among other things, that--
          [(1) payments may be made under the program only on 
        the quantity of dairy products sold by an entity for 
        export in any year that is in addition to, and not in 
        place of, any export sales of dairy products that the 
        entity would otherwise make in the absence of the 
        program;
          [(2) to the extent practicable, dairy products sold 
        for export under the program will not displace 
        commercial export sales of United States dairy products 
        by other exporters;
          [(3) the maximum volume of dairy product exports 
        allowable consistent with the obligations of the United 
        States under the Uruguay Round Agreements approved 
        under section 101 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act 
        (19 U.S.C. 3511) is exported under the program each 
        year (minus the volume sold under section 1163 of this 
        Act during that year), except to the extent that the 
        export of such a volume under the program would, in the 
        judgment of the Secretary, exceed the limitations on 
        the value permitted under subsection (f); and
          [(4) payments may be made under the program for 
        exports to any destination in the world for the purpose 
        of market development, except a destination in a 
        country with respect to which shipments from the United 
        States are otherwise restricted by law.
  [(d)(1) The regulations issued by the Secretary may provide 
for payments under the program to be made in cash or in 
commodities of equal value that are available in Commodity 
Credit Corporation stock.
  [(2) If payments in commodities are authorized, such payments 
shall be made through the issuance of generic certificates 
redeemable in commodities.
  [(3) If generic certificates issued in accordance with the 
program provided for by this section are exchanged for dairy 
products owned by the Commodity Credit Corporation, the 
regulations issued by the Secretary shall ensure that--
          [(A) such dairy products, or an equal quantity of 
        other dairy products, will be sold for export by the 
        entity; and
          [(B) any such export sales by the entity--
                  [(i) will be in addition to, and not in place 
                of, export sales of dairy products that the 
                entity would otherwise make under the program 
                or in the absence of the program; and
                  [(ii) to the extent practicable, will not 
                displace commercial export sales of United 
                States dairy products by other exporters.
  [(e)(1) The payments made under the program shall be made at 
a rate or rates established or approved by the Secretary, 
taking into consideration, among other things the type of 
product to be exported, the domestic price of dairy products, 
the world price of the dairy products, and any additional 
amount that may be required to assist in the development of 
world markets for United States dairy products.
  [(2) Any such rate established or approved by the Secretary 
shall be published in the Federal Register or publicly 
announced through other appropriate means, and shall be at a 
level or levels as will encourage the exportation of United 
States dairy products by entities.
  [(f) Required Funding.--
          [(1) Funds and commodities.--Except as provided in 
        paragraph (2), the Commodity Credit Corporation shall 
        in each year use money and commodities for the program 
        under this section in the maximum amount consistent 
        with the obligations of the United States under the 
        Uruguay Round Agreements approved under section 101 of 
        the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3511), 
        minus the amount expended under section 1163 of this 
        Act during that year.
          [(2) Volume limitations.--The Commodity Credit 
        Corporation may not exceed the limitations specified in 
        subsection (c)(3) on the volume of allowable dairy 
        product exports.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                        TITLE XII--CONSERVATION

                        Subtitle A--Definitions

                              DEFINITIONS

  Sec. 1201. (a) For purposes of subtitles A through [E] I:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


             Subtitle B--Highly Erodible Land Conservation

SEC. 1211. PROGRAM INELIGIBILITY.

  (a) In General.--Except as provided in section 1212, and 
notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who in 
any crop year produces an agricultural commodity on a field on 
which highly erodible land is [predominate] predominant, or 
designates land on which highly erodible land is [predominate] 
predominant to be set aside, diverted, devoted to conservation 
uses, or otherwise not cultivated under a program administered 
by the Secretary to reduce production of an agricultural 
commodity, as determined by the Secretary shall be ineligible 
for--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


        Subtitle D--Agricultural Resources Conservation Program

      CHAPTER 1--[COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM] 
                          CONSERVATION RESERVE

                    Subchapter A--General Provisions

[SEC. 1230. COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment.--
          [(1) In general.--During the 1996 through 2002 
        calendar years, the Secretary shall establish a 
        comprehensive conservation enhancement program 
        (referred to in this section as ``CCEP'') to be 
        implemented through contracts and the acquisition of 
        easements to assist owners and operators of farms and 
        ranches to conserve and enhance soil, water, and 
        related natural resources, including grazing land, 
        wetland, and wildlife habitat.
          [(2) Means.--The Secretary shall carry out the CCEP 
        by--
                  [(A) providing for the long-term protection 
                of environmentally sensitive land; and
                  [(B) providing technical and financial 
                assistance to farmers and ranchers to--
                          [(i) improve the management and 
                        operation of the farms and ranches; and
                          [(ii) reconcile productivity and 
                        profitability with protection and 
                        enhancement of the environment.
          [(3) Programs.--The CCEP shall consist of--
                  [(A) the conservation reserve program 
                established under subchapter B;
                  [(B) the wetlands reserve program established 
                under subchapter C; and
                  [(C) the environmental quality incentives 
                program established under chapter 4.
  [(b) Administration.--
          [(1) In general.--In carrying out the CCEP, the 
        Secretary shall enter into contracts with owners and 
        operators and acquire interests in land through 
        easements from owners, as provided in this chapter and 
        chapter 4.
          [(2) Prior enrollments.--Acreage enrolled in the 
        conservation reserve or wetlands reserve program prior 
        to the date of enactment of this paragraph shall be 
        considered to be placed into the CCEP.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   Subchapter B--Conservation Reserve

SEC. 1231. CONSERVATION RESERVE.

  (a) In General.--Through the [2012] 2017 fiscal year, the 
Secretary shall formulate and carry out a conservation reserve 
program under which land is enrolled through the use of 
contracts to assist owners and operators of land specified in 
subsection (b) to conserve and improve the soil, water, and 
wildlife resources of such land and to address issues raised by 
State, regional, and national conservation initiatives.
  (b) Eligible Land.--The Secretary may include in the program 
established under this subchapter--
          (1) highly erodible cropland that--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) the Secretary determines had a cropping 
                history or was considered to be planted for 4 
                of the 6 years preceding [the date of enactment 
                of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
                2008] the date of the enactment of the Federal 
                Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 
                2012 (except for land enrolled in the 
                conservation reserve program as of that date);
          [(2) marginal pasture land converted to wetland or 
        established as wildlife habitat prior to November 28, 
        1990;]
          [(3)] (2) marginal pasture land to be devoted to 
        appropriate vegetation, including trees, in or near 
        riparian areas, or devoted to similar water quality 
        purposes (including marginal pastureland converted to 
        wetland or established as wildlife habitat);
          (3) grasslands that--
                  (A) contain forbs or shrubland (including 
                improved rangeland and pastureland) for which 
                grazing is the predominant use;
                  (B) are located in an area historically 
                dominated by grasslands; and
                  (C) could provide habitat for animal and 
                plant populations of significant ecological 
                value if the land is retained in its current 
                use or restored to a natural condition;
          (4) cropland that is otherwise ineligible if the 
        Secretary determines that--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) the land will be devoted to newly 
                established living snow fences, permanent 
                wildlife habitat, windbreaks, shelterbelts, or 
                [filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs] 
                filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to 
                trees, shrubs, or grasses;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in 
        the conservation reserve in a case in which more than 
        50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a 
        buffer, if--
                  [(A) the land is enrolled as part of the 
                buffer; and
                  [(B) the remainder of the field is--
                          [(i) infeasible to farm; and
                          [(ii) enrolled at regular rental 
                        rates.]
          (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in 
        the conservation reserve in a case in which--
                  (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the 
                field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, 
                or more than 75 percent of the land in the 
                field is enrolled as a conservation practice 
                other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and
                  (B) the remainder of the field is--
                          (i) infeasible to farm; and
                          (ii) enrolled at regular rental 
                        rates.
  (c) Planting Status of Certain Land.--For purposes of 
determining the eligibility of land to be placed in the 
conservation reserve established under this subchapter, land 
shall be considered to be planted to an agricultural commodity 
during a crop year [if--
          [(1) during the crop year, the land was devoted to a 
        conserving use; or
          [(2)(A) during the crop year or during any of the 2 
        years preceding the crop year, the land was enrolled in 
        the water bank program; and
          [(B) the contract of the owner or operator of the 
        cropland expired or will expire in calendar year 2000, 
        2001, or 2002.] if, during the crop year, the land was 
        devoted to a conserving use.
  [(d) Maximum Enrollment.--The Secretary may maintain up to 
39,200,000 acres in the conservation reserve at any 1 time 
during the 2002 through 2009 fiscal years (including contracts 
extended by the Secretary pursuant to section 1437(c) of the 
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (16 
U.S.C. 3831 note; Public Law 101 09624)). During fiscal years 
2010, 2011, and 2012, the Secretary may maintain up to 
32,000,000 acres in the conservation reserve at any 1 time.]
  (d) Enrollment.--
          (1) Maximum acreage enrolled.--The Secretary may 
        maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time 
        during--
                  (A) fiscal year 2012, no more than 32,000,000 
                acres;
                  (B) fiscal year 2013, no more than 29,000,000 
                acres;
                  (C) fiscal year 2014, no more than 26,000,000 
                acres;
                  (D) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 
                acres;
                  (E) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,500,000 
                acres; and
                  (F) fiscal year 2017, no more than 25,000,000 
                acres.
          (2) Grasslands.--
                  (A) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the 
                limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 
                2,000,000 acres of the land described in 
                subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the 
                program at any one time during the 2013 through 
                2017 fiscal years.
                  (B) Priority.--In enrolling acres under 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give 
                priority to land with expiring conservation 
                reserve program contracts.
                  (C) Method of enrollment.--In enrolling acres 
                under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
                make the program available to owners or 
                operators of eligible land on a continuous 
                enrollment basis with one or more ranking 
                periods.
  (e) Duration of Contract.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) Certain land.--
                  [(A) In general.--In the case of land devoted 
                to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or 
                wildlife corridors under a contract entered 
                into under this subchapter after October 1, 
                1990, and land devoted to such uses under 
                contracts modified under section 1235A, the 
                owner or operator of the land may, within the 
                limitations prescribed under this section, 
                specify the duration of the contract.
                  [(B) Hardwood trees.--In the case of land 
                that is devoted to hardwood trees under a 
                contract entered into under this subchapter 
                prior to October 1, 1990, the Secretary may 
                extend the contract for a term of not to exceed 
                5 years, as agreed to by the owner or operator 
                of such land and the Secretary.
          [(3) 1-year extension.--In the case of a contract 
        described in paragraph (1) the term of which expires 
        during calendar year 2002, an owner or operator of land 
        enrolled under the contract may extend the contract for 
        1 additional year.]
          (2) Special rule for certain land.--In the case of 
        land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, 
        windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract 
        entered into under this subchapter, the owner or 
        operator of the land may, within the limitations 
        prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of 
        the contract.
  (f) Conservation Priority Areas.--
          (1) Designation.--On application by the appropriate 
        State agency, the Secretary shall designate [watershed 
        areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes 
        Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other] areas 
        of special environmental sensitivity as conservation 
        priority areas.
          (2) Eligible [watersheds.--] areas.--[Watersheds] 
        Areas eligible for designation under this subsection 
        shall include areas with actual and significant adverse 
        water quality or habitat impacts related to 
        agricultural production activities.
          (3) Expiration.--Conservation priority area 
        designation under this subsection shall expire after 5 
        years, subject to redesignation, except that the 
        Secretary may withdraw [a watershed's designation--
                  [(A) on application by the appropriate State 
                agency; or
                  [(B) in the case of an area covered by this 
                subsection, if the Secretary finds that the 
                area no longer contains actual and significant 
                adverse water quality or habitat impacts 
                related to agricultural production activities.] 
                an area's designation if the Secretary finds 
                that the area no longer contains actual and 
                significant adverse water quality or habitat 
                impacts related to agricultural production 
                activities.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1231A. EMERGENCY FORESTRY CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.

          [(a) Definitions.--In this section:
                  [(1) Merchantable timber.--The term 
                ``merchantable timber'' means timber on private 
                nonindustrial forest land on which the average 
                tree has a trunk diameter of at least 6 inches 
                measured at a point no less than 4.5 feet above 
                the ground.
                  [(2) Private nonindustrial forest land.--The 
                term ``private nonindustrial forest land'' 
                includes State school trust land.
          [(b) Program.--The Secretary shall carry out an 
        emergency pilot program in States that the Secretary 
        determines have suffered damage to merchantable timber 
        in counties affected by hurricanes during the 2005 
        calendar year.
          [(c) Eligible acreage.--
                  [(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) 
                and the availability of funds under paragraph 
                (7), an owner or operator may enroll private 
                nonindustrial forest land in the conservation 
                reserve under this section.
                  [(2) Determination of damages.--Eligibility 
                for enrollment shall be limited to owners and 
                operators of private nonindustrial forest land 
                that have experienced a loss of 35 percent or 
                more of merchantable timber in a county 
                affected by hurricanes during the 2005 calendar 
                year.
                  [(3) Exemptions.--Acreage enrolled in the 
                conservation reserve under this section shall 
                not count toward--
                          [(A) county acreage limitations 
                        described in section 1243(b); or
                          [(B) the maximum enrollment described 
                        in section 1231(d).
                  [(4) Duties of owners and operators.--As a 
                condition of entering into a contract under 
                this section, during the term of the contract, 
                the owner or operator of private nonindustrial 
                forest land shall agree--
                          [(A) to restore the land, through 
                        site preparation and planting of 
                        similar species as existing prior to 
                        hurricane damages or to the maximum 
                        extent practicable with other native 
                        species, as determined by the 
                        Secretary; and
                          [(B) to establish temporary 
                        vegetative cover the purpose of which 
                        is to prevent soil erosion on the 
                        eligible acreage, as determined by the 
                        Secretary.
                  [(5) Duties of the secretary.--
                          [(A) In general.--In return for a 
                        contract entered into by an owner or 
                        operator of private nonindustrial 
                        forest land under this section, the 
                        Secretary shall provide, at the option 
                        of the landowner--
                                  [(i) notwithstanding the 
                                limitation in section 
                                1234(f)(1), a lump sum payment; 
                                or
                                  [(ii) annual rental payments.
                          [(B) Calculation of lump sum 
                        payment.--The lump sum payment 
                        described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall 
                        be calculated using a net present value 
                        formula, as determined by the 
                        Secretary, based on the total amount a 
                        producer would receive over the 
                        duration of the contract.
                          [(C) Calculation of annual rental 
                        payments.--The annual rental payment 
                        described in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall 
                        be equal to the average rental rate for 
                        conservation reserve contracts in the 
                        county in which the land is located.
                          [(D) Rolling signup.--The Secretary 
                        shall offer a rolling signup for 
                        contracts under this section.
                          [(E) Duration of contracts.--A 
                        contract entered into under this 
                        section shall have a term of 10 years.
                  [(6) Balance of natural resources.--In 
                determining the acceptability of contract 
                offers under this section, the Secretary shall 
                consider an equitable balance among the 
                purposes of soil erosion prevention, water 
                quality improvement, wildlife habitat 
                restoration, and mitigation of economic loss.
                  [(7) Funding.--The Secretary shall use 
                $504,100,000, to remain available until 
                expended, of funds of the Commodity Credit 
                Corporation to carry out this section.
                  [(8) Determinations by secretary.--A 
                determination made by the Secretary under this 
                section shall be final and conclusive.
                  [(9) Regulations.--
                          [(A) In general.--Not later than 90 
                        days after the date of enactment of 
                        this Act, the Secretary shall 
                        promulgate such regulations as are 
                        necessary to implement this section.
                          [(B) Procedure.--The promulgation of 
                        regulations and administration of this 
                        section shall be made without regard 
                        to--
                                  [(i) the notice and comment 
                                provisions of section 553 of 
                                title 5, United States Code;
                                  [(ii) the Statement of Policy 
                                of the Secretary of Agriculture 
                                effective July 24, 1971 (36 
                                Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to 
                                notices of proposed rulemaking 
                                and public participation in 
                                rulemaking; and
                                  [(iii) chapter 35 of title 
                                44, United States Code 
                                (commonly known as the 
                                ``Paperwork Reduction Act'').
                          [(C) Congressional review of agency 
                        rulemaking.--In carrying out this 
                        section, the Secretary shall use the 
                        authority provided under section 808 of 
                        title 5, United States Code.]

SEC. 1231B. [PILOT PROGRAM FOR ENROLLMENT OF WETLAND AND BUFFER ACREAGE 
                    IN CONSERVATION RESERVE.] FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

  (a) Program Required.--
          (1) In general.--During the 2008 through [2012] 2017 
        fiscal years, the Secretary shall carry out [a program] 
        a farmable wetland program in each State under which 
        the Secretary shall enroll eligible acreage described 
        in subsection (b).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Eligible Acreage.--
          (1) Wetland and related land.--Subject to subsections 
        (c) and (d), an owner or operator may enroll in the 
        conservation reserve, pursuant to the program 
        established under this section, land--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) on which a constructed wetland is to be 
                developed that will receive [flow from a row 
                crop agriculture drainage system] surface and 
                subsurface flow from row crop agricultural 
                production and is designed to provide nitrogen 
                removal in addition to other wetland functions;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Program Limitations.--
          (1) Acreage limitation.--The Secretary may enroll in 
        the conservation reserve, pursuant to the program 
        established under this section, not more than--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) a total of [1,000,000] 750,000 acres.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1232. DUTIES OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

  (a) In General.--Under the terms of a contract entered into 
under this subchapter, during the term of the contract, an 
owner or operator of a farm or ranch shall agree--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (8) not to conduct any harvesting or grazing, nor 
        otherwise make commercial use of the forage, on land 
        that is subject to the contract, nor adopt any similar 
        practice specified in the contract by the Secretary as 
        a practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of 
        the contract, [except that the Secretary may permit, 
        consistent with the conservation of soil, water 
        quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during 
        nesting seasons for birds in the area)--
                  [(A) managed harvesting (including the 
                managed harvesting of biomass), except that in 
                permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, 
                in coordination with the State technical 
                committee--
                          [(i) shall develop appropriate 
                        vegetation management requirements; and
                          [(ii) shall identify periods during 
                        which managed harvesting may be 
                        conducted;
                  [(B) harvesting and grazing or other 
                commercial use of the forage on the land that 
                is subject to the contract in response to a 
                drought or other emergency;
                  [(C) routine grazing or prescribed grazing 
                for the control of invasive species, except 
                that in permitting such routine grazing or 
                prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in 
                coordination with the State technical 
                committee--
                          [(i) shall develop appropriate 
                        vegetation management requirements and 
                        stocking rates for the land that are 
                        suitable for continued routine grazing; 
                        and
                          [(ii) shall establish the frequency 
                        during which routine grazing may be 
                        conducted, taking into consideration 
                        regional differences such as--
                                  [(I) climate, soil type, and 
                                natural resources;
                                  [(II) the number of years 
                                that should be required between 
                                routine grazing activities; and
                                  [(III) how often during a 
                                year in which routine grazing 
                                is permitted that routine 
                                grazing should be allowed to 
                                occur; and
                  [(D) the installation of wind turbines, 
                except that in permitting the installation of 
                wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine 
                the number and location of wind turbines that 
                may be installed, taking into account--
                          [(i) the location, size, and other 
                        physical characteristics of the land;
                          [(ii) the extent to which the land 
                        contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; 
                        and
                          [(iii) the purposes of the 
                        conservation reserve program under this 
                        subchapter;] except as provided in 
                        subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(b) Conservation Plans.--The plan referred to in subsection 
(a)(1)--
          [(1) shall set forth--
                  [(A) the conservation measures and practices 
                to be carried out by the owner or operator 
                during the term of the contract; and
                  [(B) the commercial use, if any, to be 
                permitted on the land during the term; and
          [(2) may provide for the permanent retirement of any 
        existing cropland base and allotment history for the 
        land.]
  (b) Conservation Plans.--The plan referred to in subsection 
(a)(1) shall set forth--
          (1) the conservation measures and practices to be 
        carried out by the owner or operator during the term of 
        the contract; and
          (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on 
        the land during the term.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Rental Payment Reduction for Certain Authorized Uses of 
Enrolled Land.--In the case of an authorized activity under 
subsection (a)(8) on land that is subject to a contract under 
this subchapter, the Secretary shall reduce the rental payment 
otherwise payable under the contract by an amount commensurate 
with the economic value of the authorized activity.]

[SEC. 1233. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  [In return for a contract entered into by an owner or 
operator under section 1232, the Secretary shall--
          [(1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation 
        measures and practices set forth in the contract for 
        which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is 
        appropriate and in the public interest; and
          [(2) for a period of years not in excess of the term 
        of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an 
        amount necessary to compensate for--
                  [(A) the conversion of highly erodible 
                cropland normally devoted to the production of 
                an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to 
                a less intensive use; and
                  [(B) the retirement of any cropland base and 
                allotment history that the owner or operator 
                agrees to retire permanently.]

SEC. 1233. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  (a) Cost-Share and Rental Payments.--In return for a contract 
entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation 
reserve program, the Secretary shall--
          (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation 
        measures and practices set forth in the contract for 
        which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is 
        appropriate and in the public interest; and
          (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term 
        of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an 
        amount necessary to compensate for--
                  (A) the conversion of highly erodible 
                cropland or other eligible lands normally 
                devoted to the production of an agricultural 
                commodity on a farm or ranch to a less 
                intensive use;
                  (B) the retirement of any base history that 
                the owner or operator agrees to retire 
                permanently; and
                  (C) the development and management of 
                grasslands for multiple natural resource 
                conservation benefits, including to soil, 
                water, air, and wildlife.
  (b) Specified Activities Permitted.--The Secretary shall 
permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is 
subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in 
a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the 
Secretary, as follows:
          (1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of 
        the forage in response to a drought or other emergency 
        created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in 
        the rental rate.
          (2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water 
        quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during 
        nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange 
        for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the 
        annual rental rate for the acres covered by the 
        authorized activity--
                  (A) managed harvesting and other commercial 
                use (including the managed harvesting of 
                biomass), except that in permitting managed 
                harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination with 
                the State technical committee--
                          (i) shall develop appropriate 
                        vegetation management requirements; and
                          (ii) shall identify periods during 
                        which managed harvesting may be 
                        conducted, such that the frequency is 
                        not more than once every three years;
                  (B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for 
                the control of invasive species, except that in 
                permitting such routine grazing or prescribed 
                grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with 
                the State technical committee--
                          (i) shall develop appropriate 
                        vegetation management requirements and 
                        stocking rates for the land that are 
                        suitable for continued routine grazing; 
                        and
                          (ii) shall identify the periods 
                        during which routine grazing may be 
                        conducted, such that the frequency is 
                        not more than once every two years, 
                        taking into consideration regional 
                        differences such as--
                                  (I) climate, soil type, and 
                                natural resources;
                                  (II) the number of years that 
                                should be required between 
                                routine grazing activities; and
                                  (III) how often during a year 
                                in which routine grazing is 
                                permitted that routine grazing 
                                should be allowed to occur; and
                  (C) the installation of wind turbines and 
                associated access, except that in permitting 
                the installation of wind turbines, the 
                Secretary shall determine the number and 
                location of wind turbines that may be 
                installed, taking into account--
                          (i) the location, size, and other 
                        physical characteristics of the land;
                          (ii) the extent to which the land 
                        contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; 
                        and
                          (iii) the purposes of the 
                        conservation reserve program under this 
                        subchapter.
          (3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative 
        buffer practices incidental to agricultural production 
        on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted 
        use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover.
  (c) Authorized Activities on Grasslands.--For eligible land 
described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the 
following activities:
          (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance 
        and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a 
        manner that is consistent with maintaining the 
        viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species 
        appropriate to that locality.
          (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed 
        production, subject to appropriate restrictions during 
        the nesting season for critical bird species in the 
        area.
          (3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, 
        and construction of fire breaks.
          (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and 
        livestock watering.
  (d) Resource Conserving Use.--
          (1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year 
        before the date of termination of a contract under the 
        program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator 
        to make conservation and land improvements that 
        facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land 
        after expiration of the contract.
          (2) Conservation plan.--The Secretary shall require 
        an owner or operator carrying out the activities 
        described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a 
        conservation plan.
          (3) Re-enrollment prohibited.--Land improved under 
        paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the 
        conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date 
        of termination of the contract.

SEC. 1234. PAYMENTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Federal Percentage of Cost Sharing Payments.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife 
        corridors.--
                  (A) Applicability.--This paragraph applies 
                to--
                          (i) land devoted to the production of 
                        hardwood trees, windbreaks, 
                        shelterbelts, or wildlife corridors 
                        under a contract entered into under 
                        this subchapter after November 28, 
                        1990; and
                          [(ii) land converted to such 
                        production under section 1235A; and]
                          [(iii)] (ii) land on which an owner 
                        or operator agrees to conduct thinning 
                        authorized by section 1232(a)(9), if 
                        the thinning is necessary to improve 
                        the condition of resources on the land.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Annual Rental Payments.--
          (1) In general.--In determining the amount of annual 
        rental payments to be paid to owners and operators for 
        converting highly erodible cropland or other eligible 
        lands normally devoted to the production of an 
        agricultural commodity to less intensive use, the 
        Secretary may consider, among other things, the amount 
        necessary to encourage owners or operators of highly 
        erodible cropland or other eligible lands to 
        participate in the program established by this 
        subchapter.
          [(2) Method of determination.--The amounts payable to 
        owners or operators in the form of rental payments 
        under contracts entered into under this subchapter may 
        be determined through--
                  [(A) the submission of bids for such 
                contracts by owners and operators in such 
                manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or
                  [(B) such other means as the Secretary 
                determines are appropriate.]
          (2) Methods of determination.--
                  (A) In general.--The amounts payable to 
                owners or operators in the form of rental 
                payments under contracts entered into under 
                this subchapter may be determined through--
                          (i) the submission of bids for such 
                        contracts by owners and operators in 
                        such manner as the Secretary may 
                        prescribe; or
                          (ii) such other means as the 
                        Secretary determines are appropriate.
                  (B) Grasslands.--In the case of eligible land 
                described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary 
                shall make annual payments in an amount that is 
                not more than 75 percent of the grazing value 
                of the land covered by the contract.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Cash or In-Kind Payments.--
          [(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in 
        this section, payments under this subchapter--
                  [(A) shall be made in cash or in commodities 
                in such amount and on such time schedule as is 
                agreed on and specified in the contract; and
                  [(B) may be made in advance of determination 
                of performance.
          [(2) Method of providing in-kind payments.--If the 
        payment to an owner or operator is made with in-kind 
        commodities, the payment shall be made by the Commodity 
        Credit Corporation--
                  [(A) by delivery of the commodity involved to 
                the owner or operator at a warehouse or other 
                similar facility located in the county in which 
                the highly erodible cropland is located or at 
                such other location as is agreed to by the 
                Secretary and the owner or operator;
                  [(B) by the transfer of negotiable warehouse 
                receipts; or
                  [(C) by such other method, including the sale 
                of the commodity in commercial markets, as is 
                determined by the Secretary to be appropriate 
                to enable the owner or operator to receive 
                efficient and expeditious possession of the 
                commodity.
          [(3) Cash payments.--
                  [(A) Commodity credit corporation stocks.--If 
                stocks of a commodity acquired by the Commodity 
                Credit Corporation are not readily available to 
                make full payment in kind to the owner or 
                operator, the Secretary may substitute full or 
                partial payment in cash for payment in kind.
                  [(B) Special conservation reserve enhancement 
                program.--Payments to an owner or operator 
                under a special conservation reserve 
                enhancement program described in subsection 
                (f)(4) shall be in the form of cash only.]
  (d) Payment Schedule.--
          (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
        section, payments under this subchapter shall be made 
        in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is 
        agreed on and specified in the contract.
          (2) Advance payment.--Payments under this subchapter 
        may be made in advance of determination of performance.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Payment Limitation for Rental Payments.--
          (1) In general.--The total amount of rental 
        payments[, including rental payments made in the form 
        of in-kind commodities,] received by a person or legal 
        entity, directly or indirectly, under this subchapter 
        for any fiscal year may not exceed $50,000.
          [(3) Other payments.--Rental payments received by an 
        owner or operator shall be in addition to, and not 
        affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or 
        operator is otherwise eligible to receive under the 
        Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.]
          [(4)] (2) Special conservation reserve enhancement 
        program.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1235. CONTRACTS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Early Termination by Owner or Operator.--
          (1) Early termination.--
                  (A) In general.--[The Secretary] During 
                fiscal year 2013, the Secretary shall allow a 
                participant that entered into a contract under 
                this subchapter [before January 1, 1995,] to 
                terminate the contract at any time if the 
                contract has been in effect for at least 5 
                years.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Certain land excepted.--The following land shall 
        not be subject to an early termination of contract 
        under this subsection:
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  [(C) Other land of high environmental value 
                (including wetland), as determined by the 
                Secretary.]
                  (C) Land devoted to hardwood trees.
                  (D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, 
                pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, 
                wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife 
                enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, 
                and rare and declining habitat.
                  (E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland.
                  (F) Land that contains diversions, erosion 
                control structures, flood control structures, 
                contour grass strips, living snow fences, 
                salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap 
                strips, and sediment retention structures.
                  (G) Land located within a federally-
                designated wellhead protection area.
                  (H) Land that is covered by an easement under 
                the conservation reserve program.
                  (I) Land located within an average width, 
                according to the applicable Natural Resources 
                Conservation Service field office technical 
                guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water 
                body.
          (3) Effective date.--The contract termination shall 
        become effective [60 days after the date on which the 
        owner or operator submits the notice required under 
        paragraph (1)(C)] upon approval by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Transition Option for Certain Farmers or Ranchers.--
          (1) [Duties of the secretary.--In the case of a 
        contract modification approved in order to facilitate 
        the transfer, as described subsection (c)(1)(B)(iii), 
        of land to a beginning farmer] Transition to covered 
        farmer or rancher.--In the case of a contract 
        modification approved in order to facilitate the 
        transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired 
        farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer or rancher or 
        socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (in this 
        subsection referred to as a ``covered farmer or 
        rancher''), the Secretary shall--
                  (A) beginning on the date that is 1 year 
                before the date of termination of the 
                contract--
                          (i) allow the covered farmer or 
                        rancher, in conjunction with the 
                        retired or retiring owner or operator, 
                        to make conservation and land 
                        improvements, including preparing to 
                        plant an agricultural crop; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) provide to the covered farmer or rancher 
                an opportunity to enroll in the conservation 
                stewardship program or the environmental 
                quality incentives program by not later than 
                the date on which [the farmer or rancher] the 
                covered farmer or rancher takes possession of 
                the land through ownership or lease; and
                  (E) continue to make annual payments to the 
                retired or retiring owner or operator for not 
                more than an additional 2 years after the date 
                of termination of the contract, if the retired 
                or retiring owner or operator is not a family 
                member (as defined in [section 1001A(b)(3)(B)] 
                section 1001 of this Act) of the covered farmer 
                or rancher.
          (2) Reenrollment.--The Secretary shall provide a 
        covered farmer or rancher with the option to reenroll 
        any applicable partial field conservation practice 
        that--
                  (A) is eligible for enrollment under the 
                continuous signup [requirement of section 
                1231(h)(4)(B)] option pursuant to section 
                1234(c)(2)(A)(ii); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Final Year of Contract.--The Secretary shall not consider 
an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition 
of the conservation reserve contract if--
          (1) during the year prior to expiration of the 
        contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation 
        stewardship program; and
          (2) the activity required under the conservation 
        stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is 
        consistent with this subchapter.
  (h) Land Enrolled in Agricultural Conservation Easement 
Program.--The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract 
entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is 
subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural 
conservation easement program under subtitle H.

[SEC. 1235A. CONVERSION OF LAND SUBJECT TO CONTRACT TO OTHER CONSERVING 
                    USES.

  [(a) Conversion to Trees.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall permit an owner 
        or operator that has entered into a contract under this 
        subchapter that is in effect on November 28, 1990, to 
        convert areas of highly erodible cropland that are 
        subject to the contract, and that are devoted to 
        vegetative cover, from that use to hardwood trees, 
        windbreaks, shelterbelts, or wildlife corridors.
          [(2) Terms.--
                  [(A) Extension of contract.--With respect to 
                a contract that is modified under this section 
                that provides for the planting of hardwood 
                trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, or wildlife 
                corridors, if the original term of the contract 
                was less than 15 years, the owner or operator 
                may extend the contract to a term of not to 
                exceed 15 years.
                  [(B) Cost share assistance.--The Secretary 
                shall pay 50 percent of the cost of 
                establishing conservation measures and 
                practices authorized under this subsection for 
                which the Secretary determines the cost sharing 
                is appropriate and in the public interest.
  [(b) Conversion to Wetland.--The Secretary shall permit an 
owner or operator that has entered into a contract under this 
subchapter that is in effect on November 28, 1990, to restore 
areas of highly erodible cropland that are devoted to 
vegetative cover under the contract to wetland if--
          [(1) the areas are prior converted wetland;
          [(2) the owner or operator of the areas enters into 
        an agreement to provide the Secretary with a long-term 
        or permanent easement under subchapter C covering the 
        areas;
          [(3) there is a high probability that the prior 
        converted area can be successfully restored to wetland 
        status; and
          [(4) the restoration of the areas otherwise meets the 
        requirements of subchapter C.
  [(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not incur, through a 
conversion under this section, any additional expense on the 
acres, including the expense involved in the original 
establishment of the vegetative cover, that would result in 
cost share for costs under this section in excess of the costs 
that would have been subject to cost share for the new practice 
had that practice been the original practice.
  [(d) Condition of Contract.--An owner or operator shall as a 
condition of entering into a contract under subsection (a) 
participate in the Forest Stewardship Program established under 
section 5 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 
(16 U.S.C. 2103a).]

                [Subchapter C--Wetlands Reserve Program

[SEC. 1237. WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment and Purposes.--
          [(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        wetlands reserve program to assist owners of eligible 
        lands in restoring and protecting wetlands.
          [(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the wetlands reserve 
        program are to restore, protect, or enhance wetlands on 
        private or tribal lands that are eligible under 
        subsections (c) and (d).
  [(b) Enrollment Conditions.--
          [(1) Maximum enrollment.--The total number of acres 
        enrolled in the wetlands reserve program shall not 
        exceed 3,041,200 acres.
          [(2) Methods of enrollment.--Subject to paragraph 
        (3), the Secretary shall enroll acreage into the 
        wetlands reserve program through the use of permanent 
        easements, 30-year easements, restoration cost share 
        agreements, or any combination of those options.
          [(3) Acreage owned by indian tribes.--In the case of 
        acreage owned by an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall 
        enroll acreage into the wetlands reserve program 
        through the use of--
                  [(A) a 30-year contract (the value of which 
                shall be equivalent to the value of a 30-year 
                easement);
                  [(B) restoration cost-share agreements; or
                  [(C) any combination of the options described 
                in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
  [(c) Eligibility.--For purposes of enrolling land in the 
wetland reserve established under this subchapter during the 
1991 through 2012 fiscal years, private or tribal land shall be 
eligible to be placed into such reserve if the Secretary, in 
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local 
level, determines that--
          [(1) such land maximizes wildlife benefits and 
        wetland values and functions;
          [(2) such land is--
                  [(A) farmed wetland or converted wetland, 
                together with the adjacent land that is 
                functionally dependent on the wetlands, except 
                that converted wetland with respect to which 
                the conversion was not commenced prior to 
                December 23, 1985, shall not be eligible to be 
                enrolled in the program under this section; or
                  [(B) cropland or grassland that was used for 
                agricultural production prior to flooding from 
                the natural overflow of a closed basin lake or 
                pothole, as determined by the Secretary, 
                together (where practicable) with the adjacent 
                land that is functionally dependent on the 
                cropland or grassland; and
          [(3) the likelihood of the successful restoration of 
        such land and the resultant wetland values merit 
        inclusion of such land in the program taking into 
        consideration the cost of such restoration.
  [(d) Other Eligible Land.--The Secretary may include in the 
wetland reserve established under this subchapter, together 
with land that is eligible under subsection (c), land that 
maximizes wildlife benefits and that is--
          [(1) farmed wetland and adjoining lands, enrolled in 
        the conservation reserve, with the highest wetland 
        functions and values, and that are likely to return to 
        production after they leave the conservation reserve;
          [(2) other wetland of an owner that would not 
        otherwise be eligible if the Secretary determines that 
        the inclusion of such wetland in such easement would 
        significantly add to the functional value of the 
        easement; or
          [(3) riparian areas that link wetlands that are 
        protected by easements or some other device or 
        circumstance that achieves the same purpose as an 
        easement.
  [(e) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary may not acquire 
easements on--
          [(1) land that contains timber stands established 
        under the conservation reserve under subchapter B; or
          [(2) pasture land established to trees under the 
        conservation reserve under subchapter B.
  [(f) Termination of existing contract.--The Secretary may 
terminate or modify an existing contract entered into under 
section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such 
contract is transferred into the program established by this 
subchapter.

[SEC. 1237A. EASEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS.

  [(a) In General.--To be eligible to place land into the 
wetland reserve under this subchapter, the owner of such land 
shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary--
          [(1) to grant an easement on such land to the 
        Secretary;
          [(2) to implement a wetland easement conservation 
        plan as provided for in this section;
          [(3) to create and record an appropriate deed 
        restriction in accordance with applicable State law to 
        reflect the easement agreed to under this subchapter 
        with respect to such lands; and
          [(4) to provide a written statement of consent to 
        such easement signed by those holding a security 
        interest in the land.
  [(b) Terms of Easement.--An owner granting an easement under 
subsection (a) shall be required to provide for the restoration 
and protection of the functional values of wetland pursuant to 
a wetland easement conservation plan that--
          [(1) permits--
                  [(A) repairs, improvements, and inspections 
                on such land that are necessary to maintain 
                existing public drainage systems if such land 
                is subsequently restored to the condition 
                required by the terms of the easement; and
                  [(B) landowners to control public access on 
                the easement areas while identifying access 
                routes to be used for wetland restoration 
                activities and management and easement 
                monitoring;
          [(2) prohibits--
                  [(A) the alteration of wildlife habitat and 
                other natural features of such land, unless 
                specifically permitted by the plan;
                  [(B) the spraying of such land with chemicals 
                or the mowing of such land, except where such 
                spraying or mowing is permitted by the plan or 
                is necessary--
                          [(i) to comply with Federal or State 
                        noxious weed control laws;
                          [(ii) to comply with a Federal or 
                        State emergency pest treatment program; 
                        or
                          [(iii) to meet habitat needs of 
                        specific wildlife species; and
                  [(C) any activities to be carried out on such 
                participating landowner's or successor's land 
                that is immediately adjacent to, and 
                functionally related to, the land that is 
                subject to the easement if such activities will 
                alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the 
                functional value of the eligible land; and
                  [(D) the adoption of any other practice that 
                would tend to defeat the purposes of this 
                subchapter, as determined by the Secretary;
          [(3) provides for the efficient and effective 
        restoration of the functional values of wetlands; and
          [(4) includes such additional provisions as the 
        Secretary determines are desirable to carry out this 
        subchapter or to facilitate the practical 
        administration thereof.
  [(c) Restoration Plans.--The development of a restoration 
plan, including any compatible use, under this section shall be 
made through the local Natural Resources Conservation Service 
representative, in consultation with the State technical 
committee.
  [(d) Compatible Uses.--Wetland reserve program lands may be 
used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as 
hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying 
or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the plan 
and consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of 
the wetlands resources for which the easement was established.
  [(e) Type and Length of Easement.--A conservation easement 
granted under this section--
          [(1) shall be in a recordable form; and
          [(2) shall be for 30 years, permanent, or the maximum 
        duration allowed under applicable State laws.
  [(f) Compensation.--
          [(1) Determination.--Effective on the date of the 
        enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
        2008, the Secretary shall pay as compensation for a 
        conservation easement acquired under this subchapter 
        the lowest of--
                  [(A) the fair market value of the land, as 
                determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform 
                Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices 
                or an area-wide market analysis or survey;
                  [(B) the amount corresponding to a 
                geographical cap, as determined by the 
                Secretary in regulations; or
                  [(C) the offer made by the landowner.
          [(2) Form of payment.--Compensation for an easement 
        shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a 
        cash payment, in an amount determined under paragraph 
        (1) and specified in the easement agreement.
          [(3) Payment schedule for easements.--
                  [(A) Easements valued at $500,000 or less.--
                For easements valued at $500,000 or less, the 
                Secretary may provide easement payments in not 
                more than 30 annual payments.
                  [(B) Easements in excess of $500,000.--For 
                easements valued at more than $500,000, the 
                Secretary may provide easement payments in at 
                least 5, but not more than 30 annual payments, 
                except that, if the Secretary determines it 
                would further the purposes of the program, the 
                Secretary may make a lump sum payment for such 
                an easement.
          [(4) Restoration agreement payment limitation.--
        Payments made to a person or legal entity, directly or 
        indirectly, pursuant to a restoration cost-share 
        agreement under this subchapter may not exceed, in the 
        aggregate, $50,000 per year.
          [(5) Enrollment procedure.--Lands may be enrolled 
        under this subchapter through the submission of bids 
        under a procedure established by the Secretary.
  [(g) Violation.--On the violation of the terms or conditions 
of the easement or related agreement entered into under 
subsection (a), the easement shall remain in force and the 
Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any 
payments received by the owner under this subchapter, together 
with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the 
Secretary.
  [(h) Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program.--
          [(1) Program authorized.--The Secretary may enter 
        into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a 
        political subdivision or agency of a State), 
        nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry 
        out a special wetlands reserve enhancement program that 
        the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of 
        this subchapter.
          [(2) Reserved rights pilot program.--
                  [(A) Reservation of grazing rights.--As part 
                of the wetlands reserve enhancement program, 
                the Secretary shall carry out a pilot program 
                for land in which a landowner may reserve 
                grazing rights in the warranty easement deed 
                restriction if the Secretary determines that 
                the reservation and use of the grazing rights--
                          [(i) is compatible with the land 
                        subject to the easement;
                          [(ii) is consistent with the long-
                        term wetland protection and enhancement 
                        goals for which the easement was 
                        established; and
                          [(iii) complies with a conservation 
                        plan.
                  [(B) Duration.--The pilot program established 
                under this paragraph shall terminate on 
                September 30, 2012.

[SEC. 1237B. DUTIES OF OWNERS.

  [Under the terms of an agreement entered into under this 
subchapter, an owner and operator of the land that is subject 
to an easement under this subchapter shall agree to comply with 
the terms of the easement and related agreements and shall 
agree to the permanent retirement of any existing cropland base 
and allotment history for such land under any program 
administered by the Secretary.

[SEC. 1237C. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  [(a) In General.--In return for the granting of an easement 
by an owner under this subchapter, the Secretary shall--
          [(1) share the cost of carrying out the establishment 
        of conservation measures and practices, and the 
        protection of the wetland functions and values, 
        including necessary maintenance activities, as set 
        forth in the plan to the extent that the Secretary 
        determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the 
        public interest; and
          [(2) provide necessary technical assistance to assist 
        owners in complying with the terms and conditions of 
        the easement and the plan.
  [(b) Cost-Share and Technical Assistance.--
          [(1) Easements.--Effective beginning October 1, 1996, 
        in making cost-share payments under subsection (a)(1), 
        the Secretary shall--
                  [(A) in the case of a permanent easement, pay 
                the owner an amount that is not less than 75 
                percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the 
                eligible costs; and
                  [(B) in the case of a 30-year easement, pay 
                the owner an amount that is not less than 50 
                percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the 
                eligible costs.
          [(2) Restoration cost-share agreements.--In making 
        cost-share payments in connection with a restoration 
        cost-share agreement entered into under section 
        1237A(h), the Secretary shall pay the owner an amount 
        that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 
        percent, of the eligible costs.
          [(3) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall 
        provide owners with technical assistance to assist 
        owners in complying with the terms of easements and 
        restoration cost-share agreements.
  [(c) Ranking of Offers.--
          [(1) Conservation benefits and funding 
        considerations.--When evaluating offers from 
        landowners, the Secretary may consider--
                  [(A) the conservation benefits of obtaining 
                an easement or other interest in the land;
                  [(B) the cost-effectiveness of each easement 
                or other interest in eligible land, so as to 
                maximize the environmental benefits per dollar 
                expended; and
                  [(C) whether the landowner or another person 
                is offering to contribute financially to the 
                cost of the easement or other interest in the 
                land to leverage Federal funds.
          [(2) Additional considerations.--In determining the 
        acceptability of easement offers, the Secretary may 
        take into consideration--
                  [(A) the extent to which the purposes of the 
                easement program would be achieved on the land;
                  [(B) the productivity of the land; and
                  [(C) the on-farm and off-farm environmental 
                threats if the land is used for the production 
                of agricultural commodities.
  [(d) Easement Priority.--In carrying out this subchapter, to 
the extent practicable, taking into consideration costs and 
future agricultural and food needs, the Secretary shall give 
priority to obtaining permanent conservation easements before 
shorter term conservation easements and, in consultation with 
the Secretary of the Interior, shall place priority on 
acquiring easements based on the value of the easement for 
protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other 
wildlife.

[SEC. 1237D. PAYMENTS.

  [(a) Time of Payment.--The Secretary shall provide payment 
for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this 
subchapter--
          [(1) with respect to any cost sharing obligation as 
        soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and
          [(2) with respect to any annual easement payment 
        obligation incurred by the Secretary as soon as 
        possible after October 1 of each calendar year.
  [(b) Payments to Others.--If an owner who is entitled to a 
payment under this subchapter dies, becomes incompetent, is 
otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by 
another person who renders or completes the required 
performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in 
accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and 
without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as 
the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all 
of the circumstances.
  [(c) Payment Limitation.--
          [(1) In general.--The total amount of payments that a 
        person or legal entity may receive, directly or 
        indirectly, under this subchapter for any year may not 
        exceed $50,000, except such limitation shall not apply 
        with respect to payments for perpetual or 30-year 
        easements or under 30-year contracts.
          [(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue 
        regulations prescribing such rules as the Secretary 
        determines necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable 
        application of the limitation contained in this 
        subsection.
          [(3) Other payments.--Easement payments received by 
        an owner shall be in addition to, and not affect, the 
        total amount of payments that such owner is otherwise 
        eligible to receive under this Act, the Food, 
        Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, or 
        the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.).
  [(d) Exemption From Automatic Sequester.--Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, no order issued under section 252 of 
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, 
as amended (2 U.S.C. 902) shall affect any payment under this 
subchapter.

[SEC. 1237E. CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP; AGREEMENT MODIFICATION; TERMINATION.

  [(a) Limitations.--No easement shall be created under this 
subchapter on land that has changed ownership during the 
preceding 7-year period unless--
          [(1) the new ownership was acquired by will or 
        succession as a result of the death of the previous 
        owner;
          [(2)(A) the ownership change occurred because of 
        foreclosure on the land; and
          [(B) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of 
        the land exercises a right of redemption from the 
        mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or
          [(3) the Secretary determines that the land was 
        acquired under circumstances that give adequate 
        assurances that such land was not acquired for the 
        purposes of placing it in the program established by 
        this subchapter.
  [(b) Modification; Termination.--
          [(1) Modification.--The Secretary may modify an 
        easement acquired from, or a related agreement with, an 
        owner under this subchapter if--
                  [(A) the current owner agrees to such 
                modification; and
                  [(B) the Secretary determines that such 
                modification is desirable--
                          [(i) to carry out this subchapter;
                          [(ii) to facilitate the practical 
                        administration of this subchapter; or
                          [(iii) to achieve such other goals as 
                        the Secretary determines are 
                        appropriate and consistent with this 
                        subchapter.
          [(2) Termination.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary may terminate 
                an easement created with an owner under this 
                subchapter if--
                          [(i) the current owner agrees to such 
                        termination; and
                          [(ii) the Secretary determines that 
                        such termination would be in the public 
                        interest.
                  [(B) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking 
                any action to terminate under paragraph (A) all 
                easements entered into under this subchapter, 
                the Secretary shall provide written notice of 
                such action to the Committee on Agriculture of 
                the House of Representatives and the Committee 
                on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
                Senate.

[SEC. 1237F. ADMINISTRATION, AND FUNDING.

  [(a) Delegation of Easement Administration.--The Secretary 
may delegate any of the easement management, monitoring, and 
enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to Federal or 
State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, 
and resources necessary to carry out such delegated 
responsibilities.
  [(b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this subchapter, the Secretary shall issue such 
regulations as are necessary to carry out this subchapter.
  [(c) Prairie Pothole Region Survey and Reallocation.--
          [(1) Survey.--The Secretary shall conduct a survey 
        during fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal year 
        for the purpose of determining interest and allocations 
        for the Prairie Pothole Region to enroll eligible land 
        described in section 1237(c)(2)(B).
          [(2) Annual adjustment.--The Secretary shall make an 
        adjustment to the allocation for an interested State 
        for a fiscal year, based on the results of the survey 
        conducted under paragraph (1) for the State during the 
        previous fiscal year.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 2--CONSERVATION SECURITY [AND FARMLAND PROTECTION]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


            [Subchapter B--Conservation Stewardship Program

[SEC. 1238D. DEFINITIONS.

  [In this subchapter:
          [(1) Conservation activities.--
                  [(A) In general.--The term ``conservation 
                activities'' means conservation systems, 
                practices, or management measures that are 
                designed to address a resource concern.
                  [(B) Inclusions.--The term ``conservation 
                activities'' includes--
                          [(i) structural measures, vegetative 
                        measures, and land management measures, 
                        including agriculture drainage 
                        management systems, as determined by 
                        the Secretary; and
                          [(ii) planning needed to address a 
                        resource concern.
          [(2) Conservation measurement tools.--The term 
        ``conservation measurement tools'' means procedures to 
        estimate the level of environmental benefit to be 
        achieved by a producer in implementing conservation 
        activities, including indices or other measures 
        developed by the Secretary.
          [(3) Conservation stewardship plan.--The term 
        ``conservation stewardship plan'' means a plan that--
                  [(A) identifies and inventories resource 
                concerns;
                  [(B) establishes benchmark data and 
                conservation objectives;
                  [(C) describes conservation activities to be 
                implemented, managed, or improved; and
                  [(D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan 
                for the planning, installation, and management 
                of the new and existing conservation 
                activities.
          [(4) Priority resource concern.--The term ``priority 
        resource concern'' means a resource concern that is 
        identified at the State level, in consultation with the 
        State Technical Committee, as a priority for a 
        particular watershed or area of the State.
          [(5) Program.--The term ``program'' means the 
        conservation stewardship program established by this 
        subchapter.
          [(6) Resource concern.--The term ``resource concern'' 
        means a specific natural resource impairment or 
        problem, as determined by the Secretary, that--
                  [(A) represents a significant concern in a 
                State or region; and
                  [(B) is likely to be addressed successfully 
                through the implementation of conservation 
                activities by producers on land eligible for 
                enrollment in the program.
          [(7) Stewardship threshold.--The term ``stewardship 
        threshold'' means the level of natural resource 
        conservation and environmental management required, as 
        determined by the Secretary using conservation 
        measurement tools, to improve and conserve the quality 
        and condition of a resource concern.

[SEC. 1238E. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment and Purpose.--During each of fiscal years 
2009 through 2014, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation 
stewardship program to encourage producers to address resource 
concerns in a comprehensive manner--
          [(1) by undertaking additional conservation 
        activities; and
          [(2) by improving, maintaining and managing existing 
        conservation activities.
  [(b) Eligible Land.--
          [(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection 
        (c), the following land is eligible for enrollment in 
        the program:
                  [(A) Private agricultural land (including 
                cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved 
                pastureland, rangeland, and land used for agro-
                forestry).
                  [(B) Agricultural land under the jurisdiction 
                of an Indian tribe.
                  [(C) Forested land that is an incidental part 
                of an agricultural operation.
                  [(D) Other private agricultural land 
                (including cropped woodland, marshes, and 
                agricultural land used for the production of 
                livestock) on which resource concerns related 
                to agricultural production could be addressed 
                by enrolling the land in the program, as 
                determined by the Secretary.
          [(2) Special rule for nonindustrial private forest 
        land.--Nonindustrial private forest land is eligible 
        for enrollment in the program, except that not more 
        than 10 percent of the annual acres enrolled nationally 
        in any fiscal year may be nonindustrial private forest 
        land.
          [(3) Agricultural operation.--Eligible land shall 
        include all acres of an agricultural operation of a 
        producer, whether or not contiguous, that are under the 
        effective control of the producer at the time the 
        producer enters into a stewardship contract, and is 
        operated by the producer with equipment, labor, 
        management, and production or cultivation practices 
        that are substantially separate from other agricultural 
        operations, as determined by the Secretary.
  [(c) Exclusions.--
          [(1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs.--
        Subject to paragraph (2), the following land is not be 
        eligible for enrollment in the program:
                  [(A) Land enrolled in the conservation 
                reserve program.
                  [(B) Land enrolled in the wetlands reserve 
                program.
                  [(C) Land enrolled in the grassland reserve 
                program.
          [(2) Conversion to cropland.--Land used for crop 
        production after the date of enactment of the Food, 
        Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 that had not been 
        planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop 
        production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that 
        date shall not be the basis for any payment under the 
        program, unless the land does not meet the requirement 
        because--
                  [(A) the land had previously been enrolled in 
                the conservation reserve program;
                  [(B) the land has been maintained using long-
                term crop rotation practices, as determined by 
                the Secretary; or
                  [(C) the land is incidental land needed for 
                efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as 
                determined by the Secretary.

[SEC. 1238F. STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS.

  [(a) Submission of Contract Offers.--To be eligible to 
participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer 
shall submit to the Secretary for approval a contract offer 
that--
          [(1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the 
        Secretary that the producer, at the time of the 
        contract offer, is meeting the stewardship threshold 
        for at least one resource concern; and
          [(2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the 
        stewardship threshold for at least 1 priority resource 
        concern by the end of the stewardship contract by--
                  [(A) installing and adopting additional 
                conservation activities; and
                  [(B) improving, maintaining, and managing 
                conservation activities in place at the 
                operation of the producer at the time the 
                contract offer is accepted by the Secretary.
  [(b) Evaluation of Contract Offers.--
          [(1) Ranking of applications.--In evaluating contract 
        offers made by producers to enter into contracts under 
        the program, the Secretary shall rank applications 
        based on--
                  [(A) the level of conservation treatment on 
                all applicable priority resource concerns at 
                the time of application, based to the maximum 
                extent practicable on conservation measurement 
                tools;
                  [(B) the degree to which the proposed 
                conservation treatment on applicable priority 
                resource concerns effectively increases 
                conservation performance, based to the maximum 
                extent possible on conservation measurement 
                tools;
                  [(C) the number of applicable priority 
                resource concerns proposed to be treated to 
                meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the 
                end of the contract;
                  [(D) the extent to which other resource 
                concerns, in addition to priority resource 
                concerns, will be addressed to meet or exceed 
                the stewardship threshold by the end of the 
                contract period; and
                  [(E) the extent to which the actual and 
                anticipated environmental benefits from the 
                contract are provided at the least cost 
                relative to other similarly beneficial contract 
                offers.
          [(2) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not assign a 
        higher priority to any application because the 
        applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the 
        applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive.
          [(3) Additional criteria.--The Secretary may develop 
        and use such additional criteria for evaluating 
        applications to enroll in the program that the 
        Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that 
        national, State, and local conservation priorities are 
        effectively addressed.
  [(c) Entering Into Contracts.--After a determination that a 
producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and 
a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high 
under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the 
Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract 
with the producer to enroll the land to be covered by the 
contract.
  [(d) Contract Provisions.--
          [(1) Term.--A conservation stewardship contract shall 
        be for a term of 5 years.
          [(2) Provisions.--The conservation stewardship 
        contract of a producer shall--
                  [(A) state the amount of the payment the 
                Secretary agrees to make to the producer for 
                each year of the conservation stewardship 
                contract under section 1238G(e);
                  [(B) require the producer--
                          [(i) to implement during the term of 
                        the conservation stewardship contract 
                        the conservation stewardship plan 
                        approved by the Secretary;
                          [(ii) to maintain, and make available 
                        to the Secretary at such times as the 
                        Secretary may request, appropriate 
                        records showing the effective and 
                        timely implementation of the 
                        conservation stewardship contract; and
                          [(iii) not to engage in any activity 
                        during the term of the conservation 
                        stewardship contract on the eligible 
                        land covered by the contract that would 
                        interfere with the purposes of the 
                        conservation stewardship contract;
                  [(C) permit all economic uses of the land 
                that--
                          [(i) maintain the agricultural nature 
                        of the land; and
                          [(ii) are consistent with the 
                        conservation purposes of the 
                        conservation stewardship contract;
                  [(D) include a provision to ensure that a 
                producer shall not be considered in violation 
                of the contract for failure to comply with the 
                contract due to circumstances beyond the 
                control of the producer, including a disaster 
                or related condition, as determined by the 
                Secretary; and
                  [(E) include such other provisions as the 
                Secretary determines necessary to ensure the 
                purposes of the program are achieved.
  [(e) Contract Renewal.--At the end of an initial conservation 
stewardship contract of a producer, the Secretary may allow the 
producer to renew the contract for one additional five-year 
period if the producer--
          [(1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the 
        existing contract; and
          [(2) agrees to adopt new conservation activities, as 
        determined by the Secretary.
  [(f) Modification.--The Secretary may allow a producer to 
modify a stewardship contract if the Secretary determines that 
the modification is consistent with achieving the purposes of 
the program.
  [(g) Contract Termination.--
          [(1) Voluntary termination.--A producer may terminate 
        a conservation stewardship contract if the Secretary 
        determines that termination would not defeat the 
        purposes of the program.
          [(2) Involuntary termination.--The Secretary may 
        terminate a contract under this subchapter if the 
        Secretary determines that the producer violated the 
        contract.
          [(3) Repayment.--If a contract is terminated, the 
        Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the 
        program--
                  [(A) allow the producer to retain payments 
                already received under the contract; or
                  [(B) require repayment, in whole or in part, 
                of payments already received and assess 
                liquidated damages.
          [(4) Change of interest in land subject to a 
        contract.--
                  [(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                paragraph (B), a change in the interest of a 
                producer in land covered by a contract under 
                this chapter shall result in the termination of 
                the contract with regard to that land.
                  [(B) Transfer of duties and rights.--
                Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if--
                          [(i) within a reasonable period of 
                        time (as determined by the Secretary) 
                        after the date of the change in the 
                        interest in land covered by a contract 
                        under the program, the transferee of 
                        the land provides written notice to the 
                        Secretary that all duties and rights 
                        under the contract have been 
                        transferred to, and assumed by, the 
                        transferee; and
                          [(ii) the transferee meets the 
                        eligibility requirements of the 
                        program.
  [(h) Coordination With Organic Certification.--The Secretary 
shall establish a transparent means by which producers may 
initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods 
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et. seq.) while 
participating in a contract under this subchapter.
  [(i) On-Farm Research and Demonstration or Pilot Testing.--
The Secretary may approve a contract offer under this 
subchapter that includes--
          [(1) on-farm conservation research and demonstration 
        activities; and
          [(2) pilot testing of new technologies or innovative 
        conservation practices.

[SEC. 1238G. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  [(a) In General.--To achieve the conservation goals of a 
contract under the conservation stewardship program, the 
Secretary shall--
          [(1) make the program available to eligible producers 
        on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking 
        periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter 
        of each fiscal year;
          [(2) identify not less than 3 nor more than 5 
        priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or 
        other appropriate region or area within a State; and
          [(3) develop reliable conservation measurement tools 
        for purposes of carrying out the program.
  [(b) Allocation to States.--The Secretary shall allocate 
acres to States for enrollment, based--
          [(1) primarily on each State's proportion of eligible 
        acres under section 1238E(b)(1) to the total number of 
        eligible acres in all States; and
          [(2) also on consideration of--
                  [(A) the extent and magnitude of the 
                conservation needs associated with agricultural 
                production in each State;
                  [(B) the degree to which implementation of 
                the program in the State is, or will be, 
                effective in helping producers address those 
                needs; and
                  [(C) other considerations to achieve 
                equitable geographic distribution of funds, as 
                determined by the Secretary.
  [(c) Specialty Crop and Organic Producers.--The Secretary 
shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are 
available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable 
specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the 
program.
  [(d) Acreage Enrollment Limitation.--During the period 
beginning on October 1, 2008, and ending on September 30, 2017, 
the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
          [(1) enroll in the program an additional 12,769,000 
        acres for each fiscal year; and
          [(2) manage the program to achieve a national average 
        rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of 
        all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any 
        other expenses associated with enrollment or 
        participation in the program.
  [(e) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--
          [(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall 
        provide a payment under the program to compensate the 
        producer for--
                  [(A) installing and adopting additional 
                conservation activities; and
                  [(B) improving, maintaining, and managing 
                conservation activities in place at the 
                operation of the producer at the time the 
                contract offer is accepted by the Secretary.
          [(2) Payment amount.--The amount of the conservation 
        stewardship payment shall be determined by the 
        Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, 
        on the following factors:
                  [(A) Costs incurred by the producer 
                associated with planning, design, materials, 
                installation, labor, management, maintenance, 
                or training.
                  [(B) Income forgone by the producer.
                  [(C) Expected environmental benefits as 
                determined by conservation measurement tools.
          [(3) Exclusions.--A payment to a producer under this 
        subsection shall not be provided for--
                  [(A) the design, construction, or maintenance 
                of animal waste storage or treatment facilities 
                or associated waste transport or transfer 
                devices for animal feeding operations; or
                  [(B) conservation activities for which there 
                is no cost incurred or income forgone to the 
                producer.
          [(4) Timing of payments.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make 
                payments as soon as practicable after October 1 
                of each fiscal year for activities carried out 
                in the previous fiscal year.
                  [(B) Additional activities.--The Secretary 
                shall make payments to compensate producers for 
                installation of additional practices at the 
                time at which the practices are installed and 
                adopted.
  [(f) Supplemental Payments for Resource-Conserving Crop 
Rotations.--
          [(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall 
        provide additional payments to producers that, in 
        participating in the program, agree to adopt resource-
        conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop 
        rotations as appropriate for the land of the producers.
          [(2) Beneficial crop rotations.--The Secretary shall 
        determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation 
        is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional 
        payments under paragraph (1), based on whether the 
        resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to 
        provide natural resource conservation and production 
        benefits.
          [(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a 
        payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall 
        agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-
        conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract.
          [(4) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--In this 
        subsection, the term ``resource-conserving crop 
        rotation'' means a crop rotation that--
                  [(A) includes at least 1 resource conserving 
                crop (as defined by the Secretary);
                  [(B) reduces erosion;
                  [(C) improves soil fertility and tilth;
                  [(D) interrupts pest cycles; and
                  [(E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion 
                of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need 
                for irrigation.
  [(g) Payment Limitations.--A person or legal entity may not 
receive, directly or indirectly, payments under this subchapter 
that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 for all contracts 
entered into during any 5-year period, excluding funding 
arrangements with federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska 
Native corporations, regardless of the number of contracts 
entered into under the program by the person or entity.
  [(h) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations 
that--
          [(1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary 
        determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and 
        reasonable application of the limitations established 
        under subsection (g); and
          [(2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the 
        program.
  [(i) Data.--The Secretary shall maintain detailed and 
segmented data on contracts and payments under the program to 
allow for quantification of the amount of payments made for--
          [(1) the installation and adoption of additional 
        conservation activities and improvements to 
        conservation activities in place on the operation of a 
        producer at the time the conservation stewardship offer 
        is accepted by the Secretary;
          [(2) participation in research, demonstration, and 
        pilot projects; and
          [(3) the development and periodic assessment and 
        evaluation of conservation plans developed under this 
        subchapter.

               [Subchapter C--Farmland Protection Program

[SEC. 1238H. DEFINITIONS.

  [In this subchapter:
          [(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' 
        means--
                  [(A) any agency of any State or local 
                government or an Indian tribe (including a 
                farmland protection board or land resource 
                council established under State law); or
                  [(B) any organization that--
                          [(i) is organized for, and at all 
                        times since the formation of the 
                        organization has been operated 
                        principally for, 1 or more of the 
                        conservation purposes specified in 
                        clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of 
                        section 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal 
                        Revenue Code of 1986;
                          [(ii) is an organization described in 
                        section 501(c)(3) of that Code that is 
                        exempt from taxation under section 
                        501(a) of that Code; and
                          [(iii) is--
                                  [(I) described in paragraph 
                                (1) or (2) of section 509(a) of 
                                that Code; or
                                  [(II) described in section 
                                509(a)(3), and is controlled by 
                                an organization described in 
                                section 509(a)(2), of that 
                                Code.
          [(2) Eligible land.--
                  [(A) In general.--The term ``eligible land'' 
                means land on a farm or ranch that is subject 
                to a pending offer for purchase from an 
                eligible entity and--
                          [(i) has prime, unique, or other 
                        productive soil;
                          [(ii) contains historical or 
                        archaeological resources; or
                          [(iii) the protection of which will 
                        further a State or local policy 
                        consistent with the purposes of the 
                        program.
                  [(B) Inclusions.--The term ``eligible land'' 
                includes, on a farm or ranch--
                          [(i) cropland;
                          [(ii) rangeland;
                          [(iii) grassland;
                          [(iv) pasture land;
                          [(v) forest land that--
                                  [(I) contributes to the 
                                economic viability of an 
                                agricultural operation; or
                                  [(II) serves as a buffer to 
                                protect an agricultural 
                                operation from development; and
                          [(vi) land that is incidental to land 
                        described in clauses (i) through (v), 
                        if such land is necessary for the 
                        efficient administration of a 
                        conservation easement, as determined by 
                        the Secretary.
          [(3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
        450b).
          [(4) Program.--The term ``program'' means the 
        farmland protection program established under section 
        1238I(a).

[SEC. 1238I. FARMLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and carry 
out a farmland protection program under which the Secretary 
shall facilitate and provide funding for the purchase of 
conservation easements or other interests in eligible land.
  [(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the program is to protect the 
agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible 
land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land.
  [(c) Cost-Share Assistance.--
          [(1) Provision of assistance.--The Secretary shall 
        provide cost-share assistance to eligible entities for 
        purchasing a conservation easement or other interest in 
        eligible land.
          [(2) Federal share.--The share of the cost provided 
        by the Secretary for purchasing a conservation easement 
        or other interest in eligible land shall not exceed 50 
        percent of the appraised fair market value of the 
        conservation easement or other interest in eligible 
        land.
          [(3) Non-federal share.--
                  [(A) Share provided by eligible entity.--The 
                eligible entity shall provide a share of the 
                cost of purchasing a conservation easement or 
                other interest in eligible land in an amount 
                that is not less than 25 percent of the 
                acquisition purchase price.
                  [(B) Landowner contribution.--As part of the 
                non-Federal share of the cost of purchasing a 
                conservation easement or other interest in 
                eligible land, an eligible entity may include a 
                charitable donation or qualified conservation 
                contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of 
                the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the 
                private landowner from which the conservation 
                easement or other interest in land will be 
                purchased.
  [(d) Determination of Fair Market Value.--Effective on the 
date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008, the fair market value of the conservation easement or 
other interest in eligible land shall be determined on the 
basis of an appraisal using an industry approved method, 
selected by the eligible entity and approved by the Secretary.
  [(e) Bidding Down Prohibited.--If the Secretary determines 
that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are 
comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the 
Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any 1 of those 
applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program.
  [(f) Condition on Assistance.--
          [(1) Conservation plan.--Any highly erodible cropland 
        for which a conservation easement or other interest is 
        purchased using cost-share assistance provided under 
        the program shall be subject to a conservation plan 
        that requires, at the option of the Secretary, the 
        conversion of the cropland to less intensive uses.
          [(2) Contingent right of enforcement.--The Secretary 
        shall require the inclusion of a contingent right of 
        enforcement for the Secretary in the terms of a 
        conservation easement or other interest in eligible 
        land that is purchased using cost-share assistance 
        provided under the program.
  [(g) Agreements With Eligible Entities.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into 
        agreements with eligible entities to stipulate the 
        terms and conditions under which the eligible entity is 
        permitted to use cost-share assistance provided under 
        subsection (c).
          [(2) Length of agreements.--An agreement under this 
        subsection shall be for a term that is--
                  [(A) in the case of an eligible entity 
                certified under the process described in 
                subsection (h), a minimum of five years; and
                  [(B) for all other eligible entities, at 
                least three, but not more than five years.
          [(3) Substitution of qualified projects.--An 
        agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the 
        parties, substitution of qualified projects that are 
        identified at the time of the proposed substitution.
          [(4) Minimum requirements.--An eligible entity shall 
        be authorized to use its own terms and conditions, as 
        approved by the Secretary, for conservation easements 
        and other purchases of interests in land, so long as 
        such terms and conditions--
                  [(A) are consistent with the purposes of the 
                program;
                  [(B) permit effective enforcement of the 
                conservation purposes of such easements or 
                other interests; and
                  [(C) include a limit on the impervious 
                surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with 
                the agricultural activities to be conducted.
          [(5) Effect of violation.--If a violation occurs of a 
        term or condition of an agreement entered into under 
        this subsection--
                  [(A) the agreement shall remain in force; and
                  [(B) the Secretary may require the eligible 
                entity to refund all or part of any payments 
                received by the entity under the program, with 
                interest on the payments as determined 
                appropriate by the Secretary.
  [(h) Certification of Eligible Entities.--
          [(1) Certification process.--The Secretary shall 
        establish a process under which the Secretary may--
                  [(A) directly certify eligible entities that 
                meet established criteria;
                  [(B) enter into long-term agreements with 
                certified entities, as authorized by subsection 
                (g)(2)(A); and
                  [(C) accept proposals for cost-share 
                assistance to certified entities for the 
                purchase of conservation easements or other 
                interests in eligible land throughout the 
                duration of such agreements.
          [(2) Certification criteria.--In order to be 
        certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the 
        Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, 
        for the duration of the agreement--
                  [(A) a plan for administering easements that 
                is consistent with the purpose of this 
                subchapter;
                  [(B) the capacity and resources to monitor 
                and enforce conservation easements or other 
                interests in land; and
                  [(C) policies and procedures to ensure--
                          [(i) the long-term integrity of 
                        conservation easements or other 
                        interests in eligible land;
                          [(ii) timely completion of 
                        acquisitions of easements or other 
                        interests in eligible land; and
                          [(iii) timely and complete evaluation 
                        and reporting to the Secretary on the 
                        use of funds provided by the Secretary 
                        under the program.
          [(3) Review and revision.--
                  [(A) Review.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
                review of eligible entities certified under 
                paragraph (1) every three years to ensure that 
                such entities are meeting the criteria 
                established under paragraph (2).
                  [(B) Revocation.--If the Secretary finds that 
                the certified entity no longer meets the 
                criteria established under paragraph (2), the 
                Secretary may--
                          [(i) allow the certified entity a 
                        specified period of time, at a minimum 
                        180 days, in which to take such actions 
                        as may be necessary to meet the 
                        criteria; and
                          [(ii) revoke the certification of the 
                        entity, if after the specified period 
                        of time, the certified entity does not 
                        meet the criteria established in 
                        paragraph (2).

[SEC. 1238J. FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary may provide to eligible 
entities identified by the Secretary grants for use in carrying 
out farm viability programs developed by the eligible entities 
and approved by the Secretary.
  [(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 
through 2012.

                [Subchapter D--Grassland Reserve Program


[SEC. 1238N. GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall 
establish a grassland reserve program (referred to in this 
subchapter as the ``program'') for the purpose of assisting 
owners and operators in protecting grazing uses and related 
conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land 
through rental contracts, easements, and restoration 
agreements.
  [(b) Enrollment of Acreage.--
          [(1) Acreage enrolled.--The Secretary shall enroll an 
        additional 1,220,000 acres of eligible land in the 
        program during fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
          [(2) Methods of enrollment.--The Secretary shall 
        enroll eligible land in the program through the use of;
                  [(A) a 10-year, 15-year, or 20-year rental 
                contract;
                  [(B) a permanent easement; or
                  [(C) in a State that imposes a maximum 
                duration for easements, an easement for the 
                maximum duration allowed under the law of that 
                State.
          [(3) Limitation.--Of the total amount of funds 
        expended under the program to acquire rental contracts 
        and easements described in paragraph (2), the Secretary 
        shall use, to the extent practicable--
                  [(A) 40 percent for rental contacts; and
                  [(B) 60 percent for easements.
          [(4) Enrollment of conservation reserve land.--
                  [(A) Priority.--Upon expiration of a contract 
                under subchapter B of chapter 1 of this 
                subtitle, the Secretary shall give priority for 
                enrollment in the program to land previously 
                enrolled in the conservation reserve program 
                if--
                          [(i) the land is eligible land, as 
                        defined in subsection (c); and
                          [(ii) the Secretary determines that 
                        the land is of high ecological value 
                        and under significant threat of 
                        conversion to uses other than grazing.
                  [(B) Maximum enrollment.--The number of acres 
                of land enrolled under the priority described 
                in subparagraph (A) in a calendar year shall 
                not exceed 10 percent of the total number of 
                acres enrolled in the program in that calendar 
                year.
  [(c) Eligible Land Defined.--For purposes of the program, the 
term ``eligible land'' means private or tribal land that--
          [(1) is grassland, land that contains forbs, or 
        shrubland (including improved rangeland and 
        pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use;
          [(2) is located in an area that has been historically 
        dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrubland, and the 
        land--
                  [(A) could provide habitat for animal or 
                plant populations of significant ecological 
                value if the land--
                          [(i) is retained in its current use; 
                        or
                          [(ii) is restored to a natural 
                        condition;
                  [(B) contains historical or archaeological 
                resources; or
                  [(C) would address issues raised by State, 
                regional, and national conservation priorities; 
                or
          [(3) is incidental to land described in paragraph (1) 
        or (2), if the incidental land is determined by the 
        Secretary to be necessary for the efficient 
        administration of a rental contract or easement under 
        the program.

[SEC. 1238O. DUTIES OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

  [(a) Rental Contracts.--To be eligible to enroll eligible 
land in the program under a rental contract, the owner or 
operator of the land shall agree--
          [(1) to comply with the terms of the contract and, 
        when applicable, a restoration agreement;
          [(2) to suspend any existing cropland base and 
        allotment history for the land under another program 
        administered by the Secretary; and
          [(3) to implement a grazing management plan, as 
        approved by the Secretary, which may be modified upon 
        mutual agreement of the parties.
  [(b) Easements.--To be eligible to enroll eligible land in 
the program through an easement, the owner of the land shall 
agree--
          [(1) to grant an easement to the Secretary or to an 
        eligible entity described in section 1238Q;
          [(2) to create and record an appropriate deed 
        restriction in accordance with applicable State law to 
        reflect the easement;
          [(3) to provide a written statement of consent to the 
        easement signed by persons holding a security interest 
        or any vested interest in the land;
          [(4) to provide proof of unencumbered title to the 
        underlying fee interest in the land that is the subject 
        of the easement;
          [(5) to comply with the terms of the easement and, 
        when applicable, a restoration agreement;
          [(6) to implement a grazing management plan, as 
        approved by the Secretary, which may be modified upon 
        mutual agreement of the parties; and
          [(7) to eliminate any existing cropland base and 
        allotment history for the land under another program 
        administered by the Secretary.
  [(c) Restoration Agreements.--
          [(1) When applicable.--To be eligible for cost-share 
        assistance to restore eligible land subject to a rental 
        contract or an easement under the program, the owner or 
        operator of the land shall agree to comply with the 
        terms of a restoration agreement.
          [(2) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary shall 
        prescribe the terms and conditions of a restoration 
        agreement by which eligible land that is subject to a 
        rental contract or easement under the program shall be 
        restored.
          [(3) Duties.--The restoration agreement shall 
        describe the respective duties of the owner or operator 
        and the Secretary, including the Federal share of 
        restoration payments and technical assistance.
  [(d) Terms and Conditions Applicable to Rental Contracts and 
Easements.--
          [(1) Permissible activities.--The terms and 
        conditions of a rental contract or easement under the 
        program shall permit--
                  [(A) common grazing practices, including 
                maintenance and necessary cultural practices, 
                on the land in a manner that is consistent with 
                maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, 
                and shrub species appropriate to that locality;
                  [(B) haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed 
                production, subject to appropriate restrictions 
                during the nesting season for birds in the 
                local area that are in significant decline or 
                are conserved in accordance with Federal or 
                State law, as determined by the State 
                Conservationist;
                  [(C) fire presuppression, rehabilitation, and 
                construction of fire breaks; and
                  [(D) grazing related activities, such as 
                fencing and livestock watering.
          [(2) Prohibitions.--The terms and conditions of a 
        rental contract or easement under the program shall 
        prohibit--
                  [(A) the production of crops (other than 
                hay), fruit trees, vineyards, or any other 
                agricultural commodity that is inconsistent 
                with maintaining grazing land; and
                  [(B) except as permitted under a restoration 
                plan, the conduct of any other activity that 
                would be inconsistent with maintaining grazing 
                land enrolled in the program.
          [(3) Additional terms and conditions.--A rental 
        contract or easement under the program shall include 
        such additional provisions as the Secretary determines 
        are appropriate to carry out or facilitate the purposes 
        and administration of the program.
  [(e) Violations.--On a violation of the terms or conditions 
of a rental contract, easement, or restoration agreement 
entered into under this section--
          [(1) the contract or easement shall remain in force; 
        and
          [(2) the Secretary may require the owner or operator 
        to refund all or part of any payments received under 
        the program, with interest on the payments as 
        determined appropriate by the Secretary.

[SEC. 1238P. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.

  [(a) Evaluation and Ranking of Applications.--
          [(1) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
        criteria to evaluate and rank applications for rental 
        contracts and easements under the program.
          [(2) Considerations.--In establishing the criteria, 
        the Secretary shall emphasize support for--
                  [(A) grazing operations;
                  [(B) plant and animal biodiversity; and
                  [(C) grassland, land that contains forbs, and 
                shrubland under the greatest threat of 
                conversion to uses other than grazing.
  [(b) Payments.--
          [(1) In general.--In return for the execution of a 
        rental contract or the granting of an easement by an 
        owner or operator under the program, the Secretary 
        shall--
                  [(A) make rental contract or easement 
                payments to the owner or operator in accordance 
                with paragraphs (2) and (3); and
                  [(B) make payments to the owner or operator 
                under a restoration agreement for the Federal 
                share of the cost of restoration in accordance 
                with paragraph (4).
          [(2) Rental contract payments.--
                  [(A) Percentage of grazing value of land.--In 
                return for the execution of a rental contract 
                by an owner or operator under the program, the 
                Secretary shall make annual payments during the 
                term of the contract in an amount, subject to 
                subparagraph (B), that is not more than 75 
                percent of the grazing value of the land 
                covered by the contract.
                  [(B) Payment limitation.--Payments made under 
                1 or more rental contracts to a person or legal 
                entity, directly or indirectly, may not exceed, 
                in the aggregate, $50,000 per year.
          [(3) Easement payments.--
                  [(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph 
                (B), in return for the granting of an easement 
                by an owner under the program, the Secretary 
                shall make easement payments in an amount not 
                to exceed the fair market value of the land 
                less the grazing value of the land encumbered 
                by the easement.
                  [(B) Method for determination of 
                compensation.--In making a determination under 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall pay as 
                compensation for a easement acquired under the 
                program the lowest of--
                          [(i) the fair market value of the 
                        land encumbered by the easement, as 
                        determined by the Secretary, using--
                                  [(I) the Uniform Standards of 
                                Professional Appraisal 
                                Practices; or
                                  [(II) an area-wide market 
                                analysis or survey;
                          [(ii) the amount corresponding to a 
                        geographical cap, as determined by the 
                        Secretary in regulations; or
                          [(iii) the offer made by the 
                        landowner.
                  [(C) Schedule.--Easement payments may be 
                provided in up to 10 annual payments of equal 
                or unequal amount, as agreed to by the 
                Secretary and the owner.
          [(4) Restoration agreement payments.--
                  [(A) Federal share of restoration.--The 
                Secretary shall make payments to an owner or 
                operator under a restoration agreement of not 
                more than 50 percent of the costs of carrying 
                out measures and practices necessary to restore 
                functions and values of that land.
                  [(B) Payment limitation.--Payments made under 
                1 or more restoration agreements to a person or 
                legal entity, directly or indirectly, may not 
                exceed, in the aggregate, $50,000 per year.
          [(5) Payments to others.--If an owner or operator who 
        is entitled to a payment under the program dies, 
        becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive the 
        payment, or is succeeded by another person who renders 
        or completes the required performance, the Secretary 
        shall make the payment, in accordance with regulations 
        promulgated by the Secretary and without regard to any 
        other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary 
        determines is fair and reasonable in light of all the 
        circumstances.

[SEC. 1238Q. DELEGATION OF DUTY.

  [(a) Authority to Delegate.--The Secretary may delegate a 
duty under the program--
          [(1) by transferring title of ownership to an 
        easement to an eligible entity to hold and enforce; or
          [(2) by entering into a cooperative agreement with an 
        eligible entity for the eligible entity to own, write, 
        and enforce an easement.
  [(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term 
``eligible entity'' means--
          [(1) an agency of State or local government or an 
        Indian tribe; or
          [(2) an organization that--
                  [(A) is organized for, and at all times since 
                the formation of the organization has been 
                operated principally for, one or more of the 
                conservation purposes specified in clause (i), 
                (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of 
                the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
                  [(B) is an organization described in section 
                501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt from 
                taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; and
                  [(C) is described in--
                          [(i) paragraph (1) or (2) of section 
                        509(a) of that Code; or
                          [(ii) in section 509(a)(3) of that 
                        Code, and is controlled by an 
                        organization described in section 
                        509(a)(2) of that Code.
  [(c) Transfer of Title of Ownership.--
          [(1) Transfer.--The Secretary may transfer title of 
        ownership to an easement to an eligible entity to hold 
        and enforce, in lieu of the Secretary, subject to the 
        right of the Secretary to conduct periodic inspections 
        and enforce the easement, if--
                  [(A) the Secretary determines that the 
                transfer will promote protection of grassland, 
                land that contains forbs, or shrubland;
                  [(B) the owner authorizes the eligible entity 
                to hold or enforce the easement; and
                  [(C) the eligible entity agrees to assume the 
                costs incurred in administering and enforcing 
                the easement, including the costs of 
                restoration or rehabilitation of the land as 
                specified by the owner and the eligible entity.
          [(2) Application.--An eligible entity that seeks to 
        hold and enforce an easement shall apply to the 
        Secretary for approval.
          [(3) Approval by secretary.--The Secretary may 
        approve an application described in paragraph (2) if 
        the eligible entity--
                  [(A) has the relevant experience necessary, 
                as appropriate for the application, to 
                administer an easement on grassland, land that 
                contains forbs, or shrubland;
                  [(B) has a charter that describes a 
                commitment to conserving ranchland, 
                agricultural land, or grassland for grazing and 
                conservation purposes; and
                  [(C) has the resources necessary to 
                effectuate the purposes of the charter.
  [(d) Cooperative Agreements.--
          [(1) Authorized; terms and conditions.--The Secretary 
        shall establish the terms and conditions of a 
        cooperative agreement under which an eligible entity 
        shall use funds provided by the Secretary to own, 
        write, and enforce an easement, in lieu of the 
        Secretary.
          [(2) Minimum requirements.--At a minimum, the 
        cooperative agreement shall--
                  [(A) specify the qualification of the 
                eligible entity to carry out the entity's 
                responsibilities under the program, including 
                acquisition, monitoring, enforcement, and 
                implementation of management policies and 
                procedures that ensure the long-term integrity 
                of the easement protections;
                  [(B) require the eligible entity to assume 
                the costs incurred in administering and 
                enforcing the easement, including the costs of 
                restoration or rehabilitation of the land as 
                specified by the owner and the eligible entity;
                  [(C) specify the right of the Secretary to 
                conduct periodic inspections to verify the 
                eligible entity's enforcement of the easement;
                  [(D) subject to subparagraph (E), identify a 
                specific project or a range of projects to be 
                funded under the agreement;
                  [(E) allow, upon mutual agreement of the 
                parties, substitution of qualified projects 
                that are identified at the time of 
                substitution;
                  [(F) specify the manner in which the eligible 
                entity will evaluate and report the use of 
                funds to the Secretary;
                  [(G) allow the eligible entity flexibility to 
                develop and use terms and conditions for 
                easements, if the Secretary finds the terms and 
                conditions consistent with the purposes of the 
                program and adequate to enable effective 
                enforcement of the easements;
                  [(H) if applicable, allow an eligible entity 
                to include a charitable donation or qualified 
                conservation contribution (as defined by 
                section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
                1986) from the landowner from which the 
                easement will be purchased as part of the 
                entity's share of the cost to purchase an 
                easement; and
                  [(I) provide for a schedule of payments to an 
                eligible entity, as agreed to by the Secretary 
                and the eligible entity.
          [(3) Cost sharing.--
                  [(A) In general.--As part of a cooperative 
                agreement with an eligible entity under this 
                subsection, the Secretary may provide a share 
                of the purchase price of an easement under the 
                program.
                  [(B) Minimum share by eligible entity.--The 
                eligible entity shall be required to provide a 
                share of the purchase price at least equivalent 
                to that provided by the Secretary.
                  [(C) Priority.--The Secretary may accord a 
                higher priority to proposals from eligible 
                entities that leverage a greater share of the 
                purchase price of the easement.
          [(4) Violation.--If an eligible entity violates the 
        terms or conditions of a cooperative agreement entered 
        into under this subsection--
                  [(A) the cooperative agreement shall remain 
                in force; and
                  [(B) the Secretary may require the eligible 
                entity to refund all or part of any payments 
                received by the eligible entity under the 
                program, with interest on the payments as 
                determined appropriate by the Secretary.
  [(e) Protection of Federal Investment.--When delegating a 
duty under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the 
terms of an easement include a contingent right of enforcement 
for the Department.]

             Subchapter B--Conservation Stewardship Program

SEC. 1238D. DEFINITIONS.

  In this subchapter:
          (1) Agricultural operation.--The term ``agricultural 
        operation'' means all eligible land, whether or not 
        contiguous, that is--
                  (A) under the effective control of a producer 
                at the time the producer enters into a contract 
                under the program; and
                  (B) operated with equipment, labor, 
                management, and production or cultivation 
                practices that are substantially separate from 
                other agricultural operations, as determined by 
                the Secretary.
          (2) Conservation activities.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``conservation 
                activities'' means conservation systems, 
                practices, or management measures.
                  (B) Inclusions.--The term ``conservation 
                activities'' includes--
                          (i) structural measures, vegetative 
                        measures, and land management measures, 
                        including agriculture drainage 
                        management systems, as determined by 
                        the Secretary; and
                          (ii) planning needed to address a 
                        priority resource concern.
          (3) Conservation stewardship plan.--The term 
        ``conservation stewardship plan'' means a plan that--
                  (A) identifies and inventories priority 
                resource concerns;
                  (B) establishes benchmark data and 
                conservation objectives;
                  (C) describes conservation activities to be 
                implemented, managed, or improved; and
                  (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan 
                for the planning, installation, and management 
                of the new and existing conservation 
                activities.
          (4) Eligible land.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``eligible land'' 
                means--
                          (i) private or tribal land on which 
                        agricultural commodities, livestock, or 
                        forest-related products are produced; 
                        and
                          (ii) lands associated with the land 
                        described in clause (i) on which 
                        priority resource concerns could be 
                        addressed through a contract under the 
                        program.
                  (B) Inclusions.--The term ``eligible land'' 
                includes--
                          (i) cropland;
                          (ii) grassland;
                          (iii) rangeland;
                          (iv) pasture land;
                          (v) nonindustrial private forest 
                        land; and
                          (vi) other agricultural areas 
                        (including cropped woodland, marshes, 
                        and agricultural land used or capable 
                        of being used for the production of 
                        livestock), as determined by the 
                        Secretary.
          (5) Priority resource concern.--The term ``priority 
        resource concern'' means a natural resource concern or 
        problem, as determined by the Secretary, that--
                  (A) is identified at the national, State, or 
                local level as a priority for a particular area 
                of a State;
                  (B) represents a significant concern in a 
                State or region; and
                  (C) is likely to be addressed successfully 
                through the implementation of conservation 
                activities under this program.
          (6) Program.--The term ``program'' means the 
        conservation stewardship program established by this 
        subchapter.
          (7) Stewardship threshold.--The term ``stewardship 
        threshold'' means the level of management required, as 
        determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve 
        the quality and condition of a natural resource.

SEC. 1238E. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

  (a) Establishment and Purpose.--During each of fiscal years 
2013 through 2017, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation 
stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority 
resource concerns in a comprehensive manner--
          (1) by undertaking additional conservation 
        activities; and
          (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing 
        conservation activities.
  (b) Exclusions.--
          (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs.--
        Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if 
        covered by the definition of eligible land) is not 
        eligible for enrollment in the program:
                  (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve 
                program, unless--
                          (i) the conservation reserve contract 
                        will expire at the end of the fiscal 
                        year in which the land is to be 
                        enrolled in the program; and
                          (ii) conservation reserve program 
                        payments for land enrolled in the 
                        program cease before the first program 
                        payment is made to the applicant under 
                        this subchapter.
                  (B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement 
                through the agricultural conservation easement 
                program.
                  (C) Land enrolled in the conservation 
                security program.
          (2) Conversion to cropland.--Eligible land used for 
        crop production after October 1, 2012, that had not 
        been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to 
        crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding 
        that date shall not be the basis for any payment under 
        the program, unless the land does not meet the 
        requirement because--
                  (A) the land had previously been enrolled in 
                the conservation reserve program;
                  (B) the land has been maintained using long-
                term crop rotation practices, as determined by 
                the Secretary; or
                  (C) the land is incidental land needed for 
                efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as 
                determined by the Secretary.

SEC. 1238F. STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS.

  (a) Submission of Contract Offers.--To be eligible to 
participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer 
shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the 
agricultural operation that--
          (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary 
        that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, 
        meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 
        2 priority resource concerns; and
          (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the 
        stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional 
        priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship 
        contract by--
                  (A) installing and adopting additional 
                conservation activities; and
                  (B) improving, maintaining, and managing 
                existing conservation activities across the 
                entire agricultural operation in a manner that 
                increases or extends the conservation benefits 
                in place at the time the contract offer is 
                accepted by the Secretary.
  (b) Evaluation of Contract Offers.--
          (1) Ranking of applications.--In evaluating contract 
        offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary 
        shall rank applications based on--
                  (A) the level of conservation treatment on 
                all applicable priority resource concerns at 
                the time of application;
                  (B) the degree to which the proposed 
                conservation activities effectively increase 
                conservation performance;
                  (C) the number of applicable priority 
                resource concerns proposed to be treated to 
                meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the 
                end of the contract;
                  (D) the extent to which other priority 
                resource concerns will be addressed to meet or 
                exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of 
                the contract period;
                  (E) the extent to which the actual and 
                anticipated conservation benefits from the 
                contract are provided at the least cost 
                relative to other similarly beneficial contract 
                offers; and
                  (F) the extent to which priority resource 
                concerns will be addressed when transitioning 
                from the conservation reserve program to 
                agricultural production.
          (2) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not assign a 
        higher priority to any application because the 
        applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the 
        applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive.
          (3) Additional criteria.--The Secretary may develop 
        and use such additional criteria that the Secretary 
        determines are necessary to ensure that national, 
        State, and local priority resource concerns are 
        effectively addressed.
  (c) Entering Into Contracts.--After a determination that a 
producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and 
a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high 
under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the 
Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract 
with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by 
the contract.
  (d) Contract Provisions.--
          (1) Term.--A conservation stewardship contract shall 
        be for a term of 5 years.
          (2) Required provisions.--The conservation 
        stewardship contract of a producer shall--
                  (A) state the amount of the payment the 
                Secretary agrees to make to the producer for 
                each year of the conservation stewardship 
                contract under section 1238G(d);
                  (B) require the producer--
                          (i) to implement a conservation 
                        stewardship plan that describes the 
                        program purposes to be achieved through 
                        1 or more conservation activities;
                          (ii) to maintain and supply 
                        information as required by the 
                        Secretary to determine compliance with 
                        the conservation stewardship plan and 
                        any other requirements of the program; 
                        and
                          (iii) not to conduct any activities 
                        on the agricultural operation that 
                        would tend to defeat the purposes of 
                        the program;
                  (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible 
                land that--
                          (i) maintain the agricultural nature 
                        of the land; and
                          (ii) are consistent with the 
                        conservation purposes of the 
                        conservation stewardship contract;
                  (D) include a provision to ensure that a 
                producer shall not be considered in violation 
                of the contract for failure to comply with the 
                contract due to circumstances beyond the 
                control of the producer, including a disaster 
                or related condition, as determined by the 
                Secretary;
                  (E) include provisions requiring that upon 
                the violation of a term or condition of the 
                contract at any time the producer has control 
                of the land--
                          (i) if the Secretary determines that 
                        the violation warrants termination of 
                        the contract--
                                  (I) the producer shall 
                                forfeit all rights to receive 
                                payments under the contract; 
                                and
                                  (II) the producer shall 
                                refund all or a portion of the 
                                payments received by the 
                                producer under the contract, 
                                including any interest on the 
                                payments, as determined by the 
                                Secretary; or
                          (ii) if the Secretary determines that 
                        the violation does not warrant 
                        termination of the contract, the 
                        producer shall refund or accept 
                        adjustments to the payments provided to 
                        the producer, as the Secretary 
                        determines to be appropriate;
                  (F) include provisions in accordance with 
                paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and
                  (G) include any additional provisions the 
                Secretary determines are necessary to carry out 
                the program.
          (3) Change of interest in land subject to a 
        contract.--
                  (A) In general.--At the time of application, 
                a producer shall have control of the eligible 
                land to be enrolled in the program. Except as 
                provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the 
                interest of a producer in eligible land covered 
                by a contract under the program shall result in 
                the termination of the contract with regard to 
                that land.
                  (B) Transfer of duties and rights.--
                Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if--
                          (i) within a reasonable period of 
                        time (as determined by the Secretary) 
                        after the date of the change in the 
                        interest in eligible land covered by a 
                        contract under the program, the 
                        transferee of the land provides written 
                        notice to the Secretary that all duties 
                        and rights under the contract have been 
                        transferred to, and assumed by, the 
                        transferee for the portion of the land 
                        transferred;
                          (ii) the transferee meets the 
                        eligibility requirements of the 
                        program; and
                          (iii) the Secretary approves the 
                        transfer of all duties and rights under 
                        the contract.
          (4) Modification and termination of contracts.--
                  (A) Voluntary modification or termination.--
                The Secretary may modify or terminate a 
                contract with a producer if--
                          (i) the producer agrees to the 
                        modification or termination; and
                          (ii) the Secretary determines that 
                        the modification or termination is in 
                        the public interest.
                  (B) Involuntary termination.--The Secretary 
                may terminate a contract if the Secretary 
                determines that the producer violated the 
                contract.
          (5) Repayment.--If a contract is terminated, the 
        Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the 
        program--
                  (A) allow the producer to retain payments 
                already received under the contract; or
                  (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, 
                of payments received and assess liquidated 
                damages.
  (e) Contract Renewal.--At the end of the initial 5-year 
contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew 
the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer--
          (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the 
        initial contract;
          (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate 
        conservation activities across the entire agricultural 
        operation, as determined by the Secretary; and
          (3) agrees, by the end of the contract period--
                  (A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at 
                least two additional priority resource concerns 
                on the agricultural operation; or
                  (B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of 
                two existing priority resource concerns that 
                are specified by the Secretary in the initial 
                contract.

SEC. 1238G. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  (a) In General.--To achieve the conservation goals of a 
contract under the conservation stewardship program, the 
Secretary shall--
          (1) make the program available to eligible producers 
        on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking 
        periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter 
        of each fiscal year;
          (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource 
        concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate 
        region or area within a State; and
          (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold 
        for each priority resource concern identified under 
        paragraph (2).
  (b) Allocation to States.--The Secretary shall allocate acres 
to States for enrollment, based--
          (1) primarily on each State's proportion of eligible 
        land to the total acreage of eligible land in all 
        States; and
          (2) also on consideration of--
                  (A) the extent and magnitude of the 
                conservation needs associated with agricultural 
                production in each State;
                  (B) the degree to which implementation of the 
                program in the State is, or will be, effective 
                in helping producers address those needs; and
                  (C) other considerations to achieve equitable 
                geographic distribution of funds, as determined 
                by the Secretary.
  (c) Acreage Enrollment Limitation.--During the period 
beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on September 30, 2021, 
the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
          (1) enroll in the program an additional 9,000,000 
        acres for each fiscal year; and
          (2) manage the program to achieve a national average 
        rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of 
        all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any 
        other expenses associated with enrollment or 
        participation in the program.
  (d) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--
          (1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall 
        provide annual payments under the program to compensate 
        the producer for--
                  (A) installing and adopting additional 
                conservation activities; and
                  (B) improving, maintaining, and managing 
                conservation activities in place at the 
                agricultural operation of the producer at the 
                time the contract offer is accepted by the 
                Secretary.
          (2) Payment amount.--The amount of the conservation 
        stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the 
        Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, 
        on the following factors:
                  (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated 
                with planning, design, materials, installation, 
                labor, management, maintenance, or training.
                  (B) Income forgone by the producer.
                  (C) Expected conservation benefits.
                  (D) The extent to which priority resource 
                concerns will be addressed through the 
                installation and adoption of conservation 
                activities on the agricultural operation.
                  (E) The level of stewardship in place at the 
                time of application and maintained over the 
                term of the contract.
                  (F) The degree to which the conservation 
                activities will be integrated across the entire 
                agricultural operation for all applicable 
                priority resource concerns over the term of the 
                contract.
                  (G) Such other factors as determined 
                appropriate by the Secretary.
          (3) Exclusions.--A payment to a producer under this 
        subsection shall not be provided for--
                  (A) the design, construction, or maintenance 
                of animal waste storage or treatment facilities 
                or associated waste transport or transfer 
                devices for animal feeding operations; or
                  (B) conservation activities for which there 
                is no cost incurred or income forgone to the 
                producer.
          (4) Delivery of payments.--In making payments under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent 
        practicable--
                  (A) prorate conservation performance over the 
                term of the contract so as to accommodate, to 
                the extent practicable, producers earning equal 
                annual payments in each fiscal year; and
                  (B) make payments as soon as practicable 
                after October 1 of each fiscal year for 
                activities carried out in the previous fiscal 
                year.
  (e) Supplemental Payments for Resource-Conserving Crop 
Rotations.--
          (1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall 
        provide additional payments to producers that, in 
        participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve 
        resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve 
        beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the 
        eligible land of the producers.
          (2) Beneficial crop rotations.--The Secretary shall 
        determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation 
        is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional 
        payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the 
        resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to 
        provide natural resource conservation and production 
        benefits.
          (3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a payment 
        described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to 
        adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop 
        rotations for the term of the contract.
          (4) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--In this 
        subsection, the term ``resource-conserving crop 
        rotation'' means a crop rotation that--
                  (A) includes at least 1 resource conserving 
                crop (as defined by the Secretary);
                  (B) reduces erosion;
                  (C) improves soil fertility and tilth;
                  (D) interrupts pest cycles; and
                  (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of 
                soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for 
                irrigation.
  (f) Payment Limitations.--A person or legal entity may not 
receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program 
that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts 
entered into during fiscal years 2013 through 2017, excluding 
funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the 
number of contracts entered into under the program by the 
person or legal entity.
  (g) Specialty Crop and Organic Producers.--The Secretary 
shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are 
available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable 
specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the 
program.
  (h) Coordination With Organic Certification.--The Secretary 
shall establish a transparent means by which producers may 
initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods 
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) while 
participating in a contract under the program.
  (i) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations 
that--
          (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary 
        determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and 
        reasonable application of the limitations established 
        under subsection (f); and
          (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the 
        program.

               [CHAPTER 3--ENVIRONMENTAL EASEMENT PROGRAM

[SEC. 1239. ENVIRONMENTAL EASEMENT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall, during the 1991 
through 1995 calendar years, formulate and carry out an 
environmental easement program (hereafter in this chapter 
referred to as the ``easement program'') in accordance with 
this chapter, through the acquisition of permanent easements or 
easements for the maximum term permitted under applicable State 
law from willing owners of eligible farms or ranches in order 
to ensure the continued long-term protection of environmentally 
sensitive lands or reduction in the degradation of water 
quality on such farms or ranches through the continued 
conservation and improvement of soil and water resources.
  [(b) Eligibility; Termination.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary may acquire easements 
        under this section on land placed in the conservation 
        reserve under this subtitle (other than such land that 
        is likely to continue to remain out of production and 
        that does not pose an off-farm environmental threat), 
        land under the Water Bank Act (16 U.S.C. 1301), or 
        other cropland that--
                  [(A) contains riparian corridors;
                  [(B) is an area of critical habitat for 
                wildlife, especially threatened or endangered 
                species; or
                  [(C) contains other environmentally sensitive 
                areas, as determined by the Secretary, that 
                would prevent a producer from complying with 
                other Federal, State, or local environmental 
                goals if commodities were to be produced on 
                such land.
          [(2) Ineligible land.--The Secretary may not acquire 
        easements on--
                  [(A) land that contains timber stands 
                established under the conservation reserve 
                under subtitle D; or
                  [(B) pasture land established to trees under 
                the conservation reserve under subtitle D.
          [(3) Termination of existing contract.--The Secretary 
        may terminate or modify any existing contract entered 
        into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is 
        subject to such contract is transferred into the 
        program established by this chapter.

[SEC. 1239A. DUTIES OF OWNERS; COMPONENTS OF PLAN.

  [(a) Duties of Owners.--
          [(1) Plan.--In conjunction with the creation of an 
        easement on any lands under this chapter, the owner of 
        the farm or ranch wherein such lands are located must 
        agree to implement a natural resource conservation 
        management plan under subsection (b) approved by the 
        Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the 
        Interior.
          [(2) Agreement.--In return for the creation of an 
        easement on any lands under this chapter, the owner of 
        the farm or ranch wherein such lands are located must 
        agree to the following:
                  [(A) To the creation and recordation of an 
                appropriate deed restriction in accordance with 
                applicable State law to reflect the easement 
                agreed to under this chapter with respect to 
                such lands.
                  [(B) To provide a written statement of 
                consent to such easement signed by those 
                holding a security interest in the land.
                  [(C) To comply with such additional 
                provisions as the Secretary determines are 
                desirable and are included in the easement to 
                carry out this chapter or to facilitate the 
                practical administration thereof.
                  [(D) To specify the location of any timber 
                harvesting on land subject to the easement. 
                Harvesting and commercial sales of Christmas 
                trees and nuts shall be prohibited on such 
                land, except that no such easement or related 
                agreement shall prohibit activities consistent 
                with customary forestry practices, such as 
                pruning, thinning, or tree stand improvement on 
                lands converted to forestry uses.
                  [(E) To limit the production of any 
                agricultural commodity on such lands only to 
                production for the benefit of wildlife.
                  [(F) Not to conduct any harvesting or 
                grazing, nor otherwise make commercial use of 
                the forage, on land that is subject to the 
                easement unless specifically provided for in 
                the easement or related agreement.
                  [(G) Not to adopt any other practice that 
                would tend to defeat the purposes of this 
                chapter, as determined by the Secretary.
          [(3) Violation.--On the violation of the terms or 
        conditions of the easement or related agreement entered 
        into under this section, the easement shall remain in 
        force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund 
        all or part of any payments received by the owner under 
        this chapter, together with interest thereon as 
        determined appropriate by the Secretary.
  [(b) Components of Plan.--The natural resource conservation 
management plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) (hereafter 
referred to as the ``plan'')--
          [(1) shall set forth--
                  [(A) the conservation measures and practices 
                to be carried out by the owner of the land 
                subject to the easement; and
                  [(B) the commercial use, if any, to be 
                permitted on such land during the term of the 
                easement; and
          [(2) shall provide for the permanent retirement of 
        any existing cropland base and allotment history for 
        such land under any program administered by the 
        Secretary.

[SEC. 1239B. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

  [In return for the granting of an easement by an owner under 
this chapter, the Secretary shall--
          [(1) share the cost of carrying out the establishment 
        of conservation measures and practices set forth in the 
        plan for which the Secretary determines that cost 
        sharing is appropriate and in the public interest;
          [(2) pay for a period not to exceed 10 years annual 
        easement payments in the aggregate not to exceed the 
        lesser of--
                  [(A) $250,000; or
                  [(B) the difference in the value of the land 
                with and without an easement;
          [(3) provide necessary technical assistance to assist 
        owners in complying with the terms and conditions of 
        the easement and the plan; and
          [(4) permit the land to be used for wildlife 
        activities, including hunting and fishing, if such use 
        is permitted by the owner.

[SEC. 1239C. PAYMENTS.

  [(a) Time of Payment.--The Secretary shall provide payment 
for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this chapter--
          [(1) with respect to any cost sharing obligation as 
        soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and
          [(2) with respect to any annual easement payment 
        obligation incurred by the Secretary as soon as 
        possible after October 1 of each calendar year.
  [(b) Cost Sharing Payments.--In making cost sharing payments 
to owners under this chapter, the Secretary may pay up to 100 
percent of the cost of establishing conservation measures and 
practices pursuant to this chapter.
  [(c) Easement Payments; Acceptability of Offers.--
          [(1) Determination of amount.--The Secretary shall 
        determine the amount payable to owners in the form of 
        easement payments under this chapter, and in making 
        such determination may consider, among other things, 
        the amount necessary to encourage owners to participate 
        in the easement program.
          [(2) Acceptability of offers.--In determining the 
        acceptability of easement offers, the Secretary may 
        take into consideration--
                  [(A) the extent to which the purposes of the 
                easement program would be achieved on the land;
                  [(B) the productivity of the land; and
                  [(C) the on-farm and off-farm environmental 
                threats if the land is used for the production 
                of agricultural commodities.
  [(d) Form of Payment.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
section, payments under this chapter--
          [(1) shall be made in cash in such amount and at such 
        time as is agreed on and specified in the easement or 
        related agreement; and
          [(2) may be made in advance of a determination of 
        performance.
  [(e) Payments to Others.--If an owner who is entitled to a 
payment under this chapter dies, becomes incompetent, is 
otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by 
another person who renders or completes the required 
performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in 
accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and 
without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as 
the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all 
of the circumstances.
  [(f) Payment Limitation.--
          [(1) In general.--The total amount of easement 
        payments made to a person under this chapter for any 
        year may not exceed $50,000.
          [(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue 
        regulations prescribing such rules as the Secretary 
        determines necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable 
        application of the limitation contained in this 
        subsection.
          [(3) Other payments.--Easement payments received by 
        an owner shall be in addition to, and not affect, the 
        total amount of payments that such owner is otherwise 
        eligible to receive under this Act, the Food, 
        Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, or 
        the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.).
          [(4) State environmental enhancement.--The provisions 
        of this subsection that limit payments to any person, 
        and section 1305(d) of the Agricultural Reconciliation 
        Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 1308 note), shall not be 
        applicable to payments received by a State, political 
        subdivision, or agency thereof in connection with 
        agreements entered into under an environmental easement 
        enhancement program carried out by that entity that has 
        been approved by the Secretary. The Secretary may enter 
        into such agreements for payments to States, political 
        subdivisions, or agencies thereof that the Secretary 
        determines will advance the purposes of this chapter.
  [(g) Exemption From Automatic Sequester.--Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, no order issued under section 252 of 
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, 
as amended (2 U.S.C. 902) shall affect any payment under this 
chapter.

[SEC. 1239D. CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP; MODIFICATION OF EASEMENT.

  [(a) Limitations.--No easement shall be created under this 
chapter on land that has changed ownership in the preceding 12 
months unless--
          [(1) the new ownership was acquired by will or 
        succession as a result of the death of the previous 
        owner;
          [(2) the new ownership was acquired before January 1, 
        1990; or
          [(3) the Secretary determines that the land was 
        acquired under circumstances that give adequate 
        assurances that such land was not acquired for the 
        purposes of placing it in the program established by 
        this chapter.
  [(b) Modification; Termination.--
          [(1) Modification.--The Secretary may modify an 
        easement acquired from, or a related agreement with, an 
        owner under this chapter if--
                  [(A) the current owner of the land agrees to 
                such modification; and
                  [(B) the Secretary determines that such 
                modification is desirable--
                          [(i) to carry out this chapter;
                          [(ii) to facilitate the practical 
                        administration of this chapter; or
                          [(iii) to achieve such other goals as 
                        the Secretary determines are 
                        appropriate and consistent with this 
                        chapter.
          [(2) Termination.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary may terminate 
                an easement created with an owner under this 
                chapter if--
                          [(i) the current owner of the land 
                        agrees to such termination; and
                          [(ii) the Secretary determines that 
                        such termination would be in the public 
                        interest.
                  [(B) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking 
                any action to terminate under subparagraph (A) 
                all easements entered into under this chapter, 
                the Secretary shall provide written notice of 
                such action to the Committee on Agriculture of 
                the House of Representatives and the Committee 
                on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
                Senate.]

          CHAPTER 4--ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM

SEC. 1240. PURPOSES.

  The purposes of the environmental quality incentives program 
established by this chapter are to promote agricultural 
production, forest management, and environmental quality as 
compatible goals, and to optimize environmental benefits, by--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) providing flexible assistance to producers to 
        install and maintain conservation practices that 
        sustain food and fiber production while--
                  (A) enhancing soil, water, and related 
                natural resources, including grazing land, 
                forestland, wetland, and wildlife; [and]
                  (B) developing and improving wildlife 
                habitat; and
                  [(B)] (C) conserving energy; and
          (4) assisting producers to make beneficial, cost 
        effective changes to production systems (including 
        conservation practices related to organic production), 
        grazing management, fuels management, forest 
        management, nutrient management associated with 
        livestock, pest or irrigation management, or other 
        practices on agricultural and forested land[; and].
          [(5) consolidating and streamlining conservation 
        planning and regulatory compliance processes to reduce 
        administrative burdens on producers and the cost of 
        achieving environmental goals.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1240B. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) Establishment.--During each of the 2002 through [2014] 
2017 fiscal years, the Secretary shall provide payments to 
producers that enter into contracts with the Secretary under 
the program.
  (b) Practices and Term.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) Term.--A contract under the program shall have a 
        term that--
                  [(A) at a minimum, is equal to the period 
                beginning on the date on which the contract is 
                entered into and ending on the date that is one 
                year after the date on which all practices 
                under the contract have been implemented; but
                  [(B) not to exceed 10 years.]
          (2) Term.--A contract under the program shall have a 
        term that does not exceed 10 years.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Payments.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Increased payments for certain producers.--
                  (A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph 
                (2), in the case of a producer that is a 
                limited resource, socially disadvantaged farmer 
                or rancher, veteran farmer or rancher (as 
                defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, 
                Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
                1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))), or a beginning farmer 
                or rancher, the Secretary shall increase the 
                amount that would otherwise be provided to a 
                producer under this subsection--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  [(B) Advance payments.--Not more than 30 
                percent of the amount determined under 
                subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for 
                the purpose of purchasing materials or 
                contracting.]
                  (B) Advance payments.--
                          (i) In general.--Not more than 50 
                        percent of the amount determined under 
                        subparagraph (A) may be provided in 
                        advance for the purpose of purchasing 
                        materials or contracting.
                          (ii) Return of funds.--If funds 
                        provided in advance are not expended 
                        during the 90-day period beginning on 
                        the date of receipt of the funds, the 
                        funds shall be returned within a 
                        reasonable time frame, as determined by 
                        the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(f) Allocation of Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2002 
through 2012, 60 percent of the funds made available for 
payments under the program shall be targeted at practices 
relating to livestock production.]
  (f) Allocation of Funding.--
          (1) Livestock.--For each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017, at least 60 percent of the funds made available 
        for payments under the program shall be targeted at 
        practices relating to livestock production.
          (2) Wildlife habitat.--For each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017, 5 percent of the funds made available for 
        payments under the program shall be targeted at 
        practices benefitting wildlife habitat.
  (g) Funding for [Federally Recognized Native American Indian 
Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations] Indian Tribes.--The 
Secretary may enter into alternative funding arrangements with 
[federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska 
Native Corporations (including their affiliated membership 
organizations)] Indian tribes if the Secretary determines that 
the goals and objectives of the program will be met by such 
arrangements, and that statutory limitations regarding 
contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any 
Tribal [or Native Corporation] member.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Practice.--The Secretary shall 
provide payments under the program for conservation practices 
that support the restoration, development, and improvement of 
wildlife habitat on eligible land, including--
          (1) upland wildlife habitat;
          (2) wetland wildlife habitat;
          (3) habitat for threatened and endangered species;
          (4) fish habitat;
          (5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular 
        areas of a field; and
          (6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined 
        appropriate by the Secretary.

SEC. 1240C. EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Prioritization of Applications.--In evaluating 
applications under this chapter, the Secretary shall prioritize 
applications--
          (1) based on their overall level of cost-
        effectiveness to ensure that the conservation practices 
        and approaches proposed are the most efficient means of 
        achieving the anticipated [environmental] conservation 
        benefits of the project;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) that best fulfill the [purpose of the 
        environmental quality incentives program specified in 
        section 1240(1)] purposes of the program; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1240D. DUTIES OF PRODUCERS.

  To receive payments under the program, a producer shall 
agree--
          (1) * * *
          (2) not to conduct any practices on the [farm, ranch, 
        or forest] enrolled land that would tend to defeat the 
        purposes of the program;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1240G. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

  [(a) limitation.--Subject to subsection (b), a person or 
legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-
share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in the 
aggregate, exceed $300,000 for all contracts entered into under 
this chapter by the person or entity during any six-year 
period, (excluding funding arrangements with federally 
recognized Native American Indian Tribes or Alaska Native 
Corporations under section 1240B(h)) regardless of the number 
of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or 
entity.
  [(b) Waiver Authority.--In the case of contracts under this 
chapter for projects of special environmental significance 
(including projects involving methane digesters), as determined 
by the Secretary, the Secretary may--
          [(1) waive the limitation otherwise applicable under 
        subsection (a); and
          [(2) raise the limitation to not more than $450,000 
        during any six-year period.]

SEC. 1240G. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

  A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or 
indirectly, cost share or incentive payments under this chapter 
that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered 
into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during 
the period of fiscal years 2013 through 2017, regardless of the 
number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the 
person or legal entity.

SEC. 1240H. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

  (a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation 
Approaches.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Use.--The Secretary may provide grants under this 
        subsection to governmental and non-governmental 
        organizations and persons, on a competitive basis, to 
        carry out projects that--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) ensure efficient and effective transfer 
                of innovative technologies and approaches 
                demonstrated through projects that receive 
                funding under this section, such as market 
                systems for pollution reduction and practices 
                for the storage of carbon in soil[; and];
                  (D) provide environmental and resource 
                conservation benefits through increased 
                participation by producers of specialty 
                crops[.];
                  (E) facilitate on-farm conservation research 
                and demonstration activities; and
                  (F) facilitate pilot testing of new 
                technologies or innovative conservation 
                practices.
  [(b) Air Quality Concerns From Agricultural Operations.--
          [(1) Implementation assistance.--The Secretary shall 
        provide payments under this subsection to producers to 
        implement practices to address air quality concerns 
        from agricultural operations and to meet Federal, 
        State, and local regulatory requirements. The funds 
        shall be made available on the basis of air quality 
        concerns in a State and shall be used to provide 
        payments to producers that are cost effective and 
        reflect innovative technologies.
          [(2) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry 
        out this chapter, the Secretary shall carry out this 
        subsection using $37,500,000 for each of fiscal years 
        2009 through 2012.]
  (b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2013, and every 
two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under 
this section, including--
          (1) funding awarded;
          (2) project results; and
          (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new 
        technology and innovative approaches, into the 
        conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary.

[SEC. 1240I. AGRICULTURAL WATER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Definitions.--In this section:
          [(1) Agricultural water enhancement activity.--The 
        term ``agricultural water enhancement activity'' 
        includes the following activities carried out with 
        respect to agricultural land:
                  [(A) Water quality or water conservation plan 
                development, including resource condition 
                assessment and modeling.
                  [(B) Water conservation restoration or 
                enhancement projects, including conversion to 
                the production of less water-intensive 
                agricultural commodities or dryland farming.
                  [(C) Water quality or quantity restoration or 
                enhancement projects.
                  [(D) Irrigation system improvement and 
                irrigation efficiency enhancement.
                  [(E) Activities designed to mitigate the 
                effects of drought.
                  [(F) Related activities that the Secretary 
                determines will help achieve water quality or 
                water conservation benefits on agricultural 
                land.
          [(2) Partner.--The term ``partner'' means an entity 
        that enters into a partnership agreement with the 
        Secretary to carry out agricultural water enhancement 
        activities on a regional basis, including--
                  [(A) an agricultural or silvicultural 
                producer association or other group of such 
                producers;
                  [(B) a State or unit of local government; or
                  [(C) a federally recognized Indian tribe.
          [(3) Partnership agreement.--The term ``partnership 
        agreement'' means an agreement between the Secretary 
        and a partner.
          [(4) Program.--The term ``program'' means the 
        agricultural water enhancement program established 
        under subsection (b).
  [(b) Establishment of Program.--Beginning in fiscal year 
2009, the Secretary shall carry out, in accordance with this 
section and using such procedures as the Secretary determines 
to be appropriate, an agricultural water enhancement program as 
part of the environmental quality incentives program to promote 
ground and surface water conservation and improve water quality 
on agricultural lands--
          [(1) by entering into contracts with, and making 
        payments to, producers to carry out agricultural water 
        enhancement activities; or
          [(2) by entering into partnership agreements with 
        partners, in accordance with subsection (c), on a 
        regional level to benefit working agricultural land.
  [(c) Partnership Agreements.--
          [(1) Agreements authorized.--The Secretary may enter 
        into partnership agreements to meet the objectives of 
        the program described in subsection (b).
          [(2) Applications.--An application to the Secretary 
        to enter into a partnership agreement under paragraph 
        (1) shall include the following:
                  [(A) A description of the geographical area 
                to be covered by the partnership agreement.
                  [(B) A description of the agricultural water 
                quality or water conservation issues to be 
                addressed by the partnership agreement.
                  [(C) A description of the agricultural water 
                enhancement objectives to be achieved through 
                the partnership.
                  [(D) A description of the partners 
                collaborating to achieve the project objectives 
                and the roles, responsibilities, and 
                capabilities of each partner.
                  [(E) A description of the program resources, 
                including payments the Secretary is requested 
                to make.
                  [(F) Such other such elements as the 
                Secretary considers necessary to adequately 
                evaluate and competitively select applications 
                for partnership agreements.
          [(3) Duties of partners.--A partner under a 
        partnership agreement shall--
                  [(A) identify producers participating in the 
                project and act on their behalf in applying for 
                the program;
                  [(B) leverage funds provided by the Secretary 
                with additional funds to help achieve project 
                objectives;
                  [(C) conduct monitoring and evaluation of 
                project effects; and
                  [(D) at the conclusion of the project, report 
                to the Secretary on project results.
  [(d) Agricultural Water Enhancement Activities by 
Producers.--The Secretary shall select agricultural water 
enhancement activities proposed by producers according to 
applicable requirements under the environmental quality 
incentives program.
  [(e) Agricultural Water Enhancement Activities by Partners.--
          [(1) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall 
        conduct a competitive process to select partners. In 
        carrying out the process, the Secretary shall make 
        public the criteria used in evaluating applications.
          [(2) Authority to give priority to certain 
        proposals.--The Secretary may give a higher priority to 
        proposals from partners that--
                  [(A) include high percentages of agricultural 
                land and producers in a region or other 
                appropriate area;
                  [(B) result in high levels of applied 
                agricultural water quality and water 
                conservation activities;
                  [(C) significantly enhance agricultural 
                activity;
                  [(D) allow for monitoring and evaluation; and
                  [(E) assist producers in meeting a regulatory 
                requirement that reduces the economic scope of 
                the producer's operation.
          [(3) Priority to proposals from states with water 
        quantity concerns.--The Secretary shall give a higher 
        priority to proposals from partners that--
                  [(A) include the conversion of agricultural 
                land from irrigated farming to dryland farming;
                  [(B) leverage Federal funds provided under 
                the program with funds provided by partners; 
                and
                  [(C) assist producers in States with water 
                quantity concerns, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
          [(4) Administration.--In carrying out this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall--
                  [(A) accept qualified applications--
                          [(i) directly from partners applying 
                        on behalf of producers; or
                          [(ii) from producers applying through 
                        a partner as part of a regional 
                        agricultural water enhancement project; 
                        and
                  [(B) ensure that resources made available for 
                regional agricultural water enhancement 
                activities are delivered in accordance with 
                applicable program rules.
  [(f) Areas Experiencing Exceptional Drought.--Notwithstanding 
the purposes described in section 1240, the Secretary shall 
consider as an eligible agricultural water enhancement activity 
the use of a water impoundment to capture surface water runoff 
on agricultural land if the agricultural water enhancement 
activity--
          [(1) is located in an area that is experiencing or 
        has experienced exceptional drought conditions during 
        the previous two calendar years; and
          [(2) will capture surface water runoff through the 
        construction, improvement, or maintenance of irrigation 
        ponds or small, on-farm reservoirs.
  [(g) Waiver Authority.--To assist in the implementation of 
agricultural water enhancement activities under the program, 
the Secretary shall waive the applicability of the limitation 
in section 1001D(b)(2)(B) of this Act for participating 
producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is 
necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program.
  [(h) Payments Under Program.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide 
        appropriate payments to producers participating in 
        agricultural water enhancement activities in an amount 
        determined by the secretary to be necessary to achieve 
        the purposes of the program described in subsection 
        (b).
          [(2) Payments to producers in states with water 
        quantity concerns.--The Secretary shall provide 
        payments for a period of five years to producers 
        participating in agricultural water enhancement 
        activities under proposals described in subsection 
        (e)(3) in an amount sufficient to encourage producers 
        to convert from irrigated farming to dryland farming.
  [(i) Consistency With State Law.--Any agricultural water 
enhancement activity conducted under the program shall be 
conducted in a manner consistent with State water law.
  [(j) Funding.--
          [(1) Availability of funds.--In addition to funds 
        made available to carry out this chapter under section 
        1241(a), the Secretary shall carry out the program 
        using, of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation--
                  [(A) $73,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                2009 and 2010;
                  [(B) $74,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
                  [(C) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 and 
                each fiscal year thereafter.
          [(2) Limitation on administrative expenses.--None of 
        the funds made available for regional agricultural 
        water conservation activities under the program may be 
        used to pay for the administrative expenses of 
        partners.]

                 CHAPTER 5--OTHER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

SEC. 1240M. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $60,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2002 through [2012] 2017.

[SEC. 1240N. WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
State technical committees established under section 1261, 
shall establish within the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service a program to be known as the wildlife habitat incentive 
program (referred to in this section as the ``program'') for 
the development of wildlife habitat on private agricultural 
land, nonindustrial private forest land, and tribal lands.
  [(b) Cost-Share Payments.--
          [(1) In general.--Under the program, the Secretary 
        shall make cost-share payments to owners of lands 
        referred to in subsection (a) to develop--
                  [(A) upland wildlife habitat;
                  [(B) wetland wildlife habitat;
                  [(C) habitat for threatened and endangered 
                species;
                  [(D) fish habitat; and
                  [(E) other types of wildlife habitat approved 
                by the Secretary, including habitat developed 
                on pivot corners and irregular areas.
          [(2) Increased cost share for long-term agreements.--
                  [(A) In general.--In a case in which the 
                Secretary enters into an agreement or contract 
                to protect and restore plant and animal habitat 
                that has a term of at least 15 years, the 
                Secretary may provide cost-share payments in 
                addition to amounts provided under paragraph 
                (1).
                  [(B) Funding limitation.--The Secretary may 
                use, for a fiscal year, not more than 25 
                percent of funds made available under section 
                1241(a)(7) for the fiscal year to carry out 
                contracts and agreements described in 
                subparagraph (A).
  [(c) Regional Equity.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that 
regional issues of concern relating to wildlife habitat are 
addressed in an appropriate manner.
  [(d) Priority for Certain Conservation Initiatives.--In 
carrying out this section, the Secretary may give priority to 
projects that would address issues raised by State, regional, 
and national conservation initiatives.
  [(e) Payment Limitation.--Payments made to a person or legal 
entity, directly or indirectly, under the program may not 
exceed, in the aggregate, $50,000 per year.]

SEC. 1240O. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *
  [(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]
  (b) Funding.--
          (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2017.
          (2) Availability of funds.--In addition to funds made 
        available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the 
        Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use 
        $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.

[SEC. 1240P. GREAT LAKES BASIN PROGRAM FOR SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT 
                    CONTROL.

  [(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary may carry out the 
Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control 
(referred to in this section as the ``program''), including 
providing assistance to implement the recommendations of the 
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy to Restore and 
Protect the Great Lakes.
  [(b) Consultation and Cooperation.--The Secretary shall carry 
out the program in consultation with the Great Lakes Commission 
created by Article IV of the Great Lakes Basin Compact (82 
Stat. 415) and in cooperation with the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army.
  [(c) Assistance.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary 
may--
          [(1) provide project demonstration grants, provide 
        technical assistance, and carry out information and 
        educational programs to improve water quality in the 
        Great Lakes basin by reducing soil erosion and 
        improving sediment control; and
          [(2) establish a priority for projects and activities 
        that--
                  [(A) directly reduce soil erosion or improve 
                sediment control;
                  [(B) reduce soil loss in degraded rural 
                watersheds; or
                  [(C) improve water quality for downstream 
                watersheds.
  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program 
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

[SEC. 1240Q. CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED.

  [(a) Chesapeake Bay Watershed Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``Chesapeake Bay watershed'' means all tributaries, 
backwaters, and side channels, including their watersheds, 
draining into the Chesapeake Bay.
  [(b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall assist 
producers in implementing conservation activities on 
agricultural lands in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for the 
purposes of--
          [(1) improving water quality and quantity in the 
        Chesapeake Bay watershed; and
          [(2) restoring, enhancing, and preserving soil, air, 
        and related resources in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
  [(c) Conservation Activities.--The Secretary shall deliver 
the funds made available to carry out this section through 
applicable programs under this subtitle to assist producers in 
enhancing land and water resources--
          [(1) by controlling erosion and reducing sediment and 
        nutrient levels in ground and surface water; and
          [(2) by planning, designing, implementing, and 
        evaluating habitat conservation, restoration, and 
        enhancement measures where there is significant 
        ecological value if the lands are--
                  [(A) retained in their current use; or
                  [(B) restored to their natural condition.
  [(d) Agreements.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                  [(A) enter into agreements with producers to 
                carry out the purposes of this section; and
                  [(B) use the funds made available to carry 
                out this section to cover the costs of the 
                program involved with each agreement.
          [(2) Special considerations.--In entering into 
        agreements under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
        give special consideration to, and begin evaluating, 
        applications with producers in the following river 
        basins:
                  [(A) The Susquehanna River.
                  [(B) The Shenandoah River.
                  [(C) The Potomac River (including North and 
                South Potomac).
                  [(D) The Patuxent River.
  [(e) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the purposes 
in this section, the Secretary shall--
          [(1) where available, use existing plans, models, and 
        assessments to assist producers in implementing 
        conservation activities; and
          [(2) proceed expeditiously with the implementation of 
        any agreement with a producer that is consistent with 
        State strategies for the restoration of the Chesapeake 
        Bay watershed.
  [(f) Consultation.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
appropriate Federal agencies, shall ensure conservation 
activities carried out under this section complement Federal 
and State programs, including programs that address water 
quality, in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
  [(g) Sense of Congress Regarding Chesapeake Bay Executive 
Council.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary should 
be a member of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, and is 
authorized to do so under section 1(3) of the Soil Conservation 
and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a(3)).
  [(h) Funding.--
          [(1) Availability.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
        Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use, to the 
        maximum extent practicable--
                  [(A) $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
                  [(B) $43,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
                  [(C) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
                  [(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
          [(2) Duration of availability.--Funds made available 
        under paragraph (1) shall remain available until 
        expended.]

SEC. 1240R. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation, the Secretary shall use, to the maximum extent 
practicable, $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 
through 2012 and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 
2013 through 2017.

                 Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

SEC. 1241. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

  [(a) In General.--For each of fiscal years 2002 through 2012 
(and fiscal year 2014 in the case of the programs specified in 
paragraphs (3)(B), (4), (6), and (7)), the Secretary shall use 
the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation to carry out the following programs under subtitle 
D (including the provision of technical assistance):
          [(1) The conservation reserve program under 
        subchapter B of chapter 1, including to the maximum 
        extent practicable--
                  [(A) $100,000,000 for the period of fiscal 
                years 2009 through 2012 to provide cost share 
                payments under paragraph (3) of section 1234(b) 
                in connection with thinning activities 
                conducted on land described in subparagraph 
                (A)(iii) of such paragraph; and
                  [(B) $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal 
                years 2009 through 2012 to carry out section 
                1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land 
                subject to contracts from retired or retiring 
                owners and operators to beginning farmers or 
                ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or 
                ranchers.
          [(2) The wetlands reserve program under subchapter C 
        of chapter 1.
          [(3)(A) Conservation security program.--The 
        conservation security program under subchapter A of 
        chapter 2, using such sums as are necessary to 
        administer contracts entered into before September 30, 
        2008.
          [(B) Conservation stewardship program.--The 
        conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of 
        chapter 2.
          [(4) The farmland protection program under subchapter 
        C of chapter 2, using, to the maximum extent 
        practicable--
                  [(A) $97,000,000 in fiscal year 2008;
                  [(B) $121,000,000 in fiscal year 2009;
                  [(C) $150,000,000 in fiscal year 2010;
                  [(D) $175,000,000 in fiscal year 2011; and
                  [(E) $200,000,000 in each of fiscal years 
                2012 through 2014.
          [(5) The grassland reserve program under subchapter D 
        of chapter 2.
          [(6) The environmental quality incentives program 
        under chapter 4, using, to the maximum extent 
        practicable--
                  [(A) $1,200,000,000 in fiscal year 2008;
                  [(B) $1,337,000,000 in fiscal year 2009;
                  [(C) $1,450,000,000 in fiscal year 2010;
                  [(D) $1,588,000,000 in fiscal year 2011; and
                  [(E) $1,750,000,000 in each of fiscal years 
                2012 through 2014.
          [(7) The wildlife habitat incentives program under 
        section 1240N, using, to the maximum extent 
        practicable--
                  [(A) $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2002;
                  [(B) $30,000,000 in fiscal year 2003;
                  [(C) $60,000,000 in fiscal year 2004; and
                  [(D) $85,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2005 
                through 2014.]
  (a) Annual Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2013 through 
2017, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and 
authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out 
the following programs under this title (including the 
provision of technical assistance):
          (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter 
        B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum 
        extent practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of 
        fiscal years 2013 through 2017 to carry out section 
        1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to 
        contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators 
        to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially 
        disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
          (2) The agriculture conservation easement program 
        under subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent 
        practicable--
                  (A) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2013;
                  (B) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2014;
                  (C) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2015;
                  (D) $525,000,000 in fiscal year 2016; and
                  (E) $266,000,000 in fiscal year 2017.
          (3) The conservation security program under 
        subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such 
        sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered 
        into before September 30, 2008.
          (4) The conservation stewardship program under 
        subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D.
          (5) The environmental quality incentives program 
        under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum 
        extent practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal 
        years 2013 through 2017.
  (b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts made available by 
subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the 
programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2013 
through 2017 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts 
made available for the programs specified in such subsection 
during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, 
terminations, and other related administrative actions and not 
obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for 
obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the 
amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent 
fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining 
unobligated.
  [(b) Technical Assistance.--Effective for fiscal year 2005 
and each subsequent fiscal year, Commodity Credit Corporation 
funds made available for each of the programs specified in 
paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a)--
          [(1) shall be available for the provision of 
        technical assistance for the programs for which funds 
        are made available; and
          [(2) shall not be available for the provision of 
        technical assistance for conservation programs 
        specified in subsection (a) other than the program for 
        which the funds were made available.]
  (c) Technical Assistance.--
          (1) Availability of funds.--Commodity Credit 
        Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for 
        each of the programs specified in subsection (a)--
                  (A) shall be available for the provision of 
                technical assistance for the programs for which 
                funds are made available as necessary to 
                implement the programs effectively; and
                  (B) shall not be available for the provision 
                of technical assistance for conservation 
                programs specified in subsection (a) other than 
                the program for which the funds were made 
                available.
          (2) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2012, the 
        Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in 
        subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of 
        the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
        Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
        report--
                  (A) detailing the amount of technical 
                assistance funds requested and apportioned in 
                each program specified in subsection (a) during 
                the preceding fiscal year; and
                  (B) any other data relating to this 
                subsection that would be helpful to such 
                Committees.
  [(c)] (d) Relationship to Other Law.--The use of Commodity 
Credit Corporation funds under subsection (b) to provide 
technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or 
fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for 
purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance 
imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i).
  [(d) Regional Equity.--
          [(1) Priority funding to promote equity.--Before 
        April 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall give 
        priority for funding under the conservation programs 
        under subtitle D (excluding the conservation reserve 
        program under subchapter B of chapter 1, the wetlands 
        reserve program under subchapter C of chapter 1, and 
        the conservation security program under subchapter A of 
        chapter 2) to approved applications in any State that 
        has not received, for the fiscal year, an aggregate 
        amount of at least $15,000,000 for those conservation 
        programs.
          [(2) Specific funding allocations.--In determining 
        the specific funding allocations for States under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the 
        respective demand in each State for each program 
        covered by such paragraph.]
  (e) Regional Equity.--
          (1) Equitable distribution.--In determining funding 
        allocations each fiscal year, the Secretary shall, 
        after considering available funding and program demand 
        in each State, provide a distribution of funds for 
        conservation programs under subtitle D (excluding the 
        conservation reserve program under subchapter B of 
        chapter 1), subtitle H (excluding wetland easements 
        under section 1265C), and subtitle I to ensure 
        equitable program participation proportional to 
        historical funding allocations and usage by all States.
          (2) Minimum percentage.--In determining the specific 
        funding allocations under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
        shall--
                  (A) ensure that during the first quarter of 
                each fiscal year each State has the opportunity 
                to establish that the State can use an 
                aggregate allocation amount of at least 0.6 
                percent of the funds made available for those 
                conservation programs; and
                  (B) for each State that can so establish, 
                provide an aggregate amount of at least 0.6 
                percent of the funds made available for those 
                conservation programs.
  [(e)] (f) Acceptance and Use of Contributions.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(f)] (g) Allocations Review and Update.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(g)] (h) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for 
Conservation Access.--
          (1) Assistance.--Of the funds made available for each 
        of fiscal years 2009 through [2012] 2017 to carry out 
        the environmental quality incentives program and the 
        acres made available for each of such fiscal years to 
        carry out the conservation stewardship program, the 
        Secretary shall use, to the maximum extent 
        practicable--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Preference.--In providing assistance under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a 
        veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 
        2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
        Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))) that qualifies 
        under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1).
  [(h)] (i) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--
Beginning in calendar year 2009, and each year thereafter, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a semiannual report 
containing statistics by State related to enrollments in 
conservation programs under this subtitle, as follows:
          (1) Payments made under the [wetlands reserve 
        program] agricultural conservation easement program for 
        easements valued at $250,000 or greater.
          [(2) Payments made under the farmland protection 
        program for easements in which the Federal share is 
        $250,000 or greater.
          [(3) Payments made under the grassland reserve 
        program valued at $250,000 or greater.]
          [(4)] (2) Payments made under the environmental 
        quality incentives program for land determined to have 
        special environmental significance pursuant to section 
        1240G(b).
          [(5)] (3) Payments made under the [agricultural water 
        enhancement program] regional conservation partnership 
        program subject to the waiver of adjusted gross income 
        limitations pursuant to section [1240I(g)] 1271C(c)(3).
          [(6)] (4) Waivers granted by the Secretary under 
        section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act in order to protect 
        environmentally sensitive land of special significance.

SEC. 1242. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Review of Conservation Practice Standards.--
          (1) Review required.--The Secretary shall--
                  (A) review conservation practice standards, 
                including engineering design specifications, in 
                effect on the date of the enactment of [the 
                Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008] the 
                Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                Act of 2012;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Addressing Concerns of [Speciality] Specialty Crop, 
Organic, and Precision Agriculture Producers.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1243. COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE.

  [(a) Establishment of Initiative.--The Secretary shall 
establish a cooperative conservation partnership initiative (in 
this section referred to as the ``Initiative'') to work with 
eligible partners to provide assistance to producers enrolled 
in a program described in subsection (c)(1) that will enhance 
conservation outcomes on agricultural and nonindustrial private 
forest land.
  [(b) Purposes.--The purposes of a partnership entered into 
under the Initiative shall be--
          [(1) to address conservation priorities involving 
        agriculture and nonindustrial private forest land on a 
        local, State, multi-State, or regional level;
          [(2) to encourage producers to cooperate in meeting 
        applicable Federal, State, and local regulatory 
        requirements related to production involving 
        agriculture and nonindustrial private forest land;
          [(3) to encourage producers to cooperate in the 
        installation and maintenance of conservation practices 
        that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial 
        private forest operations; or
          [(4) to promote the development and demonstration of 
        innovative conservation practices and delivery methods, 
        including those for specialty crop and organic 
        production and precision agriculture producers.
  [(c) Initiative Programs.--
          [(1) Covered programs.--Except as provided in 
        paragraph (2), the Initiative applies to all 
        conservation programs under subtitle D.
          [(2) Excluded programs.--The Initiative shall not 
        include the following programs:
                  [(A) Conservation reserve program.
                  [(B) Wetlands reserve program.
                  [(C) Farmland protection program
                  [(D) Grassland reserve program.
  [(d) Eligible Partners.--The Secretary may enter into a 
partnership under the Initiative with one or more of the 
following:
          [(1) States and local governments.
          [(2) Indian tribes.
          [(3) Producer associations.
          [(4) Farmer cooperatives.
          [(5) Institutions of higher education.
          [(6) Nongovernmental organizations with a history of 
        working cooperatively with producers to effectively 
        address conservation priorities related to agricultural 
        production and nonindustrial private forest land.
  [(e) Implementation Agreements.--The Secretary shall carry 
out the Initiative--
          [(1) by selecting, through a competitive process, 
        eligible partners from among applications submitted 
        under subsection (f); and
          [(2) by entering into multi-year agreements with 
        eligible partners so selected for a period not to 
        exceed 5 years.
  [(f) Applications.--
          [(1) Required information.--An application to enter 
        into a partnership agreement under the Initiative shall 
        include the following:
                  [(A) A description of the area covered by the 
                agreement, conservation priorities in the area, 
                conservation objectives to be achieved, and the 
                expected level of participation by agricultural 
                producers and nonindustrial private forest 
                landowners.
                  [(B) A description of the partner, or 
                partners, collaborating to achieve the 
                objectives of the agreement, and the roles, 
                responsibilities, and capabilities of the 
                partner.
                  [(C) A description of the resources that are 
                requested from the Secretary, and the non-
                Federal resources that will be leveraged by the 
                Federal contribution.
                  [(D) A description of the plan for 
                monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on 
                progress made towards achieving the objectives 
                of the agreement.
                  [(E) Such other information that may be 
                required by the Secretary.
          [(2) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give priority 
        to applications for agreements that--
                  [(A) have a high percentage of producers 
                involved and working agricultural or 
                nonindustrial private forest land included in 
                the area covered by the agreement;
                  [(B) significantly leverage non-Federal 
                financial and technical resources and 
                coordinate with other local, State, or Federal 
                efforts;
                  [(C) deliver high percentages of applied 
                conservation to address water quality, water 
                conservation, or State, regional, or national 
                conservation initiatives;
                  [(D) provide innovation in conservation 
                methods and delivery, including outcome-based 
                performance measures and methods; or
                  [(E) meet other factors, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
  [(g) Relationship to Covered Programs.--
          [(1) Compliance with program rules.--Except as 
        provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure 
        that resources made available under the Initiative are 
        delivered in accordance with the applicable rules of 
        programs specified in subsection (c)(1) through normal 
        program mechanisms relating to program functions, 
        including rules governing appeals, payment limitations, 
        and conservation compliance.
          [(2) Adjustment.--The Secretary may adjust the 
        elements of any program specified in subsection 
        (c)(1)--
                  [(A) to better reflect unique local 
                circumstances and purposes if the Secretary 
                determines such adjustments are necessary to 
                achieve the purposes of the Initiative; and
                  [(B) to provide preferential enrollment to 
                producers who are eligible for the applicable 
                program and to participate in the Initiative.
  [(h) Technical and Financial Assistance.--The Secretary shall 
provide appropriate technical and financial assistance to 
producers participating in the Initiative in an amount 
determined to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the 
Initiative.
  [(i) Funding.--
          [(1) Reservation.--Of the funds and acres made 
        available for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 to 
        implement the programs described in subsection (c)(1), 
        the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of the funds and 
        acres to ensure an adequate source of funds and acres 
        for the Initiative.
          [(2) Allocation requirements.--Of the funds and acres 
        reserved for the Initiative for a fiscal year, the 
        Secretary shall allocate--
                  [(A) 90 percent of the funds and acres to 
                projects based on the direction of State 
                conservationists, with the advice of State 
                technical committees; and
                  [(B) 10 percent of the funds and acres to 
                projects based on a national competitive 
                process established by the Secretary.
          [(3) Unused funding.--Any funds and acres reserved 
        for a fiscal year under paragraph (1) that are not 
        obligated by April 1 of that fiscal year may be used to 
        carry out other activities under the program that is 
        the source of the funds or acres during the remainder 
        of that fiscal year.
          [(4) Administrative costs of partners.--Overhead or 
        administrative costs of partners may not be covered by 
        funds provided through the Initiative.]

SEC. 1244. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

  (a) Incentives for Certain Farmers and Ranchers and Indian 
Tribes.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Covered persons.--Incentives authorized by 
        paragraph (1) may be provided to the following:
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined 
                in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
                2279(e))).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Plans.--The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, 
avoid duplication in--
          (1) the conservation plans required for--
                  (A) highly erodible land conservation under 
                subtitle B; and
                  (B) the conservation reserve program 
                established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of 
                subtitle D; [and]
                  [(C) the wetlands reserve program established 
                under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D; 
                and]
          (2) the agricultural conservation easement program 
        established under subtitle H; and
          [(2)] (3) the environmental quality incentives 
        program established under chapter 4 of subtitle D.
  (d) Tenant Protection.--Except for a person who is a tenant 
on land that is subject to a conservation reserve contract that 
has been extended by the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide 
adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and 
sharecroppers, including provision for sharing, on a fair and 
equitable basis, in payments under the programs established 
under subtitles B through D, H, and I.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Acreage Limitations.--
          (1) Limitations.--
                  (A) Enrollments.--The Secretary shall not 
                enroll more than 25 percent of the cropland in 
                any county in the [programs administered under 
                subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D] 
                conservation reserve program established under 
                subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and 
                wetland easements under section 1265C.
                  (B) Easements.--Not more than 10 percent of 
                the cropland in a [country] county may be 
                subject to [an easement acquired under 
                subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D] a 
                wetland easement under section 1265C.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Waiver to exclude certain acreage.--The Secretary 
        may grant a waiver to exclude acreage enrolled under 
        [subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4)] subsection 
        (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2) of section 1234 from the 
        limitations in paragraph (1)(A) with the concurrence of 
        the county government of the county involved.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Calculation.--In calculating the percentages 
        described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include 
        any acreage that was included in calculations of 
        percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on 
        September 30, 2012, and that remains enrolled when the 
        calculation is made after that date under paragraph 
        (1).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) Improved Administrative Efficiency and Effectiveness.--In 
administrating a conservation program under this title, the 
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
          (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs 
        to producers by streamlining conservation planning and 
        program resources; and
          (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance 
        efficiency and effectiveness.
  (k) Relation to Other Payments.--Any payment received by an 
owner or operator under this title, including an easement 
payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not 
affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator 
is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following:
          (1) This Act.
          (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et 
        seq.).
          (3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
        Management Act of 2012.
          (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in 
        paragraph (1), (2), or (3).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1246. REGULATIONS.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this 
title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines 
to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of 
the limitations established under section 1244(f).
  (b) Rulemaking Procedure.--The promulgation of regulations 
and administration of programs under this title--
          (1) shall be carried out without regard to--
                  (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary 
                effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), 
                relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and 
                public participation in rulemaking; and
                  (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States 
                Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction 
                Act); and
          (2) shall be made as an interim rule effective on 
        publication with an opportunity for notice and comment.
  (c) Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking.--In 
promulgating regulations under this section, the Secretary 
shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, 
United States Code.

               Subtitle F--Other Conservation Provisions

SEC. 1252. AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCED SERVICES PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(c) Funding Source.--
          [(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), the Secretary may carry out the ACES program using 
        funds made available to carry out each program under 
        this title.
          [(2) Exclusions.--Funds made available to carry out 
        the following programs may not be used to carry out the 
        ACES program:
                  [(A) The conservation reserve program.
                  [(B) The wetlands reserve program.
                  [(C) The grassland reserve program.
                  [(D) The conservation stewardship program.]
  (c) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out the ACES 
        program using funds made available to carry out each 
        program under this title.
          (2) Exclusion.--Funds made available to carry out the 
        conservation reserve program may not be used to carry 
        out the ACES program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                 Subtitle G--State Technical Committees

SEC. 1261. ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Standards.--[Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, 
the Secretary shall develop] The Secretary shall review and 
update as necessary--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


         Subtitle H--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

SEC. 1265. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

  (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation 
of eligible land and natural resources through easements or 
other interests in land.
  (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are to--
          (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions 
        of the wetlands reserve program established under 
        section 1237, the grassland reserve program established 
        under section 1238N, and the farmland protection 
        program established under section 1238I, as such 
        sections were in effect on September 30, 2012;
          (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on 
        eligible land;
          (3) protect the agricultural use and related 
        conservation values of eligible land by limiting 
        nonagricultural uses of that land; and
          (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation 
        values by restoring and conserving eligible land.

SEC. 1265A. DEFINITIONS.

  In this subtitle:
          (1) Agricultural land easement.--The term 
        ``agricultural land easement'' means an easement or 
        other interest in eligible land that--
                  (A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting 
                natural resources and the agricultural nature 
                of the land; and
                  (B) permits the landowner the right to 
                continue agricultural production and related 
                uses subject to an agricultural land easement 
                plan, as approved by the Secretary.
          (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' 
        means--
                  (A) an agency of State or local government or 
                an Indian tribe (including a farmland 
                protection board or land resource council 
                established under State law); or
                  (B) an organization that is--
                          (i) organized for, and at all times 
                        since the formation of the organization 
                        has been operated principally for, 1 or 
                        more of the conservation purposes 
                        specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), 
                        or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of the 
                        Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
                          (ii) an organization described in 
                        section 501(c)(3) of that Code that is 
                        exempt from taxation under section 
                        501(a) of that Code; or
                          (iii) described in--
                                  (I) paragraph (1) or (2) of 
                                section 509(a) of that Code; or
                                  (II) section 509(a)(3) of 
                                that Code and is controlled by 
                                an organization described in 
                                section 509(a)(2) of that Code.
          (3) Eligible land.--The term ``eligible land'' means 
        private or tribal land that is--
                  (A) in the case of an agricultural land 
                easement, agricultural land, including land on 
                a farm or ranch--
                          (i) that is subject to a pending 
                        offer for purchase of an agricultural 
                        land easement from an eligible entity;
                          (ii) that--
                                  (I) has prime, unique, or 
                                other productive soil;
                                  (II) contains historical or 
                                archaeological resources; or
                                  (III) the protection of which 
                                will further a State or local 
                                policy consistent with the 
                                purposes of the program; and
                          (iii) that is--
                                  (I) cropland;
                                  (II) rangeland;
                                  (III) grassland or land that 
                                contains forbs, or shrubland 
                                for which grazing is the 
                                predominate use;
                                  (IV) pastureland; or
                                  (V) nonindustrial private 
                                forest land that contributes to 
                                the economic viability of an 
                                offered parcel or serves as a 
                                buffer to protect such land 
                                from development;
                  (B) in the case of a wetland easement, a 
                wetland or related area, including--
                          (i) farmed or converted wetlands, 
                        together with adjacent land that is 
                        functionally dependent on that land, if 
                        the Secretary determines it--
                                  (I) is likely to be 
                                successfully restored in a cost 
                                effective manner; and
                                  (II) will maximize the 
                                wildlife benefits and wetland 
                                functions and values, as 
                                determined by the Secretary in 
                                consultation with the Secretary 
                                of the Interior at the local 
                                level;
                          (ii) cropland or grassland that was 
                        used for agricultural production prior 
                        to flooding from the natural overflow 
                        of--
                                  (I) a closed basin lake and 
                                adjacent land that is 
                                functionally dependent upon it, 
                                if the State or other entity is 
                                willing to provide 50 percent 
                                share of the cost of an 
                                easement;
                                  (II) a pothole and adjacent 
                                land that is functionally 
                                dependent on it;
                          (iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining 
                        lands that--
                                  (I) are enrolled in the 
                                conservation reserve program;
                                  (II) have the highest wetland 
                                functions and values, as 
                                determined by the Secretary; 
                                and
                                  (III) are likely to return to 
                                production after they leave the 
                                conservation reserve program;
                          (iv) riparian areas that link 
                        wetlands that are protected by 
                        easements or some other device that 
                        achieves the same purpose as an 
                        easement; or
                          (v) other wetlands of an owner that 
                        would not otherwise be eligible, if the 
                        Secretary determines that the inclusion 
                        of such wetlands in a wetland easement 
                        would significantly add to the 
                        functional value of the easement; or
                  (C) in the case of either an agricultural 
                land easement or wetland easement, other land 
                that is incidental to land described in 
                subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary 
                determines that it is necessary for the 
                efficient administration of the easements under 
                this program.
          (4) Program.--The term ``program'' means the 
        agricultural conservation easement program established 
        by this subtitle.
          (5) Wetland easement.--The term ``wetland easement'' 
        means a reserved interest in eligible land that--
                  (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and
                  (B) stipulates--
                          (i) the rights, title, and interests 
                        in land conveyed to the Secretary; and
                          (ii) the rights, title, and interests 
                        in land that are reserved to the 
                        landowner.

SEC. 1265B. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.

  (a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall 
facilitate and provide funding for--
          (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural 
        land easements and other interests in eligible land; 
        and
          (2) technical assistance to provide for the 
        conservation of natural resources pursuant to an 
        agricultural land easement plan.
  (b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect the 
        agricultural use, including grazing, and related 
        conservation values of eligible land through cost-share 
        assistance to eligible entities for purchasing 
        agricultural land easements.
          (2) Scope of assistance available.--
                  (A) Federal share.--An agreement described in 
                paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share 
                determined by the Secretary of an amount not to 
                exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of 
                the agricultural land easement or other 
                interest in land, as determined by the 
                Secretary using--
                          (i) the Uniform Standards of 
                        Professional Appraisal Practice;
                          (ii) an area-wide market analysis or 
                        survey; or
                          (iii) another industry-approved 
                        method.
                  (B) Non-federal share.--
                          (i) In general.--Under the agreement, 
                        the eligible entity shall provide a 
                        share that is at least equivalent to 
                        that provided by the Secretary.
                          (ii) Source of contribution.--An 
                        eligible entity may include as part of 
                        its share a charitable donation or 
                        qualified conservation contribution (as 
                        defined by section 170(h) of the 
                        Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the 
                        private landowner if the eligible 
                        entity contributes its own cash 
                        resources in an amount that is at least 
                        50 percent of the amount contributed by 
                        the Secretary.
                  (C) Exception.--In the case of grassland of 
                special environmental significance, as 
                determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may 
                provide an amount not to exceed 75 percent of 
                the fair market value of the agricultural land 
                easement.
          (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--
                  (A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
                evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the 
                benefit of Federal investment under the 
                program.
                  (B) Considerations.--In establishing the 
                criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support 
                for--
                          (i) protecting agricultural uses and 
                        related conservation values of the 
                        land; and
                          (ii) maximizing the protection of 
                        areas devoted to agricultural use.
                  (C) Bidding down.--If the Secretary 
                determines that 2 or more applications for 
                cost-share assistance are comparable in 
                achieving the purpose of the program, the 
                Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to 
                any of those applications solely on the basis 
                of lesser cost to the program.
          (4) Agreements with eligible entities.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter 
                into agreements with eligible entities to 
                stipulate the terms and conditions under which 
                the eligible entity is permitted to use cost-
                share assistance provided under this section.
                  (B) Length of agreements.--An agreement shall 
                be for a term that is--
                          (i) in the case of an eligible entity 
                        certified under the process described 
                        in paragraph (5), a minimum of five 
                        years; and
                          (ii) for all other eligible entities, 
                        at least three, but not more than five 
                        years.
                  (C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An 
                eligible entity shall be authorized to use its 
                own terms and conditions for agricultural land 
                easements so long as the Secretary determines 
                such terms and conditions--
                          (i) are consistent with the purposes 
                        of the program;
                          (ii) permit effective enforcement of 
                        the conservation purposes of such 
                        easements;
                          (iii) include a right of enforcement 
                        for the Secretary, that may be used 
                        only if the terms of the easement are 
                        not enforced by the holder of the 
                        easement;
                          (iv) subject the land in which an 
                        interest is purchased to an 
                        agricultural land easement plan that--
                                  (I) describes the activities 
                                which promote the long-term 
                                viability of the land to meet 
                                the purposes for which the 
                                easement was acquired;
                                  (II) requires the management 
                                of grasslands according to a 
                                grasslands management plan; and
                                  (III) includes a conservation 
                                plan, where appropriate, and 
                                requires, at the option of the 
                                Secretary, the conversion of 
                                highly erodible cropland to 
                                less intensive uses; and
                          (v) include a limit on the impervious 
                        surfaces to be allowed that is 
                        consistent with the agricultural 
                        activities to be conducted.
                  (D) Substitution of qualified projects.--An 
                agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of 
                the parties, substitution of qualified projects 
                that are identified at the time of the proposed 
                substitution.
                  (E) Effect of violation.--If a violation 
                occurs of a term or condition of an agreement 
                under this subsection--
                          (i) the Secretary may terminate the 
                        agreement; and
                          (ii) the Secretary may require the 
                        eligible entity to refund all or part 
                        of any payments received by the entity 
                        under the program, with interest on the 
                        payments as determined appropriate by 
                        the Secretary.
          (5) Certification of eligible entities.--
                  (A) Certification process.--The Secretary 
                shall establish a process under which the 
                Secretary may--
                          (i) directly certify eligible 
                        entities that meet established 
                        criteria;
                          (ii) enter into long-term agreements 
                        with certified eligible entities; and
                          (iii) accept proposals for cost-share 
                        assistance for the purchase of 
                        agricultural land easements throughout 
                        the duration of such agreements.
                  (B) Certification criteria.--In order to be 
                certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate 
                to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, 
                at a minimum, for the duration of the 
                agreement--
                          (i) a plan for administering 
                        easements that is consistent with the 
                        purpose of this subtitle;
                          (ii) the capacity and resources to 
                        monitor and enforce agricultural land 
                        easements; and
                          (iii) policies and procedures to 
                        ensure--
                                  (I) the long-term integrity 
                                of agricultural land easements 
                                on eligible land;
                                  (II) timely completion of 
                                acquisitions of such easements; 
                                and
                                  (III) timely and complete 
                                evaluation and reporting to the 
                                Secretary on the use of funds 
                                provided under the program.
                  (C) Review and revision.--
                          (i) Review.--The Secretary shall 
                        conduct a review of eligible entities 
                        certified under subparagraph (A) every 
                        three years to ensure that such 
                        entities are meeting the criteria 
                        established under subparagraph (B).
                          (ii) Revocation.--If the Secretary 
                        finds that the certified eligible 
                        entity no longer meets the criteria 
                        established under subparagraph (B), the 
                        Secretary may--
                                  (I) allow the certified 
                                eligible entity a specified 
                                period of time, at a minimum 
                                180 days, in which to take such 
                                actions as may be necessary to 
                                meet the criteria; and
                                  (II) revoke the certification 
                                of the eligible entity, if 
                                after the specified period of 
                                time, the certified eligible 
                                entity does not meet such 
                                criteria.
  (c) Method of Enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll 
eligible land under this section through the use of--
          (1) permanent easements; or
          (2) easements for the maximum duration allowed under 
        applicable State laws.
  (d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide 
technical assistance, if requested, to assist in--
          (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of 
        easements; and
          (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement 
        plan.

SEC. 1265C. WETLAND EASEMENTS.

  (a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and 
enhance wetlands through--
          (1) wetland easements and related wetland easement 
        plans; and
          (2) technical assistance.
  (b) Easements.--
          (1) Method of enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll 
        eligible land under this section through the use of--
                  (A) 30-year easements;
                  (B) permanent easements;
                  (C) easements for the maximum duration 
                allowed under applicable State laws; or
                  (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-
                year contracts (which shall be considered to be 
                30-year easements for the purposes of this 
                subtitle).
          (2) Limitations.--
                  (A) Ineligible land.--The Secretary may not 
                acquire easements on--
                          (i) land established to trees under 
                        the conservation reserve program, 
                        except in cases where the Secretary 
                        determines it would further the 
                        purposes of the program; and
                          (ii) farmed wetlands or converted 
                        wetlands where the conversion was not 
                        commenced prior to December 23, 1985.
                  (B) Changes in ownership.--No wetland 
                easement shall be created on land that has 
                changed ownership during the preceding 24-month 
                period unless--
                          (i) the new ownership was acquired by 
                        will or succession as a result of the 
                        death of the previous owner;
                          (ii)(I) the ownership change occurred 
                        because of foreclosure on the land; and
                          (II) immediately before the 
                        foreclosure, the owner of the land 
                        exercises a right of redemption from 
                        the mortgage holder in accordance with 
                        State law; or
                          (iii) the Secretary determines that 
                        the land was acquired under 
                        circumstances that give adequate 
                        assurances that such land was not 
                        acquired for the purposes of placing it 
                        in the program.
          (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers.--
                  (A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
                evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the 
                benefit of Federal investment under the 
                program.
                  (B) Considerations.--When evaluating offers 
                from landowners, the Secretary may consider--
                          (i) the conservation benefits of 
                        obtaining a wetland easement, including 
                        the potential environmental benefits if 
                        the land was removed from agricultural 
                        production;
                          (ii) the cost-effectiveness of each 
                        wetland easement, so as to maximize the 
                        environmental benefits per dollar 
                        expended;
                          (iii) whether the landowner or 
                        another person is offering to 
                        contribute financially to the cost of 
                        the wetland easement to leverage 
                        Federal funds; and
                          (iv) such other factors as the 
                        Secretary determines are necessary to 
                        carry out the purposes of the program.
                  (C) Priority.--The Secretary shall place 
                priority on acquiring wetland easements based 
                on the value of the wetland easement for 
                protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory 
                birds and other wildlife.
          (4) Agreement.--To be eligible to place eligible land 
        into the program through a wetland easement, the owner 
        of such land shall enter into an agreement with the 
        Secretary to--
                  (A) grant an easement on such land to the 
                Secretary;
                  (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland 
                easement plan developed for the eligible land 
                under subsection (f);
                  (C) create and record an appropriate deed 
                restriction in accordance with applicable State 
                law to reflect the easement agreed to;
                  (D) provide a written statement of consent to 
                such easement signed by those holding a 
                security interest in the land;
                  (E) comply with the terms and conditions of 
                the easement and any related agreements; and
                  (F) permanently retire any existing base 
                history for the land on which the easement has 
                been obtained.
          (5) Terms and conditions of easement.--
                  (A) In general.--A wetland easement shall 
                include terms and conditions that--
                          (i) permit--
                                  (I) repairs, improvements, 
                                and inspections on the land 
                                that are necessary to maintain 
                                existing public drainage 
                                systems; and
                                  (II) owners to control public 
                                access on the easement areas 
                                while identifying access routes 
                                to be used for restoration 
                                activities and management and 
                                easement monitoring;
                          (ii) prohibit--
                                  (I) the alteration of 
                                wildlife habitat and other 
                                natural features of such land, 
                                unless specifically authorized 
                                by the Secretary;
                                  (II) the spraying of such 
                                land with chemicals or the 
                                mowing of such land, except 
                                where such spraying or mowing 
                                is authorized by the Secretary 
                                or is necessary--
                                          (aa) to comply with 
                                        Federal or State 
                                        noxious weed control 
                                        laws;
                                          (bb) to comply with a 
                                        Federal or State 
                                        emergency pest 
                                        treatment program; or
                                          (cc) to meet habitat 
                                        needs of specific 
                                        wildlife species;
                                  (III) any activities to be 
                                carried out on the owner's or 
                                successor's land that is 
                                immediately adjacent to, and 
                                functionally related to, the 
                                land that is subject to the 
                                easement if such activities 
                                will alter, degrade, or 
                                otherwise diminish the 
                                functional value of the 
                                eligible land; and
                                  (IV) the adoption of any 
                                other practice that would tend 
                                to defeat the purposes of the 
                                program, as determined by the 
                                Secretary;
                          (iii) provide for the efficient and 
                        effective establishment of wildlife 
                        functions and values; and
                          (iv) include such additional 
                        provisions as the Secretary determines 
                        are desirable to carry out the program 
                        or facilitate the practical 
                        administration thereof.
                  (B) Violation.--On the violation of the terms 
                or conditions of a wetland easement, the 
                wetland easement shall remain in force and the 
                Secretary may require the owner to refund all 
                or part of any payments received by the owner 
                under the program, together with interest 
                thereon as determined appropriate by the 
                Secretary.
                  (C) Compatible uses.--Land subject to a 
                wetland easement may be used for compatible 
                economic uses, including such activities as 
                hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or 
                periodic haying or grazing, if such use is 
                specifically permitted by the wetland easement 
                plan developed for the land under subsection 
                (f) and is consistent with the long-term 
                protection and enhancement of the wetland 
                resources for which the easement was 
                established.
                  (D) Reservation of grazing rights.--The 
                Secretary may include in the terms and 
                conditions of a wetland easement a provision 
                under which the owner reserves grazing rights 
                if--
                          (i) the Secretary determines that the 
                        reservation and use of the grazing 
                        rights--
                                  (I) is compatible with the 
                                land subject to the easement;
                                  (II) is consistent with the 
                                historical natural uses of the 
                                land and the long-term 
                                protection and enhancement 
                                goals for which the easement 
                                was established; and
                                  (III) complies with the 
                                wetland easement plan developed 
                                for the land under subsection 
                                (f); and
                          (ii) the agreement provides for a 
                        commensurate reduction in the easement 
                        payment to account for the grazing 
                        value, as determined by the Secretary.
          (6) Compensation.--
                  (A) Determination.--
                          (i) Permanent easements.--The 
                        Secretary shall pay as compensation for 
                        a permanent wetland easement acquired 
                        under the program an amount necessary 
                        to encourage enrollment in the program, 
                        based on the lowest of--
                                  (I) the fair market value of 
                                the land, as determined by the 
                                Secretary, using the Uniform 
                                Standards of Professional 
                                Appraisal Practice or an area-
                                wide market analysis or survey;
                                  (II) the amount corresponding 
                                to a geographical cap, as 
                                determined by the Secretary in 
                                regulations; or
                                  (III) the offer made by the 
                                landowner.
                          (ii) 30-year easements.--Compensation 
                        for a 30-year wetland easement shall be 
                        not less than 50 percent, but not more 
                        than 75 percent, of the compensation 
                        that would be paid for a permanent 
                        wetland easement.
                  (B) Form of payment.--Compensation for a 
                wetland easement shall be provided by the 
                Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an 
                amount determined under subparagraph (A).
                  (C) Payment schedule.--
                          (i) Easements valued at $500,000 or 
                        less.--For wetland easements valued at 
                        $500,000 or less, the Secretary may 
                        provide easement payments in not more 
                        than 10 annual payments.
                          (ii) Easements valued at more than 
                        $500,000.--For wetland easements valued 
                        at more than $500,000, the Secretary 
                        may provide easement payments in at 
                        least 5, but not more than 10 annual 
                        payments, except that, if the Secretary 
                        determines it would further the 
                        purposes of the program, the Secretary 
                        may make a lump sum payment for such an 
                        easement.
  (c) Easement Restoration.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide 
        financial assistance to owners of eligible land to 
        carry out the establishment of conservation measures 
        and practices and protect wetland functions and values, 
        including necessary maintenance activities, as set 
        forth in a wetland easement plan developed for the 
        eligible land under subsection (f).
          (2) Payments.--The Secretary shall--
                  (A) in the case of a permanent wetland 
                easement, pay an amount that is not less than 
                75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of 
                the eligible costs, as determined by the 
                Secretary; and
                  (B) in the case of a 30-year wetland 
                easement, pay an amount that is not less than 
                50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of 
                the eligible costs, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
  (d) Technical Assistance.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners in 
        complying with the terms and conditions of wetland 
        easements.
          (2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter 
        into 1 or more contracts with private entities or 
        agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, 
        or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, 
        enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland easement if 
        the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement 
        will advance the purposes of the program.
  (e) Wetland Enhancement Option.--The Secretary may enter into 
1 or more agreements with a State (including a political 
subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental 
organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland 
enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance 
the purposes of program.
  (f) Administration.--
          (1) Wetland easement plan.--The Secretary shall 
        develop a wetland easement plan for eligible lands 
        subject to a wetland easement, which shall include 
        practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, 
        enhance, and maintain the enrolled lands.
          (2) Delegation of easement administration.--The 
        Secretary may delegate--
                  (A) any of the easement management, 
                monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of 
                the Secretary to other Federal or State 
                agencies that have the appropriate authority, 
                expertise, and resources necessary to carry out 
                such delegated responsibilities; and
                  (B) any of the easement management 
                responsibilities of the Secretary to other 
                conservation organizations if the Secretary 
                determines the organization has the appropriate 
                expertise and resources.
          (3) Payments.--
                  (A) Timing of payments.--The Secretary shall 
                provide payment for obligations incurred by the 
                Secretary under this section--
                          (i) with respect to any easement 
                        restoration obligation under subsection 
                        (c), as soon as possible after the 
                        obligation is incurred; and
                          (ii) with respect to any annual 
                        easement payment obligation incurred by 
                        the Secretary, as soon as possible 
                        after October 1 of each calendar year.
                  (B) Payments to others.--If an owner who is 
                entitled to a payment under this section dies, 
                becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to 
                receive such payment, or is succeeded by 
                another person or entity who renders or 
                completes the required performance, the 
                Secretary shall make such payment, in 
                accordance with regulations prescribed by the 
                Secretary and without regard to any other 
                provision of law, in such manner as the 
                Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in 
                light of all of the circumstances.

SEC. 1265D. ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary may not use program funds 
for the purposes of acquiring an easement on--
          (1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, 
        other than land held in trust for Indian tribes;
          (2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an 
        agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local 
        government;
          (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction 
        which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar 
        protection as would be provided by enrollment in the 
        program; or
          (4) lands where the purposes of the program would be 
        undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such 
        as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing 
        rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent 
        land uses.
  (b) Priority.--In evaluating applications under the program, 
the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently 
enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that 
is set to expire within 1 year and--
          (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is 
        grassland that would benefit from protection under a 
        long-term easement; and
          (2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland 
        or related area with the highest functions and value 
        and is likely to return to production after the land 
        leaves the conservation reserve program.
  (c) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may subordinate, 
        exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or 
        portion of such interest, administered by the 
        Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the 
        Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the 
        Secretary determines that--
                  (A) it is in the Federal Government's 
                interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or 
                terminate the interest in land;
                  (B) the subordination, exchange, 
                modification, or termination action--
                          (i) will address a compelling public 
                        need for which there is no practicable 
                        alternative; or
                          (ii) such action will further the 
                        practical administration of the 
                        program; and
                  (C) the subordination, exchange, 
                modification, or termination action will result 
                in comparable conservation value and equivalent 
                or greater economic value to the United States.
          (2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall work with the 
        owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address 
        any subordination, exchange, modification, or 
        termination of the interest, or portion of such 
        interest, in land.
          (3) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking any 
        termination action described in paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall provide written notice of such action 
        to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
        Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
  (d) Land Enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program.--The 
Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under 
section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such 
contract is transferred into the program.
  (e) Allocation of Funds for Agricultural Land Easements.--Of 
the funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the 
program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent 
practicable, use for agricultural land easements--
          (1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 
        2013 through 2016; and
          (2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2017.

         Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

SEC. 1271. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

  (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a regional 
conservation partnership program to implement eligible 
activities on eligible land through--
          (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; 
        and
          (2) contracts with producers.
  (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are as follows:
          (1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes 
        and functions similar to those of the following 
        programs, as in effect on September 30, 2012:
                  (A) The agricultural water enhancement 
                program established under section 1240I.
                  (B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program 
                established under section 1240Q.
                  (C) The cooperative conservation partnership 
                initiative established under section 1243.
                  (D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil 
                erosion and sediment control established under 
                section 1240P.
          (2) To further the conservation, restoration, and 
        sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related 
        natural resources on eligible land on a regional or 
        watershed scale.
          (3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with 
        producers in--
                  (A) meeting or avoiding the need for 
                national, State, and local natural resource 
                regulatory requirements related to production 
                on eligible land; and
                  (B) implementing projects that will result in 
                the carrying out of eligible activities that 
                affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial 
                private forest operations on a local, regional, 
                State, or multi-State basis.

SEC. 1271A. DEFINITIONS.

  In this subtitle:
          (1) Covered program.--The term ``covered program'' 
        means the following:
                  (A) The agricultural conservation easement 
                program.
                  (B) The environmental quality incentives 
                program.
                  (C) The conservation stewardship program.
          (2) Eligible activity.--The term ``eligible 
        activity'' means any of the following conservation 
        activities:
                  (A) Water quality or quantity conservation, 
                restoration, or enhancement projects relating 
                to surface water and groundwater resources, 
                including--
                          (i) the conversion of irrigated 
                        cropland to the production of less 
                        water-intensive agricultural 
                        commodities or dryland farming; or
                          (ii) irrigation system improvement 
                        and irrigation efficiency enhancement.
                  (B) Drought mitigation.
                  (C) Flood prevention.
                  (D) Water retention.
                  (E) Air quality improvement.
                  (F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and 
                enhancement.
                  (G) Erosion control and sediment reduction.
                  (H) Other related activities that the 
                Secretary determines will help achieve 
                conservation benefits.
          (3) Eligible land.--The term ``eligible land'' means 
        land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or 
        forest-related products are produced, including--
                  (A) cropland;
                  (B) grassland;
                  (C) rangeland;
                  (D) pastureland;
                  (E) nonindustrial private forest land; and
                  (F) other land incidental to agricultural 
                production (including wetlands and riparian 
                buffers) on which significant natural resource 
                issues could be addressed under the program.
          (4) Eligible partner.--The term ``eligible partner'' 
        means any of the following:
                  (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer 
                association or other group of producers.
                  (B) A State or unit of local government.
                  (C) An Indian tribe.
                  (D) A farmer cooperative.
                  (E) A water district, irrigation district, 
                rural water district or association, or other 
                organization with specific water delivery 
                authority to producers on agricultural land.
                  (F) An institution of higher education.
                  (G) An organization with an established 
                history of working cooperatively with producers 
                on agricultural land, as determined by the 
                Secretary, to address--
                          (i) local conservation priorities 
                        related to agricultural production, 
                        wildlife habitat development, or 
                        nonindustrial private forest land 
                        management; or
                          (ii) critical watershed-scale soil 
                        erosion, water quality, sediment 
                        reduction, or other natural resource 
                        issues.
          (5) Partnership agreement.--The term ``partnership 
        agreement'' means an agreement entered into under 
        section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible 
        partner.
          (6) Program.--The term ``program'' means the regional 
        conservation partnership program established by this 
        subtitle.

SEC. 1271B. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.

  (a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--The Secretary may 
enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to 
implement a project that will assist producers with installing 
and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land.
  (b) Length.--A partnership agreement shall be for a period 
not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the 
agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is 
necessary to meet the objectives of the program.
  (c) Duties of Partners.--
          (1) In general.--Under a partnership agreement, the 
        eligible partner shall--
                  (A) define the scope of a project, 
                including--
                          (i) the eligible activities to be 
                        implemented;
                          (ii) the potential agricultural or 
                        nonindustrial private forest land 
                        operations affected;
                          (iii) the local, State, multi-State, 
                        or other geographic area covered; and
                          (iv) the planning, outreach, 
                        implementation, and assessment to be 
                        conducted;
                  (B) conduct outreach to producers for 
                potential participation in the project;
                  (C) at the request of a producer, act on 
                behalf of a producer participating in the 
                project in applying for assistance under 
                section 1271C;
                  (D) leverage financial or technical 
                assistance provided by the Secretary with 
                additional funds to help achieve the project 
                objectives;
                  (E) conduct an assessment of the project's 
                effects; and
                  (F) at the conclusion of the project, report 
                to the Secretary on its results and funds 
                leveraged.
          (2) Contribution.--An eligible partner shall provide 
        a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope 
        of the project that is the subject of the agreement 
        entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the 
        Secretary.
  (d) Applications.--
          (1) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall conduct 
        a competitive process to select applications for 
        partnership agreements and may assess and rank 
        applications with similar conservation purposes as a 
        group.
          (2) Criteria used.--In carrying out the process 
        described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 
        public the criteria used in evaluating applications.
          (3) Content.--An application to the Secretary shall 
        include a description of--
                  (A) the scope of the project, as described in 
                subsection (c)(1)(A);
                  (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and 
                reporting on progress made towards achieving 
                the project's objectives;
                  (C) the program resources requested for the 
                project, including the covered programs to be 
                used and estimated funding needed from the 
                Secretary;
                  (D) eligible partners collaborating to 
                achieve project objectives, including their 
                roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and 
                financial contribution; and
                  (E) any other elements the Secretary 
                considers necessary to adequately evaluate and 
                competitively select applications for funding 
                under the program.
          (4) Priority to certain applications.--The Secretary 
        may give a higher priority to applications that--
                  (A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding 
                the need for a natural resource regulatory 
                requirement;
                  (B) have a high percentage of eligible 
                producers in the area to be covered by the 
                agreement;
                  (C) significantly leverage non-Federal 
                financial and technical resources and 
                coordinate with other local, State, or national 
                efforts;
                  (D) deliver high percentages of applied 
                conservation to address conservation priorities 
                or regional, State, or national conservation 
                initiatives;
                  (E) provide innovation in conservation 
                methods and delivery, including outcome-based 
                performance measures and methods; or
                  (F) meet other factors that are important for 
                achieving the purposes of the program, as 
                determined by the Secretary.

SEC. 1271C. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into contracts 
with producers to provide financial and technical assistance 
to--
          (1) producers participating in a project with an 
        eligible partner, as described in section 1271B; or
          (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project 
        described in section 1271B or a critical conservation 
        area designated under section 1271F, but who are 
        seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible 
        land independent of a partner.
  (b) Terms and Conditions.--
          (1) Consistency with program rules.--Except as 
        provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure 
        that the terms and conditions of a contract under this 
        section are consistent with the applicable rules of the 
        covered programs to be used as part of the project, as 
        described in the application under section 
        1271B(d)(3)(C).
          (2) Adjustments.--Except with respect to statutory 
        program requirements governing appeals, payment 
        limitations, and conservation compliance, the Secretary 
        may adjust the discretionary program rules of a covered 
        program--
                  (A) to provide a simplified application and 
                evaluation process; and
                  (B) to better reflect unique local 
                circumstances and purposes if the Secretary 
                determines such adjustments are necessary to 
                achieve the purposes of the program.
  (c) Payments.--
          (1) In general.--In accordance with statutory 
        requirements of the covered programs involved, the 
        Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount 
        determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve 
        the purposes of the program.
          (2) Payments to producers in states with water 
        quantity concerns.--The Secretary may provide payments 
        to producers participating in a project that addresses 
        water quantity concerns for a period of five years in 
        an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from 
        irrigated farming to dryland farming.
          (3) Waiver authority.--To assist in the 
        implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive 
        the applicability of the limitation in section 
        1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if 
        the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary 
        to fulfill the objectives of the program.

SEC. 1271D. FUNDING.

  (a) Availability of Funds.--The Secretary shall use 
$100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017 to carry out the 
program.
  (b) Duration of Availability.--Funds made available under 
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
  (c) Additional Funding and Acres.--
          (1) In general.--In addition to the funds made 
        available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
        reserve 6 percent of the funds and acres made available 
        for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017 in order to ensure additional resources 
        are available to carry out this program.
          (2) Unused funds and acres.--Any funds or acres 
        reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a 
        covered program that are not obligated under this 
        program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be 
        returned for use under the covered program.
  (d) Allocation of Funding.--Of the funds and acres made 
available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the 
Secretary shall allocate--
          (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects 
        based on a State competitive process administered by 
        the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State 
        technical committee established under subtitle G;
          (2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects 
        based on a national competitive process to be 
        established by the Secretary; and
          (3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for 
        the critical conservation areas designated under 
        section 1271F.
  (e) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--None of the funds 
made available under the program may be used to pay for the 
administrative expenses of eligible partners.

SEC. 1271E. ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) Disclosure.--In addition to the criteria used in 
evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), 
the Secretary shall make publicly available information on 
projects selected through the competitive process described in 
section 1271B(d)(1).
  (b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2013, and every 
two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
Senate a report on the status of projects funded under the 
program, including--
          (1) the number and types of eligible partners and 
        producers participating in the partnership agreements 
        selected;
          (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and
          (3) total funding committed to projects, including 
        from Federal and non-Federal resources.

SEC. 1271F. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.

  (a) In General.--In administering funds under section 
1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for 
partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical 
conservation areas designated under this section.
  (b) Critical Conservation Area Designations.--
          (1) Priority.--In designating critical conservation 
        areas under this section, the Secretary shall give 
        priority to geographical areas based on the degree to 
        which the geographical area--
                  (A) includes multiple States with significant 
                agricultural production;
                  (B) is covered by an existing regional, 
                State, binational, or multistate agreement or 
                plan that has established objectives, goals, 
                and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, 
                State, or regional authority;
                  (C) would benefit from water quality 
                improvement, including through reducing 
                erosion, promoting sediment control, and 
                addressing nutrient management activities 
                affecting large bodies of water of regional, 
                national, or international significance;
                  (D) would benefit from water quantity 
                improvement, including improvement relating 
                to--
                          (i) groundwater, surface water, 
                        aquifer, or other water sources; or
                          (ii) a need to promote water 
                        retention and flood prevention; or
                  (E) contains producers that need assistance 
                in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural 
                resource regulatory requirement that could have 
                a negative economic impact on agricultural 
                operations within the area.
          (2) Limitation.--The Secretary may not designate more 
        than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation 
        areas under this section.
  (c) Administration.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        the Secretary shall administer any partnership 
        agreement or producer contract under this section in a 
        manner that is consistent with the terms of the 
        program.
          (2) Relationship to existing activity.--The Secretary 
        shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that 
        eligible activities carried out in critical 
        conservation areas designated under this section 
        complement and are consistent with other Federal and 
        State programs and water quality and quantity 
        strategies.
          (3) Additional authority.--For a critical 
        conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), 
        the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed 
        Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et 
        seq.), other than section 14 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 
        1012), to carry out projects for the purposes of this 
        section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE XIII--CREDIT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


      NONPROFIT NATIONAL RURAL DEVELQPMENT AND FINANCECORPORATIONS

  Sec. 1323. (a) * * *
  (b)(1) * * *
  (2) All funds authorized under the Rural Development Loan 
Fund, including those on deposit and available upon date of 
enactment, under sections 623 and 633 of the Community Economic 
Development Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.) shall be 
transferred to the Secretary provided that--
          (A) all funds on deposit and available on date of 
        enactment shall be used for the purpose of making 
        grants under paragraph(1) and shall remain available 
        until expended; and
          (B) notwithstanding any other provision of law, all 
        loans tointermediary borrowers made prior to date of 
        enactment, shallupon date of enactment, for the life of 
        such loan, bear a rate ofinterest not to exceed that in 
        effect upon the date of issuance ofsuch loans; [and].
          [(C) notwithstanding paragraph (1), all funds other 
        than funds to which subparagraph (A) applies shall be 
        used by the Secretary to make loans--
                  [(i) to the entities;
                  [(ii) for the purposes; and
                  [(iii) subject to the terms and conditions;]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


SECTION 902 OF THE TRADE SANCTIONS REFORM AND EXPORT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 
                                  2000

SEC. 902. DEFINITIONS

  In this title:
          (1) * * *
          (2) Agricultural program..--The term ``agricultural 
        program'' means--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  [(D) the dairy export incentive program 
                administered under section 153 of the Food 
                Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 713a-14);]
                  [(E)] (D) any commercial export sale of 
                agricultural commodities; or
                  [(F)] (E) any export financing (including 
                credits or credit guarantees) provided by the 
                United States Government for agricultural 
                commodities.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                SECTION 3 OF THE ACT OF AUGUST 13, 1968

                          (Public Law 90-484)

         AN ACT To provide indemnity payments to dairy farmers.

  Sec. 3.The authority granted under this Act shall expire on 
September 30, [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


               DAIRY PRODUCTION STABILIZATION ACT OF 1983

TITLE I--DAIRY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--Dairy Promotion Program

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                        REQUIRED TERMS IN ORDERS

  Sec. 113. Any order issued under this subtitle shall contain 
terms and conditions as follows:
  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Budgets.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Foreign market efforts.--The order shall 
        authorize the Board to expend in the maintenance and 
        expansion of foreign markets an amount not to exceed 
        the amount collected from United States producers for a 
        fiscal year. Of those funds, for each of the 2002 
        through [2012] 2017 fiscal years, the Board's budget 
        may provide for the expenditure of revenues available 
        to the Board to develop international markets for, and 
        to promote within such markets, the consumption of 
        dairy products produced or manufactured in the United 
        States.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                        ACT OF FEBRUARY 20, 2003

                           (Public Law 108-7)

 AN ACT Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending 
              September 30, 2003, and for other purposes.



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
       DIVISION A--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG 
ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS, 2003

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  SEC. 767. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for 
purposes of administering [sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 
107-171] subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture 
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012, acreage planted to, or 
prevented from being planted to, popcorn shall be considered as 
acreage planted to, or prevented from being planted to, corn: 
Provided, That if a farm program payment yield for corn is 
otherwise established for a farm under [such section 1102] such 
subtitle, the same yield shall be used for the acreage on the 
farm planted to, or prevented from being planted to, popcorn: 
Provided further, That with respect to all other farms, the 
farm program payment yield for such popcorn acreage shall be 
established by the Secretary on a fair and equitable basis to 
reflect the farm program payment yields for corn on similar 
farms in the area.
  [(b) This section shall take effect on October 1, 2003.]
  (b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the 
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012, 
shall take effect beginning with the 2013 crop year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


             WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 14. REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURAL MEASURES NEAR, AT, OR PAST THEIR 
                    EVALUATED LIFE EXPECTANCY.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Funding.--
          (1) Funds of commodity credit corporation.--In 
        carrying out this section, of the funds of the 
        Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make 
        available, to remain available until expended--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2007[; and];
                  (F) $0 for fiscal year 2008[.];
                  (G) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, to be 
                available until expended[.]; and
                  (H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, to 
                remain available until expended.
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to 
        amounts made available under paragraph (1), there are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry 
        out this section, to remain available until expended--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) $85,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
                through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                       FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE ACT

Subtitle A--Federal Crop Insurance Act

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 502. PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Definitions.--As used in this subtitle:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term 
        ``beginning farmer or rancher'' means a farmer or 
        rancher who has not actively operated and managed a 
        farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a 
        crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, 
        tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as 
        determined by the Secretary.
          [(3)] (4) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Board 
        of Directors of the Corporation established under 
        section 505(a).
          [(4)] (5) Corporation.--The term ``Corporation'' 
        means the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 
        established under section 503.
          [(5)] (6) Department.--The term ``Department'' means 
        the United States Department of Agriculture.
          [(6)] (7) Loss ratio.--The term ``loss ratio'' means 
        the ratio of all sums paid by the Corporation as 
        indemnities under any eligible crop insurance policy to 
        that portion of the premium designated for anticipated 
        losses and a reasonable reserve, other than that 
        portion of the premium designated for operating and 
        administrative expenses.
          [(7)] (8) Organic crop.--The term ``organic crop'' 
        means an agricultural commodity that is organically 
        produced consistent with section 2103 of the Organic 
        Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502).
          [(8)] (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means 
        the Secretary of Agriculture.
          [(9)] (10) Transitional yield.--The term 
        ``transitional yield'' means the maximum average 
        production per acre or equivalent measure that is 
        assigned to acreage for a crop year by the Corporation 
        in accordance with the regulations of the Corporation 
        whenever the producer fails--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Protection of Confidential Information.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Information.--
                  (A) Request.--Subject to subparagraph (B), 
                the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely 
                manner, provide to an agent or an approved 
                insurance provider authorized by the producer 
                any information (including Farm Service Agency 
                Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or 
                any corrections to those forms or maps) that 
                may assist the agent or approved insurance 
                provider in insuring the producer under a 
                policy or plan of insurance under this 
                subtitle.
                  (B) Privacy.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (C), an agent or approved 
                insurance provider that receives the 
                information of a producer pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in 
                accordance with paragraph (1).
                  (C) Sharing.--Nothing in this section 
                prohibits the sharing of the information of a 
                producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between 
                the agent and the approved insurance provider 
                of the producer.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 508. CROP INSURANCE.

  (a) Authority to Offer Insurance.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (9) Premium adjustments.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Exceptions.--Subparagraph (A) does not 
                apply with respect to--
                          (i) a payment authorized under 
                        subsection (b)(5)(B); or
                          [(ii) a performance-based discount 
                        authorized under subsection (d)(3); or]
                          [(iii)] (ii) a patronage dividend, or 
                        similar payment, that is paid--
                                  (I) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Publication of violations.--
                          (i) Publication required.--Subject to 
                        clause (ii), the Corporation shall 
                        publish in a timely manner on the 
                        website of the Risk Management Agency 
                        information regarding each violation of 
                        this paragraph, including any sanctions 
                        imposed in response to the violation, 
                        in sufficient detail so that the 
                        information may serve as effective 
                        guidance to approved insurance 
                        providers, agents, and producers.
                          (ii) Protection of privacy.--In 
                        providing information under clause (i) 
                        regarding violations of this paragraph, 
                        the Corporation shall redact the 
                        identity of the persons and entities 
                        committing the violations in order to 
                        protect their privacy.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Catastrophic Risk Protection.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Administrative fee.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) Waiver of fee.--The Corporation shall 
                waive the amounts required under this paragraph 
                for limited resource farmers and beginning 
                farmers or ranchers, as defined by the 
                Corporation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(7) Eligibility for department programs.--
                  [(A) In general.--Effective for the spring-
                planted 1996 and subsequent crops (and fall-
                planted 1996 crops at the option of the 
                Secretary), to be eligible for any payment or 
                loan under the Agricultural Market Transition 
                Act, for the conservation reserve program, or 
                for any benefit described in section 371 of the 
                Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
                U.S.C. 2008f), a person shall--
                          [(i) obtain at least the catastrophic 
                        level of insurance for each crop of 
                        economic significance in which the 
                        person has an interest; or
                          [(ii) provide a written waiver to the 
                        Secretary that waives any eligibility 
                        for emergency crop loss assistance in 
                        connection with the crop.
                  [(B) Definition of crop of economic 
                significance.--As used in this paragraph, the 
                term ``crop of economic significance'' means a 
                crop that has contributed, or is expected to 
                contribute, 10 percent or more of the total 
                expected value of all crops grown by the 
                producer.]
          [(8)] (7) Limitation due to risk.--The Corporation 
        may limit catastrophic risk coverage in any county or 
        area, or on any farm, on the basis of the insurance 
        risk concerned.
          [(9)] (8) Transitional coverage for 1995 crops.--
        Effective only for a 1995 crop planted or for which 
        insurance attached prior to January 1, 1995, the 
        Corporation shall allow producers of the crops until 
        not later than the end of the 180-day period beginning 
        on the date of enactment of the Federal Crop Insurance 
        Reform Act of 1994 to obtain catastrophic risk 
        protection for the crop. On enactment of such Act, a 
        producer who made timely purchases of a crop insurance 
        policy before the date of enactment of such Act, under 
        the provisions of this subtitle then in effect, shall 
        be eligible for the same benefits to which a producer 
        would be entitled under comparable additional coverage 
        under subsection (c).
          [(10)] (9) Simplification.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(11)] (10) Loss adjustment.--The rate for 
        reimbursing an approved insurance provider or agent for 
        expenses incurred by the approved insurance provider or 
        agent for loss adjustment in connection with a policy 
        of catastrophic risk protection shall not exceed 6 
        percent of the premium for catastrophic risk protection 
        that is used to define loss ratio.
  (c) General Coverage Levels.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(3) Yield and loss basis.--A producer shall have the 
        option of purchasing additional coverage based on an 
        individual yield and loss basis or on an area yield and 
        loss basis, if both options are offered by the 
        Corporation.
          [(4) Level of coverage.--The level of coverage shall 
        be dollar denominated and may be purchased at any level 
        not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 
        percent of the area yield (as determined by the 
        Corporation). Not later than the beginning of the 1996 
        crop year, the Corporation shall provide producers with 
        information on catastrophic risk and additional 
        coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the 
        allowable limits of coverage provided in this 
        paragraph).]
          (3) Yield and loss basis options.--A producer shall 
        have the option of purchasing additional coverage based 
        on--
                  (A)(i) an individual yield and loss basis; or
                  (ii) an area yield and loss basis;
                  (B) an individual yield and loss basis, 
                supplemented with coverage based on an area 
                yield and loss basis to cover a part of the 
                deductible under the individual yield and loss 
                policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C); or
                  (C) a margin basis alone or in combination 
                with the coverages available in subparagraph 
                (A) or (B).
          (4) Level of coverage.--
                  (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of 
                yield.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), 
                the level of coverage--
                          (i) shall be dollar denominated; and
                          (ii) may be purchased at any level 
                        not to exceed 85 percent of the 
                        individual yield or 95 percent of the 
                        area yield (as determined by the 
                        Corporation).
                  (B) Information.--The Corporation shall 
                provide producers with information on 
                catastrophic risk and additional coverage in 
                terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable 
                limits of coverage provided in this paragraph).
                  (C) Supplemental coverage option.--
                          (i) In general.--Notwithstanding 
                        subparagraph (A), in the case of the 
                        supplemental coverage option described 
                        in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation 
                        shall offer producers the opportunity 
                        to purchase coverage in combination 
                        with a policy or plan of insurance 
                        offered under this subtitle that would 
                        allow indemnities to be paid to a 
                        producer equal to a part of the 
                        deductible under the policy or plan of 
                        insurance--
                                  (I) at a county-wide level to 
                                the fullest extent practicable; 
                                or
                                  (II) in counties that lack 
                                sufficient data, on the basis 
                                of such larger geographical 
                                area as the Corporation 
                                determines to provide 
                                sufficient data for purposes of 
                                providing the coverage.
                          (ii) Trigger.--Coverage offered under 
                        paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall 
                        be triggered only if the losses in the 
                        area exceed 10 percent of normal levels 
                        (as determined by the Corporation).
                          (iii) Coverage.--Subject to the 
                        trigger described in clause (ii), 
                        coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) 
                        and clause (i) shall not exceed the 
                        difference between--
                                  (I) 90 percent; and
                                  (II) the coverage level 
                                selected by the producer for 
                                the underlying policy or plan 
                                of insurance.
                          (iv) Ineligible crops and acres.--
                        Crops for which the producer has 
                        elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the 
                        Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
                        Management Act of 2012 to receive 
                        revenue loss coverage and acres that 
                        are enrolled in the stacked income 
                        protection plan under section 508B 
                        shall not be eligible for supplemental 
                        coverage under this subparagraph.
                          (v) Calculation of premium.--
                        Notwithstanding subsection (d), the 
                        premium for coverage offered under 
                        paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall--
                                  (I) be sufficient to cover 
                                anticipated losses and a 
                                reasonable reserve; and
                                  (II) include an amount for 
                                operating and administrative 
                                expenses established in 
                                accordance with subsection 
                                (k)(4)(F).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Premiums.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Premium amounts.--The premium amounts for 
        catastrophic risk protection under subsection (b) and 
        additional coverage under subsection (c) shall be fixed 
        as follows:
                  [(A) In the case of catastrophic risk 
                protection, the amount of the premium shall be 
                sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a 
                reasonable reserve.]
                  (A) In the case of catastrophic risk 
                protection, the amount of the premium 
                established by the Corporation for each crop 
                for which catastrophic risk protection is 
                available shall be reduced by the percentage 
                equal to the difference between the average 
                loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a 
                reasonable reserve.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(3) Performance-based discount.--The Corporation may 
        provide a performance-based premium discount for a 
        producer of an agricultural commodity who has good 
        insurance or production experience relative to other 
        producers of that agricultural commodity in the same 
        area, as determined by the Corporation.]
          [(4)] (3) Billing date for premiums.--Effective 
        beginning with the 2012 reinsurance year, the 
        Corporation shall establish August 15 as the billing 
        date for premiums.
  (e) Payment of Portion of Premium by Corporation.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Amount of payment.--Subject to paragraph (3), the 
        amount of the premium to be paid by the Corporation 
        shall be as follows:
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage 
                option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the 
                amount shall be equal to the sum of--
                          (i) 70 percent of the additional 
                        premium associated with the coverage; 
                        and
                          (ii) the amount determined under 
                        subsection (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject 
                        to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the 
                        coverage to cover operating and 
                        administrative expenses.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Enterprise and whole farm units.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Corporation may carry 
                out a pilot program under which the Corporation 
                pays a portion of the premiums for plans or 
                policies of insurance for which the insurable 
                unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise 
                unit basis that is higher than would otherwise 
                be paid in accordance with paragraph (2).]
                  (A) In general.--The Corporation may pay a 
                portion of the premiums for plans or policies 
                of insurance for which the insurable unit is 
                defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit 
                basis that is higher than would otherwise be 
                paid in accordance with paragraph (2).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) Nonirrigated crops.--Beginning with the 
                2013 crop year, the Corporation shall make 
                available separate enterprise units for 
                irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in 
                counties.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection 
        regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning 
        farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that 
        is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance 
        that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) 
        (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), 
        (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of 
        insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning 
        farmer or rancher.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Yield Determinations.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Yield coverage plans.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Assigned yield.--If the producer does not 
                provide satisfactory evidence of the yield of a 
                commodity under subparagraph (A), the producer 
                shall be assigned--
                          (i) a yield that is not less than 65 
                        percent of the transitional yield of 
                        the producer (adjusted to reflect 
                        actual production reflected in the 
                        records acceptable to the Corporation 
                        for continuous years), as specified in 
                        regulations issued by the Corporation 
                        based on production history 
                        requirements; [or]
                          (ii) a yield determined by the 
                        Corporation, in the case of--
                                  (I) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  (III) a producer that rotates 
                                a crop produced on a farm to a 
                                crop that has not been produced 
                                on the farm[.]; or
                          (iii) if the producer is a beginning 
                        farmer or rancher who was previously 
                        involved in a farming or ranching 
                        operation, including involvement in the 
                        decisionmaking or physical involvement 
                        in the production of the crop or 
                        livestock on the farm, for any acreage 
                        obtained by the beginning farmer or 
                        rancher, a yield that is the higher 
                        of--
                                  (I) the actual production 
                                history of the previous 
                                producer of the crop or 
                                livestock on the acreage 
                                determined under subparagraph 
                                (A); or
                                  (II) a yield of the producer, 
                                as determined in clause (i).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) Sources of yield data.--To determine 
                yields under this paragraph, the Corporation--
                          (i) shall use county data collected 
                        by the Risk Management Agency or the 
                        National Agricultural Statistics 
                        Service, or both; or
                          (ii) if sufficient county data is not 
                        available, may use other data 
                        considered appropriate by the 
                        Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Adjustment in actual production history to 
        establish insurable yields.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Election to use percentage of 
                transitional yield.--If, for one or more of the 
                crop years used to establish the producer's 
                actual production history of an agricultural 
                commodity, the producer's recorded or appraised 
                yield of the commodity was less than [60] 70 
                percent of the applicable transitional yield, 
                as determined by the Corporation, the 
                Corporation shall, at the election of the 
                producer--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii)(I) replace each excluded yield 
                        with a yield equal to [60] 70 percent 
                        of the applicable transitional 
                        yield[.]; or
                          (II) in the case of beginning farmers 
                        or ranchers, replace each excluded 
                        yield with a yield equal to 80 percent 
                        of the applicable transitional yield.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Submission of Policies and Materials to Board.--
          [(1) In general.--In addition]
          (1) Authority to submit.--
                  (A) In general.--In addition to any standard 
                forms or policies that the Board may require be 
                made available to producers under subsection 
                (c), a person (including an approved insurance 
                provider, a college or university, a 
                cooperative or trade association, or any other 
                person) may prepare for submission or propose 
                to the Board--
                          [(A)] (i) other crop insurance 
                        policies and provisions of policies; 
                        and
                          [(B)] (ii) rates of premiums for 
                        multiple peril crop insurance 
                        pertaining to wheat, soybeans, field 
                        corn, and any other crops determined by 
                        the Secretary.
                  (B) Review and submission by corporation.--
                The Corporation shall review any policy 
                developed under section 522(c) or any pilot 
                program developed under section 523 and submit 
                the policy or program to the Board under this 
                subsection if the Corporation, at the sole 
                discretion of the Corporation, finds that the 
                policy or program--
                          (i) will likely result in a viable 
                        and marketable policy consistent with 
                        this subsection;
                          (ii) would provide crop insurance 
                        coverage in a significantly improved 
                        form; and
                          (iii) adequately protects the 
                        interests of producers.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Review and approval by the board.--[A policy]
                  (A) In general.--A policy or other material 
                submitted to the Board under this subsection 
                shall be reviewed by the Board and, if the 
                Board finds that the interests of producers are 
                adequately protected and that any premiums 
                charged to the producers are actuarially 
                appropriate, shall be approved by the Board for 
                reinsurance and for sale by approved insurance 
                providers to producers as an additional choice 
                at actuarially appropriate rates and under 
                appropriate terms and conditions. The 
                Corporation may enter into more than 1 
                reinsurance agreement with the approved 
                insurance provider simultaneously to facilitate 
                the offering of the new policies.
                  (B) Specified review and approval 
                priorities.--In reviewing policies and other 
                materials submitted to the Board under this 
                subsection for approval, the Board--
                          (i) shall make the development and 
                        approval of a revenue policy for peanut 
                        producers a priority so that a revenue 
                        policy is available to peanut producers 
                        in time for the 2013 crop year;
                          (ii) shall make the development and 
                        approval of a downed rice policy and 
                        margin coverage policy for rice 
                        producers a priority so that each 
                        policy is available to rice producers 
                        in time for the 2013 crop year; and
                          (iii) may approve a submission that 
                        is made pursuant to this subsection 
                        that would, beginning with the 2013 
                        crop year, allow producers that 
                        purchase policies in accordance with 
                        subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate 
                        enterprise units by risk rating for 
                        acreage of crops in counties.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Reinsurance.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Rate.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (F) Reimbursement rate for area policies and 
                plans of insurance.--Notwithstanding 
                subparagraphs (A) through (E), for each of the 
                2009 and subsequent reinsurance years, the 
                reimbursement rate for area policies and plans 
                of insurance widely available as of the date of 
                enactment of this subparagraph or authorized 
                under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B 
                shall be 12 percent of the premium used to 
                define loss ratio for that reinsurance year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (o) Crop Production on Native Sod.--
          (1) Definition of native sod.--In this subsection, 
        the term ``native sod'' means land--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) that has never been tilled, or the 
                producer cannot substantiate that the ground 
                has ever been tilled, for the production of an 
                annual crop as of the date of enactment of this 
                subsection.
          (2) [Ineligibility for] Reduction in benefits.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B) 
                and paragraph (3), native sod acreage that has 
                been tilled for the production of an annual 
                crop after the date of enactment of this 
                subsection shall be ineligible during the first 
                5 crop years of planting, as determined by the 
                Secretary, [for benefits under--
                          [(i) this subtitle; and
                          [(ii) section 196 of the Federal 
                        Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act 
                        of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333).] for--
                          (i) a portion of crop insurance 
                        premium subsidies under this subtitle 
                        in accordance with paragraph (3);
                          (ii) benefits under section 196 of 
                        the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
                        Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333); and
                          (iii) payments described in 
                        subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 
                        of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
                        U.S.C. 1308).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(3) Application.--Paragraph (2) may apply to native 
        sod acreage in the Prairie Pothole National Priority 
        Area at the election of the Governor of the respective 
        State.]
          (3) Administration.--
                  (A) In general.--During the first 4 crop 
                years of planting on native sod acreage by a 
                producer described in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 
                        percent of the transitional yield of 
                        the producer; and
                          (ii) the crop insurance premium 
                        subsidy provided for the producer under 
                        this subtitle shall be 50 percentage 
                        points less than the premium subsidy 
                        that would otherwise apply.
                  (B) Yield substitution.--During the period 
                native sod acreage is covered by this 
                subsection, a producer may not substitute 
                yields for the native sod acreage.
          (4) Application.--This subsection shall only apply to 
        native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority 
        Area.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 508B. STACKED INCOME PROTECTION PLAN FOR PRODUCERS OF UPLAND 
                    COTTON.

  (a) Availability.--Beginning not later than the 2013 crop of 
upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to 
producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as 
the ``Stacked Income Protection Plan''), which shall provide 
coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan 
(and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered 
by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year.
  (b) Required Terms.--The Corporation may modify the Stacked 
Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the 
Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following 
requirements:
          (1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less 
        than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of 
        expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 
        percent. The deductible is the minimum percent of 
        revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under 
        the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the 
        expected county revenue.
          (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all 
        counties with upland cotton production--
                  (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest 
                extent practicable; or
                  (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on 
                the basis of such larger geographical area as 
                the Corporation determines to provide 
                sufficient data for purposes of providing the 
                coverage.
          (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual 
        or area coverage in effect on the producer's acreage or 
        as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has 
        an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, 
        the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income 
        Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the 
        individual or area coverage.
          (4) Establish coverage based on--
                  (A) an expected price that is the higher of--
                          (i) the expected price established 
                        under existing Group Risk Income 
                        Protection or area wide policy offered 
                        by the Corporation for the applicable 
                        county (or area) and crop year; or
                          (ii) $0.6861 per pound; and
                  (B) an expected county yield that is the 
                higher of--
                          (i) the expected county yield 
                        established for the existing area-wide 
                        plans offered by the Corporation for 
                        the applicable county (or area) and 
                        crop year (or, in geographic areas 
                        where area-wide plans are not offered, 
                        an expected yield determined in a 
                        manner consistent with those of area-
                        wide plans); or
                          (ii) the average of the applicable 
                        yield data for the county (or area) for 
                        the most recent 5 years, excluding the 
                        highest and lowest observations, from 
                        the Risk Management Agency or the 
                        National Agricultural Statistics 
                        Service (or both) or, if sufficient 
                        county data is not available, such 
                        other data considered appropriate by 
                        the Secretary.
          (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum 
        protection per acre (referred to as a ``protection 
        factor'') of not less than the higher of the level 
        established on a program wide basis or 120 percent.
          (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the 
        expected county revenue exceeds the actual county 
        revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the 
        producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income 
        Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount 
        of the deductible selected under paragraph (1).
          (7) In all counties for which data are available, 
        establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and 
        non-irrigated practices.
  (c) Reinsurance.--When the $0.6861 reference price is equal 
to or greater than the expected price established under the 
existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy 
offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) 
and crop year or the yield established under subsection 
(b)(4)(B) is used to establish the expected county yield, the 
Corporation shall reinsure at 100 percent that portion of the 
indemnity that is attributable to the difference between--
          (1) the $0.6861 reference price and the expected 
        price established under the existing Group Risk Income 
        Protection or area wide policy offered by the 
        Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and 
        crop year; and
          (2) the yield established under subsection (b)(4)(B).
  (d) Premium.--Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for 
the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall--
          (1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a 
        reasonable reserve; and
          (2) include an amount for operating and 
        administrative expenses established in accordance with 
        section 508(k)(4)(F).
  (e) Payment of Portion by Corporation.--Subject to section 
508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for 
all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection 
Plan shall be--
          (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium 
        established under subsection (d) for the coverage level 
        selected; and
          (2) the amount determined under subsection (d)(2), 
        subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to 
        cover administrative and operating expenses.
  (f) Relation to Other Coverages.--The Stacked Income 
Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available 
to producers of upland cotton.

SEC. 508C. PEANUT REVENUE CROP INSURANCE.

  (a) In General.--Effective beginning with the 2013 crop year, 
the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make 
available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance 
program for peanuts.
  (b) Effective Price.--Subject to subsection (c), for purposes 
of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop 
insurance program under this Act, the effective price for 
peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for 
peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of 
peanuts in the United States.
  (c) Adjustments.--
          (1) In general.--The effective price for peanuts 
        established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the 
        Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct 
        distortions.
          (2) Administration.--If an adjustment is made under 
        paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the 
        Corporation shall--
                  (A) make the adjustment in an open and 
                transparent manner; and
                  (B) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
                the House of Representatives and the Committee 
                on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
                Senate a report that describes the reasons for 
                the adjustment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 515. PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND INTEGRITY.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Reconciling Producer Information.--[The Secretary]
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and 
        implement a coordinated plan for the Corporation and 
        the Farm Service Agency to reconcile all relevant 
        information received by the Corporation or the Farm 
        Service Agency from a producer who obtains crop 
        insurance coverage under this subtitle. [Beginning 
        with]
          (2) Frequency.--Beginning with the 2001 crop year, 
        the Secretary shall require that the Corporation and 
        the Farm Service Agency reconcile such producer-derived 
        information on at least an annual basis in order to 
        identify and address any discrepancies.
          (3) Corrections.--
                  (A) In general.--In addition to the 
                corrections permitted by the Corporation as of 
                the date of enactment of the Federal 
                Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 
                2012, the Corporation shall allow an agent or 
                an approved insurance provider, subject to 
                subparagraph (B)--
                          (i) within a reasonable amount of 
                        time following the applicable sales 
                        closing date, to correct unintentional 
                        errors in information that is provided 
                        by a producer for the purpose of 
                        obtaining coverage under any policy or 
                        plan of insurance made available under 
                        this subtitle to ensure that the 
                        eligibility information is correct;
                          (ii) within a reasonable amount of 
                        time following--
                                  (I) the acreage reporting 
                                date, to correct unintentional 
                                errors in factual information 
                                that is provided by a producer 
                                after the sales closing date to 
                                reconcile the information with 
                                the information reported by the 
                                producer to the Farm Service 
                                Agency; or
                                  (II) the date of any 
                                subsequent correction of data 
                                by the Farm Service Agency made 
                                as a result of the verification 
                                of information; and
                          (iii) at any time, to correct 
                        unintentional errors that were made by 
                        the Farm Service Agency or an agent or 
                        approved insurance provider in 
                        transmitting the information provided 
                        by the producer to the approved 
                        insurance provider or the Corporation.
                  (B) Limitation.--In accordance with the 
                procedures of the Corporation, correction to 
                the information described in clauses (i) and 
                (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if 
                the corrections do not allow the producer--
                          (i) to avoid ineligibility 
                        requirements for insurance;
                          (ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase 
                        an insurance guarantee or indemnity, or 
                        avoid premium owed, if a cause of loss 
                        exists or has occurred before any 
                        correction has been made; or
                          (iii) to avoid an obligation or 
                        requirement under any Federal or State 
                        law.
                  (C) Exception to late filing sanctions.--Any 
                corrections made pursuant to this paragraph 
                shall not be subject to any late filing 
                sanctions authorized in the reinsurance 
                agreement with the Corporation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) Information Management.--
          [(1) Systems upgrades.--The Secretary shall upgrade 
        the information management systems of the Corporation 
        used in the administration and enforcement and this 
        subtitle. In upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall 
        ensure that new hardware and software are compatible 
        with the hardware and software used by other agencies 
        of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote 
        the purpose of this section.]
          (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain 
                and upgrade the information management systems 
                of the Corporation used in the administration 
                and enforcement of this subtitle.
                  (B) Requirement.--
                          (i) In general.--In maintaining and 
                        upgrading the systems, the Secretary 
                        shall ensure that new hardware and 
                        software are compatible with the 
                        hardware and software used by other 
                        agencies of the Department to maximize 
                        data sharing and promote the purposes 
                        of this section.
                          (ii) Acreage report streamlining 
                        initiative project.--As soon as 
                        practicable, the Secretary shall 
                        develop and implement an acreage report 
                        streamlining initiative project to 
                        allow producers to report acreage and 
                        other information directly to the 
                        Department.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Funding.--
          [(1) Information technology.--To carry out subsection 
        (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made 
        available from the insurance fund established under 
        section 516(c), not more than $15,000,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 2008 through 2010, and not more than 
        $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.]
          (1) Information technology.--
                  (A) In general.--For purposes of subsection 
                (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts 
                made available from the insurance fund 
                established under section 516(c), not more 
                than--
                          (i)(I) for fiscal year 2013, 
                        $25,000,000; and
                          (II) for each of fiscal years 2014 
                        through 2017, $10,000,000; or
                          (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting 
                        Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project 
                        is substantially completed by September 
                        30, 2014, not more than $15,000,000 for 
                        each of the fiscal years 2014 through 
                        2017.
                  (B) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify 
                the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on 
                Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
                Senate of the substantial completion of the 
                Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative 
                (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2014.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 522. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Research and Development Contracting Authority.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) Research and development priorities.--The 
        Corporation shall establish as one of the highest 
        research and development priorities of the Corporation 
        the development of [a pasture, range, and forage 
        program] policies that increase participation by 
        producers of underserved agricultural commodities, 
        including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, 
        peanuts, and sugarcane.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (10) Contracts for organic production coverage 
        improvements.--
                  (A) Contracts required.--Not later than 180 
                days after the date of enactment of [the Food, 
                Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008] the 
                Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management 
                Act of 2012, the Corporation shall enter into 1 
                or more contracts for the development of 
                improvements in Federal crop insurance policies 
                covering crops produced in compliance with 
                standards issued by the Department of 
                Agriculture under the national organic program 
                established under the Organic Foods Production 
                Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
                  (B) Review of underwriting risk and loss 
                experience.--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iii) Annual updates.--Beginning with 
                        the [2009] 2013 crop year, the review 
                        under this subparagraph shall be 
                        updated on an annual basis as data is 
                        accumulated by the Secretary and other 
                        sources, so that the Corporation may 
                        make determinations regarding 
                        adjustments to the surcharge in a 
                        timely manner as quickly as evolving 
                        practices and data trends allow.
                  (C) Additional price election.--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) Timing.--The development of the 
                        procedure shall be completed in a 
                        timely manner to allow the Corporation 
                        to begin offering the additional price 
                        election for organic crops with 
                        sufficient data for the [2010] 2013 
                        crop year.
                          (iii) Expansion.--The procedure shall 
                        be expanded as quickly as practicable 
                        as additional data on prices of organic 
                        crops collected by the Secretary and 
                        other sources of information becomes 
                        available, with a goal of applying this 
                        procedure to all organic crops not 
                        later than the fifth full crop year 
                        that begins after the date of enactment 
                        of [Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
                        of 2008] the Federal Agriculture Reform 
                        and Risk Management Act of 2012.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (17) Margin coverage for catfish.--
                  (A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer 
                to enter into a contract with a qualified 
                entity to conduct research and development 
                regarding a policy to insure producers against 
                reduction in the margin between the market 
                value of catfish and selected costs incurred in 
                the production of catfish.
                  (B) Eligibility.--Eligibility for the policy 
                described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited 
                to freshwater species of catfish that are 
                propagated and reared in controlled or selected 
                environments.
                  (C) Implementation.--The Board shall review 
                the policy described in subparagraph (B) under 
                subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the 
                Board finds that the policy--
                          (i) will likely result in a viable 
                        and marketable policy consistent with 
                        this subsection;
                          (ii) would provide crop insurance 
                        coverage in a significantly improved 
                        form;
                          (iii) adequately protects the 
                        interests of producers; and
                          (iv) the proposed policy meets other 
                        requirements of this subtitle 
                        determined appropriate by the Board.
          (18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance 
        policies.--
                  (A) Authority.--The Corporation shall offer 
                to enter into 1 or more contracts with 
                qualified entities to carry out research and 
                development regarding--
                          (i) a policy to insure biomass 
                        sorghum that is grown expressly for the 
                        purpose of producing a feedstock for 
                        renewable biofuel, renewable 
                        electricity, or biobased products; and
                          (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum 
                        that is grown for a purpose described 
                        in clause (i).
                  (B) Research and development.--Research and 
                development with respect to each of the 
                policies required in subparagraph (A) shall 
                evaluate the effectiveness of risk management 
                tools for the production of biomass sorghum or 
                sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of 
                insurance that--
                          (i) are based on market prices and 
                        yields;
                          (ii) to the extent that insufficient 
                        data exist to develop a policy based on 
                        market prices and yields, evaluate the 
                        policies and plans of insurance based 
                        on the use of weather indices, 
                        including excessive or inadequate 
                        rainfall, to protect the interest of 
                        crop producers; and
                          (iii) provide protection for 
                        production or revenue losses, or both.
          (19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program.--
                  (A) In general.--The Corporation shall 
                contract with a qualified person to conduct a 
                study to determine the feasibility of insuring 
                swine producers for a catastrophic event.
                  (B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date of the enactment of this paragraph, the 
                Corporation shall submit to the Committee on 
                Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
                the results of the study conducted under 
                subparagraph (A).
          (20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance 
        plan.--
                  (A) In general.--The Corporation shall 
                conduct activities or enter into contracts to 
                carry out research and development to develop a 
                whole farm risk management insurance plan, with 
                a liability limitation of $1,000,000, that 
                allows a diversified crop or livestock producer 
                the option to qualify for an indemnity if 
                actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent 
                of the average gross farm revenue or the 
                expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably 
                be expected of the producer, as determined by 
                the Corporation.
                  (B) Eligible producers.--The Corporation 
                shall permit producers (including direct-to-
                consumer marketers and producers servicing 
                local and regional and farm identity-preserved 
                markets) who produce multiple agricultural 
                commodities, including specialty crops, 
                industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture 
                products, to participate in the plan in lieu of 
                any other plan under this subtitle.
                  (C) Diversification.--The Corporation may 
                provide diversification-based additional 
                coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or 
                other enhanced benefits in recognition of the 
                risk management benefits of crop and livestock 
                diversification strategies for producers that 
                grow multiple crops or that may have income 
                from the production of livestock that uses a 
                crop grown on the farm.
                  (D) Market readiness.--The Corporation may 
                include coverage for the value of any packing, 
                packaging, or any other similar on-farm 
                activity the Corporation determines to be the 
                minimum required in order to remove the 
                commodity from the field.
                  (E) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the 
                date of enactment of this paragraph, the 
                Corporation shall submit to the Committee on 
                Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
                the results and feasibility of the research and 
                development conducted under this paragraph, 
                including an analysis of potential adverse 
                market distortions.
          (21) Study of food safety insurance.--
                  (A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer 
                to enter into a contract with 1 or more 
                qualified entities to conduct a study to 
                determine whether offering policies that 
                provide coverage for specialty crops from food 
                safety and contamination issues would benefit 
                agricultural producers.
                  (B) Subject.--The study described in 
                subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and 
                plans of insurance coverage that provide 
                protection for production or revenue impacted 
                by food safety concerns including, at a 
                minimum, government, retail, or national 
                consumer group announcements of a health 
                advisory, removal, or recall related to a 
                contamination concern.
                  (C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date of enactment of this paragraph, the 
                Corporation shall submit to the Committee on 
                Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
                the results of the study conducted under 
                subparagraph (A).
          (22) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program.--
                  (A) In general.--The Corporation shall 
                contract with a qualified person to conduct a 
                study to determine the feasibility of insuring 
                poultry producers for a catastrophic event.
                  (B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date of the enactment of this paragraph, the 
                Corporation shall submit to the Committee on 
                Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
                the results of the study conducted under 
                subparagraph (A).
          (23) Poultry business interruption insurance 
        policy.--
                  (A) Authority.--The Corporation shall offer 
                to enter into a contract or cooperative 
                agreement with a university or other legal 
                entity to carry out research and development 
                regarding a policy to insure the commercial 
                production of poultry against business 
                interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy.
                  (B) Research and development.--As part of the 
                research and development conducted pursuant to 
                a contract or cooperative agreement entered 
                into under subparagraph (A), the entity shall--
                          (i) evaluate the market place for 
                        business interruption insurance that is 
                        available to poultry growers;
                          (ii) determine what statutory 
                        authority would be necessary to 
                        implement a business interruption 
                        insurance through the Corporation;
                          (iii) assess the feasibility of a 
                        policy or plan of insurance offered 
                        under this subtitle to insure against 
                        losses due to the bankruptcy of an 
                        business integrator; and
                          (iv) analyze the costs to the Federal 
                        Government of a Federal business 
                        interruption insurance program for 
                        poultry growers.
                  (C) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the 
                terms ``poultry'' and ``poultry grower'' have 
                the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) 
                of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 
                U.S.C. 182(a)).
                  (D) Deadline for contract or cooperative 
                agreement.--Not later than six months after the 
                date of the enactment of this paragraph, the 
                Corporation shall enter into the contract or 
                cooperative agreement required by subparagraph 
                (A).
                  (E) Deadline for completion of research and 
                development.--Not later than one year after the 
                date of the enactment of this paragraph, the 
                Corporation shall submit to the Committee on 
                Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
                the results of the research and development 
                conducted pursuant to the contract or 
                cooperative agreement entered into under 
                subparagraph (A).
          [(17)] (24) Relation to limitations.--A policy 
        developed under this subsection may be prepared without 
        regard to the limitations of this subtitle, including--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 523. PILOT PROGRAMS.

  (a) General Provisions.--
          (1) Authority.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
        section, the Corporation may, at the sole discretion of 
        the Corporation, conduct a pilot program submitted to 
        and approved by the Board under section 508(h), or that 
        is developed under subsection (b) or section 522, to 
        evaluate whether a proposal or new risk management tool 
        tested by the pilot program is suitable for the 
        marketplace and addresses the needs of producers of 
        agricultural commodities.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(5) Evaluation.--
                  [(A) Requirement.--After the completion of 
                any pilot program under this section, the 
                Corporation shall evaluate the pilot program 
                and submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
                the House of Representatives and the Committee 
                on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
                Senate a report on the operations of the pilot 
                program.
                  [(B) Evaluation and recommendations.--The 
                report shall include an evaluation by the 
                Corporation of the pilot program and the 
                recommendations of the Corporation with respect 
                to implementing the program on a national 
                basis.]
  (b) Livestock Pilot Programs.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (10) Limitation on expenditures.--The Corporation 
        shall conduct all livestock programs under this 
        subtitle so that, to the maximum extent practicable, 
        all costs associated with conducting the livestock 
        programs (other than research and development costs 
        covered by section 522) are not expected to exceed the 
        following:
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) $20,000,000 for [fiscal year 2004 and 
                each subsequent fiscal year] each of fiscal 
                years 2004 through 2012.
                  (D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each 
                subsequent fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 524. EDUCATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Agricultural Management Assistance.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Uses.--A producer may use financial assistance 
        provided under this subsection to--
                  (A) * * *
                  [(B) plant trees to form windbreaks or to 
                improve water quality;]
                  [(C)] (B) mitigate financial risk through 
                production or marketing diversification [or 
                resource conservation practices], including--
                          [(i) soil erosion control;]
                          [(ii)] (i) integrated pest 
                        management;
                          [(iii)] (ii) organic farming; or
                          [(iv)] (iii) to develop and implement 
                        a plan to create marketing 
                        opportunities for the producer, 
                        including through value-added 
                        processing;
                  [(D)] (C) enter into futures, hedging, or 
                options contracts in a manner designed to help 
                reduce production, price, or revenue risk;
                  [(E)] (D) enter into agricultural trade 
                options as a hedging transaction to reduce 
                production, price, or revenue risk; or
                  [(F)] (E) conduct any other activity relating 
                to an activity described in subparagraphs (A) 
                through (E), as determined by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Commodity credit corporation.--
                  (A) * * *
                  [(B) Funding.--
                          [(i) In general.--Except as provided 
                        in clause (ii), the Commodity Credit 
                        Corporation shall make available to 
                        carry out this subsection not less than 
                        $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.
                          [(ii) Exception for certain fiscal 
                        years.--For each of fiscal years 2008 
                        through 2014, the Commodity Credit 
                        Corporation shall make available to 
                        carry out this subsection $15,000,000.]
                  (B) Funding.--The Commodity Credit 
                Corporation shall make available to carry out 
                this subsection not less than $10,000,000 for 
                each fiscal year.
                  (C) Certain uses.--Of the amounts made 
                available to carry out this subsection for a 
                fiscal year, the Commodity Credit Corporation 
                shall use not less than--
                          (i) [50] 30 percent to carry out 
                        subparagraphs [(A), (B), and (C)] (A) 
                        and (B) of paragraph (2) through the 
                        Natural Resources Conservation Service;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iii) [40] 60 percent to conduct 
                        activities to carry out subparagraph 
                        (F) of paragraph (2) through the Risk 
                        Management Agency.

       Subtitle B--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance

SEC. 531. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Livestock Forage Disaster Program.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Assistance for losses due to drought 
        conditions.--
                  [(A) Eligible losses.--
                          [(i) In general.--An eligible]
                  (A) Eligible losses.--An eligible livestock 
                producer may receive assistance under this 
                subsection only for grazing losses for covered 
                livestock that occur on land that--
                          [(I)] (i) is native or improved 
                        pastureland with permanent vegetative 
                        cover; or
                          [(II)] (ii) is planted to a crop 
                        planted specifically for the purpose of 
                        providing grazing for covered 
                        livestock.
                          [(ii) Exclusions.--An eligible 
                        livestock producer may not receive 
                        assistance under this subsection for 
                        grazing losses that occur on land used 
                        for haying or grazing under the 
                        conservation reserve program 
                        established under subchapter B of 
                        chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of 
                        the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
                        U.S.C. 3831 et seq.).]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                           FOOD FOR PEACE ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
          TITLE II--EMERGENCY AND PRIVATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

SEC. 201. GENERAL AUTHORITY.

  The President shall establish a program under this title (to 
be implemented by the Administrator) to provide agricultural 
commodities to foreign countries on behalf of the people of the 
United States to--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(7) promote economic and nutritional security by 
        increasing educational, training, and other productive 
        activities.
Such program shall be implemented by the Administrator.]
          (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food 
        crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid.

SEC. 202. PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Support for Eligible Organizations.--
          (1) In general.--Of the funds made available in each 
        fiscal year under this title to the Administrator, not 
        less than 7.5 percent nor more than [13 percent] 11 
        percent of the funds shall be made available in each 
        fiscal year to eligible organizations described in 
        subsection (d), to assist the organizations in--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Food Aid Quality.--
          (1) In general.--[The Administrator] In consultation 
        with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use funds 
        made available for fiscal year 2009 and subsequent 
        fiscal years to carry out this title to establish a 
        mechanism--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) to adjust products and formulations 
                (including the potential introduction of new 
                fortificants and products) as necessary to 
                cost-effectively meet nutrient needs of target 
                populations; [and]
                  [(C) to test prototypes.]
                  (C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of 
                current and new agricultural commodities and 
                products thereof in different program settings 
                and for particular recipient groups, including 
                the testing of prototypes;
                  (D) to establish and implement appropriate 
                protocols for quality assurance of food 
                products procured by the Secretary for food aid 
                programs; and
                  (E) to periodically update program guidelines 
                on the recommended use of agricultural 
                commodities and food products in food aid 
                programs to reflect findings from the 
                implementation of this subsection and other 
                relevant information.
          (2) Administration.--[The Administrator] In 
        consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Funding limitation.--Of the funds made available 
        under section 207(f), for [fiscal years 2009 through 
        2011, not more than $4,500,000] fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017, not more than $1,000,000 may be used to 
        carry out this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 204. LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Minimum Levels.--
          (1) Minimum assistance.--Except as provided in 
        paragraph (3), the Administrator shall make 
        agricultural commodities available for food 
        distribution under this title in an amount that for 
        each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017 is not 
        less than 2,500,000 metric tons.
          (2) Minimum non-emergency assistance.--Of the amounts 
        specified in paragraph (1), and except as provided in 
        paragraph (3), the Administrator shall make 
        agricultural commodities available for non-emergency 
        food distribution through eligible organizations under 
        section 202 in an amount that for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through [2012] 2017 is not less than 1,875,000 
        metric tons.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 205. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Membership.--The Group shall be composed of--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) representatives from agricultural producer groups 
        in the United States; [and]
          (7) representatives from the United States 
        agricultural processing sector involved in providing 
        agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; 
        and
          [(7)] (8) representatives from the maritime 
        transportation sector involved in transporting 
        agricultural commodities overseas for programs under 
        this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Consultations.--[In preparing regulations, handbooks, or 
guidelines implementing this title, or significant revisions 
thereto, the Administrator shall provide such proposals to the 
Group for review and comment.]
          (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of 
        implementation regulations, handbooks, and 
        guidelines.--Not later than 45 days before a proposed 
        regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this 
        title, or a proposed significant revision to a 
        regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this 
        title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide 
        the proposal to the Group for review and comment. The 
        Administrator shall consult and, when appropriate (but 
        at least twice per year), meet with the Group regarding 
        such proposed regulations, handbooks, guidelines, or 
        revisions thereto prior to the issuance of such.
          (2) Consultation regarding food aid quality 
        efforts.--The Administrator shall seek input from and 
        consult with the Group on the implementation of section 
        202(h).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Termination.--The Group shall terminate on December 31, 
[2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 207. ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Regulations and Guidance.--
          (1) In general.--The Administrator shall promptly 
        issue all necessary regulations and make revisions to 
        agency guidelines with respect to changes in the 
        operation or implementation of the program established 
        under this title. Not later than 270 days after the 
        date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform 
        and Risk Management Act of 2012, the Administrator 
        shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency 
        guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to 
        this title by such Act.
          (2) Requirements.--The Administrator shall develop 
        regulations and guidance with the intent of--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Program Oversight, Monitoring, and Evaluation.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Requirements of systems and activities.--The 
        systems and activities described in paragraph (1) shall 
        include--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) the evaluation of monetization programs; 
                and
                  (E) early warning assessments and systems to 
                help prevent famines[; and].
                  [(F) upgraded information technology 
                systems.]
          [(3) Implementation report.--Not later than 180 days 
        after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, 
        and Energy Act of 2008, the Administrator shall submit 
        to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
        efforts undertaken by the Administrator to conduct 
        oversight of nonemergency programs under this title.
          [(4) Government accountability office report.--Not 
        later than 270 days after the date of submission of the 
        report under paragraph (3), the Comptroller General of 
        the United States shall submit to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress a report that contains--
                  [(A) a review of, and comments addressing, 
                the report described in paragraph (3); and
                  [(B) recommendations relating to any 
                additional actions that the Comptroller General 
                of the United States determines to be necessary 
                to improve the monitoring and evaluation of 
                assistance provided under this title.]
          [(5)] (3) Contract authority.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(6)] (4) Funding.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to section 
                202(h)(3), in addition to other funds made 
                available to the Administrator to carry out the 
                monitoring of emergency food assistance, the 
                Administrator may implement this subsection 
                using up to $22,000,000 of the funds made 
                available under this title for each of fiscal 
                years 2009 through 2012[, except for paragraph 
                (2)(F), for which only $2,500,000 shall be made 
                available during fiscal year 2009] and up to 
                $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal 
                years 2013 through 2017.
                  (B) Limitations.--
                          (i) In general.--Subject to clause 
                        (ii), of the funds made available under 
                        subparagraph (A), for each of fiscal 
                        years 2009 through [2012] 2017, not 
                        more than $8,000,000 may be used by the 
                        Administrator to carry out paragraph 
                        (2)(E).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 208. ASSISTANCE FOR STOCKPILING AND RAPID TRANSPORTATION, 
                    DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF SHELF-STABLE 
                    PREPACKAGED FOODS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section, 
in addition to amounts otherwise available to carry out this 
section, $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 
[2012] 2017, to remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE IV--GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 403. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy.--The Secretary or 
the Administrator, as appropriate, shall ensure that the 
importation of United States agricultural commodities and the 
use of local currencies for development purposes will not have 
a disruptive impact on the farmers or the local economy of the 
recipient country. The Secretary or the Administrator, as 
appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular 
proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on 
the potential benefits to the local economy of sales of 
agricultural commodities within the recipient country.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) World Prices.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Sale price.--Sales of agricultural commodities 
        described in paragraph (1) shall be made at a 
        [reasonable market price] fair market value in the 
        economy where the agricultural commodity is to be sold, 
        as determined by the Secretary or the Administrator, as 
        appropriate.
          (3) Coordination on assessments.--The Secretary and 
        the Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to 
        carry out paragraph (1) and in the development of 
        approaches to be used by implementing agencies for 
        determining the fair market value described in 
        paragraph (2).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (m) Report on Use of Funds.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and 
Risk Management Act of 2012, and annually thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to Congress a report--
          (1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds 
        for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and 
        internal transportation, storage and handling, and 
        associated distribution costs) provided to each 
        eligible organization that received assistance under 
        this Act in the previous fiscal year; and
          (2) describing how those funds were used by the 
        eligible organization.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 407. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Title II and III Program.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Prepositioning.--
                  (A) In general.--Funds made available for 
                fiscal years 2001 through [2012] 2017 to carry 
                out titles II and III may be used by the 
                Administrator to procure, transport, and store 
                agricultural commodities for prepositioning 
                within the United States and in foreign 
                countries, except that [for each such fiscal 
                year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds] 
                for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2012 not 
                more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for 
                each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017 not more 
                than $15,000,000 of such funds may be used to 
                store agricultural commodities for 
                prepositioning in foreign countries.
                  [(B) Additional prepositioning sites.--
                          [(i) Feasibility assessments.--The 
                        Administrator may carry out assessments 
                        for the establishment of not less than 
                        2 sites to determine the feasibility 
                        of, and costs associated with, using 
                        the sites to store and handle 
                        agricultural commodities for 
                        prepositioning in foreign countries.
                          [(ii) Establishment of sites.--Based 
                        on the results of each assessment 
                        carried out under clause (i), the 
                        Administrator may establish additional 
                        sites for prepositioning in foreign 
                        countries.]
                  (B) Additional prepositioning sites.--The 
                Administrator may establish additional sites 
                for prepositioning in foreign countries or 
                change the location of current sites for 
                prepositioning in foreign countries after 
                conducting, and based on the results of, 
                assessments of need, feasibility, and cost.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Annual Reports.--
          (1) Annual report regarding [agricultural trade] food 
        aid programs and activities.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Contents.--An annual report described in 
                subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to 
                the prior fiscal year--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) a general description of each 
                        project and activity implemented under 
                        this Act (including each activity 
                        funded through the use of local 
                        currencies) and the intended 
                        beneficiaries of the project or 
                        activity;
                          (iii) a statement describing the 
                        quantity of agricultural commodities 
                        made available to each country pursuant 
                        to--
                                  (I) section 416(b) of the 
                                Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 
                                U.S.C. 1431(b)); [and]
                                  (II) the Food for Progress 
                                Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o); 
                                and
                                  (III) the McGovern-Dole 
                                International Food for 
                                Education and Child Nutrition 
                                Program established by section 
                                3107 of the Farm Security and 
                                Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
                                U.S.C. 1736o-1);

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 408. EXPIRATION DATE.

  No agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance 
under this Act shall be entered into after December 31, [2012] 
2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 412. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated--
          (1) [for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year 
        thereafter, $2,500,000,000] $2,500,000,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and $2,000,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017 to carry out the 
        emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs 
        under title II; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--
          [(1) Funds and commodities.--Of the amounts made 
        available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food 
        assistance programs under title II, not less than 
        $375,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $400,000,000 for 
        fiscal year 2010, $425,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, 
        and $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 shall be expended 
        for nonemergency food assistance programs under title 
        II.]
          (1) Funds and commodities.--For each of fiscal years 
        2013 through 2017, of the amounts made available to 
        carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance 
        programs under title II, not less than $400,000,000 
        shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance 
        programs under such title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 415. MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.

  (a) In General.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Purpose.--The purpose of a program shall be to--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) assess and apply technologies and systems 
                to improve and ensure the quality, shelf life, 
                bioavailability, and safety of fortified food 
                aid agricultural commodities, and products of 
                those agricultural commodities[, using 
                recommendations included in the report entitled 
                ``Micronutrient Compliance Review of Fortified 
                Public Law 480 Commodities'', published in 
                October 2001, with implementation by 
                independent entities with proven experience and 
                expertise in food aid commodity quality 
                enhancements].

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Termination of Authority.--The authority to carry out 
programs established under this section shall terminate on 
September 30, [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   TITLE V--FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM

SEC. 501. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Minimum Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, in addition to any funds that may be specifically 
appropriated to carry out this section, not less than the 
greater of $10,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts made 
available for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, and not 
less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the 
amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
2017, to carry out this Act shall be used to carry out programs 
under this section, with--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          (1) In general.--There are authorized to be 
        appropriated for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
        [2012] 2017 to carry out the programs under this 
        section--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                     AGRICULTURAL TRADE ACT OF 1978



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE II--AGRICULTURAL EXPORT PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       Subtitle B--Implementation

SEC. 211. FUNDING LEVELS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Export Credit Guarantee Programs.--The Commodity Credit 
Corporation shall make available for each of fiscal years 1996 
through [2012] 2017 credit guarantees under section 202(a) in 
an amount equal to but not more than the lesser of--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Market Access Programs.--
          (1) In general.--The Commodity Credit Corporation or 
        the Secretary shall make available for market access 
        activities authorized to be carried out by the 
        Commodity Credit Corporation under section 203--
                  (A) in addition to any funds that may be 
                specifically appropriated to implement a market 
                access program, not more than $90,000,000 for 
                fiscal year 2001, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 
                2002, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, 
                $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, $140,000,000 
                for fiscal year 2005, and $200,000,000 for each 
                of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, of 
                the funds of, or an equal value of commodities 
                owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VII--FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 703. FUNDING.

  (a) In General.--To carry out this title, the Secretary shall 
use funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, or commodities 
of the Commodity Credit Corporation of a comparable value, in 
the amount of $34,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
[2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                     FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985

  Sec. 1110. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Provision of Eligible Commodities to Developing 
Countries.--(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (3) No funds of the Corporation in excess of $40,000,000 
(exclusive of the cost of eligible commodities) may be used for 
each of fiscal years 1996 through [2012] 2017 to carry out this 
section with respect to eligible commodities made available 
under section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 unless 
authorized in advance in appropriation Acts.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(6) Project in malawi.--
                  [(A) In general.--In carrying out this 
                section during fiscal year 2009, the President 
                shall approve not less than 1 multiyear project 
                for Malawi--
                          [(i) to promote sustainable 
                        agriculture; and
                          [(ii) to increase the number of women 
                        in leadership positions.
                  [(B) Use of eligible commodities.--Of the 
                eligible commodities used to carry out this 
                section during the period in which the project 
                described in subparagraph (A) is carried out, 
                the President shall carry out the project using 
                eligible commodities with a total value of not 
                less than $3,000,000 during the course of the 
                project.]
  (g) Minimum Tonnage.--Subject to subsection (f)(3), not less 
than 400,000 metric tons of eligible commodities may be 
provided under this section for the program for each of fiscal 
years 2002 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Effective and Termination Dates.--This section shall be 
effective during the period beginning October 1, 1985, and 
ending December 31, [2012] 2017.
  (l) Administrative Expenses.--(1) To enhance the development 
of private sector agriculture in countries receiving assistance 
under this section the President may, in each of the fiscal 
years 1996 through [2012] 2017, use in addition to any amounts 
or eligible commodities otherwise made available under this 
section for such activities, not to exceed $$15,000,000 (or, in 
the case of fiscal year 1999, $12,000,000) of Corporation funds 
(or eligible commodities of an equal value owned by the 
Corporation), to provide assistance in the administration, 
sale, and monitoring of food assistance programs, and to 
provide technical assistance for monetization programs, to 
strengthen private sector agriculture in recipient countries.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                  BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT

TITLE III--BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 302. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMODITY TRUST.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Commodities or Funds in Trust.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Replenishment of trust.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Funds.--Any funds used to acquire 
                eligible commodities through purchases from 
                producers or in the market to replenish the 
                trust shall be derived--
                          (i) with respect to fiscal years 2000 
                        through [2012] 2017 from funds made 
                        available to carry out the Food for 
                        Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) that 
                        are used to repay or reimburse the 
                        Commodity Credit Corporation for the 
                        release of eligible commodities under 
                        subsections (c)(1) and (f)(2), except 
                        that, of such funds, not more than 
                        $20,000,000 may be expended for this 
                        purpose in each of the fiscal years 
                        2000 through [2012] 2017;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Termination of Authority.--
          (1) In general.--The authority to replenish stocks of 
        eligible commodities to maintain the trust established 
        under this section shall terminate on September 30, 
        [2012] 2017.
          (2) Disposal of eligible commodities.--Eligible 
        commodities remaining in the trust after September 30, 
        [2012] 2017, shall be disposed of by release for use in 
        providing for emergency humanitarian food needs in 
        developing countries as provided in this section.
                              ----------                              


         FOOD, AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF 1990



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE XV--AGRICULTURAL TRADE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--General Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1542. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS.

  (a) Funding.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make 
available for fiscal years 1996 through [2012] 2017 not less 
than $1,000,000,000 of direct credits or export credit 
guarantees for exports to emerging markets under section 201 or 
202 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5621 and 
5622), in addition to the amounts acquired or authorized under 
section 211 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 5641) for the program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) E (Kika) de la Garza Agricultural Fellowship Program.--
The Secretary of Agriculture (hereafter in this section 
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a program, to 
be known as the ``E (Kika) de la Garza Agricultural Fellowship 
Program'', to develop agricultural markets in emerging markets 
and to promote cooperation and exchange of information between 
agricultural institutions and agribusinesses in the United 
States and emerging markets, as follows:
          (1) Development of agricultural systems.--
                  (A) In general.--
                          (i) Establishment of program.--For 
                        each of the fiscal years 1991 through 
                        [2012] 2017, the Secretary of 
                        Agriculture (hereafter in this section 
                        referred to as the ``Secretary''), in 
                        order to develop, maintain, or expand 
                        markets for United States agricultural 
                        exports, is directed to make available 
                        to emerging markets the expertise of 
                        the United States to make assessments 
                        of the food and rural business systems 
                        needs of such democracies, make 
                        recommendations on measures necessary 
                        to enhance the effectiveness of the 
                        systems, including potential reductions 
                        in trade barriers, and identify and 
                        carry out specific opportunities and 
                        projects to enhance the effectiveness 
                        of those systems.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE XVI--RESEARCH

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 1--BEST UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1624. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated [$40,000,000 for each 
fiscal year] to carry out this chapter $40,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2012 through 2017. Of amounts appropriated to 
carry out this chapter for a fiscal year, not less than 
$15,000,000, or not less than two thirds of any such 
appropriation, whichever is greater, shall be used to carry out 
sections 1621 and 1622.

                CHAPTER 2--INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

SEC. 1627. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated for each fiscal year $20,000,000 to carry 
out this section through the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture.]
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section through the National 
Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2012 through 2017.

CHAPTER 3--SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER 
                                PROGRAM

SEC. 1628. TECHNICAL GUIDES AND HANDBOOKS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
the provisions of this section.]
  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; 
        and
          (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

SEC. 1629. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry 
out the National Training Program.]
  (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program 
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2017.

Subtitle C--National Genetic Resources Program

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1635. DEFINITIONS AND AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated [such funds as may be necessary] to carry out 
this [subtitle for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2012.] 
subtitle--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 1991 through 2012; and
          (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

     [Subtitle D--National Agricultural Weather Information System

[SEC. 1637. SHORT TITLE AND PURPOSES.

  [(a) Short Title.--This subtitle may be cited as the 
``National Agricultural Weather Information System Act of 
1990''.
  [(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this subtitle are--
          [(1) to provide a nationally coordinated agricultural 
        weather information system, based on the participation 
        of universities, State programs, Federal agencies, and 
        the private weather consulting sector, and aimed at 
        meeting the weather and climate information needs of 
        agricultural producers;
          [(2) to facilitate the collection, organization, and 
        dissemination of advisory weather and climate 
        information relevant to agricultural producers, through 
        the participation of the private sector and otherwise;
          [(3) to provide for research and education on 
        agricultural weather and climate information, aimed at 
        improving the quality and quantity of weather and 
        climate information available to agricultural 
        producers, including research on short-term forecasts 
        of thunderstorms and on extended weather forecasting 
        techniques and models;
          [(4) to encourage, where feasible, greater private 
        sector participation in providing agricultural weather 
        and climate information, to encourage private sector 
        participation in educating and training farmers and 
        others in the proper utilization of agricultural 
        weather and climate information, and to strengthen 
        their ability to provide site-specific weather 
        forecasting for farmers and the agricultural sector in 
        general; and
          [(5) to ensure that the weather and climate data 
        bases needed by the agricultural sector are of the 
        highest scientific accuracy and thoroughly documented, 
        and that such data bases are easily accessible for 
        remote computer access.

[SEC. 1638. AGRICULTURAL WEATHER OFFICE.

  [(a) Establishment of the Office and Administration of the 
System.--
          [(1) Establishment required.--The Secretary of 
        Agriculture shall establish in the Department of 
        Agriculture an Agricultural Weather Office to plan and 
        administer the National Agricultural Weather 
        Information System. The system shall be comprised of 
        the office established under this section and the 
        activities of the State agricultural weather 
        information systems described in section 1640.
          [(2) Director.--The Secretary shall appoint a 
        Director to manage the activities of the Agricultural 
        Weather Office and to advise the Secretary on 
        scientific and programmatic coordination for climate, 
        weather, and remote sensing.
  [(b) Authority.--The Secretary, acting through the Office, 
may undertake the following activities to carry out this 
subtitle:
          [(1) Enter into cooperative projects with the 
        National Weather Service to--
                  [(A) support operational weather forecasting 
                and observation useful in agriculture;
                  [(B) sponsor joint workshops to train 
                agriculturalists about the optimum utilization 
                of agricultural weather and climate data;
                  [(C) jointly develop improved computer models 
                and computing capacity; and
                  [(D) enhance the quality and availability of 
                weather and climate information needed by 
                agriculturalists.
          [(2) Obtain standardized weather observation data 
        collected in near real time through State agricultural 
        weather information systems.
          [(3) Make, through the National Institute of Food and 
        Agriculture, competitive grants under subsection (c) 
        for research in atmospheric sciences and climatology.
          [(4) Make grants to eligible States under section 
        1640 to plan and administer State agricultural weather 
        information systems.
          [(5) Coordinate the activities of the Office with the 
        weather and climate research activities of the National 
        Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Academy 
        of Sciences, the National Science Foundation 
        Atmospheric Services Program, and the National Climate 
        Program.
          [(6) Encourage private sector participation in the 
        National Agricultural Weather Information System 
        through mutually beneficial cooperation with the 
        private sector, particularly in generating weather and 
        climatic data useful for site-specific agricultural 
        weather forecasting.
  [(c) Competitive Grants Program.--
          [(1) Grants authorized.--With funds allocated to 
        carry out this subsection, the Secretary of Agriculture 
        may make grants to State agricultural experiment 
        stations, all colleges and universities, other research 
        institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, 
        private organizations and corporations, and individuals 
        to carry out research in all aspects of atmospheric 
        sciences and climatology that can be shown to be 
        important in both a basic and developmental way to 
        understanding, forecasting, and delivering agricultural 
        weather information.
          [(2) Competitive basis.--Grants made under this 
        subsection shall be made on a competitive basis.
  [(d) Priority.--In selecting among applications for grants 
under subsection (c), the Secretary shall give priority to 
proposals which emphasize--
          [(1) techniques and processes that relate to weather-
        induced agricultural losses, and to improving the 
        advisory information on weather extremes such as 
        drought, floods, freezes, and storms well in advance of 
        their actual occurrence;
          [(2) the improvement of site-specific weather data 
        collection and forecasting; or
          [(3) the impact of weather on economic and 
        environmental costs in agricultural production.

[SEC. 1640. STATE AGRICULTURAL WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

  [(a) Advisory Program Grants.--
          [(1) Grants required.--With funds allocated to carry 
        out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        make grants to not fewer than 10 eligible States to 
        plan and administer, in cooperation with persons 
        described in paragraph (2), advisory programs for State 
        agricultural weather information systems.
          [(2) Persons described.--The persons referred to in 
        paragraph (1) are the Director of the Agricultural 
        Weather Office, the Director of the National Institute 
        of Food and Agriculture, and other persons as 
        appropriate (such as the directors of the appropriate 
        State agricultural experiment stations and State 
        extension programs).
  [(b) Consultation.--For purposes of selecting among 
applications submitted by States for grants under this section, 
the Secretary shall consult with the Director.
  [(c) Eligibility Requirements.--To be eligible to receive a 
grant under this section, the chief executive officer of a 
State shall submit to the Secretary an application that 
contains--
          [(1) assurances that the State will expend such grant 
        to plan and administer a State agricultural weather 
        system that will--
                  [(A) collect observational weather data 
                throughout the State and provide such data to 
                the National Weather Service and the 
                Agricultural Weather Office;
                  [(B) develop methods for packaging 
                information received from the national system 
                for use by agricultural producers (with State 
                Cooperative Extension Services and the private 
                sector to serve as the primary conduit of 
                agricultural weather forecasts and climatic 
                information to producers); and
                  [(C) develop programs to educate agricultural 
                producers on how to best use weather and 
                climate information to improve management 
                decisions; and
          [(2) such other assurances and information as the 
        Secretary may require by rule.

[SEC. 1641. FUNDING.

  [(a) Allocation of Funds.--
          [(1) Cooperative work.--Not less than 15 percent and 
        not more than 25 percent of the funds appropriated for 
        a fiscal year to carry out this subtitle shall be used 
        for cooperative work with the National Weather Service 
        entered into under section 1638(b)(1).
          [(2) Competitive grants program.--Not less than 15 
        percent and not more than 25 percent of such funds 
        shall be used by the National Institute of Food and 
        Agriculture for a competitive grants program under 
        section 1638(c).
          [(3) Weather information systems.--Not less than 25 
        percent and not more than 35 percent of such funds 
        shall be divided equally between the participating 
        States selected for that fiscal year under section 
        1640.
          [(4) Other purposes.--The remaining funds shall be 
        allocated for use by the Agricultural Weather Office 
        and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 
        carrying out generally the provisions of this subtitle.
  [(b) Limitations on Use of Funds.--Funds provided under the 
authority of this subtitle shall not be used for the 
construction of facilities. Each State or agency receiving 
funds shall not use more than 30 percent of such funds for 
equipment purchases. Any use of the funds in facilitating the 
distribution of agricultural and climate information to 
producers shall be done with consideration for the role that 
the private meteorological sector can play in such information 
delivery.
  [(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this subtitle for 
each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle H--Miscellaneous Research Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1670. RURAL ELECTRONIC COMMERCE EXTENSION PROGRAM.

  [(a) Definitions.--In this section:
          [(1) Development center.--The term ``development 
        center'' means--
                  [(A) the North Central Regional Center for 
                Rural Development;
                  [(B) the Northeast Regional Center for Rural 
                Development or its designee;
                  [(C) the Southern Rural Development Center; 
                and
                  [(D) the Western Rural Development Center or 
                its designee.
          [(2) Extension program.--The term ``extension 
        program'' means the rural electronic commerce extension 
        program established under subsection (b).
          [(3) Microenterprise.--The term ``microenterprise'' 
        means a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer 
        employees, 1 or more of whom own the enterprise.
          [(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the 
        Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director 
        of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
          [(5) Small business.--The term ``small business'' has 
        the meaning given the term ``small-business concern'' 
        by section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
        632(a)).
  [(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a rural 
electronic commerce extension program to expand and enhance 
electronic commerce practices and technology to be used by 
small businesses and microenterprises in rural areas.
  [(c) Grants.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the 
        program established under subsection (b) by making--
                  [(A) grants to each of the development 
                centers; and
                  [(B) competitive grants to land-grant 
                colleges and universities (or consortia of 
                land-grant colleges and universities) and to 
                colleges and universities (including community 
                colleges) with agricultural or rural 
                development programs--
                          [(i) to develop and facilitate 
                        innovative rural electronic commerce 
                        business strategies; and
                          [(ii) to assist small businesses and 
                        microenterprises in identifying, 
                        adapting, implementing, and using 
                        electronic commerce business practices 
                        and technologies.
          [(2) Eligibility.--The selection criteria established 
        for grants awarded under paragraph (1)(B) shall 
        include--
                  [(A) the ability of an applicant to provide 
                training and education on best practices, 
                technology transfer, adoption, and use of 
                electronic commerce in rural communities by 
                small businesses and microenterprises;
                  [(B) the extent and geographic diversity of 
                the area served by the proposed project or 
                activity under the extension program;
                  [(C) in the case of a land-grant college or 
                university, the extent of participation of the 
                land-grant college or university in the 
                extension program (including any economic 
                benefits that would result from that 
                participation);
                  [(D) the percentage of funding and in-kind 
                commitments from non-Federal sources that would 
                be needed by and available for a proposed 
                project or activity under the extension 
                program; and
                  [(E) the extent of participation of low-
                income and minority businesses or 
                microenterprises in a proposed project or 
                activity under the extension program.
          [(3) Non-federal share.--
                  [(A) In general.--As a condition of the 
                receipt of funds under this section, a 
                development center or grant applicant shall 
                agree to obtain from non-Federal sources 
                (including State, local, nonprofit, or private 
                sector sources) contributions of an amount 
                equal to 50 percent of the grant amount.
                  [(B) Form.--The non-Federal share required 
                under subparagraph (A) may be provided in the 
                form of in-kind contributions.
                  [(C) Exception.--The non-Federal share 
                required under subparagraph (A) may be reduced 
                to 25 percent if the grant recipient serves 
                low-income or minority-owned businesses or 
                microenterprises, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
  [(d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
Senate a report that describes--
          [(1) the policies, practices, and procedures used to 
        assist rural communities in efforts to adopt and use 
        electronic commerce techniques; and
  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $60,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2002 through 2007, of which not less than \1/3\ 
of the amount made available for each fiscal year shall be used 
to carry out activities under subsection (c)(1)(A).

[SEC. 1671. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

  [(a) Goals.--The goals of this section are--
          [(1) to expand the knowledge of public and private 
        sector entities and persons concerning genomes for 
        species of importance to the food and agriculture 
        sectors in order to maximize the return on the 
        investment in genomics of agriculturally important 
        species;
          [(2) to focus on the species that will yield 
        scientifically important results that will enhance the 
        usefulness of many agriculturally important species;
          [(3) to build on genomic research, such as the Human 
        Genome Initiative and the Arabidopsis Genome Project, 
        to understand gene structure and function that is 
        expected to have considerable payoffs in agriculturally 
        important species;
          [(4) to develop improved bioinformatics to enhance 
        both sequence or structure determination and analysis 
        of the biological function of genes and gene products;
          [(5) to encourage Federal Government participants to 
        maximize the utility of public and private partnerships 
        for agricultural genome research;
          [(6) to allow resources developed under this section, 
        including data, software, germplasm, and other 
        biological materials, to be openly accessible to all 
        persons, subject to any confidentiality requirements 
        imposed by law; and
          [(7) to encourage international partnerships with 
        each partner country responsible for financing its own 
        strategy for agricultural genome research.
  [(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall 
conduct a research initiative (to be known as the 
``Agricultural Genome Initiative'') for the purpose of--
          [(1) studying and mapping agriculturally significant 
        genes to achieve sustainable and secure agricultural 
        production;
          [(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing 
        agricultural genetics knowledge are filled;
          [(3) identifying and developing a functional 
        understanding of genes responsible for economically 
        important traits in agriculturally important species, 
        including emerging plant and animal pathogens and 
        diseases causing economic hardship;
          [(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of 
        agriculturally important species;
          [(5) supporting preservation of diverse germplasm;
          [(6) ensuring preservation of biodiversity to 
        maintain access to genes that may be of importance in 
        the future;
          [(7) reducing the economic impact of plant pathogens 
        on commercially important crop plants; and
          [(8) otherwise carrying out this section.
  [(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
          [(1) Authority.--The Secretary may make grants or 
        enter into cooperative agreements with individuals and 
        organizations in accordance with section 1472 of the 
        National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
        Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3318).
          [(2) Competitive basis.--A grant or cooperative 
        agreement under this subsection shall be made or 
        entered into on a competitive basis.
  [(d) Administration.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) 
of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to 
the making of a grant or cooperative agreement under this 
section.
  [(e) Matching of Funds.--
          [(1) General requirement.--If a grant or cooperative 
        agreement under this section provides a particular 
        benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the 
        Secretary shall require the recipient to provide funds 
        or in-kind support to match the amount of funds 
        provided by the Secretary under the grant or 
        cooperative agreement.
          [(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching 
        funds requirement of paragraph (1) with respect to a 
        research project if the Secretary determines that--
                  [(A) the results of the project, while of 
                particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
                commodity, are likely to be applicable to 
                agricultural commodities generally; or
                  [(B) the project involves a minor commodity, 
                the project deals with scientifically important 
                research, and the recipient is unable to 
                satisfy the matching funds requirement.
  [(f) Consultation With National Academy of Sciences.--The 
Secretary may use funds made available under this section to 
consult with the National Academy of Sciences regarding the 
administration of the Agricultural Genome Initiative.]

SEC. 1672. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

  (a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants 
Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this 
section as the ``Secretary'') may make competitive grants to 
support research and extension activities specified in 
[subsections (e) through (i)] subsections (e) through (g). The 
Secretary shall make the grants in consultation with the 
National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
Economics Advisory Board.
  (b) Administration.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Use of task forces.--To facilitate the making of 
        research and extension grants under this section in the 
        research and extension areas specified in [subsections 
        (e) through (i)] subsections (e) through (g), the 
        Secretary may appoint a task force for each such area 
        to make recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary 
        may not incur costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal 
        year in connection with each task force established 
        under this paragraph.
  (c) Matching Funds Required.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
        matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) 
        with respect to a research project if the Secretary 
        determines that--
                  (A) the results of the project, while of 
                particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
                commodity, are likely to be applicable to 
                agricultural commodities generally; [or]
                  (B) the project involves a minor commodity, 
                the project deals with scientifically important 
                research, and the grant recipient is unable to 
                satisfy the matching funds requirement[.]; or
                  (C) the project involves a pest that has been 
                designated as a pest of public health 
                significance by the Environmental Protection 
                Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and 
                Prevention, as described in section 2(nn) of 
                the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
                Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136(nn)).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e) High-Priority Research and Extension Areas.--
          [(1) Ethanol research and extension.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of carrying out or enhancing research on 
        ethanol derived from agricultural crops as an 
        alternative fuel source.
          [(2) Aflatoxin research and extension.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of identifying, improving, and eventually 
        commercializing, alfatoxin controls in corn and other 
        affected agricultural products and crops.
          [(3) Prickly pear research and extension.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of investigating enhanced genetic selection 
        and processing techniques of prickly pears.
          [(4) Deer tick ecology research and extension.--
        Research and extension grants may be made under this 
        section for the purpose of studying the population 
        ecology of deer ticks and other insects and pests that 
        transmit Lyme disease.
          [(5) Peanut market enhancement research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purpose of evaluating the 
        economics of applying innovative technologies for 
        peanut processing in a commercial environment.
          [(6) Dairy financial risk management research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purpose of providing 
        research, development, or education materials, 
        information, and outreach programs regarding risk 
        management strategies for dairy producers and for dairy 
        cooperatives and other processors and marketers of 
        milk.
          [(7) Cotton research and extension.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of improving pest management, fiber quality 
        enhancement, economic assessment, textile production, 
        and optimized production systems for short staple 
        cotton.
          [(8) Methyl bromide research and extension.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of--
                  [(A) developing and evaluating chemical and 
                nonchemical alternatives, and use and emission 
                reduction strategies, for pre-planting and 
                post-harvest uses of methyl bromide; and
                  [(B) transferring the results of the research 
                for use by agricultural producers.
          [(9) Potato research and extension.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of developing and evaluating new strains of 
        potatoes that are resistant to blight and other 
        diseases, as well as insects. Emphasis may be placed on 
        developing potato varieties that lend themselves to 
        innovative marketing approaches.
          [(10) Wood use research and extension.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of developing new uses for wood from underused 
        tree species as well as investigating methods of 
        modifying wood and wood fibers to produce better 
        building materials.
          [(11) Wetlands use research and extension.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of better use of wetlands in diverse ways 
        to provide various economic, agricultural, and 
        environmental benefits.
          [(12) Food safety, including pathogen detection and 
        limitation, research and extension.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of increasing food safety, including the 
        identification of advanced detection and processing 
        methods to limit the presence of pathogens (including 
        hepatitis A and E. coli 0157:H7) in domestic and 
        imported foods.
          [(13) Financial risk management research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purpose of providing 
        research, development, or education materials, 
        information, and outreach programs regarding financial 
        risk management strategies for agricultural producers 
        and for cooperatives and other processors and marketers 
        of any agricultural commodity.
          [(14) Ornamental tropical fish research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purpose of meeting the needs 
        of commercial producers of ornamental tropical fish and 
        aquatic plants for improvements in the areas of fish 
        reproduction, health, nutrition, predator control, 
        water use, water quality control, and farming 
        technology.
          [(15) Gypsy moth research and extension.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of developing biological control, 
        management, and eradication methods against nonnative 
        insects, including Lymantria dispar (commonly known as 
        the ``gypsy moth''), that contribute to significant 
        agricultural, economic, or environmental harm.
          [(16) Tomato spotted wilt virus research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purpose of control, 
        management, and eradication of tomato spotted wilt 
        virus.
          [(17) Genetically modified agriculture products 
        (gmap) research.--Research grants may be made under 
        this section for the purposes of providing unbiased, 
        science-based evaluation of the risks and benefits to 
        the public and the environment of specific genetically 
        modified plant and animal products. Grants may be used 
        to form interdisciplinary teams to review and conduct 
        research on scientific, social, economic, and ethical 
        issues during the review process, to answer questions 
        raised by the release of new genetically modified 
        agriculture products, to conduct fundamental studies on 
        the health and environmental safety of genetically 
        modified agriculture products (including quantitative 
        risk assessment, the effect of specific genetically 
        modified agriculture products on human health, and gene 
        flow studies), to communicate the risk of genetically 
        modified agriculture products through extension and 
        education programs, and to engage the public and 
        industry in relevant issues.
          [(18) Land use management research and extension.--
        Research and extension grants may be made under this 
        section for the purposes of evaluating the 
        environmental benefits of land use management tools 
        such as those provided in the Farmland Protection 
        Program.
          [(19) Water and air quality research and extension.--
        Research and extension grants may be made under this 
        section for the purpose of better understanding 
        agricultural impacts to air and water quality and means 
        to address them.
          [(20) Revenue and insurance tools research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purposes of better 
        understanding the impact of revenue and insurance tools 
        on farm income.
          [(21) Agrotourism research and extension.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of better understanding the economic, 
        environmental, and food systems impacts of agrotourism.
          [(22) Nitrogen-fixation by plants.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of enhancing the nitrogen-fixing ability and 
        efficiency of legumes, developing new varieties of 
        legumes that fix nitrogen more efficiently, and 
        developing new varieties of other commercially 
        important crops that potentially are able to fix 
        nitrogen.
          [(23) Environment and private lands research and 
        extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for the purpose of researching the 
        use of computer models to aid in assessment of best 
        management practices on a watershed basis, working with 
        government, industry, and private landowners to help 
        craft industry-led solutions to identified 
        environmental issues, researching and monitoring water, 
        air, or soil environmental quality to aid in the 
        development of new approaches to local environmental 
        concerns, and working with local, State, and federal 
        officials to help craft effective environmental 
        solutions that respect private property rights and 
        agricultural production realities.
          [(24) Livestock disease research and extension.--
        Research and extension grants may be made under this 
        section for the purpose of identifying possible 
        livestock disease threats, educating the public 
        regarding livestock disease threats, training persons 
        to deal with such threats, and conducting related 
        research.
          [(25) Plant gene expression.--Research grants may be 
        made under this section for the purpose of plant gene 
        expression research to accelerate the application of 
        basic plant genomic science to the development and 
        testing of new varieties of enhanced food crops, crops 
        that can be used as renewable energy sources, and other 
        alternative uses of agricultural crops.
          [(26) Animal infectious diseases research.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of developing prevention and control 
        methodologies for animal infectious diseases (including 
        evaluation under field conditions in countries in which 
        an animal disease occurs) such as laboratory tests for 
        quicker detection of infected animals and presence of 
        disease, prevention strategies (including vaccination 
        programs), and rapid diagnostic techniques for animal 
        disease agents considered to be risks for agricultural 
        bioterrorism attack.
          [(27) Program to combat childhood obesity.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section to 
        institutions of higher education with demonstrated 
        capacity in basic and clinical obesity research, 
        nutrition research, and community health education 
        research to develop and evaluate community-wide 
        strategies that catalyze partnerships between families 
        and health care, education, recreation, mass media, and 
        other community resources to reduce the incidence of 
        childhood obesity.
          [(28) Integrated pest management.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        coordinate and improve research, education, and 
        outreach on, and implementation on farms of, integrated 
        pest management.
          [(29) Sugarcane genetics.--Research grants may be 
        made under this section for the purpose of maintaining 
        acceptable yields under reduced production inputs, 
        implementing marker-assisted breeding strategies and 
        other basic plant genomic technologies to screen for 
        improved plant resistance to diseases, weeds, and 
        insects toward minimizing pesticide use, enhancing 
        food, fiber and energy production, and developing 
        varieties for maximum performance under prevailing 
        conditions, including management for improved soil and 
        water conservation.
          [(30) Air emissions from livestock operations.--
        Research and extension grants may be made under this 
        section for the purpose of conducting field 
        verification tests and developing mitigation options 
        for air emissions from animal feeding operations.
          [(31) Swine genome project.--Research grants may be 
        made under this section to conduct swine genome 
        research, including the mapping of the swine genome.
          [(32) Cattle fever tick program.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        study cattle fever ticks to facilitate understanding of 
        the role of wildlife in the persistence and spread of 
        cattle fever ticks, to develop advanced methods for 
        eradication of cattle fever ticks, and to improve 
        management of diseases relating to cattle fever ticks 
        that are associated with wildlife, livestock, and human 
        health.
          [(33) Synthetic gypsum.--Research and extension 
        grants may be made under this section to study the uses 
        of synthetic gypsum from electric power plants to 
        remediate soil and nutrient losses.
          [(34) Cranberry research program.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        study new technologies to assist cranberry growers in 
        complying with Federal and State environmental 
        regulations, increase production, develop new growing 
        techniques, establish more efficient growing 
        methodologies, and educate cranberry producers about 
        sustainable growth practices.
          [(35) Sorghum research initiative.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        study the use of sorghum as a bioenergy feedstock, 
        promote diversification in, and the environmental 
        benefits of sorghum production, and promote water 
        conservation through the use of sorghum.
          [(36) Marine shrimp farming program.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        establish a research program to advance and maintain a 
        domestic shrimp farming industry in the United States.
          [(37) Turfgrass research initiative.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        study the production of turfgrass (including the use of 
        water, fertilizer, pesticides, fossil fuels, and 
        machinery for turf establishment and maintenance) and 
        environmental protection and enhancement relating to 
        turfgrass production.
          [(38) Agricultural worker safety research 
        initiative.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section--
                  [(A) to study and demonstrate methods to 
                minimize exposure of farm and ranch owners and 
                operators, pesticide handlers, and agricultural 
                workers to pesticides, including research 
                addressing the unique concerns of farm workers 
                resulting from long-term exposure to 
                pesticides; and
                  [(B) to develop rapid tests for on-farm use 
                to better inform and educate farmers, ranchers, 
                and farm and ranch workers regarding safe field 
                re-entry intervals.
          [(39) High plains aquifer region.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        carry out interdisciplinary research relating to 
        diminishing water levels and increased demand for water 
        in the High Plains aquifer region.
          [(40) Deer initiative.--Research and extension grants 
        may be made under this section to support collaborative 
        research focusing on the development of viable 
        strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment 
        of infectious, parasitic, and toxic diseases of farmed 
        deer and the mapping of the deer genome.
          [(41) Pasture-based beef systems research 
        initiative.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section to study the development of forage 
        sequences and combinations for cow-calf, heifer 
        development, stocker, and finishing systems, to deliver 
        optimal nutritive value for efficient production of 
        cattle for pasture finishing, to optimize forage 
        systems to improve marketability of pasture-finished 
        beef, and to assess the effect of forage quality on 
        reproductive fitness.
          [(42) Agricultural practices relating to climate 
        change.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section for field and laboratory studies 
        that examine the ecosystem from gross to minute scales 
        and for projects that explore the relationship of 
        agricultural practices to climate change.
          [(43) Brucellosis control and eradication.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section to 
        conduct research relating to the development of 
        vaccines and vaccine delivery systems to effectively 
        control and eliminate brucellosis in wildlife, and to 
        assist with the controlling of the spread of 
        brucellosis from wildlife to domestic animals.
          [(44) Bighorn and domestic sheep disease 
        mechanisms.--Research and extension grants may be made 
        under this section to conduct research relating to the 
        health status of (including the presence of infectious 
        diseases in) bighorn and domestic sheep under range 
        conditions.
          [(45) Agricultural development in the american-
        pacific region.--Research and extension grants may be 
        made under this section to support food and 
        agricultural science at a consortium of land-grant 
        institutions in the American-Pacific region.
          [(46) Tropical and subtropical agricultural 
        research.--Research grants may be made under this 
        section, in equal dollar amounts to the Caribbean and 
        Pacific Basins, to support tropical and subtropical 
        agricultural research, including pest and disease 
        research, at the land-grant institutions in the 
        Caribbean and Pacific regions.
          [(47) Viral hemorrhagic septicemia.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section to 
        study--
                  [(A) the effects of viral hemorrhagic 
                septicemia (referred to in this paragraph as 
                ``VHS'') on freshwater fish throughout the 
                natural and expanding range of VHS; and
                  [(B) methods for transmission and human-
                mediated transport of VHS among waterbodies.
          [(48) Farm and ranch safety.--Research and extension 
        grants may be made under this section to carry out 
        projects to decrease the incidence of injury and death 
        on farms and ranches, including--
                  [(A) on-site farm or ranch safety reviews;
                  [(B) outreach and dissemination of farm 
                safety research and interventions to 
                agricultural employers, employees, youth, farm 
                and ranch families, seasonal workers, or other 
                individuals; and
                  [(C) agricultural safety education and 
                training.
          [(49) Women and minorities in stem fields.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section to 
        increase participation by women and underrepresented 
        minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, 
        technology, engineering, and mathematics, with priority 
        given to eligible institutions that carry out 
        continuing programs funded by the Secretary.
          [(50) Alfalfa and forage research program.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of studying improvements in alfalfa and 
        forage yields, biomass and persistence, pest pressures, 
        the bioenergy potential of alfalfa and other forages, 
        and systems to reduce losses during harvest and 
        storage.
          [(51) Food systems veterinary medicine.--Research 
        grants may be made under this section to address health 
        issues that affect food-producing animals, food safety, 
        and the environment, and to improve information 
        resources, curriculum, and clinical education of 
        students with respect to food animal veterinary 
        medicine and food safety.
          [(52) Biochar research.--Grants may be made under 
        this section for research, extension, and integrated 
        activities relating to the study of biochar production 
        and use, including considerations of agronomic and 
        economic impacts, synergies of coproduction with 
        bioenergy, and the value of soil enhancements and soil 
        carbon sequestration.
  [(f) Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and 
Eradication.--
          [(1) Task force.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        task force pursuant to subsection (b)(2) regarding the 
        control, management, and eradication of imported fire 
        ants. The Secretary shall solicit and evaluate grant 
        proposals under this subsection in consultation with 
        the task force.
          [(2) Initial grants.--
                  [(A) Request for proposals.--The Secretary 
                shall publish a request for proposals for 
                grants for research or demonstration projects 
                related to the control, management, and 
                possible eradication of imported fire ants.
                  [(B) Selection.--Not later than 1 year after 
                the date of publication of the request for 
                proposals, the Secretary shall evaluate the 
                grant proposals submitted in response to the 
                request and may select meritorious research or 
                demonstration projects related to the control, 
                management, and possible eradication of 
                imported fire ants to receive an initial grant 
                under this subsection.
          [(3) Subsequent grants.--
                  [(A) Evaluation of initial grants.--If the 
                Secretary awards grants under paragraph (2)(B), 
                the Secretary shall evaluate all of the 
                research or demonstration projects conducted 
                under the grants for their use as the basis of 
                a national plan for the control, management, 
                and possible eradication of imported fire ants 
                by the Federal Government, State and local 
                governments, and owners and operators of land.
                  [(B) Selection.--On the basis of the 
                evaluation under subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary may select the projects that the 
                Secretary considers most promising for 
                additional research or demonstration related to 
                preparation of a national plan for the control, 
                management, and possible eradication of 
                imported fire ants. The Secretary shall notify 
                the task force of the projects selected under 
                this subparagraph.
          [(4) Selection and submission of national plan.--
                  [(A) Evaluation of subsequent grants.--If the 
                Secretary awards grants under paragraph (3)(B), 
                the Secretary shall evaluate all of the 
                research or demonstration projects conducted 
                under the grants for use as the basis of a 
                national plan for the control, management, and 
                possible eradication of imported fire ants by 
                the Federal Government, State and local 
                governments, and owners and operators of land.
                  [(B) Selection.--On the basis of the 
                evaluation under subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary shall select 1 project funded under 
                paragraph (3)(B), or a combination of those 
                projects, for award of a grant for final 
                preparation of the national plan.
                  [(C) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit 
                to Congress the final national plan prepared 
                under subparagraph (B) for the control, 
                management, and possible eradication of 
                imported fire ants.]
  [(g)] (e) Formosan Termite, Bed Bugs, and Other Pests 
Research and Eradication.--
          (1) Research program.--The Secretary may make 
        competitive research grants under this subsection to 
        regional and multijurisdictional entities, local 
        government planning organizations, and local 
        governments for the purpose of conducting research for 
        the control, management, and possible eradication of 
        Formosan termites, bed bugs, and other pests, including 
        pests that the Secretary determines are a risk to 
        public health in the United States.
          (2) Eradication program.--The Secretary may enter 
        into cooperative agreements with regional and 
        multijurisdictional entities, local government planning 
        organizations, and local governments for the purposes 
        of--
                  (A) conducting projects for the control, 
                management, and possible eradication of 
                Formosan termites, bed bugs, and other pests, 
                including pests that the Secretary determines 
                are a risk to public health in the United 
                States; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Funding priority.--In allocating funds made 
        available to carry out paragraph (2), the Secretary 
        shall provide a higher priority for regions or 
        locations with the highest historical rates of 
        infestation of Formosan termites, bed bugs, and other 
        pests, including pests that the Secretary determines 
        are a risk to public health.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(h)] (f) Pollinator Protection.--
          (1) Research and extension.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this paragraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2008 through [2012] 2017.
          (2) Department of agriculture capacity and 
        infrastructure.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this paragraph $7,250,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2008 through [2012] 2017.
          (3) Honey bee pest and pathogen surveillance.--There 
        is authorized to be appropriated to conduct a 
        nationwide honey bee pest and pathogen surveillance 
        program $2,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
        through [2012] 2017.
          (4) Annual report on response to honey bee colony 
        collapse disorder.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
        Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report 
        describing the progress made by the Department of 
        Agriculture in--
                  (A) investigating the cause or causes of 
                honey bee colony collapse and honey bee health 
                disorders; and
                  (B) finding appropriate strategies, including 
                best management practices to reduce colony 
                loss.
  [(i) Regional Centers of Excellence.--
          [(1) Esptablishment.--The Secretary shall prioritize 
        regional centers of excellence established for specific 
        agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding 
        under this section.
          [(2) Composition.--A regional center of excellence 
        shall be composed of 1 or more colleges and 
        universities (including land-grant institutions, 
        schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, or 
        NLGCA Institutions (as defined in section 1404 of the 
        National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
        Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103))) that provide 
        financial support to the regional center of excellence.
          [(3) Criteria for regional centers of excellence.--
        The criteria for consideration to be a regional center 
        of excellence shall include efforts--
                  [(A) to ensure coordination and cost-
                effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily 
                duplicative efforts regarding research, 
                teaching, and extension;
                  [(B) to leverage available resources by using 
                public/private partnerships among agricultural 
                industry groups, institutions of higher 
                education, and the Federal Government;
                  [(C) to implement teaching initiatives to 
                increase awareness and effectively disseminate 
                solutions to target audiences through extension 
                activities;
                  [(D) to increase the economic returns to 
                rural communities by identifying, attracting, 
                and directing funds to high-priority 
                agricultural issues; and
                  [(E) to improve teaching capacity and 
                infrastructure at colleges and universities 
                (including land-grant institutions, schools of 
                forestry, and schools of veterinary medicine).]
  (g) Bed Bug Control.--
          (1) Authorization and use of grants.--The Secretary, 
        in consultation with a task force appointed under 
        subsection (b)(2), shall award grants under this 
        subsection for purposes of--
                  (A) developing more efficacious methods of 
                detecting, preventing, and managing bed bugs; 
                and
                  (B) conducting basic and applied bed bug 
                biology research.
          (2) Grants.--
                  (A) Requests for proposals.--The Secretary 
                shall, not later than 180 days after the date 
                of the enactment of this subsection and in 
                consultation with the task force, publish a 
                request for openly competitive grant proposals 
                for research projects for the purposes 
                described in paragraph (1).
                  (B) Award of grants.--Not later than 180 days 
                after the date of such publication, the 
                Secretary shall--
                          (i) evaluate the grant proposals 
                        referred to in subparagraph (A) in 
                        consultation with the task force; and
                          (ii) award grants to entities that 
                        submitted grant proposals for research 
                        projects the Secretary determines are 
                        meritorious for the purposes described 
                        in paragraph (1).
                  (C) Notification requirement.--The Secretary 
                shall notify the task force of any award made 
                under subparagraph (B) not later than 30 days 
                after awarding such grant.
          (3) Consultation and coordination.--To expedite the 
        approval or registration under section 3, section 18, 
        or section 24 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and 
        Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a, 136p, and 136v) of the 
        methods identified or discovered through research 
        projects funded under this subsection, the Secretary 
        shall consult and coordinate with the Administrator of 
        the Environmental Protection Agency regarding--
                  (A) the awarding of grants under this 
                subsection; and
                  (B) the evaluation of the results of such 
                research projects.
  [(j)] (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
[2012] 2017.

[SEC. 1672A. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

  [(a) Competitive Research and Extension Grants Authorized.--
The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as 
the ``Secretary'') may make competitive grants to support 
research and extension activities specified in subsection (e). 
The Secretary shall make the grants in consultation with the 
National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
Economics Advisory Board.
  [(b) Administration.--
          [(1) In general.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and 
        (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, 
        and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall 
        apply with respect to the making of grants under this 
        section.
          [(2) Use of task forces.--To facilitate the making of 
        research and extension grants under this section in the 
        research and extension areas specified in subsection 
        (e), the Secretary may appoint a task force for each 
        such area to make recommendations to the Secretary. The 
        Secretary may not incur costs in excess of $1,000 for 
        any fiscal year in connection with each task force 
        established under this paragraph.
  [(c) Matching Funds Required.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the 
        recipient of a grant under this section to provide 
        funds or in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an 
        amount at least equal to the amount provided by the 
        Federal Government.
          [(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
        matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) 
        with respect to a research project if the Secretary 
        determines that--
                  [(A) the results of the project, while of 
                particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
                commodity, are likely to be applicable to 
                agricultural commodities generally; or
                  [(B) the project involves a minor commodity, 
                the project deals with scientifically important 
                research, and the grant recipient is unable to 
                satisfy the matching funds requirement.
  [(d) Priority.--Following the completion of a peer review 
process for grant proposals received under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to those grant proposals that 
involve--
          [(1) the cooperation of multiple entities; and
          [(2) States or regions with a high concentration of 
        livestock, dairy, or poultry operations.
  [(e) Nutrient Management Research and Extension Areas.--
          [(1) Animal waste and odor management.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of--
                  [(A) identifying, evaluating, and 
                demonstrating innovative technologies for 
                animal waste management and related air quality 
                management and odor control;
                  [(B) investigating the unique microbiology of 
                specific animal wastes, such as swine waste and 
                dairy and beef cattle waste, to develop 
                improved methods to effectively manage air and 
                water quality; and
                  [(C) conducting information workshops to 
                disseminate the results of the research.
          [(2) Water quality and aquatic ecosystems.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of investigating the impact on aquatic food 
        webs, especially commercially important aquatic species 
        and their habitats, of microorganisms of the genus 
        Pfiesteria and other microorganisms that are a threat 
        to human or animal health.
          [(3) Rural and urban interface.--Research and 
        extension grants may be made under this section for the 
        purpose of identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating 
        innovative technologies to be used for animal waste 
        management (including odor control) in rural areas 
        adjacent to urban or suburban areas in connection with 
        waste management activities undertaken in urban or 
        suburban areas.
          [(4) Animal feed.--Research and extension grants may 
        be made under this section for the purpose of 
        maximizing nutrition management for livestock, while 
        limiting risks, such as mineral bypass, associated with 
        livestock feeding practices.
          [(5) Alternative uses and renewable energy.--Research 
        and extension grants may be made under this section for 
        the purpose of finding innovative methods and 
        technologies to allow agricultural operators to make 
        use of animal waste, such as use as fertilizer, methane 
        digestion, composting, and other useful byproducts.
  [(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2012.]

SEC. 1672B. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e) Funding.--On October 1, 2003, and each October 1 
thereafter through October 1, 2007, out of any funds in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the 
Treasury shall transfer $3,000,000 to the Secretary of 
Agriculture for this section.]
  (e) Farm Business Management Encouraged.--Following the 
completion of a peer review process for grant proposals 
received under this section, the Secretary shall provide a 
priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be 
scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the 
Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section 
1672D(b).
  (f) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to 
        carry out this section--
                  (A) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; [and]
                  (B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 
                through 2012[.]; and
                  (C) $16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.
          (2) Additional funding.--In addition to amounts made 
        available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to 
        be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 
        for each of fiscal years 2009 through [2012] 2017.

[SEC. 1672C. AGRICULTURAL BIOENERGY FEEDSTOCK AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY 
                    RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

  [(a) Establishment and Purpose.--There is established within 
the Department of Agriculture an agricultural bioenergy 
feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension 
initiative (referred to in this section as the ``Initiative'') 
for the purpose of enhancing the production of biomass energy 
crops and the energy efficiency of agricultural operations.
  [(b) Competitive Research and Extension Grants Authorized.--
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall make 
competitive grants to support research and extension activities 
specified in subsections (c) and (d).
  [(c) Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock Research and Extension 
Areas.--
          [(1) In general.--Agricultural bioenergy feedstock 
        research and extension activities funded under the 
        Initiative shall focus on improving agricultural 
        biomass production, biomass conversion in 
        biorefineries, and biomass use by--
                  [(A) supporting on-farm research on crop 
                species, nutrient requirements, management 
                practices, environmental impacts, and 
                economics;
                  [(B) supporting the development and operation 
                of on-farm, integrated biomass feedstock 
                production systems;
                  [(C) leveraging the broad scientific 
                capabilities of the Department of Agriculture 
                and other entities in--
                          [(i) plant genetics and breeding;
                          [(ii) crop production;
                          [(iii) soil and water science;
                          [(iv) use of agricultural waste; and
                          [(v) carbohydrate, lipid, protein, 
                        and lignin chemistry, enzyme 
                        development, and biochemistry; and
                  [(D) supporting the dissemination of any of 
                the research conducted under this subsection 
                that will assist in achieving the goals of this 
                section.
          [(2) Selection criteria.--In selecting grant 
        recipients for projects under paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall consider--
                  [(A) the capabilities and experiences of the 
                applicant, including--
                          [(i) research in actual field 
                        conditions; and
                          [(ii) engineering and research 
                        knowledge relating to biofuels or the 
                        production of inputs for biofuel 
                        production;
                  [(B) the range of species types and cropping 
                practices proposed for study (including species 
                types and practices studied using side-by-side 
                comparisons of those types and practices);
                  [(C) the need for regional diversity among 
                feedstocks;
                  [(D) the importance of developing multiyear 
                data relevant to the production of biomass 
                feedstock crops;
                  [(E) the extent to which the project involves 
                direct participation of agricultural producers;
                  [(F) the extent to which the project proposal 
                includes a plan or commitment to use the 
                biomass produced as part of the project in 
                commercial channels; and
                  [(G) such other factors as the Secretary may 
                determine.
  [(d) Energy-Efficiency Research and Extension Areas.--On-farm 
energy-efficiency research and extension activities funded 
under the Initiative shall focus on developing and 
demonstrating technologies and production practices relating 
to--
          [(1) improving on-farm renewable energy production;
          [(2) encouraging efficient on-farm energy use;
          [(3) promoting on-farm energy conservation;
          [(4) making a farm or ranch energy-neutral; and
          [(5) enhancing on-farm usage of advanced technologies 
        to promote energy efficiency.
  [(e) Best Practices Database.--The Secretary shall develop a 
best-practices database that includes information, to be 
available to the public, on--
          [(1) the production potential of a variety of biomass 
        crops; and
          [(2) best practices for production, collection, 
        harvesting, storage, and transportation of biomass 
        crops to be used as a source of bioenergy.
  [(f) Administration.--
          [(1) In general.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and 
        (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, 
        and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) 
        shall apply with respect to making grants under this 
        section.
          [(2) Consultation and coordination.--The Secretary 
        shall--
                  [(A) make the grants in consultation with the 
                National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
                Education, and Economics Advisory Board; and
                  [(B) coordinate projects and activities 
                carried out under the Initiative with projects 
                and activities under section 9008 of the Farm 
                Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to 
                ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, 
                that--
                          [(i) unnecessary duplication of 
                        effort is eliminated or minimized; and
                          [(ii) the respective strengths of the 
                        Department of Agriculture and the 
                        Department of Energy are appropriately 
                        used.
          [(3) Grant priority.--The Secretary shall give 
        priority to grant applications that integrate research 
        and extension activities established under subsections 
        (c) and (d), respectively.
          [(4) Matching funds required.--As a condition of 
        receiving a grant under this section, the Secretary 
        shall require the recipient of the grant to provide 
        funds or in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an 
        amount that is at least equal to the amount provided by 
        the Federal Government.
          [(5) Partnerships encouraged.--Following the 
        completion of a peer review process for grant proposals 
        received under this section, the Secretary may provide 
        a priority to those grant proposals found as a result 
        of the peer review process--
                  [(A) to be scientifically meritorious; and
                  [(B) that involve cooperation--
                          [(i) among multiple entities; and
                          [(ii) with agricultural producers.
  [(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]

SEC. 1672D. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated [such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section.] to carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; 
        and
          (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

SEC. 1673. REGIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

  (a) Funding Priorities.--The Secretary shall prioritize 
regional centers of excellence established for specific 
agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding for any 
competitive research or extension program administered by the 
Secretary.
  (b) Composition.--A regional center of excellence is composed 
of 1 or more of the eligible entities specified in section 
2(b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)).
  (c) Criteria for Regional Centers of Excellence.--The 
criteria for consideration to be recognized as a regional 
center of excellence shall include efforts--
          (1) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by 
        reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding 
        research, teaching, and extension;
          (2) to leverage available resources by using public/
        private partnerships among agricultural industry 
        groups, institutions of higher education, and the 
        Federal Government;
          (3) to implement teaching initiatives to increase 
        awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to 
        target audiences through extension activities;
          (4) to increase the economic returns to rural 
        communities by identifying, attracting, and directing 
        funds to high-priority agricultural issues; and
          (5) to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure 
        at colleges and universities (including land-grant 
        institutions, schools of forestry, schools of 
        veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1676. RED MEAT SAFETY RESEARCH CENTER.

  [(a) Establishment of Center.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
shall award a grant, on a competitive basis, to a research 
facility described in subsection (b) to establish a red meat 
safety research center.
  [(b) Eligible Research Facility Described.--A research 
facility eligible for a grant under subsection (a) is a 
research facility that--
          [(1) is part of a land-grant college or university, 
        or other federally supported agricultural research 
        facility, located in close proximity to a livestock 
        slaughter and processing facility; and
          [(2) is staffed by professionals with a wide 
        diversity of scientific expertise covering all aspects 
        of meat science.
  [(c) Research Conducted.--The red meat safety research center 
established under subsection (a) shall carry out research 
related to general food safety, including--an
          [(1) the development of intervention strategies that 
        reduce microbiological contamination of carcass 
        surfaces;
          [(2) research regarding microbiological mapping of 
        carcass surfaces; and
          [(3) the development of model hazard analysis and 
        critical control point plans.
  [(d) Administration of Funds.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
shall administer funds appropriated to carry out this section.
  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 
1997 to carry out this section.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1680. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), there [is] 
        are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        [section $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 
        through 2012.] section--
                  (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 
                through 2012; and
                  (B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE XXIII--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Enhancing Human Resources

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2335A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
chapter [$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
2012] $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


           Subtitle G--Rural Revitalization Through Forestry

                Chapter 1--Forestry Rural Revitalization

SEC. 2371. FORESTRY RURAL REVITALIZATION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Rural Revitalization Technologies.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
        through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2381. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Limitation on Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry 
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated 
$500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                  TITLE XXV--OTHER RELATED PROVISIONS

SEC. 2501. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS 
                    AND RANCHERS AND VETERAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

  (a) Outreach and Assistance.--
          (1) Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        carry out an outreach and technical assistance program 
        to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers 
        and ranchers and veteran farmers or ranchers--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Requirements.--The outreach and technical 
        assistance program under paragraph (1) shall be used 
        exclusively--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) to assist the Secretary in--
                          (i) reaching current and prospective 
                        socially disadvantaged farmers or 
                        ranchers and veteran farmers or 
                        ranchers in a linguistically 
                        appropriate manner; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Funding.--
                  (A) In general.--Of the funds of the 
                Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary 
                shall make available to carry out this 
                section--
                          (i) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; 
                        [and]
                          (ii) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                        years 2010 through 2012[.]; and
                          (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                        years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2013 through 2017.
  (b) Designation of Federal Personnel.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Additional personnel.--In counties or regions in 
        which the number of socially disadvantaged farmers and 
        ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers exceeds 25 
        percent of the total number of farmers and ranchers in 
        the county or region, the Secretary shall designate 
        additional personnel to implement the policies and 
        programs established or modified in accordance with 
        this section.
  (c) Report to Congress.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 1992, 
        and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall 
        report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
        Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, regarding--
                  (A) the efforts of the Secretary to enhance 
                participation by veteran farmers or ranchers 
                and members of socially disadvantaged groups in 
                agricultural programs;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Contents.--In addition to the information 
        specified in paragraph (1), the report required by 
        paragraph (1) shall include--
                  (A) a comparison of the participation goals 
                and the actual participation rates of veteran 
                farmers or ranchers and members of socially 
                disadvantaged groups in each agricultural 
                program;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Definitions.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' 
        means any of the following:
                  (A) Any community-based organization, 
                network, or coalition of community-based 
                organizations that--
                          (i) has demonstrated experience in 
                        providing agricultural education or 
                        other agriculturally related services 
                        to socially disadvantaged farmers and 
                        ranchers and veteran farmers or 
                        ranchers;
                          (ii) has provided to the Secretary 
                        documentary evidence of work with, and 
                        on behalf of, socially disadvantaged 
                        farmers or ranchers and veteran farmers 
                        or ranchers during the 3-year period 
                        preceding the submission of an 
                        application for assistance under 
                        subsection (a); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (7) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term ``veteran 
        farmer or rancher'' means a farmer or rancher who 
        served in the active military, naval, or air service, 
        and who was discharged or released from the service 
        under conditions other than dishonorable.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


             FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE III--TRADE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 3107. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD 
                    NUTRITION PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) General Authorities.--The Secretary shall [to]--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (l) Funding.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
        necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal 
        years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 3205. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Purpose.--The program shall provide direct assistance 
through public and private sector projects and technical 
assistance to remove, resolve, or mitigate sanitary and 
phytosanitary and [related barriers to trade] technical 
barriers to trade.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Funding.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Funding amounts.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
        Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry 
        out this section--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
                  [(D) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
                  [(E) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.]
                  (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 
                through 2017.

TITLE IV--NUTRITION PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 4402. [SENIORS] FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

  [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall use 
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, and $15,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2003 through 2007, of the funds available to the 
Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out and expand a seniors 
farmers' market nutrition program.]
  (a) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall use to 
        carry out and expand the farmers market nutrition 
        program $20,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017.
          (2) Additional funding.--There is authorized to be 
        appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
        this subsection for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.
  (b) Program Purposes.--The purposes of the [seniors] farmers' 
market nutrition program are--
          (1) to provide resources in the form of fresh, 
        nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, 
        vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside 
        stands, and community supported agriculture programs to 
        low-income seniors, and low-income families who are 
        determined to be at nutritional risk;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) State Grants and Other Assistance.--The Secretary shall 
carry out the Program through grants and other assistance 
provided in accordance with agreements made with States, for 
implementation through State agencies and local agencies, that 
include provisions--
          (1) for the issuance of coupons or vouchers to 
        participating individuals;
          (2) establishing an appropriate annual percentage 
        limitation on the use of funds for administrative 
        costs; and
          (3) specifying other terms and conditions as the 
        Secretary deems appropriate to encourage expanding the 
        participation of small scale farmers in Federal 
        nutrition programs.
  [(c)] (d) Exclusion of benefits in determining eligibility 
for other programs.--The value of any benefit provided to any 
eligible [seniors] farmers' market nutrition program recipient 
under this section shall not be considered to be income or 
resources for any purposes under any Federal, State, or local 
law.
  [(d)] (e) Prohibition on collection of sales tax.--Each State 
shall ensure that no State or local tax is collected within the 
State on a purchase of food with a benefit distributed under 
the [seniors] farmers' market nutrition program.
  [(e)] (f) Regulations.--The Secretary may issue such 
regulations as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out 
the [seniors] farmers' market nutrition program.
  [(f)] (g) Federal Law Not Applicable.--Section 920 of the 
Electronic Fund Transfer Act shall not apply to electronic 
benefit transfer systems established under this section.

[SEC. 4403. NUTRITION INFORMATION AND AWARENESS PILOT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
establish, in not more than 5 States, for a period not to 
exceed 4 years for each participating State, a pilot program to 
increase the domestic consumption of fresh fruits and 
vegetables.
  [(b) Purpose.--
          [(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
        purpose of the program shall be to provide funds to 
        States solely for the purpose of assisting eligible 
        public and private sector entities with cost-share 
        assistance to carry out demonstration projects--
                  [(A) to increase fruit and vegetable 
                consumption; and
                  [(B) to convey related health promotion 
                messages.
          [(2) Limitation.--Funds made available to a State 
        under the program shall not be used to disparage any 
        agricultural commodity.
  [(c) Selection of States.--
          [(1) In general.--In selecting States to participate 
        in the program, the Secretary shall take into 
        consideration, with respect to projects and activities 
        proposed to be carried out under the program--
                  [(A) experience in carrying out similar 
                projects or activities;
                  [(B) innovative approaches; and
                  [(C) the ability of the State to promote and 
                track increases in levels of fruit and 
                vegetable consumption.
          [(2) Enhancement of existing state programs.--The 
        Secretary may use the pilot program to enhance existing 
        State programs that are consistent with the purpose of 
        the pilot program specified in subsection (b).
  [(d) Eligible Public and Private Sector Entities.--
          [(1) In general.--A participating State shall 
        establish eligibility criteria under which the State 
        may select public and private sector entities to carry 
        out demonstration projects under the program.
          [(2) Limitation.--No funds made available to States 
        under the program shall be provided by a State to any 
        foreign for-profit corporation.
  [(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any 
project or activity carried out using funds provided under this 
section shall be 50 percent.
  [(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2002 through 2007.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

SEC. 6402. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
[$6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012] 
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE VII--RESEARCH AND RELATED MATTERS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--New Authorities

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7405. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Grants.--
          (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
        Secretary shall make competitive grants to support new 
        and established local and regional training, education, 
        outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for 
        beginning farmers or ranchers, including programs and 
        services (as appropriate) relating to--
                  [(A) mentoring, apprenticeships, and 
                internships;
                  [(B) resources and referral;
                  [(C) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers 
                in acquiring land from retiring farmers and 
                ranchers;
                  [(D) innovative farm and ranch transfer 
                strategies;
                  [(E) entrepreneurship and business training;
                  [(F) model land leasing contracts;
                  [(G) financial management training;
                  [(H) whole farm planning;
                  [(I) conservation assistance;
                  [(J) risk management education;
                  [(K) diversification and marketing 
                strategies;
                  [(L) curriculum development;
                  [(M) understanding the impact of 
                concentration and globalization;
                  [(N) basic livestock and crop farming 
                practices;
                  [(O) the acquisition and management of 
                agricultural credit;
                  [(P) environmental compliance;
                  [(Q) information processing; and
                  [(R) other similar subject areas of use to 
                beginning farmers or ranchers.]
                  (A) basic livestock, forest management, and 
                crop farming practices;
                  (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, 
                nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies;
                  (C) entrepreneurship and business training;
                  (D) financial and risk management training 
                (including the acquisition and management of 
                agricultural credit);
                  (E) natural resource management and planning;
                  (F) diversification and marketing strategies;
                  (G) curriculum development;
                  (H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and 
                internships;
                  (I) resources and referral;
                  (J) farm financial benchmarking;
                  (K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers 
                in acquiring land from retiring farmers and 
                ranchers;
                  (L) agricultural rehabilitation and 
                vocational training for veterans; and
                  (M) other similar subject areas of use to 
                beginning farmers or ranchers.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (7) Priority.--In making grants under this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to 
        partnerships and collaborations that are led by or 
        include nongovernmental [and community-based 
        organizations], community-based organizations, and 
        school-based agricultural educational organizations 
        with expertise in new agricultural producer training 
        and outreach.
          [(8) Set-aside.--Not less than 25 percent of funds 
        used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year 
        shall be used to support programs and services that 
        address the needs of--
                  [(A) limited resource beginning farmers or 
                ranchers (as defined by the Secretary);
                  [(B) socially disadvantaged beginning farmers 
                or ranchers (as defined in section 355(e) of 
                the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
                (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)); and
                  [(C) farmworkers desiring to become farmers 
                or ranchers.]
          (8) Military veteran beginning farmers and 
        ranchers.--
                  (A) In general.--Not less than 5 percent of 
                the funds used to carry out this subsection for 
                a fiscal year shall be used to support programs 
                and services that address the needs of military 
                veteran beginning farmers and ranchers.
                  (B) Coordination permitted.--A recipient of a 
                grant under this section using the grant as 
                described in subparagraph (A) may coordinate 
                with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 
                of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
                Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) in addressing 
                the needs of military veteran beginning farmers 
                and ranchers with disabilities.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (11) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a 
        grant under this section may not use more than 10 
        percent of the funds provided by the grant for the 
        indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives 
        described in paragraph (1).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to 
        carry out this section--
                  (A) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; [and]
                  (B) $19,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 
                through 2012[.]; and
                  (C) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017, to remain available until 
                expended.
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to 
        funds provided under paragraph (1), there is authorized 
        to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
        [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7407. ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND MARKET DATA INITIATIVES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
        section $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.
          (2) Mandatory funding.--In addition to funds made 
        available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the 
        Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use 
        to carry out this section $5,000,000, to remain 
        available until expended.
          [(2)] (3) Additional funding.--In addition to funds 
        made available under [paragraph (1)] paragraphs (1) and 
        (2), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
        out this section not more than $5,000,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, to remain 
        available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 7409. REPORT ON PRODUCERS AND HANDLERS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL 
                    PRODUCTS.

  [Not later than 1 year after funds are made available to 
carry out this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress 
a report that--
          [(1) describes--
                  [(A) the extent to which producers and 
                handlers of organic agricultural products are 
                contributing to research and promotion programs 
                of the Department;
                  [(B) the extent to which producers and 
                handlers of organic agricultural products are 
                surveyed for ideas for research and promotion;
                  [(C) ways in which the programs reflect the 
                contributions made by producers and handlers of 
                organic agricultural products and directly 
                benefit the producers and handlers; and
                  [(D) the implementation of initiatives that 
                directly benefit organic producers and 
                handlers; and
          [(2) evaluates industry and other proposals for 
        improving the treatment of certified organic 
        agricultural products under Federal marketing orders, 
        including proposals to target additional resources for 
        research and promotion of organic products and to 
        differentiate between certified organic and other 
        products in new or existing volume limitations or other 
        orderly marketing requirements.

[SEC. 7410. REPORT ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED PEST-PROTECTED PLANTS.

  [It is the sense of Congress that, not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary should--
          [(1) review the recommendations of the Committee on 
        Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants of the Board 
        on Agriculture and Natural Resources of the National 
        Research Council made during 2000 and the Committee on 
        Environmental Impacts Associated with Commercialization 
        of Transgenic Plants made during 2002, concerning food 
        safety, ecological research, monitoring needs for 
        transgenic crops with plant incorporated protectants, 
        and the environmental effects of transgenic plants; and
          [(2) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
        House of Representatives and the Committee on 
        Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
        report that describes actions taken to implement those 
        recommendations by agencies within the Department, 
        including agencies that develop or implement programs 
        or objectives relating to marketing, regulation, food 
        safety, research, education, or economics.

[SEC. 7411. STUDY OF NUTRIENT BANKING.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary may conduct a study to 
evaluate nutrient banking for the purpose of enhancing the 
health and viability of watersheds in areas with large 
concentrations of animal producing units.
  [(b) Components.--In conducting any study under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall evaluate the costs, needs, and means 
by which litter may be collected and distributed outside the 
applicable watershed to reduce potential point source and 
nonpoint source phosphorous pollution.
  [(c) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report 
that describes the results of any study conducted under 
subsection (a).]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 8002. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
          [(1) to strengthen the commitment of the Secretary of 
        Agriculture to sustainable forest management to enhance 
        the productivity of timber, fish and wildlife habitat, 
        soil and water quality, wetland, recreational 
        resources, and aesthetic values of forest land; and
          [(2) to establish a coordinated and cooperative 
        Federal, State, and local sustainable forestry program 
        for the establishment, management, maintenance, 
        enhancement, and restoration of forests on 
        nonindustrial private forest land.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                            TITLE IX--ENERGY

SEC. 9001. DEFINITIONS.

  Except as otherwise provided, in this title:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(4) Biobased product.--The term ``biobased product'' 
        means a product determined by the Secretary to be a 
        commercial or industrial product (other than food or 
        feed) that is--
                  [(A) composed, in whole or in significant 
                part, of biological products, including 
                renewable domestic agricultural materials and 
                forestry materials; or
                  [(B) an intermediate ingredient or 
                feedstock.]
          (4) Biobased product.--
                  (A) In general.-- The term ``biobased 
                product'' means a product determined by the 
                Secretary to be a commercial or industrial 
                product (other than food or feed) that is--
                          (i) composed, in whole or in 
                        significant part, of biological 
                        products, including renewable domestic 
                        agricultural materials and forestry 
                        materials; or
                          (ii) an intermediate ingredient or 
                        feedstock.
                  (B) Inclusion.-- The term ``biobased 
                product'', with respect to forestry materials, 
                includes forest products that meet biobased 
                content requirements, notwithstanding the 
                market share the product holds, the age of the 
                product, or whether the market for the product 
                is new or emerging.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (9) Forest product.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``forest product'' 
                means a product made from materials derived 
                from the practice of forestry or the management 
                of growing timber.
                  (B) Inclusions.--The term ``forest product'' 
                includes--
                          (i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, 
                        and wood products; and
                          (ii) any recycled products derived 
                        from forest materials.
          [(9)] (10) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the 
        Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
        (25 U.S.C. 450b).
          [(10)] (11) Institution of higher education.--The 
        term ``institution of higher education'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 102(a) of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a)).
          [(11)] (12) Intermediate ingredient or feedstock.--
        The term ``intermediate ingredient or feedstock'' means 
        a material or compound made in whole or in significant 
        part from biological products, including renewable 
        agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and 
        marine materials) or forestry materials, that are 
        subsequently used to make a more complex compound or 
        product.
          [(12)] (13) Renewable biomass.--The term ``renewable 
        biomass'' means--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(13)] (14) Renewable energy.--The term ``renewable 
        energy'' means energy derived from--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (15) Renewable energy system.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), 
                the term ``renewable energy system'' means a 
                system that--
                          (i) produces usable energy from a 
                        renewable energy source; and
                          (ii) may include distribution 
                        components necessary to move energy 
                        produced by such system to the initial 
                        point of sale.
                  (B) Limitation.--A system described in 
                subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism 
                for dispensing energy at retail.
          [(14)] (16) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means 
        the Secretary of Agriculture.

SEC. 9002. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Funding.--
          (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 
        2012.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to provide 
        mandatory funding for biobased products testing and 
        labeling as required to carry out this section--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Discretionary funding for fiscal years 2009 
        through 2012.--In addition to any other funds made 
        available to carry out this section, there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
          (3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

SEC. 9003. BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Assistance.--The Secretary shall make available [to 
eligible entities--
          [(1) grants to assist in paying the costs of the 
        development and construction of demonstration-scale 
        biorefineries to demonstrate the commercial viability 
        of 1 or more processes for converting renewable biomass 
        to advanced biofuels; and]
          [(2) guarantees for loans] to eligible entities 
        guarantees for loans made to fund the development, 
        construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale 
        biorefineries using eligible technology.
  [(d) Grants.--
          [(1) Competitive basis.--The Secretary shall award 
        grants under subsection (c)(1) on a competitive basis.
          [(2) Selection criteria.--
                  [(A) In general.--In approving grant 
                applications, the Secretary shall establish a 
                priority scoring system that assigns priority 
                scores to each application and only approve 
                applications that exceed a specified minimum, 
                as determined by the Secretary.
                  [(B) Feasibility.--In approving a grant 
                application, the Secretary shall determine the 
                technical and economic feasibility of the 
                project based on a feasibility study of the 
                project described in the application conducted 
                by an independent third party.
                  [(C) Scoring system.--In determining the 
                priority scoring system, the Secretary shall 
                consider--
                          [(i) the potential market for the 
                        advanced biofuel and the byproducts 
                        produced;
                          [(ii) the level of financial 
                        participation by the applicant, 
                        including support from non-Federal and 
                        private sources;
                          [(iii) whether the applicant is 
                        proposing to use a feedstock not 
                        previously used in the production of 
                        advanced biofuels;
                          [(iv) whether the applicant is 
                        proposing to work with producer 
                        associations or cooperatives;
                          [(v) whether the applicant has 
                        established that the adoption of the 
                        process proposed in the application 
                        will have a positive impact on resource 
                        conservation, public health, and the 
                        environment;
                          [(vi) the potential for rural 
                        economic development;
                          [(vii) whether the area in which the 
                        applicant proposes to locate the 
                        biorefinery has other similar 
                        facilities;
                          [(viii) whether the project can be 
                        replicated; and
                          [(ix) scalability for commercial use.
          [(3) Cost sharing.--
                  [(A) Limits.--The amount of a grant awarded 
                for development and construction of a 
                biorefinery under subsection (c)(1) shall not 
                exceed an amount equal to 30 percent of the 
                cost of the project.
                  [(B) Form of grantee share.--
                          [(i) In general.--The grantee share 
                        of the cost of a project may be made in 
                        the form of cash or material.
                          [(ii) Limitation.--The amount of the 
                        grantee share that is made in the form 
                        of material shall not exceed 15 percent 
                        of the amount of the grantee share 
                        determined under subparagraph (A).]
  [(e)] (d) Loan Guarantees.--
          (1) Selection criteria.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Scoring system.--In determining the 
                priority scoring system for loan guarantees 
                under [subsection (c)(2)] subsection (c), the 
                Secretary shall consider--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Limitations.--
                  (A) Maximum amount of loan guaranteed.--The 
                principal amount of a loan guaranteed under 
                [subsection (c)(2)] subsection (c) may not 
                exceed $250,000,000.
                  (B) Maximum percentage of loan guaranteed.--
                          (i) In general.--Except as otherwise 
                        provided in this subparagraph, a loan 
                        guaranteed under [subsection (c)(2)] 
                        subsection (c) shall be in an amount 
                        not to exceed 80 percent of the project 
                        costs, as determined by the Secretary.
                          (ii) Other direct federal funding.--
                        The amount of a loan guaranteed for a 
                        project under [subsection (c)(2)] 
                        subsection (c) shall be reduced by the 
                        amount of other direct Federal funding 
                        that the eligible entity receives for 
                        the same project.
                          (iii) Authority to guarantee the 
                        loan.--The Secretary may guarantee up 
                        to 90 percent of the principal and 
                        interest due on a loan guaranteed under 
                        [subsection (c)(2)] subsection (c).
                  (C) Loan guarantee fund distribution.--Of the 
                funds made available for loan guarantees for a 
                fiscal year under [subsection (h)] subsection 
                (g), 50 percent of the funds shall be reserved 
                for obligation during the second half of the 
                fiscal year.
  [(f)] (e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Energy.
  [(g)] (f) Condition on Provision of Assistance.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(h)] (g) Funding.--
          (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2009 and 
        2010.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use for the cost of 
        loan guarantees under this section, to remain available 
        until expended--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Discretionary funding for fiscal years 2009 
        through 2012.--In addition to any other funds made 
        available to carry out this section, there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 
        2012.
          (3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

[SEC. 9004. REPOWERING ASSISTANCE.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to 
encourage biorefineries in existence on the date of enactment 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to replace 
fossil fuels used to produce heat or power to operate the 
biorefineries by making payments for--
          [(1) the installation of new systems that use 
        renewable biomass; or
          [(2) the new production of energy from renewable 
        biomass.
  [(b) Payments.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary may make payments 
        under this section to any biorefinery that meets the 
        requirements of this section for a period determined by 
        the Secretary.
          [(2) Amount.--The Secretary shall determine the 
        amount of payments to be made under this section to a 
        biorefinery after considering--
                  [(A) the quantity of fossil fuels a renewable 
                biomass system is replacing;
                  [(B) the percentage reduction in fossil fuel 
                used by the biorefinery that will result from 
                the installation of the renewable biomass 
                system; and
                  [(C) the cost and cost effectiveness of the 
                renewable biomass system.
  [(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a payment under 
this section, a biorefinery shall demonstrate to the Secretary 
that the renewable biomass system of the biorefinery is 
feasible based on an independent feasibility study that takes 
into account the economic, technical and environmental aspects 
of the system.
  [(d) Funding.--
          [(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the 
        Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use 
        to make payments under this section $35,000,000 for 
        fiscal year 2009, to remain available until expended.
          [(2) Discretionary funding.--In addition to any other 
        funds made available to carry out this section, there 
        is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 
        through 2012.]

SEC. 9005. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Funding.--
          (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2009 through 
        2012.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
        section, to remain available until expended--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Discretionary funding for fiscal years 2009 
        through 2012.--In addition to any other funds made 
        available to carry out this section, there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
          (3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
          [(3)] (4) Limitation.--Of the funds provided for each 
        fiscal year, not more than 5 percent of the funds shall 
        be made available to eligible producers for production 
        at facilities with a total refining capacity exceeding 
        150,000,000 gallons per year.

SEC. 9006. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section 
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

SEC. 9007. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Financial Assistance for Energy Efficiency Improvements 
and Renewable Energy Systems.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Tiered application process.--In carrying out this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-
        tiered application, evaluation, and oversight process 
        that varies based on the cost of the proposed project 
        with the process most simplified for projects referred 
        to in subparagraph (A), more comprehensive for projects 
        referred to in subparagraph (B), and most comprehensive 
        for projects referred to in subparagraph (C). The three 
        tiers for such process shall be as follows:
                  (A) Tier 1.--Projects for which the cost of 
                the project funded under this subsection is not 
                more than $80,000.
                  (B) Tier 2.--Projects for which the cost of 
                the project funded under this subsection is 
                more than $80,000 but less than $200,000.
                  (C) Tier 3.--Projects for which the cost of 
                the project funded under this subsection is 
                $200,000 or more.
          [(2)] (3) Award considerations.--In determining the 
        amount of a loan guarantee or grant provided under this 
        section, the Secretary shall take into consideration, 
        as applicable--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(3) Feasibility studies.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide 
                assistance in the form of grants to an 
                agricultural producer or rural small business 
                to conduct a feasibility study for a project 
                for which assistance may be provided under this 
                subsection.
                  [(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall use not 
                more than 10 percent of the funds made 
                available to carry out this subsection to 
                provide assistance described in subparagraph 
                (A).
                  [(C) Avoidance of duplicative assistance.--An 
                entity shall be ineligible to receive 
                assistance to carry out a feasibility study for 
                a project under this paragraph if the entity 
                has received other Federal or State assistance 
                for a feasibility study for the project.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Funding.--
          (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2009 through 
        2012.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
        section, to remain available until expended--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Audit and technical assistance funding for fiscal 
        years 2009 through 2012.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Discretionary funding for fiscal years 2009 
        through 2012.--In addition to any other funds made 
        available to carry out this section, there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
          (4) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

SEC. 9008. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Funding.--
          (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2009 through 
        2012.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall use to 
        carry out this section, to remain available until 
        expended--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Discretionary funding for fiscal years 2009 
        through 2012.--In addition to any other funds made 
        available to carry out this section, there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
          (3) Fiscal years 2013 through 2017.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 9010. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCERS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Feedstock Flexibility Program.--
          (1) In general.--
                  (A) Purchases and sales.--For each of the 
                2008 through [2012] 2017 crops, the Secretary 
                shall purchase eligible commodities from 
                eligible entities and sell such commodities to 
                bioenergy producers for the purpose of 
                producing bioenergy in a manner that ensures 
                that section 156 of the Federal Agriculture 
                Improvement and Reform Act (7 U.S.C. 7272) is 
                operated at no cost to the Federal Government 
                by avoiding forfeitures to the Commodity Credit 
                Corporation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Notice.--
                  (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after 
                the date of enactment of the Food, 
                Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and each 
                September 1 thereafter through September 1, 
                [2012] 2017, the Secretary shall provide notice 
                to eligible entities and bioenergy producers of 
                the quantity of eligible commodities that shall 
                be made available for purchase and sale for the 
                crop year following the date of the notice 
                under this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 9011. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(6) Eligible material.--
                  [(A) In general.--The term ``eligible 
                material'' means renewable biomass.
                  [(B) Exclusions.--The term ``eligible 
                material'' does not include--
                          [(i) any crop that is eligible to 
                        receive payments under title I of the 
                        Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
                        2008 or an amendment made by that 
                        title;
                          [(ii) animal waste and byproducts 
                        (including fats, oils, greases, and 
                        manure);
                          [(iii) food waste and yard waste; or
                          [(iv) algae.]
          [(7)] (6) Producer.--The term ``producer'' means an 
        owner or operator of contract acreage that is 
        physically located within a BCAP project area.
          [(8)] (7) Project sponsor.--The term ``project 
        sponsor'' means--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall establish 
and administer a Biomass Crop Assistance [Program to--
          [(1) support the establishment] Program to support 
        the establishment and production of eligible crops for 
        conversion to bioenergy in selected BCAP project 
        areas[; and].
          [(2) assist agricultural and forest land owners and 
        operators with collection, harvest, storage, and 
        transportation of eligible material for use in a 
        biomass conversion facility.]
  (c) BCAP Project Area.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Selection of project areas.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) BCAP project area selection criteria.--In 
                selecting BCAP project areas, the Secretary 
                shall consider--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (viii) the range of eligible crops 
                        among project areas[; and];
                          (ix) existing project areas that have 
                        received funding under this section and 
                        the continuation of funding of such 
                        project areas to advance the maturity 
                        of such project areas; and
                          [(ix)] (x) any additional 
                        information, as determined by the 
                        Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Payments.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Amount of annual payments.--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) Reduction.--The Secretary shall 
                        reduce an annual payment by an amount 
                        determined to be appropriate by the 
                        Secretary, if--
                                  (I) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  [(III) the producer receives 
                                a payment under subsection 
                                (d);]
                                  [(IV)] (III) the producer 
                                violates a term of the 
                                contract; or
                                  [(V)] (IV) there are such 
                                other circumstances, as 
                                determined by the Secretary to 
                                be necessary to carry out this 
                                section.
  [(d) Assistance With Collection, Harvest, Storage, and 
Transportation.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make a payment 
        for the delivery of eligible material to a biomass 
        conversion facility to--
                  [(A) a producer of an eligible crop that is 
                produced on BCAP contract acreage; or
                  [(B) a person with the right to collect or 
                harvest eligible material.
          [(2) Payments.--
                  [(A) Costs covered.--A payment under this 
                subsection shall be in an amount described in 
                subparagraph (B) for--
                          [(i) collection;
                          [(ii) harvest;
                          [(iii) storage; and
                          [(iv) transportation to a biomass 
                        conversion facility.
                  [(B) Amount.--Subject to paragraph (3), the 
                Secretary may provide matching payments at a 
                rate of $1 for each $1 per ton provided by the 
                biomass conversion facility, in an amount equal 
                to not more than $45 per ton for a period of 2 
                years.
          [(3) Limitation on assistance for bcap contract 
        acreage.--As a condition of the receipt of annual 
        payment under subsection (c), a producer receiving a 
        payment under this subsection for collection, harvest, 
        storage or transportation of an eligible crop produced 
        on BCAP acreage shall agree to a reduction in the 
        annual payment.]
  [(e)] (d) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the 
dissemination by the Secretary of the best practice data and 
information gathered from participants receiving assistance 
under this section.
  [(f) Funding.--Of the funds] (e)  Funding.--
          (1) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012.--Of the funds of 
        the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall 
        use to carry out this section such sums as are 
        necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
          (2) Fiscal years 2013 Through 2017.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), 
                there are authorized to be appropriated to 
                carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of 
                fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
                  (B) Multiyear contracts.--For each multiyear 
                contract entered into by the Secretary during a 
                fiscal year under this section, the Secretary 
                shall ensure that sufficient funds are 
                obligated from the appropriation for that 
                fiscal year to fully cover all payments 
                required by the contract for all years of the 
                contract.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 9013. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to [carry out this section $5,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.] carry out this section--
          (1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 
        2012; and
          (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE X--MISCELLANEOUS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle G--Specialty Crops

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 10603. PURCHASE OF SPECIALTY CROPS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Purchase of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Distribution 
to Schools and Service Institutions.--The Secretary of 
Agriculture shall purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for 
distribution to schools and service institutions in accordance 
with section 6(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1755(a)) using, of the amount specified in 
subsection (a), not less than $50,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2008 through [2012] 2017.
  (c) Pilot Grant Program for Purchase of Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.--
          (1) In general.--Using amounts made available to 
        carry out subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture 
        shall conduct a pilot program under which the Secretary 
        will give not more than five participating States the 
        option of receiving a grant in an amount equal to the 
        value of the commodities that the participating State 
        would otherwise receive under this section for each of 
        fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
          (2) Use of grant funds.--A participating State 
        receiving a grant under this subsection may use the 
        grant funds solely to purchase fresh fruits and 
        vegetables for distribution to schools and service 
        institutions in the State that participate in the food 
        service programs under the Richard B. Russell National 
        School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) and the Child 
        Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
          (3) Selection of participating states.--The Secretary 
        shall select participating States from applications 
        submitted by the States.
          (4) Reporting requirements.--
                  (A) School and service institution 
                requirement.--Schools and service institutions 
                in a participating State shall keep records of 
                purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables made 
                using the grant funds and report such records 
                to the State.
                  (B) State requirement.--Each participating 
                State shall submit to the Secretary a report on 
                the success of the pilot program in the State, 
                including information on--
                          (i) the amount and value of each type 
                        of fresh fruit and vegetable purchased 
                        by the State; and
                          (ii) the benefit provided by such 
                        purchases in conducting the school food 
                        service in the State, including meeting 
                        school meal requirements.
  [(c)] (d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms 
``fruits'', ``vegetables'', and ``other specialty food crops'' 
shall have the meaning given the terms by the Secretary of 
Agriculture.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 10606. NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE PROGRAM.

  [(a) In General.--Of funds of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the 
Agricultural Marketing Service) shall use $5,000,000 for fiscal 
year 2002, to remain available until expended, to establish a 
national organic certification cost-share program to assist 
producers and handlers of agricultural products in obtaining 
certification under the national organic production program 
established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 
U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
  [(b) Federal Share.--
          [(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
        Secretary shall pay under this section not more than 75 
        percent of the costs incurred by a producer or handler 
        in obtaining certification under the national organic 
        production program, as certified to and approved by the 
        Secretary.
          [(2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a payment 
        made to a producer or handler under this section shall 
        be $500.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


          DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1994



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REORGANIZATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle A--General Reorganization Authorities

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 219. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.

  (a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural 
Liaison.
  (b) Duties.--The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison 
shall--
          (1) provide information to returning veterans about, 
        and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer 
        training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation 
        programs appropriate to the needs and interests of 
        returning veterans, including assisting veterans in 
        using Federal veterans educational benefits for 
        purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching 
        career;
          (2) provide information to veterans concerning the 
        availability of and eligibility requirements for 
        participation in agricultural programs, with particular 
        emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;
          (3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers 
        and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in 
        applying for participation in agricultural programs; 
        and
          (4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions 
        with employees of the Department.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


           Subtitle B--Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

SEC. 225. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FARM AND FOREIGN 
                    AGRICULTURAL SERVICES.

  (a) Authorization.--The Secretary is authorized to establish 
in the Department the position of [Under Secretary of 
Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services] Under 
Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services.
  (b) Confirmation Required.--If the Secretary establishes the 
position of [Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and 
Foreign Agricultural Services] Under Secretary of Agriculture 
for Farm Services authorized under subsection (a), the Under 
Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the 
advice and consent of the Senate.
  (c) Functions of Under Secretary.--
          (1) Principal functions.--Upon establishment, the 
        Secretary shall delegate to the [Under Secretary of 
        Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services] 
        Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services those 
        functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that 
        are related to farm [and foreign agricultural] 
        services.
          (2) Additional functions.--The [Under Secretary of 
        Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services] 
        Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services shall 
        perform such other functions as may be required by law 
        or prescribed by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 225A. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL 
                    SERVICES.

  (a) Authorization.--The Secretary is authorized to establish 
in the Department the position of Under Secretary of 
Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services.
  (b) Confirmation Required.--If the Secretary establishes the 
position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign 
Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary 
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate.
  (c) Functions of Under Secretary.--
          (1) Principal functions.--Upon establishment, the 
        Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of 
        Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those 
        functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that 
        are related to foreign agricultural services.
          (2) Additional functions.--The Under Secretary of 
        Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall 
        perform such other functions as may be required by law 
        or prescribed by the Secretary.
  (d) Succession.--Any official who is serving as Under 
Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 
Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who 
was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed 
under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the successor 
position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if 
the Secretary establishes the position, and the official 
occupies the new position, with 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section (or such later date set by the 
Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 226B. OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Farmworker Coordinator.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
        necessary to carry out this subsection for each of 
        fiscal years 2009 through 2012.]
          (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        subsection--
                  (A) such sums as are necessary for each of 
                fiscal years 2009 through 2012; and
                  (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


             Subtitle F--Research, Education, and Economics

SEC. 251. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND 
                    ECONOMICS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) Competitive program.--The term 
                ``competitive program'' means each of the 
                following agricultural research, extension, 
                education, and related programs for which the 
                Secretary has administrative or other authority 
                as of the day before the date of enactment of 
                the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008:
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          [(xi) The administration and 
                        management of the Agricultural 
                        Bioenergy Feedstock and Energy 
                        Efficiency Research and Extension 
                        Initiative carried out under section 
                        1672C of the Food, Agriculture, 
                        Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.]
                          [(xii) The research, extension, and 
                        education programs authorized by 
                        section 407 of the Agricultural 
                        Research, Extension, and Education 
                        Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7627) 
                        relating to the competitiveness, 
                        viability and sustainability of small- 
                        and medium-sized dairy, livestock, and 
                        poultry operations.]
                          [(xiii)] (xi) Other programs that are 
                        competitive programs, as determined by 
                        the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle J--Miscellaneous Reorganization Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 296. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Functions.--Subsection (a) shall not affect--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) the authority of the Secretary to establish in 
        the Department, under section 251--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) the National Institute of Food and 
                Agriculture; [or]
          (7) the authority of the Secretary to establish in 
        the Department the Office of Advocacy and Outreach in 
        accordance with section 226B[.];
          (8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in 
        the Department the position of Under Secretary of 
        Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services in 
        accordance with section 225A;
          (9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in 
        the Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal 
        Relations in accordance with section 309; and
          (10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in 
        the Department the position of Military Veterans 
        Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219.

TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 309. OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.

  The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary 
an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on 
policies related to Indian tribes.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                     FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2008



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                              DEFINITIONS

  Sec. 3. As used in this Act, the term:
  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) ``Coupon'' means any coupon, stamp, type of certificate, 
authorization card, cash or check issued in lieu of a [coupon,] 
coupon.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) ``Food'' means (1) any food or food product for home 
consumption except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot foods 
or hot food products ready for immediate consumption other than 
those authorized pursuant to clauses (3), (4), (5), (7), (8), 
and (9) of this subsection, (2) seeds and plants for use in 
gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the 
eligible household, (3) in the case of those persons who are 
sixty years of age or over or who receive supplemental security 
income benefits or disability or blindness payments under title 
I, II, X, XIV, or XVI of the Social Security Act, and their 
spouses, meals prepared by and served in senior citizens' 
centers, apartment buildings occupied primarily by such 
persons, public or private nonprofit establishments (eating or 
otherwise) that feed such persons, private establishments that 
contract with the appropriate agency of the State to offer 
meals for such persons at concessional prices subject to 
section 9(h), and meals prepared for and served to residents of 
federally subsidized housing for the elderly, (4) in the case 
of persons sixty years of age or over and persons who are 
physically or mentally handicapped or otherwise so disabled 
that they are unable adequately to prepare all of their meals, 
meals prepared for and delivered to them (and their spouses) at 
their home by a public or private nonprofit organization or by 
a private establishment that contracts with the appropriate 
State agency to perform such services at concessional prices 
subject to section 9(h), (5) in the case of narcotics addicts 
or alcoholics, and their children, served by drug addiction or 
alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation programs, meals prepared 
and served under such programs, (6) in the case of certain 
eligible households living in Alaska, equipment for procuring 
food by hunting and fishing, such as nets, hooks, rods, 
harpoons, and knives (but not equipment for purposes of 
transportation, clothing, or shelter, and not firearms, 
ammunition, and explosives) if the Secretary determines that 
such households are located in an area of the State where it is 
extremely difficult to reach stores selling food and that such 
households depend to a substantial extent upon hunting and 
fishing for subsistence, (7) in the case of disabled or blind 
recipients of benefits under title I, II, X, XIV, or XVI of the 
Social Security Act, [or are] and individuals described in 
paragraphs (2) through (7) of subsection (j), who are residents 
in a public or private nonprofit group living arrangement that 
serves no more than sixteen residents and is certified by the 
appropriate State agency or agencies under regulations issued 
under section 1616(e) of the Social Security Act or under 
standards determined by the Secretary to be comparable to 
standards implemented by appropriate State agencies under such 
section, meals prepared and served under such arrangement, (8) 
in the case of women and children temporarily residing in 
public or private nonprofit shelters for battered women and 
children, meals prepared and served, by such shelters, and (9) 
in the case of households that do not reside in permanent 
dwellings and households that have no fixed mailing addresses, 
meals prepared for and served by a public or private nonprofit 
establishment (approved by an appropriate State or local 
agency) that feeds such individuals and by private 
establishments that contract with the appropriate agency of the 
State to offer meals for such individuals at concessional 
prices subject to section 9(h).
  [(l) ``Food stamp program'' means the program operated 
pursuant to the provisions of this Act.]
  [(m)] (l) ``Homeless individual'' means--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(n)] (m)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(o)] (n) ``Reservation'' means the geographically defined 
area or areas over which a tribal organization exercises 
governmental jurisdiction.
  [(p)] (o) ``Retail food store'' means--
          (1) an establishment or house-to-house trade route 
        that sells food for home preparation and consumption 
        and--
                  (A) offers for sale, on a continuous basis, a 
                variety of foods in each of the 4 categories of 
                staple foods specified in subsection (r)(1), 
                including perishable foods in [at least 2] at 
                least 3 of the categories; or

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) a store purveying the hunting and fishing 
        equipment described in subsection (k)(6); [and]
          (4) any private nonprofit cooperative food purchasing 
        venture, including those in which the members pay for 
        food purchased prior to the receipt of such food[.]; 
        and
          (5) a governmental or private nonprofit food 
        purchasing and delivery service that--
                  (A) purchases food for, and delivers such 
                food to, individuals who are--
                          (i) unable to shop for food; and
                          (ii)(I) not less than 60 years of 
                        age; or
                          (II) physically or mentally 
                        handicapped or otherwise disabled;
                  (B) clearly notifies the participating 
                household at the time such household places a 
                food order--
                          (i) of any delivery fee associated 
                        with the food purchase and delivery 
                        provided to such household by such 
                        service; and
                          (ii) that a delivery fee cannot be 
                        paid with benefits provided under 
                        supplemental nutrition assistance 
                        program; and
                  (C) sells food purchased for such household 
                at the price paid by such service for such food 
                and without any additional cost markup.
  [(q)] (p) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture.
  [(r)] (q)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(s)] (r) ``State'' means the fifty States, the District of 
Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and 
the reservations of an Indian tribe whose tribal organization 
meets the requirements of this Act for participation as a State 
agency.
  [(t)] (s) ``State agency'' means (1) the agency of State 
government, including the local offices thereof, which has the 
responsibility for the administration of the federally aided 
public assistance programs within such State, and in those 
States where such assistance programs are operated on a 
decentralized basis, the term shall include the counterpart 
local agencies administering such programs, and (2) the tribal 
organization of an Indian tribe determined by the Secretary to 
be capable of effectively administering a food distribution 
program under section 4(b) of this Act or a supplemental 
nutrition assistance program under section 11(d) of this Act.
  (t) ``Supplemental nutritional assistance program'' means the 
program operated pursuant to this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


     ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

  Sec. 4. (a) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated 
under section 18 of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to 
formulate and administer a supplemental nutrition assistance 
program under which, at the request of the State agency, 
eligible households within the State shall be provided an 
opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet through the 
issuance to them of an allotment, except that a State may not 
participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program if 
the Secretary determines that State or local sales taxes are 
collected within that State on purchases of food made with 
benefits issued under this Act. The benefits so received by 
such households shall be used only to purchase food from retail 
food stores which have been approved for participation in the 
supplemental nutrition assistance program. [benefits] Benefits 
issued and used as provided in this Act shall be redeemable at 
face value by the Secretary through the facilities of the 
Treasury of the United States.
  (b) Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) Traditional and locally-grown food fund.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (F) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to the 
                Secretary to carry out this paragraph 
                $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
                through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS

  Sec. 5. (a) Participation in the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program shall be limited to those households whose 
incomes and other financial resources, held singly or in joint 
ownership, are determined to be a substantial limiting factor 
in permitting them to obtain a more nutritious diet. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act except 
[sections 6(b), 6(d)(2), and 6(g)] subsections (b), (d)(2), 
(g), and (r) of section 6 and section 3(n)(4), [households in 
which each member receives benefits] households in which each 
member receives cash assistance under a State program funded 
under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.), supplemental security income benefits under title 
XVI of the Social Security Act, or aid to the aged, blind, or 
disabled under title I, X, XIV, or XVI of the Social Security 
Act, shall be eligible to participate in the supplemental 
nutrition assistance program. Except for sections 6, 16(e)(1), 
and section 3(n)(4), households in which each member receives 
benefits under a State or local general assistance program that 
complies with standards established by the Secretary for 
ensuring that the program is based on income criteria 
comparable to or more restrictive than those under subsection 
(c)(2), and not limited to one-time emergency payments that 
cannot be provided for more than one consecutive month, shall 
be eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program. Assistance under this program shall be 
furnished to all eligible households who make application for 
such participation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Deductions From Income.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Excess medical expense deduction.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Exclusion of medical marijuana.--The 
                Secretary shall promulgate rules to ensure that 
                medical marijuana is not treated as a medical 
                expense for purposes of this paragraph.
          (6) Excess shelter expense deduction.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Standard utility allowance.--
                          (i) In general.--In computing the 
                        excess shelter expense deduction, a 
                        State agency may use a standard utility 
                        allowance in accordance with 
                        regulations promulgated by the 
                        Secretary, subject to clause (iv), 
                        except that a State agency may use an 
                        allowance that does not fluctuate 
                        within a year to reflect seasonal 
                        variations.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iv) Availability of allowance to 
                        recipients of energy assistance.--
                                  (I) In general.--Subject to 
                                subclause (II), if a State 
                                agency elects to use a standard 
                                utility allowance that reflects 
                                heating or cooling costs, the 
                                standard utility allowance 
                                shall be made available to 
                                households receiving a payment, 
                                or on behalf of which a payment 
                                is made, under the Low-Income 
                                Home Energy Assistance Act of 
                                1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) 
                                or other similar energy 
                                assistance program, if [the 
                                household still incurs out-of-
                                pocket heating or cooling 
                                expenses in excess of any 
                                assistance paid on behalf of 
                                the household to an energy 
                                provider.] the payment received 
                                by, or made on behalf of, the 
                                household exceeds $10 or a 
                                higher amount annually, as 
                                determined by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i)(1) * * *
  (2)(A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (D) Any sponsor of an alien, and such alien, shall be jointly 
and severably liable for an amount equal to any overpayment 
made to such alien during the period of three years after such 
alien's entry into the United States, on account of such 
sponsor's failure to provide correct information under the 
provisions of this section, except where such sponsor was 
without fault, or where good cause for such failure existed. 
Any such overpayment which is not repaid shall be recovered in 
accordance with the provisions of [section 13(b)(2)] section 
13(b) of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (i), a State 
agency shall consider a household member who receives 
supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the 
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382 et seq.), aid to the aged, 
blind, or disabled under title I, II, X, XIV, or XVI of such 
Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), [or who receives benefits under a 
State program] or who receives cash assistance under a State 
program funded under part A of title IV of the Act (42 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.) to have satisfied the resource limitations 
prescribed under subsection (g).
  (k)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Third party energy assistance payments.--
                  (A) Energy assistance payments.--For purposes 
                of subsection (d)(1), a payment made under a 
                State law (other than a law referred to in 
                [paragraph (2)(H)] paragraph (2)(G)) to provide 
                energy assistance to a household shall be 
                considered money payable directly to the 
                household.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                     ELIGIBILITY DISQUALIFICATIONS

  Sec. 6. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Conditions of Participation.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Employment and training.--
                  (A) * * *
  (B) For purposes of this Act, an ``employment and training 
program'' means a program that contains one or more of the 
following components, except that the State agency shall retain 
the option to apply employment requirements prescribed under 
this subparagraph to a program applicant at the time of 
application:
          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (vii) Programs intended to ensure job retention by 
        providing job retention services, if the job retention 
        services are provided for a period of not more than 90 
        days after an individual who received employment and 
        training services under this paragraph gains 
        employment.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (F)(i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (iii) Any individual voluntarily electing to participate in a 
program under this paragraph shall not be subject to the 
limitations described in clauses (i) and (ii).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) No individual who is a member of a household otherwise 
eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program under this section shall be eligible to 
participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program as 
a member of that or any other household if the individual is 
enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher 
education, unless the individual--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) is assigned to or placed in an institution of 
        higher education through or in compliance with the 
        requirements of--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) an employment and training program under 
                this [section;] section, subject to the 
                condition that the course or program of study--
                          (i) is part of a program of career 
                        and technical education (as defined in 
                        section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career 
                        and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
                        U.S.C. 2302)) that may be completed in 
                        not more than 4 years at an institution 
                        of higher education (as defined in 
                        section 102 of the Higher Education Act 
                        of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)); or
                          (ii) is limited to remedial courses, 
                        basic adult education, literacy, or 
                        English as a second language;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (r) Ineligibility for Benefits Due to Receipt of Substantial 
Lottery or Gambling Winnings.--
          (1) In general.--Any household in which a member 
        receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings, as 
        determined by the Secretary, shall lose eligibility for 
        benefits immediately upon receipt of the winnings.
          (2) Duration of ineligibility.--A household described 
        in paragraph (1) shall remain ineligible for 
        participation until the household meets the allowable 
        financial resources and income eligibility requirements 
        under subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k), 
        (l), (m), and (n) of section 5.
          (3) Agreements.--As determined by the Secretary, each 
        State agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall 
        establish agreements with entities responsible for the 
        regulation or sponsorship of gaming in the State to 
        determine whether individuals participating in the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program have received 
        substantial lottery or gambling winnings.

SEC. 7. ISSUANCE AND USE OF PROGRAM BENEFITS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Alternative Benefit Delivery.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) No imposition of costs.--The cost of documents 
        or systems that may be required by this subsection may 
        not be imposed upon a retail food store participating 
        in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.]
          (2) Imposition of costs.--
                  (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require 
                participating retailers (including restaurants 
                participating in a State option restaurant 
                program intended to serve the elderly, 
                disabled, and homeless) to pay 100 percent of 
                the costs of acquiring, and arrange for the 
                implementation of, electronic benefit transfer 
                point-of-sale equipment and supplies.
                  (B) Exemptions.--The Secretary may exempt 
                from subparagraph (A)--
                          (i) farmers' markets, military 
                        commissaries, nonprofit food buying 
                        cooperatives, and establishments, 
                        organizations, programs, or group 
                        living arrangements described in 
                        paragraphs (5), (7), and (8) of section 
                        3(k); and
                          (ii) establishments described in 
                        paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 
                        3(k), other than restaurants 
                        participating in a State option 
                        restaurant program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Termination of manual vouchers.--
                  (A) In general.--Effective beginning on the 
                effective date of this paragraph, except as 
                provided in subparagraph (B), no State shall 
                issue manual vouchers to a household that 
                receives supplemental nutrition assistance 
                under this Act or allow retailers to accept 
                manual vouchers as payment, unless the 
                Secretary determines that the manual vouchers 
                are necessary, such as in the event of an 
                electronic benefit transfer system failure or a 
                disaster situation.
                  (B) Exemptions.--The Secretary may exempt 
                categories of retailers or individual retailers 
                from subparagraph (A) based on criteria 
                established by the Secretary.
          (5) Unique identification number required.--In an 
        effort to enhance the antifraud protections of the 
        program, the Secretary shall require all parties 
        providing electronic benefit transfer services to 
        provide for and maintain a unique terminal 
        identification number information through the 
        supplemental nutrition assistance program electronic 
        benefit transfer transaction routing system. In 
        developing the regulations implementing this paragraph, 
        the Secretary shall consider existing commercial 
        practices for other point-of-sale debit transactions. 
        The Secretary shall issue proposed regulations 
        implementing this paragraph not earlier than 2 years 
        after the date of enactment of this paragraph.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Electronic Benefit Transfers.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (3) In the case of a system described in paragraph (1) in 
which participation is not optional for households, the 
Secretary shall not approve such a system unless--
          (A) * * *
          (B) any special equipment necessary to allow 
        households to purchase food with the benefits issued 
        under this Act [is operational--
                  [(i) in the case of a participating retail 
                food store in which coupons are used to 
                purchase 15 percent or more of the total dollar 
                amount of food sold by the store (as determined 
                by the Secretary), at all registers in the 
                store; and
                  [(ii) in the case of other participating 
                stores,] is operational at a sufficient number 
                of registers to provide service that is 
                comparable to service provided individuals who 
                are not members of households receiving 
                supplemental nutrition assistance program 
                benefits, as determined by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (8) Replacement [card fee] of cards.--[A State]
                  (A) Fees.--A State agency may collect a 
                charge for replacement of an electronic benefit 
                transfer card by reducing the monthly allotment 
                of the household receiving the replacement 
                card.
                  (B) Purposeful loss of cards.--
                          (i) In general.--Subject to terms and 
                        conditions established by the Secretary 
                        in accordance with clause (ii), if a 
                        household makes excessive requests for 
                        replacement of the electronic benefit 
                        transfer card of the household, the 
                        Secretary may require a State agency to 
                        decline to issue a replacement card to 
                        the household unless the household, 
                        upon request of the State agency, 
                        provides an explanation for the loss of 
                        the card.
                          (ii) Requirements.--The terms and 
                        conditions established by the Secretary 
                        shall provide that--
                                  (I) the household be given 
                                the opportunity to provide the 
                                requested explanation and meet 
                                the requirements under this 
                                paragraph promptly;
                                  (II) after an excessive 
                                number of lost cards, the head 
                                of the household shall be 
                                required to review program 
                                rights and responsibilities 
                                with State agency personnel 
                                authorized to make 
                                determinations under section 
                                5(a); and
                                  (III) any action taken, 
                                including actions required 
                                under section 6(b)(2), other 
                                than the withholding of the 
                                electronic benefit transfer 
                                card until an explanation 
                                described in subclause (I) is 
                                provided, shall be consistent 
                                with the due process 
                                protections under section 6(b) 
                                or 11(e)(10), as appropriate.
                  (C) Protecting vulnerable persons.--In 
                implementing this paragraph, a State agency 
                shall act to protect homeless persons, persons 
                with disabilities, victims of crimes, and other 
                vulnerable persons who lose electronic benefit 
                transfer cards but are not intentionally 
                committing fraud.
                  (D) Effect on eligibility.--While a State may 
                decline to issue an electronic benefits 
                transfer card until a household satisfies the 
                requirements under this paragraph, nothing in 
                this paragraph shall be considered a denial of, 
                or limitation on, the eligibility for benefits 
                under section 5.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(12)] (13) Interchange fees.--No interchange fees 
        shall apply to electronic benefit transfer transactions 
        under this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (14) Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits 
        of mobile transactions.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall pilot 
                the use of mobile technologies determined by 
                the Secretary to be appropriate to test the 
                feasibility and implications for program 
                integrity, by allowing retail food stores, 
                farmers markets, and other direct producer-to-
                consumer marketing outlets to accept benefits 
                from recipients of supplemental nutrition 
                assistance through mobile transactions.
                  (B) Demonstration projects.--To be eligible 
                to participate in a demonstration project under 
                subsection (a), a retail food store, farmers 
                market, or other direct producer-to-consumer 
                marketing outlet shall submit to the Secretary 
                for approval a plan that includes--
                          (i) a description of the technology;
                          (ii) the manner by which the retail 
                        food store, farmers market or other 
                        direct producer-to-consumer marketing 
                        outlet will provide proof of the 
                        transaction to households;
                          (iii) the provision of data to the 
                        Secretary, consistent with requirements 
                        established by the Secretary, in a 
                        manner that allows the Secretary to 
                        evaluate the impact of the 
                        demonstration on participant access, 
                        ease of use, and program integrity; and
                          (iv) such other criteria as the 
                        Secretary may require.
                  (C) Date of completion.--The demonstration 
                projects under this paragraph shall be 
                completed and final reports submitted to the 
                Secretary by not later than July 1, 2015.
                  (D) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall 
                submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture 
                of the House of Representatives and the 
                Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
                Forestry of the Senate that includes a finding, 
                based on the data provided under subparagraph 
                (C) whether or not implementation in all States 
                is in the best interest of the supplemental 
                nutrition assistance program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


       APPROVAL OF RETAIL FOOD STORES AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS

  Sec. 9. (a)(1) Regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall 
provide for the submission of applications for approval by 
retail food stores and wholesale food concerns which desire to 
be authorized to accept and redeem benefits under the 
supplemental nutrition assistance program and for the approval 
of those applicants whose participation will effectuate the 
purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program. In 
determining the qualifications of applicants, there shall be 
considered among such other factors as may be appropriate, the 
following: (A) the nature and extent of the food business 
conducted by the applicant; (B) the volume of benefit 
transactions which may reasonably be expected to be conducted 
by the applicant food store or wholesale food concern[; and 
(C)]; (C) whether the applicant is located in an area with 
significantly limited access to food; and (D) the business 
integrity and reputation of the applicant. Approval of an 
applicant shall be evidenced by the issuance to such applicant 
of a nontransferable certificate of approval. No retail food 
store or wholesale food concern of a type determined by the 
Secretary, based on factors that include size, location, and 
type of items sold, shall be approved to be authorized or 
reauthorized for participation in the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program unless an authorized employee of the 
Department of Agriculture, a designee of the Secretary, or, if 
practicable, an official of the State or local government 
designated by the Secretary has visited the store or concern 
for the purpose of determining whether the store or concern 
should be approved or reauthorized, as appropriate.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Authorization periods.--The Secretary shall 
        establish specific time periods during which 
        authorization to accept and redeem benefits shall be 
        valid under the supplemental nutrition assistance 
        program.
  (b)(1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Retail food stores with significant sales of 
        excluded items.--
                  (A) In general.--No retail food store for 
                which at least 45 percent of the total sales of 
                the retail food store is from the sale of 
                excluded items described in section 3(k)(1) may 
                be authorized to accept and redeem benefits 
                unless the Secretary determines that the 
                participation of the retail food store is 
                required for the effective and efficient 
                operation of the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program.
                  (B) Application.--Subparagraph (A) shall be 
                effective--
                          (i) in the case of retail food stores 
                        applying to be authorized for the 1st 
                        time, beginning on the date that is 1 
                        year after the effective date of this 
                        paragraph; and
                          (ii) in the case of retail food 
                        stores participating in the program on 
                        the effective date of this paragraph, 
                        during periodic reauthorization in 
                        accordance with subsection (a)(2)(A).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) EBT Service Requirement.--An approved retail food store 
shall provide adequate EBT service as described in section 
7(h)(3)(B).
  (h) Private Establishments.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), no private 
        establishment that contracts with a State agency to 
        offer meals at concessional prices as described in 
        paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k) may be 
        authorized to accept and redeem benefits unless the 
        Secretary determines that the participation of the 
        private establishment is required to meet a documented 
        need in accordance with section 11(e)(24).
          (2) Existing contracts.--
                  (A) In general.--If, on the day before the 
                effective date of this subsection, a State has 
                entered into a contract with a private 
                establishment described in paragraph (1) and 
                the Secretary has not determined that the 
                participation of the private establishment is 
                necessary to meet a documented need in 
                accordance with section 11(e)(24), the 
                Secretary shall allow the operation of the 
                private establishment to continue without that 
                determination of need for a period not to 
                exceed 180 days from the date on which the 
                Secretary establishes determination criteria, 
                by regulation, under section 11(e)(24).
                  (B) Justification.--If the Secretary 
                determines to terminate a contract with a 
                private establishment that is in effect on the 
                effective date of this subsection, the 
                Secretary shall provide justification to the 
                State in which the private establishment is 
                located for that termination.
          (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
        September 30, 2013, and 90 days after the last day of 
        each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall report 
        to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
        Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the 
        effectiveness of a program under this subsection using 
        any information received from States under section 
        11(e)(24) as well as any other information the 
        Secretary may have relating to the manner in which 
        benefits are used.

SEC. 10. REDEMPTION OF PROGRAM BENEFITS.

  Regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall provide for the 
redemption of benefits accepted by retail food stores through 
approved wholesale food concerns or through financial 
institutions which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance 
Corporation, or which are insured under the Federal Credit 
Union Act and have retail food stores or wholesale food 
concerns in their field of membership, with the cooperation of 
the Treasury Department, except that retail food stores defined 
in section 3(p)(4) shall be authorized to redeem their members' 
food benefits prior to receipt by the members of the food so 
purchased, agricultural producers who market agricultural 
products directly to consumers shall be authorized to redeem 
benefits for the initial cost of the purchase of a community-
supported agriculture share, and publicly operated community 
mental health centers or private nonprofit organizations or 
institutions which serve meals to narcotics addicts or 
alcoholics in drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and 
rehabilitation programs, public and private nonprofit shelters 
that prepare and serve meals for battered women and children, 
and public or private nonprofit group living arrangements that 
serve meals to disabled or blind residents shall not be 
authorized to redeem benefits through financial institutions 
which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or the 
Federal Credit Union Act. Notwithstanding the preceding 
sentence, a center, organization, institution, shelter, group 
living arrangement, or establishment described in that sentence 
may be authorized to redeem benefits through a financial 
institution described in that sentence if the center, 
organization, institution, shelter, group living arrangement, 
or establishment is equipped with 1 or more point-of-sale 
devices and is operating in an area in which an electronic 
benefit transfer system described in section 7(h) has been 
implemented. No financial institution may impose on or collect 
from a retail food store a fee or other charge for the 
redemption of benefits that are submitted to the financial 
institution in a manner consistent with the requirements, other 
than any requirements relating to cancellation of benefits, for 
the presentation of coupons by financial institutions to the 
Federal Reserve banks.

SEC. 11. ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) The State plan of operation required under subsection (d) 
of this section shall provide, among such other provisions as 
may be required by regulation--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (22) the guidelines the State agency uses in carrying 
        out section 6(i); [and]
          (23) if a State elects to carry out a Simplified 
        Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under section 
        26, the plans of the State agency for operating the 
        program, including--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) a description of the method by which the 
                State agency will carry out a quality control 
                system under section 16(c)[.]; and
          (24) if the State elects to carry out a program to 
        contract with private establishments to offer meals at 
        concessional prices, as described in paragraphs (3), 
        (4), and (9) of section 3(k)--
                  (A) the plans of the State agency for 
                operating the program, including--
                          (i) documentation of a need that 
                        eligible homeless, elderly, and 
                        disabled clients are underserved in a 
                        particular geographic area;
                          (ii) the manner by which the State 
                        agency will limit participation to only 
                        those private establishments that the 
                        State determines necessary to meet the 
                        need identified in clause (i); and
                          (iii) any other conditions the 
                        Secretary may prescribe, such as the 
                        level of security necessary to ensure 
                        that only eligible recipients 
                        participate in the program; and
                  (B) a report by the State agency to the 
                Secretary annually, the schedule of which shall 
                be established by the Secretary, that 
                includes--
                          (i) the number of households and 
                        individual recipients authorized to 
                        participate in the program, including 
                        any information on whether the 
                        individual recipient is elderly, 
                        disabled, or homeless; and
                          (ii) an assessment of whether the 
                        program is meeting an established need, 
                        as documented under subparagraph 
                        (A)(i).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(p) State Verification Option.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, in carrying out the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program, a State agency shall not be required to use 
an income and eligibility or an immigration status verification 
system established under section 1137 of the Social Security 
Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-7).]
  (p) State Verification Option.--In carrying out the 
supplemental nutrition assistance program, a State agency shall 
be required to use an income and eligibility, or an immigration 
status, verification system established under section 1137 of 
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-7), in accordance with 
standards set by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(t) Grants for Simple Application and Eligibility 
Determination Systems and Improved Access to Benefits.--
          [(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of 
        appropriations under section 18(a), for each fiscal 
        year, the Secretary shall use not more than $5,000,000 
        of funds made available under section 18(a)(1) to make 
        grants to pay 100 percent of the costs of eligible 
        entities approved by the Secretary to carry out 
        projects to develop and implement--
                  [(A) simple supplemental nutrition assistance 
                program application and eligibility 
                determination systems; or
                  [(B) measures to improve access to 
                supplemental nutrition assistance program 
                benefits by eligible households.
          [(2) Types of projects.--A project under paragraph 
        (1) may consist of--
                  [(A) coordinating application and eligibility 
                determination processes, including verification 
                practices, under the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program and other Federal, State, 
                and local assistance programs;
                  [(B) establishing methods for applying for 
                benefits and determining eligibility that--
                          [(i) more extensively use--
                                  [(I) communications by 
                                telephone; and
                                  [(II) electronic alternatives 
                                such as the Internet; or
                          [(ii) otherwise improve the 
                        administrative infrastructure used in 
                        processing applications and determining 
                        eligibility;
                  [(C) developing procedures, training 
                materials, and other resources aimed at 
                reducing barriers to participation and reaching 
                eligible households;
                  [(D) improving methods for informing and 
                enrolling eligible households; or
                  [(E) carrying out such other activities as 
                the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
          [(3) Limitation.--A grant under this subsection shall 
        not be made for the ongoing cost of carrying out any 
        project.
          [(4) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a 
        grant under this subsection, an entity shall be--
                  [(A) a State agency administering the 
                supplemental nutrition assistance program;
                  [(B) a State or local government;
                  [(C) an agency providing health or welfare 
                services;
                  [(D) a public health or educational entity; 
                or
                  [(E) a private nonprofit entity such as a 
                community-based organization, food bank, or 
                other emergency feeding organization.
          [(5) Selection of eligible entities.--The Secretary--
                  [(A) shall develop criteria for the selection 
                of eligible entities to receive grants under 
                this subsection; and
                  [(B) may give preference to any eligible 
                entity that consists of a partnership between a 
                governmental entity and a nongovernmental 
                entity.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (v) Data Exchange Standardization for Improved 
Interoperability.--
          (1) Data exchange standards.--
                  (A) Designation.--The Secretary, in 
                consultation with an interagency work group 
                which shall be established by the Office of 
                Management and Budget, and considering State 
                perspectives, shall, by rule, designate a data 
                exchange standard for any category of 
                information required to be reported under this 
                Act.
                  (B) Data exchange standards must be 
                nonproprietary and interoperable.--The data 
                exchange standard designated under subparagraph 
                (A) shall, to the extent practicable, be 
                nonproprietary and interoperable.
                  (C) Other requirements.--In designating data 
                exchange standards under this subsection, the 
                Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, 
                incorporate--
                          (i) interoperable standards developed 
                        and maintained by an international 
                        voluntary consensus standards body, as 
                        defined by the Office of Management and 
                        Budget, such as the International 
                        Organization for Standardization;
                          (ii) interoperable standards 
                        developed and maintained by 
                        intergovernmental partnerships, such as 
                        the National Information Exchange 
                        Model; and
                          (iii) interoperable standards 
                        developed and maintained by Federal 
                        entities with authority over 
                        contracting and financial assistance, 
                        such as the Federal Acquisition 
                        Regulatory Council.
          (2) Data exchange standards for reporting.--
                  (A) Designation.--The Secretary, in 
                consultation with an interagency work group 
                established by the Office of Management and 
                Budget, and considering State perspectives, 
                shall, by rule, designate data exchange 
                standards to govern the data reporting required 
                under this part.
                  (B) Requirements.--The data exchange 
                standards required by subparagraph (A) shall, 
                to the extent practicable--
                          (i) incorporate a widely-accepted, 
                        nonproprietary, searchable, computer-
                        readable format;
                          (ii) be consistent with and implement 
                        applicable accounting principles; and
                          (iii) be capable of being continually 
                        upgraded as necessary.
                  (C) Incorporation of nonproprietary 
                standards.--In designating reporting standards 
                under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to 
                the extent practicable, incorporate existing 
                nonproprietary standards, such as the 
                eXtensible Markup Language.

SEC. 12. CIVIL PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATION OF RETAIL FOOD STORES AND 
                    WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Period of Disqualification.--Subject to subsection (c), a 
disqualification under subsection (a) shall be--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) permanent upon--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) a finding of the sale of firearms, 
                ammunition, explosives, or controlled substance 
                (as defined in section 802 of title 21, United 
                States Code) for coupons, except that the 
                Secretary shall have the discretion to impose a 
                civil penalty of up to $20,000 for each 
                violation (except that the amount of [civil 
                money penalties] civil penalties imposed for 
                violations occurring during a single 
                investigation may not exceed $40,000) in lieu 
                of disqualification under this subparagraph if 
                the Secretary determines that there is 
                substantial evidence (including evidence that 
                neither the ownership nor management of the 
                store or food concern was aware of, approved, 
                benefited from, or was involved in the conduct 
                or approval of the violation) that the store or 
                food concern had an effective policy and 
                program in effect to prevent violations of this 
                Act; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Disqualification of Retailers Who Are Disqualified Under 
the WIC Program.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue 
        regulations providing criteria for the disqualification 
        under this Act of an approved retail food store or a 
        wholesale food concern that is disqualified from 
        accepting benefits under the special supplemental 
        nutrition program for women, infants, and children 
        established under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act 
        of 1966 [(7 U.S.C. 1786)] (42 U.S.C. 1786).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                       VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT

  Sec. 15. (a) * * *
  (b)(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this 
subsection, whoever knowingly uses, transfers, acquires, 
alters, or possesses benefits in any manner contrary to this 
Act or the regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall, if 
such benefits are of a value of $5,000 or more, be guilty of a 
felony and shall be fined not more than $250,000 or imprisoned 
for not more than twenty years, or both, and shall, if such 
benefits are of a value of $100 or more, but less than $5,000, 
or if the item used, transferred, acquired, altered, or 
possessed is [an benefit] a benefit that has a value of $100 or 
more, but less than $5,000, be guilty of a felony and shall, 
upon the first conviction thereof, be fined not more than 
$10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both, 
and, upon the second and any subsequent conviction thereof, 
shall be imprisoned for not less than six months nor more than 
five years and may also be fined not more than $10,000 or, if 
such benefits are of a value of less than $100, or if the item 
used, transferred, acquired, altered, or processed is an 
benefit that has a value of less than $100, shall be guilty of 
a misdemeanor, and, upon the first conviction thereof, shall be 
fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one 
year, or both, and upon the second and any subsequent 
conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not more than one 
year and may also be fined not more than $1,000. In addition to 
such penalties, any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor 
violation under this subsection may be suspended by the court 
from participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program for an additional period of up to eighteen months 
consecutive to that period of suspension mandated by section 
6(b)(1) of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


            ADMINISTRATIVE COST-SHARING AND QUALITY CONTROL

  Sec. 16. (a) Subject to subsection (k), the Secretary is 
authorized to pay to each State agency an amount equal to 50 
per centum of all administrative costs involved in each State 
agency's operation of the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program, which costs shall include, but not be limited to, the 
cost of (1) the certification of applicant households, (2) the 
acceptance, storage, protection, control, and accounting of 
benefits after their delivery to receiving points within the 
State, (3) the issuance of benefits to all eligible households, 
(4) informational activities relating to the supplemental 
nutrition assistance program, including those undertaken under 
section 11(e)(1)(A), but not including recruitment activities, 
(5) fair hearings, (6) automated data processing and 
information retrieval systems subject to the conditions set 
forth in subsection (g), (7) supplemental nutrition assistance 
program investigations and prosecutions, and (8) implementing 
and operating the immigration status verification system 
established under section 1137(d) of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1320b-7(d)): Provided, That the Secretary is 
authorized at the Secretary's discretion to pay any State 
agency administering the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program on all or part of an Indian reservation under section 
11(d) of this Act or in a Native village within the State of 
Alaska identified in section 11(b) of Public Law 92-203[, as 
amended.] such amounts for administrative costs as the 
Secretary determines to be necessary for effective operation of 
the supplemental nutrition assistance program, as well as to 
permit each State to retain 35 percent of the value of all 
funds or allotments recovered or collected pursuant to sections 
6(b) and 13(c) and 20 percent of the value of any other funds 
or allotments recovered or collected, except the value of funds 
or allotments recovered or collected that arise from an error 
of a State agency. The officials responsible for making 
determinations of ineligibility under this Act shall not 
receive or benefit from revenues retained by the State under 
the provisions of this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Bonuses for States That Demonstrate High or Most 
Improved Performance.--
          [(1) Fiscal years 2003 and 2004.--
                  [(A) Guidance.--With respect to fiscal years 
                2003 and 2004, the Secretary shall establish, 
                in guidance issued to State agencies not later 
                than October 1, 2002--
                          [(i) performance criteria relating 
                        to--
                                  [(I) actions taken to correct 
                                errors, reduce rates of error, 
                                and improve eligibility 
                                determinations; and
                                  [(II) other indicators of 
                                effective administration 
                                determined by the Secretary; 
                                and
                          [(ii) standards for high and most 
                        improved performance to be used in 
                        awarding performance bonus payments 
                        under subparagraph (B)(ii).
                  [(B) Performance bonus payments.--With 
                respect to each of fiscal years 2003 and 2004, 
                the Secretary shall--
                          [(i) measure the performance of each 
                        State agency with respect to the 
                        criteria established under subparagraph 
                        (A)(i); and
                          [(ii) subject to paragraph (3), award 
                        performance bonus payments in the 
                        following fiscal year, in a total 
                        amount of $48,000,000 for each fiscal 
                        year, to State agencies that meet 
                        standards for high or most improved 
                        performance established by the 
                        Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii).
          [(2) Fiscal years 2005 and thereafter.--
                  [(A) Regulations.--With respect to fiscal 
                year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, the 
                Secretary shall--
                          [(i) establish, by regulation, 
                        performance criteria relating to--
                                  [(I) actions taken to correct 
                                errors, reduce rates of error, 
                                and improve eligibility 
                                determinations; and
                                  [(II) other indicators of 
                                effective administration 
                                determined by the Secretary;
                          [(ii) establish, by regulation, 
                        standards for high and most improved 
                        performance to be used in awarding 
                        performance bonus payments under 
                        subparagraph (B)(ii); and
                          [(iii) before issuing proposed 
                        regulations to carry out clauses (i) 
                        and (ii), solicit ideas for performance 
                        criteria and standards for high and 
                        most improved performance from State 
                        agencies and organizations that 
                        represent State interests.
                  [(B) Performance bonus payments.--With 
                respect to fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal 
                year thereafter, the Secretary shall--
                          [(i) measure the performance of each 
                        State agency with respect to the 
                        criteria established under subparagraph 
                        (A)(i); and
                          [(ii) subject to paragraph (3), award 
                        performance bonus payments in the 
                        following fiscal year, in a total 
                        amount of $48,000,000 for each fiscal 
                        year, to State agencies that meet 
                        standards for high or most improved 
                        performance established by the 
                        Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii).
          [(3) Prohibition on receipt of performance bonus 
        payments.--A State agency shall not be eligible for a 
        performance bonus payment with respect to any fiscal 
        year for which the State agency has a liability amount 
        established under subsection (c)(1)(C).
          [(4) Payments not subject to judicial review.--A 
        determination by the Secretary whether, and in what 
        amount, to award a performance bonus payment under this 
        subsection shall not be subject to administrative or 
        judicial review.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Funding of Employment and Training Programs.--
          (1) In general.--
                  (A) Amounts.--To carry out employment and 
                training programs, the Secretary shall reserve 
                for allocation to State agencies, to remain 
                available for 15 months, from funds made 
                available for each fiscal year under section 
                18(a)(1), [$90,000,000] $79,000,000 for each 
                fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(5) The Secretary shall monitor the employment and training 
programs carried out by State agencies under section 6(d)(4) to 
measure their effectiveness in terms of the increase in the 
numbers of household members who obtain employment and the 
numbers of such members who retain such employment as a result 
of their participation in such employment and training 
programs.]
          (5)(A) In general.--The Secretary shall monitor the 
        employment and training programs carried out by State 
        agencies under section 6(d)(4) and assess their 
        effectiveness in--
                  (i) preparing members of households 
                participating in the supplemental nutrition 
                assistance program for employment, including 
                the acquisition of basic skills necessary for 
                employment; and
                  (ii) increasing the numbers of household 
                members who obtain and retain employment 
                subsequent to their participation in such 
                employment and training programs.
          (B) Reporting measures.--The Secretary, in 
        consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall develop 
        reporting measures that identify improvements in the 
        skills, training education or work experience of 
        members of households participating in the supplemental 
        nutrition assistance program. Measures shall be based 
        on common measures of performance for federal workforce 
        training programs, so long as they reflect the 
        challenges facing the types of members of households 
        participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
        program who participate in a specific employment and 
        training component. The Secretary shall require that 
        each State employment and training plan submitted under 
        section 11(3)(19) identify appropriate reporting 
        measures for each of their proposed components that 
        serve at least 100 people. Such measures may include:
                  (i) the percentage and number of program 
                participants who received employment and 
                training services and are in unsubsidized 
                employment subsequent to the receipt of those 
                services;
                  (ii) the percentage and number of program 
                participants who obtain a recognized 
                postsecondary credential, including a 
                registered apprenticeship, or a regular 
                secondary school diploma or its recognized 
                equivalent, while participating in or within 1 
                year after receiving employment and training 
                services;
                  (iii) the percentage and number of program 
                participants who are in an education or 
                training program that is intended to lead to a 
                recognized postsecondary credential, including 
                a registered apprenticeship or on-the-job 
                training program, a regular secondary school 
                diploma or its recognized equivalent, or 
                unsubsidized employment;
                  (iv) subject to the terms and conditions set 
                by the Secretary, measures developed by each 
                State agency to assess the skills acquisition 
                of employment and training program participants 
                that reflect the goals of their specific 
                employment and training program components, 
                which may include, but are not limited to--
                          (I) the percentage and number of 
                        program participants who are meeting 
                        program requirements in each component 
                        of the State's education and training 
                        program; and
                          (II) the percentage and number of 
                        program participants who are gaining 
                        skills likely to lead to employment as 
                        measured through testing, quantitative 
                        or qualitative assessment or other 
                        method; and
                  (v) other indicators as approved by the 
                Secretary.
          (C) State report.--Each State agency shall annually 
        prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on the 
        State's employment and training program that includes 
        the numbers of supplemental nutrition assistance 
        program participants who have gained skills, training, 
        work or experience that will increase their ability to 
        obtain regular employment using measures identified in 
        subparagraph (B).
          (D) Modifications to the state employment and 
        training plan.--Subject to the terms and conditions 
        established by the Secretary, if the Secretary 
        determines that the state agency's performance with 
        respect to employment and training outcomes is 
        inadequate, the Secretary may require the State agency 
        to make modifications to their employment and training 
        plan to improve such outcomes.
          (E) Periodic evaluation.--
                  (i) In general.--Subject to terms and 
                conditions established by the Secretary, not 
                later than October 1, 2015, and not less 
                frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, 
                the Secretary shall conduct a study to review 
                existing practice and research to identify 
                employment and training program components and 
                practices that--
                          (I) effectively assist members of 
                        households participating in the 
                        supplemental nutrition assistance 
                        program in gaining skills, training, 
                        work, or experience that will increase 
                        their ability to obtain regular 
                        employment, and
                          (II) are best integrated with 
                        statewide workforce development 
                        systems.
                  (ii) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall 
                submit a report that describes the results of 
                the study under clause (i) to the Committee on 
                Agriculture in the House of Representatives, 
                and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and 
                Forestry in the Senate.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATION, AND EVALUATIONS

  Sec. 17. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (l) Cooperation With Program Research and Evaluation.--
States, State agencies, local agencies, institutions, 
facilities such as data consortiums, and contractors 
participating in programs authorized under this Act shall 
cooperate with officials and contractors acting on behalf of 
the Secretary in the conduct of evaluations and studies under 
this Act and shall submit information at such time and in such 
manner as the Secretary may require.

                    AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS

  Sec. 18. (a)(1) To carry out this Act, there are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for each of 
fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017. Not to exceed one-fourth 
of 1 per centum of the previous year's appropriation is 
authorized in each such fiscal year to carry out the provisions 
of section 17 of this Act, subject to paragraph (3).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Funds collected from claims against households or State 
agencies, including claims collected pursuant to [sections 
7(f)] section 7(f), subsections (g) and (h) of section 11, 
subsections (b) and (c) of section 13, and section 16(c)(1), 
claims resulting from resolution of audit findings, and claims 
collected from households receiving overissuances, shall be 
credited to the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
appropriation account for the fiscal year in which the 
collection occurs. Funds provided to State agencies under 
section 16(c) of this Act shall be paid from the appropriation 
account for the fiscal year in which the funds are provided.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 19. CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANTS FOR PUERTO RICO AND AMERICAN SAMOA.

  (a) Payments to Governmental Entities.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Block grants.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Payments to commonwealth of puerto 
                rico.--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iii) Limitation on use of funds.--
                        None of the funds made available to the 
                        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under this 
                        subparagraph may be used to provide 
                        nutrition assistance in the form of 
                        cash benefits.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                  MINNESOTA FAMILY INVESTMENT PROJECT

  Sec. 22. (a) * * *
  (b) Required Terms and Conditions of the Project.--The 
application submitted by the State under subsection (a) shall 
provide an assurance that the Project shall satisfy all of the 
following requirements:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (10)(A) * * *
          (B)(i) Following the standards specified in 
        subparagraph (C), the State shall ensure that benefits 
        under the supplemental nutrition assistance program are 
        provided to participating families in case the Project 
        is terminated or to participating families or family 
        members that are determined ineligible for the Project 
        because of income, resources, or change in household 
        composition, if such families or individuals are 
        determined eligible for the supplemental nutrition 
        assistance program. [Food benefits] Benefits shall be 
        issued to eligible families and individuals described 
        in this clause retroactive to the date of termination 
        from the Project; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 25. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Community food project.--In this section, the 
        term ``community food project'' means a community-based 
        project that--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) is designed--
                          (i)(I) * * *
                          (II) to increase the self-reliance of 
                        communities in providing for the food 
                        needs of the communities; [and]
                          (III) to promote comprehensive 
                        responses to local food, farm, and 
                        nutrition issues; [or] and
                                  (IV) to provide incentives 
                                for the consumption of fruits 
                                and vegetables among low-income 
                                individuals; or

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Authority To Provide Assistance.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Funding.--
                  (A) In general.--Out of any funds in the 
                Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the 
                Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the 
                Secretary to carry out this section not less 
                than $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each 
                fiscal year thereafter. Of the amount made 
                available under this subparagraph for each such 
                fiscal year, $5,000,000 shall be available to 
                carry out subsection (a)(1)(B)(I)(IV).
                  (B) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary 
                shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and 
                shall use to carry out this section, the funds 
                transferred under subparagraph (A) without 
                further appropriation.
                  (C) Maintenance of funding.--The funding 
                provided under subparagraph (A) shall 
                supplement (and not supplant) other Federal 
                funding made available to the Secretary to 
                carry out this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 26. SIMPLIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Rules and Procedures.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Requirements.--In operating a Program, a State or 
        political subdivision shall comply with the 
        requirements of--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) [subsection] subsections (b) and (d) of 
                section 8;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 27. AVAILABILITY OF COMMODITIES FOR THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE 
                    PROGRAM.

  (a) Purchase of Commodities.--
          (1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry 
        out this Act, for each of the fiscal years [2008 
        through 2012] 2012 through 2017, the Secretary shall 
        purchase a dollar amount described in paragraph (2) of 
        a variety of nutritious and useful commodities of the 
        types that the Secretary has the authority to acquire 
        through the Commodity Credit Corporation or under 
        section 32 of the Act entitled ``An Act to amend the 
        Agricultural Adjustment Act, and for other purposes'', 
        approved August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c), and 
        distribute the commodities to States for distribution 
        in accordance with section 214 of the Emergency Food 
        Assistance Act of 1983 [(Public Law 98-8; 7 U.S.C. 612c 
        note)] (7 U.S.C. 7515).
          (2) Amounts.--The Secretary shall use to carry out 
        paragraph (1)--
                  [(A) for fiscal year 2008, $190,000,000;
                  [(B) for fiscal year 2009, $250,000,000; and]
                  (A) for fiscal year 2012, $260,250,000;
                  (B) for fiscal year 2013 the dollar amount of 
                commodities specified in subparagraph (A) 
                adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty 
                food plan has been adjusted under section 
                3(u)(4) between June 30, 2011 and June 30, 
                2012, and subsequently increased by 
                $20,000,000;
                  (C) for each of fiscal years [2010 through 
                2012, the dollar amount of commodities 
                specified in] 2014 through 2017, the total 
                amount of commodities under subparagraph (B) 
                adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty 
                food plan has been adjusted under section 
                3(u)(4) between June 30, [2008] 2012, and June 
                30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year[.]; 
                and
                  (D) for fiscal year 2013 the dollar amount of 
                commodities specified in subparagraph (B), and 
                for each of the fiscal years 2014 through 2017 
                the respective dollar amount of commodities 
                specified in subparagraph (C), increased by 
                $5,000,000.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 28. NUTRITION EDUCATION AND OBESITY PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Programs.--Consistent with the terms and conditions of 
grants awarded under this section, State agencies may implement 
a nutrition education and obesity prevention program for 
eligible individuals that promotes healthy food choices and 
physical activity consistent with the most recent Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the 
National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 
(7 U.S.C. 5341).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 29. RETAILER TRAFFICKING.

  (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide the 
Department of Agriculture with additional resources to prevent 
trafficking in violation of this Act by strengthening recipient 
and retailer program integrity. Additional funds are provided 
to supplement the Department's payment accuracy, and retailer 
and recipient integrity activities.
  (b) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--Out of any funds in the Treasury not 
        otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury 
        shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this 
        section not less than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 
        and each fiscal year thereafter.
          (2) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall be 
        entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to 
        carry out this section the funds transferred under 
        paragraph (1) without further appropriation.
          (3) Maintenance of funding.--The funding provided 
        under paragraph (1) shall supplement (and not supplant) 
        other Federal funding for programs carried out under 
        this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


             LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1981



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE XXVI--LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                     APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  Sec. 2605. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f)(1) * * *
  (2) For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection and for 
purposes of determining any excess shelter expense deduction 
under section 5(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2014(e))--
          (A) the full amount of such payments or allowances 
        shall be deemed to be expended by such household for 
        heating or cooling expenses, without regard to whether 
        such payments or allowances are provided directly to, 
        or indirectly for the benefit of, such household, 
        except that, for purposes of the supplemental nutrition 
        assistance program established under the Food and 
        Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), such 
        payments or allowances exceed $10 or a higher amount 
        annually, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture 
        in accordance with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that 
        Act (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                 EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1983



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE II--EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1983

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 209. EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAM INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                      OLDER AMERICANS ACT OF 1965



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE V--COMMUNITY SERVICE SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 509. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AND FEDERAL HOUSING AND [FOOD STAMP 
                    PROGRAMS] SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 
                    PROGRAM.

  Funds received by eligible individuals from projects carried 
out under the program established under this title shall not be 
considered to be income of such individuals for purposes of 
determining the eligibility of such individuals, or of any 
other individuals, to participate in any housing program for 
which Federal funds may be available or for any income 
determination under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                   TITLE 31 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SUBTITLE III--FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 38--ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES FOR FALSE CLAIMS AND STATEMENTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 3803. Hearing and determinations

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


SECTION 115 OF THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT 
                                OF 1996

SEC. 115. DENIAL OF ASSISTANCE AND BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN DRUG-RELATED 
                    CONVICTIONS.

  (a) In General.--An individual convicted (under Federal or 
State law) of any offense which is classified as a felony by 
the law of the jurisdiction involved and which has as an 
element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled 
substance (as defined in section 102(6) of the Controlled 
Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6))) shall not be eligible for--
          (1) * * *
          (2) benefits under the food stamp program (as defined 
        in [section 3(l)] section 3(s) of the Food Stamp Act of 
        1977) or any State program carried out under the Food 
        Stamp Act of 1977.
  (b) Effects on Assistance and Benefits for Others.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Benefits under the food stamp act of 1977.--The 
        amount of benefits otherwise required to be provided to 
        a household under the food stamp program (as defined in 
        [section 3(l)] section 3(s) of the Food Stamp Act of 
        1977), or any State program carried out under the Food 
        Stamp Act of 1977, shall be determined by considering 
        the individual to whom subsection (a) applies not to be 
        a member of such household, except that the income and 
        resources of the individual shall be considered to be 
        income and resources of the household.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


            AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 1973



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                     COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

  Sec. 4. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
Secretary may, during fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, 
purchase and distribute sufficient agricultural commodities 
with funds appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury 
to maintain the traditional level of assistance for food 
assistance programs as are authorized by law, including but not 
limited to distribution to institutions (including hospitals 
and facilities caring for needy infants and children), 
supplemental feeding programs serving women, infants, and 
children or elderly persons, or both, wherever located, 
disaster areas, summer camps for children, the United States 
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and Indians, whenever a 
tribal organization requests distribution of federally donated 
foods pursuant to section 4(b) of the [Food Stamp Act of 1977] 
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (section 2013(b) of this title). 
In providing for commodity distribution to Indians, the 
Secretary shall improve the variety and quantity of commodities 
supplied to Indians in order to provide them an opportunity to 
obtain a more nutritious diet.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                  COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM

  Sec. 5. (a) Grants Per Assigned Caseload Slot.--
          (1) In general.--In carrying out the program under 
        section 4 (referred to in this section as the 
        ``commodity supplemental food program''), for each of 
        fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, the Secretary 
        shall provide to each State agency from funds made 
        available to carry out that section (including any such 
        funds remaining available from the preceding fiscal 
        year), a grant per assigned caseload slot for 
        administrative costs incurred by the State agency and 
        local agencies in the State in operating the commodity 
        supplemental food program.
          (2) Amount of grants.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Subsequent fiscal years.--For each of 
                fiscal years 2004 through [2012] 2017, the 
                amount of each grant per assigned caseload slot 
                shall be equal to the amount of the grant per 
                assigned caseload slot for the preceding fiscal 
                year, adjusted by the percentage change 
                between--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d)(1) * * *
  (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commodity 
Credit Corporation shall, to the extent that the Commodity 
Credit Corporation inventory levels permit, provide not less 
than 9,000,000 pounds of cheese and not less than 4,000,000 
pounds of nonfat dry milk in each of fiscal years 2008 through 
[2012] 2017 to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary 
shall use such amounts of cheese and nonfat dry milk to carry 
out the commodity supplemental food program before the end of 
each fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(g) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
(including regulations), the Secretary may not require a State 
or local agency to prioritize assistance to a particular group 
of individuals that are--
          [(1) low-income persons aged 60 and older; or
          [(2) women, infants, and children.]
  (g) Eligibility.--Except as provided in subsection (m), the 
States shall only provide assistance under the commodity 
supplemental food program to low-income individuals aged 60 and 
older.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Each State agency administering a commodity supplemental 
food program serving elderly persons shall ensure that written 
information is provided on at least one occasion to each 
elderly participant in or applicant for the commodity 
supplemental food program for the elderly concerning--
          (1) food stamps provided under the [Food Stamp Act of 
        1977] Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et 
        seq.);

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (l) Use of Approved Food Safety Technology.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Programs.--A program referred to in paragraph (1) 
        is a program authorized under--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) the [Food Stamp Act of 1977] Food and 
                Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (m) Phase-out.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
an individual who receives assistance under the commodity 
supplemental food program on the day before the effective date 
of this subsection shall continue to receive that assistance 
until the date on which the individual no longer qualifies for 
assistance under the eligibility criteria for the program in 
effect on the day before the effective date of this subsection.
                              ----------                              


                          SOCIAL SECURITY ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE IV--GRANTS TO STATES FOR AID AND SERVICES TO NEEDY FAMILIES WITH 
CHILDREN AND FOR CHILD-WELFARE SERVICES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part D--Child Support and Establishment of Paternity

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                     FEDERAL PARENT LOCATOR SERVICE

  Sec. 453. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) Information Comparisons and Other Disclosures.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (10) Information comparisons and disclosure to assist 
        in administration of [food stamp] supplemental 
        nutrition assistance programs.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


     TITLE XI--GENERAL PROVISIONS, PEER REVIEW, AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
                             SIMPLIFICATION

Part A--General Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               INCOME AND ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION SYSTEM

  Sec. 1137. (a) In order to meet the requirements of this 
section, a State must have in effect an income and eligibility 
verification system which meets the requirements of subsection 
(d) and under which--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) adequate safeguards are in effect so as to assure 
        that--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) the information is adequately protected 
                against unauthorized disclosure for other 
                purposes, as provided in regulations 
                established by the Secretary of Health and 
                Human Services, or, in the case of the 
                unemployment compensation program, the 
                Secretary of Labor, or, in the case of the 
                [food stamp] supplemental nutrition assistance 
                program, the Secretary of Agriculture, or in 
                the case of information released pursuant to 
                section 6103(l) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
                1954, the Secretary of the Treasury;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) The programs which must participate in the income and 
eligibility verification system are--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) the [food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act 
        of 1977] supplemental nutrition assistance program 
        under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


   TITLE XVI--SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND 
DISABLED

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               Part B--Procedural and General Provisions

                        PAYMENTS AND PROCEDURES

                          Payment of Benefits

  Sec. 1631. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


   CONCURRENT SSI AND [FOOD STAMP] SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 
             APPLICATIONS BY INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS

  (n) The Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of 
Agriculture shall develop a procedure under which an individual 
who applies for supplemental security income benefits under 
this title shall also be permitted to apply at the same time 
for participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                    AGRICULTURE AND FOOD ACT OF 1981

    DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES; SPECIAL NUTRITION PROJECTS

  Sec. 1114. (a)(1) * * *
  (2)(A) For each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017, 
whenever a commodity is made available without charge or credit 
under any nutrition program administered by the Secretary of 
Agriculture, the Secretary shall encourage consumption of such 
commodity through agreements with private companies under which 
the commodity is reprocessed into end-food products for use by 
eligible recipient agencies. The expense of reprocessing shall 
be paid by such eligible recipient agencies.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


      COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION REFORM ACT AND WIC AMENDMENTS OF 1987



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 3. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM REFORMS.

  (a) Commodities Specifications.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Applicability.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to--
                  (A) * * *
                  [(B) the program established under section 
                4(b) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
                2013(b));]
                  (B) the program established under section 
                4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
                U.S.C. 2013(b));

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Advisory council.--(A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (D) The council shall report annually to the 
        Secretary of Agriculture, [the Committee on Education 
        and Labor] the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
        and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, 
        Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Duties of Secretary With Respect to Provision of 
Commodities.--With respect to the provision of commodities to 
recipient agencies, the Secretary shall--
          (1) before the end of the 270-day period beginning on 
        the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 1988]--
                  (A) implement a system to provide recipient 
                agencies with options with respect to package 
                sizes and forms of such commodities, based on 
                information received from such agencies under 
                subsection (f)(2), taking into account the duty 
                of the Secretary--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) to purchase surplus agriculture 
                        commodities through [section 32 of the 
                        Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 
                        601 et seq.)] section 32 of the Act of 
                        August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Regulations.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide by 
        regulation for--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) delivery schedules for the distribution 
                of commodities and products that are consistent 
                with the needs of eligible recipient agencies, 
                taking into account the duty of the Secretary--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iii) to make direct purchases of 
                        agricultural commodities and other 
                        foods for distribution to recipient 
                        agencies under--
                                  (I) * * *
                                  [(II) the program established 
                                under section 4(b) of the Food 
                                Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
                                2013(b)); and]
                                  (II) the program established 
                                under section 4(b) of the Food 
                                and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
                                U.S.C. 2013(b));

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Report.--Not later than January 1, 1989, the Secretary 
shall submit to [the Committee on Education and Labor] the 
Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and to the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
a report on the implementation and operation of this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 17. [COMMODITY DONATIONS] COMMODITY DONATIONS AND PROCESSING.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Processing.--For any program included in subsection (b), 
the Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of State 
or Federal law relating to the procurement of goods and 
services--
          (1) retain title to commodities delivered to a 
        processor, on behalf of a State (including a State 
        distributing agency and a recipient agency), until such 
        time as end products containing such commodities, or 
        similar commodities as approved by the Secretary, are 
        delivered to a State distributing agency or to a 
        recipient agency; and
          (2) promulgate regulations to ensure accountability 
        for commodities provided to a processor for processing 
        into end products, and to facilitate processing of 
        commodities into end products for use by recipient 
        agencies. Such regulations may provide that--
                  (A) a processor that receives commodities for 
                processing into end products, or provides a 
                service with respect to such commodities or end 
                products, in accordance with its agreement with 
                a State distributing agency or a recipient 
                agency, provide to the Secretary a bond or 
                other means of financial assurance to protect 
                the value of such commodities; and
                  (B) in the event a processor fails to deliver 
                to a State distributing agency or a recipient 
                agency an end product in conformance with the 
                processing agreement entered into under this 
                Act, the Secretary take action with respect to 
                the bond or other means of financial assurance 
                pursuant to regulations promulgated under this 
                paragraph and distribute any proceeds obtained 
                by the Secretary to one or more State 
                distributing agencies and recipient agencies as 
                determined appropriate by the Secretary.

SEC. 18. DEFINITIONS.

  For purposes of this Act:
          [(1) The term ``donated commodities'' means 
        agricultural commodities and their products that are 
        donated by the Secretary to recipient agencies.
          [(2) The term ``entitlement commodities'' means 
        agricultural commodities and their products that are 
        donated and charged by the Secretary against 
        entitlements established under programs authorized by 
        statute to receive such commodities.]
          (1) The term ``commodities'' means agricultural 
        commodities and their products that are donated by the 
        Secretary for use by recipient agencies.
          (2) The term ``end product'' means a food product 
        that contains processed commodities.
                              ----------                              


              RICHARD B. RUSSELL NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 19. [FRESH] FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--For the school year beginning July 2008 and 
each subsequent school year, the Secretary shall provide grants 
to States to carry out a program to make free [fresh] fruits 
and vegetables available in elementary schools (referred to in 
this section as the ``program'').
  (b) Program.--A school participating in the program shall 
make free [fresh] fruits and vegetables available to students 
throughout the school day (or at such other times as are 
considered appropriate by the Secretary) in 1 or more areas 
designated by the school.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Notice of Availability.--If selected to participate in 
the program, a school shall widely publicize within the school 
the availability of free [fresh] fruits and vegetables under 
the program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE III--AGRICULTURAL CREDIT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle A--Real Estate Loans

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 302. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR REAL ESTATE LOANS.

  [(a) In General.--The]
  (a) In General.--
          (1) Eligibility requirements.--The Secretary may make 
        and insure loans under this subtitle to farmers and 
        ranchers in the United States, and to farm cooperatives 
        and private domestic corporations, partnerships, joint 
        operations, trusts, and limited liability companies, 
        and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems 
        appropriate, that are controlled by farmers and 
        ranchers and engaged primarily and directly in farming 
        or ranching in the United States, subject to the 
        conditions specified in this section. To be eligible 
        for such loans, applicants who are individuals, or, in 
        the case of cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, 
        joint operations, trusts, [and limited liability 
        companies] limited liability companies, and such other 
        legal entities, individuals holding a majority interest 
        in such entity, must [(1)] (A) be citizens of the 
        United States, [(2)] (B) for direct loans only, have 
        either training or farming experience that the 
        Secretary determines is sufficient to assure reasonable 
        prospects of success in the proposed farming 
        operations, taking into consideration all farming 
        experience of the applicant, without regard to any 
        lapse between farming experiences, [(3)] (C) be or will 
        become owner-operators of not larger than family farms 
        (or in the case of cooperatives, corporations, 
        partnerships, joint operations, trusts, [and limited 
        liability companies] limited liability companies, and 
        such other legal entities in which a majority interest 
        is held by individuals who are related by blood or 
        marriage, as defined by the Secretary, such individuals 
        must be or will become either owners or operators of 
        not larger than a family farm and at least one such 
        individual must be or will become an operator of not 
        larger than a family farm or, in the case of holders of 
        the entire interest who are related by blood or 
        marriage and all of whom are or will become farm 
        operators, the ownership interest of each such holder 
        separately constitutes not larger than a family farm, 
        even if their interests collectively constitute larger 
        than a family farm, as defined by the Secretary), and 
        [(4)] (D) be unable to obtain sufficient credit 
        elsewhere to finance their actual needs at reasonable 
        rates and terms, taking into consideration prevailing 
        private and cooperative rates and terms in the 
        community in or near which the applicant resides for 
        loans for similar purposes and periods of time. In 
        addition to the foregoing requirements of this section, 
        in the case of corporations, partnerships, joint 
        operations, trusts, [and limited liability companies] 
        limited liability companies, and such other legal 
        entities, the family farm requirement of clause [(3)] 
        (C) of the preceding sentence shall apply as well to 
        the farm or farms in which the entity has an ownership 
        and operator interest and the requirement of clause 
        [(4)] (D) of the preceding sentence shall apply as well 
        to the entity in the case of cooperatives, 
        corporations, partnerships, joint operations, trusts, 
        [and limited liability companies] limited liability 
        companies, and such other legal entities.
          (2) Special deeming rules.--
                  (A) Eligibility of certain operating-only 
                entities.--An entity that is or will become 
                only the operator of a family farm is deemed to 
                meet the owner-operator requirements of 
                paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the 
                owners of the family farm own more than 50 
                percent (or such other percentage as the 
                Secretary determines is appropriate) of the 
                entity.
                  (B) Eligibility of certain embedded 
                entities.--An entity that is an owner-operator 
                described in paragraph (1), or an operator 
                described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph 
                that is owned, in whole or in part, by other 
                entities, is deemed to meet the direct 
                ownership requirement imposed under paragraph 
                (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership 
                interests of each embedded entity of such 
                entity is owned directly or indirectly by the 
                individuals that own the family farm.
  (b) Direct Loans.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the 
        Secretary may make a direct loan under this subtitle 
        only to a farmer or rancher who has participated in the 
        business operations of a farm or ranch for not less 
        than 3 years or has other acceptable experience for a 
        period of time, as determined by the Secretary, and--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 304. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Eligibility.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may make or guarantee 
        loans to farmers or ranchers in the United States, farm 
        cooperatives, private domestic corporations, 
        partnerships, joint operations, trusts, or limited 
        liability companies, or such other legal entities as 
        the Secretary deems appropriate, that are controlled by 
        farmers or ranchers and engaged primarily and directly 
        in agricultural production in the United States.
          (2) Requirements.--To be eligible for a loan under 
        this section, applicants shall meet the requirements in 
        [paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a)] clauses (A) 
        and (B) of section 302(a)(1).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Limitations Applicable to Loan Guarantees.--The portion 
of a loan that the Secretary may guarantee under this section 
shall be [75 percent] 90 percent of the principal amount of the 
loan.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each of fiscal 
years 2008 through [2012] 2017, there are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary such funds as are necessary to 
carry out this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 306. (a)(1) * * *
          (2) Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility 
        grants.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Revolving funds for financing water and 
                wastewater projects.--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (vii) Authorization of 
                        appropriations.--There are authorized 
                        to be appropriated to carry out this 
                        subparagraph [$30,000,000 for each of 
                        fiscal years 2008 through 2012] 
                        $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                        2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (11) Rural business opportunity grants.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                are authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this paragraph [$15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2008 through 2012] $15,000,000 for each 
                of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (19) Community facilities grant program.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  [(C) Reservation of funds for child day care 
                facilities.--
                          [(i) In general.--For each fiscal 
                        year, not less than 10 percent of the 
                        funds made available to carry out this 
                        paragraph shall be reserved for grants 
                        to pay the Federal share of the cost of 
                        developing and constructing day care 
                        facilities for children in rural areas.
                          [(ii) Release.--Funds reserved under 
                        clause (i) for a fiscal year shall be 
                        reserved only until June 1 of the 
                        fiscal year.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider 
        program.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                establish a national rural water and wastewater 
                circuit rider program that is based on the 
                rural water circuit rider program of the 
                National Rural Water Association that (as of 
                the date of enactment of this paragraph) 
                receives funding from the Secretary, acting 
                through the Rural Utilities Service.
                  [(B) Relationship to existing program.--The 
                program established under subparagraph (A) 
                shall not affect the authority of the Secretary 
                to carry out the circuit rider program for 
                which funds are made available under the 
                heading ``rural community advancement program'' 
                in title III of the Agriculture, Rural 
                Development, Food and Drug Administration, and 
                Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (115 
                Stat. 719).
                  [(C) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this paragraph $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 
                and each fiscal year thereafter.]
          (22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider 
        program.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall continue 
                a national rural water and wastewater circuit 
                rider program that--
                          (i) is consistent with the activities 
                        and results of the program conducted 
                        before the date of enactment of this 
                        paragraph, as determined by the 
                        Secretary; and
                          (ii) receives funding from the 
                        Secretary, acting through the Rural 
                        Utilities Service.
                  (B) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 
                and each fiscal year thereafter.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (25) Tribal college and university essential 
        community facilities.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
                this paragraph [$10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2008 through 2012] $5,000,000 for each of 
                fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 306A. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANT 
                    PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Funding.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to 
        funds made available under paragraph (1), there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        [$35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
        2012] $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 306E. GRANTS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO FINANCE THE 
                    CONSTRUCTION, REFURBISHING, AND SERVICING OF 
                    INDIVIDUALLY-OWNED HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEMS IN 
                    RURAL AREAS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW OR MODERATE 
                    INCOMES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section [$10,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012] $5,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
  Sec. 307. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) With respect to a farm ownership loan made after the 
date of the enactment of this subsection, unless appraised 
values of the rights to oil, gas, or other minerals are 
specifically included as part of the appraised value of 
collateral securing the loan, the rights to oil, gas, or other 
minerals located under the property shall not be considered 
part of the collateral securing the loan. Nothing in this 
subsection shall prevent the inclusion of, as part of the 
collateral securing the loan, any payment or other compensation 
the borrower may receive for damages to the surface of the 
collateral real estate resulting from the exploration for or 
recovery of minerals.]
  [(e)] (d) The Secretary may not--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 310B. ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL ENTITIES.

  (a) Loans to Private Business Enterprises.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Loan purposes.--The Secretary may make and insure 
        loans to public, private, or cooperative organizations 
        organized for profit or nonprofit and private 
        investment funds that invest primarily in cooperative 
        organizations, to Indian tribes on Federal and State 
        reservations or other federally recognized Indian 
        tribal groups, or to individuals for the purposes of--
                  (A) improving, developing, or financing 
                business, industry, and employment including 
                working capital and improving the economic and 
                environmental climate in rural communities, 
                including pollution abatement and control;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Rural Cooperative Development Grants.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (12) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        subsection [$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
        through 2012] $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
        through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g) Business and Industry Direct and Guaranteed Loans.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (7) Intangible assets.--In determining whether a 
        cooperative organization is eligible for a guaranteed 
        business and industry loan, the Secretary may consider 
        the market value of a properly appraised brand name, 
        patent, or trademark of the cooperative. In the 
        discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary 
        determines that the action would not create or 
        otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default 
        or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may 
        take account receivables as security for the 
        obligations entered into in connection with loans and a 
        borrower may use account receivables as collateral to 
        secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (9) Locally or regionally produced agricultural food 
        products.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Loan and loan guarantee program.--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (v) Reservation of funds.--
                                  (I) In general.--For each of 
                                fiscal years 2008 through 
                                [2012] 2017, the Secretary 
                                shall reserve not less than 5 
                                percent and not more than 7 
                                percent of the funds made 
                                available to carry out this 
                                subsection to carry out this 
                                subparagraph.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 310D. (a) The Secretary is authorized to make and insure 
loans for any of the purposes referred to in section 303(a), or 
paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 304(a), to farmers and 
ranchers in the United States who (1) are citizens of the 
United States, (2) meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) 
through (4) of section 302, (3) are unable to obtain sufficient 
credit under section 302 to finance their actual needs, (4) are 
owners or operators of small or family farms (including new 
owners or operators), (5) are farmers or ranchers with a low 
income, and (6) demonstrate a need to maximize their income 
from farming or ranching operations. The Secretary is also 
authorized to make such loans to any farm cooperative or 
private domestic corporation or partnership, or such other 
legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, that is 
controlled by farmers and ranchers and engaged primarily and 
directly in farming or ranching in the United States if all of 
its members, stockholders, [or partners] partners, or owners, 
as applicable, are citizens of the United States and the entity 
and all such members, stockholders, [or partners] partners, or 
owners meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) through (6) of 
the preceding sentence.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 310E. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Loan Terms.--
          (1) Principal.--Each loan made under this section 
        shall be in an amount that does not exceed 45 percent 
        of the least of--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) [$500,000] $667,000.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(2) Interest rate.--The interest rate on any loan 
        made by the Secretary under this section shall be 4 
        percent.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 310H. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall make loans to the 
entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and 
conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of 
section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 
1981 (42 U.S.C. 9812(a)).
  (b) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For 
loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

                      Subtitle B--Operating Loans

SEC. 311. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR LOANS.

  [(a) In General.--The]
  (a) In General.--
          (1) Eligibility requirements.--The Secretary may make 
        and insure loans under this subtitle to farmers and 
        ranchers in the United States, and to farm cooperatives 
        and private domestic corporations, partnerships, joint 
        operations, trusts, and limited liability companies, 
        and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems 
        appropriate, that are controlled by farmers and 
        ranchers and engaged primarily and directly in farming 
        or ranching in the United States, subject to the 
        conditions specified in this section. To be eligible 
        for such loans, applicants who are individuals, or, in 
        the case of cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, 
        joint operations, trusts, [and limited liability 
        companies] limited liability companies, and such other 
        legal entities, individuals holding a majority interest 
        in such entity, must [(1)] (A) be citizens of the 
        United States, [(2)] (B) for direct loans only, have 
        either training or farming experience that the 
        Secretary determines is sufficient to assure reasonable 
        prospects of success in the proposed farming 
        operations, taking into consideration all farming 
        experience of the applicant, without regard to any 
        lapse between farming experiences, [(3)] (C) be or will 
        become operators of not larger than family farms (or in 
        the case of cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, 
        joint operations, trusts, [and limited liability 
        companies] limited liability companies, and such other 
        legal entities in which a majority interest is held by 
        individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as 
        defined by the Secretary, such individuals must be or 
        will become either owners or operators of not larger 
        than a family farm and at least one such individual 
        must be or will become an operator of not larger than a 
        family farm or, in the case of holders of the entire 
        interest who are related by blood or marriage and all 
        of whom are or will become farm operators, the 
        ownership interest of each such holder separately 
        constitutes not larger than a family farm, even if 
        their interests collectively constitute larger than a 
        family farm, as defined by the Secretary), and [(4)] 
        (D) be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to 
        finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and 
        terms, taking into consideration prevailing private and 
        cooperative rates and terms in the community in or near 
        which the applicant resides for loans for similar 
        purposes and periods of time. In addition to the 
        foregoing requirements of this subsection, in the case 
        of corporations, partnerships, joint operations, 
        trusts, [and limited liability companies] limited 
        liability companies, and such other legal entities, the 
        family farm requirement of clause [(3)] (C) of the 
        preceding sentence shall apply as well to the farm or 
        farms in which the entity has an operator interest and 
        the requirement of clause [(4)] (D) of the preceding 
        sentence shall apply as well to the entity in the case 
        of cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, joint 
        operations, trusts, [and limited liability companies] 
        limited liability companies, and such other legal 
        entities.
          (2) Special deeming rule.--An entity that is an 
        operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in 
        whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet 
        the direct ownership requirement imposed under 
        paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership 
        interests of each embedded entity of such entity is 
        owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that 
        own the family farm.
  (b)(1) Loans may also be made under this subtitle without 
regard to the requirements of clauses (2) and (3) of subsection 
(a) to youths [who are rural residents] to enable them to 
operate enterprises in connection with their participation in 
4-H Clubs, Future Farmers of America, and similar 
organizations.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (5) The Secretary may, on a case by case basis, waive the 
personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this 
subsection if any default on the loan was due to circumstances 
beyond the control of the borrower.
  (c) Direct Loans.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) Youth loans.--In this subsection, the term 
        ``direct operating loan'' shall not include a loan made 
        to a youth under subsection (b).]
          (2) Exceptions.--In this subsection, the term 
        ``direct operating loan'' shall not include--
                  (A) a loan made to a youth under subsection 
                (b); or
                  (B) a microloan made to a young beginning 
                farmer or rancher or a military veteran farmer, 
                as defined by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 312. PURPOSES OF LOANS.

  (a) In General.--A direct loan (including a microloan, as 
defined by the Secretary) may be made under this subtitle only 
for--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 313. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING LOANS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Microloans.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
        Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee 
        microloans.
          (2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not make or 
        guarantee a microloan under this subsection that 
        exceeds $35,000 or that would cause the total principal 
        indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans 
        made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed 
        $70,000.
          (3) Applications.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
        the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens 
        and streamline the application and approval process for 
        microloans under this subsection.
          (4) Cooperative lending projects.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), 
                the Secretary may contract with community-based 
                and nongovernmental organizations, State 
                entities, or other intermediaries, as the 
                Secretary determines appropriate--
                          (i) to make or guarantee a microloan 
                        under this subsection; and
                          (ii) to provide business, financial, 
                        marketing, and credit management 
                        services to borrowers.
                  (B) Requirements.--Before contracting with an 
                entity described in subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary--
                          (i) shall review and approve--
                                  (I) the loan loss reserve 
                                fund for microloans established 
                                by the entity; and
                                  (II) the underwriting 
                                standards for microloans of the 
                                entity; and
                          (ii) establish such other 
                        requirements for contracting with the 
                        entity as the Secretary determines 
                        necessary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 316. (a)(1) * * *
  (2) The interest rate on a microloan to a beginning farmer or 
rancher or military veteran farmer or any loan (other than a 
guaranteed loan) to a low income, limited resource borrower 
under this subtitle shall not be--
          (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                      Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

  Sec. 321. (a) The Secretary shall make and insure loans under 
this subtitle only to the extent and in such amounts as 
provided in advance in appropriation Acts to (1) established 
farmers or ranchers (including equine farmers or ranchers), or 
persons engaged in aquaculture, who are citizens of the United 
States and who are [owner-operators (in the case of loans for a 
purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans 
for a purpose under subtitle B)] (in the case of farm ownership 
loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or 
operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under 
subtitle B) operators of not larger than family farms, and (2) 
farm cooperatives, private domestic corporations, partnerships, 
joint operations, trusts, or limited liability companies, or 
such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate 
(A) that are engaged primarily in farming or ranching 
(including equine farming or ranching) or aquaculture, and (B) 
in which a majority interest is held by individuals who are 
citizens of the United States and who are [owner-operators (in 
the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators 
(in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B)] (in the 
case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) 
owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a 
purpose under subtitle B) operators of not larger than family 
farms (or in the case of such cooperatives, corporations, 
partnerships, joint operations, trusts, or limited liability 
companies, or other legal entities in which a majority interest 
is held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as 
defined by the Secretary, such individuals must be either 
owners or operators of not larger than a family farm and at 
least one such individual must be an operator of not larger 
than a family farm), where the Secretary finds that the 
applicants' farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations have 
been substantially affected by a quarantine imposed by the 
Secretary under the Plant Protection Act or the animal 
quarantine laws (as defined in section 2509 of the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990), a natural 
disaster in the United States, or a major disaster or emergency 
designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et 
seq.): Provided, That they have experience and resources 
necessary to assure a reasonable prospect for successful 
operation with the assistance of such loan and are not able to 
obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. In addition to the 
foregoing requirements of this subsection, in the case of farm 
cooperatives, private domestic corporations, partnerships, 
joint operations, trusts, [and limited liability companies,] 
limited liability companies, and such other legal entities the 
family farm requirement of the preceding sentence shall apply 
as well to all farms in which the entity has an [ownership and 
operator] ownership or operator interest (in the case of loans 
for a purpose under subtitle A) or an operator interest (in the 
case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B). The Secretary 
shall accept applications from, and make or insure loans 
pursuant to the requirements of this subtitle to, applicants, 
otherwise eligible under this subtitle, that conduct farming, 
ranching, or aquaculture operations in any county contiguous to 
a county where the Secretary has found that farming, ranching, 
or aquaculture operations have been substantially affected by a 
quarantine imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection 
Act or the animal quarantine laws (as defined in section 2509 
of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990), 
a natural disaster in the United States, or a major disaster or 
emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). The Secretary shall accept applications 
for assistance under this subtitle from persons affected by 
such a quarantine or natural disaster at any time during the 
eight-month period beginning (A) on the date on which the 
Secretary determines that farming, ranching, or aquaculture 
operations have been substantially affected by such quarantine 
or natural disaster or (B) on the date the President makes the 
major disaster or emergency designation with respect to such 
natural disaster, as the case may be. An entity that is an 
owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is 
deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under 
this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership 
interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned 
directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family 
farm.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 333A. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Simplified Application Forms.--Except as provided in 
subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application 
process, including a single page application where possible, 
for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 
306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 
379E.

SEC. 333B. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS 
                    PILOT PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 343. (a) As used in this title:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (11) The term ``qualified beginning farmer or 
        rancher'' means an applicant, regardless of whether the 
        applicant is participating in a program under section 
        310E--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) in the case of a cooperative, 
                corporation, partnership, or joint operation, 
                or such other legal entity as the Secretary 
                deems appropriate, who has members, 
                stockholders, partners, [or joint operators] 
                joint operators, or owners who are all related 
                to one another by blood or marriage;
                  (D)(i) in the case of an owner and operator 
                of a farm or ranch, who--
                          (I) * * *
                          (II)(aa) in the case of a loan made 
                        to a cooperative, corporation, 
                        partnership, or joint operation, or 
                        such other legal entity, has members, 
                        stockholders, partners, [or joint 
                        operators] joint operators, or owners, 
                        materially and substantially 
                        participate in the operation of the 
                        farm or ranch; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (ii) in the case of an applicant seeking to 
                own and operate a farm or ranch, who--
                          (I) * * *
                          (II)(aa) in the case of a loan made 
                        to a cooperative, corporation, 
                        partnership, or joint operation, or 
                        such other legal entity, will have 
                        members, stockholders, partners, [or 
                        joint operators] joint operators, or 
                        owners, materially and substantially 
                        participate in the operation of the 
                        farm or ranch; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (F) who does not own land or who, directly or 
                through interests in family farm corporations, 
                owns land, the aggregate acreage of which does 
                not exceed 30 percent of the [median acreage] 
                average acreage of the farms or ranches, as the 
                case may be, in the county in which the farm or 
                ranch operations of the applicant are located, 
                as reported in the most recent census of 
                agriculture, except that this subparagraph 
                shall not apply to a loan made or guaranteed 
                under subtitle B; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 346. (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization for Loans.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may make or guarantee 
        loans under subtitles A and B from the Agricultural 
        Credit Insurance Fund provided for in section 309 for 
        not more than $4,226,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through [2012] 2017, of which, for each fiscal 
        year--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (2) Beginning farmers and ranchers.--
                  (A) Direct loans.--
                          (i) Farm ownership loans.--
                                  (I) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  (III) Priority.--In order to 
                                maximize the number of 
                                borrowers served under this 
                                clause, the Secretary--
                                          (aa) shall give 
                                        priority to applicants 
                                        who apply under the 
                                        down payment loan 
                                        program under section 
                                        310E or joint financing 
                                        arrangements under 
                                        section 307(a)(3)(D); 
                                        and
                                          (bb) may offer other 
                                        financing options under 
                                        this subtitle to 
                                        applicants only if the 
                                        Secretary determines 
                                        that down payment or 
                                        other participation 
                                        loan options are not a 
                                        viable approach for the 
                                        applicants.
                          (ii) Operating loans.--Of the amounts 
                        made available under paragraph (1) for 
                        direct operating loans, the Secretary 
                        shall reserve for qualified beginning 
                        farmers and ranchers--
                                  (I) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  (III) for each of fiscal 
                                years 2008 through [2012] 2017, 
                                an amount that is not less than 
                                50 percent [of the total 
                                amount].

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 359. BORROWER TRAINING.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Eligibility for Loans.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Loan conditions.--The need of a borrower who 
        satisfies the criteria set out in [section 302(a)(2) or 
        311(a)(2)] section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B) for 
        management assistance under this section shall not be 
        cause for denial of eligibility of the borrower for a 
        direct loan under this title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 375. NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Revolving Fund.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) Funding.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Authorization of appropriations.--There 
                is authorized to be appropriated to the 
                Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 
                for each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 
                2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 378. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Termination.--The authority provided under this section 
shall terminate on September 30, [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 379B. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.]
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 379E. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Funding.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Discretionary funding.--In addition to amounts 
        made available under paragraph (1), there are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        [$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 
        2012] $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle F--Delta Regional Authority

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 382M. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Authority to carry out this subtitle [$30,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012] $12,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2013 through 2017, to remain available until 
expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 382N. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

  This subtitle and the authority provided under this subtitle 
expire on October 1, [2012] 2017.

Subtitle G--Northern Great Plains Regional Authority

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 383N. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Authority to carry out this subtitle [$30,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012] $2,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2013 through 2017, to remain available until 
expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 383O. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

  The authority provided by this subtitle terminates effective 
October 1, [2012] 2017.

Subtitle H--Rural Business Investment Program

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 384S. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
subtitle [$50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 
through 2012] $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                    AGRICULTURAL CREDIT ACT OF 1987



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                   TITLE V--STATE MEDIATION PROGRAMS

Subtitle A--Matching Grants for State Mediation Programs

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 506. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
subtitle $7,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1988 through 
[2015] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                           PUBLIC LAW 91-229

SECTION 1. LOANS TO PURCHASERS OF HIGHLY FRACTIONED LAND.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Highly Fractionated Land.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
        Secretary of Agriculture may make and insure loans in 
        accordance with section 309 of the Consolidated Farm 
        and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929) to eligible 
        purchasers of highly fractionated land [pursuant to 
        section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act (25 
        U.S.C. 2204(c))] or to intermediaries in order to 
        establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of 
        highly fractionated land.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


     SECTION 333 OF THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT

  Sec. 333. In connection with loans made or insured under this 
title, the Secretary shall [require]--
          (1) require the applicant (A) to certify in writing, 
        and the Secretary shall determine, that he is unable to 
        obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his 
        actual needs at reasonable rates and terms, taking into 
        consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates 
        and terms in the community in or near which the 
        applicant resides for loans for similar purposes and 
        periods of time, and (B) to furnish an appropriate 
        written financial statement;
          (2) except with respect to a loan under section 306, 
        310B, or 314, require--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) except for guaranteed loans, require an agreement 
        by the borrower that if at any time it shall appear to 
        the Secretary that the borrower may be able to obtain a 
        loan from a production credit association, a Federal 
        land bank, or other responsible cooperative or private 
        credit source (or, in the case of a borrower under 
        section 310D of this title, the borrower may be able to 
        obtain a loan under section 302 of this title), at 
        reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar 
        purposes and periods of time, the borrower will, upon 
        request by the Secretary, apply for and accept such 
        loan in sufficient amount to repay the Secretary or the 
        insured lender, or both, and to pay for any stock 
        necessary to be purchased in a cooperative lending 
        agency in connection with such loan;
          (4) require such provision for supervision of the 
        borrower's operations as the Secretary shall deem 
        necessary to achieve the objectives of the loan and 
        protect the interests of the United States; [and]
          (5) require the application of a person who is a 
        veteran of any war, as defined in section 101(12) of 
        title 38, United States Code, for a loan under subtitle 
        A or B to be given preference over a similar 
        application from a person who is not a veteran of any 
        war, if the applications are on file in a county or 
        area office at the same time[.]; and
          (6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct 
        and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, 
        encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private 
        or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste 
        disposal facilities by--
                  (A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to 
                finance eligible projects in rural communities 
                where the population exceeds 5,500;
                  (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to 
                finance eligible projects in rural communities 
                where the impact on rate payers will be 
                material when compared to financing with a loan 
                guarantee;
                  (C) establishing and applying a materiality 
                standard when determining the difference in 
                impact on rate payers between a direct loan and 
                a loan guarantee;
                  (D) in the case of projects that require 
                interim financing in excess of $500,000, 
                requiring that such projects initially seek 
                such financing from private or cooperative 
                lenders; and
                  (E) determining if an existing direct loan 
                borrower can refinance with a private or 
                cooperative lender, including with a loan 
                guarantee, prior to providing a new direct 
                loan.
                              ----------                              


                   RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT OF 1936

TITLE I

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2. GENERAL AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

  (a) Loans.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this 
Act as the ``Secretary'') is authorized and empowered to make 
loans in the several States and Territories of the United 
States for rural electrification and for the purpose of 
furnishing and improving electric and telephone service in 
rural areas, as provided in this Act, and for the purpose of 
assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side 
management, energy efficiency (including relending for this 
purpose as provided in section 4) and conservation programs, 
and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 4. (a) The Secretary is authorized and empowered, from 
the sums hereinbefore authorized, to make loans for rural 
electrification to persons, corporations, States, Territories, 
and subdivisions and agencies thereof, municipalities, peoples' 
utility districts and cooperative, nonprofit, or limited-
dividend associations organized under the laws of any State or 
Territory of the United States, for the purpose of financing 
the construction and operation of generating plants, electric 
transmission and distribution lines or systems for the 
furnishing and improving of electric service to persons in 
rural areas, including by assisting electric borrowers to 
implement demand side management, energy efficiency (including 
relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers 
enumerated in the proviso in this section) and conservation 
programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems, 
and loans, from funds available under section 3, to cooperative 
associations and municipalities for the purpose of enabling 
said cooperative associations, and municipalities to the extent 
that such indebtedness was incurred with respect to electric 
transmission and distribution lines or systems or portions 
thereof serving persons in rural areas, to discharge or 
refinance long-term debts owned by them to the Tennessee Valley 
Authority on account of loans made or credit extended under the 
terms of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as 
amended: Provided, That the Secretary, in making such loans, 
shall give preference to States, Territories, and subdivisions 
and agencies thereof, municipalities, peoples' utility 
districts, and cooperative, nonprofit, or limited-dividend 
associations, the projects of which comply with the 
requirements of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 5. FEES FOR CERTAIN LOAN GUARANTEES.

  (a) In General.--For electrification baseload generation loan 
guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the 
borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan 
guarantee.
  (b) Fee.--The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan 
guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee 
(within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit 
Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C))).
  (c) Limitation.--Funds received from a borrower to pay the 
fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan 
or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the 
Federal Government.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE III

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 313. CUSHION OF CREDIT PAYMENTS PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Uses of Cushion of Credit Payments.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Rural economic development subaccount.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Grants.--The Secretary (acting through 
                the Rural Utilities Service) is authorized, 
                from the interest differential sums credited 
                this subaccount and from any other funds made 
                available thereto, to provide grants or zero 
                interest loans to borrowers under this Act for 
                the purpose of promoting energy efficiency 
                (including relending to ultimate consumers for 
                this purpose), rural economic development and 
                job creation projects, including funding for 
                project feasibility studies, start-up costs, 
                incubator projects, and other reasonable 
                expenses for the purpose of fostering rural 
                development.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 313A. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR ELECTRIFICATION OR 
                    TELEPHONE PURPOSES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Termination.--The authority provided under this section 
shall terminate on September 30, [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 315. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--The Secretary shall use 
to make loans under this section any funds otherwise made 
available for telephone loans for each of fiscal years 2008 
through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    TITLE VI--RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS

SEC. 601. ACCESS TO BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN RURAL 
                    AREAS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Loans and Loan Guarantees.--
          (1) * * *
          [(2) Priority.--In making or guaranteeing loans under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give the highest 
        priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband 
        service to the greatest proportion of households that, 
        prior to the provision of the broadband service, had no 
        incumbent service provider.]
          (2) Priorities.--In making or guaranteeing loans 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give--
                  (A) the highest priority to applicants that 
                offer to provide broadband service to the 
                greatest proportion of households that, prior 
                to the provision of the broadband service, had 
                no incumbent service provider; and
                  (B) priority to applicants that offer in 
                their applications to provide broadband service 
                not predominantly for business service, but 
                where at least 25 percent of customers in the 
                proposed service territory are commercial 
                interests.
  (d) Eligibility.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Notice requirement.--The Secretary shall publish 
        a notice of each application for a loan or loan 
        guarantee under this section describing the 
        application, including--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) each area proposed to be served by the 
                applicant; [and]
                  (C) the estimated number of households 
                without terrestrial-based broadband service in 
                those areas[.];
                  (D) the amount and type of support requested; 
                and
                  (E) a list of the census block groups or 
                tracts proposed to be so served.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (8) Additional process.--The Secretary shall 
        establish a process under which an incumbent service 
        provider which, as of the date of the publication of 
        notice under paragraph (5) with respect to an 
        application submitted by the provider, is providing 
        broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but 
        shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not 
        less than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, 
        information regarding the broadband services that the 
        provider offers in the proposed service territory, so 
        that the Secretary may assess whether the application 
        meets the requirements of this section with respect to 
        eligible projects.
  (e) Broadband Service.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Requirement.--In considering the technology needs 
        of customers in a proposed service territory, the 
        Secretary shall take into consideration the upgrade or 
        replacement cost for the construction or acquisition of 
        facilities and equipment in the territory.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Funding.--
          (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry 
        out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
        2008 through [2012] 2017, to remain available until 
        expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (l) Termination of Authority.--No loan or loan guarantee may 
be made under this section after September 30, [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                           PUBLIC LAW 102-551

SECTION 1. IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 
                    THROUGH TELECOMMUNICATIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Extension of Chapter 1.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XXIII of the 
Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
950aaa et seq.), including the amendments made by this section, 
shall be effective until September 30, [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                AGRICULTURAL RISK PROTECTION ACT OF 2000



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE II--AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          Subtitle C--Research

[SEC. 221. CARBON CYCLE RESEARCH.

  [(a) In General.--To the extent funds are made available for 
this purpose, the Secretary shall provide a grant to the 
Consortium for Agricultural Soils Mitigation of Greenhouse 
Gases, acting through Kansas State University, to develop, 
analyze, and implement, through the land grant universities 
described in subsection (b), carbon cycle research at the 
national, regional, and local levels.
  [(b) Land Grant Universities.--The land grant universities 
referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
          [(1) Colorado State University.
          [(2) Iowa State University.
          [(3) Kansas State University.
          [(4) Michigan State University.
          [(5) Montana State University.
          [(6) Purdue University.
          [(7) Ohio State University.
          [(8) Texas A&M University.
          [(9) University of Nebraska.
  [(c) Use.--Land grant universities described in subsection 
(b) shall use funds made available under this section--
          [(1) to conduct research to improve the scientific 
        basis of using land management practices to increase 
        soil carbon sequestration, including research on the 
        use of new technologies to increase carbon cycle 
        effectiveness, such as biotechnology and 
        nanotechnology;
          [(2) to enter into partnerships to identify, develop, 
        and evaluate agricultural best practices, including 
        partnerships between--
                  [(A) Federal, State, or private entities; and
                  [(B) the Department of Agriculture;
          [(3) to develop necessary computer models to predict 
        and assess the carbon cycle;
          [(4) to estimate and develop mechanisms to measure 
        carbon levels made available as a result of--
                  [(A) voluntary Federal conservation programs;
                  [(B) private and Federal forests; and
                  [(C) other land uses;
          [(5) to develop outreach programs, in coordination 
        with Extension Services, to share information on carbon 
        cycle and agricultural best practices that is useful to 
        agricultural producers; and
          [(6) to collaborate with the Great Plains Regional 
        Earth Science Application Center to develop a space-
        based carbon cycle remote sensing technology program 
        to--
                  [(A) provide, on a near-continual basis, a 
                real-time and comprehensive view of vegetation 
                conditions;
                  [(B) assess and model agricultural carbon 
                sequestration; and
                  [(C) develop commercial products.
  [(d) Cooperative Research.--
          [(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of 
        appropriations, the Secretary, in cooperation with 
        departments and agencies participating in the U.S. 
        Global Change Research Program (which may use any of 
        their statutory authorities) and with eligible 
        entities, may carry out research to promote 
        understanding of--
                  [(A) the flux of carbon in soils and plants 
                (including trees); and
                  [(B) the exchange of other greenhouse gases 
                from agriculture.
          [(2) Eligible entities.--Research under this 
        subsection may be carried out through the competitive 
        awarding of grants and cooperative agreements to 
        colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 
        of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
        Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 1303)).
          [(3) Cooperative research purposes.--Research 
        conducted under this subsection shall encourage 
        collaboration among scientists with expertise in the 
        areas of soil science, agronomy, agricultural 
        economics, forestry, and other agricultural sciences to 
        focus on--
                  [(A) developing data addressing carbon losses 
                and gains in soils and plants (including trees) 
                and the exchange of methane and nitrous oxide 
                from agriculture;
                  [(B) understanding how agricultural and 
                forestry practices affect the sequestration of 
                carbon in soils and plants (including trees) 
                and the exchange of other greenhouse gases, 
                including the effects of new technologies such 
                as biotechnology and nanotechnology;
                  [(C) developing cost-effective means of 
                measuring and monitoring changes in carbon 
                pools in soils and plants (including trees), 
                including computer models;
                  [(D) evaluating the linkage between federal 
                conservation programs and carbon sequestration;
                  [(E) developing methods, including remote 
                sensing, to measure the exchange of carbon and 
                other greenhouse gases sequestered, and to 
                evaluate leakage, performance, and permanence 
                issues; and
                  [(F) assessing the applicability of the 
                results of research conducted under this 
                subsection for developing methods to account 
                for the impact of agricultural activities 
                (including forestry) on the exchange of 
                greenhouse gases.
          [(4) Authorization of appropriation.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
        necessary to carry out this subsection for each of 
        fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
  [(e) Extension Projects.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary, in cooperation with 
        departments and agencies participating in the U.S. 
        Global Change Research Program (which may use any of 
        their statutory authorities), and local extension 
        agents, experts from institutions of higher education 
        that offer a curriculum in agricultural and biological 
        sciences, and other local agricultural or conservation 
        organizations, may implement extension projects 
        (including on-farm projects with direct involvement of 
        agricultural producers) that combine measurement tools 
        and modeling techniques into integrated packages to 
        monitor the carbon sequestering benefits of 
        conservation practices and the exchange of greenhouse 
        gas emissions from agriculture which demonstrate the 
        feasibility of methods of measuring and monitoring--
                  [(A) changes in carbon content and other 
                carbon pools in soils and plants (including 
                trees); and
                  [(B) the exchange of other greenhouse gases.
          [(2) Extension project results.--The Secretary may 
        disseminate to farmers, ranchers, private forest 
        landowners, and appropriate State agencies in each 
        State information concerning--
                  [(A) the results of projects under this 
                subsection; and
                  [(B) the manner in which the methods used in 
                the projects might be applicable to the 
                operations of the farmers, ranchers, private 
                forest landowners, and State agencies.
          [(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
        necessary to carry out this subsection for each of 
        fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
  [(f) Administrative Costs.--Not more than 3 percent of the 
funds made available for this section may be used by the 
Secretary to pay administrative costs incurred in carrying out 
this section.
  [(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2007 through 2012.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   Subtitle D--Agricultural Marketing

SEC. 231. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Grant Program.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (7) Funding.--
                  (A) Mandatory funding.--On October 1, [2008] 
                2012, of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
                Corporation, the Secretary shall make available 
                to carry out this subsection [$15,000,000] 
                $50,000,000, to remain available until 
                expended.
                  (B) Discretionary funding.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
                subsection $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING POLICY ACT OF 
                                  1977

  TITLE XIV--NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING 
POLICY ACT OF 1977

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle A--Findings, Purposes, and Definitions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                              DEFINITIONS

  Sec. 1404. When used in this title:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (10) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and 
        universities.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``Hispanic-serving 
                agricultural colleges and universities'' means 
                colleges or universities [that]--
                          (i) that qualify as Hispanic-serving 
                        institutions; [and]
                          (ii) that offer associate, bachelors, 
                        or other accredited degree programs in 
                        agriculture-related fields[.]; and
                          (iii) with respect to which the 
                        Secretary has not received a statement 
                        of the declaration of the intent of a 
                        college or university to not be 
                        considered a Hispanic-serving 
                        agricultural college or university.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


    Subtitle B--Coordination and Planning of Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1408. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND 
                    ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) review and make recommendations to the Under 
        Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and 
        Economics on the research, extension, education, and 
        economics portion of the draft strategic plan required 
        under section 306 of title 5, United States Code; [and]
          (4) review the mechanisms of the Department of 
        Agriculture for technology assessment (which should be 
        conducted by qualified professionals) for the purposes 
        of--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) the development of mechanisms for the 
                assessment of emerging public and private 
                agricultural research and technology transfer 
                initiatives[.]; and
          (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural 
        research, extension, education, and economics, and make 
        recommendations to the Secretary based on that 
        consultation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Termination.--The Advisory Board shall remain in 
existence until September 30, [2012] 2017.

SEC. 1408A. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Annual Committee Report.--Not later than 180 days after 
the establishment of the specialty crops committee, and 
annually thereafter, the specialty crops committee shall submit 
to the Advisory Board a report containing the findings of its 
study under subsection (a). The specialty crops committee shall 
include in each report recommendations regarding the following:
          (1) [Measures] Programs designed to improve the 
        efficiency, productivity, and profitability of 
        specialty crop production in the United States.
          [(2) Measures designed to improve competitiveness in 
        research, extension, and economics programs affecting 
        the specialty crop industry.]
          [(3) Programs that would] (2) Research, extension, 
        and teaching programs designed to improve 
        competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, 
        including programs that would--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) develop new products and new uses of 
                specialty crops including improving the quality 
                and taste of processed specialty crops;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (G) improve the remote sensing and the 
                mechanization of production practices; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(4)] (3) Analyses of changes in macroeconomic 
        conditions, technologies, and policies on specialty 
        crop production and consumption, with particular focus 
        on the effect of those changes on the financial 
        stability of producers.
          [(5)] (4) Development of data that provide applied 
        information useful to specialty crop growers, their 
        associations, and other interested beneficiaries in 
        evaluating that industry from a regional and national 
        perspective.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle C--Agricultural Research and Education Grants and Fellowships

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1415B. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Qualified entity.--The term ``qualified entity'' 
        means--
                  (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located 
                in the United States that, or an individual 
                who, operates a veterinary clinic providing 
                veterinary services--
                          (i) in a rural area, as defined in 
                        section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm 
                        and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
                        1991(a)); and
                          (ii) in a veterinarian shortage 
                        situation;
                  (B) a State, national, allied, or regional 
                veterinary organization or specialty board 
                recognized by the American Veterinary Medical 
                Association;
                  (C) a college or school of veterinary 
                medicine accredited by the American Veterinary 
                Medical Association;
                  (D) a university research foundation or 
                veterinary medical foundation;
                  (E) a department of veterinary science or 
                department of comparative medicine accredited 
                by the Department of Education;
                  (F) a State agricultural experiment station; 
                or
                  (G) a State, local, or tribal government 
                agency.
          (2) Veterinarian shortage situation.--The term 
        ``veterinarian shortage situation'' means a 
        veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the 
        Secretary under section 1415A.
  (b) Establishment.--
          (1) Competitive grants.--The Secretary shall carry 
        out a program to make competitive grants to qualified 
        entities that carry out programs or activities 
        described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of 
        developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary 
        services.
          (2) Eligibility requirements.--A qualified entity 
        shall be eligible to receive a grant described in 
        paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or 
        activities that the Secretary determines will--
                  (A) substantially relieve veterinarian 
                shortage situations;
                  (B) support or facilitate private veterinary 
                practices engaged in public health activities; 
                or
                  (C) support or facilitate the practices of 
                veterinarians who are providing or have 
                completed providing services under an agreement 
                entered into with the Secretary under section 
                1415A(a)(2).
  (c) Award Processes and Preferences.--
          (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes.--In 
        administering the grant program established under this 
        section, the Secretary shall--
                  (A) use an appropriate application and 
                evaluation process, as determined by the 
                Secretary; and
                  (B) seek the input of interested persons.
          (2) Coordination preference.--In selecting recipients 
        of grants to be used for any of the purposes described 
        in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a 
        preference to qualified entities that provide 
        documentation of coordination with other qualified 
        entities, with respect to any such purpose.
          (3) Consideration of available funds.--In selecting 
        recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes 
        described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take 
        into consideration the amount of funds available for 
        grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will 
        be used.
          (4) Nature of grants.--A grant awarded under this 
        section shall be considered to be a competitive 
        research, extension, or education grant.
  (d) Use of Grants to Relieve Veterinarian Shortage Situations 
and Support Veterinary Services.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant 
        awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian 
        shortage situations and support veterinary services for 
        any of the following purposes:
                  (A) To promote recruitment (including for 
                programs in secondary schools), placement, and 
                retention of veterinarians, veterinary 
                technicians, students of veterinary medicine, 
                and students of veterinary technology.
                  (B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary 
                interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and 
                veterinary technician students to cover 
                expenses (other than the types of expenses 
                described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend 
                training programs in food safety or food animal 
                medicine.
                  (C) To establish or expand accredited 
                veterinary education programs (including 
                faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary 
                residency and fellowship programs, or 
                veterinary internship and externship programs 
                carried out in coordination with accredited 
                colleges of veterinary medicine.
                  (D) To provide continuing education and 
                extension, including veterinary telemedicine 
                and other distance-based education, for 
                veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and 
                other health professionals needed to strengthen 
                veterinary programs and enhance food safety.
                  (E) To provide technical assistance for the 
                preparation of applications submitted to the 
                Secretary for designation as a veterinarian 
                shortage situation under this section or 
                section 1415A.
          (2) Qualified entities operating veterinary 
        clinics.--A qualified entity described in subsection 
        (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant 
        awarded under this section to establish or expand 
        veterinary practices, including--
                  (A) equipping veterinary offices;
                  (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs 
                of such veterinary practices, as determined by 
                the Secretary; or
                  (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities 
                in which a portion of the facilities will 
                address education or extension needs.
  (e) Special Requirements for Certain Grants.--
          (1) Terms of service requirements.--
                  (A) In general.--Funds provided through a 
                grant made under this section to a qualified 
                entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and 
                used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) 
                shall be subject to an agreement between the 
                Secretary and such entity that includes a 
                required term of service for such entity 
                (including a qualified entity operating as an 
                individual), as prospectively established by 
                the Secretary.
                  (B) Considerations.--In establishing a term 
                of service under subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary shall consider only--
                          (i) the amount of the grant awarded; 
                        and
                          (ii) the specific purpose of the 
                        grant.
          (2) Breach remedies.--
                  (A) In general.--An agreement under paragraph 
                (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of 
                the agreement by the qualified entity referred 
                to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or 
                partial repayment of the grant funds, with 
                interest.
                  (B) Waiver.--The Secretary may grant a waiver 
                of the repayment obligation for breach of 
                contract if the Secretary determines that such 
                qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship 
                or extreme need.
                  (C) Treatment of amounts recovered.--Funds 
                recovered under this paragraph shall--
                          (i) be credited to the account 
                        available to carry out this section; 
                        and
                          (ii) remain available until expended 
                        without further appropriation.
  (f) Prohibition on Use of Grant Funds for Construction.--
Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available 
for grants under this section may not be used--
          (1) to construct a new building or facility; or
          (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing 
        building or facility, including site grading and 
        improvement and architect fees.
  (g) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate 
regulations to carry out this section.
  (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year 
thereafter, to remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1417. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 
                    EDUCATION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (m) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated for carrying out this [section $60,000,000 for 
each of the fiscal years 1990 through 2012.] section--
          (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 
        2012; and
          (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1419A. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

  (a) In General.--Consistent with this section, the [Secretary 
may make grants, competitive grants, and special research 
grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other 
contracting instruments with,] Secretary shall, acting through 
the Office of the Chief Economist, make competitive grants to 
or enter into cooperative agreements with policy research 
centers described in subsection (b) with a history of providing 
unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress to conduct 
research and education programs that are objective, 
operationally independent, and external to the Federal 
Government and that concern the effect of public policies and 
trade agreements on--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (b) Eligible Recipients.--State agricultural experiment 
stations, colleges and universities, [other research 
institutions and organizations (including the Food Agricultural 
Policy Research Institute, the Agricultural and Food Policy 
Center, the Rural Policy Research Institute, and the National 
Drought Mitigation Center), private organizations, 
corporations, and individuals shall be eligible] and other 
public research institutions and organizations shall be 
eligible to apply for funding under subsection (a).
  (c) Preference.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers 
that have extensive databases, models, and demonstrated 
experience in providing Congress with agricultural market 
projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy 
analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, 
national, and international levels.
  [(c)] (d) Activities.--Under this section, funding may be 
provided for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and 
education concerning policy research activities consistent with 
this section, including activities that--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012.]
  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 1996 through 2012; and
          (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


 Subtitle D--National Food and Human Nutrition Research and Extension 
Program

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1424. HUMAN NUTRITION INTERVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH 
                    PROGRAM.

  [(a) Authority of Secretary.--The Secretary may establish, 
and award grants for projects for, a multi-year research 
initiative on human nutrition intervention and health 
promotion.
  [(b) Emphasis of Initiative.--In administering human 
nutrition research projects under this section, the Secretary 
shall give specific emphasis to--
          [(1) coordinated longitudinal research assessments of 
        nutritional status;
          [(2) the implementation of unified, innovative 
        intervention strategies; and
          [(3) proposals that examine the efficacy of current 
        agriculture policies in promoting the health and 
        welfare of economically disadvantaged populations;
to identify and solve problems of nutritional inadequacy and 
contribute to the maintenance of health, well-being, 
performance, and productivity of individuals, thereby reducing 
the need of the individuals to use the health care system and 
social programs of the United States.
  [(c) Administration of Funds.--The Administrator of the 
Agricultural Research Service shall administer funds made 
available to carry out this section to ensure a coordinated 
approach to health and nutrition research efforts.
  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012.

[SEC. 1424A. PILOT RESEARCH PROGRAM TO COMBINE MEDICAL AND AGRICULTURAL 
                    RESEARCH.

  [(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
          [(1) Although medical researchers in recent years 
        have demonstrated that there are several naturally 
        occurring compounds in many vegetables and fruits that 
        can aid in the prevention of certain forms of cancer, 
        coronary heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis, 
        there has been almost no research conducted to enhance 
        these compounds in food plants by modern breeding and 
        molecular genetic methods.
          [(2) By linking the appropriate medical and 
        agricultural research scientists in a highly-focused, 
        targeted research program, it should be possible to 
        develop new varieties of vegetables and fruits that 
        would provide greater prevention of diet-related 
        diseases that are a major cause of death in the United 
        States.
  [(b) Pilot Research Program.--The Secretary shall conduct, 
through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a pilot 
research program to link major cancer and heart and other 
circulatory disease research efforts with agricultural research 
efforts to identify compounds in vegetables and fruits that 
prevent these diseases. Using information derived from such 
combined research efforts, the Secretary shall assist in the 
development of new varieties of vegetables and fruits having 
enhanced therapeutic properties for disease prevention.
  [(c) Agreements.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot 
program through agreements entered into with land-grant 
colleges or universities, other universities, State 
agricultural experiment stations, the State cooperative 
extension services, nonprofit organizations with demonstrable 
expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities. The 
Secretary shall enter into the agreements on a competitive 
basis.
  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1997 
through 2012 to carry out the pilot program.]

SEC. 1425. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out the expanded food and nutrition 
education program established under section 3(d) of the Act of 
May 8, 1914 (7 U.S.C. 343(d)), and this section $90,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2009 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


             Subtitle E--Animal Health and Disease Research

   [APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH 
                                PROGRAMS

  [Sec. 1433. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated such 
funds as Congress may determine necessary to support continuing 
animal health and disease research programs at eligible 
institutions, but not to exceed $25,000,000 for each of the 
fiscal years 1991 through 2012, and not in excess of such sums 
as may after the date of enactment of this title be authorized 
by law for any subsequent fiscal year. Funds appropriated under 
this section shall be used: (1) to meet expenses of conducting 
animal health and disease research, publishing and 
disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to 
the retirement of employees subject to the provisions of the 
Act of March 4, 1940 (54 Stat. 39-40, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 
331); (2) for administrative planning and direction; and (3) to 
purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting such 
research.]

SEC. 1433. APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE 
                    RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          (1) In general.--There are authorized to be 
        appropriated to support continuing animal health and 
        disease research programs at eligible institutions--
                  (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 
                through 2012; and
                  (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.
          (2) Use of funds.--Funds made available under this 
        section shall be used--
                  (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal 
                health and disease research, publishing and 
                disseminating the results of such research, and 
                contributing to the retirement of employees 
                subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. 
                331);
                  (B) for administrative planning and 
                direction; and
                  (C) to purchase equipment and supplies 
                necessary for conducting the research described 
                in subparagraph (A).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


     [APPROPRIATIONS FOR RESEARCH ON NATIONAL OR REGIONAL PROBLEMS

  [Sec. 1434. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated such 
funds as Congress may determine necessary to support research 
on specific national or regional animal health or disease 
problems, or national or regional problems relating to pre-
harvest, on-farm food safety, or animal well-being, but not to 
exceed $35,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 
2012, and not in excess of such sums as may after the date of 
enactment of this title be authorized by law for any subsequent 
fiscal year.
  [(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1435 of this 
title, funds appropriated under this section shall be awarded 
in the form of grants, for periods not to exceed five years, to 
State agricultural experiment stations, colleges and 
universities (including 1890 Institutions (as defined in 
section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601))), other research 
institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private 
organizations or corporations, and individuals.
  [(c) In order to establish a national allocation of funds 
appropriated under this section, the Secretary shall establish 
annually priority lists of animal health and disease, food 
safety, and animal well-being problems of national or regional 
significance. Such lists shall be prepared after consultation 
with the Advisory Board. Any recommendations made in connection 
with such consultation shall not be controlling on the 
Secretary's determination of priorities. In establishing such 
priorities, the Secretary and the Advisory Board shall consider 
the following factors:
          [(1) any health or disease problem which causes or 
        may cause significant economic losses to any part of 
        the livestock production industry;
          [(2) any food safety problem that has a significant 
        pre-harvest (on-farm) component and is recognized as 
        posing a significant health hazard to the consuming 
        public;
          [(3) issues of animal well-being related to 
        production methods that will improve the housing and 
        management of animals to improve the well-being of 
        livestock production species;
          [(4) whether current scientific knowledge necessary 
        to prevent, cure, or abate such a health or disease 
        problem is adequate; and
          [(5) whether the status of scientific research is 
        such that accomplishments may be anticipated through 
        the application of scientific effort to such health or 
        disease problem.
  [(d) Without regard to any consultation under subsection (c), 
the Secretary shall, to the extent feasible, award grants on 
the basis of the priorities assigned through a peer review 
system. Grantees shall be selected on a competitive basis in 
accordance with such procedures as the Secretary may establish.
  [(e) In the case of multiyear grants, the Secretary shall 
distribute funds to grant recipients on a schedule which is 
reasonably related to the timetable required for the orderly 
conduct of the research project involved.
  [(f) Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and title XVIII 
of this Act shall not apply to a panel or board created solely 
for the purpose of reviewing applications or proposals 
submitted under this subtitle.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                             MATCHING FUNDS

  Sec. 1438. No funds in excess of $100,000[, exclusive of the 
funds provided for research on specific national or regional 
animal health and disease problems under the provisions of 
section 1434 of this title,] shall be paid by the Federal 
Government to any State under this subtitle during any fiscal 
year in excess of the amount from non-Federal sources made 
available to and budgeted for expenditure by eligible 
institutions in the State during the same fiscal year for 
animal health and disease research. The Secretary is authorized 
to make such payments in excess of $100,000 on the certificate 
of the appropriate official of the eligible institution having 
charge of the animal health and disease research for which such 
payments are to be made. If any eligible institution certified 
for receipt of matching funds fails to make available and 
budget for expenditure for animal health and disease research 
in any fiscal year sums as least equal to the amount for which 
it is certified, the difference between the Federal matching 
funds available and the funds made available to and budgeted 
for expenditure by the eligible institution shall be 
reapportioned by the Secretary among other eligible 
institutions of the same State, if there are any which qualify 
therefor, and, if there are none, the Secretary shall 
reapportion such difference among the other States.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle G--1890 Land-Grant College Funding

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1447. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES 
                    AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE 
                    UNIVERSITY.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture for the 
purposes of carrying out the provisions of this section, 
$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through [2012] 2017, 
and such sums shall remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1447B. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES 
                    AND EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL 
                    AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT INSULAR AREA LAND-GRANT 
                    [INSTITUTIONS] COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

  [(a) Purpose.--It is the intent of Congress to assist the 
land-grant institutions in the insular areas in efforts to 
acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment 
necessary for conducting agricultural research.]
  (a) Purpose.--It is the intent of Congress to assist the 
land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in 
efforts to--
          (1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant 
        equipment necessary for conducting agricultural 
        research; and
          (2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural 
        research, including pest and disease research.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $8,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

[SEC. 1448. NATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING VIRTUAL CENTERS.

  [(a) Competitive Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of 
Agriculture may make a competitive grant to five national 
research and training virtual centers located at colleges (or a 
consortia of such colleges) eligible to receive funds under the 
Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including 
Tuskegee University, that--
          [(1) have been designated by the Secretary for the 
        fiscal years 1991 through 1995, or fiscal years 1996 
        through 2012, as national research and training virtual 
        centers; and
          [(2) have the best demonstrable capacity, as 
        determined by the Secretary, to provide administrative 
        leadership as--
                  [(A) a National Center for Goat Research and 
                Training;
                  [(B) a National Center for Agricultural 
                Engineering Development, Research, and 
                Training;
                  [(C) a National Center for Water Quality and 
                Agricultural Production Research and Training;
                  [(D) a National Center for Sustainable 
                Agriculture Research and Training; and
                  [(E) a National Center for Domestic and 
                International Trade and Development Research 
                and Training.
  [(b) Use of Grants.--A grant made under subsection (a) may be 
expended by a center to--
          [(1) pay expenses incurred in conducting research for 
        which the center was designated;
          [(2) print and disseminate the results of such 
        research;
          [(3) plan, administer, and direct such research; and
          [(4) alter or repair buildings necessary to conduct 
        such research.
  [(c) Priority.--In making a grant determination under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to those 
centers that--
          [(1) will assure dissemination of information between 
        eligible institutions described in subsection (a) and 
        among agricultural producers; and
          [(2) will attract students and needed professionals 
        in the food and agricultural sciences.
  [(d) Payments.--(1) Under the terms of a grant made under 
subsection (a), funds appropriated under subsection (f) for a 
fiscal year shall be paid (upon vouchers approved by the 
Secretary) to a center receiving the grant in equal quarterly 
installments beginning on or about the first day of October of 
such year.
  [(2) Not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year 
for which funds are paid under this section to a center, the 
research director of such center shall submit to the Secretary 
a detailed statement of the disbursements in such fiscal year 
of funds received by such center under this section.
  [(3) If any of the funds received by a center under this 
section are misapplied, lost, or diminished by any action or 
contingency on the part of the center--
          [(A) the center shall replace such funds; and
          [(B) the Secretary shall not distribute to such 
        center any other funds under this subsection until such 
        funds are replaced.
  [(e) Prohibited Uses of Funds.--Funds provided under this 
section may not be used--
          [(1) to acquire or construct a building; or
          [(2) to pay the overhead costs of the college (or 
        consortia of colleges) receiving the grant.
  [(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 
through 2012 for grants under this section.
  [(g) Center Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term 
``center'' means a national research and training virtual 
center that receives a grant under this subsection.
  [(h) Coordination of Center Activities.--(1) The center 
designated under subsection (a)(2)(C) shall coordinate its 
activities with the water quality research activities conducted 
under subtitle G of title XIV of the Food, Agriculture, 
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.
  [(2) The center designated under subsection (a)(2)(D) shall 
coordinate its activities with the sustainable agriculture 
research and education program established under subtitle B of 
title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


         Subtitle H--Programs for Hispanic-Serving Institutions

SEC. 1455. EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAMS FOR HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to make grants under this section $40,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 1997 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle I--International Research, Extension, and Teaching

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1459A. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE 
                    AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2012.]
  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 1999 through 2012; and
          (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle K--Funding and Miscellaneous Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 1462A. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive grants 
for the acquisition of special purpose scientific research 
equipment for use in the food and agricultural sciences 
programs of eligible institutions described in subsection (b).
  [(b) Eligible Institutions.--The Secretary may make a grant 
under this section to--
          [(1) a college or university; or
          [(2) a State cooperative institution.
  [(c) Maximum Amount.--The amount of a grant made to an 
eligible institution under this section may not exceed 
$500,000.
  [(d) Prohibition on Charge of Equipment as Indirect Costs.--
The cost of acquisition or depreciation of equipment purchased 
with a grant under this section shall not be--
          [(1) charged as an indirect cost against another 
        Federal grant; or
          [(2) included as part of the indirect cost pool for 
        purposes of calculating the indirect cost rate of an 
        eligible institution.
  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2012.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


     AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR EXISTING AND CERTAIN NEW 
                     AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS

  Sec. 1463. (a) Notwithstanding any authorization for 
appropriations for agricultural research in any Act enacted 
prior to the date of enactment of this title, there are hereby 
authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of carrying out 
the provisions of this title, except sections 1417, 1420, and 
the competitive grants program provided for in section 1414, 
and except that the authorization for moneys provided under the 
Act of March 2, 1887 (24 Stat. 440-442, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 
361a-361i), is excluded and is provided for in subsection (b) 
of this section, such sums as may be necessary for each of 
fiscal years 1991 through [2012] 2017.
  (b) Notwithstanding any authorization for appropriations for 
agricultural research at State agricultural experiment stations 
in any Act enacted prior to the date of enactment of this 
title, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the 
purpose of conducting agricultural research at State 
agricultural experiment stations pursuant to the Act of March 
2, 1887 (24 Stat. 440-442, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 361a-361i), 
such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 
through [2012] 2017.
  (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law effective 
beginning October 1, 1983, not less than 25 per centum of the 
total funds appropriated to the Secretary in any fiscal year 
for the conduct of the cooperative research program provided 
for under the Act of March 2, 1887, commonly known as the Hatch 
Act (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.); the cooperative forestry research 
program provided for under the Act of October 10, 1962, 
commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act (16 U.S.C. 582a et 
seq.); the special and competitive grants programs provided for 
in sections 2(b) and 2(c) of the Act of August 4, 1965 (7 
U.S.C. 450i); the animal health research program provided for 
under [sections 1433 and 1434] section 1433 of this title; the 
native latex research program provided for in the Native Latex 
Commercialization and Economic Development Act of 1978 (7 
U.S.C. 178 et seq.); and the research provided for under 
various statutes for which funds are appropriated under the 
Agricultural Research heading or a successor heading, shall be 
appropriated for research at State agricultural experiment 
stations pursuant to the provision of the Act of March 2, 1887.

        AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR EXTENSION EDUCATION

  Sec. 1464. Notwithstanding any authorization for 
appropriations for the Cooperative Extension Service in any Act 
enacted prior to the date of enactment of this title, there are 
hereby authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of 
carrying out the extension programs of the Department of 
Agriculture such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal 
years 1991 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1469. AUDITING, REPORTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
                    REQUIREMENTS.

  (a) In General.--Except as provided elsewhere in this Act or 
any other Act of Congress--
          (1) * * *
          (2) the Secretary shall provide that each recipient 
        of assistance under this title shall submit an annual 
        report, at such times and on such forms as the 
        Secretary shall prescribe, stating the accomplishments 
        of projects (on a project-by-project basis) for which 
        such assistance was used and accounting for the use of 
        all such assistance. If the Secretary determines that 
        any portion of funds made available under this title 
        has been lost or applied in a manner inconsistent with 
        the provisions of this title or regulations issued 
        thereunder the recipient of such funds shall reimburse 
        the Federal Government for the funds lost or so 
        applied, and the Secretary shall not make available to 
        such recipient any additional funds under this Act 
        until the recipient has so reimbursed the Federal 
        Government; and
          [(3) the Secretary may retain up to 4 percent of 
        amounts made available for agricultural research, 
        extension, and teaching assistance programs for the 
        administration of those programs authorized under this 
        Act or any other Act; and]
          [(4)] (3) the Secretary shall establish appropriate 
        criteria for grant and assistance approval and 
        necessary regulations pertaining thereto.
  (b) Administrative Expenses.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) 
        and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
        Secretary may retain not more than 4 percent of amounts 
        made available for agricultural research, extension, 
        and teaching assistance programs for the administration 
        of those programs authorized under this Act or any 
        other Act.
          (2) Exceptions.--The limitation on administrative 
        expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer 
        panel expenses under subsection (d) or any other 
        provision of law related to the administration of 
        agricultural research, extension, and teaching 
        assistance programs that contains a limitation on 
        administrative expenses that is less than the 
        limitation under paragraph (1).
  [(b)] (c) Community Food Projects.--The Secretary may retain, 
for the administration of community food projects under section 
25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034), 4 
percent of amounts available for the projects, notwithstanding 
the availability of any appropriation for administrative 
expenses of the projects.
  [(c)] (d) Peer Panel Expenses.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law regarding a competitive research, education, 
or extension grant program of the Department of Agriculture, 
the Secretary may use grant program funds, as necessary, to 
supplement funds otherwise available for program 
administration, to pay for the costs associated with peer 
review of grant proposals under the program.
  [(d)] (e) Definition of In-Kind Support.--In any law relating 
to agricultural research, education, or extension activities 
administered by the Secretary, the term ``in-kind support'', 
with regard to a requirement that the recipient of funds 
provided by the Secretary match all or part of the amount of 
the funds, means contributions such as office space, equipment, 
and staff support.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS

  Sec. 1473D. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
during the period beginning October 1, 1986, and ending 
September 30, [2012] 2017, the Secretary shall develop and 
implement a research project for the development of 
supplemental and alternative crops, using such funds as are 
appropriated to the Secretary each fiscal year under this 
title.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c)(1) The Secretary shall [use such research funding, 
special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary 
determines,] make competitive grants to further the purposes of 
this section in the implementation of a comprehensive and 
integrated program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; 
        and
          (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1473F. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR NLGCA INSTITUTIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle L--Aquaculture

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

  Sec. 1475. (a) * * *
  (b) Grants.--The Secretary may make competitive grants to--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   [AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS

  [Sec. 1477. There is authorized to be appropriated $7,500,000 
for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2012. Funds 
appropriated under this section or section 1476 may not be used 
to acquire or construct a building.]

SEC. 1477. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
carry out this subtitle--
          (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 
        2012; and
          (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.
  (b) Prohibition on Use.--Funds made available under this 
section may not be used to acquire or construct a building.

Subtitle M--Rangeland Research

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                             APPROPRIATIONS

  Sec. 1483. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated, to 
implement the provisions of this [subtitle, such sums not to 
exceed $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991 through 
2012.] subtitle--
          (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 
        2012; and
          (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                        Subtitle N--Biosecurity

SEC. 1484. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND RESPONSE.

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts 
for agricultural research, extension, and education under this 
Act, there are authorized to be appropriated for agricultural 
research, education, and extension activities for biosecurity 
planning and [response such sums as are necessary for each of 
fiscal years 2002 through 2012.] response--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2002 through 2012; and
          (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle O--Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1490. DISTANCE EDUCATION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREAS.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive [or 
noncompetitive] grants to eligible institutions in insular 
areas to strengthen the capacity of such institutions to carry 
out distance food and agricultural education programs using 
digital network technologies.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this [section such sums as may be 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2012.] 
section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2002 through 2012; and
          (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

SEC. 1491. RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREAS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated [such sums as are necessary for each of the 
fiscal years 2002 through 2012 to carry out this section.] to 
carry out this section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2002 through 2012; and
          (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

                     Subtitle P--General Provisions

SEC. 1492. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.

  (a) Matching Funds Requirement.--The recipient of a 
competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a 
covered law and that involves applied research or extension 
that is commodity-specific or State-specific shall provide 
funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from 
sources other than funds provided through such grant in an 
amount at least equal to the amount of such grant.
  (b) Waiver Authority.--The Secretary may waive the matching 
funds requirement under subsection (a) with respect to a 
competitive grant that involves applied research or extension 
that the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, 
and Economics Advisory Board has determined is a national 
priority under section 1408(c).
  (c) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Applied research.--The term ``applied research'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 251(f)(1)(B) 
        of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 
        1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(B)).
          (2) Covered law.--The term ``covered law'' means each 
        of the following provisions of law:
                  (A) This title.
                  (B) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, 
                Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
                5801 et seq.).
                  (C) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
                Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 et 
                seq.).
                  (D) Section 7405 of the Farm Security and 
                Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
                  (E) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of 
                the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
                (7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq.).
                  (F) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
                Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i).
                              ----------                              


        COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH GRANT ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 2. COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH GRANTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Priority areas.--The competitive grants program 
        established under this subsection shall address the 
        following areas:
                  (A) Plant health and production and plant 
                products.--Plant systems, including--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (vi) unproved nutrient qualities of 
                        plant products; [and]
                          (vii) new food and industrial uses of 
                        plant products[.]; and
                          (viii) plant-based foods that are 
                        major sources of nutrients of concern 
                        (as determined by the Secretary).
                  (B) Animal health and production and animal 
                products.--Animal systems, including--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (vii) improved nutrient qualities of 
                        animal products and uses; [and]
                          (viii) the development of new and 
                        improved animal husbandry and 
                        production systems that take into 
                        account production efficiency, animal 
                        well-being, and animal systems 
                        applicable to aquaculture[.];
                          (ix) the research and development of 
                        surveillance methods, vaccines, 
                        vaccination delivery systems, or 
                        diagnostic tests for zoonotic diseases 
                        in wildlife reservoirs presenting a 
                        potential concern to public health or 
                        domestic livestock; and
                          (x) the identification of animal drug 
                        needs and the generation and 
                        dissemination of data for safe and 
                        effective therapeutic applications of 
                        animal drugs for minor species and 
                        minor uses of such drugs in major 
                        species.
                  (C) Food safety, nutrition, and health.--
                Nutrition, food safety and quality, and health, 
                including--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) links between diet and health, 
                        including the effects of plant-based 
                        foods that are major sources of 
                        nutrients of concern on diet and 
                        health;
                          (iii) bioavailability of nutrients, 
                        including plant-based foods that are 
                        major sources of nutrients of concern;
                          (iv) postharvest physiology and 
                        practices, including postharvest 
                        practices conducted with respect to 
                        plant-based foods that are major 
                        sources of nutrients of concern; and
                          (v) improved processing technologies, 
                        including improving the functionality 
                        of plant-based foods that are major 
                        sources of nutrients of concern.
                  (D) Renewable energy, natural resources, and 
                environment.--Natural resources and the 
                environment, including--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iv) the effectiveness of 
                        conservation practices and technologies 
                        designed to address nutrient losses and 
                        improve water quality;
                          [(iv)] (v) global climate effects on 
                        agriculture;
                          [(v)] (vi) forestry; and
                          [(vi)] (vii) biological diversity.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (F) Agriculture economics and rural 
                communities.--Markets, trade, economics, and 
                policy, including--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (v) the economic costs, benefits, and 
                        viability of producers adopting 
                        conservation practices and technologies 
                        designed to improve water quality;
                          [(v)] (vi) technology assessment; and
                          [(vi)] (vii) new approaches to rural 
                        development, including rural 
                        entrepreneurship.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) General administration.--In making grants under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (D) solicit and consider input from persons 
                who conduct or use agricultural research, 
                extension, or education in accordance with 
                section 102(b) of the Agricultural Research, 
                Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
                U.S.C. 7612(b)); [and]
                  (E) in seeking proposals for grants under 
                this subsection and in performing peer review 
                evaluations of such proposals, seek the widest 
                participation of qualified individuals in the 
                Federal Government, colleges and universities, 
                State agricultural experiment stations, and the 
                private sector[.]; and
                  (F) establish procedures under which a 
                commodity board established under a commodity 
                promotion law (as such term is defined under 
                section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture 
                Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
                7401(a))) or a State commodity board (or other 
                equivalent State entity) may directly submit to 
                the Secretary proposals for requests for 
                applications to specifically address particular 
                issues related to the priority areas specified 
                in paragraph (2).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) Special considerations.--In making grants under 
        this subsection, the Secretary may assist in the 
        development of capabilities in the agricultural, food, 
        and environmental sciences by providing grants--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) to ensure that the faculty of small, mid-
                sized, and minority-serving institutions who 
                have not previously been successful in 
                obtaining competitive grants under this 
                subsection receive a portion of the grants; 
                [and]
                  (D) to improve research, extension, and 
                education capabilities in States (as defined in 
                section 1404 of the National Agricultural 
                Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
                1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) in which institutions 
                have been less successful in receiving funding 
                under this subsection, based on a 3-year 
                rolling average of funding levels[.]; and
                  (E) to eligible entities to carry out the 
                specific research proposals submitted under 
                procedures established under paragraph (4)(F).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (9) Matching funds for equipment grants.--
                  [(A) Equipment grants.--]
                  [(i)] (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                clause (ii), in the case of a grant made under 
                paragraph (6)(A), the amount provided under 
                this subsection may not exceed 50 percent of 
                the cost of the special research equipment or 
                other equipment acquired using funds from the 
                grant.
                  [(ii)] (B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive 
                all or part of the matching requirement under 
                clause (i) in the case of a college, 
                university, or research foundation maintained 
                by a college or university that ranks in the 
                lowest \1/3\ of such colleges, universities, 
                and research foundations on the basis of 
                Federal research funds received, if the 
                equipment to be acquired using funds from the 
                grant costs not more than $25,000 and has 
                multiple uses within a single research project 
                or is usable in more than 1 research project.
                  [(B) Applied research.--As a condition of 
                making a grant under paragraph (5)(B), the 
                Secretary shall require the funding of the 
                grant to be matched with equal matching funds 
                from a non-Federal source if the grant is for 
                applied research that is--
                          [(i) commodity-specific; and
                          [(ii) not of national scope.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (11) Authorization of appropriations.--
                  (A) In general.--There is authorized to be 
                appropriated to carry out this subsection 
                $700,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
                through [2012] 2017, of which--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4.--(1) The 
Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an Inter-Regional 
Research Project Number 4 (hereinafter referred to in this 
subsection as the ``IR-4 Program'') to assist in the collection 
of residue and efficacy data in support of--
          (A) the registration or reregistration of [minor use 
        pesticides] pesticides for minor agricultural use and 
        for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of 
        the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 
        U.S.C. 1621 note) under the Federal Insecticide, 
        Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.); 
        and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (4) As part of carrying out the IR-4 Program, the Secretary 
shall--
          (A) participate in research activities aimed at 
        reducing residues of pesticides registered for minor 
        agricultural use and for use on specialty crops;
          (B) develop analytical techniques applicable to 
        residues of pesticides registered for minor 
        agricultural use, including automation techniques and 
        validation of analytical methods; [and]
          (C) prioritize potential pest management technology 
        for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty 
        crops;
          (D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to 
        facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, 
        and associated tolerances;
          (E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by 
        residues of pesticides registered for minor 
        agricultural use and for use on domestically grown 
        specialty crops;
          (F) assist in the registration and reregistration of 
        pest management technologies for minor agricultural use 
        and for use on specialty crops; and
          [(C)] (G) coordinate with other programs within the 
        Department of Agriculture and the Environmental 
        Protection Agency designed to develop and promote 
        biological and other alternative control measures.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(k) Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture.--The Secretary of 
Agriculture shall ensure that grants made under subsections (b) 
and (c) are, where appropriate, consistent with the development 
of systems of sustainable agriculture. For purposes of this 
section, the term ``sustainable agriculture'' has the meaning 
given that term in section 1404 of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
3103).]
                              ----------                              


   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1998



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
 TITLE I--PRIORITIES, SCOPE, REVIEW, AND COORDINATION OF AGRICULTURAL 
RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 103. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                    EDUCATION FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

  (a) Review of National Institute of Food and Agriculture.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) [Merit review of extension] Relevance and merit 
        review of research, extension, and education grants.--
                  (A) Establishment of procedures.--The 
                Secretary shall establish procedures that 
                provide for relevance and merit review of each 
                agricultural [extension or education] research, 
                extension, or education grant administered, on 
                a competitive basis, by the National Institute 
                of Food and Agriculture.
                  (B) Consultation with advisory board.--The 
                Secretary shall consult with the Advisory Board 
                in establishing the merit review procedures on 
                a continuous basis.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


     TITLE IV--NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
INITIATIVES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 406. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION COMPETITIVE 
                    GRANTS PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1999 through [2012] 2017.

[SEC. 407. COORDINATED PROGRAM OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION TO 
                    IMPROVE VIABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE DAIRY, 
                    LIVESTOCK, AND POULTRY OPERATIONS.

  [(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
carry out a coordinated program of research, extension, and 
education to improve the competitiveness, viability, and 
sustainability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and 
poultry operations (referred to in this section as 
``operations'').
  [(b) Components.--To the extent the Secretary elects to carry 
out the program, the Secretary shall conduct--
          [(1) research, development, and on-farm extension and 
        education concerning low-cost production facilities and 
        practices, management systems, and genetics that are 
        appropriate for the operations;
          [(2) in the case of dairy and livestock operations, 
        research and extension on management-intensive grazing 
        systems for dairy and livestock production to realize 
        the potential for reduced capital and feed costs 
        through greater use of management skills, labor 
        availability optimization, and the natural benefits of 
        grazing pastures;
          [(3) research and extension on integrated crop and 
        livestock or poultry systems that increase efficiencies 
        (including improved use of energy inputs), reduce 
        costs, and prevent environmental pollution to 
        strengthen the competitive position of the operations;
          [(4) economic analyses and market feasibility studies 
        to identify new and expanded opportunities for 
        producers on the operations that provide tools and 
        strategies to meet consumer demand in domestic and 
        international markets, such as cooperative marketing 
        and value-added strategies for milk, meat, and poultry 
        production and processing; and
          [(5) technology assessment that compares the 
        technological resources of large specialized producers 
        with the technological needs of producers on the 
        operations to identify and transfer existing technology 
        across all sizes and scales and to identify the 
        specific research and education needs of the producers.
  [(c) Administration.--The Secretary may use the funds, 
facilities, and technical expertise of the Agricultural 
Research Service and the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture and other funds available to the Secretary (other 
than funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation) to carry out 
this section.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 409. BOVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in 
coordination with State veterinarians and other appropriate 
State animal health professionals, may establish a program to 
conduct research, testing, and evaluation of programs for the 
control and management of Johne's disease in livestock.
  [(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary 
to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2003 through 
2012.]

SEC. 410. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this [section such sums as are 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.] 
section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 2008 through 2012; and
          (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 412. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Establishment.--There is established within the 
Department a specialty crop research and extension initiative 
to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by 
developing and disseminating science-based tools to address 
needs of specific crops and their regions, including--
          (1) research in plant breeding, genetics, [and 
        genomics] genomics, and other methods to improve crop 
        characteristics, such as--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) efforts to improve production efficiency, 
        handling and processing, productivity, and 
        profitability over the long term (including specialty 
        crop policy and marketing);

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Research Projects.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis.]
  (d) Research Projects.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of--
          (1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a 
        panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, 
        non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; 
        and
          (2) a final funding determination made by the 
        Secretary based on a review and ranking for merit, 
        relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty 
        crop industry representatives for the specific 
        specialty crop.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (h) Funding.--
          [(1) In general.--Of the funds]
          (1) Mandatory funding.--
                  (A) In general.--Of the funds  of the 
                Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary 
                shall make available to carry out this section 
                $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and 
                $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 
                through 2012, from which activities under each 
                of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b) 
                shall be allocated not less than 10 percent.
                  (B) Subsequent funding.--Of the funds of the 
                Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary 
                shall make available to carry out this 
                section--
                          (i) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
                          (ii) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                        years 2014 and 2015;
                          (iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2016; and
                          (iv) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 
                        and each fiscal year thereafter.
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to 
        funds made available under paragraph (1), there is 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 
        [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                   TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Subtitle A--Existing Authorities

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 604. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to any 
other funds available to carry out subsection (c), there is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--New Authorities

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 612. NATIONAL SWINE RESEARCH CENTER.

  [Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out 
this section, or through a reprogramming of funds provided for 
swine research to carry out this section pursuant to 
established procedures, during the period beginning on the date 
of enactment of this Act and ending December 31, 1998, the 
Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural 
Research Service, may accept as a gift, and administer, the 
National Swine Research Center located in Ames, Iowa.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 614. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated [such sums as are necessary] to carry out this 
[section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2012.] section--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 1999 through 2012; and
          (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          [Subtitle C--Studies

[SEC. 631. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                    EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

  [(a) Evaluation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct 
a performance evaluation to determine whether federally funded 
agricultural research, extension, and education programs result 
in public goods that have national or multistate significance.
  [(b) Contract.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract 
with 1 or more entities with expertise in research assessment 
and performance evaluation to provide input and recommendations 
to the Secretary with respect to federally funded agricultural 
research, extension, and education programs.
  [(c) Guidelines for Performance Measurement.--The contractor 
selected under subsection (b) shall develop and propose to the 
Secretary practical guidelines for measuring performance of 
federally funded agricultural research, extension, and 
education programs. The guidelines shall be consistent with the 
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-
62) and amendments made by that Act.

[SEC. 632. STUDY OF FEDERALLY FUNDED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, 
                    AND EDUCATION.

  [(a) Study.--Not later than January 1, 1999, the Secretary of 
Agriculture shall request the National Academy of Sciences to 
conduct a study of the role and mission of federally funded 
agricultural research, extension, and education.
  [(b) Requirements.--The study shall--
          [(1) evaluate the strength of science conducted by 
        the Agricultural Research Service and the relevance of 
        the science to national priorities;
          [(2) examine how the work of the Agricultural 
        Research Service relates to the capacity of the 
        agricultural research, extension, and education system 
        of the United States;
          [(3) examine the appropriateness of the formulas for 
        the allocation of funds under the Smith-Lever Act (7 
        U.S.C. 341 et seq.) and the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 
        361a et seq.) with respect to current conditions of the 
        agricultural economy and other factors of the various 
        regions and States of the United States and develop 
        recommendations to revise the formulas to more 
        accurately reflect the current conditions; and
          [(4) examine the system of competitive grants for 
        agricultural research, extension, and education.
  [(c) Reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
Senate--
          [(1) not later than 18 months after the commencement 
        of the study, a report that describes the results of 
        the study as it relates to paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
        subsection (b), including any appropriate 
        recommendations; and
          [(2) not later than 3 years after the commencement of 
        the study, a report that describes the results of the 
        study as it relates to paragraphs (3) and (4) of 
        subsection (b), including the recommendations developed 
        under paragraph (3) of subsection (b) and other 
        appropriate recommendations.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                  CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
  Sec. 16. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary of Agriculture [such sums as are necessary] to carry 
out this [Act in each of the fiscal years 1991 through 2012.] 
Act--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 1991 through 2012; and
          (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


          EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART C--1994 INSTITUTIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 532. DEFINITION.

  As used in this part, the term ``1994 Institutions'' means 
any one of the following colleges:
          (1) Aaniih Nakoda College.
          [(1)] (2) Bay Mills Community College.
          [(2)] (3) Blackfeet Community College.
          [(3)] (4) Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
          [(8)] (5) Chief Dull Knife [Memorial] College.
          (6) College of the Muscogee Nation.
          (7) Comanche Nation College.
          [(4)] (8) College of Menominee Nation.
          [(5) Crownpoint Institute of Technology.]
          [(6)] (9) D-Q University.
          [(7)] (10) Dine College.
          [(9)] (11) Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
          [(10) Fort Belknap College.]
          [(11)] (12) Fort Berthold Community College.
          [(12)] (13) Fort Peck Community College.
          [(13)] (14) Haskell Indian Nations University.
          [(34)] (15) Ilisagvik College.
          [(14)] (16) Institute of American Indian and Alaska 
        Native Culture and Arts Development.
          (17) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.
          [(15)] (18) Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community 
        College.
          [(16)] (19) Leech Lake Tribal College.
          [(17)] (20) Little Big Horn College.
          [(18)] (21) Little Priest Tribal College.
          (22) Navajo Technical College.
          [(19)] (23) Nebraska Indian Community College.
          [(20)] (24) Northwest Indian College.
          [(21)] (25) Oglala Lakota College.
          [(22)] (26) Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.
          [(24)] (27) Salish Kootenai College.
          [(25)] (28) Sinte Gleska University.
          [(26)] (29) Sisseton Wahpeton [Community] College.
          [(27) Si Tanka/Huron University.]
          [(28)] (30) Sitting Bull College.
          [(29)] (31) Southwestern Indian Polytechnic 
        Institute.
          [(30)] (32) Stone Child College.
          [(23)] (33) Tohono O`odham Community College.
          [(31)] (34) Turtle Mountain Community College.
          [(32)] (35) United Tribes Technical College.
          [(33)] (36) White Earth Tribal and Community College.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 533. LAND-GRANT STATUS FOR 1994 INSTITUTIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1996 through [2012] 2017. 
Amounts appropriated pursuant to this section shall be held and 
considered to have been granted to 1994 Institutions to 
establish an endowment pursuant to subsection (c).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 535. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) In General.--
          (1) Institutional capacity building grants.--For each 
        of fiscal years 1996 through [2012] 2017, the Secretary 
        shall make two or more institutional capacity building 
        grants to assist 1994 Institutions with constructing, 
        acquiring, and remodeling buildings, laboratories, and 
        other capital facilities (including fixtures and 
        equipment) necessary to conduct instructional 
        activities more effectively in agriculture and 
        sciences.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to the Department of Agriculture to carry out 
this section, such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
years 2002 through [2012] 2017.

SEC. 536. RESEARCH GRANTS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Requirements.--Grant applications submitted under this 
section shall certify that the research to be conducted will be 
performed under a cooperative agreement [with at least 1 other 
land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 
Institution).] with--
          (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the 
        Department of Agriculture; or
          (2) at least 1--
                  (A) other land-grant college or university 
                (exclusive of another 1994 Institution);
                  (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as 
                defined in section 1404 of the National 
                Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); or
                  (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined 
                in that section).
  (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 1999 through [2012] 2017. 
Amounts appropriated shall remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                        RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), there are 
authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for 
each of fiscal years 1996 through [2012] 2017 for the study, 
plan, design, structure, and related costs of agricultural 
research facilities under this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


               RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                      APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZATION

  Sec. 6. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this Act $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 
[2012] 2017. Generally, States shall be eligible for funds 
appropriated under this Act according to the respective 
capabilities of their private forests and rangelands for 
yielding renewable resources and relative needs for such 
resources identified in the periodic Renewable Resource 
Assessment provided for in section 3 of the Forest and 
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the 
periodic appraisal of land and water resources provided for in 
section 5 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 
1977.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                             EFFECTIVE DATE

  Sec. 8. The provisions of this Act shall be effective for the 
period beginning October 1, 1978, and ending September 30, 
[2012] 2017.
                              ----------                              


                    NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                   AUTHORIZATIONS FOR APPROPRIATIONS

  Sec. 10. For purposes of carrying out the provisions of this 
Act, there are authorized to be appropriated--
          (1) to the Department of Agriculture, $1,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 1991 through [2012] 2017;
          (2) to the Department of Commerce, $1,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 1991 through [2012] 2017; and
          (3) to the Department of Interior, $1,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 1991 through [2012] 2017.
Funds authorized by this section shall be in addition to, and 
not in lieu of, funds authorized by any other Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                     SECTION 8 OF PUBLIC LAW 87-788

  Sec. 8. The term ``State'' as used in this subchapter shall 
include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, [and Guam] Guam, and 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
                              ----------                              


  SECTION 308 OF THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE REFORM AND DEPARTMENT OF 
                 AGRICULTURE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1994

SEC. 308. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PILOT PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Requirements.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) Termination of authority.--This section and the 
        authority provided by this section terminate--
                  (A) on the date that is [5 years] 9 years 
                after the date of enactment of this section; or

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Administration.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Reports.--Not later than [1, 3, and 5 years] 5, 
        7, and 9 years after the date of enactment of this 
        section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
        Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
        the Senate a report describing the implementation of 
        the program under this section, including--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                          ACT OF MARCH 4, 1927



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 6. CONCESSIONS, FEES, AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES.

  (a) In General.--Notwithstanding the Federal Property and 
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.) and 
section 321 of the Act of June 30, 1932 (40 U.S.C. 303b), the 
Secretary of Agriculture, in furtherance of the mission of the 
National Arboretum, may--
          (1) negotiate agreements granting concessions at the 
        National Arboretum to nonprofit scientific or 
        educational organizations the interests of which are 
        complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum 
        or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of 
        the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of 
        the organizations from the concessions shall be used 
        exclusively for research and educational work for the 
        benefit of the National Arboretum;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Recognition of Donors.--A non-profit organization granted 
a concession under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if 
such recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1978



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
[SEC. 4. FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

  [(a) Establishment.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
        establish a forest land enhancement program--
                  [(A) to provide financial assistance to State 
                foresters; and
                  [(B) to encourage the long-term 
                sustainability of nonindustrial private forest 
                lands in the United States by assisting the 
                owners of nonindustrial private forest lands, 
                through State foresters, in more actively 
                managing the nonindustrial private forest lands 
                and related resources of those owners through 
                the use of State, Federal, and private sector 
                resource management expertise, financial 
                assistance, and educational programs.
          [(2) Coordination and consultation.--The Secretary, 
        acting through State foresters, shall implement the 
        program--
                  [(A) in coordination with the State Forest 
                Stewardship Coordinating Committees; and
                  [(B) in consultation with other Federal, 
                State, and local natural resource management 
                agencies, institutions of higher education, and 
                a broad range of private sector interests.
  [(b) Program Objectives.--In implementing the program, the 
Secretary shall target resources to achieve the following 
objectives:
          [(1) Investing in practices to establish, restore, 
        protect, manage, maintain, and enhance the health and 
        productivity of the nonindustrial private forest lands 
        in the United States for timber, habitat for flora and 
        fauna, soil, water, and air quality, wetlands, and 
        riparian buffers.
          [(2) Ensuring that afforestation, reforestation, 
        improvement of poorly stocked stands, timber stand 
        improvement, practices necessary to improve seedling 
        growth and survival, and growth enhancement practices 
        occur where needed to enhance and sustain the long-term 
        productivity of timber and nontimber forest resources 
        to help meet future public demand for all forest 
        resources and provide environmental benefits.
          [(3) Reducing the risks and helping restore, recover, 
        and mitigate the damage to forests caused by fire, 
        insects, invasive species, disease, and damaging 
        weather.
          [(4) Increasing and enhancing carbon sequestration 
        opportunities.
          [(5) Enhancing implementation of agroforestry 
        practices.
          [(6) Maintaining and enhancing the forest landbase 
        and leverage State and local financial and technical 
        assistance to owners that promote the same conservation 
        and environmental values.
          [(7) Preserving the aesthetic quality of 
        nonindustrial private forest lands and providing 
        opportunities for outdoor recreation.
  [(c) State Priority Plan.--
          [(1) Development.--The State Forester and State 
        Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee of a State 
        shall jointly develop and submit to the Secretary a 
        State priority plan that is intended to promote forest 
        management objectives in that State.
          [(2) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2006, each 
        State that implemented a State priority plan shall 
        submit to the Secretary a report describing the status 
        of all activities and practices funded under the 
        program as of that date.
  [(d) Owner Eligibility for Assistance.--
          [(1) Eligibility criteria.--To be eligible for cost-
        share assistance under the program, an owner of 
        nonindustrial private forest lands shall agree--
                  [(A) to develop and implement, in cooperation 
                with a State forester, another State official, 
                or a professional resources manager, a 
                management plan that--
                          [(i) except as provided in paragraph 
                        (2) or (3), provides for the treatment 
                        of not more than 1,000 acres of 
                        nonindustrial private forest lands;
                          [(ii) is approved by the State 
                        forester; and
                          [(iii) addresses site specific 
                        activities and practices; and
                  [(B) to implement approved activities and 
                practices in a manner consistent with the 
                management plan for a period of not less than 
                10 years, unless the State forester approves a 
                modification to the plan.
          [(2) Public benefit exception.--The Secretary may 
        increase the acreage limitation specified in paragraph 
        (1)(A)(i) to not more than 5,000 acres for an owner of 
        nonindustrial private forest lands if the Secretary, in 
        consultation with the State forester, determines that 
        significant public benefits will accrue as a result of 
        the provision of cost-share assistance under the 
        program for the treatment of the additional acreage.
          [(3) Plan development exception.--An owner may 
        receive cost-share assistance under the program for the 
        purpose of developing a management plan under 
        subsection (e) that provides for the treatment of 
        acreage in excess of the acreage limitations specified 
        in paragraphs (1)(A)(i) and (2), except that the 
        owner's eligibility for cost-share assistance to 
        implement approved activities and practices under the 
        management plan remains subject to the acreage 
        limitation specified in paragraph (1)(A)(i) or, if the 
        Secretary makes the determination described in 
        paragraph (2), the acreage limitation specified in that 
        paragraph.
  [(e) Management Plan.--
          [(1) Submission and content.--An owner of 
        nonindustrial private forest lands that seeks to 
        participate in the program shall submit to the State 
        forester of the State in which the lands are located a 
        management plan that--
                  [(A) identifies and describes projects and 
                activities to be carried out by the owner to 
                protect or enhance soil, water, air, range and 
                aesthetic quality, recreation, timber, water, 
                wetland, or fish and wildlife resources on the 
                lands in a manner that is compatible with the 
                objectives of the owner;
                  [(B) addresses any criteria established by 
                the State and the applicable Committee; and
                  [(C) meets the other requirements of this 
                section.
          [(2) Lands covered.--At a minimum, the management 
        plan shall apply to those portions of the nonindustrial 
        private forest lands of the owner on which any project 
        or activity funded under the program will be carried 
        out. In a case in which a project or activity may 
        affect acreage outside the portion of the land on which 
        the project or activity is carried out, the management 
        plan shall apply to all lands of the owner that are in 
        forest cover and may be affected by the project or 
        activity.
  [(f) Approved Activities.--
          [(1) State list.--The Secretary shall develop for 
        each State a list of approved forest activities and 
        practices eligible for cost-share assistance that meets 
        the purposes of the program. The Secretary shall 
        develop the list for a State in consultation with the 
        State forester and the Committee for that State.
          [(2) Types of activities.--Approved activities and 
        practices under paragraph (1) may consist of activities 
        and practices for the following purposes:
                  [(A) The establishment, management, 
                maintenance, and restoration of forests for 
                shelterbelts, windbreaks, aesthetic quality, 
                and other conservation purposes.
                  [(B) The sustainable growth and management of 
                forests for timber production.
                  [(C) The restoration, use, and enhancement of 
                forest wetland and riparian areas.
                  [(D) The protection of water quality and 
                watersheds through--
                          [(i) the planting of trees in 
                        riparian areas; and
                          [(ii) the enhanced management and 
                        maintenance of native vegetation on 
                        land vital to water quality.
                  [(E) The management, maintenance, 
                restoration, or development of habitat for 
                plants, fish, and wildlife.
                  [(F) The control, detection, monitoring, and 
                prevention of the spread of invasive species 
                and pests on nonindustrial private forest 
                lands.
                  [(G) The restoration of nonindustrial private 
                forest land affected by invasive species and 
                pests.
                  [(H) The conduct of other management 
                activities, such as the reduction of hazardous 
                fuels, that reduce the risks to forests posed 
                by, and that restore, recover, and mitigate the 
                damage to forests caused by, fire or any other 
                catastrophic event, as determined by the 
                Secretary.
                  [(I) The development of management plans;
                  [(J) The conduct of energy conservation and 
                carbon sequestration activities.
                  [(K) The conduct of other activities approved 
                by the Secretary, in consultation with the 
                State forester and the appropriate Committees.
  [(g) Reimbursement of Eligible Activities.--
          [(1) In general.--In the case of an eligible owner 
        that has an approved management plan, the Secretary 
        shall share the cost of implementing the approved 
        activities and practices that the Secretary determines 
        are appropriate.
          [(2) Rate.--The Secretary shall determine the 
        appropriate reimbursement rate for cost-share payments 
        under paragraph (1) and the schedule for making those 
        payments.
          [(3) Maximum cost share.--The Secretary shall not 
        make cost-share payments under this subsection to an 
        owner in an amount in excess of 75 percent, or a lower 
        percentage as determined by the State forester, of the 
        total cost to the owner to implement the approved 
        activities and practices under the management plan.
          [(4) Aggregate payment limit.--The Secretary shall 
        determine the maximum aggregate amount of cost-share 
        payments that an owner may receive under the program.
          [(5) Consultation.--The Secretary shall make 
        determinations under this subsection in consultation 
        with the State forester.
  [(h) Recapture.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and 
        implement a mechanism to recapture payments made to an 
        owner in the event that the owner fails to implement an 
        approved activity or practice specified in the 
        management plan for which the owner received cost-share 
        payments.
          [(2) Additional remedy.--The remedy provided in 
        paragraph (1) is in addition to any other remedy 
        available to the Secretary.
  [(i) Distribution of Cost-Share Funds.--The Secretary, acting 
through the State foresters, shall distribute funds available 
for cost sharing under the program only after giving 
appropriate consideration to the following factors:
          [(1) The public benefits that would result from the 
        distribution.
          [(2) The total acreage of nonindustrial private 
        forest lands in each State.
          [(3) The potential productivity of those lands, as 
        determined by the Secretary.
          [(4) The number of owners eligible for cost sharing 
        in each State.
          [(5) The opportunities to enhance nontimber resources 
        on those lands, including--
                  [(A) the protection of riparian buffers and 
                forest wetland;
                  [(B) the preservation of fish and wildlife 
                habitat;
                  [(C) the enhancement of soil, air, and water 
                quality; and
                  [(D) the preservation of aesthetic quality 
                and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
          [(6) The anticipated demand for timber and nontimber 
        resources in each State.
          [(7) The need to improve forest health to minimize 
        the damaging effects of catastrophic fire, insects, 
        disease, or weather.
          [(8) The need and demand for agroforestry practices 
        in each State.
          [(9) The need to maintain and enhance the forest 
        landbase.
          [(10) The need for afforestation, reforestation, and 
        timber stand improvement.
  [(j) Availability of Funds.--The Secretary shall use 
$100,000,000 of funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to 
carry out the Program during the period beginning on the date 
of enactment of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 and ending on September 30, 2007.
  [(k) Definitions.--In this section:
          [(1) Nonindustrial private forest lands.--The term 
        ``nonindustrial private forest lands'' means rural 
        lands, as determined by the Secretary, that--
                  [(A) have existing tree cover or are suitable 
                for growing trees; and
                  [(B) are owned by any nonindustrial private 
                individual, group, association, corporation, 
                Indian tribe, or other private legal entity so 
                long as the individual, group, association, 
                corporation, tribe, or entity has definitive 
                decision-making authority over the lands.
          [(2) Committee.--The terms ``State Forest Stewardship 
        Coordinating Committee'' and ``Committee'' means a 
        State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee 
        established under section 19(b).
          [(3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
        450b).
          [(4) Owner.--The term ``owner'' means an owner of 
        nonindustrial private forest land.
          [(5) Program.--The term ``program'' means the forest 
        land enhancement program established by this section.
          [(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the 
        Secretary of Agriculture.
          [(7) State forester.--The term ``State forester'' 
        means the director or other head of a State Forestry 
        Agency or equivalent State official.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 6. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

  [(a) Definition of Nonindustrial Private Forest Land.--In 
this section, the term ``nonindustrial private forest land'' 
means rural land, as determined by the Secretary, that--
          [(1) has existing tree cover or that is suitable for 
        growing trees; and
          [(2) is owned by any nonindustrial private 
        individual, group, association, corporation, or other 
        private legal entity, that has definitive 
        decisionmaking authority over the land.
  [(b) General Authority and Purpose.--The Secretary, acting 
through the Chief of the Forest Service and (where appropriate) 
through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, may 
provide technical, financial, and related assistance to State 
foresters, equivalent State officials, or cooperative extension 
officials at land grant colleges and universities and 1890 
institutions for the purpose of expanding State forest 
stewardship capacities and activities through State forestry 
best-management practices and other means at the State level to 
address watershed issues on non-Federal forested land and 
potentially forested land.
  [(c) Technical Assistance To Protect Water Quality.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary, in cooperation with 
        State foresters or equivalent State officials, shall 
        engage interested members of the public, including 
        nonprofit organizations and local watershed councils, 
        to develop a program of technical assistance to protect 
        water quality described in paragraph (2).
          [(2) Purpose of program.--The program under this 
        subsection shall be designed--
                  [(A) to build and strengthen watershed 
                partnerships that focus on forested landscapes 
                at the State, regional, and local levels;
                  [(B) to provide State forestry best-
                management practices and water quality 
                technical assistance directly to owners of 
                nonindustrial private forest land;
                  [(C) to provide technical guidance to land 
                managers and policymakers for water quality 
                protection through forest management;
                  [(D) to complement State and local efforts to 
                protect water quality and provide enhanced 
                opportunities for consultation and cooperation 
                among Federal and State agencies charged with 
                responsibility for water and watershed 
                management; and
                  [(E) to provide enhanced forest resource data 
                and support for improved implementation and 
                monitoring of State forestry best-management 
                practices.
          [(3) Implementation.--In the case of a participating 
        State, the program of technical assistance shall be 
        implemented by State foresters or equivalent State 
        officials.
  [(d) Watershed Forestry Cost-Share Program.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        watershed forestry cost-share program--
                  [(A) which shall be--
                          [(i) administered by the Forest 
                        Service; and
                          [(ii) implemented by State foresters 
                        or equivalent State officials in 
                        participating States; and
                  [(B) under which funds or other support 
                provided to participating States shall be made 
                available for State forestry best-management 
                practices programs and watershed forestry 
                projects.
          [(2) Watershed forestry projects.--The State 
        forester, an equivalent State official of a 
        participating State, or a Cooperative Extension 
        official at a land grant college or university or 1890 
        institution, in coordination with the State Forest 
        Stewardship Coordinating Committee established under 
        section 19(b) (or an equivalent committee) for that 
        State, shall make awards to communities, nonprofit 
        groups, and owners of nonindustrial private forest land 
        under the program for watershed forestry projects 
        described in paragraph (3).
          [(3) Project elements and objectives.--A watershed 
        forestry project shall accomplish critical forest 
        stewardship, watershed protection, and restoration 
        needs within a State by demonstrating the value of 
        trees and forests to watershed health and condition 
        through--
                  [(A) the use of trees as solutions to water 
                quality problems in urban and rural areas;
                  [(B) community-based planning, involvement, 
                and action through State, local, and nonprofit 
                partnerships;
                  [(C) application of and dissemination of 
                monitoring information on forestry best-
                management practices relating to watershed 
                forestry;
                  [(D) watershed-scale forest management 
                activities and conservation planning; and
                  [(E)(i) the restoration of wetland (as 
                defined by the States) and stream-side forests; 
                and
                  [(ii) the establishment of riparian 
                vegetative buffers.
          [(4) Cost-sharing.--
                  [(A) Federal share.--
                          [(i) Funds under this subsection.--
                        Funds provided under this subsection 
                        for a watershed forestry project may 
                        not exceed 75 percent of the cost of 
                        the project.
                          [(ii) Other federal funds.--The 
                        percentage of the cost of a project 
                        described in clause (i) that is not 
                        covered by funds made available under 
                        this subsection may be paid using other 
                        Federal funding sources, except that 
                        the total Federal share of the costs of 
                        the project may not exceed 90 percent.
                  [(B) Form.--The non-Federal share of the 
                costs of a project may be provided in the form 
                of cash, services, or other in-kind 
                contributions.
          [(5) Prioritization.--The State Forest Stewardship 
        Coordinating Committee for a State, or equivalent State 
        committee, shall prioritize watersheds in that State to 
        target watershed forestry projects funded under this 
        subsection.
          [(6) Watershed forester.--Financial and technical 
        assistance shall be made available to the State 
        Forester or equivalent State official to create a State 
        watershed or best-management practice forester position 
        to--
                  [(A) lead statewide programs; and
                  [(B) coordinate watershed-level projects.
  [(e) Distribution.--
          [(1) In general.--Of the funds made available for a 
        fiscal year under subsection (g), the Secretary shall 
        use--
                  [(A) at least 75 percent of the funds to 
                carry out the cost-share program under 
                subsection (d); and
                  [(B) the remainder of the funds to deliver 
                technical assistance, education, and planning, 
                at the local level, through the State Forester 
                or equivalent State official.
          [(2) Special considerations.--Distribution of funds 
        by the Secretary among States under paragraph (1) shall 
        be made only after giving appropriate consideration 
        to--
                  [(A) the acres of agricultural land, 
                nonindustrial private forest land, and highly 
                erodible land in each State;
                  [(B) the miles of riparian buffer needed;
                  [(C) the miles of impaired stream segments 
                and other impaired water bodies where forestry 
                practices can be used to restore or protect 
                water resources;
                  [(D) the number of owners of nonindustrial 
                private forest land in each State; and
                  [(E) water quality cost savings that can be 
                achieved through forest watershed management.
  [(f) Willing Owners.--
          [(1) In general.--Participation of an owner of 
        nonindustrial private forest land in the watershed 
        forestry assistance program under this section is 
        voluntary.
          [(2) Written consent.--The watershed forestry 
        assistance program shall not be carried out on 
        nonindustrial private forest land without the written 
        consent of the owner of, or entity having definitive 
        decisionmaking over, the nonindustrial private forest 
        land.
  [(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.]

SEC. 7. FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(m) Appropriation.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.]
  (m) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this 
section, there are authorized to be appropriated--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; 
        and
          (2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

SEC. 7A. COMMUNITY FOREST AND OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section.]
  (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this 
section, there are authorized to be appropriated--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2012; 
        and
          (2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 18. COOPERATIVE NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS MARKETING PROGRAM.

  [(a) Findings and Purposes.--
          [(1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
                  [(A) the health and vitality of the domestic 
                forest products industry is important to the 
                well-being of the economy of the United States;
                  [(B) the domestic forest products industry 
                has a significant potential for expansion in 
                both domestic and foreign markets;
                  [(C) many small-sized to medium-sized forest 
                products firms lack the tools that would enable 
                them to meet the increasing challenge of 
                foreign competition in domestic and foreign 
                markets; and
                  [(D) a new cooperative forest products 
                marketing program will improve the 
                competitiveness of the United States forest 
                products industry.
          [(2) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are to--
                  [(A) provide direct technical assistance to 
                the United States forest products industry to 
                improve marketing activities;
                  [(B) provide cost-share grants to States to 
                support State and regional forest products 
                marketing programs; and
                  [(C) target assistance to small-sized and 
                medium-sized producers of solid wood and 
                processed wood products, including pulp.
  [(b) Program Authority.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        cooperative national forest products marketing program 
        under this Act that provides--
                  [(A) technical assistance to States, 
                landowners, and small-sized to medium-sized 
                forest products firms on ways to improve 
                domestic and foreign markets for forest 
                products; and
                  [(B) grants of financial assistance with 
                matching requirements to the States to assist 
                in State and regional forest products marketing 
                efforts targeted to aid small-sized to medium-
                sized forest products firms and private, 
                nonindustrial forest landowners.
          [(2) Interstate cooperative agreements.--Grant 
        agreements shall encourage the establishment of 
        interstate cooperative agreements by the States for the 
        purpose of promoting the development of domestic and 
        foreign markets for forest products.
  [(c) Limitations.--
          [(1) Cooperation with other federal agencies.--In 
        carrying out this section, the Secretary shall 
        cooperate with Federal departments and agencies to 
        avoid the duplication of efforts and to increase 
        program efficiency.
          [(2) Domestic program.--The program authorized under 
        this section shall be carried out within the United 
        States and not be extended to Department of Agriculture 
        activities in foreign countries.
  [(d) Authorization for Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1988 
through 1991, to carry out this section.
  [(e) Program Report.--The Secretary shall report to Congress 
annually on the activities taken under the marketing program 
established under this section. A final report including 
recommendations for program changes and the need and 
desirability of the reauthorization of this authority, and 
required levels of funding, shall be submitted to Congress not 
later than September 30, 1990.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE III--WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 303. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE.

  [(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to 
in this section as the ``Secretary''), acting through the Chief 
of the Forest Service, shall provide technical, financial, and 
related assistance to Indian tribes for the purpose of 
expanding tribal stewardship capacities and activities through 
tribal forestry best-management practices and other means at 
the tribal level to address watershed issues on land under the 
jurisdiction of or administered by the Indian tribes.
  [(b) Technical Assistance To Protect Water Quality.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary, in cooperation with 
        Indian tribes, shall develop a program to provide 
        technical assistance to protect water quality, as 
        described in paragraph (2).
          [(2) Purpose of program.--The program under this 
        subsection shall be designed--
                  [(A) to build and strengthen watershed 
                partnerships that focus on forested landscapes 
                at the State, regional, tribal, and local 
                levels;
                  [(B) to provide tribal forestry best-
                management practices and water quality 
                technical assistance directly to Indian tribes;
                  [(C) to provide technical guidance to tribal 
                land managers and policy makers for water 
                quality protection through forest management;
                  [(D) to complement tribal efforts to protect 
                water quality and provide enhanced 
                opportunities for consultation and cooperation 
                among Federal agencies and tribal entities 
                charged with responsibility for water and 
                watershed management; and
                  [(E) to provide enhanced forest resource data 
                and support for improved implementation and 
                monitoring of tribal forestry best-management 
                practices.
  [(c) Watershed Forestry Program.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        watershed forestry program in cooperation with Indian 
        tribes.
          [(2) Programs and projects.--Funds or other support 
        provided under the program shall be made available for 
        tribal forestry best-management practices programs and 
        watershed forestry projects.
          [(3) Annual awards.--The Secretary shall annually 
        make awards to Indian tribes to carry out this 
        subsection.
          [(4) Project elements and objectives.--A watershed 
        forestry project shall accomplish critical forest 
        stewardship, watershed protection, and restoration 
        needs within land under the jurisdiction of or 
        administered by an Indian tribe by demonstrating the 
        value of trees and forests to watershed health and 
        condition through--
                  [(A) the use of trees as solutions to water 
                quality problems;
                  [(B) application of and dissemination of 
                monitoring information on forestry best-
                management practices relating to watershed 
                forestry;
                  [(C) watershed-scale forest management 
                activities and conservation planning;
                  [(D) the restoration of wetland and stream-
                side forests and the establishment of riparian 
                vegetative buffers; and
                  [(E) tribal-based planning, involvement, and 
                action through State, tribal, local, and 
                nonprofit partnerships.
          [(5) Prioritization.--An Indian tribe that 
        participates in the program under this subsection shall 
        prioritize watersheds in land under the jurisdiction of 
        or administered by the Indian tribe to target watershed 
        forestry projects funded under this subsection.
          [(6) Watershed forester.--The Secretary may provide 
        to Indian tribes under this section financial and 
        technical assistance to establish a position of tribal 
        forester to lead tribal programs and coordinate small 
        watershed-level projects.
  [(d) Distribution.--The Secretary shall devote--
          [(1) at least 75 percent of the funds made available 
        for a fiscal year under subsection (e) to the program 
        under subsection (c); and
          [(2) the remainder of the funds to deliver technical 
        assistance, education, and planning in the field to 
        Indian tribes.
  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section $2,500,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE V--HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 508. FUNDING.

  (a) [In General] Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2012.--Of the 
funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary of 
Agriculture shall make available $9,750,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2009 through 2012 to carry out this title.
  (b) Fiscal Years 2013 Through 2017.--There is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out 
this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
2017.
  (c) Additional Source of Funds.--In addition to funds 
appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in 
subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such 
amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry 
out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 
590a et seq.) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover 
the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement 
responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests 
reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 
504.
  [(b)] (d) Duration of Availability.--The funds made available 
under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


  SECTION 322 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1993

[SEC. 322. FOREST SERVICE DECISIONMAKING AND APPEALS REFORM.

  [(a) In General.--In accordance with this section, the 
Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the 
Forest Service, shall establish a notice and comment process 
for proposed actions of the Forest Service concerning projects 
and activities implementing land and resource management plans 
developed under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) and shall modify 
the procedure for appeals of decisions concerning such 
projects.
  [(b) Notice and Comment.--
          [(1) Notice.--Prior to proposing an action referred 
        to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall give notice 
        of the proposed action, and the availability of the 
        action for public comment by--
                  [(A) promptly mailing notice about the 
                proposed action to any person who has requested 
                it in writing, and to persons who are known to 
                have participated in the decisionmaking 
                process; and,
                  [(B)(i) in the case of an action taken by the 
                Chief of the Forest Service, publishing notice 
                of action in the Federal Register; or
                  [(ii) in the case of any other action 
                referred to in subsection (a), publishing 
                notice of the action in a newspaper of general 
                circulation that has previously been identified 
                in the Federal Register as the newspaper in 
                which notice under this paragraph may be 
                published.
          [(2) Comment.--The Secretary shall accept comments on 
        the proposed action within 30 days after publication of 
        the notice in accordance with paragraph (1).
  [(c) Right to Appeal.--Not later than 45 days after the date 
of issuance of a decision of the Forest Service concerning 
actions referred to in subsection (a), a person who was 
involved in the public comment process under subsection (b) 
through submission of written or oral comments or by otherwise 
notifying the Forest Service of their interest in the proposed 
action may file an appeal.
  [(d) Disposition of an Appeal.--
          [(1) Informal disposition.--
                  [(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph 
                (B), a designated employee of the Forest 
                Service shall offer to meet with each 
                individual who files an appeal in accordance 
                with subsection (c) and attempt to dispose of 
                the appeal.
                  [(B) Time and location of the meeting.--Each 
                meeting in accordance with subparagraph (A) 
                shall take place--
                          [(i) not later than 15 days after the 
                        closing date for filing an appeal; and
                          [(ii) at a location designated by the 
                        Chief of the Forest Service that is in 
                        the vicinity of the lands affected by 
                        the decision.
          [(2) Formal review.--If the appeal is not disposed of 
        in accordance with paragraph (1), an appeals review 
        officer designated by the Chief of the Forest Service 
        shall review the appeal and recommend in writing, to 
        the official responsible for deciding the appeal, the 
        appropriate disposition of the appeal. The official 
        responsible for deciding the appeal shall then decide 
        the appeal. The appeals review officer shall be a line 
        officer at least at the level of the agency official 
        who made the initial decision on the project or 
        activity that is under appeal, who has not participated 
        in the initial decision and will not be responsible for 
        implementation of the initial decision after the appeal 
        is decided.
          [(3) Time for disposition.--Disposition of appeals 
        under this subsection shall be completed not later than 
        30 days after the closing date for filing of an appeal, 
        provided that the Forest Service may extend the closing 
        date by an additional 15 days.
          [(4) If the Secretary fails to decide the appeal 
        within the 45-day period, the decision on which the 
        appeal is based shall be deemed to be a final agency 
        action for the purpose of chapter 7 of title 5, United 
        States Code.
  [(e) Stay.--Unless the Chief of the Forest Service determines 
that an emergency situation exists with respect to a decision 
of the Forest Service, implementation of the decision shall be 
stayed during the period beginning on the date of the 
decision--
          [(1) for 45 days, if an appeal is not filed, or
          [(2) for an additional 15 days after the date of the 
        disposition of an appeal under this section, if the 
        agency action is deemed final under subsection (d)(4).]
                              ----------                              


              GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE PREVENTION ACT OF 1990



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE XXIV--GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2405. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 
such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.]
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this 
section, there are authorized to be appropriated--
          (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal 
        years 1996 through 2012; and
          (2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


  SECTION 347 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

              STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING PROJECTS

  Sec. 347. (a) In General.--Until September 30, [2013] 2017, 
the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, via 
agreement or contract as appropriate, may enter into 
stewardship contracting projects with private persons or other 
public or private entities to perform services to achieve land 
management goals for the national forests and the public lands 
that meet local and rural community needs.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


            FARMER-TO-CONSUMER DIRECT MARKETING ACT OF 1976



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 6. FARMERS' MARKET AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM.

  (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out a program, 
to be known as the ``Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion 
Program'' (referred to in this section as the ``Program''), to 
make grants to eligible entities for projects to establish, 
expand, and promote [farmers' markets and to promote] direct 
producer-to-consumer marketing[.] and assist in the development 
of local food business enterprises.
  (b) Program Purposes.--
          [(1) In general.--The purposes of the Program are--
                  [(A) to increase domestic consumption of 
                agricultural commodities by improving and 
                expanding, or assisting in the improvement and 
                expansion of, domestic farmers' markets, 
                roadside stands, community-supported 
                agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, 
                and other direct producer-to-consumer market 
                opportunities; and
                  [(B) to develop, or aid in the development 
                of, new farmers' markets, roadside stands, 
                community-supported agriculture programs, agri-
                tourism activities, and other direct producer-
                to-consumer marketing opportunities.]
          (1) In general.--The purposes of the Program are to 
        increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access 
        to, locally and regionally produced agricultural 
        products by assisting in the development, improvement, 
        and expansion of--
                  (A) domestic farmers' markets, roadside 
                stands, community-supported agriculture 
                programs, agritourism activities, and other 
                direct producer-to-consumer market 
                opportunities; and
                  (B) local and regional food business 
                enterprises that process, distribute, 
                aggregate, and store locally or regionally 
                produced food products.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Eligible Entities.--An entity shall be eligible to 
receive a grant under the Program if the entity is--
          (1) an agricultural cooperative or other agricultural 
        business entity or a producer network or association, 
        including a community supported agriculture network or 
        association;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to applications submitted by 
eligible entities that include proposals for projects that--
          (1) benefit underserved communities;
          (2) develop market opportunities for small and mid-
        sized farm and ranch operations; and
          (3) include a strategic plan to maximize the use of 
        funds to build capacity for local and regional food 
        systems in a community.
  (f) Funds Requirements for Eligible Entities.--
          (1) Matching funds.--An entity receiving a grant 
        under this section for a project to carry out a purpose 
        described in subsection (b)(1)(B) shall provide 
        matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind 
        contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the 
        total cost of such project.
          (2) Limitation on use of funds.--An eligible entity 
        may not use a grant or other assistance provided under 
        this section for the purchase, construction, or 
        rehabilitation of a building or structure.
  [(e)] (g) Funding.--
          (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
        section--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 
                through 2010; [and]
                  (C) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 
                and 2012[.]; and
                  (D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 
                through 2017.
          [(2) Use of funds.--Not less than 10 percent of the 
        funds used to carry out this section in a fiscal year 
        under paragraph (1) shall be used to support the use of 
        electronic benefits transfers for Federal nutrition 
        programs at farmers' markets.]
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
        $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
          (3) Use of funds.--Of the funds made available to 
        carry out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of 
        such funds shall be used for the purposes described in 
        subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(1) and 50 percent of 
        such funds shall be used for the purposes described in 
        subparagraph (B) of such subsection.
          (4) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more 
        than 5 percent of the total amount made available to 
        carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used 
        for administrative expenses.
          [(3)] (5) Interdepartmental coordination.--In 
        carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall 
        ensure coordination between the various agencies to the 
        maximum extent practicable.
          [(4) Limitation.--Funds described in paragraph (2)--
                  [(A) may not be used for the ongoing cost of 
                carrying out any project; and
                  [(B) shall only be provided to eligible 
                entities that demonstrate a plan to continue to 
                provide EBT card access at 1 or more farmers' 
                markets following the receipt of the grant.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                  ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE XXI--ORGANIC CERTIFICATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2122. ADMINISTRATION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National Organic 
Program.--The Secretary shall modernize database and technology 
systems of the national organic program.

SEC. 2122A. INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT.

  (a) Investigation.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may take such 
        investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be 
        necessary to carry out this title--
                  (A) to verify the accuracy of any information 
                reported or made available under this title; 
                and
                  (B) to determine, with regard to actions, 
                practices, or information required under this 
                title, whether a person covered by this title 
                has committed a violation of any provision of 
                this title.
          (2) Investigative powers.--The Secretary may 
        administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, 
        compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and 
        require the production of any records required to be 
        maintained under section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are 
        relevant to the investigation.
  (b) Unlawful Act.--It shall be unlawful and a violation of 
this title for any person covered by this title--
          (1) to refuse to provide information required by the 
        Secretary under this title; or
          (2) to violate--
                  (A) a suspension or revocation of the organic 
                certification of a producer or handler; or
                  (B) a suspension or revocation of the 
                accreditation of a certifying agent.
  (c) Enforcement.--
          (1) Suspension.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary may, after 
                notice and opportunity for an expedited 
                administrative hearing, suspend the organic 
                certification of a producer or handler, or 
                accreditation of a certifying agent, if the 
                Secretary has reason to believe that a person 
                producing or handling an agricultural product, 
                or a certifying agent, has violated or is 
                violating any provision of this title. The 
                decision to suspend a certification under this 
                subparagraph by the Secretary may be appealed 
                to a United States district court not later 
                than 30 days after such decision is made and 
                shall not take effect until judicial review of 
                such decision is completed.
                  (B) Continuation of suspension through 
                appeal.--If the Secretary determines subsequent 
                to an investigation that a violation of this 
                title by a person covered by this title has 
                occurred, the suspension shall remain in effect 
                until the Secretary issues a revocation of the 
                certification of the person or of the 
                accreditation of the certifying agent, covered 
                by this title, after an expedited 
                administrative appeal under section 2121 has 
                been completed.
          (2) Revocation.--After notice and opportunity for an 
        administrative appeal under section 2121, if a 
        violation of this title is determined to have occurred, 
        the Secretary shall revoke the organic certification of 
        the producer or handler, or the accreditation of the 
        certifying agent.
  (d) Appeal.--
          (1) In general.--A revocation of a certification or 
        an accreditation under subsection (c)(2) shall be final 
        and conclusive unless the affected person files an 
        appeal of the revocation, if the affected person so 
        elects, to a United States district court as provided 
        in section 2121(b) not later than 30 days after the 
        date of the revocation under subsection (c)(2).
          (2) Standard.--A revocation of a certification or an 
        accreditation under subsection (c)(2) shall be set 
        aside only if the revocation of such certification or 
        such accreditation is clearly erroneous.
  (e) Noncompliance.--
          (1) In general.--If a person covered by this title 
        fails to obey a revocation of a certification or an 
        accreditation under subsection (c)(2) after such 
        revocation has become final and conclusive or after the 
        appropriate United States district court has entered a 
        final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United 
        States may apply to the appropriate United States 
        district court for enforcement of such revocation.
          (2) Enforcement.--If the court determines that the 
        revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that 
        the person violated the revocation, the court shall 
        enforce the revocation.
          (3) Civil penalty.--If the court finds that the 
        person violated the revocation of a certification or an 
        accreditation under subsection (c)(2), the person shall 
        be subject to one or more of the penalties provided in 
        subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120.

SEC. 2123. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) * * *
  (b) National Organic Program.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, in order to carry out activities under the 
national organic program established under this title, there 
are authorized to be appropriated--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; [and]
          (6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
        2017; and
          [(6)] (7) in addition to those amounts, such 
        additional sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2009 
        and each fiscal year thereafter.
  (c) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National Organic 
Program.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation and 
in addition to any other funds made available to carry out 
section 2122(c), the Secretary shall use to carry out such 
section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, to remain available 
until expended.
                              ----------                              


              SPECIALTY CROPS COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2004



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
             TITLE I--STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS

SEC. 101. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.

  (a) Availability and Purpose of Grants.--Using the funds made 
available under [subsection (j)] subsection (l), the Secretary 
of Agriculture shall make grants to States for each of the 
fiscal years 2005 through [2012] 2017 to be used by State 
departments of agriculture solely to enhance the 
competitiveness of specialty crops.
  [(b) Grants Based on Value of Production.--Subject to 
subsection (c), the amount of the grant for a fiscal year to a 
State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total 
amount made available under subsection (j) for that fiscal year 
as the value of specialty crop production in the State during 
the preceding calendar year bears to the value of specialty 
crop production during the preceding calendar year in all 
States whose application for a grant for that fiscal year is 
accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f).]
  (b) Grants Based on Value and Acreage.--Subject to subsection 
(c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal 
year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), 
the amount of the grant for such fiscal year to the State under 
this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made 
available under subsection (l)(1) for such fiscal year as--
          (1) the average of the most recent available value of 
        specialty crop production in the State and the acreage 
        of specialty crop production in the State, as 
        demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture 
        data; bears to
          (2) the average of the most recent available value of 
        specialty crop production in all States and the acreage 
        of specialty crop production in all States, as 
        demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture 
        data.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (j) Multistate Projects.--Not later than 180 days after the 
effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk 
Management Act of 2012, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate 
projects under this section for projects involving--
          (1) food safety;
          (2) plant pests and disease;
          (3) research;
          (4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; 
        and
          (5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this 
        section, as determined by the Secretary.
  (k) Administration.--
          (1) Department.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not 
        use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to 
        carry out this section for a fiscal year for 
        administrative expenses.
          (2) States.--A State receiving a grant under this 
        section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds 
        received under the grant for a fiscal year for 
        administrative expenses.
  [(j)] (l) Funding.--[Of the funds]
          (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
        Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make 
        grants under this section, using--
                  [(1)] (A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
                  [(2)] (B) $49,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; 
                [and]
                  [(3)] (C) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal 
                years 2010 through 2012[.]; and
                  (D) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each 
                fiscal year thereafter.
          (2) Multistate projects.--Of the funds made available 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out 
        subsection (j), to remain available until expended--
                  (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
                  (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
                  (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
                  (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
                  (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                            EXPORT APPLE ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
  Sec. 4. [Apples in] (a) Apples in less than carload lots as 
defined by the Secretary may, in his discretion, be shipped to 
any foreign country without complying with the provisions of 
this Act.
  (b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without 
complying with the provisions of this Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  Sec. 9. That when used in this Act--
  (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (5) The term ``bulk bin'' means a bin that contains a 
quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                      AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ACT

TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Part 2--Commodity Benefits

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 8e. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsections (c) and 
(d) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever a 
marketing order issued by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant 
to section 8c of this Act contains any terms or conditions 
regulating the grade, size, quality, or maturity of tomatoes, 
raisins, olives (other than Spanish-style green olives), olive 
oil, prunes, avocados, mangoes, limes, grapefruit, green 
peppers, Irish potatoes, cucumbers, oranges, onions, walnuts, 
dates, filberts, table grapes, eggplants, kiwifruit, 
nectarines, clementines, plums, pistachios, apples, or 
caneberries (including raspberries, blackberries, and 
loganberries) produced in the United States the importation 
into the United States of any such commodity, other than dates 
for processing, during the period of time such order is in 
effect shall be prohibited unless it complies with the grade, 
size, quality, and maturity provisions of such order or 
comparable restrictions promulgated hereunder: Provided, That 
this prohibition shall not apply to such commodities when 
shipped into continental United States from the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico or any Territory or possession of the United States 
where this Act has force and effect: Provided further, That 
whenever two or more such marketing orders regulating the same 
agricultural commodity produced in different areas of the 
United States are concurrently in effect, the importation into 
the United States of any such commodity, other than dates for 
processing, shall be prohibited unless it complies with the 
grade, size, quality, and maturity provisions of the order 
which, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture, regulates 
the commodity produced in the area with which the imported 
commodity is in most direct competition. Such prohibition shall 
not become effective until after the giving of such notice as 
the Secretary of Agriculture determines reasonable, which shall 
not be less than three days. In determining the amount of 
notice that is reasonable in the case of tomatoes the Secretary 
of Agriculture shall give due consideration to the time 
required for their transportation and entry into the United 
States after picking. Whenever the Secretary of Agriculture 
finds that the application of the restrictions under a 
marketing order to an imported commodity is not practicable 
because of variations in characteristics between the domestic 
and imported commodity he shall establish with respect to the 
imported commodity, other than dates for processing, such 
grade, size, quality, and maturity restrictions by varieties, 
types, or other classifications as he finds will be equivalent 
or comparable to those imposed upon the domestic commodity 
under such order. The Secretary of Agriculture may promulgate 
such rules and regulations as he deems necessary, to carry out 
the provisions of this section. Any person who violates any 
provision if this section or of any rule, regulation, or order 
promulgated hereunder shall be subject to a forfeiture in the 
amount prescribed in section 8a(5) or, upon conviction, a 
penalty in the amount prescribed in section 8c(14) of the Act, 
or to both such forfeiture and penalty.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                          PLANT PROTECTION ACT

TITLE IV--PLANT PROTECTION ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                      Subtitle A--Plant Protection

SEC. 411. REGULATION OF MOVEMENT OF PLANT PESTS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Limitation on Analyses and Procedures for Permits.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the analyses or 
procedures required under the regulations issued by the 
Secretary under the Federal Plant Pest Act and continued in 
effect in accordance with section 438(c) shall be the only 
analyses or procedures required or authorized by law with 
respect to reviewing and taking action on an application for a 
permit submitted under subsection (a).
  (d) Environmental Analysis Applicable to Certain Permits.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in reviewing an 
application for a permit submitted under subsection (a) that is 
not excluded from environmental review under regulations issued 
by the Secretary in effect on the date of the enactment of this 
subsection (or any successor regulations), the Secretary shall 
conduct an environmental analysis described in section 
411A(b)(1)(B). Such analysis shall be the only environmental 
analysis or procedure required or authorized by law with 
respect to reviewing and taking action on such an application.
  [(c)] (e) Authorization of Movement of Plant Pests by 
Regulation.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(d)] (f) Prohibition of Unauthorized Mailing of Plant 
Pests.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(e)] (g) Regulations.--Regulations issued by the Secretary 
to implement subsections (a), (c), and (d) may include 
provisions requiring that any plant pest imported, entered, to 
be exported, moved in interstate commerce, mailed, or delivered 
from any post office--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 411A. PETITION TO DETERMINE ORGANISM NOT A PLANT PEST.

  (a) Petition.--A person may petition the Secretary for a 
determination that an organism that is subject to regulation by 
the Secretary as a plant pest under this Act is not a plant 
pest for purposes of this Act.
  (b) Review of Petition.--
          (1) Assessment and analysis required.--In reviewing a 
        petition submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary 
        shall conduct the following with respect to an organism 
        that is the subject of the petition:
                  (A) Plant pest risk assessment.--An 
                assessment of the likelihood that such organism 
                is a plant pest.
                  (B) Environmental analysis.--An analysis of 
                any likely adverse effects of such organism on 
                the soil, water, air quality, non-target 
                organisms, and listed threatened and endangered 
                species and the critical habitat of such 
                species for the environment in which such 
                organism is likely to be grown or otherwise 
                used under the conditions specified in such 
                petition.
          (2) Determination.--The Secretary shall issue a 
        determination that an organism is not a plant pest for 
        purposes of this Act if the Secretary determines, based 
        on sound science and the plant pest risk assessment 
        conducted under paragraph (1)(A), that an organism is 
        not likely to be a plant pest.
          (3) Review period.--
                  (A) Initial review period.--Not later than 
                one year after the date on which the Secretary 
                determines that a petition submitted under 
                subsection (a) is complete, the Secretary shall 
                complete the plant pest risk assessment and the 
                environmental analysis required under paragraph 
                (1) and issue a determination with respect to 
                such petition under paragraph (2).
                  (B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend the 
                one-year review period referred to in 
                subparagraph (A) for a petition for one 
                additional period of not more than 180 days if 
                the Secretary determines that additional review 
                is necessary. The Secretary shall notify the 
                person who submitted the petition, in writing, 
                of the reasons for the extension and an 
                estimate of the time period necessary to 
                complete the review.
          (4) Effect of failure to meet time period.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if after 
        completing the plant pest risk assessment, but not the 
        environmental analysis, required under paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary finds that there is no reason to believe 
        that an organism is a plant pest and does not grant or 
        deny a petition submitted under subsection (a) with 
        respect to such organism within the time period 
        required under paragraph (3), such organism shall be 
        deemed not to be a plant pest for purposes of this Act.
          (5) Effect on pesticide registration.--In the case of 
        an organism containing a plant-incorporated protectant 
        (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation) with 
        respect to which an application for registration of the 
        plant-incorporated protectant is pending under the 
        Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 
        U.S.C. 136a et seq.), a determination made under 
        paragraph (2) that an organism is not a plant pest or 
        the deeming that an organism is not a plant pest under 
        paragraph (4) shall not be effective until the 
        registration of the plant-incorporated protectant 
        contained in such organism is approved under the 
        Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 
        U.S.C. 136a et seq.). If such registration is not 
        approved, a determination made under paragraph (2) that 
        an organism is not a plant pest or a deeming that an 
        organism is not a plant pest under paragraph (4) shall 
        not become effective.
          (6) Subsequent authority to regulate.--
        Notwithstanding a determination that an organism is not 
        a plant pest under paragraph (2) or that such organism 
        has been deemed not to be a plant pest under paragraph 
        (4), the Secretary may issue a determination, based on 
        information discovered after the date of such 
        determination or the date on which the organism was so 
        deemed and sound science, that an organism is a plant 
        pest for purposes of this Act.
          (7) Public notice.--
                  (A) Notice.--The Secretary shall publish 
                notice in the Federal Register of--
                          (i) the grant or denial of a petition 
                        submitted under subsection (a) with 
                        respect to an organism; or
                          (ii) the deeming that such organism 
                        is not a plant pest under paragraph 
                        (4).
                  (B) Risk assessments and environmental 
                analysis.--The Secretary shall provide to the 
                person who submitted a petition under 
                subsection (a), and make available to the 
                public, the risk assessment and environmental 
                analysis prepared under paragraph (1) with 
                respect to such petition.
  (c) Applicability of Environmental Analysis Conducted for 
Petition to Determine Organism Not a Plant Pest.--
          (1) Exclusive analysis performed.--Notwithstanding 
        any other provision of law, the environmental analysis 
        required under subsection (b)(1) and as specifically 
        described in such subsection shall be the only analysis 
        or procedure regarding the effects on the environment 
        of an organism that is the subject of a petition 
        submitted under subsection (a) required or authorized 
        by law with respect to reviewing and taking action on 
        such a petition.
          (2) Prohibition on use of funds for other analyses.--
        No funds made available by any Act shall be obligated, 
        expended, or used for any analysis or procedure 
        regarding the effects on the environment of an organism 
        conducted for purposes of this section other than the 
        environmental analysis required under subsection 
        (b)(1).
          (3) Prohibition on solicitation of funds for 
        environmental analysis.--The Secretary shall not 
        require or solicit any financial assistance from a 
        person submitting a petition under subsection (a) for 
        any analysis or procedure regarding the effects on the 
        environment of an organism or for any other analysis or 
        procedure not specifically authorized by subsection 
        (b)(1).
  (d) Use of Data From Permits for Purposes of Petition for a 
Determination That an Organism Not a Plant Pest.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall 
use data collected under a permit issued by the Secretary under 
section 411(a) with respect to an organism, among other 
relevant data, for purposes of the review of a petition 
submitted under subsection (a) with respect to such organism.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 420. PLANT PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND DISASTER PREVENTION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e) National Clean Plant Network.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
        program to be known as the ``National Clean Plant 
        Network'' (referred to in this subsection as the 
        ``Program'').
          (2) Requirements.--Under the Program, the Secretary 
        shall establish a network of clean plant centers for 
        diagnostic and pathogen elimination services--
                  (A) to produce clean propagative plant 
                material; and
                  (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested 
                plant material in sites located throughout the 
                United States.
          (3) Availability of clean plant source material.--
        Clean plant source material produced or maintained 
        under the Program may be made available to--
                  (A) a State for a certified plant program of 
                the State; and
                  (B) private nurseries and producers.
          (4) Consultation and collaboration.--In carrying out 
        the Program, the Secretary shall--
                  (A) consult with--
                          (i) State departments of agriculture; 
                        and
                          (ii) land-grant colleges and 
                        universities and NLGCA Institutions (as 
                        those terms are defined in section 1404 
                        of the National Agricultural Research, 
                        Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
                        1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
                  (B) to the extent practicable and with input 
                from the appropriate State officials and 
                industry representatives, use existing Federal 
                or State facilities to serve as clean plant 
                centers.
  [(e)] (f) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out 
this section--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; [and]
          (4) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 [and each fiscal 
        year thereafter.]; and
          (5) $71,500,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal 
        year thereafter.
  (g) Relationship to Other Law.--The use of Commodity Credit 
Corporation funds under this section to provide technical 
assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund 
transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of 
the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by 
section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 
U.S.C. 714i).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


          FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

  For purposes of this Act--
  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (oo) Vector.--The term ``vector'' means any organism capable 
of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or capable 
of producing human discomfort or injury, including mosquitoes, 
flies, fleas, cockroaches, bed bugs, or other insects and 
ticks, mites, or rats.

SEC. 3. REGISTRATION OF PESTICIDES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Miscellaneous.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Use of authorized pesticides.--Except as provided 
        in section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution 
        Control Act, the Administrator or a State may not 
        require a permit under such Act for a discharge from a 
        point source into navigable waters of a pesticide 
        authorized for sale, distribution, or use under this 
        Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from 
        the application of such pesticide.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 4. REREGISTRATION OF REGISTERED PESTICIDES.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (i) Fees.--
          [(1) Initial fee for food or feed use pesticide 
        active ingredients.--The registrants of pesticides that 
        contain an active ingredient that is listed under 
        subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of subsection (c)(2) and 
        that is an active ingredient of any pesticide 
        registered for a major food or feed use shall 
        collectively pay a fee of $50,000 on submission of 
        information under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection 
        (d) for such ingredient.
          [(2) Final fee for food or feed use pesticide active 
        ingredients.--
                  [(A) The registrants of pesticides that 
                contain an active ingredient that is listed 
                under subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of 
                subsection (c)(2) and that is an active 
                ingredient of any pesticide registered for a 
                major food or feed use shall collectively pay a 
                fee of $100,000--
                          [(i) on submission of information for 
                        such ingredient under subsection (e)(1) 
                        if data are reformatted under 
                        subsection (e)(1)(C); or
                          [(ii) on submission of data for such 
                        ingredient under subsection (e)(2)(B) 
                        if data are not reformatted under 
                        subsection (e)(1)(C).
                  [(B) The registrants of pesticides that 
                contain an active ingredient that is listed 
                under subsection (c)(2)(A) and that is an 
                active ingredient of any pesticide registered 
                for a major food or feed use shall collectively 
                pay a fee of $150,000 at such time as the 
                Administrator shall prescribe.
          [(3) Fees for other pesticide active ingredients.--
                  [(A) The registrants of pesticides that 
                contain an active ingredient that is listed 
                under subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of 
                subsection (c)(2) and that is not an active 
                ingredient of any pesticide registered for a 
                major food or feed use shall collectively pay 
                fees in amounts determined by the 
                Administrator. Such fees may not be less than 
                one-half of, nor greater than, the fees 
                required by paragraphs (1) and (2). A 
                registrant shall pay such fees at the times 
                corresponding to the times fees prescribed by 
                paragraphs (1) and (2) are to be paid.
                  [(B) The registrants of pesticides that 
                contain an active ingredient that is listed 
                under subsection (c)(2)(A) and that is not an 
                active ingredient of any pesticide that is 
                registered for a major food or feed use shall 
                collectively pay a fee of not more than 
                $100,000 and not less than $50,000 at such time 
                as the Administrator shall prescribe.
          [(4) Reduction or waiver of fees for minor use and 
        other pesticides.--
                  [(A) An active ingredient that is contained 
                only in pesticides that are registered solely 
                for agricultural or nonagricultural minor uses, 
                or a pesticide the value or volume of use of 
                which is small, shall be exempt from the fees 
                prescribed by paragraph (3).
                  [(B) The Administrator shall exempt any 
                public health pesticide from the payment of the 
                fee prescribed under paragraph (3) if, in 
                consultation with the Secretary of Health and 
                Human Services, the Administrator determines, 
                based on information supplied by the 
                registrant, that the economic return to the 
                registrant from sales of the pesticide does not 
                support the registration or reregistration of 
                the pesticide.
                  [(C) An antimicrobial active ingredient, the 
                production level of which does not exceed 
                1,000,000 pounds per year, shall be exempt from 
                the fees prescribed by paragraph (3). For 
                purposes of this subparagraph, the term 
                ``antimicrobial active ingredient'' means any 
                active ingredient that is contained only in 
                pesticides that are not registered for any food 
                or feed use and that are--
                          [(i) sanitizers intended to reduce 
                        the number of living bacteria or viable 
                        virus particles on inanimate surface or 
                        in water or air;
                          [(ii) bacteriostats intended to 
                        inhibit the growth of bacteria in the 
                        presence of moisture;
                          [(iii) disinfectants intended to 
                        destroy or irreversibly inactivate 
                        bacteria, fungi, or viruses on surfaces 
                        or inanimate objects;
                          [(iv) sterilizers intended to destroy 
                        viruses and all living bacteria, fungi, 
                        and their spores on inanimate surfaces; 
                        or
                          [(v) fungicides or fungistats.
                  [(D)(i) Notwithstanding any other provision 
                of this subsection, in the case of a small 
                business registrant of a pesticide, the 
                registrant shall pay a fee for the 
                reregistration of each active ingredient of the 
                pesticide that does not exceed an amount 
                determined in accordance with this 
                subparagraph.
                  [(ii) If during the 3-year period prior to 
                reregistration the average annual gross revenue 
                of the registrant from pesticides containing 
                such active ingredient is--
                          [(I) less than $5,000,000, the 
                        registrant shall pay 0.5 percent of 
                        such revenue;
                          [(II) $5,000,000 or more but less 
                        than $10,000,000, the registrant shall 
                        pay 1 percent of such revenue; or
                          [(III) $10,000,000 or more, the 
                        registrant shall pay 1.5 percent of 
                        such revenue, but not more than 
                        $150,000.
                  [(iii) For the purpose of this subparagraph, 
                a small business registrant is a corporation, 
                partnership, or unincorporated business that--
                          [(I) has 150 or fewer employees; and
                          [(II) during the 3-year period prior 
                        to reregistration, had an average 
                        annual gross revenue from chemicals 
                        that did not exceed $40,000,000.]
          [(5)] (1) Maintenance fee.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Total amount of fees.--The amount of each 
                fee prescribed under subparagraph (A) shall be 
                adjusted by the Administrator to a level that 
                will result in the collection under this 
                paragraph of, to the extent practicable, an 
                [aggregate amount of $22,000,000 for each of 
                fiscal years 2008 through 2012] aggregate 
                amount of $27,800,000 for each of fiscal years 
                2013 through 2017.
                  (D) Maximum amount of fees for registrants.--
                The maximum annual fee payable under this 
                paragraph by--
                          (i) a registrant holding not more 
                        than 50 pesticide registrations [shall 
                        be $71,000 for each of fiscal years 
                        2008 through 2012;] shall be $115,500 
                        for each of fiscal years 2013 through 
                        2017; and
                          (ii) a registrant holding over 50 
                        registrations [shall be $123,000 for 
                        each of fiscal years 2008 through 
                        2012.] shall be $184,800 for each of 
                        fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
                  (E) Maximum amount of fees for small 
                businesses.--
                          (i) In general.--For a small 
                        business, the maximum annual fee 
                        payable under this paragraph by--
                                  (I) a registrant holding not 
                                more than 50 pesticide 
                                registrations [shall be $50,000 
                                for each of fiscal years 2008 
                                through 2012;] shall be $70,600 
                                for each of fiscal years 2013 
                                through 2017; and
                                  (II) a registrant holding 
                                over 50 pesticide registrations 
                                [shall be $86,000 for each of 
                                fiscal years 2008 through 
                                2012.] shall be $122,100 for 
                                each of fiscal years 2013 
                                through 2017.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (F) Fee reduction for certain small 
                businesses.--
                          (i) Waiver.--Except as provided in 
                        clause (ii), the Administrator shall 
                        waive 25 percent of the fee under this 
                        paragraph applicable to the first 
                        registration of any qualified small 
                        business entity under this paragraph.
                          (ii) Limitation.--The Administrator 
                        shall not grant a waiver under clause 
                        (i) to a qualified small business 
                        entity if the Administrator determines 
                        that the entity has been formed or 
                        manipulated primarily for the purpose 
                        of qualifying for the waiver.
                          (iii) Definition.--For purposes of 
                        this subparagraph, the term ``qualified 
                        small business entity'' means a 
                        corporation, partnership, or 
                        unincorporated business that--
                                  (I) has 500 or fewer 
                                employees;
                                  (II) during the 3-year period 
                                prior to the most recent 
                                maintenance fee billing cycle, 
                                had an average annual global 
                                gross revenue from all sources 
                                that did not exceed 
                                $10,000,000; and
                                  (III) holds not more than 5 
                                pesticide registrations under 
                                this paragraph.
                  [(F)] (G) The Administrator shall exempt any 
                public health pesticide from the payment of the 
                fee prescribed under [paragraph (3)] this 
                paragraph if, in consultation with the 
                Secretary of Health and Humans Services, the 
                Administrator determines, based on information 
                supplied by the registrant, that the economic 
                return to the registrant from sales of the 
                pesticide does not support the registration or 
                reregistration of the pesticide.
                  [(G)] (H) If any fee prescribed by this 
                paragraph with respect to the registration of a 
                pesticide is not paid by a registrant by the 
                time prescribed, the Administrator, by order 
                and without hearing, may cancel the 
                registration.
                  [(H)] (I) The authority provided under this 
                paragraph shall terminate on September 30, 
                [2012] 2017.
          [(6)] (2) Other fees.--Except as provided in section 
        33, during the period beginning on the date of 
        enactment of this section and ending on September 30, 
        [2014] 2019, the Administrator may not levy any other 
        fees for the registration of a pesticide under this Act 
        except as provided in [paragraphs (1) through (5)] 
        paragraph (5).
          [(7) Apportionment.--
                  [(A) If two or more registrants are required 
                to pay any fee prescribed by paragraph (1), 
                (2), or (3) with respect to a particular active 
                ingredient, the fees for such active ingredient 
                shall be apportioned among such registrants on 
                the basis of the market share in United States 
                sales of the active ingredient for the 3 
                calendar years preceding the date of payment of 
                such fee, except that--
                          [(i) small business registrants that 
                        produce the active ingredient shall pay 
                        fees in accordance with paragraph 
                        (4)(C); and
                          [(ii) registrants who have no market 
                        share but who choose to reregister a 
                        pesticide containing such active 
                        ingredient shall pay the lesser of--
                                  [(I) 15 percent of the 
                                reregistration fee; or
                                  [(II) a proportionate amount 
                                of such fee based on the lowest 
                                percentage market share held by 
                                any registrant active in the 
                                marketplace.
                        In no event shall registrants who have 
                        no market share but who choose to 
                        reregister a pesticide containing such 
                        active ingredient collectively pay more 
                        than 25 percent of the total active 
                        ingredient reregistration fee.
                  [(B) The Administrator, by order, may require 
                any registrant to submit such reports as the 
                Administrator determines to be necessary to 
                allow the Administrator to determine and 
                apportion fees under this subsection, to 
                determine the registrant's eligibility for a 
                reduction or waiver of a fee, or to determine 
                the volume usage for public health pesticides.
                  [(C) If any such report is not submitted by a 
                registrant after receiving notice of such 
                report requirement, or if any fee prescribed by 
                this subsection (other than paragraph (5)) for 
                an active ingredient is not paid by a 
                registrant to the Administrator by the time 
                prescribed under this subsection, the 
                Administrator, by order and without hearing, 
                may cancel each registration held by such 
                registrant of a pesticide containing the active 
                ingredient with respect to which the fee is 
                imposed. The Administrator shall reapportion 
                the fee among the remaining registrants and 
                notify the registrants that the registrants are 
                required to pay to the Administrator any unpaid 
                balance of the fee within 30 days after receipt 
                of such notice.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Source and use.--
                  (A) All moneys derived from fees collected by 
                the Administrator under subsection (i) shall be 
                deposited in the fund and shall be available to 
                the Administrator, without fiscal year 
                limitation, specifically to offset the costs of 
                reregistration and expedited processing of the 
                applications specified in paragraph (3), to 
                enhance the information systems capabilities to 
                improve the tracking of pesticide registration 
                decisions, and to offset the costs of 
                registration review under section 3(g). Such 
                moneys derived from fees may not be expended in 
                any fiscal year to the extent such moneys 
                derived from fees would exceed money 
                appropriated for use by the Administrator and 
                expended in such year for such costs of 
                reregistration and expedited processing of such 
                applications. The Administrator shall, prior to 
                expending any such moneys derived from fees--
                          (i) effective October 1, 1997, adopt 
                        specific and cost accounting rules and 
                        procedures as approved by the General 
                        Accounting Office and the Inspector 
                        General of the Environmental Protection 
                        Agency to ensure that moneys derived 
                        from fees are allocated solely to 
                        offset the costs of reregistration and 
                        expedited processing of the 
                        applications specified in paragraph 
                        (3), to enhance the information systems 
                        capabilities to improve the tracking of 
                        pesticide registration decisions, and 
                        to offset the costs of registration 
                        review under section 3(g) [in the same 
                        portion as appropriated funds];
                          (ii) prohibit the use of such moneys 
                        derived from fees to pay for any costs 
                        other than those necessary to achieve 
                        reregistration and expedited processing 
                        of the applications specified in 
                        paragraph (3), to enhance the 
                        information systems capabilities to 
                        improve the tracking of pesticide 
                        registration decisions, and to offset 
                        the costs of registration review under 
                        section 3(g); and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Review of inert ingredients; expedited processing 
        of similar applications.--
                  (A) The Administrator shall use for each of 
                the fiscal years 2004 through 2006, 
                approximately $3,300,000, and for each of 
                fiscal years [2008 through 2012, between \1/8\ 
                and \1/7\] 2013 through 2017, between \1/9\ and 
                \1/8\, of the maintenance fees collected in 
                such fiscal year to obtain sufficient personnel 
                and resources--
                          (i) to review and evaluate [new] 
                        inert ingredients; and

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Enhancements of information technology systems 
        for improvement in review of pesticide applications.--
                  (A) In general.--For each of fiscal years 
                2013 through 2017, the Administrator shall use 
                not more than $800,000 of the amounts made 
                available to the Administrator in the 
                Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund 
                for the activities described in subparagraph 
                (B).
                  (B) Activities.--The Administrator shall use 
                amounts made available from such Fund to 
                improve the information systems capabilities 
                for the Office of Pesticide Programs to enhance 
                tracking of pesticide registration decisions, 
                which shall include--
                          (i) the electronic tracking of--
                                  (I) registration submissions; 
                                and
                                  (II) the status of 
                                conditional registrations;
                          (ii) enhancing the database for 
                        information regarding endangered 
                        species assessments for registration 
                        review;
                          (iii) implementing the capability to 
                        electronically review labels submitted 
                        with registration actions; and
                          (iv) acquiring and implementing the 
                        capability to electronically assess and 
                        evaluate confidential statements of 
                        formula submitted with registration 
                        actions.
          [(4)] (5) Unused funds.--Money in the fund not 
        currently needed to carry out this section shall be--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(5)] (6) Accounting and performance.--The 
        Administrator shall take all steps necessary to ensure 
        that expenditures from fees authorized by subsection 
        (i)(5)(C)(ii) are used only [to carry out the goals 
        established under subsection (l)] for the purposes 
        described in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) and to carry 
        out the goals established under subsection (l). The 
        Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund shall be 
        designated as an Environmental Protection Agency 
        component for purposes of section 3515(c) of title 31, 
        United States Code. The annual audit required under 
        section 3521 of such title of the financial statements 
        of activities under this Act under section 3515(b) of 
        such title shall include an audit of the fees collected 
        under subsection (i)(5)(C) and disbursed, of the amount 
        appropriated to match such fees, and of the 
        Administrator's attainment of performance measures and 
        goals established under subsection (l). Such an audit 
        shall also include a review of the reasonableness of 
        the overhead allocation and adequacy of disclosures of 
        direct and indirect costs associated with carrying out 
        the reregistration and expedited processing of the 
        applications specified in paragraph (3), and the basis 
        for and accuracy of all costs paid with moneys derived 
        from such fees. The Inspector General shall conduct the 
        annual audit and report the findings and 
        recommendations of such audit to the Administrator and 
        to the Committees on Agriculture of the House of 
        Representatives and the Senate. The cost of such audit 
        shall be paid for out of the fees collected under 
        subsection (i)(5)(C).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 25. AUTHORITY OF ADMINISTRATOR.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Exemption of Pesticides.--The Administrator may exempt 
from the requirements of this Act by regulation any pesticide 
which the Administrator determines either (1) to be adequately 
regulated by another Federal agency, or (2) to be of a 
character which is unnecessary to be subject to this Act in 
order to carry out the purposes of this Act. Notwithstanding 
the exemption of a pesticide under this subsection, the 
Administrator shall require the submission of efficacy data 
(and evaluate such data) if the pesticide is labeled for or 
proposed to be labeled for the control of a pest of public 
health significance. The Administrator shall not permit the 
sale or distribution of any product that is marketed, 
distributed, or sold with a claim that such product will 
control a public health pest if the efficacy data submitted 
under this subsection does not support such claim.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 33. PESTICIDE REGISTRATION SERVICE FEES.

  (a) * * *
  (b) Fees.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Schedule of covered applications and registration 
        service fees.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after 
                the effective date of the [Pesticide 
                Registration Improvement Renewal Act] Federal 
                Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 
                2012, the Administrator shall publish in the 
                Federal Register a schedule of covered 
                pesticide registration applications and 
                corresponding registration service fees.
                  (B) Report.--Subject to paragraph (6), the 
                schedule shall be the same as the applicable 
                schedule appearing in the Congressional Record 
                on pages [S10409 through S10411, dated July 31, 
                2007.] S___ through S___, dated ___.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (6) Fee adjustment.--
                  (A) In general.--Effective for a covered 
                pesticide registration application received 
                during the period beginning on [October 1, 
                2008] October 1, 2013, and ending on [September 
                30, 2010] September 30, 2015, the Administrator 
                shall increase by 5 percent the registration 
                service fee payable for the application under 
                paragraph (3).
                  (B) Additional adjustment.--Effective for a 
                covered pesticide registration application 
                received on or after [October 1, 2010] October 
                1, 2015, the Administrator shall increase by an 
                additional 5 percent the registration service 
                fee in effect as of [September 30, 2010] 
                September 30, 2015.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (8) Refunds.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (C) Discretionary refunds.--
                          (i) * * *
                          (ii) Basis.--The Administrator may 
                        provide a refund for an application 
                        under this subparagraph--
                                  (I) on the basis that, in 
                                reviewing the application, the 
                                Administrator has considered 
                                data submitted in support of 
                                another pesticide registration 
                                application; [or]
                                  (II) on the basis that the 
                                Administrator completed 
                                portions of the review of the 
                                application before the 
                                effective date of this 
                                section[.]; or
                                  (III) on the basis that the 
                                Administrator rejected the 
                                application under subsection 
                                (f)(4)(B).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Pesticide Registration Fund.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Expenditures from fund.--
                  (A) * * *
                  (B) Worker protection.--
                          (i) In general.--For each of fiscal 
                        years [2008 through 2012] 2013 through 
                        2017, the Administrator shall use 
                        approximately \1/17\ of the amount in 
                        the Fund (but not less than $1,000,000) 
                        to enhance scientific and regulatory 
                        activities relating to worker 
                        protection.
                          (ii) Partnership grants.--Of the 
                        amounts in the Fund, the Administrator 
                        shall use for partnership [grants--
                                  [(I) for each of fiscal years 
                                2008 and 2009, $750,000; and
                                  [(II) for each of fiscal 
                                years 2010 through 2012, 
                                $500,000.] grants, for each of 
                                fiscal years 2013 through 2017, 
                                $500,000.
                          (iii) Pesticide safety education 
                        program.--Of the amounts in the Fund, 
                        the Administrator shall use $500,000 
                        for each of fiscal years [2008 through 
                        2012] 2013 through 2017 to carry out 
                        the pesticide safety education program.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Assessment of Fees.--
          (1) * * *
          (2) Minimum amount of appropriations.--Registration 
        service fees may not be assessed for a fiscal year 
        under this section unless the amount of appropriations 
        for salaries, contracts, and expenses for the functions 
        (as in existence in fiscal year [2002] 2012) of the 
        Office of Pesticide Programs of the Environmental 
        Protection Agency for the fiscal year (excluding the 
        amount of any fees appropriated for the fiscal year) 
        are equal to or greater than the amount of 
        appropriations for covered functions for fiscal year 
        [2002] 2012 (excluding the amount of any fees 
        appropriated for the fiscal year).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          [(4) Compliance.--The requirements of paragraph (2) 
        shall have been considered to have been met for any 
        fiscal year if the amount of appropriations for 
        salaries, contracts, and expenses for the functions (as 
        in existence in fiscal year 2002) of the Office of 
        Pesticide Programs of the Environmental Protection 
        Agency for the fiscal year (excluding the amount of any 
        fees appropriated for the fiscal year) is not more than 
        3 percent below the amount of appropriations for 
        covered functions for fiscal year 2002 (excluding the 
        amount of any fees appropriated for the fiscal year).]
          [(5)] (4) Subsequent authority.--If the Administrator 
        does not assess registration service fees under 
        subsection (b) during any portion of a fiscal year as 
        the result of paragraph (2) and is subsequently 
        permitted to assess the fees under subsection (b) 
        during the fiscal year, the Administrator shall assess 
        and collect the fees, without any modification in rate, 
        at any time during the fiscal year, notwithstanding any 
        provisions of subsection (b) relating to the date fees 
        are to be paid.
  (e) Reforms to Reduce Decision Time Review Periods.--To the 
maximum extent practicable consistent with the degrees of risk 
presented by pesticides and the type of review appropriate to 
evaluate risks, the Administrator shall identify and evaluate 
reforms to the pesticide registration process under this Act 
with the goal of reducing decision review periods in effect on 
the effective date of the [Pesticide Registration Improvement 
Act of 2003] Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act 
of 2012 for pesticide registration actions for covered 
pesticide registration applications (including reduced risk 
applications).
  (f) Decision Time Review Periods.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the 
        effective date of the [Pesticide Registration 
        Improvement Renewal Act] Federal Agriculture Reform and 
        Risk Management Act of 2012, the Administrator shall 
        publish in the Federal Register a schedule of decision 
        review periods for covered pesticide registration 
        actions and corresponding registration service fees 
        under this Act.
          (2) Report.--The schedule shall be the same as the 
        applicable schedule appearing in the Congressional 
        Record on pages [S10409 through S10411, dated July 31, 
        2007.] S__ through S___, dated ___.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (4) Start of decision time review period.--
                  (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), in the case of 
                a pesticide registration application 
                accompanied by the registration service fee 
                required under this section, the decision time 
                review period begins 21 days after the date on 
                which the Administrator receives the covered 
                pesticide registration application and fee.
                  (B) [Completeness of application] Initial 
                content and preliminary technical screenings.--
                          (i) In general.--[Not later]
                                  (I) Not later than 21 days 
                                after receiving an application 
                                and the required registration 
                                service fee, the Administrator 
                                shall conduct an initial 
                                screening of the contents of 
                                the application in accordance 
                                with clause (iii).
                                  (II) After conducting the 
                                initial content screening 
                                described in subclause (I) and 
                                in accordance with clause (iv), 
                                the Administrator shall conduct 
                                a preliminary technical 
                                screening--
                                          (aa) not later than 
                                        45 days after the date 
                                        on which the decision 
                                        time review period 
                                        begins (for 
                                        applications with 
                                        decision time review 
                                        periods of not more 
                                        than 180 days); and
                                          (bb) not later than 
                                        90 days after the date 
                                        on which the decision 
                                        time review period 
                                        begins (for 
                                        applications with 
                                        decision time review 
                                        periods greater than 
                                        180 days).
                          (ii) Rejection.--If the Administrator 
                        determines [under clause (i) that the 
                        application does not pass the initial 
                        screening and cannot be corrected 
                        within the 21-day period, the 
                        Administrator shall reject the 
                        application not later than 10 days 
                        after making the determination.] at any 
                        time before the Administrator completes 
                        the preliminary technical screening 
                        under clause (i)(II) that the 
                        application failed the initial content 
                        or preliminary technical screening and 
                        the applicant does not correct such 
                        failure before the date that is 10 
                        business days after the applicant 
                        receives a notification of the failure, 
                        the Administrator shall reject the 
                        application. The Administrator shall 
                        make every effort to provide a written 
                        notification of such rejection during 
                        the 10-day period that begins on the 
                        date the Administrator completes the 
                        preliminary technical screening.
                          (iii) Requirements of initial content 
                        screening.--In conducting an initial 
                        content screening of an application, 
                        the Administrator shall determine 
                        whether--
                                  (I) * * *
                                  (II) the application 
                                [contains] appears to contain 
                                all the necessary forms, data, 
                                and draft labeling, formatted 
                                in accordance with guidance 
                                published by the Administrator.
                          (iv) Requirements of preliminary 
                        technical screening.--In conducting a 
                        preliminary technical screening of an 
                        application, the Administrator shall 
                        determine if--
                                  (I) the application and the 
                                data and information submitted 
                                with such application are 
                                accurate and complete; and
                                  (II) the application, data, 
                                and information are consistent 
                                with the proposed labeling and 
                                any proposal for a tolerance or 
                                exemption from the requirement 
                                for a tolerance under section 
                                408 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
                                and Cosmetic Act, and are such 
                                that, subject to full review 
                                under the standards of this 
                                Act, could result in the 
                                granting of the application.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Reports.--
          (1) In general.--Not later than March 1, 2005, and 
        each March 1 thereafter through [March 1, 2014] March 
        1, 2017, the Administrator shall publish an annual 
        report describing actions taken under this section.
          (2) Contents.--The report shall include--
                  (A) a review of the progress made in carrying 
                out each requirement of subsections (e) and 
                (f), including--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (vi) to the extent determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator and 
                        consistent with the authorities of the 
                        Administrator and limitations on 
                        delegation of functions by the 
                        Administrator, recommendations for--
                                  (I) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  (V) the allowance and use of 
                                summaries of acute toxicity 
                                studies; [and]
                          (vii) the use of performance-based 
                        contracts, other contracts, and 
                        procurement to ensure that--
                                  (I) * * *
                                  (II) the registration program 
                                is administered in the most 
                                productive and cost effective 
                                manner practicable; and
                          (viii) the number of extensions of 
                        decision time review periods agreed to 
                        under subsection (f)(5) along with a 
                        description of the reason that the 
                        Administrator was unable to make a 
                        decision within the initial decision 
                        time review period;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) a review of the progress in meeting the 
                timeline requirements for the review of 
                antimicrobial pesticide products under section 
                3(h); [and]
                  (F) a review of the progress in carrying out 
                the review of inert ingredients, including the 
                number of applications pending, the number of 
                new applications, the number of applications 
                reviewed, staffing, and resources devoted to 
                the review of inert ingredients and 
                recommendations to improve the timeliness of 
                review of inert ingredients[.];
                  (G) a review of the progress made toward--
                          (i) carrying out section 4(k)(4) and 
                        the amounts from the Reregistration and 
                        Expedited Processing Fund used for the 
                        purposes described in such section;
                          (ii) implementing systems for the 
                        electronic tracking of registration 
                        submissions by December 31, 2013;
                          (iii) implementing a system for 
                        tracking the status of conditional 
                        registrations, including making non-
                        confidential information related to 
                        such conditional registrations publicly 
                        available by December 31, 2013;
                          (iv) implementing enhancements to the 
                        endangered species knowledge database, 
                        including making non-confidential 
                        information related to such database 
                        publicly available;
                          (v) implementing the capability to 
                        electronically submit and review labels 
                        submitted with registration actions;
                          (vi) acquiring and implementing the 
                        capability to electronically assess and 
                        evaluate confidential statements of 
                        formula submitted with registration 
                        actions by December 31, 2014; and
                          (vii) facilitating public 
                        participation in certain registration 
                        actions and the registration review 
                        process by providing electronic 
                        notification to interested parties of 
                        additions to the public docket;
                  (H) the number of applications rejected by 
                the Administrator under the initial content and 
                preliminary technical screening conducted under 
                subsection (f)(4);
                  (I) a review of the progress made in updating 
                the Pesticide Incident Data System, including 
                progress toward making the information 
                contained in such System available to the 
                public (as the Administrator determines is 
                appropriate); and
                  (J) an assessment of the public availability 
                of summary pesticide usage data.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (m) Termination of Effectiveness.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        the authority provided by this section terminates on 
        September 30, [2012] 2017.
          (2) Phase out.--
                  (A) Fiscal year [2013] 2018.--During fiscal 
                year [2013,] 2018, the requirement to pay and 
                collect registration service fees applies, 
                except that the level of registration service 
                fees payable under this section shall be 
                reduced 40 percent below the level in effect on 
                [September 30, 2012] September 30, 2017.
                  (B) Fiscal year [2014] 2019.--During fiscal 
                year [2014,] 2019, the requirement to pay and 
                collect registration service fees applies, 
                except that the level of registration service 
                fees payable under this section shall be 
                reduced 70 percent below the level in effect on 
                [September 30, 2012] September 30, 2017.
                  (C) September 30, [2014] 2019.--Effective 
                [September 30, 2014] September 30, 2019, the 
                requirement to pay and collect registration 
                service fees terminates.
                  (D) Decision review periods.--
                          (i) Pending applications.--In the 
                        case of an application received under 
                        this section before September 30, 
                        [2012] 2017, the application shall be 
                        reviewed in accordance with subsection 
                        (f).
                          (ii) New applications.--In the case 
                        of an application received under this 
                        section on or after September 30, 
                        [2012] 2017, subsection (f) shall not 
                        apply to the application.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                  FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
CHAPTER IV--FOOD

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


       TOLERANCES AND EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES

  Sec. 408. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (m) Fees.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Prohibition.--During the period beginning on the 
        effective date of the Pesticide Registration 
        Improvement Renewal Act and ending on [September 30, 
        2012] September 30, 2017, the Administrator shall not 
        collect any tolerance fees under paragraph (1).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                  FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE IV--PERMITS AND LICENSES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


            NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

  Sec. 402. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (s) Discharges of Pesticides.--
          (1) No permit requirement.--Except as provided in 
        paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the 
        Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge 
        from a point source into navigable waters of a 
        pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use 
        under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
        Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, 
        resulting from the application of such pesticide.
          (2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the 
        following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide 
        residue:
                  (A) A discharge resulting from the 
                application of a pesticide in violation of a 
                provision of the Federal Insecticide, 
                Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant 
                to protecting water quality, if--
                          (i) the discharge would not have 
                        occurred but for the violation; or
                          (ii) the amount of pesticide or 
                        pesticide residue in the discharge is 
                        greater than would have occurred 
                        without the violation.
                  (B) Stormwater discharges subject to 
                regulation under subsection (p).
                  (C) The following discharges subject to 
                regulation under this section:
                          (i) Manufacturing or industrial 
                        effluent.
                          (ii) Treatment works effluent.
                          (iii) Discharges incidental to the 
                        normal operation of a vessel, including 
                        a discharge resulting from ballasting 
                        operations or vessel biofouling 
                        prevention.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


         SECTION 508 OF THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE ACT OF 1938

SEC. 508. CROP INSURANCE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (k) Reinsurance.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (8) Renegotiation of standard reinsurance 
        agreement.--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                  (E) 2011 reinsurance year.--
                          (i) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          (iii) Equitable relief for specialty 
                        crop policies.--
                                  (I) In general.--For each of 
                                the 2011 through 2015 
                                reinsurance years, in addition 
                                to the total amount of funding 
                                for reimbursement of 
                                administrative and operating 
                                costs that is otherwise 
                                required to be made available 
                                in each such reinsurance year 
                                pursuant to an agreement 
                                entered into by the 
                                Corporation, the Corporation 
                                shall use $41,000,000 to 
                                provide additional 
                                reimbursement with respect to 
                                eligible insurance contracts 
                                for any agricultural commodity 
                                that is not eligible for a 
                                benefit under subtitles A, B or 
                                C of title I of the Federal 
                                Agriculture Reform and Risk 
                                Management Act of 2012.
                                  (II) Treatment.--Additional 
                                reimbursements made under this 
                                clause shall be included as 
                                part of the base level of 
                                administrative and operating 
                                expense reimbursement to which 
                                any limit on compensation to 
                                persons involved in the direct 
                                sale and service of any 
                                eligible crop insurance 
                                contract required under an 
                                agreement entered into by the 
                                Corporation is applied.
                                  (III) Rule of construction.--
                                Nothing in this clause shall be 
                                construed as statutory assent 
                                to the limit described in 
                                subclause (II).
                  (F) Budget.--
                          (i) In general.--The Board shall 
                        ensure that any Standard Reinsurance 
                        Agreement negotiated under subparagraph 
                        (A)(ii), as compared to the previous 
                        Standard Reinsurance Agreement--
                                  (I) to the maximum extent 
                                practicable, shall be budget 
                                neutral; and
                                  (II) in no event, may 
                                significantly depart from 
                                budget neutrality.
                          (ii) Use of savings.--To the extent 
                        that any budget savings is realized in 
                        the renegotiation of a Standard 
                        Reinsurance Agreement under 
                        subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings 
                        are determined not to be a significant 
                        departure from budget neutrality under 
                        clause (i), the savings shall be used 
                        to increase the obligations of the 
                        Corporation under subsections (e)(2) or 
                        (k)(4) or section 523.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (p) Coverage Levels by Practice.--Beginning with the 2014 
crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity 
on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different 
coverage level for each production practice.
                              ----------                              


                           TRADE ACT OF 1974



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
        TITLE IX--SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

SEC. 901. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Livestock Forage Disaster Program.--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Assistance for losses due to drought 
        conditions.--
                  [(A) Eligible losses.--
                          [(i) In general.--An eligible] (A) 
                        Eligible losses.--An eligible livestock 
                        producer may receive assistance under 
                        this subsection only for grazing losses 
                        for covered livestock that occur on 
                        land that--
                          [(I)] (i) is native or improved 
                        pastureland with permanent vegetative 
                        cover; or
                          [(II)] (ii) is planted to a crop 
                        planted specifically for the purpose of 
                        providing grazing for covered 
                        livestock.
                          [(ii) Exclusions.--An eligible 
                        livestock producer may not receive 
                        assistance under this subsection for 
                        grazing losses that occur on land used 
                        for haying or grazing under the 
                        conservation reserve program 
                        established under subchapter B of 
                        chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of 
                        the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
                        U.S.C. 3831 et seq.).]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


           SECTION 10405 OF THE ANIMAL HEALTH PROTECTION ACT

Subtitle E--Animal Health Protection

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 10405. EXPORTATION.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          (1) In general.--There is authorized to be 
        appropriated--
                  (A) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
                through [2012] 2017 to carry out section 11010 
                of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
                2008; and
                  (B) such sums as may be necessary for each of 
                fiscal years 2008 through [2012] 2017 to carry 
                out this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                  SECTION 26 OF THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
  Sec. 26. (a) Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in an Animal 
Fighting Venture.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly 
        sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting 
        venture[.] or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a 
        minor to attend an animal fighting venture.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

    We greatly appreciate the work done by the Chairman and 
Ranking Member to advance a bipartisan farm bill. This bill 
makes important reforms to our agriculture and conservation 
policy and maintains our investment in rural communities. One 
item of concern, however, involves a provision that is a step 
toward imposing a non-tariff trade barrier to imports of olive 
oil. We are concerned that this provision will invite 
retaliation from the European Union and others against U.S. 
agricultural exports, negatively impacting companies around the 
United States.
    Section 10010 of the bill amends Section 8e(a) of the 
Agricultural Adjustment Act to add the words ``olive oil'' to a 
list of products for which it is permissible to apply a 
marketing order to imports. The United States does not 
currently have a marketing order on olive oil. Such a change 
will enable certain producer groups to establish a marketing 
order on olive oil, and apply to have the provisions pertain to 
olive oil imports.
    We are concerned because the United States produces little 
olive oil relative to what we import. The United States imports 
approximately ninety-eight percent of the olive oil that 
Americans consume. That would make olive oil unique among 
Section 8e commodities. For virtually every other commodity 
listed in Section 8e, domestic growers produce at least thirty 
percent of the U.S. market in that commodity, and in most cases 
much more. For a market that is dominated by imports, a 
marketing order has the potential to serve as a significant 
barrier.
    When applied to imports, marketing orders require 100% 
inspection of all imports of the subject commodity. For olive 
oil, that would require expensive chemical and even taste 
testing of each of the estimated fifteen to twenty thousand 
lots of olive oil that the United States imports every year. 
This would represent a significant regulatory burden that could 
endanger U.S. jobs and do little to address any fraud involving 
olive oil labeling.
    In addition to the effects new regulations would have on 
domestic companies, we remained concerned about the potential 
for trade retaliation. Roughly four-fifths of U.S. olive oil 
imports come from the European Union, a total of around $720 
million last year. In the longterm, provoking the European 
Union and others, including nations we have trade agreements 
with, runs the risk of harming our growing agricultural export 
market.
    As this legislation moves through the process, we look 
forward to working with the Chairman and Ranking Member on this 
important issue.
                                   Chris Gibson.
                                   Tim Johnson.
                                   Randy Hultgren.

                            DISSENTING VIEWS

    Ensuring robust support for our nation's rural communities 
is one of our committee's most important, and challenging, 
tasks. As our committee and USDA continues to evaluate ways to 
achieve this goal, it is important that any effort to further 
define the eligibility of a community as ``rural'' for USDA's 
rural development programs retains the flexibility and 
understanding that currently exists for communities in the 
northeast.
    Under current law, the definition of ``rural'' and ``rural 
area'' includes a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a 
population of no more than 10,000 inhabitants in the case of 
Water and Waste Water Disposal Grants and Direct and Guaranteed 
Loans or 20,000 inhabitants for Community Facility Loans and 
Grants. In the absence of an explicit definition for these 
areas the U.S. Department of Agriculture has traditionally 
interpreted the statute to include as eligible distinct 
population centers such as boroughs, villages, or other areas 
as unincorporated areas. These areas resulted from the unique 
development of the Northeast and reflect the fact that 
municipalities, not counties, are the prevailing jurisdictions 
of local governments. Villages and other such areas in the 
Northeast are often quasi-municipal jurisdictions whose status 
has been recognized by the Census Bureau as Census Designated 
Places within larger towns.
    In 2009, the USDA's Office of General Counsel issued a 
legal opinion and an Administrative Notice that would have 
prevented these unique entities within municipalities from 
receiving rural grants, loans, and loan guarantees. While the 
USDA ultimately withdrew their findings, there is still the 
possibility that communities in our area may be faced with loss 
of eligibility for these critical programs with no explicit 
definition for unincorporated areas.
    In the absence of an explicit definition of ``rural,'' USDA 
has stated that they would like to create a national policy for 
rural development program eligibility definitions. Should the 
USDA succeed with enacting such an approach, communities in the 
northeast could be disproportionally affected as a result of 
their unique character. Given the short distance between 
population centers previously eligible entities would likely 
lose their access to critical programs, most specifically Water 
and Waste Water Disposal Grants and Direct and Guaranteed Loans 
or Community Facility Loans and Grants. Water grants and loans 
ensure safe drinking water, sanity sewer, and solid waste and 
storm drainage facilities for rural entities that otherwise 
would not have the financial strength to unilaterally build or 
upgrade such facilities. Likewise, the Community Facility Loans 
and Grants assist in developing essential community facilities 
for public use in rural areas including hospitals, fire 
protection, safety, as well as many other community-based 
initiatives that otherwise might not be possible.
    During the committee's consideration of H.R. 6083, I 
offered an amendment that would have further clarified term 
``unincorporated area'' to include state or municipally 
designated townships, villages, or boroughs as well as state, 
county, or municipal subdivisions such as a water and waste 
water or fire district, or any other separately identifiable 
unincorporated place that independently portrays the 
characteristics of a unit of general local government. Much 
like the current USDA guidance on the matter, my amendment 
would have ensured that the unique historic and rural character 
of northeast communities would have been maintained for the 
purposes of USDA's rural development programs.
    While I withdrew my amendment during mark up in order to 
provide additional time for the committee and USDA to continue 
to evaluate this issue, it is our expectation that should the 
department move forward with an explicit definition of 
``rural'' that it will take into consideration the unique set 
of circumstances of communities in the Northeast. Moving 
forward with a one-size-fits-all classification without the 
flexibility to address the needs of differing regions of the 
country would do irreparable damage to rural segments of the 
Northeast. If USDA moves forward, it should take into 
consideration that municipalities, not counties, are the 
prevailing jurisdictions of local governments. Further, any 
definition of ``rural'' should ensure that any new definition 
of the ``unincorporated areas'' retains the flexibility needed 
to address the needs of unique communities of regions across 
the country.

                                   Joe Courtney.
                                   James McGovern.

                            DISSENTING VIEWS

    Title IV of H.R. 6083, the Federal Agriculture Reform and 
Risk Management Act (FARRM), represents poor policy and will 
result in less food for the most vulnerable people in the 
United States. Known as the Nutrition Title, the programs that 
make up Title IV are the safety net programs that provide food 
for the 44 million people that have difficulty feeding 
themselves and their families. The largest program in the 
Nutrition Title is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 
Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps.
    SNAP is the most effective and efficient federal program. 
The error rate was 3.81 % in 2010, the lowest in the history of 
the program. And that rate continues to decrease. Yet H.R. 6083 
cuts $16.5 billion from SNAP, a total that is nearly half of 
the cuts made in the entire bill. Indeed, these cuts directly 
affect the SNAP benefit because SNAP has such a low error rate, 
which means the vast majority of funding goes directly for food 
purchases. These cuts are detrimental, unnecessary and cruel, 
and we oppose them.
    Supporters of these cuts claim that they do not affect 
benefits; that they are merely closing loopholes. But the facts 
show that these cuts will result in less food for hungry 
Americans.
    This bill cuts three different SNAP provisions--Categorical 
Eligibility, the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)/Low Income 
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) connection, and the 
State Performance Fund.
    Categorical Eligibility (CAT-EL) is a paperwork 
simplification process that allows states to treat poor people 
the same for purposes of enrollment in our safety net programs. 
Specifically, CAT-EL allows low-income individuals or families 
who are already enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy 
Families (TANF) program, commonly referred to as welfare, to be 
made automatically eligible for SNAP. This means that TANF 
recipients do not have to go through a separate SNAP 
eligibility determination process. However, this does not mean 
that everyone enrolled in SNAP via CAT-EL actually receives a 
SNAP benefit. Under this program, people do not get one dollar 
of SNAP that they do not qualify for; instead they are simply 
enrolled in the program and their benefit levels are determined 
through the standard process.
    CAT-EL saves critical time and money for the 40 states that 
currently participate in it, because people who are already 
eligible for similarly-administered benefits do not have to 
reapply for SNAP and states do not have to waste valuable 
worker hours processing paperwork for people who are already 
eligible based on their incomes. CAT-EL came about because of 
specific concerns states had about administrative procedures. 
Prior to the 2002 Farm Bill, states expressed concerns about 
the administrative burdens of administering TANF and SNAP to 
similar populations. USDA and the states worked together to 
allow states more options for administrative flexibility, 
including CAT-EL. H.R. 6083 includes significant cuts to CAT-
EL. Specifically, H.R. 6083 prevents states from using broad-
based CAT-EL, a policy change that will result in 2 to 3 
million people being cut from SNAP entirely.
    The current Standard Utility Allowance and LIHEAP policy 
allows states to use LIHEAP and SNAP to ensure that poor people 
are getting access to the SNAP benefits. States provide a 
nominal amount of LIHEAP funds to SNAP households. SNAP 
households are then able to claim these LIHEAP funds as part of 
the SNAP deductions as set in law for decades. These deductions 
are used to calculate the amount of the benefit for each person 
or household.
    Utilizing SUA the way states currently do simply 
streamlines a difficult and burdensome process. Under this 
program, people do not get one dollar of SNAP that they do not 
qualify for; instead, they are simply enrolled in the program 
and their benefit levels are determined through the standard 
process. The connection between the two programs reduces 
unnecessary paperwork for states and helps poor households 
claim a deduction. Without this connection, families would have 
to provide copies of all their utility bills, caseworkers would 
have to sift through them, and the entire effort would be more 
complicated and burdensome for states and families alike. The 
Standard Utility Allowance provisions in H.R. 6083 will cause 
500,000 households to see their SNAP benefits cut by an average 
of $90 a month.
    The State Performance Fund was created as a results-base 
program to reward states that reduce their incidents of fraud, 
waste and abuse and increase participation in SNAP. H.R. 6083 
eliminates the State Performance Fund, ending a program that 
has resulted in fewer errors and more low-income eligible 
people being enrolled in SNAP.
    The cuts in H.R. 6083 will deprive low-income Americans of 
nearly 1 billion meals in 2014 alone--but these cuts do not 
just impact SNAP. It is important to recognize that the SNAP 
cuts included in H.R. 6083 will cause 280,000 low-income 
children to be cut out of the free school lunch program.
    In order to prevent these devastating cuts, we sponsored 
and voted for the McGovern, Baca, Pingree, Courtney, Welch, 
Fudge, and Sewell amendment that would have repealed $16.5 
billion in cuts to SNAP included in H.R. 6083. Unfortunately, 
this amendment was defeated 15 to 31.
    Opponents of SNAP talk about a ``culture of dependency,'' 
as if getting on SNAP is a lifelong goal for some. Yet 85% of 
families on SNAP are making less than $24,000 a year for a 
family of four. The average SNAP benefit is $1.50 per meal per 
day, an amount that will go down in September, 2013 even 
without the cuts included in H.R. 6083. And the SNAP benefit 
does not provide one hundred percent of the food necessary to 
feed a hungry family in a month. In fact, the benefit is 
designed to be a supplement to the monthly income that a family 
earns. For many, SNAP is a last resort for those who have no 
place else to turn. To call it a ``culture of dependency'' 
implies that people are poor by choice and enjoy needing this 
help.
    And the cuts to Title IV included in H.R. 6083 would harm 
Americans beyond SNAP beneficiaries. These cuts would eliminate 
19,000 jobs at time when we need to be creating jobs. Food 
banks and charities, including many faith-based institutions, 
are the first line of defense against hunger and simply cannot 
keep up with current demand.
    Millions of Americans--after spending down most of their 
savings, selling cars, and making other serious cuts to their 
own budgets--put their pride aside and accept SNAP as a way to 
feed their families. Yet the answer to those struggling 
families today, the response to the call of hunger as laid out 
in H.R. 6083, is to continue the outrageous practice of preying 
on the poor.
    These cuts are immoral. They are hurtful. And they are 
exactly the wrong answer for people who struggle with hunger. 
H.R. 6083 continues the 112th Congress' practice of picking 
winners and losers based on income. Unfortunately, these 
policies will result in more hunger in America and will cause 
real harm to the men, women, seniors and children who rely on 
SNAP to put food on their tables.
                                   James P. McGovern.
                                   Marcia L. Fudge.
                                   David Scott.
                                   Peter Welch.
                                   Chellie Pingree.
                                   Joe Courtney.
                                   
                                   
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