    [House Report 119-620]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

    119th Congress }                                       { Report
                          HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
       2d Session  }                                       { 119-620
    ======================================================================
                 FARM, FOOD, AND NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 2026

                                   ----------

                                  R E P O R T

                                     OF THE

                            COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

                                 TOGETHER WITH

                                DISSENTING VIEWS

                            [TO ACCOMPANY H.R. 7567]

                                  BOOK 1 OF 2

    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

     April 21, 2026.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
                  State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                 ----------

                     U. S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    63-524                    WASHINGTON : 2026
    ======================================================================

                 FARM, FOOD, AND NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 2026

                                  BOOK 1 OF 2

    119th Congress }                                       { Report
                          HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
       2d Session  }                                       { 119-620
    ======================================================================

                FARM, FOOD, AND NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 2026

                                   _______

     April 21, 2026.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
                  State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                    _______

       Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, from the Committee on Agriculture,
                            submitted the following

                                  R E P O R T

                                 together with

                                DISSENTING VIEWS

                            [To accompany H.R. 7567]

        The Committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred the bill
    (H.R. 7567) to provide for the reform and continuation of
    agricultural and other programs of the Department of
    Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes,
    having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an
    amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
        The amendment is as follows:
      Strike out 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 ``Farm, Food, and
    National Security Act of 2026''.
      (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
    follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
    Sec. 2. Definitions.

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

    Sec. 1001. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
    Sec. 1002. Tree assistance program.
    Sec. 1003. Specialty crop emergency assistance framework.
    Sec. 1004. Assistance in the form of block grants.
    Sec. 1005. Dairy-related extensions.
    Sec. 1006. Mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs.
    Sec. 1007. Dairy reports.
    Sec. 1008. Processing of certain loans.
    Sec. 1009. Storage facility loans.
    Sec. 1010. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.
    Sec. 1011. Regulations.
    Sec. 1012. Restoration of tobacco as agricultural commodity in
    Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

                             TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                            Subtitle A--Definitions

    Sec. 2001. Definitions.
    Sec. 2002. Mitigation banking.

                    Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program

    Sec. 2101. Conservation reserve.
    Sec. 2102. Farmable wetland program.

              Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

    Sec. 2201. Definitions.
    Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
    Sec. 2203. Limitation on payments.
    Sec. 2204. Conservation innovation grants and payments.

                  Subtitle D--Conservation Stewardship Program

    Sec. 2301. Conservation stewardship program.
    Sec. 2302. Duties of the Secretary.
    Sec. 2303. State assistance for soil health.

                    Subtitle E--Other Conservation Programs

    Sec. 2401. Conservation of private grazing land.
    Sec. 2402. Feral swine eradication and control program.
    Sec. 2403. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.
    Sec. 2404. Emergency conservation program.
    Sec. 2405. Emergency watershed program.
    Sec. 2406. National agriculture flood vulnerability study.
    Sec. 2407. Study on environmental benefits of winter wheat as a cover
    crop.

                     Subtitle F--Funding and Administration

    Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation.
    Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance.
    Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.

             Subtitle G--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    Sec. 2601. Definitions.
    Sec. 2602. Agricultural land easements.
    Sec. 2603. Wetland reserve easements.
    Sec. 2604. Administration.

                Subtitle H--Forest Conservation Easement Program

    Sec. 2701. Forest conservation easement program.
    Sec. 2702. Healthy Forests Reserve Program.

             Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

    Sec. 2801. Establishment and purposes.
    Sec. 2802. Definitions.
    Sec. 2803. Regional conservation partnerships.
    Sec. 2804. Assistance to producers.
    Sec. 2805. Funding.
    Sec. 2806. Administration.
    Sec. 2807. Critical conservation areas.

                                TITLE III--TRADE

                         Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

    Sec. 3101. Transfer of authorities to the Secretary of Agriculture.
    Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance.
    Sec. 3103. Repeal of minimum levels of assistance.
    Sec. 3104. Food aid consultative group.
    Sec. 3105. Issuance of regulations; oversight, monitoring, and
    evaluation.
    Sec. 3106. International food relief partnership.
    Sec. 3107. Use of commodity credit corporation.
    Sec. 3108. Pre-positioning of agricultural commodities and annual
    report regarding food aid programs and activities.
    Sec. 3109. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other
    assistance.
    Sec. 3110. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance.
    Sec. 3111. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs.
    Sec. 3112. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer program.
    Sec. 3113. Food for Peace Act administration.

                   Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

    Sec. 3201. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation.
    Sec. 3202. Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names.
    Sec. 3203. Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable
    working group.

                   Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

    Sec. 3301. Growing American food exports.
    Sec. 3302. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
    Sec. 3303. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act.
    Sec. 3304. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
    Sec. 3305. International agricultural education fellowship program.
    Sec. 3306. International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange
    program.
    Sec. 3307. International food security technical assistance.
    Sec. 3308. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
    Nutrition Program.
    Sec. 3309. Global crop diversity trust.
    Sec. 3310. Local and regional food aid procurement projects.
    Sec. 3311. Agricultural trade enforcement task force.
    Sec. 3312. Report on international shrimp trade.

                        Subtitle D--Other Trade Matters

    Sec. 3401. Report on modifications to USMCA.
    Sec. 3402. Sense of Congress and report on Argentine beef imports.

                              TITLE IV--NUTRITION

             Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    Sec. 4101. Declaration of policy.
    Sec. 4102. Prohibited fees.
    Sec. 4103. SNAP staffing flexibility.
    Sec. 4104. Updates to administrative processes for SNAP retailers.
    Sec. 4105. Report on all identified payment errors.
    Sec. 4106. Authorization of appropriations.
    Sec. 4107. Retail food store and recipient trafficking.
    Sec. 4108. EBT card security regulations.
    Sec. 4109. Report on SNAP administrative expenses.
    Sec. 4110. Animal protein an eligible incentive food.
    Sec. 4111. Permanent authority for supplemental nutrition assistance
    program online purchasing.
    Sec. 4112. Emergency food assistance programs.
    Sec. 4113. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.

                  Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

    Sec. 4201. Commodity distribution program.
    Sec. 4202. Commodity supplemental food program.
    Sec. 4203. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition
    projects.
    Sec. 4204. Commodity supplemental food program demonstration project
    for Tribal organizations.

                           Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 4301. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to
    schools and service institutions.
    Sec. 4302. Buy American requirements for certain school meals.
    Sec. 4303. Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive
    program.
    Sec. 4304. Food loss and waste reduction liaison annual report.
    Sec. 4305. Dairy nutrition incentives projects.
    Sec. 4306. Local farmers feeding our communities program.
    Sec. 4307. Healthy food financing initiative.
    Sec. 4308. Dietary guidelines.

                                TITLE V--CREDIT

                        Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

    Sec. 5101. Persons eligible for real estate loans.
    Sec. 5102. Experience requirements.
    Sec. 5103. Refinancing of indebtedness into direct loans.
    Sec. 5104. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
    Sec. 5105. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans.
    Sec. 5106. Inflation percentage.
    Sec. 5107. Authority of Farm Credit System institutions to provide
    financial support for essential rural community facilities projects.
    Sec. 5108. Down payment loan program.
    Sec. 5109. Heirs property.
    Sec. 5110. Prompt approval of loans and loan guarantees.
    Sec. 5111. Expedited approval pilot program.

                          Subtitle B--Operating Loans

    Sec. 5201. Persons eligible for operating loans.
    Sec. 5202. Limitations on amount of operating loans.
    Sec. 5203. Limitation on microloan amounts.
    Sec. 5204. Cooperative lending pilot projects.

                          Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

    Sec. 5301. Persons eligible for emergency loans.

                     Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

    Sec. 5401. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
    pilot program.
    Sec. 5402. Loan authorization levels.
    Sec. 5403. Loan fund set-asides.
    Sec. 5404. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans
    under certain conditions.

                           Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 5501. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to
    producers or harvesters of aquatic products.
    Sec. 5502. Export finance authority.
    Sec. 5503. Support for rural water and waste systems.
    Sec. 5504. Farm credit system regulation.
    Sec. 5505. Loan guarantees.
    Sec. 5506. Standards for qualified loans.
    Sec. 5507. State agricultural mediation programs.
    Sec. 5508. Technical corrections.
    Sec. 5509. Report on improving creditworthiness of direct and
    guaranteed loan borrowers.
    Sec. 5510. Farm Credit Administration option to examine low-risk Farm
    Credit System institutions on a 24-month cycle.

                          TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

             Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

    Sec. 6101. Prioritizations for distance learning and telemedicine and
    community facilities program.
    Sec. 6102. Distance learning and telemedicine loans and grants.

         Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

    Sec. 6201. Rural broadband program loans and grants.
    Sec. 6202. Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas.
    Sec. 6203. Innovative broadband advancement program.
    Sec. 6204. Community connect grants.
    Sec. 6205. Rate regulation.
    Sec. 6206. Public notice, assessments, technical assistance, and
    reporting requirements.
    Sec. 6207. Limitation on overbuilding.

                           Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 6301. Rural energy savings program.
    Sec. 6302. Promoting precision agriculture.
    Sec. 6303. Food supply chain guaranteed loans.
    Sec. 6304. New, mobile, and expanded meat processing and rendering
    grants.
    Sec. 6305. Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative.
    Sec. 6306. Technical assistance for geographically underserved and
    distressed areas.
    Sec. 6307. Establishment of the Rural Development Innovation Center.
    Sec. 6308. Rural Health Liaison report.

     Subtitle D--Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                                Development Act

    Sec. 6401. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
    Sec. 6402. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
    Sec. 6403. Zero and low interest loans for distressed water systems.
    Sec. 6404. Tribal college and university essential community
    facilities.
    Sec. 6405. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant
    program.
    Sec. 6406. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska.
    Sec. 6407. Rural decentralized water systems.
    Sec. 6408. Assistance to rural entities.
    Sec. 6409. Solid waste management grants.
    Sec. 6410. Rural business development grants.
    Sec. 6411. Rural cooperative development grants.
    Sec. 6412. Lender fees in guaranteed loan programs.
    Sec. 6413. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
    Sec. 6414. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program.
    Sec. 6415. Rural economic area partnership zones.
    Sec. 6416. Intermediary relending program.
    Sec. 6417. Rural health care facility assistance.
    Sec. 6418. Prohibition on use of loan or grant for certain purposes.
    Sec. 6419. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical
    assistance and training.
    Sec. 6420. National Rural Development Partnership.
    Sec. 6421. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
    Sec. 6422. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
    Sec. 6423. Health care services.
    Sec. 6424. Strategic economic and community development.
    Sec. 6425. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program.
    Sec. 6426. Limitation on rural business investment companies controlled
    by Farm Credit System institutions.
    Sec. 6427. Rural business investment program.
    Sec. 6428. Technical corrections.
    Sec. 6429. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training
    programs.

     Subtitle E--Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of
                                      1936

    Sec. 6501. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for utility
    infrastructure purposes.
    Sec. 6502. Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant
    program.
    Sec. 6503. Expansion of 911 access.

              TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

    Sec. 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
    Economics Advisory Board.
    Sec. 7102. Specialty crop committee.
    Sec. 7103. Veterinary medicine loan repayment.
    Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program.
    Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences
    education.
    Sec. 7106. Agricultural and food policy research centers.
    Sec. 7107. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and
    Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
    Sec. 7108. Nutrition education program.
    Sec. 7109. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
    Sec. 7110. Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant
    colleges, including Tuskegee University.
    Sec. 7111. Scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions.
    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 sciences facilities
    and equipment and support tropical and subtropical agricultural
    research at insular area land-grant colleges and universities.
    Sec. 7114. Matching funds requirement for research and extension
    activities at eligible institutions.
    Sec. 7115. New beginning for Tribal students.
    Sec. 7116. Education grants programs for Hispanic-serving institutions.
    Sec. 7117. Binational agricultural research and development.
    Sec. 7118. Grants and partnerships for international agricultural
    research, extension, and education.
    Sec. 7119. Research equipment grants.
    Sec. 7120. University research.
    Sec. 7121. Extension service.
    Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops.
    Sec. 7123. Grants for community college agriculture and natural
    resources programs.
    Sec. 7124. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
    Sec. 7125. Agriculture advanced research and development authority.
    Sec. 7126. Aquaculture assistance programs.
    Sec. 7127. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
    Sec. 7128. Agriculture and food protection grant program.
    Sec. 7129. Distance education grants for insular areas.
    Sec. 7130. Resident instruction grants for insular areas.
    Sec. 7131. Repeals.

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

    Sec. 7201. Sustainable agriculture research and education.
    Sec. 7202. National Genetics Resources Program.
    Sec. 7203. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative.
    Sec. 7204. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
    Sec. 7205. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
    Sec. 7206. Farm business management.
    Sec. 7207. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production
    research, education, and extension initiative.
    Sec. 7208. Centers of excellence.
    Sec. 7209. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
    Sec. 7210. Farming opportunities training and outreach.
    Sec. 7211. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.
    Sec. 7212. Repeal.
    Sec. 7213. Researching the transition to organic.

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

    Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension,
    outreach, and technical assistance program.
    Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive
    grants program.
    Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale,
    and barley caused by fusarium graminearum or by tilletia indica.
    Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations.
    Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative.
    Sec. 7306. Agriculture grants for veteran education and training
    services.
    Sec. 7307. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.
    Sec. 7308. Office of Pest Management Policy.
    Sec. 7309. Forestry products advanced utilization research.
    Sec. 7310. Repeals.

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

    Sec. 7401. Grazinglands research laboratory.
    Sec. 7402. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
    Sec. 7403. Sun grant program.
    Sec. 7404. Repeals.

                      Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws

    Sec. 7501. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
    Sec. 7502. Research Facilities Act.
    Sec. 7503. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
    Sec. 7504. Extension design and demonstration initiative.
    Sec. 7505. Biomass research and development.
    Sec. 7506. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
    Sec. 7507. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
    Sec. 7508. Reports on disbursement of funds for agricultural research
    and extension at 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee
    University.
    Sec. 7509. Repeal.
    Sec. 7510. Amendment to Smith-Lever Act.

                           Subtitle F--Other Matters

    Sec. 7601. Foundation for food and agriculture research.
    Sec. 7602. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
    Sec. 7603. Livestock insects laboratory.
    Sec. 7604. U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center.
    Sec. 7605. Hatch Act of 1887.
    Sec. 7606. Commission on national agricultural statistics service
    modernization.
    Sec. 7607. Restoration of 4-H name and emblem authority.
    Sec. 7608. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and
    Economics.
    Sec. 7609. Agricultural Innovation Corps.
    Sec. 7610. Study on technical assistance with respect to transfer of
    agricultural land and assets.

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

            Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

    Sec. 8101. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest
    resources.
    Sec. 8102. Forest legacy program technical correction.
    Sec. 8103. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration
    program.
    Sec. 8104. Rural fire prevention and control.

              Subtitle B--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

    Sec. 8201. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation.
    Sec. 8202. Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction
    on Federal land.
    Sec. 8203. Water source protection program.
    Sec. 8204. Watershed condition framework technical corrections.
    Sec. 8205. Authorization of appropriations to combat insect
    infestations and related diseases.
    Sec. 8206. Insect and disease infestation.
    Sec. 8207. Stewardship end result contracting projects.

                      Subtitle C--Other Forestry Programs

    Sec. 8301. National and regional agroforestry centers.
    Sec. 8302. National Forest Foundation Act.
    Sec. 8303. Conveyances and leases of forest service administrative
    sites.
    Sec. 8304. Forest inventory and analysis.
    Sec. 8305. Reforestation, nursery, and seed orchard support.

                         Subtitle D--Forest Management

                   Part I--National Forest System Management

    Sec. 8401. Categorical exclusion for high priority hazard trees.
    Sec. 8402. Collaborative restoration projects.
    Sec. 8403. Wildfire resilience project size.
    Sec. 8404. Fuel breaks in forests and other wildland vegetation.
    Sec. 8405. Greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat.
    Sec. 8406. Categorical exclusion for electric utility lines rights-of-
    way.
    Sec. 8407. Forest management activities on National Forest System
    lands.
    Sec. 8408. Suppression of wildfires.

                     Part II--Forest Management Activities

    Sec. 8411. No additional consultation required.
    Sec. 8412. Good neighbor authority.
    Sec. 8413. Collaborative forest landscape restoration program.
    Sec. 8414. Public-private wildfire technology deployment and testbed
    partnership.
    Sec. 8415. Forest service participation in experienced services
    program.
    Sec. 8416. Timber sales on National Forest System land.
    Sec. 8417. Permits and agreements with electrical utilities.
    Sec. 8418. Utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction.
    Sec. 8419. Joint chiefs landscape restoration partnership program.
    Sec. 8420. Tribal forest management program technical correction.

                          Part III--Timber Innovation

    Sec. 8431. Community wood facilities program.
    Sec. 8432. Wood innovation grant program.
    Sec. 8433. Forest and wood products data tracker.
    Sec. 8434. Biochar application demonstration project.

                           Subtitle E--Other Matters

    Sec. 8501. Rural revitalization technologies.
    Sec. 8502. Resource advisory committees.
    Sec. 8503. Accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports.
    Sec. 8504. Special use authorization rental fee waiver.
    Sec. 8505. Charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products.
    Sec. 8506. Forest service legacy road and trail remediation program
    transparency.
    Sec. 8507. Direct hire authority.
    Sec. 8508. Improving the emergency forest restoration program.
    Sec. 8509. Exemption for previously analyzed areas of National Forest
    System Lands.
    Sec. 8510. Release of reversionary interest in Black River State
    Forest.
    Sec. 8511. Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act.
    Sec. 8512. Minor range improvements under Forest Service grazing
    permits.

                        Subtitle F--White Oak Resilience

    Sec. 8601. Short title.
    Sec. 8602. White oak restoration initiative coalition.
    Sec. 8603. Forest service pilot program.
    Sec. 8604. White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat.
    Sec. 8605. Tree nursery shortages.

                                TITLE IX--ENERGY

    Sec. 9001. Definition of advanced biofuel.
    Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program.
    Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance.
    Sec. 9004. Bioproduct labeling terminology.
    Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.
    Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
    Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program.
    Sec. 9008. Feedstock flexibility.
    Sec. 9009. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
    Sec. 9010. Carbon utilization and biogas education program.
    Sec. 9011. Study on effects of solar panel installations on covered
    farmland.
    Sec. 9012. Limitation on USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy
    systems.
    Sec. 9013. Sustainable aviation fuels strategy.
    Sec. 9014. Leveraging efficiency awareness for pumping systems.
    Sec. 9015. Adding waste energy recovery to the Rural Energy for America
    Program.

            TITLE X--HORTICULTURE, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY REFORM

                            Subtitle A--Horticulture

    Sec. 10001. Specialty crop block grants.
    Sec. 10002. Specialty crops market news allocation.
    Sec. 10003. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
    Sec. 10004. National Plant Diagnostics Network.
    Sec. 10005. Hemp production.
    Sec. 10006. Pilot program for the intra-organizational movement of
    genetically engineered microorganisms by certain authorized parties.

                             Subtitle B--Marketing

    Sec. 10101. Marketing orders.
    Sec. 10102. Local agriculture market program.
    Sec. 10103. Acer access and development program.
    Sec. 10104. Organic production and market data initiative.
    Sec. 10105. Organic certification.
    Sec. 10106. Report on procurement.
    Sec. 10107. Definitions of risk to organic integrity and oversight
    protocols.
    Sec. 10108. Modernization of inspection requirements.
    Sec. 10109. Study and reform of National Organic Program oversight
    protocols.

                         Subtitle C--Regulatory Reform

          Part I--Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

    Sec. 10201. Exclusion of certain substances.
    Sec. 10202. Coordination.
    Sec. 10203. Interagency working group.
    Sec. 10204. Registration review.
    Sec. 10205. Uniformity of pesticide labeling requirements.
    Sec. 10206. Authority of States.
    Sec. 10207. Lawful use of authorized pesticides.

                  Part II--Other Regulatory Reform Provisions

    Sec. 10211. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey.
    Sec. 10212. Safe harbor for certain discharges of wildland fire
    chemicals.
    Sec. 10213. Office of Biotechnology Policy.

                            TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

    Sec. 11001. Specialty Crop Advisory Committee.
    Sec. 11002. Identification of holders of substantial interests.
    Sec. 11003. Actuarial soundness of certain new products.
    Sec. 11004. Coverage of revenue losses.
    Sec. 11005. Limitation on farm program participation.
    Sec. 11006. Limitation on interest accrual.
    Sec. 11007. Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers
    and ranchers.
    Sec. 11008. Marketability.
    Sec. 11009. Reimbursement rates for administrative and operating costs.
    Sec. 11010. Quality loss adjustment coverage.
    Sec. 11011. Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty.
    Sec. 11012. Whole farm improvements.
    Sec. 11013. Program compliance and integrity.
    Sec. 11014. Research and development priorities.
    Sec. 11015. Report on Standard Reinsurance Agreement.
    Sec. 11016. Hurricane insurance protection-wind index report.
    Sec. 11017. Risk management study for lamb.
    Sec. 11018. Study on livestock risk protection policy with respect to
    producers of feeder cattle affected by adverse weather events.

                      TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                    Subtitle A--Livestock and Other Animals

                      Part I--Animal Health and Production

    Sec. 12001. Animal disease prevention and management.
    Sec. 12002. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program review and report.
    Sec. 12003. Additional training facilities for National Detector Dog
    Training Center.
    Sec. 12004. Regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization
    agreements.
    Sec. 12005. Importation of live dogs.
    Sec. 12006. Ensuring the free movement of livestock-derived products in
    interstate commerce.
    Sec. 12007. Report on support for livestock and poultry producers
    during a foreign animal disease outbreak.
    Sec. 12008. Protection of greyhounds.
    Sec. 12009. Animal fighting.

              Part II--Meat and Poultry Processing and Inspection

    Sec. 12111. Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-
    PLUS).
    Sec. 12112. Hazard analysis and critical control point guidance and
    resources for small and very small poultry and meat establishments.
    Sec. 12113. Outreach on cooperative interstate shipment.
    Sec. 12114. Pilot program to support custom slaughter establishments.

        Subtitle B--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

    Sec. 12201. Office of Homeland Security.
    Sec. 12202. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
    Sec. 12203. Burden of proof for national appeals division hearings.
    Sec. 12204. Termination of authority.
    Sec. 12205. Functions of the Office of Tribal Relations.

                         Subtitle C--National Security

    Sec. 12301. Agricultural foreign investment disclosure improvements.
    Sec. 12302. Report on agricultural land purchasing activities in the
    United States by countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism
    and certain other countries.
    Sec. 12303. Investigative actions.
    Sec. 12304. Digitization and consolidation of foreign land ownership
    data collection and publication.
    Sec. 12305. CFIUS consideration of certain agricultural land
    transactions.

                   Subtitle D--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

    Sec. 12401. Commission on Farm Transitions--Needs for 2050.
    Sec. 12402. Report on personnel.
    Sec. 12403. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor.
    Sec. 12404. Reports on land access and farmland ownership data
    collection.
    Sec. 12405. Increasing transparency regarding detention of imported
    plants.
    Sec. 12406. Enhancement of pet protections.
    Sec. 12407. Protecting animals with shelter.
    Sec. 12408. Report on available assistance to agricultural producers in
    the State of Texas that have suffered economic losses due to the
    failure of Mexico to deliver water.
    Sec. 12409. Qualified renewable biomass.
    Sec. 12410. Whole milk under the school breakfast program.
    Sec. 12411. Spotted lanternfly awareness campaign.
    Sec. 12412. Rio Grande Valley agricultural water interagency working
    group.
    Sec. 12413. Cost-share grants for rollover protection structures.

    SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

      In this Act:
              (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department
            of Agriculture.
              (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
            Agriculture.

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

    SEC. 1001. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.

      Section 1602 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9092) is
    amended by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 1002. TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

      (a) Definitions.--Section 1501(e)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(1)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or biennial'' after
            ``annual''; and
              (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or pest'' after
            ``insect''.
      (b) Economic Viability.--Section 1501(e)(2)(A) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(2)(A)) is amended--
              (1) by striking clauses (i) and (ii); and
              (2) by striking ``to provide assistance--'' and inserting
            ``to provide assistance under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
            paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers
            that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees
            or the trees no longer produce an economically viable crop as a
            result of a natural disaster, as determined by the
            Secretary.''.
      (c) Assistance.--Section 1501(e)(3) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(3)) is amended in the matter before subparagraph (A)
    by striking ``and (5)'' and inserting ``, (5), (6), and (7)''.
      (d) Requirements With Respect to Assistance.--Section 1501(e) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
              ``(6) Timing requirements.--An eligible orchardist or nursery
            tree grower shall agree, as a condition on receipt of
            assistance under this subsection, to carry out any replacement
            and rehabilitation activities for which such assistance is
            provided not later than--
                      ``(A) 2 years after the application for such
                    assistance is approved; or
                      ``(B) if the period specified in subparagraph (A) is
                    not adequate for tree survival, at such time as is
                    necessary to ensure tree survival.
              ``(7) Alternatives used in replanting.--
                      ``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or nursery
                    tree grower receiving assistance under this subsection
                    with respect to tree loss may use such assistance to
                    replant using--
                              ``(i) an alternative variety from the variety
                            used prior to the loss;
                              ``(ii) an alternative stand density from the
                            stand density used prior to the loss; and
                              ``(iii) an alternative location than was used
                            prior to the loss.
                      ``(B) Cost share limitations with respect to
                    alternatives.--The assistance provided by the Secretary
                    to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers--
                              ``(i) for losses described in subparagraph
                            (A)(i), shall be an amount that is not greater
                            than the amount the eligible orchardist or
                            nursery tree grower would receive if the
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
                            planted the variety lost;
                              ``(ii) for losses described in subparagraph
                            (A)(ii) shall be an amount that is not greater
                            than the amount the eligible orchardist or
                            nursery tree grower would receive if the
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
                            planted the stand density lost; and
                              ``(iii) for losses described in subparagraph
                            (A)(iii), shall be an amount that is not
                            greater than the amount the eligible orchardist
                            or nursery tree grower would receive if the
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
                            planted the location in which the loss
                            occurred.''.
      (e) Deadline for Notice Regarding Application Status.--Section
    1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9801(e)) is further
    amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(8) Deadline for notice regarding application status.--Not
            later than 120 days after receiving an application for
            assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) approve or deny such application; and
                      ``(B) notify the applicant of such approval or
                    denial.''.
      (f) Initial Payments Under Tree Assistance Program.--Section 1501(e)
    of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
              ``(9) Initial payments.--
                      ``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or nursery
                    tree grower may opt to receive an initial assistance
                    payment with respect to losses described in paragraph
                    (2) before incurring the costs described in paragraph
                    (3) relating to such losses.
                      ``(B) Amount.--An initial assistance payment under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount that is equal to
                    the fair market value of the estimated costs described
                    in paragraph (3) that the eligible orchardist or
                    nursery tree grower is likely to incur with respect to
                    losses described in paragraph (2), as determined by the
                    Secretary.
                      ``(C) Subsequent payment.--
                              ``(i) In general.--In the case of an eligible
                            orchardist or nursery tree grower that opts to
                            receive an initial payment under subparagraph
                            (A) with respect to losses described in
                            paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, as soon as
                            practicable after providing such initial
                            payment, provide a subsequent payment to the
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower in
                            an amount equal to--
                                      ``(I) the payment amount the eligible
                                    orchardist or nursery tree grower would
                                    have received with respect to such
                                    losses under paragraph (3) or pursuant
                                    to paragraph (5); minus
                                      ``(II) the initial payment amount
                                    provided to such eligible orchardist or
                                    nursery tree grower under subparagraph
                                    (B) with respect to such losses.
                              ``(ii) Overpayment.--If an initial payment
                            under subparagraph (B) with respect to losses
                            described in paragraph (2) is greater than the
                            amount an eligible orchardist or nursery tree
                            grower would have received under paragraph (3)
                            or pursuant to paragraph (5) for such losses,
                            such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
                            shall repay the Secretary the excess amount.
                      ``(D) Sunset.--The authority to make payments under
                    this paragraph shall terminate on September 30,
                    2035.''.

    SEC. 1003. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.

      (a) In General.--The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act
    of 1996 is amended by inserting after section 196 (7 U.S.C. 7333) the
    following:

    ``SEC. 196A. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a framework to
    provide direct assistance to producers of specialty crops the
    production of which was impacted by an adverse event (including an
    economic crisis or market disruption), as determined by the Secretary,
    in accordance with this section.
      ``(b) Payment Calculation.--In determining a payment calculation for
    purposes of direct assistance to a producer of specialty crops under
    subsection (a), the Secretary shall calculate payments based on--
              ``(1) the producer's sales of specialty crops for a calendar
            year that precedes the year in which the adverse event
            described in such subsection occurred or the average of such
            sales over a set of consecutive calendar years that precedes
            the year in which such adverse event occurred, as determined by
            the Secretary; multiplied by
              ``(2) a payment factor the Secretary determines, subject to
            the availability of funds, to address losses of such specialty
            crops from such adverse event.
      ``(c) Special Rules.--Subject to subsection (d), in providing direct
    assistance pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall consider--
              ``(1) the higher value of specialty crops;
              ``(2) the greater input costs required to grow specialty
            crops; and
              ``(3) diverse types of legal entities and structures used by
            specialty crop producers.
      ``(d) Limitations.--
              ``(1) Total amount.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                    (B), the total amount of payments received, directly or
                    indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a
                    qualified pass-through entity) (as such terms are
                    defined in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of
                    1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a))) for any crop year under this
                    section may not exceed the amount specified in
                    subsection (b) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act
                    of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308), as adjusted pursuant to
                    subsection (i) of such section 1001.
                      ``(B) Exception.--In the case of a person or legal
                    entity with an average gross income (as calculated
                    under section 1001D(b)(4)(B) of the Food Security Act
                    of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(4)(B))) for which greater
                    than or equal to 75 percent of the average derives from
                    farming, ranching, or silviculture activities--
                              ``(i) subparagraph (A) shall not apply; and
                              ``(ii) the total maximum amount of payments
                            received, directly or indirectly, by such
                            person or legal entity for any crop year under
                            this section shall be set by the Secretary,
                            except such amount may not be less than
                            $900,000.
              ``(2) Notification of interests; eligibility; denials.--
            Sections 1001A(a), 1001B, and 1001C of the Food Security Act of
            1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-1(a); 1308-2; 1308-3) shall apply to a
            producer of a specialty crop under this section in the same
            manner as such sections apply to a person or legal entity with
            respect to a covered commodity, except to the extent such
            sections relate to the application of subsections (b) through
            (d) of section 1001A.''.
      (b) Payment Limitation Conforming Amendment.--Section 1001D(b) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2)(E), by inserting ``or 196A'' after
            ``section 196''; and
              (2) in paragraph (4)(A)(i)(II), by inserting ``or 196A''
            after ``section 196''.

    SEC. 1004. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.

      (a) In General.--Subtitle E of title I of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:

    ``SEC. 1502. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.

      ``(a) In General.--In the case additional funds made available after
    the date of the enactment of this section for covered losses, the
    Secretary may make assistance for such losses available in the form of
    block grants.
      ``(b) Covered Losses.--In this section, the term `covered losses'
    means losses--
              ``(1) of revenue, quality, or production of crops, trees,
            bushes, vines, poultry or livestock as a consequence of a
            natural disaster (as determined by the Secretary); and
              ``(2) for which assistance is not available pursuant to any
            other Federal law.''.
      (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
    1501 the following:

    ``1502. Assistance in the form of block grants.''.

    SEC. 1005. DAIRY-RELATED EXTENSIONS.

      (a) Forward Pricing.--Section 1502 of the Food, Conservation, and
    Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772) is amended by striking subsection
    (e).
      (b) Indemnity Program.--Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 U.S.C.
    4553) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
      (c) Promotion and Research.--Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy
    Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended
    by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 1006. MANDATORY REPORTING OF DAIRY PRODUCT PROCESSING COSTS.

      Section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
    1637b) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), 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:
                      ``(C) for each manufacturer required to report under
                    subparagraph (A) for any product, require that
                    manufacturer to report production cost and product
                    yield information, as determined by the Secretary, for
                    all products processed in the same facility or
                    facilities.'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``products
                    and'' after ``those'';
              (2) in subsection (c)(3)(B), by inserting ``, subject to
            subsection (b)(1),'' after ``of information'';
              (3) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by striking
                    ``Electronic Reporting'' and inserting ``Reporting'';
                      (B) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in the heading, by striking ``Electronic
                            reporting'' and inserting ``Reporting''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``this section'' and
                            inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
                            subsection (b)(1)'';
                      (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``this section''
                    and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection
                    (b)(1)''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Dairy product processing costs.--Not later than 2 years
            after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every 2
            years thereafter, the Secretary shall publish a report
            containing the information obtained under subparagraph (C) of
            subsection (b)(1), subject to the conditions described in
            subsection (b)(2).'';
              (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
              (5) by adding after subsection (d) the following:
      ``(e) Regulation.--Any actions taken by the Secretary under this
    section shall not be subject to review under Executive Order 12866 (58
    Fed. Reg. 51735) or any successor order.''.

    SEC. 1007. DAIRY REPORTS.

      Paragraph (4) of section 301 of the Dairy Production Stabilization
    Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4514) is amended by striking ``Not later'' and
    all that follows through ``an annual report'' and inserting ``With
    respect to each calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment
    of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a report (which
    shall be submitted not later than 18 months after the last day of such
    calendar year)''.

    SEC. 1008. PROCESSING OF CERTAIN LOANS.

      (a) Marketing Assistance Loans.--Section 1204 of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9034) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(j) Effect of Lapse in Appropriations.--The servicing of a
    marketing assistance loan under section 1201 by an officer or employee
    of the Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of
    title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of human life
    or the protection of property.''.
      (b) Loans Under Sugar Program.--Section 156(d) of the Federal
    Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(d)) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Effect of lapse in appropriations.--The servicing of a
            loan under this section by an officer or employee of the
            Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of
            title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of
            human life or the protection of property.''.

    SEC. 1009. STORAGE FACILITY LOANS.

      Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 8789(a)) is amended--
              (1) by striking ``funds for producers'' and inserting the
            following: ``funds for--
              ``(1) producers''; and
              (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
            and''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(2) producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities
            for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production
            (as such term is defined in section 4279.2 of title 7, Code of
            Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment
            of this paragraph)).''.

    SEC. 1010. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.

      (a) In General.--Subtitle C of title I of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (Public Law 113-79) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 1302. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.

      ``(a) In General.--With respect to any Federal policy that would
    impact the administration of the programs described in this subtitle or
    any rule, policy, or guidance issued pursuant to such programs, the
    preservation and strengthening of the domestic production described in
    subsection (b) shall be a priority objective of the President.
      ``(b) Domestic Production Described.--The domestic production
    described in this subsection is the production of an agricultural
    commodity--
              ``(1) described in this subtitle; and
              ``(2) from which a food ingredient that serves an important
            function throughout the domestic food production supply chain
            is derived.''.
      (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
    1301 the following:

    ``1302. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.''.

    SEC. 1011. REGULATIONS.

      (a) Administration.--Section 1601(c) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9091(c)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``this title, sections
            11003 and 11017, title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
            2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section 10109
            of that Act'' and inserting ``a covered provision of law''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Covered provision of law defined.--In this subsection,
            the term `covered provision of law' means--
                      ``(A) this title and sections 11003 and 11017;
                      ``(B) title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
                    2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section
                    10109 of that Act; and
                      ``(C) title I of the Farm Food and National Security
                    Act of 2026 and the amendments made by that title.''.
      (b) Loan Implementation.--Section 1614(d) of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subtitle B'' the first
            place it appears and all that follows through the period at the
            end and inserting ``a covered provision of law.'';
              (2) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) by striking ``of subtitles B or C''; and
                      (B) by striking ``under subtitles B or C'' and
                    inserting ``under the repayment provisions''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      ``(A) Covered provision of law.--The term `covered
                    provision of law' means--
                              ``(i) subtitle B or C or the amendments made
                            by subtitle B or C;
                              ``(ii) the amendments made by subtitle B or C
                            of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
                            except with respect to the assistance provided
                            under sections 1207(c) and 1208; and
                              ``(iii) section 156 of the Federal
                            Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
                            (7 U.S.C. 7272).
                      ``(B) Repayment provisions.--The term `repayment
                    provisions' means the repayment requirements under--
                              ``(i) subtitle B or C; or
                              ``(ii) section 156 of the Federal
                            Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
                            (7 U.S.C. 7272).''.

    SEC. 1012. RESTORATION OF TOBACCO AS AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY IN
                        COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION CHARTER ACT.

      Section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C.
    714c) is amended by striking ``(other than tobacco)'' each place such
    term appears.

                             TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                            Subtitle A--Definitions

    SEC. 2001. DEFINITIONS.

      Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a))
    is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
            ``subtitles A through I:'' and inserting ``subtitles A through
            J:'';
              (2) in paragraph (14), by striking ``term `Indian tribe' has
            the meaning given the term'' and inserting ``terms `Indian
            tribe' and `Indian Tribe' have the meaning given those terms'';
              (3) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (27) as
            paragraphs (22) through (29), respectively;
              (4) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
              ``(20) Precision agriculture.--The term `precision
            agriculture' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or
            livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer,
            chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial
            and temporal granularity and biological targeting to improve
            efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.
              ``(21) Precision agriculture technology.--The term `precision
            agriculture technology' means any technology (including
            targeted inputs and the equipment that is necessary for the
            deployment of such technology) that directly contributes to a
            reduction in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or
            livestock production, including--
                      ``(A) Global Positioning System-based or geospatial
                    mapping technology;
                      ``(B) satellite or aerial imagery technology;
                      ``(C) yield monitors;
                      ``(D) soil mapping technology;
                      ``(E) sensors for gathering data on crop, soil, or
                    livestock conditions;
                      ``(F) Internet of Things and telematics technologies;
                      ``(G) data management software and advanced
                    analytics;
                      ``(H) network connectivity products and solutions;
                      ``(I) Global Positioning System guidance or auto-
                    steer systems;
                      ``(J) variable rate technology for applying inputs,
                    such as section control; and
                      ``(K) any other technology, as determined by the
                    Secretary, that directly contributes to a reduction in,
                    or improved efficiency of, the use of crop or livestock
                    production inputs, which may include seed, feed,
                    fertilizer, soil amendments, chemicals, water, and
                    time.''; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(30) Wildlife habitat connectivity.--The term `wildlife
            habitat connectivity' means the degree to which landscape or
            habitat elements facilitate native species movement among
            seasonal habitats.''.

    SEC. 2002. MITIGATION BANKING.

      Section 1222(k)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3822(k)(1)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
                      ``(B) 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
                    2027 through 2031.''.

                    Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program

    SEC. 2101. CONSERVATION RESERVE.

      (a) In General.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
      (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 Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018'' and inserting
            ``the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026''; and
              (2) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``September 30, 2017, or
            September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2025, or
            September 30, 2026''.
      (c) Enrollment.--
              (1) Maximum acreage enrolled.--Section 1231(d)(1)(E) of the
            Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(1)(E)) is amended
            by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``each of fiscal
            years 2023 through 2031''.
              (2) Grasslands.--Section 1231(d)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Food
            Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is
            amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
              (3) State enrollment rates.--Section 1231(d)(4) of the Food
            Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(4)) is amended by
            striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2026 through
            2031'' each place it appears.
              (4) Continuous enrollment procedure.--Section 1231(d)(6)(B)
            of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(6)(B)) is
            amended to read as follows:
                      ``(B) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the
                    limitations in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to
                    the maximum extent practicable, enroll and maintain not
                    fewer than 8,600,000 acres of land under subparagraph
                    (A) by September 30, 2031.''.

    SEC. 2102. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

      Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3831b(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

              Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

    SEC. 2201. DEFINITIONS.

      Section 1240A(6)(B)(v) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3839aa-1(6)(B)(v)) is amended by inserting ``(including the adoption of
    precision agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision
    agriculture technology)'' after ``planning''.

    SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Payments.--
              (1) Special rule involving payments for foregone income.--
            Section 1240B(d)(3)(F) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
            U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)(3)(F)) is amended by inserting ``and
            wildlife habitat connectivity'' before ``; or''.
              (2) Other payments.--Section 1240B(d)(6) of the Food Security
            Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)(6)) is amended--
                      (A) by striking ``A producer shall'' and inserting
                    the following:
                      ``(A) Payments under this subtitle.--Except as
                    provided in paragraph (9), a producer shall''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(B) Conservation loan and loan guarantee program
                    payments.--
                              ``(i) In general.--A producer receiving
                            payments for practices on eligible land under
                            the program may also receive a loan or loan
                            guarantee under section 304 of the Consolidated
                            Farm and Rural Development Act to cover costs
                            for the same practices on the same land.
                              ``(ii) Notice to producer.--The Secretary
                            shall inform a producer participating in the
                            program in writing that they may apply to
                            receive a loan or loan guarantee under section
                            304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                            Development Act as it relates to costs of
                            implementing practices under this program.''.
              (3) Increased payments for high-priority practices.--Section
            1240B(d)(7) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
            2(d)(7)) is amended--
                      (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``state-
                    determined'' before ``high-priority''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``or'' at
                            the end;
                              (ii) in clause (iv), by striking the period
                            at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(v) addresses the conservation and
                            restoration of wildlife habitat, including
                            wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife
                            migration corridors; or
                              ``(vi) increases carbon sequestration or
                            reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including
                            emissions of methane and nitrous oxide.''.
              (4) Increased payments for precision agriculture.--Section
            1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
            2(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(8) Increased payments for precision agriculture
            practices.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may
            increase the amount that would otherwise be provided for a
            practice under this subsection to not more than 90 percent of
            the costs associated with adopting precision agriculture
            practices and acquiring precision agriculture technology for
            the purpose of implementing conservation practices.''.
              (5) Cost-share payments for grassland.--Section 1240B(d) of
            the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)) is
            further amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(9) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the
            conservation reserve program.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide payments
                    under the program for costs associated with planning,
                    design, materials, equipment, installation, labor,
                    management, maintenance, or training, for the purpose
                    of a wildlife corridor, with respect to eligible land
                    that is--
                              ``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve
                            program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
                              ``(ii) of ecological significance, as
                            described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
                      ``(B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be eligible
                    for payments under subparagraph (A) for a practice if
                    the producer receives payments or other benefits for
                    the same practice on the same land under this title.''.
      (b) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1240B(f)(1) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023''
    and inserting ``2031''.
      (c) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--Section
    1240B(h)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(h)(1))
    is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a
            semicolon;
              (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting
            ``; or''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) the adoption of precision agriculture practices
                    or the acquisition of precision agriculture technology
                    to achieve water conservation and energy efficiency.''.
      (d) Payments for Conservation Practice Related to Organic
    Production.--Section 1240B(i)(3)(A)(ii) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(3)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking ``2019
    through 2023, $140,000'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031, $200,000''.
      (e) Conservation Incentive Contracts.--Section 1240B(j)(2)(A)(i) of
    the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(j)(2)(A)(i)) is
    amended by inserting ``(which may include the adoption of precision
    agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture
    technology)'' after ``incentive practices''.
      (f) Southern Border Initiative.--Section 1240B of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
      ``(k) Southern Border Initiative.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide payments under
            the program to producers to implement conservation practices on
            covered lands of such producers that address and repair covered
            damage that may contribute to a natural resource concern or
            problem.
              ``(2) Contract term.--In the case of a contract under the
            program entered into for the implementation of practices
            described in paragraph (1), such contract shall have a term of
            1 year.
              ``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      ``(A) Covered damage.--The term `covered damage'
                    means damage to agricultural land or farming
                    infrastructure.
                      ``(B) Covered land.--The term `covered land' means
                    eligible land in a county at or near the southern
                    border of the United States, as determined by the
                    Secretary.''.

    SEC. 2203. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

      Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7)
    is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027
    through 2031''.

    SEC. 2204. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

      (a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation Approaches.--
    Section 1240H(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
    8(a)) is amended--
              (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
              ``(1) Grants.--Out of the funds made available to carry out
            this subchapter, the Secretary may award competitive grants
            that are intended to stimulate development and evaluation of
            new and innovative approaches to leveraging the Federal
            investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in
            conjunction with agricultural production or forest resource
            management, through the program, including grants for the
            development and evaluation of new and innovative technologies
            that may be incorporated into conservation practice
            standards.''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2)(H), by inserting before the period
            ``(including precision agriculture practices and precision
            agriculture technologies)''.
      (b) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials.--Section
    1240H(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
    8(c)(1)(B)(i)) is amended--
              (1) in subclause (VI), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
              (2) by inserting after subclause (VII) the following:
                                      ``(VIII) perennial production
                                    systems, including agroforestry and
                                    perennial forages and grain crops;
                                    and''.
      (c) Reporting and Database.--Section 1240H(d)(2)(A) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8(d)(2)(A)) is amended--
              (1) in clause (i)--
                      (A) by inserting ``, including both management and
                    structural conservation practices,'' after
                    ``conservation practices''; and
                      (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
              (2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
              (3) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
                              ``(ii) data that may be used to evaluate new
                            and emerging technologies and recommendations
                            for State and regional applications of such new
                            and emerging technologies; and''; and
              (4) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by inserting ``for
            consideration under the streamlined process developed under
            section 1242(h)(3)'' before the period at the end.

                  Subtitle D--Conservation Stewardship Program

    SEC. 2301. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

      Section 1240J(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
    22(b)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
            (A), by inserting ``and except as provided in paragraph (3),''
            after ``paragraph (2),''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the
            conservation reserve program.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide payments
                    under the program for costs associated with planning,
                    design, materials, equipment, installation, labor,
                    management, maintenance, or training, for the purpose
                    of a wildlife corridor, with respect to eligible land
                    that is--
                              ``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve
                            program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
                              ``(ii) of ecological significance, as
                            described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
                      ``(B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be eligible
                    for payments under subparagraph (A) for a conservation
                    activity if the producer receives payments or other
                    benefits for the same conservation activity on the same
                    land under this title.
                      ``(C) Emergency grazing and haying access
                    preserved.--No priority resource concern, practice, or
                    incentive pertaining to restoration and enhancement of
                    wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration
                    corridors on the acres described above will prevent or
                    alter emergency grazing and haying access for grassland
                    acres enrolled in the conservation reserve program.''.

    SEC. 2302. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

      (a) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--Section 1240L(c) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(c)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting before the period
            ``(including increased costs associated with planning and
            adopting precision agriculture conservation activities and
            acquiring precision agriculture technology)''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(6) Minimum payment.--The amount of an annual payment under
            the program shall be not less than $4,000.''.
      (b) Supplemental Payments for Resource-Conserving Crop Rotations and
    Advanced Grazing Management.--Section 1240L(d) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(d)) is amended--
              (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``and Advanced
            Grazing Management'' and inserting ``, Advanced Grazing
            Management, and Precision Agriculture'';
              (2) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; or'' and
                    inserting a semicolon;
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) precision agriculture conservation
                    activities.''; and
              (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or advanced grazing
            management'' and inserting ``, advanced grazing management, or
            precision agriculture conservation activities''.
      (c) Payment Limitations.--Section 1240L(f) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(f)) is amended by striking ``2019 through
    2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 2303. STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SOIL HEALTH.

      Subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq.) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 1240L-2. STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SOIL HEALTH.

      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Eligible indian tribe.--The term `eligible Indian
            Tribe' means an Indian Tribe that is--
                      ``(A) implementing a soil health program for the area
                    over which the Indian Tribe has jurisdiction; and
                      ``(B) meeting or exceeding performance measures
                    established by the Indian Tribe for the soil health
                    program.
              ``(2) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a
            State that is--
                      ``(A) implementing a soil health program for the
                    State; and
                      ``(B) meeting or exceeding performance measures
                    established by the State for the soil health program.
              ``(3) Soil health program.--The term `soil health program'
            means a program to improve soil health on agricultural land
            that--
                      ``(A) is broadly consistent with the soil health
                    principles of the Natural Resources Conservation
                    Service, as determined by the Secretary; and
                      ``(B) may include--
                              ``(i) technical assistance;
                              ``(ii) financial assistance;
                              ``(iii) on-farm research and demonstration;
                              ``(iv) education, outreach, and training;
                              ``(v) monitoring and evaluation; or
                              ``(vi) such other components as the Secretary
                            determines appropriate.
      ``(b) Availability and Purpose of Grants.--For fiscal years 2027
    through 2031, the Secretary shall make grants to eligible States and
    eligible Indian Tribes for the purpose of improving soil health on
    agricultural lands through the implementation of State and Tribal soil
    health programs.
      ``(c) Applications.--
              ``(1) In general.--To receive a grant under this section, an
            eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe shall submit to the
            Secretary an application at such time, in such a manner, and
            containing such information as the Secretary shall require,
            which shall include--
                      ``(A) a description of performance measures to be
                    used to evaluate the State or Tribal soil health
                    program and the results of any activities carried out
                    using grant funds received under this section; and
                      ``(B) an assurance that grant funds received under
                    this section will supplement the expenditure of State
                    or Tribal funds in support of soil health, rather than
                    replace such funds.
              ``(2) Tribal option.--An Indian Tribe shall have the option,
            at the sole discretion of the Indian Tribe, to be incorporated
            into the application of an eligible State.
      ``(d) Grants.--
              ``(1) Amount.--The amount of a grant to an eligible State or
            eligible Indian Tribe under this section for a fiscal year may
            not exceed the lower of--
                      ``(A) $5,000,000; or
                      ``(B) as applicable--
                              ``(i) 50 percent of the cost of implementing
                            the State soil health program in the fiscal
                            year; or
                              ``(ii) 75 percent of the cost of implementing
                            the Tribal soil health program in the fiscal
                            year.
              ``(2) Term.--A grant under this section shall be for 1 year,
            and may be renewed annually.
      ``(e) Audits and Reviews.--An eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe
    receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary--
              ``(1) for each year for which the State or Indian Tribe
            receives such a grant, the results of an audit of the
            expenditures of the grant funds; and
              ``(2) at such intervals as the Secretary shall establish, a
            review and evaluation of the State or Tribal soil health
            program.
      ``(f) Effect of Noncompliance.--If the Secretary, after reasonable
    notice to an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant
    under this section, finds that the State or Indian Tribe has failed to
    comply with the terms of the grant, the Secretary may disqualify, for 1
    or more years, the State or Indian Tribe from receipt of future grants
    under this section.
      ``(g) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out this
    subchapter, $100,000,000 shall be available in each of fiscal years
    2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.
      ``(h) Administration.--
              ``(1) Department.--The Secretary 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 or indian tribes.--An eligible State or eligible
            Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this section may not use
            more than 7 percent of the granted funds for a fiscal year for
            administrative expenses.''.

                    Subtitle E--Other Conservation Programs

    SEC. 2401. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

      Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb)
    is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 2402. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.

      (a) Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program.--Chapter 5 of
    subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3839bb et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1240M the
    following:

    ``SEC. 1240N. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a feral swine
    eradication and control program (in this section referred to as the
    `program') to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture,
    native ecosystems, and human and animal health.
      ``(b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the program, the
    Secretary shall--
              ``(1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage to the
            threatened areas caused by feral swine;
              ``(2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine in
            the threatened areas;
              ``(3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral
            swine; and
              ``(4) provide financial assistance to agricultural producers
            in threatened areas.
      ``(c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial assistance to
    agricultural producers under the program to implement methods to--
              ``(1) eradicate or control feral swine in the threatened
            areas; and
              ``(2) restore damage caused by feral swine.
      ``(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this section through
    State technical committees established under section 1261(a).
      ``(e) Cost Sharing.--
              ``(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs of
            activities under the program may not exceed 75 percent of the
            total costs of such activities.
              ``(2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of the
            costs of activities under the program may be provided in the
            form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.
      ``(f) Threatened Area Defined.--In this section, the term `threatened
    area' means an area of a State in which feral swine have been
    identified as a threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, or human and
    animal health, as determined by the Secretary.
      ``(g) Funding.--
              ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
            section $75,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through
            2023, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $150,000,000 for
            the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2031.
              ``(2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made available
            under paragraph (1)--
                      ``(A) 40 percent shall be allocated to the Natural
                    Resources Conservation Service to carry out the
                    program, including the provision of financial
                    assistance to producers for on-farm trapping and
                    technology related to capturing and confining feral
                    swine; and
                      ``(B) 60 percent shall be allocated to the Animal and
                    Plant Health Inspection Service to carry out the
                    program, including the use of established, and testing
                    of innovative, population reduction methods.
              ``(3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than
            10 percent of funds made available under this section may be
            used for administrative expenses of the program.
      ``(h) Coordination and Cooperation With a Land-grant College or
    University.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall direct the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health
            Inspection Service to enter into a contract with 1 or more
            land-grant colleges or universities to assist with the program
            in achieving its goals.
              ``(2) Eligible land-grant colleges and universities.--A land-
            grant college or university is eligible to enter into a
            contract under paragraph (1) if such college or university--
                      ``(A) has developed and implemented a system of
                    evaluating damages from feral swine and effectiveness
                    of control efforts in response to the Agriculture
                    Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334);
                      ``(B) shows evidence of a strong working relationship
                    with Wildlife Services in the Animal and Plant Health
                    Inspection Service; and
                      ``(C) has maintained a State-funded, non-Federal
                    Wildlife Services program that has an active
                    cooperative agreement with Wildlife Services in the
                    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within the
                    structure of the Land Grant University System.
              ``(3) Role of the land-grant college or university.--A land-
            grant college or university that enters into a contract under
            paragraph (1) shall, as a condition on entering into such a
            contract, assist the program by acting as a strategic, neutral
            entity that is able to advance the program beyond the expertise
            of the Department to achieve the stated goals of the program
            by--
                      ``(A) identifying and carrying out research on novel
                    methods of feral swine control and land remediation;
                      ``(B) assisting in establishing strategic areas for
                    feral swine control based on data collected in response
                    to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018;
                      ``(C) coordinating and collaborating between field
                    staff, programmatic staff, and research staff within
                    the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the
                    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and
                      ``(D) establishing and consulting with the Department
                    on research goals and priorities in the program.
              ``(4) Funding.--Funding made available under (g)(2) shall be
            available to fund activities under this subsection, as
            determined by the Secretary.
              ``(5) Land-grant college or university defined.--In this
            subsection, the term `land-grant college or university' has the
            meaning given the term `land-grant colleges and universities'
            in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
            Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).''.
      (b) Repeal.--Section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
    (7 U.S.C. 8351 note) is repealed.
      (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 is amended by striking the item
    relating to section 2408.

    SEC. 2403. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION ACT.

      (a) Assistance to Local Organizations.--
              (1) In general.--Section 3(a) of the Watershed Protection and
            Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003(a)) is amended by
            redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7) and inserting
            after paragraph (5) the following:
              ``(6) to provide technical and financial assistance for
            remedial actions in accordance with subsection (c); and''.
              (2) Assistance for remedial actions; streamlining.--Section 3
            of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C.
            1003) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(c) Assistance for Remedial Actions.--
              ``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a)(6), the
            Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance to
            local organizations for remedial actions for a completed work
            of improvement installed under this Act with respect to which--
                      ``(A) deterioration of a structural component of the
                    work of improvement is occurring at an abnormal rate,
                    including situations in which such deterioration is due
                    to a design deficiency or to site conditions that were
                    unknown at the time of installation of the work of
                    improvement;
                      ``(B) the planned service life of the work of
                    improvement exceeds the service life of a structural
                    component of such work of improvement; or
                      ``(C) structural damage to such work of improvement,
                    or to a structural component of such work of
                    improvement, was caused by a storm event that exceeded
                    the maximum storm event for which the work of
                    improvement was designed.
              ``(2) Cost share.--Financial assistance provided under this
            subsection shall be provided in accordance with the cost-share
            rate established in the agreement with the local organization
            for the work of improvement.
      ``(d) Streamlining.--The Secretary shall, on an ongoing basis--
              ``(1) engage with relevant Federal agencies to reduce or
            eliminate regulatory, policy, or procedural barriers to timely
            provision of assistance under this Act;
              ``(2) provide for streamlined procedures relating to
            coordination with other Federal or State agencies for required
            reviews and permitting of projects pursuant to this Act, and
            ensure such procedures are commensurate with the size and scale
            of the projects;
              ``(3) conduct an assessment of internal Department of
            Agriculture planning, technical support, and approvals to
            determine best practices to be used for the purpose of
            maximizing the decisionmaking authority of State
            conservationists with respect to approvals required for
            projects under this Act; and
              ``(4) prioritize the use of agreements and contracting
            authorities under this Act to provide funding to local
            organizations for the planning, design, and construction of
            works of improvement.''.
      (b) Data.--Section 13 of the Watershed Protection and Flood
    Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1010) is amended to read as follows:

    ``SEC. 13. DATA.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall collect and maintain, and make
    publicly available--
              ``(1) data, on a national and State-by-State basis,
            concerning--
                      ``(A) expenditures for the individual flood control
                    and conservation measures for which assistance is
                    provided under this Act; and
                      ``(B) the expected flood control or environmental
                    (including soil erosion) benefits that will result from
                    the implementation of such measures; and
              ``(2) data, with respect to each project for which assistance
            is provided under this Act, concerning--
                      ``(A) total allocated and expended funds for
                    planning, design, construction, remedial actions, and
                    rehabilitation; and
                      ``(B) contracts and agreements entered into by the
                    Secretary with a local organization to provide
                    services, including--
                              ``(i) the services provided through such
                            contracts and agreements;
                              ``(ii) the total funds allocated to such
                            contracts and agreements; and
                              ``(iii) any modifications or adjustments made
                            to such contracts and agreements.
      ``(b) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not make publicly available
    under this section an agreement entered into with an individual
    landowner, operator, or occupier under this Act, or any disaggregated
    information that identifies such individual landowner, operator, or
    occupier.''.
      (c) Rehabilitation of Structural Measures Near, at, or Past Their
    Evaluated Life Expectancy.--
              (1) Cost share assistance for rehabilitation.--Section 14(b)
            of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C.
            1012(b)) is amended--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``65 percent'' and
                    inserting ``90 percent''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Relation to requirements of authorized projects.--A
            rehabilitation project for which assistance is provided under
            this section shall not be subject to--
                      ``(A) the requirement under section 2 that a project
                    contain benefits directly related to agriculture,
                    including rural communities, that account for at least
                    20 percent of the total benefits of the project; or
                      ``(B) section 4(5).''.
              (2) Funding.--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 ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 2404. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

      Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201)
    is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
                    Other Emergency Conservation Measures'' after
                    ``Fencing'';
                      (B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
              ``(1) In general.--With respect to a payment to an
            agricultural producer under subsection (a) for the repair or
            replacement of fencing, or for other emergency measures to
            rehabilitate farmland or to repair or replace a farmland or
            conservation structure, the Secretary shall give the
            agricultural producer the option of receiving--
                      ``(A) before carrying out such replacement or
                    rehabilitation, not more than 75 percent of the payment
                    for such replacement or rehabilitation, which shall be
                    based on the fair market value of the replacement or
                    rehabilitation, as determined by the Secretary; and
                      ``(B) before carrying out such repair, not more than
                    50 percent of the payment for such repair, which shall
                    be based on the fair market value of the repair, as
                    determined by the Secretary.''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) New or emerging technologies.--Repair or replacement of
            fencing under this section may include updating of fencing to
            new or emerging technology if such updating does not increase
            the cost of the repair or replacement.''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(c) Wildfires.--A wildfire that causes damage with respect to which
    a payment may be made under subsection (a) includes any wildfire that
    is not caused naturally, including a wildfire that is caused by the
    Federal Government, if the damage is caused by the spread of the fire
    due to natural causes.''.

    SEC. 2405. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROGRAM.

      (a) Floodplain Easements.--Section 403(b) of the Agricultural Credit
    Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203(b)) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (5)
            and (6), respectively;
              (2) by inserting before paragraph (5), as so redesignated,
            the following:
              ``(1) Easement restoration.--The Secretary is authorized to
            restore appropriate vegetative cover, hydrological functions,
            and other functions and values of the land subject to a
            floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a).
              ``(2) Easement maintenance.--The Secretary is authorized to
            monitor, maintain, and enhance appropriate vegetative cover,
            hydrological restoration measures, and other restoration
            measures on land subject to a floodplain easement acquired
            under subsection (a).
              ``(3) Contracts and agreements.--In carrying out paragraphs
            (1) and (2), the Secretary may--
                      ``(A) enter into contracts with landowners; and
                      ``(B) enter into agreements with States,
                    nongovernmental organizations, and Indian Tribes.
              ``(4) Compatible use authority.--The Secretary may authorize
            a landowner to carry out activities on land subject to a
            floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a) that are--
                      ``(A) compatible uses necessary to carry out
                    paragraph (1) or (2); or
                      ``(B) compatible economic uses (including such
                    activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber
                    harvest, water management, or periodic haying or
                    grazing) if such uses are consistent with the long-term
                    protection of the floodplain functions and values for
                    which the easement was acquired.''; and
              (3) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking
            ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (5)'' each place it
            appears.
      (b) Level of Restoration.--Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act
    of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(c) Level of Restoration.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary may undertake measures that increase the level of protection
    above that which would be necessary to address the immediate impairment
    of the watershed if the Secretary determines that such restoration is
    in the best interest of the long-term health of the watershed and the
    long-term protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments.''.

    SEC. 2406. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE FLOOD VULNERABILITY STUDY.

      Not later than 2 years 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 a national agriculture flood vulnerability
    report containing the results of a Conservation Effects Assessment
    Project assessment of flood risk on agricultural lands, including--
              (1) an analysis of economic losses of crops and livestock
            resulting from flooding under different recurrence scenarios;
              (2) an analysis of the downstream effects of mitigation
            activities carried out as part of a watershed management
            approach;
              (3) an analysis of available Federal and State data relating
            to flood risk, as applicable to agricultural land, including
            data relating to riverine flooding, coastal flooding, storm
            surge, extreme precipitation, and flash flooding; and
              (4) a description of ongoing producer-level conservation
            practices and broader government initiatives to manage the
            effects of flooding and flood risk within and across
            watersheds, and recommendations for additional practices and
            initiatives to further address such effects and risk.

    SEC. 2407. STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF WINTER WHEAT AS A COVER
                        CROP.

      The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of
    the House of Representatives the results of a study on the
    environmental benefits of using winter wheat as a cover crop, including
    use as a cover crop that is removed during harvest.

                     Subtitle F--Funding and Administration

    SEC. 2501. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

      (a) Annual Funding.--Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``2019 through
                    2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2019 through
                    2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031'';
              (2) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking clauses (i) through (vi)
            and inserting the following:
                              ``(i) $2,530,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                              ``(ii) $2,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
                              ``(iii) $3,130,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
                              ``(iv) $3,175,000,000 for fiscal year 2030;
                            and
                              ``(v) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2031;
                            and''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(5) The forest conservation easement program under subtitle
            I, using, to the maximum extent practicable--
                      ``(A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                      ``(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
                      ``(C) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
                      ``(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
                      ``(E) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
              ``(6) The regional conservation partnership program under
            subtitle J, to the maximum extent practicable--
                      ``(A) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                      ``(B) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
                      ``(C) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
                      ``(D) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
                      ``(E) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.''.
      (b) Regional Equity.--Section 1241(e)(1) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``subtitle I'' and
    inserting ``subtitle J''.
      (c) Acceptance and Use of Contributions for Public-Private
    Partnerships.--Section 1241(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3841(f)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (6)(A)(ii), by inserting ``of'' before ``any
            terms''; and
              (2) in paragraph (9)--
                      (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
                      ``(A) subtitle D (except for subchapter B of chapter
                    1 of such subtitle), subtitle H, subtitle I, or
                    subtitle J;'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the semicolon
                    and inserting ``; or'';
                      (C) by striking subparagraph (C); and
                      (D) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph
                    (C).
      (d) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Section 1241(i) of
    the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(i)) is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``2019
            through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2)(E), by striking ``section
            1265B(b)(2)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``section
            1265B(b)(2)(A)(iii)''.

    SEC. 2502. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

      (a) Definitions.--Section 1242(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3842(a)) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
              (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
              ``(2) Non-federal certifying entity.--The term `non-Federal
            certifying entity' means a non-Federal entity, an Indian Tribe,
            or a State agency described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of
            subsection (e)(4) that has entered into an agreement under
            subsection (e)(5)(D).''.
      (b) Purpose of Technical Assistance.--Section 1242(b) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(b)) is amended by inserting
    ``timely,'' after ``consistent,''.
      (c) Non-Federal Assistance.--Section 1242(d) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(d)) is amended by inserting ``(including
    private sector entities)'' after ``Department or non-Federal
    entities''.
      (d) Certification of Third-Party Providers.--Section 1242(e) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(e)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Food, Conservation, and
            Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting ``Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026'';
              (2) by amending paragraph (3)(A) to read as follows:
                      ``(A) ensure that persons (including commercial
                    entities, nonprofit entities, State or local
                    governments or agencies, and other Federal agencies)
                    with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation
                    planning, watershed planning, environmental
                    engineering, conservation practice design,
                    implementation, and evaluation, and any other technical
                    skills determined appropriate by the Secretary, are
                    eligible to become approved providers of the technical
                    assistance;''; and
              (3) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and inserting the
            following:
              ``(4) Certification.--A third-party provider may be certified
            to provide technical assistance under this section only--
                      ``(A) through a certification process administered by
                    the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
                    Resources Conservation Service;
                      ``(B) by a non-Federal entity (other than a State
                    agency or an Indian Tribe) approved by the Secretary
                    under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider;
                      ``(C) by an Indian Tribe approved by the Secretary
                    under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider;
                    or
                      ``(D) by a State agency that--
                              ``(i) has statutory authority to certify,
                            administer, or license professionals in one or
                            more fields of natural resources, agriculture,
                            or engineering; and
                              ``(ii) is approved by the Secretary under
                            paragraph (5) to certify a third-party
                            provider.
              ``(5) Non-federal certifying entity.--
                      ``(A) Establishment of approval process.--Not later
                    than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Farm,
                    Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary
                    shall establish a process to approve a non-Federal
                    entity (including a State agency and an Indian Tribe),
                    to become a non-Federal certifying entity.
                      ``(B) Approval.--Not later than 60 days after the
                    date on which the Secretary receives an application by
                    a non-Federal entity to certify third-party providers
                    under this section, the Secretary shall make a decision
                    on whether to approve such application.
                      ``(C) Eligibility.--In carrying out subparagraph (B),
                    the Secretary shall take into consideration--
                              ``(i) the ability of the applicable non-
                            Federal entity to assess the qualifications of
                            a third-party provider and to certify third-
                            party providers at scale;
                              ``(ii) the experience of the applicable non-
                            Federal entity in working with third-party
                            providers and eligible participants;
                              ``(iii) the expertise of the applicable non-
                            Federal entity in the technical skills
                            described in paragraph (3)(A); and
                              ``(iv) such other qualifications as the
                            Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                      ``(D) Agreement.--Upon approving an application under
                    this paragraph, the Secretary shall enter into an
                    agreement with the non-Federal entity to become a non-
                    Federal certifying entity.
                      ``(E) Duties of non-federal certifying entities.--In
                    certifying third-party providers under this section, a
                    non-Federal certifying entity shall--
                              ``(i) assess the ability of a third-party
                            provider to appropriately provide technical
                            assistance to eligible participants for
                            specified practices and conservation
                            activities;
                              ``(ii) provide training to ensure that a
                            third-party provider is qualified to provide
                            technical assistance upon certification by the
                            non-Federal certifying entity; and
                              ``(iii) submit to the Secretary, in a timely
                            manner, information on--
                                      ``(I) each third-party provider
                                    certified by the non-Federal certifying
                                    entity, for inclusion on the registry
                                    of certified third-party providers
                                    maintained by the Secretary; and
                                      ``(II) each third-party provider the
                                    certification of which is withdrawn by
                                    the non-Federal certifying entity.
              ``(6) Timely decisions.--
                      ``(A) Certification by secretary.--Not later than 30
                    days after the date on which the Secretary receives an
                    application from a third-party provider to be certified
                    under the process described in paragraph (4)(A) for
                    particular practices and conservation activities, the
                    Secretary shall--
                              ``(i) make a final decision with respect to
                            such application; and
                              ``(ii) if the final decision is to certify
                            the third-party provider, include the name of
                            the certified third-party provider on the
                            registry of certified third-party providers
                            maintained by the Secretary.
                      ``(B) Certification by non-federal certifying
                    entity.--Not later than 10 days after the date on which
                    the Secretary receives a notification from a non-
                    Federal certifying entity that a third-party provider
                    was certified, pursuant to subparagraph (B), (C), or
                    (D) of paragraph (4), for particular practices and
                    conservation activities, the Secretary shall include
                    the name of the certified third-party provider on the
                    registry of certified third-party providers maintained
                    by the Secretary.
              ``(7) Streamlined certification.--Not later than 180 days
            after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish a
            streamlined process for the Secretary and non-Federal
            certifying entities to use to certify under this section a
            third-party provider that has a relevant professional
            certification for particular practices and conservation
            activities, as determined by the Secretary.''.
      (e) Administration.--Section 1242(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3842(f)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``each of the programs
            specified in section 1241'' and inserting ``conservation
            programs administered by the Secretary'';
              (2) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph
            (A), by inserting ``or a non-Federal certifying entity'' before
            ``under this section'';
              (3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
              ``(3) Update of certification process by the secretary.--Not
            later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm,
            Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and periodically
            thereafter, the Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) review the certification processes under
                    paragraphs (4)(A) and (7) of subsection (e);
                      ``(B) make any adjustments considered necessary by
                    the Secretary to--
                              ``(i) increase the number of third-party
                            providers delivering technical assistance; and
                              ``(ii) improve the quality of technical
                            assistance delivered by third-party providers;
                      ``(C) conduct outreach to, and receive input on the
                    barriers for third-party providers to become certified
                    under this section from--
                              ``(i) third-party providers that are, or have
                            been, certified under this section; and
                              ``(ii) other interested parties associated
                            with eligible participants; and
                      ``(D) set a target rate of utilization of third-party
                    providers to deliver technical assistance across all
                    conservation programs administered by the Secretary.'';
              (4) in paragraph (4)(A)(i), by inserting ``(including
            maintenance)'' after ``implementation'';
              (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
              ``(5) Payment amount.--
                      ``(A) In general.--For payments provided by the
                    Secretary under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c),
                    the Secretary shall determine payment amounts for
                    technical assistance provided by third-party providers,
                    which shall be at rates equivalent to, but that do not
                    exceed, the cost to the Secretary of providing
                    technical assistance directly to an eligible
                    participant.
                      ``(B) Considerations.--In determining payment amounts
                    under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider
                    specialized equipment, frequency of site visits,
                    training, travel and transportation, and such other
                    factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                      ``(C) Exclusion.--A payment provided under subsection
                    (c)(3) shall be excluded from calculations relating to
                    any cost-sharing requirements of the applicable
                    conservation program under which the payment was
                    provided.
              ``(6) Transparency.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,
            and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall make publicly
            available information on--
                      ``(A) funds obligated to third-party providers
                    through--
                              ``(i) contracts entered into between eligible
                            participants and individual third-party
                            providers; and
                              ``(ii) agreements with public and private
                            sector entities to secure third-party technical
                            assistance;
                      ``(B) the certification process under this section,
                    including--
                              ``(i) the number of third-party providers
                            certified by the Secretary;
                              ``(ii) the number of non-Federal certifying
                            entities approved by the Secretary;
                              ``(iii) the number of third-party providers
                            certified by non-Federal certifying entities
                            (other than State agencies and Indian Tribes);
                              ``(iv) the number of third-party providers
                            certified by Indian Tribes;
                              ``(v) the number of third-party providers
                            certified by State agencies; and
                              ``(vi) the number of third-party providers
                            certified through the streamlined certification
                            process described in subsection (e)(7);
                      ``(C) how third-party providers contribute to the
                    quality and effectiveness of conservation practices
                    implemented and adopted through conservation programs
                    administered by the Secretary, and what improvements
                    are needed; and
                      ``(D) the target rate of utilization of third-party
                    providers set under paragraph (3)(D) and how actual
                    rate of utilization compares to the target rate.''; and
              (6) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(7) Soil health planning.--The Secretary shall emphasize
            the use of third-party providers in providing technical
            assistance for soil health planning, including planning related
            to the use of cover crops, precision agriculture practices,
            comprehensive nutrient management planning, and other
            innovative plans.''.
      (f) Review of Conservation Practice Standards.--Section 1242(h) of
    the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(h)) is amended--
              (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Review'' and
            inserting ``Establishment and Review'';
              (2) in paragraph (1)--
                      (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
                      ``(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
                    enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
                    of 2026, and at least every 5 years thereafter,
                    complete a review of each conservation practice
                    standard, including engineering design
                    specifications;'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (C) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
                      ``(D) evaluate opportunities to increase flexibility
                    in conservation practice standards in a manner that
                    integrates new and innovative technologies that provide
                    equivalent or improved natural resource benefits
                    compared to the standards in effect at the time of the
                    review;''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(E) provide a process for public input on each
                    conservation practice standard under such review,
                    including a process for consideration of State and
                    local input;
                      ``(F) publicly post a summary of any input received
                    under subparagraph (E) and any decisions made relating
                    to such input; and
                      ``(G) revise any conservation practice standard based
                    on the results of such review, as determined
                    appropriate by the Secretary, and publish any such
                    revised standard.'';
              (3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
              ``(3) Process for establishment of interim and new
            conservation practice standards.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
                    Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall develop a
                    streamlined process under which the Secretary shall
                    establish interim conservation practice standards and
                    new conservation practice standards.
                      ``(B) Development.--In developing the streamlined
                    process under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
                              ``(i) ensure that the public can engage with
                            the Department of Agriculture, including by
                            recommending interim conservation practice
                            standards; and
                              ``(ii) establish--
                                      ``(I) the types of data, metrics, and
                                    other relevant information that are
                                    necessary for the establishment of
                                    interim conservation practice standards
                                    and new conservation practice
                                    standards;
                                      ``(II) the process by which an
                                    interim conservation practice standard
                                    may become a new conservation practice
                                    standard; and
                                      ``(III) specific requirements for an
                                    expedited review of a new conservation
                                    practice for the purpose of
                                    establishing a new conservation
                                    practice standard for such practice.
                      ``(C) Considerations.--In establishing an interim
                    conservation practice standard or a new conservation
                    practice standard under this subsection, the Secretary
                    shall consider--
                              ``(i) input from State technical committees
                            on recommendations that identify innovations or
                            advancements in conservation practices;
                              ``(ii) technological advancements, including
                            advancements from projects developed under
                            section 1240H;
                              ``(iii) State and local input in the form
                            of--
                                      ``(I) recommendations for interim
                                    conservation practice standards; and
                                      ``(II) partnership-led proposals for
                                    new and innovative techniques to
                                    facilitate implementing agreements and
                                    grants under this title; and
                              ``(iv) input from native entities in the form
                            of information relating to native traditional
                            ecological knowledge that can inform
                            conservation practice standards.
                      ``(D) Innovative technology priority.--In reviewing
                    conservation practice standards under this subsection,
                    the Secretary shall prioritize the review of interim
                    conservation practice standards and new conservation
                    practice standards that integrate innovative
                    technologies, including--
                              ``(i) precision agriculture technologies;
                              ``(ii) biological fertilizers, biostimulants,
                            enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and other
                            tools determined by the Secretary to reduce
                            nutrient loss;
                              ``(iii) animal feed additives;
                              ``(iv) perennial production systems,
                            including agroforestry and perennial forages
                            and grain crops; and
                              ``(v) any other innovative technology, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
                      ``(E) Transparency.--The Secretary shall make
                    available on a public website a detailed description of
                    the process for recommending, reviewing, and
                    establishing interim conservation practice standards
                    and new conservation practice standards under this
                    paragraph.'';
              (4) in paragraph (4)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) by striking ``Agriculture Improvement Act
                            of 2018'' and inserting ``Farm, Food, and
                            National Security Act of 2026''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``a report on'' and
                            inserting ``a report detailing'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking
                    ``administrative'' and inserting ``streamlined'';
                      (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (D) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (E) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) any other information the Secretary determines
                    useful to improve such streamlined process for
                    reviewing and establishing conservation practice
                    standards.''; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(5) Office of conservation innovation.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
                    within the Office of the Chief of the Natural Resources
                    Conservation Service an Office of Conservation
                    Innovation (referred to in this paragraph as the
                    `Office') which shall be under the direct supervision
                    of the Chief.
                      ``(B) Duties.--The Office shall--
                              ``(i) provide support to the Chief in meeting
                            the requirements of this subsection; and
                              ``(ii) encourage innovation in conservation
                            practices through--
                                      ``(I) revisions of existing
                                    conservation practice standards;
                                      ``(II) recommendations of interim
                                    conservation practice standards; and
                                      ``(III) recommendations of new
                                    conservation practice standards.
                      ``(C) Staff.--The Chief shall detail to the Office
                    not more than 6 employees of the Department of
                    Agriculture who are technical specialists that possess
                    an understanding of conventional, organic, and other
                    production techniques, representing--
                              ``(i) agronomy and agroecology (including
                            soil health, biological nutrient sources, and
                            compatible cover cropping systems);
                              ``(ii) grazing lands ecology (including
                            rangeland, pastureland, and grazed forest
                            land);
                              ``(iii) animal husbandry (including animal
                            nutrition and feed management);
                              ``(iv) water conservation, drainage water
                            management, and irrigation engineering
                            technology;
                              ``(v) agricultural engineering (including
                            animal waste management, energy, and structural
                            measures); and
                              ``(vi) forest ecology and agroforestry.
              ``(6) Funding.--The Secretary shall use funding from the
            annual appropriations for conservation operations of the
            Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry out this
            subsection.''.
      (g) Direct Hire Authority.--Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(j) NRCS Direct Hire Authority.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may appoint, without regard
            to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5,
            United States Code (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such
            title), qualified candidates, as described in paragraph (2),
            directly to positions within the Natural Resources Conservation
            Service that provide technical assistance under conservation
            programs administered by the Natural Resources Conservation
            Service.
              ``(2) Qualifications.--Paragraph (1) applies to a candidate
            who--
                      ``(A) is qualified to provide the technical
                    assistance described in paragraph (1), as determined by
                    the Secretary; and
                      ``(B) meets qualification standards established by
                    the Office of Personnel Management.''.
      (h) Addressing Barriers to Wildlife Habitat Connectivity.--Section
    1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is further
    amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(k) Addressing Barriers to Wildlife Habitat Connectivity.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) to the maximum extent practicable, fully
                    incorporate nonstructural methods to control livestock
                    distribution, such as virtual fencing, into the
                    conservation practice standards; and
                      ``(B) provide for the appropriate range of
                    conservation practices and resource mitigation measures
                    available to landowners using nonstructural methods
                    described in subparagraph (A).
              ``(2) Availability of adequate technical assistance.--The
            Secretary shall ensure that adequate technical assistance is
            available for the implementation of--
                      ``(A) nonstructural methods described in paragraph
                    (1)(A); and
                      ``(B) other practices that support wildlife habitat
                    connectivity through Federal conservation programs.''.

    SEC. 2503. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

      (a) Tenant Protections.--Section 1244(d) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(d)) is amended by striking ``I.'' and inserting
    ``J.''.
      (b) Acreage Limitations.--Section 1244(f) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(f)) is amended--
              (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
              ``(1) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not enroll more than
            25 percent of the cropland in any county in the conservation
            reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
            subtitle D and wetland reserve easements under section
            1265C.'';
              (2) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                    striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and inserting ``paragraph
                    (1)''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end and inserting ``or'';
              (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and
            inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
              (4) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``classes IV'' and
            inserting ``classes III''.
      (c) Review and Guidance for Practice Costs and Payment Rates.--
              (1) In general.--Section 1244(j)(1) of the Food Security Act
            of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)(1)) is amended--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                    striking ``Not later than 1 year after the date of
                    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
                    and not later than October 1 of each year thereafter,
                    the Secretary shall'' and inserting ``The Secretary
                    shall establish a process under which the Secretary
                    shall annually'';
                      (B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
                      ``(A) review, with respect to each State, the actual
                    practice costs and rates of payments (or, where actual
                    practice costs and rates of payments are not available,
                    estimates of such practice costs and rates) made to
                    producers pursuant to programs under this title for
                    practices on eligible land; and''; and
                      (C) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at
                            the end;
                              (ii) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause
                            (iv);
                              (iii) by inserting after clause (ii) the
                            following:
                              ``(iii) accounts for the variability in costs
                            of implementing practices on eligible land
                            under this title; and''; and
                              (iv) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by
                            striking ``regional, State, and'' and inserting
                            ``State and''.
              (2) Guidance; review.--Section 1244(j)(2) of the Food
            Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)(2)) is amended--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``estimates
                    for''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the
                            end;
                              (ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause
                            (iii);
                              (iii) by inserting after clause (i) the
                            following:
                              ``(ii) monitoring for and identifying
                            significant variability in practice costs in
                            each year; and''; and
                              (iv) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by
                            inserting ``and, when appropriate, adopting any
                            recommendations made by such State technical
                            committee'' after ``that State''.
              (3) Effect on existing contracts.--Section 1244(j) of the
            Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)) is amended by
            adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Effect on existing contracts.--In order to provide
            rates of payments that are commensurate with the costs of
            implementing practices pursuant to programs under this title,
            the Secretary shall establish processes and procedures for
            updating rates of payments under a contract or agreement in
            effect under this title to reflect the appropriate practice
            costs and rates of payments determined under paragraph (2)(B)
            for the year in which the practice is implemented.''.
      (d) Source Water Protection Through Targeting of Agricultural
    Practices.--Section 1244(n) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3844(n)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause
                            (iii);
                              (ii) in clause (i), by striking the ``and''
                            at the end; and
                              (iii) by inserting after clause (i) the
                            following:
                              ``(ii) identify in each State a source water
                            protection coordinator who shall be responsible
                            for coordinating such collaboration with
                            community water systems under this subsection;
                            and''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``under
                    subparagraph (A)(ii)'' and inserting ``under
                    subparagraph (A)(iii)''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Publicly available information.--Beginning on the date
            of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
            2026, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service, shall make publicly available--
                      ``(A) an annual report that details--
                              ``(i) for each local priority area identified
                            under paragraph (2)(A)(i)--
                                      ``(I) the conservation programs under
                                    which assistance is provided pursuant
                                    to paragraph (1);
                                      ``(II) the practices implemented
                                    pursuant to paragraph (1); and
                                      ``(III) the number of contracts and
                                    acres devoted to such practices;
                              ``(ii) for each conservation program
                            administered by the Secretary--
                                      ``(I) the amount of funds obligated
                                    and expended for practices implemented
                                    pursuant to paragraph (1); and
                                      ``(II) information regarding the
                                    status of compliance with paragraph
                                    (3); and
                              ``(iii) the practices, by State, that are
                            receiving increased incentives and higher
                            payment rates under paragraph (2)(A)(iii); and
                      ``(B) through an interactive map, aggregated data
                    detailed under subparagraph (A).''.
      (e) Encouragement of Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors.--
    Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(q) Encouragement of Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors.--
    In carrying out any conservation program administered by the Secretary,
    the Secretary may, as appropriate, encourage the use of conservation
    practices that support the development, restoration, and maintenance of
    habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors.''.

             Subtitle G--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    SEC. 2601. DEFINITIONS.

      Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is
    amended--
              (1) by striking paragraph (2);
              (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs
            (2) through (6), respectively; and
              (3) in paragraph (3)(A), as so redesignated, by amending
            clause (i) to read as follows:
                              ``(i) that is subject to a pending offer for
                            purchase of an agricultural land easement from
                            an eligible entity;''.

    SEC. 2602. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.

      (a) Availability of Assistance.--Section 1265B(a) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``in eligible land;'' and
            inserting ``on eligible land; and'';
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(iv); and'' and inserting
            ``(iii).''; and
              (3) by striking paragraph (3).
      (b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
              (1) Scope of assistance available.--Section 1265B(b)(2) of
            the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(2)) is
            amended--
                      (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
                      ``(A) Federal share.--
                              ``(i) In general.--An agreement described in
                            paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share
                            determined by the Secretary of an amount not to
                            exceed 65 percent of the fair market value of
                            the agricultural land easement, as determined
                            by the Secretary using--
                                      ``(I) the Uniform Standards of
                                    Professional Appraisal Practice;
                                      ``(II) an areawide market analysis or
                                    survey; or
                                      ``(III) another industry-approved
                                    method.
                              ``(ii) Socially disadvantaged farmers and
                            ranchers exception.--In the case of eligible
                            land with respect to which a socially
                            disadvantaged farmer or rancher holds an
                            ownership interest of not less than 50 percent,
                            the Secretary may provide an amount not to
                            exceed 90 percent of the fair market value of
                            the agricultural land easement.
                              ``(iii) Grasslands 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.'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) by amending clause (i) to read as
                            follows:
                              ``(i) In general.--Under the agreement, the
                            eligible entity shall provide a non-Federal
                            share that is equivalent to the remainder of
                            the fair market value of the agricultural land
                            easement not provided by the Secretary under
                            subparagraph (A).'';
                              (ii) by striking clause (ii);
                              (iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause
                            (ii); and
                              (iv) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, in
                            the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking
                            ``subparagraph'' and inserting ``paragraph'';
                            and
                      (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
                    following:
                      ``(C) Lower cost-share option.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph
                            (4)(C)(v), an eligible entity may elect to
                            enter into an agreement under paragraph (4) in
                            which the terms and conditions of an
                            agricultural land easement funded under the
                            agreement do not include a right of enforcement
                            for the Secretary if the eligible entity agrees
                            to a Federal share that does not exceed 25
                            percent of the fair market value of the
                            agricultural land easement, as determined by
                            the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
                              ``(ii) Minimum terms and conditions.--Under
                            an agreement described in clause (i), 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; and
                                      ``(II) permit effective enforcement
                                    of the conservation purposes of such
                                    easements.
                              ``(iii) Entity enforcement.--Under an
                            agreement described in clause (i), the
                            Secretary shall require the terms and
                            conditions for the agricultural land easement
                            to include a right of enforcement for the
                            eligible entity.
                              ``(iv) Cash contribution.--Under an agreement
                            described in clause (i), the eligible entity
                            shall provide cash resources in an amount that
                            is not less than 50 percent of the fair market
                            value of the agricultural land easement, as
                            determined by the Secretary under subparagraph
                            (A).''.
              (2) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--Section
            1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
            3865b(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(F) Pooling of applications.--The Secretary may
                    evaluate and rank applications submitted by eligible
                    entities for the purchase of agricultural land
                    easements from landowners who are socially
                    disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately from
                    applications submitted for the purchase of agricultural
                    land easements from other landowners.''.
              (3) Agreements with eligible entities.--Section 1265B(b)(4)
            of the Food Security Act of 1985 (42 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(4)) is
            amended--
                      (A) in subparagraph (C)--
                              (i) by striking clause (iii);
                              (ii) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as
                            clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively;
                              (iii) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by
                            striking the ``and'' at the end;
                              (iv) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by
                            striking the period at the end and inserting
                            ``;''; and
                              (v) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(v) include a right of enforcement for the
                            Secretary that--
                                      ``(I) may be used only if the terms
                                    and conditions of the easement are not
                                    enforced by the eligible entity; and
                                      ``(II) does not extend to a right of
                                    inspection unless--
                                              ``(aa)(AA) the holder of the
                                            easement fails to provide
                                            monitoring reports in a timely
                                            manner; or
                                              ``(BB) the Secretary has a
                                            reasonable and articulable
                                            belief that the terms and
                                            conditions of the easement have
                                            been violated; and
                                              ``(bb) prior to the
                                            inspection, the Secretary
                                            notifies the eligible entity
                                            and the landowner of the
                                            inspection and provides a
                                            reasonable opportunity for the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner to participate in the
                                            inspection; and
                              ``(vi) include a right of the Secretary to
                            require the transfer of the easement to a
                            different eligible entity if the eligible
                            entity that holds the easement ceases to exist
                            or is no longer eligible to participate in the
                            program, as determined by the Secretary.''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (D)--
                              (i) in clause (ii)--
                                      (I) in subclause (I)(ff), by striking
                                    ``(v)'' and inserting ``(iv)''; and
                                      (II) in subclause (II), by striking
                                    the ``and'' at the end;
                              (ii) in subclause (iii), by striking the
                            period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                              (iii) by inserting at the end the following:
                              ``(iv) do not conflict with any minimum terms
                            or conditions under subparagraph (C) that may
                            be required.''.
              (4) Certification of eligible entities.--Section 1265B(b)(5)
            of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(5)) is
            amended--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
                            striking ``under which the Secretary may'' and
                            inserting ``, to minimize administrative
                            burdens on the Secretary and recognize the
                            ability of experienced eligible entities to
                            administer easements with minimal oversight by
                            the Secretary, under which the Secretary
                            shall''; and
                              (ii) in clause (iv), by inserting ``, and
                            modify,'' after ``entity to use'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) in clause (ii)--
                                      (I) in subclause (II), by striking
                                    ``10'' and inserting ``5''; and
                                      (II) in subclause (III), by striking
                                    the ``or'' at the end;
                              (ii) in clause (iii)--
                                      (I) in subclause (I), by striking
                                    ``10'' and inserting ``5''; and
                                      (II) in subclause (II), by striking
                                    the period at the end and inserting ``;
                                    or'';
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(iv) is an eligible entity not described in
                            clause (ii) or (iii) that has--
                                      ``(I) acquired not fewer than 10
                                    agricultural land easements under the
                                    program or any predecessor program; and
                                      ``(II) successfully met the
                                    responsibilities of the eligible entity
                                    under the applicable agreements with
                                    the Secretary, as determined by the
                                    Secretary, relating to agricultural
                                    land easements that the eligible entity
                                    has acquired under the program or any
                                    predecessor program.''; and
                      (C) in subparagraph (C)--
                              (i) in the header, by striking ``Review and
                            revision'' and inserting ``Review and
                            revocation'';
                              (ii) in the header of clause (i) by striking
                            ``Review'' and inserting ``Certified entity
                            review''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(iii) Easement review.--The Secretary shall
                            establish and conduct an annual quality review
                            process to--
                                      ``(I) review a sample set of
                                    easements acquired by certified
                                    eligible entities;
                                      ``(II) ensure the integrity of the
                                    easement acquisition process under this
                                    section;
                                      ``(III) establish and enforce a
                                    process for corrective actions; and
                                      ``(IV) provide for a waiver of
                                    successive easement reviews based on
                                    demonstrated compliance.''.

    SEC. 2603. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS.

      (a) Easements.--Section 1265C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3865c(b)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ``tribes'' and inserting
            ``Tribes and landowners who are socially disadvantaged farmers
            or ranchers''; and
              (2) by inserting after paragraph (3)(C) the following:
                      ``(D) Pooling of applications.--The Secretary may
                    evaluate and rank offers from landowners who are
                    socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately
                    from offers from other landowners.''.
      (b) Easement Restoration.--Section 1265C(c)(1) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``subsection
    (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''.
      (c) Easement Stewardship.--Section 1265C of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as
            subsections (e) through (h), respectively; and
              (2) by inserting after subsection (c), the following:
      ``(d) Easement Stewardship.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide financial
            assistance to owners of eligible land enrolled under this
            section for the repair, necessary maintenance, and enhancement
            activities described in the wetland reserve easement plan
            developed for the eligible land under subsection (g)(1).
              ``(2) Evaluation of stewardship need.--The Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) regularly assess land enrolled under this
                    section to identify maintenance and management needs,
                    including any needed repair or enhancement of existing
                    structural practices, in accordance with the applicable
                    wetland reserve easement plan;
                      ``(B) consistent with the purposes of the program,
                    create, execute, and update as necessary based on the
                    assessments carried out under subparagraph (A), a
                    stewardship strategy for--
                              ``(i) prioritizing and addressing the needs
                            identified under subparagraph (A); and
                              ``(ii) projecting the amount of annual
                            funding needed for financial and technical
                            assistance to address such needs; and
                      ``(C) establish a 5-year schedule to address such
                    needs.
              ``(3) Payments.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary
            shall make payments in an amount that is not more than 100
            percent of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary.
              ``(4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,
            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 includes--
                      ``(A) an inventory of the existing stewardship needs
                    of all wetland reserve easements, based on the
                    assessments carried out under paragraph (2);
                      ``(B) the stewardship strategy created under
                    paragraph (2)(B);
                      ``(C) the amounts the Secretary plans to allocate to
                    address such stewardship needs, based on projections
                    made pursuant to paragraph (2)(B)(ii); and
                      ``(D) the planned use of compatible uses under
                    subsection (b)(5)(C), contracts or agreements under
                    subsection (e)(2), or wetland reserve easement plans
                    under subsection (g)(1) to ensure that each such
                    stewardship need is addressed.''.
      (d) Assistance.--Subsection (e) of section 1265C of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so redesignated, is amended--
              (1) in the header, by striking ``Technical Assistance'' and
            inserting ``Assistance''; and
              (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
              ``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
            1 or more contracts or agreements with a Federal, State, or
            local agency, a nongovernmental organization, an Indian Tribe,
            or a private entity to carry out necessary restoration,
            enhancement, maintenance, repair, assessment, or monitoring of
            a wetland reserve easement if the Secretary determines that the
            contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the
            program.''.
      (e) Wetland Reserve Enhancement Option.--Subsection (f) of section
    1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so
    redesignated, is amended--
              (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
            following:
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(2) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out this
            section, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 15 percent
            to carry out this subsection.''.

    SEC. 2604. ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--Section
    1265D(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(c)) is
    amended--
              (1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
              ``(2) Modification and exchange of interest in land.--
                      ``(A) Modification.--
                              ``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve a
                            modification of 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 the
                            modification--
                                      ``(I) will support the long-term
                                    agricultural viability of the
                                    applicable farm or ranch operation and
                                    the conservation values of the
                                    applicable easement;
                                      ``(II) will result in equal or
                                    increased conservation values;
                                      ``(III) is consistent with the
                                    original intent of the easement;
                                      ``(IV) is consistent with the
                                    purposes of the program; and
                                      ``(V) is in the public interest or
                                    furthers the practical administration
                                    of the program, including correcting
                                    errors, exercising reserved rights, and
                                    increasing flexibility to recognize
                                    changes in water availability or
                                    administration.
                              ``(ii) Limitation.--In modifying an interest
                            in land, or portion of such interest, under
                            this subparagraph, the Secretary may not,
                            except in the case of a modification that
                            includes a change to an easement to add
                            acreage, increase any payment to an eligible
                            entity.
                              ``(iii) NEPA compliance.--An action taken
                            pursuant to this subparagraph may not be
                            considered a major Federal action under section
                            102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy
                            Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
                      ``(B) Exchange.--
                              ``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve
                            an exchange of 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--
                                      ``(I) no reasonable alternative
                                    exists and the effect on the interest
                                    in land is avoided or minimized to the
                                    extent practicable; and
                                      ``(II) the exchange--
                                              ``(aa) results in equal or
                                            increased conservation values;
                                              ``(bb) results in equal or
                                            greater economic value to the
                                            United States;
                                              ``(cc) is consistent with the
                                            original intent of the
                                            easement;
                                              ``(dd) is consistent with the
                                            purposes of the program; and
                                              ``(ee) is in the public
                                            interest or furthers the
                                            practical administration of the
                                            program.
                              ``(ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an interest
                            in land, or portion of such interest, under
                            this subparagraph, the Secretary may not
                            increase any payment to an eligible entity.'';
                            and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(6) De minimis adjustments.--
                      ``(A) In general.--An eligible entity may make de
                    minimis adjustments to any interest in land, or a
                    portion of such interest, administered by the
                    Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity
                    Credit Corporation, under the program if the
                    adjustment--
                              ``(i) furthers the practical administration
                            of the program; and
                              ``(ii) is not a subordination, modification,
                            exchange, or termination, as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                      ``(B) Types of de minimis adjustments.--De minimis
                    adjustments made under this paragraph may include title
                    corrections and other minor adjustments, including--
                              ``(i) typographical error corrections;
                              ``(ii) minor changes in legal descriptions as
                            a result of survey or mapping errors;
                              ``(iii) the transfer of an interest of an
                            eligible entity to another eligible entity;
                              ``(iv) changes to a building envelope
                            boundary;
                              ``(v) relocation of easement access;
                              ``(vi) authorization of temporary work areas
                            not associated with other easement
                            administration actions; and
                              ``(vii) other adjustments determined
                            appropriate by the Secretary.
              ``(7) Modification of eligible entity terms and conditions.--
            An eligible entity shall be authorized to modify a term or
            condition of an agricultural land easement that is the subject
            of an agreement entered into under section 1265B(b)(4)(A) if
            such modification does not conflict with any minimum term or
            condition required by the Secretary under such section.''.
      (b) Adjusted Gross Income.--
              (1) Exemption.--Section 1265D of the Food Security Act of
            1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865D) is amended by adding at the end the
            following:
      ``(f) Adjusted Gross Income Exemption.--The adjusted gross income
    limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to any
    payment or other assistance under this subtitle.''.
              (2) Calculation.--Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act
            of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended by adding at the end
            the following:
              ``(5) Exception for compensation under acep.--For purposes of
            this subsection, the adjusted gross income of a person or legal
            entity that is a landowner of eligible land (as defined in
            section 1265A) shall not include any income received as
            compensation for the acquisition of an agricultural land
            easement or a wetland reserve easement on that eligible land
            under subtitle H of title XII.''.

                Subtitle H--Forest Conservation Easement Program

    SEC. 2701. FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.

      Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.)
    is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) as
            subtitle J; and
              (2) by inserting after subtitle H (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.)
            the following:

               ``Subtitle I--Forest Conservation Easement Program

    ``SEC. 1267. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

      ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a forest
    conservation easement program for the conservation and restoration of
    eligible land and natural resources through the acquisition of
    conservation easements or other interests in land.
      ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are--
              ``(1) to protect the viability and sustainability of working
            forest land, and related conservation values of eligible land,
            by limiting the negative effects of nonforest land uses of such
            land;
              ``(2) to protect and enhance forest ecosystem and landscape
            functions and values;
              ``(3) to promote the restoration, protection, and improvement
            of habitat of species that are threatened, endangered, or
            otherwise at risk; and
              ``(4) to carry out the purposes and functions of the healthy
            forests reserve program established under title V of the
            Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et
            seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
            this section.

    ``SEC. 1267A. DEFINITIONS.

      ``In this subtitle:
              ``(1) Acreage owned by an indian tribe.--The term `acreage
            owned by an Indian Tribe' means--
                      ``(A) land that is held in trust by the United States
                    for Indian Tribes or individual Indians;
                      ``(B) land, the title to which is held by Indian
                    Tribes or individual Indians subject to Federal
                    restrictions against alienation or encumbrance;
                      ``(C) land that is subject to rights of use,
                    occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian Tribes;
                      ``(D) land that is held in fee title by an Indian
                    Tribe;
                      ``(E) land that is owned by a native corporation
                    formed under--
                              ``(i) section 17 of the Act of June 18, 1934
                            (commonly known as the `Indian Reorganization
                            Act') (25 U.S.C. 5124); or
                              ``(ii) section 8 of the Alaska Native Claims
                            Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607); and
                      ``(F) a combination of 1 or more types of land
                    described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
              ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
                      ``(A) an agency of State or local government or an
                    Indian Tribe (including a 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
            land or acreage owned by an Indian Tribe--
                      ``(A) that is--
                              ``(i) forest land; or
                              ``(ii) being restored to forest land;
                      ``(B) in the case of a forest land easement--
                              ``(i) the enrollment of which would protect
                            working forests and related conservation values
                            by conserving land; or
                              ``(ii) the protection of which will further a
                            State or local policy consistent with the
                            purposes of the program; and
                      ``(C) in the case of a forest reserve easement, the
                    enrollment of which will maintain, restore, enhance, or
                    otherwise measurably--
                              ``(i) increase the likelihood of recovery of
                            a species that is listed as endangered or
                            threatened under section 4 of the Endangered
                            Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
                              ``(ii) improve the well-being of a species
                            that is--
                                      ``(I) not listed as endangered or
                                    threatened under that section; and
                                      ``(II)(aa) a candidate for that
                                    listing, a State-listed species, or a
                                    special concern species; or
                                      ``(bb) designated as a species of
                                    greatest conservation need by a State
                                    wildlife action plan.
              ``(4) Forest land easement.--The term `forest land easement'
            means an easement or other interest in eligible land that--
                      ``(A) is conveyed to an eligible entity for the
                    purpose of protecting natural resources and the forest
                    nature of the eligible land; and
                      ``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue
                    working forest production and related uses, consistent
                    with an applicable forest management plan.
              ``(5) Forest management plan.--The term `forest management
            plan' means--
                      ``(A) a forest stewardship plan described in section
                    5(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
                    (16 U.S.C. 2103a(f));
                      ``(B) another plan approved by the applicable State
                    forester or State forestry agency;
                      ``(C) a plan developed under a third-party
                    certification system determined appropriate by the
                    Secretary; or
                      ``(D) another plan determined appropriate by the
                    Secretary.
              ``(6) Forest reserve easement.--The term `forest reserve
            easement' means an easement or other interest in eligible land
            that--
                      ``(A) is conveyed to the Secretary for the purpose of
                    protecting natural resources and the forest nature of
                    the eligible land; and
                      ``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue
                    working forest production and related uses consistent
                    with the applicable forest reserve easement plan
                    developed under section 1267C(c)(1)(A).
              ``(7) Program.--The term `program' means the forest
            conservation easement program established under this subtitle.
              ``(8) Socially disadvantaged forest landowner.--The term
            `socially disadvantaged forest landowner' means a forest
            landowner who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group (as
            defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture,
            Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).

    ``SEC. 1267B. FOREST LAND EASEMENTS.

      ``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall facilitate and
    provide funding for--
              ``(1) the purchase by eligible entities of forest land
            easements on eligible land;
              ``(2) the development of a forest management plan; and
              ``(3) technical assistance to implement this section.
      ``(b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect working
            forests, and related conservation values of eligible land,
            through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for
            purchasing forest land easements.
              ``(2) Scope of assistance available.--
                      ``(A) Federal share.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
                            clause (ii), an agreement described in
                            paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share
                            of 50 percent of the fair market value of the
                            forest land easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                              ``(ii) Exception.--An agreement described in
                            paragraph (4) may provide for a Federal share
                            of not more than 75 percent of the fair market
                            value of a forest land easement in the case of
                            eligible land that is--
                                      ``(I) a forest of special
                                    environmental significance, as
                                    determined by the Secretary; or
                                      ``(II) owned by a socially
                                    disadvantaged forest landowner.
                      ``(B) Non-federal share.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Under an agreement
                            described in paragraph (4), the eligible entity
                            shall provide a non-Federal share that is
                            equivalent to the remainder of the fair market
                            value of the forest land easement not provided
                            by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
                              ``(ii) Permissible forms.--The non-Federal
                            share provided by an eligible entity under this
                            paragraph may comprise--
                                      ``(I) cash resources;
                                      ``(II) a charitable donation or
                                    qualified conservation contribution (as
                                    defined in section 170(h) of the
                                    Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the
                                    private forest landowner from which the
                                    forest land easement will be purchased;
                                      ``(III) costs associated with
                                    securing a deed to the forest land
                                    easement, including the cost of
                                    appraisal, survey, inspection, and
                                    title; and
                                      ``(IV) other costs, as determined by
                                    the Secretary.
                      ``(C) Determination of fair market value.--For
                    purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall
                    determine the fair market value of a forest land
                    easement using--
                              ``(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional
                            Appraisal Practice;
                              ``(ii) an areawide market analysis or survey;
                            or
                              ``(iii) another industry-approved method.
              ``(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) Priority.--In evaluating applications under the
                    program, the Secretary shall give priority to an
                    application for the purchase of a forest land
                    easement--
                              ``(i) that maintains the viability of a
                            working forest, as determined by the Secretary;
                            and
                              ``(ii) on eligible land for which a forest
                            management plan has been developed at the time
                            of application.
                      ``(C) Considerations.--In establishing the criteria
                    under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall emphasize
                    support for--
                              ``(i) protecting working forests and related
                            conservation values of eligible land;
                              ``(ii) reducing fragmentation of forest land;
                            and
                              ``(iii) maximizing the areas protected from
                            conversion to nonforest uses.
              ``(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 under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be for a term that is not less
                    than 3, but not more than 5, years, unless the
                    Secretary determines that a longer term is justified.
                      ``(C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An eligible
                    entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and
                    conditions for forest land easements so long as the
                    Secretary determines such terms and conditions--
                              ``(i) are consistent with--
                                      ``(I) the purposes of the program;
                                    and
                                      ``(II) the forestry activities to be
                                    conducted on the eligible land;
                              ``(ii) permit effective enforcement of the
                            conservation purposes of the forest land
                            easements;
                              ``(iii) include a requirement to implement a
                            forest management plan on eligible land subject
                            to a forest land easement;
                              ``(iv) include a limit on the impervious
                            surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with
                            the forestry activities to be conducted; and
                              ``(v) include a right of enforcement for the
                            Secretary that--
                                      ``(I) may be used only if the terms
                                    and conditions of the forest land
                                    easement are not enforced by the
                                    eligible entity; and
                                      ``(II) does not extend to a right of
                                    inspection unless--
                                              ``(aa)(AA) the holder of the
                                            forest land easement fails to
                                            provide monitoring reports in a
                                            timely manner; or
                                              ``(BB) the Secretary has a
                                            reasonable and articulable
                                            belief that the terms and
                                            conditions of the forest land
                                            easement have been violated;
                                            and
                                              ``(bb) prior to the
                                            inspection, the Secretary
                                            notifies the eligible entity
                                            and the landowner of the
                                            inspection and provides a
                                            reasonable opportunity for the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner to participate in the
                                            inspection.
                      ``(D) Additional permitted terms and conditions.--An
                    eligible entity may include terms and conditions for a
                    forest land easement that--
                              ``(i) are intended to keep the eligible land
                            subject to the forest land easement in active
                            forest management, as determined by the
                            Secretary;
                              ``(ii) allow subsurface mineral development
                            on the eligible land subject to the forest land
                            easement and in accordance with applicable
                            State law if, as determined by the Secretary--
                                      ``(I) the subsurface mineral
                                    development--
                                              ``(aa) has a limited and
                                            localized impact;
                                              ``(bb) does not harm the
                                            forest use and conservation
                                            values of the eligible land
                                            subject to the forest land
                                            easement;
                                              ``(cc) does not materially
                                            alter or affect the existing
                                            topography;
                                              ``(dd) complies with a
                                            subsurface mineral development
                                            plan that--
                                                      ``(AA) includes a
                                                    plan for the
                                                    remediation of impacts
                                                    to the forest use and
                                                    conservation values of
                                                    the eligible land
                                                    subject to the forest
                                                    land easement; and
                                                      ``(BB) is approved by
                                                    the Secretary prior to
                                                    the initiation of
                                                    mineral development
                                                    activity;
                                              ``(ee) is not accomplished by
                                            any surface mining method;
                                              ``(ff) is within the
                                            impervious surface limits of
                                            the forest land easement under
                                            subparagraph (C)(iv); and
                                              ``(gg) uses practices and
                                            technologies that minimize the
                                            duration and intensity of
                                            impacts to the forest use and
                                            conservation values of the
                                            eligible land subject to the
                                            forest land easement; and
                                      ``(II) each area impacted by the
                                    subsurface mineral development is
                                    reclaimed and restored by the holder of
                                    the mineral rights at cessation of
                                    operation; and
                              ``(iii) include other relevant activities
                            relating to the forest land easement, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
                      ``(E) Substitution of qualified projects.--An
                    agreement under subparagraph (A) shall allow, upon
                    mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of
                    qualified projects that are identified at the time of
                    the proposed substitution.
                      ``(F) Effect of violation.--If a violation of a term
                    or condition of an agreement under subparagraph (A)
                    occurs--
                              ``(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 eligible entity under the
                            program, with interest on the payments as
                            determined appropriate by the Secretary.
              ``(5) Forest management plan.--
                      ``(A) In general.--If the eligible land does not have
                    a forest management plan at the time of application,
                    prior to the acquisition of the forest land easement
                    the landowner shall develop, in partnership with the
                    eligible entity, a forest management plan for the land
                    subject to the forest land easement.
                      ``(B) Reimbursement.--The Secretary may reimburse the
                    landowner for the cost of the development of a forest
                    management plan for eligible land enrolled under this
                    section.
      ``(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, on request, to assist in compliance with the terms and
    conditions of forest land easements.

    ``SEC. 1267C. FOREST RESERVE EASEMENTS.

      ``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
    assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance
    eligible land through--
              ``(1) forest reserve easements and related forest reserve
            easement plans; and
              ``(2) technical assistance to implement this section.
      ``(b) Easements.--
              ``(1) Method of enrollment.--
                      ``(A) Authorized methods.--The Secretary shall enroll
                    eligible land under this section--
                              ``(i) through the use of--
                                      ``(I) permanent easements;
                                      ``(II) 30-year easements; and
                                      ``(III) easements for the maximum
                                    duration allowed under applicable State
                                    laws; and
                              ``(ii) in the case of acreage owned by an
                            Indian Tribe, through the use of--
                                      ``(I) 30-year contracts (the
                                    compensation for which shall be
                                    equivalent to the compensation for 30-
                                    year easements); or
                                      ``(II) permanent easements.
                      ``(B) Limitation.--Not more than 10 percent of
                    amounts made available to carry out this section in a
                    fiscal year may be used for 30-year easements under
                    this section.
              ``(2) Evaluation and ranking of offers.--
                      ``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish
                    evaluation and ranking criteria for offers from
                    landowners under this section.
                      ``(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to
                    the enrollment of eligible land under this section that
                    provides the greatest conservation benefit to--
                              ``(i) primarily, species listed as endangered
                            or threatened under section 4 of the Endangered
                            Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
                              ``(ii) secondarily, species that are--
                                      ``(I) not listed as endangered or
                                    threatened under that section; and
                                      ``(II)(aa) candidates for that
                                    listing, State-listed species, or
                                    special concern species; or
                                      ``(bb) designated as species of
                                    greatest conservation need by a State
                                    wildlife action plan.
                      ``(C) Other considerations.--The Secretary may give
                    additional consideration to eligible land the
                    enrollment under this section of which will--
                              ``(i) improve biological diversity;
                              ``(ii) restore native forest ecosystems;
                              ``(iii) conserve forest land that provides
                            habitat for species described in subparagraph
                            (B);
                              ``(iv) reduce fragmentation of forest land;
                            and
                              ``(v) increase carbon sequestration.
              ``(3) Terms and conditions of easements.--
                      ``(A) In general.--A forest reserve easement shall
                    include terms and conditions that--
                              ``(i) are consistent with the purposes of the
                            program and the forestry activities to be
                            conducted on the eligible land;
                              ``(ii) are consistent with the management
                            objectives of the owner of the eligible land
                            and the implementation of the forest reserve
                            easement plan developed under subsection
                            (c)(1)(A);
                              ``(iii) permit effective enforcement of the
                            conservation purposes of the forest reserve
                            easements;
                              ``(iv) provide for the efficient and
                            effective establishment or enhancement of
                            forest ecosystem functions and values; and
                              ``(v) include such additional provisions as
                            the Secretary determines are desirable to carry
                            out the program or facilitate the practical
                            administration of the program.
                      ``(B) Requested terms and conditions.--An owner of
                    eligible land may request that a term or condition be
                    included in a forest reserve easement, and the
                    Secretary may include such term or condition, if it--
                              ``(i) is consistent with the management
                            objectives of the owner of the eligible land
                            and the implementation of the forest reserve
                            easement plan developed under subsection
                            (c)(1)(A); and
                              ``(ii) does not conflict with any terms or
                            conditions included under subparagraph (A).
              ``(4) Compensation.--
                      ``(A) Permanent easements.--In the case of eligible
                    land enrolled in a permanent easement under this
                    section, the Secretary shall pay the owner of the
                    eligible land an amount equal to the difference
                    between, as determined by the Secretary--
                              ``(i) the fair market value of the eligible
                            land before the enrollment in the permanent
                            easement; and
                              ``(ii) the fair market value of the eligible
                            land as encumbered by the permanent easement.
                      ``(B) Other.--The Secretary shall pay the owner of
                    eligible land enrolled under this section in a 30-year
                    contract, a 30-year easement, or an easement for the
                    maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws,
                    not less than 50 percent, and not more than 75 percent,
                    of the compensation that would be paid under
                    subparagraph (A) if the land were being enrolled in a
                    permanent easement.
                      ``(C) Determination of fair market value.--The
                    Secretary shall determine the fair market value of
                    eligible land for purposes of this paragraph using the
                    Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or
                    another industry-approved method.
      ``(c) Easement Restoration and Management.--
              ``(1) Forest reserve easement plan.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Land enrolled in a forest reserve
                    easement shall be subject to a forest reserve easement
                    plan, to be developed jointly by the landowner and the
                    Secretary, that describes such activities to be carried
                    out on the land as are necessary to restore, maintain,
                    and enhance habitat for species described in subsection
                    (b)(2)(B).
                      ``(B) Practices and measures.--A forest reserve
                    easement plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall
                    require implementation of such practices and measures
                    as are necessary to accomplish the activities described
                    in the plan under such subparagraph, which may
                    include--
                              ``(i) vegetative management and silviculture
                            practices;
                              ``(ii) structural practices and measures;
                              ``(iii) practices to increase carbon
                            sequestration;
                              ``(iv) practices to improve biological
                            diversity; and
                              ``(v) other practices and measures, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
              ``(2) Financial assistance.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
                    financial assistance to owners of eligible land to
                    carry out the activities, practices, and measures
                    described in the forest reserve easement plan developed
                    for the eligible land under paragraph (1).
                      ``(B) Payments.--With respect to financial assistance
                    provided under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
                    pay--
                              ``(i) in the case of a forest reserve
                            easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a
                            permanent easement, an amount that is not more
                            than 100 percent of the eligible costs
                            described in subparagraph (C), as determined by
                            the Secretary; and
                              ``(ii) in the case of a forest reserve
                            easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a
                            30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an
                            easement for the maximum duration allowed under
                            applicable State laws, an amount that is not
                            less than 50 percent, and not more than 75
                            percent, of the eligible costs described in
                            subparagraph (C), as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                      ``(C) Eligible costs.--Costs eligible for payments
                    under this paragraph are the costs of activities,
                    practices, and measures referred to in subparagraph (A)
                    that are associated with the restoration or enhancement
                    of the habitat conditions specified for the applicable
                    species in the forest reserve easement plan.
                      ``(D) Timing of payments.--Payments under this
                    paragraph shall be made--
                              ``(i) only on a determination by the
                            Secretary that an activity, practice, or
                            measure described in subparagraph (C) has been
                            established in compliance with appropriate
                            standards and specifications, which
                            determination shall be made as soon as
                            practicable after establishment; and
                              ``(ii) as soon as possible after such
                            determination is made.
                      ``(E) Limitations.--Financial assistance provided by
                    the Secretary under this paragraph to an owner of
                    eligible land may not exceed $500,000 per easement or
                    contract.
      ``(d) Technical Assistance.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to owners of
            eligible land technical assistance to assist the owners in--
                      ``(A) developing a forest reserve easement plan; and
                      ``(B) complying with the terms and conditions of a
                    forest reserve easement, including the implementation
                    of a forest reserve easement plan.
              ``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
            1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a
            State, nongovernmental organization, or Indian Tribe to provide
            technical assistance described in paragraph (1), if the
            Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will
            advance the purposes of the program.
      ``(e) Protections and Measures.--
              ``(1) Protections.--In the case of a landowner who enrolls
            eligible land in a forest reserve easement, and whose
            conservation activities under the forest reserve easement plan
            developed for such land result in a net conservation benefit
            for a species described in subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary
            shall make available to the landowner safe harbor or similar
            assurances and protection under--
                      ``(A) section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered Species Act
                    of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or
                      ``(B) section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 U.S.C.
                    1539(a)(1)).
              ``(2) Measures.--If protection under paragraph (1) requires
            the taking of measures that are in addition to the measures
            covered by the forest reserve easement plan developed for the
            eligible land, the cost of the additional measures, and the
            cost of any permit, shall be considered costs eligible for
            payments under subsection (c)(2).
      ``(f) Administration.--
              ``(1) Delegation of easement administration.--
                      ``(A) Federal and state agencies.--The Secretary may
                    delegate any of the management, monitoring, and
                    enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under
                    this section to other Federal or State agencies that
                    have the appropriate authority, expertise, and
                    resources necessary to carry out those delegated
                    responsibilities.
                      ``(B) Conservation organizations.--The Secretary may
                    delegate any of the management responsibilities of the
                    Secretary under this section to a nonprofit
                    conservation organization if the Secretary determines
                    the organization has the appropriate expertise and
                    resources necessary to carry out those delegated
                    responsibilities.
              ``(2) Involvement by other agencies and organizations.--In
            carrying out this section, the Secretary may consult with--
                      ``(A) private forest landowners;
                      ``(B) other Federal agencies;
                      ``(C) State forestry agencies;
                      ``(D) State fish and wildlife agencies;
                      ``(E) State environmental quality agencies;
                      ``(F) other State conservation agencies; and
                      ``(G) nonprofit conservation organizations.

    ``SEC. 1267D. ADMINISTRATION.

      ``(a) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary shall not use amounts made
    available to carry out the program for the purposes of acquiring an
    easement on--
              ``(1) land owned by a Federal agency, other than such land
            that is acreage owned by an Indian Tribe;
              ``(2) land 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 that,
            as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as
            would be provided by enrollment in the program; or
              ``(4) land the enrollment in the program of which would
            undermine the purposes of the program due to on-site or off-
            site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances,
            permitted or existing rights of way, infrastructure
            development, or adjacent land uses.
      ``(b) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
              ``(1) Subordination.--The Secretary may subordinate any
            interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest,
            administered by the Secretary (including for the purposes of
            utilities and energy transmission services) directly or on
            behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if
            the Secretary determines that the subordination--
                      ``(A) increases conservation values or has a limited
                    negative effect on conservation values;
                      ``(B) minimally affects the acreage subject to the
                    interest in eligible land; and
                      ``(C) is in the public interest or furthers the
                    practical administration of the program.
              ``(2) Modification and exchange of interest in land.--
                      ``(A) Modification.--
                              ``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve a
                            modification of 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 the
                            modification--
                                      ``(I) will support the viability and
                                    sustainability of working forests and
                                    the conservation values of the
                                    applicable easement;
                                      ``(II) will result in equal or
                                    increased conservation values;
                                      ``(III) is consistent with the
                                    original intent of the easement;
                                      ``(IV) is consistent with the
                                    purposes of the program; and
                                      ``(V) is in the public interest or
                                    furthers the practical administration
                                    of the program, including correcting
                                    errors and exercising reserved rights.
                              ``(ii) Limitation.--In modifying an interest
                            in land, or portion of such interest, under
                            this subparagraph, the Secretary may not,
                            except in the case of a modification that
                            includes a change to an easement to add
                            acreage, increase any payment to an eligible
                            entity.
                      ``(B) Exchange.--
                              ``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve
                            an exchange of 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--
                                      ``(I) no reasonable alternative
                                    exists and the effect on the interest
                                    in land is avoided or minimized to the
                                    extent practicable; and
                                      ``(II) the exchange--
                                              ``(aa) results in equal or
                                            increased conservation values;
                                              ``(bb) results in equal or
                                            greater economic value to the
                                            United States;
                                              ``(cc) is consistent with the
                                            original intent of the
                                            easement;
                                              ``(dd) is consistent with the
                                            purposes of the program; and
                                              ``(ee) is in the public
                                            interest or furthers the
                                            practical administration of the
                                            program.
                              ``(ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an interest
                            in land, or portion of such interest, under
                            this subparagraph, the Secretary may not
                            increase any payment to an eligible entity.
              ``(3) Termination.--The Secretary may approve a termination
            of any interest in eligible land, or portion of such an
            interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf
            of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the
            Secretary determines that--
                      ``(A) termination is in the interest of the Federal
                    Government;
                      ``(B) the United States will be fully compensated
                    for--
                              ``(i) the value of the interest in the land,
                            as determined by the Secretary;
                              ``(ii) any costs relating to the termination;
                            and
                              ``(iii) any damages determined appropriate by
                            the Secretary; and
                      ``(C) the termination will--
                              ``(i) address a compelling public need for
                            which there is no practicable alternative even
                            with avoidance and minimization; and
                              ``(ii) further the practical administration
                            of the program.
              ``(4) Consent.--The Secretary shall obtain consent from the
            landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for any
            subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of an
            interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest,
            under this subsection.
              ``(5) Notice.--Not fewer than 90 days before taking any
            termination action described in paragraph (3), the Secretary
            shall provide written notice of that action to the Committee on
            Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee
            on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
      ``(c) Land Enrolled in Other Programs.--In accordance with the
    provisions of section 2702 of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
    of 2026, land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program
    established under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
    2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) on the day before the date of enactment
    of this section shall be considered enrolled in the program.''.

    SEC. 2702. HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM.

      (a) Repeal.--
              (1) In general.--Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration
            Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) is repealed.
              (2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents in section
            1(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law
            108-148; 117 Stat. 1887) is amended by striking the items
            relating to title V.
      (b) Transitional Provisions.--
              (1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and
            easements.--The repeal made by subsection (a) shall not affect
            the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement
            entered into by the Secretary under title V of the Healthy
            Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) before
            the date of enactment of this Act, or any payments or technical
            assistance required to be made in connection with the contract,
            agreement, or easement.
              (2) Funding.--
                      (A) Use of prior year funds.--Notwithstanding the
                    repeal made by subsection (a), any funds made available
                    from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the
                    healthy forests reserve program established under title
                    V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
                    U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) (as in effect on the day before
                    the date of enactment of this Act) for any of fiscal
                    years 2019 through 2025 shall be made available to
                    carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred
                    to in paragraph (1), subject to the condition that no
                    such contract, agreement, or easement may be modified
                    so as to increase the amount of any payment received.
                      (B) Other.--The Secretary may use funds made
                    available to carry out the forest conservation easement
                    program established under subtitle I of the Food
                    Security Act of 1985 to continue to carry out
                    contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in
                    paragraph (1) using the provisions of law (including
                    regulations) applicable to those contracts, agreements,
                    and easements as in existence on the day before the
                    date of enactment of this Act.

             Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

    SEC. 2801. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

      Section 1271(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3871(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(2) To address natural resource concerns on eligible land
            on a regional or watershed scale, including through--
                      ``(A) the conservation, protection, restoration, and
                    sustainable use of soil;
                      ``(B) the conservation and protection of water,
                    including sources of drinking water and groundwater;
                      ``(C) the prevention and mitigation of the effects of
                    flooding and drought, and the improvement or expansion
                    of flood resiliency; and
                      ``(D) the conservation of wildlife, agricultural
                    land, and related natural resources.''.

    SEC. 2802. DEFINITIONS.

      Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3871a(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
    following:
                      ``(D) The forest conservation easement program
                    established under subtitle I.''.

    SEC. 2803. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.

      (a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--Section 1271B(a) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(a)) is amended to read as
    follows:
      ``(a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--
              ``(1) In general.--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.
              ``(2) Streamlining required.--The Secretary shall ensure that
            a partnership agreement under paragraph (1)--
                      ``(A) is entered into not later than 180 days after
                    the date on which an application is selected under
                    subsection (e); and
                      ``(B) contains only--
                              ``(i) the information, described under
                            subsection (e)(3), necessary to fund and
                            initiate the project to be implemented under
                            the partnership agreement; and
                              ``(ii) any adjustments to the requirements of
                            a covered program determined necessary by the
                            Secretary under paragraph (2) of section
                            1271E(f), and any waiver provided under
                            paragraph (3) of such section.
              ``(3) Process for requesting waivers and adjustments.--The
            Secretary shall make available information on the process for
            requesting a waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of a
            covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f).''.
      (b) Duties of Secretary.--Section 1271B(d) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(d)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``how the Secretary used
            amounts reserved by the Secretary for that year for technical
            assistance under section 1271D(f); and'' and inserting ``the
            use of funds for technical assistance under section
            1271D(c);'';
              (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and
            inserting ``; and''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(6) ensure payments to eligible partners under a
            partnership agreement are made not later than 30 days after the
            date on which the eligible partner submits to the Secretary a
            request for payment.''.
      (c) Applications.--Section 1271B(e)(3) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(e)(3)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
              (2) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
            and
              (3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
                      ``(E) any requests by an eligible partner for a
                    waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of a
                    covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f); and''.

    SEC. 2804. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.

      Section 1271C(d)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3871c(d)(3)) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
              (2) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking the ``and'' at the
            end; and
              (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A)(iv) the following:
                      ``(B) provide, under section 1271B(c)(2), not less
                    than 50 percent of the overall costs of the scope of
                    the project that is the subject of a partnership
                    agreement funded pursuant to paragraph (1) in direct
                    funding; and''.

    SEC. 2805. FUNDING.

      (a) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1271D of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is amended--
              (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b);
              (2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as
            subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and
              (3) in subsection (a), as so redesignated, by striking
            ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``section 1241(a)(6)''.
      (b) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--Subsection (b) of section
    1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so
    redesignated, is amended to read as follows:
      ``(b) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--
              ``(1) In general.--Of the funds made available to implement a
            project under a partnership agreement, the Secretary may use
            not more than ten percent to reimburse the eligible partner for
            administrative expenses relating to the project.
              ``(2) Consideration.--Any amounts expended by an eligible
            partner for administrative expenses that are not reimbursed
            under paragraph (1) may be considered to be a part of the
            contribution of the eligible partner under section
            1271B(c)(2).''.
      (c) Technical Assistance.--Subsection (c) of section 1271D of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so redesignated, is
    amended to read as follows:
      ``(c) Technical Assistance.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, through a partnership
            agreement, identify--
                      ``(A) the total amount of funds that will be used for
                    technical assistance; and
                      ``(B) the share of such funds that will be provided
                    to eligible partners under paragraph (2).
              ``(2) Provision of assistance.--
                      ``(A) Reimbursement.--Under a partnership agreement
                    that is not funded through an alternative funding
                    arrangement or grant agreement under section 1271C(d),
                    the Secretary may reimburse eligible partners for the
                    costs of technical assistance provided through such
                    partnership agreement, including--
                              ``(i) the costs of technical assistance
                            needed to facilitate the maximum conservation
                            benefit of the applicable project;
                              ``(ii) the costs of providing outreach and
                            education to producers for potential
                            participation in the applicable project;
                              ``(iii) the costs of establishing baseline
                            metrics to support the development of the
                            assessment required under section
                            1271B(c)(1)(E); and
                              ``(iv) other costs necessary to support the
                            implementation of eligible activities, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
                      ``(B) Advancement of funds.--The Secretary may
                    advance to eligible partners reasonable amounts of
                    funds for costs that may be reimbursed under
                    subparagraph (A), as determined by the Secretary.
              ``(3) Limitation.--The Secretary shall limit costs of the
            Secretary for technical assistance to costs necessary to carry
            out the objectives of the program.
              ``(4) Reduction of administrative barriers.--The Secretary
            shall provide a single, simplified process for reimbursements
            or advancements to eligible partners for the costs of technical
            assistance under this subsection.
              ``(5) Third-party providers.--The Secretary shall develop and
            implement strategies to encourage third-party technical service
            providers to provide technical assistance to eligible partners
            pursuant to a partnership agreement.''.

    SEC. 2806. ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Reporting.--Section 1271E(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3871e(b)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
    inserting ``make publicly available and'' after ``the Secretary
    shall''.
      (b) Consistency With Covered Program Rules.--Section 1271E of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
      ``(f) Consistency With Covered Program Requirements.--
              ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in this subsection, the
            Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a
            program contract are consistent with the requirements of the
            applicable covered program to be used as part of the applicable
            partnership agreement.
              ``(2) Adjustments.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, if the
                    Secretary determines necessary, adjust a regulatory
                    requirement of a covered program to be used as a part
                    of a partnership agreement, or related guidance, as it
                    applies to an eligible activity carried out under a
                    program contract entered into pursuant to the
                    partnership agreement--
                              ``(i) to provide a simplified process; or
                              ``(ii) to better reflect unique local
                            circumstances.
                      ``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not adjust the
                    application of statutory requirements for a covered
                    program to be used as a part of a partnership
                    agreement, including requirements governing appeals,
                    payment limits, and conservation compliance.
              ``(3) Waiver.--With respect to a program contract for an
            eligible activity under the agricultural conservation easement
            program, the Secretary may, in the applicable partnership
            agreement, waive the application of clauses (ii) or (iii)(III)
            of section 1265A(4)(A) for purposes of determining the
            eligibility of land.
              ``(4) Certification applicability.--With respect to a
            partnership agreement entered into for acquisition of
            easements, the Secretary shall apply the authorities applicable
            to the eligible partner under section 1265B(b)(5)(A) if the
            eligible partner is an eligible entity certified under such
            section.
              ``(5) Exemption.--With respect to a program contract that
            includes an eligible activity under the environmental quality
            incentives program to be installed and maintained in a State in
            which irrigation has not been used significantly for
            agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary, the
            Secretary may not consider prior irrigation history when
            determining the eligibility of land.
              ``(6) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
            partnership agreements funded pursuant to section 1271C(d).''.

    SEC. 2807. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.

      (a) Definitions.--Section 1271F(a)(2)(C) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(a)(2)(C)) is amended by inserting ``, including
    restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat connectivity and
    wildlife migration corridors'' before the semicolon at the end.
      (b) Applications.--Section 1271F(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3871f(b)) is amended by striking ``funds under section
    1271D(d)(2)'' and inserting ``funds allocated under section
    1271D(a)(2)''.

                                TITLE III--TRADE

                         Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

    SEC. 3101. TRANSFER OF AUTHORITIES TO THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

      (a) In General.--Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
    1721) is amended by striking ``(to be implemented by the
    Administrator)'' and inserting ``(to be implemented by the
    Secretary)''.
      (b) Conforming Amendments.--
              (1) Emergency and private assistance programs.--Sections 202,
            203, 205, 207, and 208 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
            1722, 1723, 1725, 1726a, and 1726b) are each amended by
            striking ``Administrator'' each place it appears and inserting
            ``Secretary''.
              (2) Food for development.--Title III of the Food for Peace
            Act (7 U.S.C. 1727 et seq.) is amended by striking
            ``Administrator'' each place it appears and inserting
            ``Secretary''.
              (3) Definitions.--Section 402 of the Food for Peace Act (7
            U.S.C. 1732) is amended--
                      (A) by striking paragraph (1); and
                      (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as
                    paragraphs (1) through (8), respectively.
              (4) General provisions.--Sections 403 and 404 of the Food for
            Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733 and 1734) are each amended--
                      (A) by striking ``or the Administrator, as
                    appropriate,'' each place it appears;
                      (B) in section 403(h), by striking ``or
                    Administrator''; and
                      (C) in section 404(d), by striking ``or the
                    Administrator''.
              (5) Consultation.--Section 405 of the Food for Peace Act (7
            U.S.C. 1735) is repealed.
      (c) Transfer of Assets and Liabilities.--The Food for Peace Act (7
    U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
    title:

                        ``TITLE VII--TRANSFER PROVISIONS

    ``SEC. 701. TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM USAID TO SECRETARY
                        OF AGRICULTURE.

      ``On and after the date of the enactment of this title, the assets,
    liabilities, orders, determinations, permits, grants, loans, contracts,
    agreements, certificates, and licenses of the Administrator of the
    United States Agency for International Development, pursuant to any
    authority under this Act on or after January 1, 2026, shall be
    transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture.

    ``SEC. 702. TRANSFER OF OTHER AUTHORITIES.

      ``On and after the date of the enactment of this title, any authority
    or responsibility provided by any other provision of law that was or
    could have been used by the Administrator of the United States Agency
    for International Development, prior to such date of enactment to carry
    out any function, duty, or responsibility under this Act may be
    exercised by the Secretary of Agriculture. A reference to such
    Administrator or to such Agency in any provision of law or regulation
    relating to any authority or responsibility described in the preceding
    sentence shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of
    Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture, respectively.

    ``SEC. 703. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

      ``Beginning on the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary
    of Agriculture shall promulgate or amend such rules and regulations
    (including by issuing or re-issuing interim final rules) as the
    Secretary may determine appropriate, including by amending such rules
    and regulations issued by the Administrator of the United States Agency
    for International Development with respect to the authorities and
    responsibilities provided by this Act and as in effect on the day
    before such date of enactment, in order to effectuate and complete the
    transfer of all functions and duties previously carried out by that
    Administrator to the Secretary.

    ``SEC. 704. CONSULTATION.

      ``The Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of
    State from time to time in carrying out the authorities under this
    Act.''.

    SEC. 3102. FOOD AID QUALITY ASSURANCE.

      Section 202 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722), as amended by
    section 3101(b)(1), is further amended--
              (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``any other provision of
            law'' and inserting ``any other provision of this Act'';
              (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``assistance,
            including in the form of'' before ``agricultural commodities'';
              (3) in subsection (b)(2)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Agency for
                    International Development'' and inserting ``Department
                    of Agriculture''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Agency'' and
                    inserting ``Department'';
              (4) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the end;
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``; or''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
              ``(3) a nongovernmental organization, as determined by the
            Secretary.'';
              (5) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new
            paragraph:
              ``(5) Limitation on diversion of funds.--Of the funds made
            available in each fiscal year under this title to the
            Secretary, not more than 50 percent may be made available for
            expenses other than the procurement of United States-grown
            agricultural commodities and ocean transportation of such
            commodities.''; and
              (6) in subsection (h)(3), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 3103. REPEAL OF MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.

      Section 204 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724) is repealed.

    SEC. 3104. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

      Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725), as amended by
    section 3101(b)(1), is further amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``the Agency for
            International Development'' and inserting ``the Department of
            Agriculture'';
              (2) in subsection (b)(4), by striking ``Agency'' and
            inserting ``Secretary'';
              (3) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
                      (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (8), as
                    amended, as paragraphs (2) through (7), respectively;
                    and
              (4) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 31, 2023'' and
            inserting ``December 31, 2031''.

    SEC. 3105. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS; OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND
                        EVALUATION.

      Section 207 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a), as amended by
    section 3101(b)(1), is further amended--
              (1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018'' and inserting ``the Farm, Food, and
            National Security Act of 2026'';
              (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``, in consultation with
            the Secretary,''; and
              (3) in subsection (f)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, in consultation
                    with the Secretary,''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2023'' each place
                    it appears and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 3106. INTERNATIONAL FOOD RELIEF PARTNERSHIP.

      Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is
    amended to read as follows:
      ``(f) Availability of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
    otherwise made available to carry out this section, of the funds made
    available in each fiscal year under this title to the Secretary, not
    less than $15,000,000 shall be made available in each of fiscal years
    2027 through 2031 to carry out this section, to remain available until
    expended.''.

    SEC. 3107. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

      Subsection (b) of section 406 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
    1736) is amended to read as follows:
      ``(b) Included Expenses.--With respect to commodities made available
    under titles II and III, the Commodity Credit Corporation may pay all
    associated and incidental costs of such commodities.''.

    SEC. 3108. PRE-POSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND ANNUAL
                        REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

      Section 407 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a) is amended--
              (1) by amending subsection (c)(1) to read as follows:
              ``(1) Acquisition.--The Secretary shall transfer, arrange for
            the transportation, and take other steps necessary to make
            available agricultural commodities to be provided under title
            II and title III.'';
              (2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``Administrator'' and
            inserting ``Secretary'';
              (3) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``Agency for
            International Development'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
              (4) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ``2023'' each place
            it appears and inserting ``2031'';
              (5) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``Administrator'' each
            place it appears and inserting ``Secretary'';
              (6) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
            by striking ``or the Administrator, as appropriate,'';
              (7) by amending subsection (f)(1) to read as follows:
              ``(1) Annual report.--Not later than April 1 of each fiscal
            year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees
            of Congress a report regarding each program and activity
            carried out under this Act during the prior fiscal year.'';
              (8) in subsection (f)(2)--
                      (A) by striking subparagraph (I);
                      (B) by amending subparagraph (H) to read as follows:
                      ``(H) A statement of the amount of funds provided to
                    each eligible organization that received assistance
                    under this Act and the manner in which those funds were
                    used, including whether such use was for commodity
                    transportation or administrative costs.'';
                      (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (H)
                    (as amended) as subparagraphs (F) through (I),
                    respectively; and
                      (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following
                    new subparagraph:
                      ``(E) An assessment of activities specifically
                    targeting women and girls and the impact of those
                    activities in addressing the unique needs of women and
                    girls.''; and
              (9) by striking subsection (f)(3).

    SEC. 3109. 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 ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 3110. MINIMUM LEVEL OF NONEMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.

      Section 412 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
      ``(f) Minimum Levels of Funding To Address Child Wasting.--
              ``(1) Minimum level.--For each of fiscal years 2027 through
            2031, in addition to amounts otherwise made available, not less
            than $200,000,000 of the amounts made available to carry out
            emergency food assistance programs under title II shall be
            expended for the procurement and distribution of ready-to-use
            therapeutic foods.
              ``(2) Applicability.--The minimum expenditure requirement
            under paragraph (1) shall only apply with respect to a fiscal
            year if--
                      ``(A) the most recent Joint Child Malnutrition
                    Estimates, published annually by the World Health
                    Organization, the World Bank, and the United Nations
                    Children's Fund, report a rate of children under 5
                    years of age affected by child wasting above 5 percent
                    for the year covered by such report; and
                      ``(B) the total amount made available to carry out
                    programs under title II in the fiscal year is greater
                    than $1,200,000,000.
              ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
            be construed to limit on the authority of the Secretary to
            purchase or distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods in a
            fiscal year.''.

    SEC. 3111. TERMINATION DATE FOR MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.

      Section 415 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.1736g-2) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
                      (A) by striking ``Administrator, in consultation with
                    the''; and
                      (B) by striking the comma after ``Secretary''; and
              (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 3112. 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) by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and inserting
            ``2031''; and
              (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``Administrator of the
            Agency for International Development'' and inserting
            ``Secretary''.

    SEC. 3113. FOOD FOR PEACE ACT ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) In General.--During fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the Secretary
    may use funds made available for the salaries and expenses of the
    Foreign Agricultural Service under an appropriations Act or any other
    provision of law, including such funds otherwise obligated as of the
    date of the enactment of this Act, to pay the administrative expenses
    of the Department of Agriculture in the implementation of the Food for
    Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.), as amended by this subtitle.
      (b) Carryover.--For fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the balance of
    any funds provided to carry out subsection (a) for a fiscal year that
    remains unexpended at the end of that fiscal year may be carried over
    for use during the following fiscal year.

                   Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

    SEC. 3201. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FACILITATION.

      (a) Modification to Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.--
    Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(c))
    is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
              ``(4) Technical assistance to improve infrastructure in
            foreign markets for united states agricultural commodities.--
                      ``(A) In general.--As part of the program established
                    under this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into
                    contracts or other agreements, with eligible trade
                    organizations or with nonprofit organizations with
                    expertise in supply chain infrastructure, to provide
                    needs assessments, training, and other technical
                    assistance to enhance the capabilities of
                    infrastructure in new and developing foreign markets,
                    including infrastructure relating to cold chain
                    capacity, port improvements, and other developments, to
                    ensure that United States agricultural commodities are
                    not damaged or lost due to deficiencies of such
                    infrastructure.
                      ``(B) Limitation.--Of the amounts made available to
                    carry out the program established under this
                    subsection, not more than $1,500,000 for fiscal year
                    2027 and not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2028
                    and each fiscal year thereafter may be made available
                    to carry out this paragraph.''.
      (b) Report on Competitiveness of United States Specialty Crops.--
    Section 203(e)(7) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
    5623(e)(7)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(7) Biennial report.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation
                    with the United States Trade Representative, shall
                    submit every two years to the appropriate congressional
                    committees a report detailing the competitiveness of
                    United States specialty crops.
                      ``(B) Elements.--The report required by subparagraph
                    (A) shall--
                              ``(i) identify and analyze acts, policies, or
                            practices of foreign countries that constitute
                            significant barriers to, or distortions of,
                            United States exports of specialty crops,
                            including the imposition of--
                                      ``(I) tariffs (including retaliatory
                                    tariffs) or quotas (including tariff-
                                    rate quotas); and
                                      ``(II) nontariff barriers, including
                                    technical barriers to trade, sanitary
                                    and phytosanitary measures, import
                                    licensing procedures, and subsidies;
                              ``(ii) identify and analyze acts, policies,
                            or practices of foreign countries that enhance
                            the competitiveness of imported specialty crops
                            with domestic specialty crop producers,
                            including--
                                      ``(I) the subsidization of exports
                                    from the producing country; and
                                      ``(II) the impact of any lack or
                                    circumvention of labor and
                                    environmental laws in the producing
                                    country;
                              ``(iii) identify and analyze any differences
                            in applicable food safety regulations of
                            foreign countries that may result in imported
                            specialty crops posing a risk to United States
                            consumers;
                              ``(iv) make an estimate of the impacts on the
                            competitiveness of United States specialty
                            crops of any act, policy, or practice
                            identified under clauses (i) and (ii);
                              ``(v) assess the extent to which each act,
                            policy, or practice identified under clauses
                            (i) and (ii) are subject to international
                            agreements to which the United States is a
                            party;
                              ``(vi) include information with respect to
                            any action taken by the executive or
                            legislative branches during the two years
                            preceding submission of the report, or expected
                            to be taken after submission of the report, to
                            eliminate any act, policy, or practice
                            identified under clauses (i) and (ii),
                            including--
                                      ``(I) any action under section 301;
                                      ``(II) negotiations or consultations
                                    with foreign governments, which may
                                    include engagement through the standing
                                    committee on sanitary and phytosanitary
                                    matters established under a free trade
                                    agreement to which the United States is
                                    a party; and
                                      ``(III) action at the World Trade
                                    Organization, including dispute
                                    settlement actions, consultations, or
                                    negotiations; and
                              ``(vii) a description of--
                                      ``(I) any funds provided under
                                    subsection (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not
                                    obligated in the fiscal year preceding
                                    submission of the report; and
                                      ``(II) the reason such funds were not
                                    obligated.
                      ``(C) Comment period.--In preparing the report
                    required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary, in
                    coordination with the United States Trade
                    Representative, shall seek and consider comments from
                    the public and from the Agricultural Technical Advisory
                    Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.
                      ``(D) Form of report.--The report required by
                    subparagraph (A) shall be made available to the public
                    in machine-readable format.
                      ``(E) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--
                    In this paragraph, the term `appropriate congressional
                    committees' means--
                              ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture and the
                            Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
                            Representatives; and
                              ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture,
                            Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on
                            Finance of the Senate.''.
      (c) Modification and Extension of Funding.--Section 203(f) of the
    Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(f)) is amended--
              (1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
              ``(2) Funding amount.--Of the funds of, or an equal value of
            commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
            Secretary shall use to carry out this section the following
            amounts, to remain available until expended:
                      ``(A) For fiscal year 2026, $255,000,000.
                      ``(B) For fiscal year 2027, $500,000,000.
                      ``(C) For each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031,
                    $533,000,000.''; and
              (2) in paragraph (3)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)(i), by
                    striking ``For each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023,
                    the Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) in clause (i), by striking ``not less
                            than'' and all that follows through the end and
                            inserting: ``not less than--
                                      ``(I) $200,000,000 for fiscal year
                                    2026;
                                      ``(II) $400,000,000 for fiscal year
                                    2027; and
                                      ``(III) $410,000,000 for each of
                                    fiscal years 2028 through 2031.'';
                              (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``not less
                            than'' and all that follows through the end and
                            inserting: ``not less than--
                                      ``(I) $34,500,000 for fiscal year
                                    2026;
                                      ``(II) $70,500,000 for fiscal year
                                    2027; and
                                      ``(III) $82,000,000 for each of
                                    fiscal years 2028 through 2031.'';
                              (iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``not more
                            than'' and all that follows through the end and
                            inserting: ``not more than--
                                      ``(I) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal
                                    year 2026 and 2027; and
                                      ``(II) $16,000,000 for each of fiscal
                                    years 2028 through 2031.'';
                              (iv) in clause (iv), by striking
                            ``Corporation'' and all that follows through
                            the end and inserting: ``Corporation--
                                      ``(I) $9,000,000 for fiscal year
                                    2026; and
                                      ``(II) $18,000,000 for each of fiscal
                                    years 2027 through 2031.''; and
                              (v) in clause (v)(I), by striking
                            ``commodities,'' and all that follows through
                            the end and inserting ``commodities, $3,500,000
                            for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and
                            $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028
                            through 2031''.
      (d) Repeals.--The following provisions of law are repealed:
              (1) Section 718 of title VII of the Agriculture, Rural
            Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
            Appropriations Act, 1999 (as enacted by section 101(a) of
            division A of Public Law 105-277; 7 U.S.C. 5623 note).
              (2) Section 10602 of Public Law 119-21 (7 U.S.C. 5623a).

    SEC. 3202. PRESERVING FOREIGN MARKETS FOR GOODS USING COMMON NAMES.

      (a) Definitions.--Section 102 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
    (7 U.S.C. 5602) is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``As
            used in this Act--'' and inserting ``In this Act:'';
              (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as paragraphs
            (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (4), respectively, and
            reordering such paragraphs in numerical sequence;
              (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
              ``(2) Common name.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The term `common name' means a
                    name that, as determined by the Secretary--
                              ``(i) is ordinarily or customarily used for
                            an agricultural commodity or food product;
                              ``(ii) is typically placed on the packaging
                            and product label of the agricultural commodity
                            or food product;
                              ``(iii) with respect to wine--
                                      ``(I) is--
                                              ``(aa) ordinarily or
                                            customarily used for a wine
                                            grape varietal name; or
                                              ``(bb) a traditional term or
                                            expression that is typically
                                            placed on the packaging and
                                            label of the wine; and
                                      ``(II) does not mean any appellation
                                    of origin for wine listed in subpart C
                                    of part 9 of title 27, Code of Federal
                                    Regulations (or successor regulations);
                                    and
                              ``(iv) the use of which is consistent with
                            standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
                      ``(B) Examples.--The following names, among others,
                    shall be considered as common names as such term is
                    defined for purposes of carrying out subparagraph (A):
                              ``(i) With respect to food products:
                            american, asiago, basmati, black forest ham,
                            blue, blue vein, bologna, bologne, bratwurst,
                            brie, burrata, camembert, capicola and
                            capocollo, cheddar, chevre, chorizo, colby,
                            cottage cheese, coulommiers, cream cheese,
                            danbo, edam, emmental, feta, fontina,
                            gorgonzola, gouda, grana, gruyere, havarti,
                            kielbasa, limburger and limburgo, mascarpone,
                            monterey jack, mortadella, munster and
                            muenster, neufchatel, parmesan, pancetta,
                            pecorino, pepper jack, prosciutto, provolone,
                            ricotta, romano, saint-paulin, salame, salami,
                            samso, and swiss, tilsiter, and tomme.
                              ``(ii) With respect to wine:
                                      ``(I) The list of grape varietal
                                    terms in section 4.91 of title 27, Code
                                    of Federal Regulations (or a successor
                                    regulation).
                                      ``(II) The grape variety designations
                                    administratively approved by the
                                    Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
                                    Bureau.
                                      ``(III) The following nonvarietal
                                    descriptors: chateau, classic, clos,
                                    cream, crusted and crusting, noble,
                                    ruby, sur lie, tawny, vintage, and
                                    vintage character.
                              ``(iii) With respect to beer: bitter, pale
                            ale, india pale ale, mild, porter, stout,
                            barleywine, dubbel, quadrupel, witbier, saison,
                            biere de garde, oud red, altbier, weisse, gose,
                            hefeweizen, dunkel, helles, rauchbier,
                            pilsener, maerzen, schwarzbier, doppelbock,
                            bock, kellerbier, munchener and munich style,
                            oktoberfest, dortmunder, kolsch and koelsch,
                            cream, grodziskie, lager.
                      ``(C) Considerations.--In making a determination
                    under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may take into
                    account--
                              ``(i) competent sources, such as
                            dictionaries, newspapers, professional journals
                            and literature, and information posted on
                            websites that are determined by the Secretary
                            to be reliable in reporting market information;
                              ``(ii) the use of the common name in a
                            domestic, regional, or international product
                            standard, including a standard promulgated by
                            the Codex Alimentarius Commission, for the
                            agricultural commodity or food product; and
                              ``(iii) the ordinary and customary use of the
                            common name in the production or marketing of
                            the agricultural commodity or food product in
                            the United States or in other countries.
                      ``(D) Rule of construction.--The enumeration of
                    certain names under subparagraph (B) may not be
                    construed to limit or restrict the ability of the
                    Secretary to determine, consistent with subparagraph
                    (A), that any other name is a common name for purposes
                    of this section.''; and
              (4) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (7) (as so
            redesignated)--
                      (A) in clause (v), by striking ``; or'' at the end
                    and inserting a semicolon;
                      (B) in clause (vi), by striking the period at the end
                    and inserting ``; or''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(vii) prohibits or disallows the use of a
                            name determined or considered to be a common
                            name pursuant to paragraph (2).''.
      (b) Negotiations To Defend Use of Common Names.--Title III of the
    Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5652 et seq.) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 303. NEGOTIATIONS TO DEFEND THE USE OF COMMON NAMES.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate efforts with the
    United States Trade Representative to secure the right of United States
    agricultural producers, processors, and exporters to use common names
    for agricultural commodities or food products in foreign markets
    through the negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral
    agreements, memoranda of understanding, or exchanges of letters that
    assure the current and future use of each common name identified by the
    Secretary in connection with United States agricultural commodities or
    food products.
      ``(b) Briefing.--The Secretary and the United States Trade
    Representative shall jointly provide to the Committee on Agriculture of
    the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of the
    House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a
    briefing, twice annually, on efforts and successes in carrying out
    subsection (a).''.

    SEC. 3203. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLE
                        WORKING GROUP.

      Subtitle B of title IV of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7
    U.S.C. 5671 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 418. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
                        WORKING GROUP.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary (acting through the Under Secretary
    of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs), the United
    States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads
    of other Federal agencies or entities as determined to be appropriate
    by the Secretary, shall jointly establish an interagency working group
    (referred to in this section as the `working group') composed of
    representatives from each agency to monitor and assess, on an ongoing
    basis, seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables trade data and
    related information.
      ``(b) Consultation.--The working group shall consult with the
    Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee, relevant seasonal or perishable
    agricultural producers, and other relevant trade associations to
    identify threats that imports pose to domestic producers of seasonal
    and perishable fruits and vegetables.
      ``(c) Trade Actions and Investigations.--The working group shall
    coordinate as appropriate regarding potential additional trade actions
    and investigations with respect to any seasonal or perishable fruits
    and vegetables, as determined to be advisable by the working group.
      ``(d) Recommendations to the Secretary.--The working group shall
    recommend programs or assistance that the Secretary could provide to
    producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to address
    market impacts.''.

                   Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

    SEC. 3301. GROWING AMERICAN FOOD EXPORTS.

      Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679) is amended in subsection (d), by striking
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 3302. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.

      Section 1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (commonly referred to
    as the ``Food for Progress Act of 1985''; 7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) by striking ``enter into'' and inserting
                    ``annually enter into two or more''; and
                      (B) by inserting ``two or more'' before ``eligible
                    entities'';
              (2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (4) in subsection (k), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (5) in subsection (l)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) in the heading of paragraph (4), by striking
                    ``Humanitarian or development'' and inserting
                    ``Development'';
              (6) in subsection (m)(2), by striking ``humanitarian and'';
            and
              (7) in subsection (n)(2)(C), by striking ``Committee on
            International Relations'' and inserting ``Committee on Foreign
            Affairs''.

    SEC. 3303. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT.

      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 ``2023'' each
            place it appears and inserting ``2031'';
              (2) in subsection (c)(1)(C), by striking ``the
            Administrator'' and inserting ``the Secretary'';
              (3) by striking subsection (c)(1)(D);
              (4) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by inserting ``by the
            Secretary'' after ``reimbursed''; and
              (5) in subsection (h),
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2026'' and
                    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 3304. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS.

      Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended by striking
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 3305. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

      Section 3307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
    3295) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2019 through 2023''
            and inserting ``2027 through 2031'';
              (2) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
              (3) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
      ``(g) Program Continuity.--To assist eligible countries in the long-
    term development of enduring, school-based agricultural education and
    youth extension programs, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
    practicable--
              ``(1) implement the fellowship program in each participating
            host country for not fewer than 3 consecutive years; and
              ``(2) ensure that contracts awarded to outside organizations
            are multiyear.''.

    SEC. 3306. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE
                        PROGRAM.

      Title III of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
    334) is amended by adding at the end the following new section (and by
    conforming the table of contents in section 1(b) accordingly):

    ``SEC. 3313. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE
                        PROGRAM.

      ``(a) Definition.--In this section:
              ``(1) Eligible candidate.--The term `eligible candidate'
            means an individual that--
                      ``(A) is between the ages of 19 and 30 years;
                      ``(B) has demonstrated experience in agricultural
                    sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition
                    education;
                      ``(C) is prepared to live in 1 or more host countries
                    for at least 2 months or up to 6 months; and
                      ``(D) is a resident of the United States.
              ``(2) Eligible country.--The term `eligible country' means a
            country that has agricultural trade relations with the United
            States, as recognized by the Foreign Agriculture Service.
              ``(3) Program.--The term `Program' means the International
            Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program established
            under subsection (b).
              ``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of
            Agriculture.
      ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an international
    cultural immersion and exchange program, to be known as the
    `International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program',
    under which the Secretary shall--
              ``(1) provide eligible candidates with international cultural
            exchange and immersion experiences focused on agricultural
            sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition education
            through placement with host families in eligible countries; and
              ``(2) place in the United States with host families
            individuals that meet the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(A)
            and are residents of eligible countries to experience United
            States agriculture, trade relations, and culture.
      ``(c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
              ``(1) to develop globally minded citizens of the United
            States; and
              ``(2) to strengthen and enhance trade between eligible
            countries and the United States in agricultural, food,
            nutrition, and environmental industries.
      ``(d) Cooperative Agreement.--
              ``(1) In general.--To administer the Program, the Secretary
            shall enter into a cooperative agreement with a nonprofit
            organization that has experience in implementing international
            cultural exchange programs focused on agricultural sciences,
            food and nutrition education, and cultural understanding
            through placement with host families.
              ``(2) Priority.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary
            shall give priority to a nonprofit organization with which the
            Secretary has a memorandum of understanding dated not earlier
            than January 1, 2019.
              ``(3) Matching funds.--As a condition of entering into a
            cooperative agreement under this subsection, a nonprofit
            organization shall provide equal matching funds from non-
            Federal sources.
      ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to
    carry out this section.''.

    SEC. 3307. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

      Section 1543B(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 3308. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD
                        NUTRITION PROGRAM.

      Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 1736o-1) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ``or lower
            middle'' before ``income'';
              (2) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``Committee on
            International Relations'' and inserting ``Committee on Foreign
            Affairs'';
              (3) in subsection (l)(2), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''; and
              (4) in subsection (l)(4), by striking ``not more than 10
            percent'' and inserting ``not less than 8 percent, but not more
            than 15 percent''.

    SEC. 3309. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

      Section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (22
    U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110-246) is amended--
              (1) by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as follows:
              ``(1) In general.--For the period of fiscal years 2027
            through 2031, the aggregate contributions of funds of the
            Federal Government provided to the Trust under this section
            shall not exceed 33 percent of the total amount of funds
            contributed to the Trust from all sources and for all
            purposes.'';
              (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
                      (A) by inserting ``under this section'' after
                    ``Trust''; and
                      (B) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
              (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``fiscal years 2014
            through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2023 through
            2031''.

    SEC. 3310. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCUREMENT PROJECTS.

      Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 3311. AGRICULTURAL TRADE ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE.

      (a) Establishment.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the President shall establish a joint task
    force, to be known as the ``Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force''
    (referred to in this section as the ``Task Force'').
      (b) Duties.--
              (1) In general.--The Task Force shall--
                      (A) identify trade barriers to United States
                    agricultural exports that are vulnerable to dispute
                    settlement under the World Trade Organization (``WTO'')
                    or other trade agreements;
                      (B) develop and implement a strategy for enforcing
                    violations of trade agreements related to these trade
                    barriers;
                      (C) identify like-minded trading partners for
                    specific trade barriers that could act as co-
                    complainants or primary complainants on disputes that
                    are systemically or economically important to the
                    United States; and
                      (D) report quarterly to Congress on progress toward
                    resolving cases or filing disputes.
              (2) Consultation.--In carrying out its duties under this
            subsection, the Task Force shall regularly consult, to the
            extent necessary and appropriate, with the following:
                      (A) Relevant stakeholders in the private sector,
                    including the agricultural trade advisory committees.
                      (B) Federal departments and agencies that are not
                    represented on the Task Force.
                      (C) Like-minded trading partners that are similarly
                    concerned with trade barriers and are potential
                    participants in the dispute settlement process.
      (c) Membership.--
              (1) In general.--The Task Force shall be comprised of the
            following members:
                      (A) One or more employees of the Foreign Agricultural
                    Service, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary
                    for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
                      (B) One of more employees of the Office of the United
                    States Trade Representative, who shall be appointed
                    jointly by the General Counsel for the Office of the
                    United States Trade Representative and the Chief
                    Agricultural Negotiator.
                      (C) One or more employees of other Federal agencies
                    as needed, who shall be appointed jointly by the
                    officials specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
              (2) Qualification.--Employees of the Federal agencies
            specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1)
            may be appointed as members of the Task Force only if such
            employees have appropriate expertise in agricultural trade
            policy and trade enforcement.
      (d) Report.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
            enactment of this Act, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the
            Task Force shall submit to Congress a report on its progress in
            identifying and addressing trade barriers to United States
            agricultural exports.
              (2) Matters to be included.--The report required by this
            subsection shall include the following:
                      (A) A description of the systemic and economically
                    significant trade barriers that have been identified.
                      (B) A justification for including the identified
                    trade barriers.
                      (C) A description of the progress that has been made
                    in developing dispute settlement cases and further
                    information that is required.
                      (D) The current status of ongoing disputes at the WTO
                    and implementation of panel, arbitration, or appellate
                    body decisions.
              (3) Additional matters to be included in initial report.--The
            initial report required by this subsection shall, in addition
            to the matters described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and
            (D) of paragraph (2), include a plan to file a request under
            the WTO dispute settlement process for consultations to address
            India's minimum price supports. The plan shall include--
                      (A) an identification of like-minded trading partners
                    that could act as co-complainants or primary
                    complainants with respect to the request;
                      (B) a description of specific claims the United
                    States intends to make with respect to the request; and
                      (C) a timeline to--
                              (i) request consultations; and
                              (ii) request the establishment of a panel not
                            later than 60 days after the date of the
                            request for consultations if India does not
                            provide assurances that it will address its
                            minimum price supports.
      (e) Congressional Briefings.--The United States Trade Representative
    and the Secretary of Agriculture shall provide briefings on the Task
    Force to appropriate Members of Congress and congressional staff.

    SEC. 3312. REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL SHRIMP TRADE.

      (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
    shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that
    examines policy options available to the Secretary of Agriculture to
    boost the competitiveness of domestic shrimp in global and domestic
    markets.
      (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall--
              (1) include an analysis of--
                      (A) the Secretary's authority with regard to shrimp
                    and other seafood products;
                      (B) domestic shrimp and other seafood producers'
                    access to financial support programs; and
                      (C) ways to facilitate interagency coordination under
                    existing authorities around common goals for shrimp and
                    other seafood commodities with respect to tariffs,
                    market access policies, and other nontariff barriers;
                    and
              (2) identify trade or other legal barriers to United States
            shrimp and seafood production that are vulnerable to dispute
            settlement through the World Trade Organization or otherwise
            under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
      (c) Appropriate Congressional Committees.--In this section, the term
    ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
              (1) the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy
            and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
              (2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and
            the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
            Senate.

                        Subtitle D--Other Trade Matters

    SEC. 3401. REPORT ON MODIFICATIONS TO USMCA.

      (a) Report Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination
    with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the
    appropriate congressional committees and concurrently make publicly
    available, prior to July 1, 2026, a report on how any expected or
    implemented modification or revocation of any part of the USMCA (as
    such term is defined in section 3 of the United States-Mexico-Canada
    Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 4502(9))) in any manner will
    affect the importation or exportation of any article that is a covered
    agricultural commodity, including--
              (1) the anticipated effects on relevant product prices and
            projections as a result of such revocation or modification,
            including--
                      (A) the short- and long-term impacts on domestic
                    pricing;
                      (B) changes in consumer food prices;
                      (C) expected or anticipated shifts in input costs for
                    domestic producers; and
                      (D) regional or sector-specific variations in pricing
                    impacts; and
              (2) the forecasted shifts in farm revenue and profitability
            for domestic farmers, foresters, ranchers, and other producers
            as a result of such revocation or modification, including--
                      (A) impacts on net farm income and debt-to-asset
                    ratios;
                      (B) sector-specific effects on crops, livestock, and
                    specialty crops;
                      (C) effects on small, medium, and large farm
                    operations;
                      (D) impacts on agricultural exports, market access,
                    and global competitiveness; and
                      (E) estimated effects on rural employment and
                    economies.
      (b) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
            ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on
                    Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of
                    the House of Representatives; and
                      (B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                    Forestry, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee
                    on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
              (2) Covered agricultural commodity.--The term ``covered
            agricultural commodity'' has the meaning given the term
            ``agricultural commodity'' under section 102(1) of the
            Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602(1)).

    SEC. 3402. SENSE OF CONGRESS AND REPORT ON ARGENTINE BEEF IMPORTS.

      (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress as follows:
              (1) Congress finds that United States ranchers and cattle
            producers produce the healthiest and highest quality beef on
            the planet.
              (2) Any official trade agreement between the United States
            and Argentina--including the United States of America--
            Argentine Republic Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and
            Investment--that allow Argentina to export ship fresh and
            frozen beef into the United States market under expanded quotas
            is detrimental to domestic ranchers, cattle producers, and
            cattle markets.
              (3) Congress recognizes that many Americans enjoy eating beef
            and recognizes that many Americans want their beef raised
            domestically.
              (4) Congress further concludes that any agreement to allow
            increased beef from Argentina into United States markets
            introduces unfair competition into an already volatile market
            as this imported beef could depress cattle prices at United
            States sale barns and have a ripple effect throughout the
            domestic economy affecting feed suppliers, equipment dealers,
            veterinarians, and other rural businesses.
              (5) Congress additionally concludes that United States beef
            production is the safest in the world and that inconsistent
            enforcement abroad could put American consumers at risk and
            create an uneven regulatory playing field.
      (b) Report.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on
            which the United States signs any formal trade agreement with
            Argentina that includes a change to the tariff rate quotas or
            other duties on fresh and frozen beef imported from Argentina
            the Secretary of Agriculture and the United States Trade
            Representative shall jointly submit to the appropriate
            congressional committees a report on the effect of such
            imported beef on domestic beef and cattle markets, including--
                      (A) American consumer sentiment about the quality of
                    beef in the United States;
                      (B) impacts on domestic cattle prices;
                      (C) effects on domestic beef prices;
                      (D) changes to the domestic cattle herd size; and
                      (E) rancher sentiments toward expanding their herds.
              (2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this
            section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees''
            means--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on
                    Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of
                    the House of Representatives; and
                      (B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                    Forestry, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee
                    on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

                              TITLE IV--NUTRITION

             Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SEC. 4101. DECLARATION OF POLICY.

      Section 2 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011) is
    amended--
              (1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``It'', and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(b) Congress recognizes the supplemental nutrition assistance
    program allows low-income households to obtain supplemental food for an
    active, healthy life that supports the prevention of--
              ``(1) diet-related chronic disease, including--
                      ``(A) obesity;
                      ``(B) diabetes;
                      ``(C) hypertension;
                      ``(D) heart disease; and
                      ``(E) cancer;
              ``(2) disability;
              ``(3) premature death;
              ``(4) unsustainable health care costs; and
              ``(5) undermining of military readiness.
      ``(c) Accordingly, it is also the policy of the Congress that the
    Secretary should administer the supplemental nutrition assistance
    program in a manner that will provide participants, especially
    children, access to a variety of foods essential to optimal health and
    well-being.''.

    SEC. 4102. PROHIBITED FEES.

      Section 7(h)(13)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2016(h)(13)(B)) is amended by striking ``Effective through fiscal year
    2023, neither'' and inserting ``Neither''.

    SEC. 4103. SNAP STAFFING FLEXIBILITY.

      Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(y) SNAP Staffing Flexibility.--
              ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 11(e)(6)(B), a
            State agency (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition
            Act of 2008) may, by contract with the State agency at a
            reasonable cost in accordance with the State agency's standard
            contracting rules, hire a contractor to undertake supplemental
            nutrition assistance program certification or carry out any
            other function of the State agency under such program so long
            as--
                      ``(A) the contract does not provide incentives for
                    the agency or contractor to delay eligibility
                    determinations or to deny eligibility for individuals
                    otherwise eligible for supplemental nutrition
                    assistance program benefits; and
                      ``(B) the contractor has no direct or indirect
                    financial interest in an approved retail store.
              ``(2) Use.--A State agency may use the authority provided in
            paragraph (1) when--
                      ``(A) the State experiences an inability to timely
                    process supplemental nutrition assistance program
                    applications from causes that include but are not
                    limited to--
                              ``(i) pandemics and other health emergencies;
                              ``(ii) seasonal workforce cycles;
                              ``(iii) temporary staffing shortages; and
                              ``(iv) weather or other natural disasters;
                      ``(B) the State's payment error rate, as defined in
                    section 16, is greater than or equal to 6 percent based
                    on the most recent available Department of Agriculture
                    data; or
                      ``(C) the State experiences an increase in
                    supplemental nutrition assistance program applications.
              ``(3) Requirements.--A State agency that hires a contractor
            under paragraph (1) shall ensure such action--
                      ``(A) is consistent with all principles under section
                    900.603 of title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations;
                    and
                      ``(B) is part of a blended workforce and does not
                    supplant existing merit-based personnel in the State.
              ``(4) Notification.--A State agency shall notify the
            Secretary of its intent to use the authority provided in this
            section and shall provide any information or data supporting
            State agency increases in supplemental nutrition assistance
            program applications or any inability to timely process such
            applications.
              ``(5) Public availability.--Not later than 10 days after the
            date of the receipt of a notification submitted by a State
            agency under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall make publicly
            available on the website of the Department of Agriculture the
            notification submitted by such State agency and any
            accompanying information or data supporting such notification
            so submitted.
              ``(6) Program design.--Any action taken by a State agency
            under paragraph (1) shall not be--
                      ``(A) considered to be a major change in the
                    operations of such State agency for purposes of section
                    11(a)(4) of this Act, or
                      ``(B) subject to any requirement specified in such
                    section.
              ``(7) Annual 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, an annual report that contains--
                      ``(A) a description of measures taken to address
                    increases in supplemental nutrition assistance program
                    applications and any inability to timely process such
                    applications;
                      ``(B) information or data supporting State agency
                    notifications provided pursuant to paragraph (4); and
                      ``(C) recommendations for changes to the Secretary's
                    authority under this Act to assist the Secretary,
                    States, and local governments of States in preparing
                    for any future increases in supplemental nutrition
                    assistance program applications or inability to timely
                    process such applications.
              ``(8) Temporary staffing shortages.--In cases of temporary
            staffing shortages, the authority provided to State agencies
            under paragraph (1) shall--
                      ``(A) expire when the backlog of supplemental
                    nutrition assistance program applications has been
                    eliminated;
                      ``(B) not override any collective bargaining
                    agreement or memorandum of understanding in effect
                    between the State and employees of the State or of a
                    local government of such State; and
                      ``(C) expire when the error rate, as defined in
                    section 16, is less than 6 percent.''.

    SEC. 4104. UPDATES TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES FOR SNAP RETAILERS.

      The 2d sentence of section 9(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
    is amended by inserting ``, on two consecutive occasions within a 3-
    year-period,'' after ``does not meet''.

    SEC. 4105. REPORT ON ALL IDENTIFIED PAYMENT ERRORS.

      Section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2025(c)) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and
              (2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
              ``(9) Report on all identified payment errors.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall include all
                    identified payment errors, including small errors under
                    paragraph (1)(A)(ii), regardless of dollar amount, in a
                    supplemental section of the annual payment error rate
                    measurement report for the supplemental nutrition
                    assistance program.
                      ``(B) Rule of construction.--The information reported
                    under subparagraph (A) shall not alter, modify, or
                    affect the calculation of the tolerance level for
                    excluding small errors under paragraph (1)(A)(ii).''.

    SEC. 4106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

      The 1st sentence of section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting "``2031''.

    SEC. 4107. RETAIL FOOD STORE AND RECIPIENT TRAFFICKING.

      Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2036b) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 4108. EBT CARD SECURITY REGULATIONS.

      Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
    Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate, in the form of a proposed
    rule, regulations through notice and comment rulemaking to enhance EBT
    Card (as defined in section 3(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act; 7
    U.S.C. 2012(i)) security measures.

    SEC. 4109. REPORT ON SNAP ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

      Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
    Comptroller General of the United States 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--
              (1) examines the causes of State variation in supplemental
            nutrition assistance program administrative costs and
            identifies the factors most likely to contribute to an increase
            in these costs; and
              (2) provides recommendations on how the Department of
            Agriculture and Congress can improve oversight of
            administrative costs in the program.

    SEC. 4110. ANIMAL PROTEIN AN ELIGIBLE INCENTIVE FOOD.

      Section 9(j)(1)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2018(j)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting ``animal protein,'' after
    ``whole grain,''.

    SEC. 4111. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
                        PROGRAM ONLINE PURCHASING.

      Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(l) Online Purchasing Program.--
              ``(1) Permanent authority.--Not later than 120 days after the
            effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall begin
            transitioning the supplemental nutrition assistance program
            online purchasing initiative from pilot or demonstration status
            to permanent nationwide program operations, with the completion
            of the regulations marking the end of the transition.
              ``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue such
            regulations and guidance as may be necessary to carry out
            paragraph (1), including provisions related to program
            integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access in rural
            areas. Such regulations shall be issued not later than 2 years
            after the effective date of this subsection.
              ``(3) Stakeholder consultation.--The Secretary shall
            establish a formal process for consultation with State
            agencies, authorized retailers, electronic benefit transfer
            processors, consumer advocates, and other relevant stakeholders
            to incorporate lessons learned from online purchasing
            operations during the period of 2014 through 2025.
              ``(4) Report to congress.--Not later than 120 days after the
            effective date of this subsection, 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 consultation process and
            recommendations received.''.

    SEC. 4112. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

      (a) 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 ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
      (b) Availability of Commodities for the Emergency Food Assistance
    Program.--Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 2036(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.
      (c) Option for Purchasing Through DoD Fresh.--Section 214(c) of the
    Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515(c)) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Option for purchasing through dod fresh.--At the
            request of a State agency, the Secretary may allow the State
            agency to use not more than 20 percent of the cost of the
            commodities allocated to that State agency under this section
            to order commodities through the Department of Defense Fresh
            Fruit and Vegetable Program.''.

    SEC. 4113. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

      Section 4(b)(6)(E) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2013(b)(6)(E)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

                  Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

    SEC. 4201. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

      (a) Expansion of the Seniors 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 subsection (a), by striking ``2008 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
              (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``and herbs'' and
            inserting ``herbs, maple syrup, and tree nuts (including
            shelled tree nuts)''.
      (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--The 1st sentence of section
    4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C.
    612c note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 4202. 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 subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031'', and
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter preceding
                    clause (i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
                    ``2031'',
              (2) in subsection (d)(2), in the 1st sentence, by striking
            ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(n) Commodity Supplemental Food Program Delivery Pilot Program.--
              ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to award
            grants for the operation of projects that increase the access
            of low-income elderly persons to commodities through home
            delivery or other means and to evaluate such projects.
              ``(2) In general.--The Secretary shall award, on a
            competitive basis, grants directly to State agencies, or to
            State agencies on behalf of eligible entities, to carry out the
            activities described in paragraph (5).
              ``(3) Maximum grant award.--A grant awarded to a State agency
            under this subsection shall not exceed--
                      ``(A) the greater of--
                              ``(i) the State's commodity supplemental food
                            program caseload at time of application
                            multiplied by 60; or
                              ``(ii) $10,000; or
                      ``(B) $4,000,000;
            whichever is less.
              ``(4) Application.--A State agency seeking a grant under this
            subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application in such
            form, at such time, and containing such information as the
            Secretary may require.
              ``(5) Grant uses.--A State agency awarded a grant under this
            subsection shall distribute grant funds to eligible entities to
            operate projects that facilitate delivery of commodities to
            participants in the commodity supplemental food program,
            including with respect to costs associated with--
                      ``(A) transportation and distribution of commodities
                    to participants in the commodity supplemental food
                    program, including transportation and distribution
                    services provided by a third party;
                      ``(B) staffing required to operate delivery services;
                    and
                      ``(C) outreach to participants or potential
                    participants in the commodity supplemental food program
                    with respect to home delivery.
              ``(6) Priority.--A State agency awarded a grant under this
            subsection must prioritize eligible entities that serve
            participants in the commodity supplemental food program who
            reside in a rural area.
              ``(7) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 180 days after
            the end of the fiscal year in which a State agency is awarded a
            grant under this subsection and has distributed grant funds to
            eligible entities, and in each succeeding fiscal year until
            grant funds are expended, a State agency shall submit a report
            to the Secretary that includes--
                      ``(A) a summary of the activities carried out under
                    the project, including the quantity of commodities
                    delivered, number of participants in the commodity
                    supplemental food program served, and total number of
                    deliveries;
                      ``(B) an assessment of the effectiveness of the
                    project, including a calculation of the average cost
                    per delivery, and an evaluation of any services
                    provided by a third party; and
                      ``(C) best practices regarding use of home delivery
                    to improve the effectiveness of the commodity
                    supplemental food program.
              ``(8) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      ``(A) Terms in regulations.--The term `State agency',
                    `local agency', and `subdistributing agency' have the
                    meanings given such terms in section 247.1 of title 7
                    of the Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
                    regulations).
                      ``(B) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
                    means--
                              ``(i) a local agency; or
                              ``(ii) a subdistributing agency.
                      ``(C) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the
                    meaning given such term in section 343(a) of the
                    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
                    1991(a)).
              ``(9) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
            to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for
            each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to remain available
            until expended.''.

    SEC. 4203. 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 by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 4204. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
                        FOR TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS.

      (a) Demonstration Project for Tribal Organizations.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration
                    project'' means the demonstration project established
                    under paragraph (2).
                      (B) Food distribution program.--The term ``food
                    distribution program'' means the commodity supplemental
                    food program identified in section 4 of the Agriculture
                    and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c
                    note; Public Law 93-86).
                      (C) Indian reservation.--The term ``Indian
                    reservation'' has the meaning given the term
                    ``reservation'' in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition
                    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
                      (D) 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.
                    5304).
                      (E) Self-determination contract.--The term ``self-
                    determination contract'' has the meaning given the term
                    in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
                    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304) with
                    modification as determined by the Secretary.
                      (F) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal
                    organization'' has the meaning given the term in
                    section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
                    U.S.C. 2012).
              (2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of
            appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a demonstration
            project under which 1 or more Tribal organizations may enter
            into self-determination contracts to purchase agricultural
            commodities under the food distribution program for the Indian
            reservation of that Tribal organization.
              (3) Eligibility.--
                      (A) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
                    Indian Tribes to determine the process and criteria
                    under which a Tribal organization may participate in
                    the demonstration project.
                      (B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall select for
                    participation in the demonstration project Tribal
                    organizations that--
                              (i) are successfully administering the food
                            distribution program of the Tribal organization
                            under section 4(b)(2)(B) of the Food and
                            Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(2)(B));
                              (ii) have the capacity to purchase
                            agricultural commodities in accordance with
                            paragraph (4) for the food distribution program
                            of the Tribal organization; and
                              (iii) meet any other criteria determined by
                            the Secretary, in consultation with the
                            Secretary of the Interior and Indian Tribes.
              (4) Procurement of agricultural commodities.--Any
            agricultural commodities purchased by a Tribal organization
            under the demonstration project shall--
                      (A) be domestically produced;
                      (B) not result in a material increase in the amount
                    of food in the food package of that Tribal organization
                    compared to the amount of food that the Secretary
                    authorized to be provided through the Commodity
                    Supplemental Food Program Guide Rate;
                      (C) be of similar or higher nutritional value as the
                    type of agricultural commodities that would be
                    supplanted in the existing food package for that Tribal
                    organization or be an agricultural commodity with
                    Tribal significance to that Indian Tribe; and
                      (D) meet any other criteria determined by the
                    Secretary.
              (5) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
            funds are appropriated under paragraph (6) and annually
            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
            describing the activities carried out under the demonstration
            project during the preceding year.
              (6) Funding.--
                      (A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
                    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
                    subsection $1,000,000, to remain available until
                    expended.
                      (B) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds
                    appropriated under subparagraph (A) in advance
                    specifically to carry out this subsection shall be
                    available to carry out this subsection.
      (b) Administration of Tribal Self-Determination Contracts.--
              (1) Administration.--The Secretary shall appoint an existing
            office of the United States Department of Agriculture to
            administer Tribal self-determination contracts to include but
            not limited to:
                      (A) awarding of Food and Nutrition Service nutrition
                    program self-determination contracts to selected Tribal
                    organizations; and
                      (B) hiring contract officers and program staff in
                    order to manage the selection of Tribal organizations
                    and execution of self-determination contracts.
              (2) Staffing minimum funding.--Notwithstanding any other
            provision of law, there is authorized to be appropriated
            $1,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the
            payment of Department contract officers and program staff
            salaries and benefits.

                           Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    SEC. 4301. PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
                        SCHOOLS AND SERVICE INSTITUTIONS.

      Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 4302. BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL MEALS.

      (a) In General.--Section 12(n)(2)(A) of the Richard B. Russell
    National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(n)(2)(A)) is amended to read
    as follows:
                      ``(A) Requirements.--
                              ``(i) Purchase expenditures by category.--
                            Subject to clause (ii) and subparagraph (B),
                            the Secretary shall require that a school food
                            authority purchase, with respect to each food
                            purchase category designated by the
                            Agricultural Marketing Service, at least 95
                            percent domestic products and commodities in
                            each such category.
                              ``(ii) Domestically unavailable products and
                            commodities.--Domestically unavailable products
                            and commodities included on a list issued
                            pursuant to clause (iii) with respect to a
                            school year and purchased by a school food
                            authority during such school year shall not be
                            used to calculate whether such school food
                            authority meets the requirements under clause
                            (i).
                              ``(iii) Updated list.--Not later than 6
                            months after the date of the enactment of this
                            subparagraph, and every 2 years thereafter, the
                            Secretary shall make available to school food
                            authorities a list of domestically unavailable
                            products and commodities.
                              ``(iv) Limited waiver authority.--Except with
                            respect to a domestically unavailable product
                            or commodity included on a list pursuant to
                            clause (iii), the Secretary may not waive or
                            make accommodations for any of the requirements
                            of this subparagraph.
                              ``(v) Prohibition on certain products from
                            china or russia.--The Secretary shall prohibit
                            school food authorities from purchasing raw or
                            processed poultry products or seafood imported
                            into the United States from the People's
                            Republic of China or the Russian Federation.''.
      (b) Application.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply
    to school food authorities beginning on the first day of the first
    school year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 4303. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE
                        PROGRAM.

      Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (C) to
                    read as follows:
                      ``(C) Federal share.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
                            clause (ii) and subparagraph (D)(iii), the
                            Federal share of the cost of carrying out an
                            activity under this subsection shall not exceed
                            50 percent of the total cost of the activity.
                              ``(ii) Waiver for persistent poverty areas.--
                            The Secretary may waive the application of
                            clause (i) in the case of an activity carried
                            out--
                                      ``(I) in a county that, during the
                                    preceding 30-year period has had a
                                    population of which greater than or
                                    equal to 20 percent of such population
                                    are living in poverty (as measured by
                                    the most recent decennial censuses and
                                    most recent Small Area Income and
                                    Poverty Estimates of the Bureau of the
                                    Census); or
                                      ``(II) in a census tract with a
                                    poverty rate of at least 20 percent
                                    during the preceding 30-year period, as
                                    measured by the most recent 5-year data
                                    series available from the American
                                    Community Survey of the Bureau of the
                                    Census.''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
                              (i) by redesignating clauses (ix) and (x) as
                            clauses (x) and (xi); and
                              (ii) by inserting after clause (viii) the
                            following:
                              ``(ix) increase year-round availability of
                            incentives by offering all forms of fruits or
                            vegetables;'';
              (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``fresh fruits and
            vegetables'' and inserting ``all forms of fruits, vegetables,
            and legumes'' each place it appears; and
              (3) in subsection (f)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' each place
                    it appears and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 4304. FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION LIAISON ANNUAL REPORT.

      Section 224(e)(2) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924(e)(2)) is amended--
              (1) in the heading, by inserting ``Annual'' before
            ``Report'';
              (2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
            ``and annually thereafter,'' before ``the Secretary shall'';
              (3) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
              (4) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
            and inserting a semicolon; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) a general description of each project and
                    activity implemented pursuant to this section;
                      ``(D) a summary of the cooperative agreements entered
                    into pursuant to subsection (c);
                      ``(E) a detailed account of how the Secretary
                    avoided, managed, or will manage market disruption; and
                      ``(F) a summary of coordinated activities with the
                    Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
                    and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug
                    Administration, including interagency communication and
                    coordination related to the promotion or exclusion of
                    practices and technologies to limit food waste.''.

    SEC. 4305. DAIRY NUTRITION INCENTIVES PROJECTS.

      Section 4208 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
    2026a) is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by striking ``healthy fluid
            milk'' and inserting ``dairy nutrition'' (and by conforming the
            item of such section in the table of contents accordingly);
              (2) by striking ``healthy fluid milk'' and inserting ``dairy
            nutrition'' each place it appears;
              (3) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Covered dairy products.--The term `covered dairy
            products' means--
                      ``(A) cheese (including nonstandardized cheese) that
                    is--
                              ``(i) made from pasteurized cow's milk;
                              ``(ii) a good source of protein, as
                            determined by the Secretary; and
                              ``(iii) sold as a block, chunk, shred, slice,
                            stick, string or in snack-size form; and
                      ``(B) yogurt (or other cultured dairy product) that--
                              ``(i) is made from pasteurized cow's milk;
                              ``(ii) is a good source of protein, as
                            determined by the Secretary; and
                              ``(iii) contains limited amounts of added
                            sugars.
              ``(2) Fluid milk.--The term `fluid milk' means all varieties
            of pasteurized cow's milk that--
                      ``(A) is packaged in liquid form; and
                      ``(B) contains vitamins A and D at levels consistent
                    with the Food and Drug Administration, State, and local
                    standards for fluid milk.'';
              (4) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and covered dairy
            products'' after ``of fluid milk'' each place it appears;
              (5) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting ``and covered dairy
            products'' after ``purchase of fluid milk''; and
              (6) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``$20,000,000'' and
            inserting ``$50,000,000''.

    SEC. 4306. LOCAL FARMERS FEEDING OUR COMMUNITIES PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a
    program under which the Secretary will enter into cooperative
    agreements (on a noncompetitive basis) with eligible entities--
              (1) to help support covered local producers through building
            and expanding economic opportunities;
              (2) to establish and broaden partnerships with such covered
            local producers and the food distribution community to ensure
            distribution of fresh (including fresh frozen) and nutritious
            foods; and
              (3) to strengthen such entity's local and regional food
            security and systems.
      (b) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity selected to enter into a
    cooperative agreement under this section shall use funds received
    through such agreement--
              (1) to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed local
            foods (including seafood, meat, milk and dairy products, eggs,
            produce, and poultry) from covered producers;
              (2) to ensure that at least 25 percent of the total annual
            value of products purchased by the eligible entity comprises
            purchases from small-size producers, mid-size producers,
            beginning farmers or ranchers, or veteran farmers or ranchers;
              (3) to provide technical assistance supporting--
                      (A) covered local producers, including in obtaining
                    food safety training and certifications; and
                      (B) efforts to grow the local agricultural value
                    chain;
              (4) to distribute such local foods to organizations,
            including nonprofit organizations, that have experience in food
            distribution to improve access to healthy and nutritious food;
            and
              (5) to build and expand economic opportunity for covered
            local producers.
      (c) Limitation on Use of Funds.--
              (1) In general.--Of the amount made available to an eligible
            entity through a cooperative agreement under this section, an
            eligible entity may use not more than 15 percent of such
            amount--
                      (A) to cover administrative expenses; and
                      (B) to provide technical assistance described in
                    subsection (b)(3);
              (2) Allocation for technical assistance.--Of the amount
            described in paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall use not
            less than 50 percent to provide technical assistance described
            in subsection (b)(3).
      (d) Technical Assistance to Eligible Entities.--The Secretary shall
    provide to eligible entities entering into a cooperative agreement
    under this section guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and
    monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement.
      (e) Amount of Allocation.--Of the amounts made available to carry out
    this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
              (1) allocate 10 percent to Tribal Governments, to be
            allocated using a funding formula determined by the Secretary;
            and
              (2) of the amounts remaining after making the allocation
            under paragraph (1), allocate 1 percent to each State (other
            than Tribal Governments); and
              (3) after making the allocations under paragraphs (1) and
            (2), allocate the remaining amounts to each eligible entity
            (other than Tribal Governments) by applying the formula
            described in section 214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act
            of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515).
      (f) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out
    this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
      (g) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Beginning farmer or rancher; veteran farmer or rancher.--
            The terms ``beginning farmer or rancher'' and ``veteran farmer
            or rancher'' have the meanings given such terms in section 2501
            of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
            (7 U.S.C. 2279).
              (2) Covered producer.--The term ``covered producer'' means a
            fisherman, farmer, producer, rancher, processor, or cooperative
            processor that is--
                      (A) within the geographic boundaries of the eligible
                    entity in which the food will be delivered; or
                      (B) not more than 400 miles from the delivery
                    destination of the food.
              (3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
            State agency, commission, or department that is responsible for
            agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency
            response, or other similar activities within the State.
              (4) Mid-size producer.--The term ``mid-sized producer'' means
            an individual whose annual gross cash farm income is equal to
            or exceeds $350,000 and is less than $999,999.
              (5) Small-size producer.--The term ``small-sized producer''
            means one whose annual gross cash farm income is less than
            $350,000.
              (6) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
            States, the District of Columbia, each territory or possession
            of the United States, and each federally recognized Indian
            Tribe.
              (7) Unprocessed or minimally processed local foods.--The term
            ``unprocessed or minimally processed local foods'' means food
            products means only those agricultural products that retain
            their inherent character. Such term includes--
                      (A) fruits and vegetables (including 100 percent
                    juices);
                      (B) grain products, such as pastas and rice;
                      (C) meats (including whole carcasses, pieces thereof,
                    or ground meat);
                      (D) protein sources that are meat alternatives (such
                    as beans or legumes) and fluid milk and other dairy
                    foods (such as cheese and yogurt); and
                      (E) foods in a wide variety of minimal processing
                    states (such as whole, cut, or pureed) or forms (such
                    as fresh, frozen, canned, or dried).

    SEC. 4307. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.

       Section 243(d) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953(d)) is amended by striking ``$125,000,000'' and
    inserting ``$135,000,000''.

    SEC. 4308. DIETARY GUIDELINES.

      (a) In General.--Section 301(a) of the National Nutrition Monitoring
    and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1)--
                      (A) by striking ``At least every five years'' and
                    inserting ``Beginning with the 2030 report and at least
                    every 10 years thereafter,''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following: ``Rulemaking
                    requirements under section 553 of title 5, United
                    States Code, shall apply to the development of each
                    report under this paragraph.'';
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``shall be based on the
            preponderance of the scientific and medical knowledge which is
            current at the time the report is prepared.'' and inserting
            ``shall--
                      ``(A) be based on significant scientific agreement
                    that is determined by evidence-based review (as defined
                    in paragraph (8)(A));
                      ``(B) be current at the time the report is prepared;
                      ``(C) be derived from questions generated under
                    paragraph (5)(E);
                      ``(D) address high-priority areas of concern to
                    advance health outcomes;
                      ``(E) be designed to achieve nutritional adequacy and
                    promote health, as specified by the Food and Nutrition
                    Board of the National Academies of Sciences,
                    Engineering and Medicine, from the consumption of food,
                    including nutrients and bioactive food components
                    occurring naturally and in fortified foods;
                      ``(F) include nutritional and dietary information
                    relevant to individuals with nutrition-related common
                    chronic diseases, as defined by the Centers for Disease
                    Control and Prevention; and
                      ``(G) include recommendations that are affordable,
                    available, and accessible for the general
                    population.'';
              (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (7);
              (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
              ``(3) Frequency.--The Secretaries may publish the report
            required under paragraph (1) more frequently than required
            under that paragraph if the Secretaries determine that more
            frequent publication is necessary to promote health, based on
            the updated dietary reference intake values specified by--
                      ``(A) the Food and Nutrition Board of the National
                    Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine; and
                      ``(B) other relevant scientific advancements based on
                    continuous monitoring of the totality of publicly
                    available scientific evidence.
              ``(4) Notification of update.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days before the
                    Secretaries plan to update a report under paragraph
                    (1), the Secretaries shall submit notification of that
                    plan, in writing, to the Committees on Agriculture,
                    Nutrition, and Forestry and Health, Education, Labor,
                    and Pensions of the Senate and the Committees on
                    Agriculture and Energy and Commerce of the House of
                    Representatives.
                      ``(B) Justification.--The notification under
                    subparagraph (A) shall include a justification for
                    updating the report.
              ``(5) Independent advisory board.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
                    Secretaries submit a notification under paragraph
                    (4)(A), the Secretaries shall establish an Independent
                    Advisory Board (referred to in this paragraph as the
                    `Board').
                      ``(B) Members.--The Board shall be comprised of at
                    least 4 members and not more than 8 members, of which--
                              ``(i) 4 shall be appointed by the
                            Secretaries, 2 of whom shall not be Federal
                            employees; and
                              ``(ii) 1 may be appointed by each of the
                            highest ranking Member of Congress on each
                            Committee described in paragraph (4)(A) of the
                            opposite political party of the President of
                            the United States at the time of the
                            appointment.
                      ``(C) Expertise.--Each member appointed to the Board
                    shall have expertise in nutrition science or food
                    science, including academic and applied experience.
                      ``(D) Meetings.--
                              ``(i) In general.--The first meeting of the
                            Board--
                                      ``(I) may only take place on or after
                                    the date that 4 members are appointed
                                    to the Board under subparagraph (B);
                                    and
                                      ``(II) shall take place on or after
                                    the date that is 90 days after the
                                    Secretaries submit a notification under
                                    paragraph (4)(A).
                              ``(ii) Quorum.--A majority of the members
                            shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
                            of the business of the Board.
                      ``(E) Duties.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    establishment of the Board, the Board shall submit to
                    the Secretaries and the Committees described in
                    paragraph (4)(A) a list of scientific questions
                    relating to the report for purposes of paragraph
                    (2)(C).
                      ``(F) Termination.--The authority of the Board shall
                    terminate, and the Board shall disband, immediately
                    after carrying out subparagraph (E).
              ``(6) Exclusion.--The information and guidelines contained in
            each report required under paragraph (1) shall not be based on
            or include topics that are not relevant to dietary guidance, as
            determined by the Secretaries, in consultation with the
            Independent Advisory Board established under paragraph (5),
            including taxation, social welfare policies, purchases under
            Federal feeding programs, food and agricultural production
            practices, food labeling, socioeconomic status, race, religion,
            ethnicity, culture, or regulations relating to nutrition.'';
            and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(8) Evidence-based review.--
                      ``(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term
                    `evidence-based review' means a process under which--
                              ``(i) the totality of the scientific evidence
                            relevant to a question of interest is
                            collected, analyzed, and evaluated;
                              ``(ii) scientific studies, conclusions, and
                            recommendations are rated, adhering strictly to
                            standardized, generally accepted evidence-based
                            review methods; and
                              ``(iii) external peer review is conducted by
                            nongovernment experts with recognized expertise
                            in quality of evidence evaluation.
                      ``(B) Strength of evidence.--Each guideline contained
                    in a report published under paragraph (1) shall be
                    assigned a rating by the Secretaries for the strength
                    of evidence used, including to the extent by which the
                    guideline will improve the Healthy Eating Index.
              ``(9) Transparency.--
                      ``(A) Disclosure.--Any individual appointed to the
                    Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an Independent
                    Advisory Board established under paragraph (5) shall--
                              ``(i) be appointed as a special government
                            employee;
                              ``(ii) comply with financial disclosure
                            requirements applicable to such a special
                            government employee under subpart I of part
                            2634 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations
                            (or successor regulations), including the
                            requirement to file the Office of Government
                            Ethics Form 450 (or successor Form); and
                              ``(iii) prior to such an appointment, provide
                            a report to the Secretaries regarding, for the
                            10-year period preceding such report, any
                            research funding or professional affiliation
                            relating to a report under paragraph (1).
                      ``(B) Publication.--Notwithstanding any other
                    provision of law, not later than 30 days after the date
                    on which a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an
                    Independent Advisory Board is established, the
                    Secretaries shall make publicly available--
                              ``(i) a summary of the financial disclosures
                            reported by members of such Committee or Board;
                              ``(ii) the research funding and professional
                            affiliations reported by such members under
                            subparagraph (A)(iii), categorized by the name
                            of the individual; and
                              ``(iii) a detailed plan for managing any
                            disclosed conflicts of interest, including
                            financial or ethical conflicts of interest,
                            preferences, values, and beliefs.''.
      (b) Controlling Report.--The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
    published by the Secretaries under subsection (a)(1) of section 301 of
    the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 5341(a)(1)) shall be controlling and considered to be the most
    recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans until the publication of the
    first report under such subsection in accordance with the amendments
    made to such section by this Act.

                                TITLE V--CREDIT

                        Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

    SEC. 5101. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR REAL ESTATE LOANS.

      Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended--
              (1) in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by striking ``a
            majority'' each place it appears and inserting ``at least a 50
            percent'';
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B)
            and inserting the following:
                      ``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--Qualified
                    operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall be
                    considered to meet the operator requirement of
                    paragraph (1).
                      ``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only
                    entities.--An applicant that is or will become only the
                    operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or
                    supported with funds under this subtitle shall be
                    considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of
                    paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who is an
                    owner of the farm real estate owns at least 50 percent
                    (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines
                    is appropriate) of the applicant.
                      ``(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An
                    entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph
                    (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B) of
                    this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1
                    or more other entities, shall be considered to meet the
                    direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph
                    (1) if at least 75 percent of the total ownership
                    interests of the embedded entity, or of the other
                    entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by
                    qualified operators of the farm acquired, improved, or
                    supported with funds under this subtitle.''.

    SEC. 5102. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

      Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
            (A), by striking ``3 years'' and inserting ``2 years''; and
              (2) in paragraph (4)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
                                      (I) by striking ``3-year'' and
                                    inserting ``2-year''; and
                                      (II) by striking ``1 or 2 years'' and
                                    inserting ``1 year'';
                              (ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``or
                            operational'' before ``responsibilities'';
                              (iii) in clause (vii), by striking ``or'';
                            and
                              (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(ix) met any other criteria established by
                            the Secretary; or''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``3-year'' and
                    inserting ``2-year''.

    SEC. 5103. REFINANCING OF INDEBTEDNESS INTO DIRECT LOANS.

      Section 303 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1923) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(d) Refinancing of Guaranteed Loans Into Direct Loans.--Within 1
    year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary,
    acting through the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (referred
    to in this section as the `Secretary'), shall promulgate regulations
    allowing certain loans guaranteed by the Farm Service Agency to be
    refinanced into direct loans issued by the Farm Service Agency, in
    accordance with this subsection.
              ``(1) Requirements.--
                      ``(A) In general.--A guaranteed loan may be
                    refinanced into a direct loan pursuant to this
                    subsection only if the Secretary determines that--
                              ``(i) the guaranteed loan is distressed due
                            to its status as a nonperforming loan that does
                            not have a positive cash flow at rates and
                            terms available from the lender;
                              ``(ii) the borrower on the guaranteed loan is
                            in monetary default and subject to liquidation
                            or foreclosure action;
                              ``(iii) a reasonable chance for the success
                            of the operation financed by the guaranteed
                            loan exists; and
                              ``(iv) all other criteria established by the
                            Secretary for purposes of this subsection to
                            protect taxpayer funds and the loan programs of
                            the Farm Service Agency have been satisfied.
                      ``(B) Reasonable chance of success.--For purposes of
                    subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary may determine that
                    a reasonable chance for the success of an operation
                    exists if the Secretary determines that--
                              ``(i) all relevant problems with the
                            operation financed by the guaranteed loan--
                                      ``(I) have been identified; and
                                      ``(II) can be corrected; and
                              ``(ii) on correction of the problems, the
                            operation can achieve, or be returned to, a
                            sound financial basis.
              ``(2) Loan programs.--In making direct loans pursuant to the
            regulations promulgated under this subsection, the Secretary
            may refinance a loan guaranteed under 1 program of the Farm
            Service Agency into a direct loan issued under another program
            of the Farm Service Agency, as the Secretary determines to be
            appropriate and in accordance with the laws applicable to the
            program under which the direct loan is issued.
              ``(3) Refinanced guaranteed loans.--A direct loan issued by
            the Farm Service Agency pursuant to the regulations promulgated
            under subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to any
            otherwise applicable limitation on the maximum amount of a
            direct loan issued by the Farm Service Agency, including, if
            applicable, the limitations described in sections 305 and
            313.''.

    SEC. 5104. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

      Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1924) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``1985.'' and
                    inserting ``1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812); and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) producers who use the loans to adopt precision
            agriculture practices or acquire precision agriculture
            technologies, including adoption or acquisition for the purpose
            of participating in the environmental quality incentives
            program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title
            XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et
            seq.).''; and
              (2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 5105. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.

      Section 305(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1925(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``$600,000, or, in the
    case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased,
    beginning with fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$850,000, or, in the
    case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,500,000 (increased,
    beginning with fiscal year 2026''.

    SEC. 5106. INFLATION PERCENTAGE.

      Section 305(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1925(c)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``of the Prices Paid By
            Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural
            Statistics Service of the Department of Agriculture) for the
            12-month period ending on July 31 of the immediately preceding
            fiscal year'' and inserting ``of the per acre average United
            States farm real estate value, the per acre average United
            States cropland value, and the per acre average United States
            pasture value for the preceding year (as published in the
            applicable Agricultural Land Values report of the National
            Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department of
            Agriculture), weighted equally''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``of such index (as so
            defined) for the 12-month period that immediately precedes the
            12-month period described in paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``of
            the per acre average United States farm real estate value, the
            per acre average United States cropland value, and the per acre
            average United States pasture value for the year immediately
            preceding the year described in paragraph (1) (as so
            published), weighted equally''.

    SEC. 5107. AUTHORITY OF FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE
                        FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ESSENTIAL RURAL COMMUNITY
                        FACILITIES PROJECTS.

      (a) In General.--The Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended by inserting
    after section 4.18A (12 U.S.C. 2206a) the following:

    ``SEC. 4.18B. ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

      ``(a) In General.--A Farm Credit Bank, direct lender association, or
    bank for cooperatives chartered under this Act may, for the purpose of
    making available capital to develop, build, maintain, improve, or
    provide related equipment or other support for essential community
    facilities in rural areas, make and participate in loans and
    commitments, and extend other technical and financial assistance for
    projects for essential community facilities eligible for financing
    under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act.
      ``(b) Eligibility.--Only an entity eligible for financing under
    section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may
    receive financing or any other assistance under subsection (a) of this
    section.
      ``(c) Limitations.--
              ``(1) Financing.--A Farm Credit System institution described
            in subsection (a) shall not provide financing or assistance
            under this section in an aggregate amount that exceeds 15
            percent of the total of all outstanding loans of the
            institution.
              ``(2) Offer requirement.--
                      ``(A) In general.--A Farm Credit System institution
                    shall not provide financing or assistance under this
                    section unless the institution--
                              ``(i) has offered, under reasonable terms and
                            conditions acceptable to the borrower involved,
                            an interest in the financing to at least 1
                            domestic lending institution not referred to in
                            subsection (a) other than the Department of
                            Agriculture; and
                              ``(ii) has reported the offer to the Farm
                            Credit Administration.
                      ``(B) Rural community bank priority.--In offering an
                    interest in a financing to a domestic lending
                    institution described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Farm
                    Credit System institution shall give priority to
                    community banks located in the service area of the
                    essential community facility being financed.
      ``(d) Annual Report to Congress.--Within 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the Farm Credit
    Administration shall provide a report to the Committee on Agriculture
    of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the activities undertaken
    pursuant to this section by Farm Credit System institutions during the
    period covered by the report, including through partnerships between
    such an institution and other lending institutions, which shall also be
    posted on the website of the Farm Credit Administration.''.
      (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take
    effect on October 1, 2026.

    SEC. 5108. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.

      Section 310E(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)) is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
            ``exceed 45 percent of the least'' and inserting ``exceed,
            subject to section 305(a), 45 percent of the lesser'';
              (2) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' after the
            semicolon;
              (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a
            period; and
              (4) by striking subparagraph (C).

    SEC. 5109. HEIRS PROPERTY.

      (a) Reauthorization of the Heirs Property Intermediary Relending
    Program.--Section 310I(g) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1936c(g)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.
      (b) Cooperative Agreements for Heirs Property Resolution Through
    Direct Public Interest Legal Services.--Section 310I of such Act (7
    U.S.C. 1936c) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections
            (g) and (h), respectively; and
              (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
      ``(f) Cooperative Agreements for Heirs Property Resolution Through
    Direct Public Interest Legal Services.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into cooperative
            agreements with eligible entities to provide legal or
            accounting services to underserved heirs, at no cost to the
            underserved heirs, to assist in resolving undivided ownership
            interests on farmland or forest land, or land transitioning to
            farmland or forest land, that has multiple owners. Such a
            cooperative agreement must be for any of the following
            purposes:
                      ``(A) To assist with transitioning land to
                    agricultural production.
                      ``(B) To maintain land in agricultural production.
                      ``(C) To increase access to programs administered by
                    the Secretary through the resolution of real property
                    claims in order to allow real property owners to meet
                    land ownership eligibility requirements for
                    participation in a program administered by the
                    Secretary.
              ``(2) Administration of cooperative agreements.--
                      ``(A) Duration.--
                              ``(i) In general.--A cooperative agreement
                            under paragraph (1) shall be in effect for not
                            more than 4 years, subject to clause (ii).
                              ``(ii) Special rule.--The Secretary may
                            extend a cooperative agreement or re-enter into
                            a cooperative agreement with the same or a
                            different eligible entity to provide continued
                            services for heirs if--
                                      ``(I) property ownership is not
                                    resolved within the initial term of the
                                    original cooperative agreement; and
                                      ``(II) the entity certifies that the
                                    entity understands that the cooperative
                                    agreement is not guaranteed to be
                                    funded for more than 4 years after the
                                    commencement of the original
                                    cooperative agreement.
                      ``(B) Management of performance.--
                              ``(i) Annual reports.--An eligible entity
                            must provide annual reports to the Secretary
                            summarizing the progress made during each
                            fiscal year towards achieving the goals of the
                            cooperative agreement for the heirs for whom
                            services are provided under the cooperative
                            agreement.
                              ``(ii) Information and data.--The Secretary
                            may require an eligible entity to provide the
                            Secretary with such information or data as the
                            Secretary deems necessary to determine that the
                            eligible entity is making acceptable progress.
                            The data may not include personally
                            identifiable information.
                              ``(iii) Effect of failure to demonstrate
                            success.--If an eligible entity providing
                            services under such a cooperative agreement
                            does not demonstrate success, as determined by
                            the Secretary, in resolving or reasonably
                            attempting to resolve the property claims of an
                            heir, the Secretary may terminate the
                            agreement.
                      ``(C) Implementation.--The Secretary may utilize
                    requests for public input or the formal rulemaking
                    process to effectuate this subsection. At a minimum,
                    the Secretary shall make publicly available the
                    criteria for selecting an eligible entity to enter into
                    an agreement to provide services, the administrative
                    and performance requirements for cooperative agreements
                    under this subsection, as well as codify within its
                    internal policy its implementation process.
                      ``(D) Heirs property not in farming.--On a limited
                    basis, and when determined by the Secretary to meet the
                    purposes of a program administered by the Secretary and
                    to expand access to such a program, the Secretary may
                    allow an eligible entity to provide services at no cost
                    to an heir who is not an underserved heir if--
                              ``(i) the land with respect to which the
                            services are to be provided is not farmland or
                            in agricultural production, but could be viably
                            productive for agricultural, conservation, or
                            forestry purposes;
                              ``(ii) the heir satisfies all other
                            requirements of the definition of `underserved
                            heir';
                              ``(iii) the heir can provide proof to
                            substantiate that the heir is in control of the
                            real property; and
                              ``(iv) the heir certifies to the Secretary
                            that the heir intends to apply for, and make a
                            good faith effort to enroll the land in, a
                            program administered by the Secretary once
                            property claims to the land are resolved
                            through services provided under a cooperative
                            agreement entered into under this subsection.
              ``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
                    means a nonprofit organization that--
                              ``(i) provides legal or accounting services
                            to an underserved heir at no cost to the
                            underserved heir to resolve property ownership
                            issues; and
                              ``(ii) has demonstrated experience in
                            resolving issues related to ownership and
                            succession on farmland or forest land that has
                            multiple owners.
                      ``(B) Limited resource heir.--An heir shall be
                    considered a limited resource heir for purposes of this
                    subsection if--
                              ``(i) the total household income of the heir
                            is at or below the national poverty level for a
                            family of 4, or less than 50 percent of the
                            county median household income for the 2
                            immediately preceding calendar years, as
                            determined annually using data of the
                            Department of Commerce; or
                              ``(ii) the property of the heir for which
                            legal services are provided pursuant to a
                            cooperative agreement entered into under this
                            subsection is in a persistent poverty
                            community, as determined annually on the basis
                            of data from the Department of Commerce, or a
                            socially vulnerable area, as designated by the
                            Centers on Disease Control and Prevention.
                      ``(C) Underserved heir.--The term `underserved heir'
                    means an heir with an undivided ownership interest in
                    farmland or forest land that has multiple owners, who
                    is--
                              ``(i) a limited resource heir;
                              ``(ii) a member of a socially disadvantaged
                            group (as defined in section 2501(a) of the
                            Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
                            of 1990); or
                              ``(iii) a veteran (as defined in section
                            101(2) of title 38, United States Code).
              ``(4) Annual reports to congress.--Within 1 year after the
            date of the enactment of this subsection, and annually
            thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare, make public, and
            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 on the activities
            carried out under this subsection in the year covered by the
            report.
              ``(5) Limitations on authorization of appropriations.--To
            carry out this subsection, there is authorized to be
            appropriated to the Secretary $60,000,000 for each of fiscal
            years 2027 through 2031.''.
      (c) Annual Report on Operations and Outcomes Under the Relending
    Program To Resolve Ownership and Succession on Farmland.--Section
    310I(g) of such Act, as so redesignated by subsection (b) of this
    section, is amended by striking ``Not later than 1 year after the date
    of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall'' and inserting ``The
    Secretary shall annually''.

    SEC. 5110. PROMPT APPROVAL OF LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES.

      Section 333A of the of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (g)--
                      (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(1) Real estate and operating guaranteed loans.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to
                    lenders a short, simplified application form for real
                    estate and operating guaranteed loans under this title,
                    for loans of not more than $1,000,000.
                      ``(B) Notice.--Within 5 business days after receipt
                    of a complete application to guarantee a farm ownership
                    or operating loan that meets the requirements under
                    subparagraph (A) originated by a Preferred Certified
                    Lender or Certified Lender, the Secretary shall notify
                    the lender as to whether the application is approved or
                    disapproved.
                      ``(C) Maximum guarantee.--Notwithstanding any other
                    provision of this Act, the percentage of the principal
                    amount of a loan which may be guaranteed pursuant to
                    this paragraph shall not exceed--
                              ``(i) 90 percent, in the case of a loan not
                            exceeding $125,000;
                              ``(ii) 75 percent, in the case of a loan of
                            more than $125,000 and not more than $500,000;
                            or
                              ``(iii) 50 percent, in the case of a loan of
                            more than $500,000 and not more than
                            $1,000,000.''; and
                      (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
                    paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively, and inserting
                    after paragraph (1) the following:
              ``(2) Business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural
            entities.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop an
                    application process that accelerates, to the maximum
                    extent practicable, the processing of applications for
                    business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural
                    entities, as described under section 310B(a)(2)(A), for
                    loans not exceeding $400,000.
                      ``(B) Exception.--The accelerated application
                    process, as provided under subparagraph (A), shall
                    apply to loans not exceeding $600,000 if there is not a
                    significant increased risk of a default on the loan, as
                    determined by the Secretary.''; and
              (2) by striking subsection (h).

    SEC. 5111. EXPEDITED APPROVAL PILOT PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act is amended by inserting after section 333D (7 U.S.C.
    1983d) the following:

    ``SEC. 333E. EXPEDITED APPROVAL PILOT PROGRAM.

      ``(a) In General.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of
    the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall carry out a pilot
    program to establish an expedited qualification and approval process
    for borrowers seeking--
              ``(1) a direct farm ownership loan under this Act; or
              ``(2) a guaranteed farm ownership loan under this Act that is
            serviced by a Preferred Certified Lender under section 339(d)
            and provided to a creditworthy borrower, as determined by the
            Preferred Certified Lender.
      ``(b) Loan Assessments.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
    shall consider streamlining the process for making--
              ``(1) determinations necessary to make the certifications and
            assessments referred to in section 339(c)(5); and
              ``(2) determinations under section 360(b).
      ``(c) Rule of Interpretation.--Except as otherwise provided in
    subsections (a) and (b), this section shall not be interpreted to
    authorize the waiver or modification of any requirement, other than an
    application process timing requirement, imposed by or under this Act.
      ``(d) Report.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
    section, and annually 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 examining the actions undertaken under, and the results of, the
    pilot program.
      ``(e) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided by this
    section shall terminate effective September 30, 2031.''.
      (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 346(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    1994(b)(2)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A)(i)(II), by inserting ``, to the
            extent practicable'' after ``April 1 of the fiscal year'';
              (2) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting ``, to the extent
            practicable'' after ``September 1 of the fiscal year''; and
              (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii), in the text, by inserting ``,
            to the extent practicable'' after ``April 1 of the fiscal
            year''.

                          Subtitle B--Operating Loans

    SEC. 5201. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR OPERATING LOANS.

      Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended--
              (1) in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by striking ``a
            majority'' each place it appears and inserting ``at least a 50
            percent''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``(2)
                    special rule.--An entity'' and inserting the following:
              ``(2) Special rules.--
                      ``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--Qualified
                    operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall be
                    considered to meet the operator requirement of
                    paragraph (1).
                      ``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only
                    entities.--An entity''; and
                      (B) by striking ``ownership interests of each
                    embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or
                    indirectly by the individuals that own the family
                    farm'' and inserting ``total ownership interests of the
                    embedded entity, or of the other entities, is owned,
                    directly or indirectly, by qualified operators of the
                    farm improved or supported with funds under this
                    subtitle''.

    SEC. 5202. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING LOANS.

      Section 313(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1943(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``$400,000, or, in the
    case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased,
    beginning with fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$750,000, or, in the
    case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,000,000 (increased,
    beginning with fiscal year 2026''.

    SEC. 5203. LIMITATION ON MICROLOAN AMOUNTS.

      Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``$50,000'' and inserting
    ``$100,000''.

    SEC. 5204. COOPERATIVE LENDING PILOT PROJECTS.

      Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

                          Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

    SEC. 5301. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR EMERGENCY LOANS.

      Section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1961) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in the 1st sentence--
                              (i) by striking ``(A)'' and inserting
                            ``(i)'';
                              (ii) by striking ``(B)'' and inserting
                            ``(ii)'';
                              (iii) by striking ``(1)'' and inserting
                            ``(A)'';
                              (iv) by striking ``(2)'' and inserting
                            ``(B)''; and
                              (v) by striking ``a majority'' each place it
                            appears and inserting ``at least a 50
                            percent'';
                      (B) in the 2nd sentence, by striking ``this
                    subsection'' and inserting ``this paragraph'';
                      (C) by striking the 5th sentence; and
                      (D) by adding after and below the end the following:
              ``(2) Special rules.--
                      ``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--Qualified
                    operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall be
                    considered to meet the operator requirement of
                    paragraph (1).
                      ``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only
                    entities.-- An applicant that is or will become only
                    the operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or
                    supported with funds under this subtitle shall be
                    considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of
                    paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who is an
                    owner of the real estate owns at least 50 percent (or
                    such other percentage as the Secretary determines is
                    appropriate) of the applicant.
                      ``(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An
                    entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph
                    (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B) of
                    this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1
                    or more other entities, shall be considered to meet the
                    direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph
                    (1) if at least 75 percent of the total ownership
                    interests of the embedded entity, or of the other
                    entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by
                    qualified operators of the farm acquired, improved, or
                    supported with funds under this subtitle.''; and
              (2) by striking all that precedes ``shall make and insure''
            and inserting the following:

    ``SEC. 321. ELIGIBILITY FOR LOANS.

      ``(a) In General.--
              ``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The Secretary''.

                     Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

    SEC. 5401. 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 ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 5402. 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 ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 5403. 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 by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 5404. USE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR DIRECT OPERATING MICROLOANS
                        UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

      Section 346(b)(5)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(5)(C)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

                           Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

    SEC. 5501. EXTENSION OF CREDIT TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING SERVICES TO
                        PRODUCERS OR HARVESTERS OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS.

      (a) Eligibility for Credit and Financial Services.--Section 1.9 of
    the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2017) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the end;
              (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
              (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
              ``(3) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
            aquatic products services directly related to their operating
            needs; or''.
      (b) Purposes for Extensions of Credit.--Section 1.11(c)(1) of such
    Act (12 U.S.C. 2019(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``and to persons
    furnishing services directly related to the operating needs of
    producers or harvesters of aquatic products'' after ``needs''.
      (c) Production Credit Associations.--Section 2.4(a) of such Act (12
    U.S.C. 2075(a)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
              (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
            inserting ``; and''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
            aquatic products services directly related to their operating
            needs.''.

    SEC. 5502. EXPORT FINANCE AUTHORITY.

      Section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2128(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended--
              (1) by striking ``50 percent of the bank's capital'' and
            inserting ``15 percent of the total assets of the bank''; and
              (2) by striking ``an amount equal to 50 percent of the bank's
            capital'' and inserting ``15 percent of the total assets of the
            bank''.

    SEC. 5503. SUPPORT FOR RURAL WATER AND WASTE SYSTEMS.

      Section 3.7(f) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(f)) is
    amended--
              (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs
            (A) and (B);
              (2) by striking ``The banks'' and inserting ``(1) The
            banks'';
              (3) striking ``For purposes'' and inserting ``(3) For
            purposes'';
              (4) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by inserting ``,
            or in the case of such loans, commitments, and assistance that
            are guaranteed, the term `rural area' means an area described
            in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
            Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))'' before the period
            at the end; and
              (5) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the
            following:
      ``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a bank for cooperatives may make
    and participate in loans and commitments and provide technical and
    other financial assistance to cooperatives and any other public or
    private entity (except for the Federal Government) for the purpose of
    installing, maintaining, expanding, improving, or operating facilities
    in a rural area for the processing or disposal of waste from any
    source, the provision of telecommunication services, and producing
    electricity from any source for use or sale by the borrower.''.

    SEC. 5504. FARM CREDIT SYSTEM REGULATION.

      (a) In General.--The Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.)
    is amended by inserting after section 4.20 the following:

    ``SEC. 4.21. FARM CREDIT SYSTEM REGULATION.

      ``(a) The Farm Credit Administration shall be the sole and
    independent regulator of the Farm Credit System with respect to
    activities subject to this Act.
      ``(b) Nothing in this section shall limit or affect any regulatory or
    other authority granted to the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation
    under this Act.
      ``(c) A law enacted or rule promulgated after the date of the
    enactment of this section shall not be held to modify or supersede the
    exclusive authority provided by subsection (a), except to the extent
    that the enacted law does so expressly.''.
      (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take
    effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 5505. LOAN GUARANTEES.

      Section 8.0(7)(B) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279aa(7)(B)) is amended by inserting `` or section 9007(c)(1) of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(c)(1))''
    before the 1st comma.

    SEC. 5506. STANDARDS FOR QUALIFIED LOANS.

      Section 8.8 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8) is
    amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``mortgage investors''
            and inserting ``investors in those types of loans''; and
              (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
      ``(c) Qualified Loan Limitation for Single Borrowers.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall not treat a loan
            secured by agricultural real estate as a qualified loan when
            the cumulative principal amount of all loans to a single
            borrower or related borrowers exceeds 10 percent of the
            Corporation's tier 1 capital, as defined by the Farm Credit
            Administration.
              ``(2) Regulator determination.--The Farm Credit
            Administration may issue regulations establishing a single
            borrower concentration limit lower than the percentage
            specified in paragraph (1) if the Farm Credit Administration
            determines that such a lower limit is necessary for the safe
            and sound operation of the Corporation.''.

    SEC. 5507. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.

      (a) Matching Grants to States.--Section 502 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5102) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$500,000'' and
            inserting ``$700,000''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(e) Carryover of Financial Assistance.--The Secretary shall permit
    a State that receives financial assistance under subsection (a) for a
    fiscal year to carry over not more than 25 percent of the financial
    assistance that is not expended by the end of the fiscal year, for use
    during the next fiscal year without deducting the amount from any
    assistance provided under this Act in subsequent fiscal years.''.
      (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 506 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 5508. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

      (a) Elimination of Obsolete References to County Committees.--
              (1) Section 333A(a)(2)(B)(vi) of the Consolidated Farm and
            Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(a)(2)(B)(vi)) is amended
            by striking ``by the county committee'' and inserting ``of the
            application''.
              (2) Section 336 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1986) is amended--
                      (A) by striking the last sentence of subsection (b);
                    and
                      (B) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating
                    subsection (d) as subsection (c).
              (3) Section 339 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1989) is amended--
                      (A) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ``county
                    committee certification that the borrower of the loan
                    meets the eligibility requirements and'' and inserting
                    ``the borrower meeting''; and
                      (B) in subsection (d)(4)(A), by striking ``county
                    committee certification that the borrower meets the
                    eligibility requirements or'' and inserting ``the
                    borrower meeting''.
              (4) Section 359(c)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(1)) is
            amended by striking ``(as determined by the appropriate county
            committee during the determination of eligibility for the
            loan)''.
      (b) Revision of Loan Assessment Requirements.--Section 360(d)(1) of
    such Act (7 U.S.C. 2006b(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``annual review
    of direct loans, and periodic review (as determined necessary by the
    Secretary) of guaranteed loans'' and inserting ``periodic review (as
    determined by the Secretary) of direct and guaranteed loans''.
      (c) Updating of Outdated References to the Farmers Home
    Administration and the Rural Development Agency.--
              (1) Section 309(e) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1928(e)) is amended
            by striking ``Farmers Home Administration and the Rural
            Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
            Agency and Rural Development''.
              (2) Section 331(b)(4) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(4)) is
            amended by striking ``Consolidated''.
              (3) Section 331(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)) is amended
            in each of paragraphs (5) and (7) by striking ``Farmers Home
            Administration'' each place it appears and inserting ``Farm
            Service Agency and Rural Development''.
              (4) Section 331(b)(8) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(8)) is
            amended by striking ``Rural Development Administration or by
            the Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
            Agency and Rural Development''.
              (5) Section 331A(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)) is
            amended by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or by the
            Rural Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
            Agency or by Rural Development''.
              (6) Section 335(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(a)) is amended
            by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or the Rural
            Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
            Agency or Rural Development''.
              (7) Section 335(f)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)(1)) is
            amended--
                      (A) by striking ``Agricultural Stabilization and
                    Conservation Service payments'' and inserting ``Farm
                    Service Agency farm program'';
                      (B) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration liens''
                    and inserting ``liens for a farmer program loan''; and
                      (C) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration
                    farmer'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency farmer''.
              (8) Section 338(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1988(a)) is amended
            by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or the Rural
            Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
            Agency and Rural Development''.
              (9) Section 347 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1995) is amended by
            striking ``Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting ``Farm
            Service Agency and Rural Development''.
              (10) Section 356 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2004) is amended--
                      (A) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration may''
                    and inserting ``Farm Service Agency and Rural
                    Development may''; and
                      (B) by striking ``the inventory of the Farmers Home
                    Administration'' and inserting ``inventory''.
              (11) Section 370(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2008e(a)) is
            amended by striking ``the Rural Development Administration, the
            Farmers Home Administration, the Rural Electrification
            Administration'' and inserting ``Rural Development, the Farm
            Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service''.
              (12) Each of the following provisions of such Act is amended
            by striking ``Farmers Home Administration'' each place it
            appears and inserting ``Farm Service Agency'':
                      (A) Section 309(g)(1) (7 U.S.C. 1929(g)(1)).
                      (B) Section 331A(a) (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)).
                      (C) Section 333A(e)(1) (7 U.S.C. 1983a(e)(1)).
                      (D) Section 335(d) (7 U.S.C. 1985(d)).
                      (E) Section 353A (7 U.S.C. 2001a).
                      (F) Section 349(e)(1)(B) (7 U.S.C. 1997(e)(1)(B)).
                      (G) Section 361 (7 U.S.C. 2006c).
      (d) Section 335(c)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(c)(1)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``15'' and inserting
            ``60'';
              (2) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
                      (A) by striking ``135'' and inserting ``180''; and
                      (B) by inserting ``suitable for farming and ranching,
                    as determined by the Secretary'' before the comma; and
              (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``not later than 135
            days after acquiring the real property, the Secretary shall,
            not later than 30 days after the 135-day period,'' and
            inserting ``or if the property is not suitable for farming and
            ranching as determined by the Secretary, not later than 60 days
            after the 180-day period, the Secretary shall''.
      (e) Correction of Infeasible Inventory Property Disposition
    Framework.--
              (1) Section 331(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(1)) is
            amended by striking ``, and until January'' and all that
            follows through ``fit)''.
              (2) Section 335(f) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)) is
            amended--
                      (A) by striking paragraphs (3) through (5) and
                    redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (3); and
                      (B) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the
                    following:
      ``(4) The Secretary shall issue regulations consistent with this
    section that ensures the release of funds to each borrower.''.
      (f) Replacement of References to District Office With References to
    District Director.--Section 333A(a)(2)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    1983a(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``district office'' each place
    it appears and inserting ``District Director''.
      (g) Correction of Obsolete Reference to Former Trust Territories.--
    Section 343(a)(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(6)) is amended by
    striking ``the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands'' and inserting
    ``the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the
    Republic of the Marshall Islands''.
      (h) Revision of Farmer Program Loan Definition.--Section 343(a)(10)
    of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(10)) is amended by inserting ``before
    June 18, 2008, conservation loan (CL) under section 304 on or after
    June 18, 2008,'' before ``emergency loan (EM)''.
      (i) Elimination of Inconsistency Between Rules Applicable to
    Beginning Farmers.--Section 343(a)(11)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    1991(a)(11)(C)) is amended by striking ``related to one another by
    blood or marriage'' and inserting ``qualified beginning farmers''.
      (j) Updating of Provisions To Reflect Repurposing of Conservation
    Loan Provisions.--
              (1) Section 303(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a)) is amended
            in each of paragraphs (1)(D) and (2)(D) by striking ``described
            in section 304''.
              (2) Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended by
            striking ``, or paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 304(a),''
            and inserting ``section 304(a)''.
      (k) Updating of Notice Provision Requirement and Lifetime Debt
    Forgiveness Limit.--Section 353(i)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2001(i)(1))
    is amended by striking ``registered or certified mail'' and inserting
    ``any method that provides documentation of delivery''.
      (l) Updating of Obsolete Reference to the Soil Conservation
    Service.--Section 306(a)(13) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(13)) is
    amended by striking ``Soil Conservation Service'' and inserting
    ``Natural Resources Conservation Service''.
      (m) Clarification of Interest Rate Requirements.--
              (1) Section 307(a)(3)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1927(a)(3)(B))
            is amended by striking ``not be--'' and all that follows and
            inserting ``be equal to the interest rate for direct farm
            ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent
            per year.''.
              (2) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is
            amended by striking ``not be--'' and all that follows and
            inserting ``be equal to the interest rate for direct farm
            ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent
            per year.''.
      (n) Correction of Heading.--Section 309(h)(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    1929(h)(6)) is amended in the paragraph heading by striking ``Beginning
    farmer loans'' and inserting ``Down payment loan program participant''.
      (o) Elimination of Superfluous Restrictions.--Section 312 of such Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1942) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating
    subsection (e) as subsection (d).
      (p) Elimination of Confusing References to Loan Guarantees.--Section
    319 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1949) is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by striking ``or guarantees'';
            and
              (2) by striking ``or with respect to whom there is an
            outstanding guarantee under this subtitle''.
      (q) Elimination of Obsolete Reporting Requirements.--Section 346 of
    such Act (7 U.S.C. 1994) is amended by striking subsections (c) and
    (d).
      (r) Correction of Obsolete Appeals Provisions.--
              (1) Section 352(c)(3) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2000(c)(3)) is
            amended by striking ``section 333B'' and inserting ``subtitle H
            of title II of Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of
            Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994''.
              (2) Section 353 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2001) is amended--
                      (A) in subsection (h), by striking ``under section
                    333B''; and
                      (B) in subsection (j)--
                              (i) by striking ``filed with the appeals
                            division under section 333B'' and inserting
                            ``to the National Appeals Division'';
                              (ii) by striking ``appeals division shall''
                            and inserting ``Secretary shall''; and
                              (iii) by striking ``county supervisor'' and
                            inserting ``Secretary''.
      (s) Elimination of Unnecessary Constraint on Pilot Projects.--Section
    333D(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983d(a)) is amended by striking ``that
    are consistent with subtitle A through this subtitle''.
      (t) Correction of Heading.--The paragraph heading in section
    8.8(a)(3) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8(a)(3)) is
    amended by striking ``Mortgage loans'' and inserting ``Loan quality''.

    SEC. 5509. REPORT ON IMPROVING CREDITWORTHINESS OF DIRECT AND
                        GUARANTEED LOAN BORROWERS.

      (a) In General.--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 a report evaluating the
    feasibility of requiring the adoption of certain risk management
    practices as a condition for approving certain direct and guaranteed
    farm loans.
      (b) Requirement.--In the report under subsection (a), the Secretary
    shall evaluate the feasibility of requiring, as a condition for
    approving certain direct and guaranteed farm loans, the adoption of 1
    or more of the following risk management practices:
              (1) Hedging and marketing price or revenue risk management
            strategies.
              (2) Insurance coverage optimization or coordination.
              (3) Periodic financial reporting or financial management
            practices.
              (4) Cash management services to facilitate timely
            disbursement of funds and structured collection of operating
            revenues.
              (5) The use of integrated monitoring and analytics tools to
            align risk management and financial decisions with observed
            environmental and production conditions.
              (6) Other risk mitigation practices as determined by the
            Secretary.
              (7) Voluntary lender incentives to promote integrated risk
            management support without increasing costs or burdens for
            applicants.
      (c) Certification.--In completing the report under subsection (a),
    the Secretary shall also evaluate the feasibility of establishing a
    certification program that identifies loans approved contingent on the
    adoption of enhanced risk management practices, including through
    voluntary lender incentives to promote integrated risk management
    support without increasing costs or burdens for applicants.
      (d) Applicability.--The requirements and evaluations under this
    section shall apply only to operating, production, and working capital
    loans made for agricultural production purposes and shall not apply to
    real estate loans, rural development loans, housing loans, business and
    industry loans, or other non-operating credit programs administered by
    the Secretary.

    SEC. 5510. FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION OPTION TO EXAMINE LOW-RISK FARM
                        CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS ON A 24-MONTH CYCLE.

      (a) In General.--Section 5.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2254(a)) is amended in the 1st sentence--
              (1) by striking ``in no event'' and inserting ``not''; and
              (2) by inserting ``, except that the Farm Credit
            Administration, in its sole discretion, may extend the time
            period between mandatory examinations of institutions deemed by
            the Farm Credit Administration to be small, low-risk
            institutions to not more than 24 months'' before the period.
      (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take
    effect on October 1, 2026.

                          TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

             Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

    SEC. 6101. PRIORITIZATIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE AND
                        COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM.

      Section 6101(a) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (132 Stat.
    4726; Public Law 115-334) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                    striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2027'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) in clause (i)--
                                      (I) in the heading, by striking
                                    ``Substance use disorder set-aside''
                                    and inserting ``Set-aside'';
                                      (II) by inserting ``at rural health
                                    facilities'' before ``that provide'';
                                    and
                                      (III) by inserting ``, mental health,
                                    behavioral health, or maternal health''
                                    before ``treatment''; and
                              (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``mental
                            health, behavioral health, maternal health,
                            or'' before ``substance'';
                      (C) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) in clause (i)--
                                      (I) in the heading, by striking
                                    ``Substance use disorder selection''
                                    and inserting ``Selection'';
                                      (II) in subclause (I), by inserting
                                    ``mental health, behavioral health,
                                    maternal health, or'' before
                                    ``substance'' the first place it
                                    appears; and
                                      (III) in subclause (II), by inserting
                                    ``mental health concerns, behavioral
                                    health concerns, maternal health
                                    concerns, or'' before ``substance'';
                                    and
                              (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``,
                            behavioral health treatment, mental health
                            treatment, or maternal health, respectively''
                            before the period; and
                      (D) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``behavioral
                    health, mental health, maternal health, or'' before
                    ``substance'' the first place it appears; and
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2025'' and inserting
            ``2027''.

    SEC. 6102. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE LOANS AND GRANTS.

      Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is amended by striking ``$82,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$82,000,000
    for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available for 2
    fiscal years after the fiscal year for which appropriated''.

         Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

    SEC. 6201. RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAM LOANS AND GRANTS.

      (a) In General.--Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
    (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by striking ``access to broadband
            telecommunications services in rural areas'' and inserting
            ``reconnect rural broadband program'';
              (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``The purpose'' and all
            that follows through ``provide funds for'' and inserting ``The
            Secretary shall establish a program, which shall be known as
            the `ReConnect Rural Broadband Program', to provide grants,
            loans, and loan guarantees to finance'';
              (3) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants, loans,
            and loan guarantees to eligible entities described in
            subsection (d) for the purpose of financing the construction,
            improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment
            necessary for delivering broadband service in rural areas.'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A)
                    and (B) and inserting the following:
                      ``(A) In general.--In making grants, making loans,
                    and guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the
                    Secretary shall give the highest priority to
                    applications for projects to provide broadband service
                    to unserved rural communities that do not have any
                    residential broadband service of at least--
                              ``(i) a 25-Mbps downstream transmission
                            capacity; and
                              ``(ii) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission
                            capacity.
                      ``(B) Other.--After giving priority to the
                    applications described in subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary shall then give priority to applications--
                              ``(i) for projects to provide broadband
                            service to rural communities--
                                      ``(I) with a population of less than
                                    10,000 inhabitants; or
                                      ``(II) in geographically underserved
                                    and distressed areas, including--
                                              ``(aa) a socially vulnerable
                                            community (as determined by the
                                            Secretary);
                                              ``(bb) a persistent poverty
                                            county (as determined by the
                                            Secretary); or
                                              ``(cc) in an economically
                                            distressed area (as determined
                                            by the Secretary);
                              ``(ii) that were developed with the
                            participation of, and will receive a
                            substantial portion of the funding or in-kind
                            assistance for the project from, 2 or more
                            stakeholders, including--
                                      ``(I) State, local, and Tribal
                                    governments;
                                      ``(II) nonprofit institutions;
                                      ``(III) community anchor
                                    institutions, such as--
                                              ``(aa) public libraries;
                                              ``(bb) elementary schools and
                                            secondary schools (as defined
                                            in section 8101 of the
                                            Elementary and Secondary
                                            Education Act of 1965 (20
                                            U.S.C. 7801));
                                              ``(cc) institutions of higher
                                            education (including 1862 Land-
                                            Grant Institutions, 1890 Land-
                                            Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-
                                            Grant Institutions, Hispanic-
                                            Serving Institutions, and
                                            Historically Black Colleges and
                                            Universities);
                                              ``(dd) health care
                                            facilities; and
                                              ``(ee) facilities essential
                                            for local or regional commerce
                                            or for the movement of goods;
                                      ``(IV) private entities;
                                      ``(V) philanthropic organizations;
                                    and
                                      ``(VI) cooperatives; or
                              ``(iii) that are submitted by an eligible
                            entity or is owned by an entity that has
                            provided broadband service or other utility
                            service for at least 5 years in rural areas in
                            the State in which the project would be carried
                            out.
                      ``(C) Affordability.--In determining whether a
                    household is unserved for purposes of this section, the
                    Secretary shall consider the affordability of broadband
                    service.'';
                      (C) in paragraph (3)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (B)--
                                      (I) by striking ``and'' at the end of
                                    clause (i);
                                      (II) by striking the period at the
                                    end of clause (ii) and inserting ``;
                                    and''; and
                                      (III) by adding at the end the
                                    following:
                              ``(iii) shall be subject to a grant agreement
                            of not less than 10 years.'';
                              (ii) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D)
                            and inserting the following:
                      ``(C) Applications.--
                              ``(i) Grant-only applications.--The Secretary
                            shall establish an application process that
                            permits an application for a grant-only award.
                              ``(ii) Combined applications.--The Secretary
                            shall establish an application process that--
                                      ``(I) permits a single application
                                    for a grant and a loan under title I or
                                    II, or this title, that is associated
                                    with the grant; and
                                      ``(II) provides a single decision to
                                    award the grant and the loan.'';
                              (iii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
                            subparagraph (D); and
                              (iv) by striking subparagraph (F); and
                      (D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(4) Fees.--
                      ``(A) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may
                    assess an initial guarantee fee for any insured or
                    guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section
                    in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the
                    guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
                      ``(B) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may
                    assess a periodic retention fee for any insured or
                    guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section
                    in an amount that does not exceed 0.75 percent of the
                    outstanding principal of the guarantee loan.
                      ``(C) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for
                    any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under
                    this section, the Secretary, not less than 30 days in
                    advance of any fee change, shall provide a public
                    disclosure, of the financial data, economic and
                    behavioral assumptions, calculations, and other factors
                    used to determine the new fee rates.'';
              (4) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                      (I) in clause (i), by adding ``and''
                                    at the end; and
                                      (II) by striking ``require; and'' and
                                    all that follows through ``agree'' and
                                    insert ``require, and agree'';
                              (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
                            subparagraph (E) and inserting after
                            subparagraph (A) the following:
                      ``(B) Inclusions.--An entity eligible to obtain
                    assistance under subsection (c) may include--
                              ``(i) a State or local government, including
                            any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or
                            political subdivision of a State or local
                            government;
                              ``(ii) a territory or possession of the
                            United States;
                              ``(iii) an Indian Tribe (as defined in
                            section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
                            Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
                              ``(iv) a cooperative or mutual organization;
                              ``(v) an organization of 2 or more
                            incorporated areas that have established an
                            intermunicipal legal agreement for the purposes
                            of delivering communication services to
                            residents;
                              ``(vi) a corporation; or
                              ``(vii) a limited liability company or
                            limited liability partnership.
                      ``(C) Ineligible entities.--An individual or legal
                    general partnership that is formed with individuals
                    shall not be eligible to obtain a grant, loan, or grant
                    and loan combination under subsection (c).
                      ``(D) Affiliated owned and operated networks.--Under
                    this subsection, the Secretary may fund the
                    construction of networks owned and operated by an
                    affiliate of an eligible entity receiving the grant,
                    loan, or loan guarantee, if the eligible entity, the
                    affiliate, or both, as determined necessary by the
                    Secretary, furnishes adequate security for the grant,
                    loan, or loan guarantee.''; and
                              (iii) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated
                            by clause (ii) of this subparagraph), by
                            inserting ``, directly or in conjunction with
                            any combination of affiliates,'' before ``may
                            not'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                      (I) by striking ``subparagraphs (B)
                                    and (C)'' and inserting ``subparagraph
                                    (B)'';
                                      (II) by striking ``is submitted--''
                                    and all that follows through ``(i) not
                                    less than 50'' and inserting ``is
                                    submitted not less than 75''; and
                                      (III) by striking ``(e); and'' and
                                    all that follows and inserting
                                    ``(e).'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
                            ``(A)(i)'' and inserting ``(A)''; and
                              (iii) by striking subparagraph (C) and
                            inserting the following:
                      ``(C) Affordability.--In deciding whether a proposed
                    service territory is unserved for purposes of
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the
                    affordability of broadband service in the service
                    territory.''; and
                      (C) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5);
              (5) in subsection (e)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) by striking ``Subject to paragraph (2),
                            for'' and inserting ``For'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25''
                            and inserting ``50''; and
                              (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``3''
                            and inserting ``25'';
                      (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(2) Adjustments.--The Secretary may adjust, through a 30-
            day public notice and comment period published in the Federal
            Register, an increase in the minimum level of broadband service
            under paragraph (1) of no more than 50 percent from the
            preceding year, if less than 95 percent of the funds of the
            program are obligated in the preceding 2 funding rounds.''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (4)--
                              (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
                            ``buildout'' and inserting ``project
                            agreement''; and
                              (ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) through
                            (D) and inserting the following:
                      ``(B) Broadband buildout standards defined.--A
                    project must meet the following applicable broadband
                    standard in order to be considered for assistance;
                              ``(i) A project with an award term of less
                            than 8 years must provide service at 2 times
                            the minimum broadband speed established in
                            subsection (e)(1).
                              ``(ii) A project with an award term of at
                            least 8 years and less than 14 years must
                            provide service at 5 times the minimum
                            broadband speed established in subsection
                            (e)(1).
                              ``(iii) A project with an award term of 14 or
                            more years must provide service at 10 times the
                            minimum broadband speed established in
                            subsection (e)(1).
                      ``(C) Network upgrade planning.--The Secretary may
                    prioritize an applicant seeking to meet the broadband
                    buildout standards under clause (i) or (ii) of
                    subparagraph (B) if the applicant submits information
                    regarding the potential for the physical infrastructure
                    of the network to be upgraded to meet the broadband
                    buildout standards under subparagraph (B)(iii) at the
                    time of the application, assuming reasonable progress
                    in relevant networking technologies.'';
              (6) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
      ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $350,000,000
    for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until
    expended.''; and
              (7) in subsection (k), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.
      (b) Regulations.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate rules to carry
    out the amendments made by subsection (a) of this section, and complete
    the biennial review process required by section 601(e)(2) of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936.
      (c) Sunset.--The authorities provided by section 779 of the
    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) shall have
    no force or effect beginning 270 days after the date of the enactment
    of this Act.
      (d) Transition Rules.--
              (1) Availability of funds for administrative costs.--Not more
            than 1 percent of the unobligated balances of amounts made
            available, as of the date that is 270 days after the date of
            the enactment of this Act, to carry out the pilot program
            described in section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations
            Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) may be used for the costs of
            transitioning from the pilot program to the program under
            section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as
            amended by this Act.
              (2) Consolidation of funds.--
                      (A) In general.--The unobligated balances of all
                    amounts made available on or before June 30, 2025, to
                    carry out the pilot program described in section 779 of
                    the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law
                    115-141) that are in excess of the amount described in
                    subparagraph (B) of this paragraph are hereby
                    transferred to and merged with amounts made available
                    to carry out the program authorized under section 601
                    of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
                      (B) Unfunded approvals.--The amount described in this
                    subparagraph is the amount required to fully fund each
                    project approved as of the date that is 270 days after
                    the date of the enactment of this Act, under the pilot
                    program described in such section 779 for which amounts
                    were not obligated or partially obligated as of such
                    date.

    SEC. 6202. EXPANSION OF MIDDLE MILE INFRASTRUCTURE INTO RURAL AREAS.

      Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    950bb-1(g)) is amended by striking ``2018 through 2023'' and inserting
    ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6203. INNOVATIVE BROADBAND ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM.

      Section 603 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-
    2) is amended to read as follows:

    ``SEC. 603. INNOVATIVE BROADBAND ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to be
    known as the `Innovative Broadband Advancement Program', under which
    the Secretary may provide a grant, a loan, or both to an eligible
    entity for the purpose of demonstrating innovative broadband
    technologies or methods of broadband deployment that significantly
    decrease the cost of broadband deployment, and provide substantially
    faster broadband speeds than are available, in a rural area.
      ``(b) Terrestrial Broadband Demonstration Projects.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide grants or
            loans to eligible entities for the purpose of deploying
            innovative broadband technologies to qualified consumers who
            subscribe to terrestrial broadband service in rural areas.
              ``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to obtain assistance under
            this subsection for a project, an entity shall--
                      ``(A) submit to the Secretary an application--
                              ``(i) that describes a terrestrial broadband
                            demonstration project designed to decrease the
                            cost of broadband deployment, and substantially
                            increase broadband speed to not less than the
                            maximum broadband project agreement
                            requirements established under section
                            601(e)(4), to qualified consumers in a rural
                            area to be served by the project; and
                              ``(ii) at such time, in such manner, and
                            containing such other information as the
                            Secretary may require;
                      ``(B) demonstrate that the entity is able to carry
                    out the project; and
                      ``(C) agree to complete the project build-out within
                    5 years after the date the assistance is first provided
                    for the project.
              ``(3) Prioritization.--In awarding assistance under this
            subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals for
            projects that--
                      ``(A) involve partnerships between or among multiple
                    entities;
                      ``(B) would provide broadband service to the greatest
                    number of rural entities at or above the broadband
                    requirements referred to in paragraph (2)(A)(i);
                      ``(C) the Secretary determines could be replicated in
                    rural areas described in paragraph (2); and
                      ``(D) are located in States and territories selected
                    by the Secretary to be diverse on the basis of
                    geography, topography, and demographics.
              ``(4) Qualified consumer.--In this subsection, the term
            `qualified consumer' means--
                      ``(A) an individual or member of a household who
                    lives in a rural area;
                      ``(B) a rural small business; or
                      ``(C) an essential community facility, as defined
                    pursuant to section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
                    Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)).
              ``(5) Rural area.--In this subsection, the term `rural area'
            has the meaning provided in section 601(b)(3).
      ``(c) Satellite Broadband Demonstration Projects.--
              ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to reduce
            or eliminate the costs to access satellite broadband service
            for remote subscribers.
              ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
                    means a broadband service provider that provides
                    Internet access directly to qualified consumers in
                    remote areas via satellite technology.
                      ``(B) Qualified consumer.--The term `qualified
                    consumer' means a consumer served by an eligible entity
                    that receives a grant under paragraph (3), who is--
                              ``(i) an individual or a member of a
                            household at or below the poverty line (as
                            defined in section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget
                            Reconciliation Act of 1981, including any
                            revision required by such section, applicable
                            to a family of the size involved); or
                              ``(ii) an essential community facility, as
                            defined pursuant to section 306(a) of the
                            Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
                            U.S.C. 1926(a)).
                      ``(C) Satellite broadband equipment.--The term
                    `satellite broadband equipment' means user terminals,
                    Wi-Fi routers, power supplies, mounts, and any other
                    equipment necessary to connect a qualified consumer to
                    satellite broadband service.
                      ``(D) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the
                    Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the
                    Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.
                      ``(E) Remote.--The term `remote' means a region
                    classified within level 3 or level 4 of the frontier
                    and remote ZIP Code areas published by the Economic
                    Research Service of the Department of Agriculture.
              ``(3) Grants to eligible entities.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (B), the
                    Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities for
                    the purpose of reducing or eliminating the cost
                    associated with the purchase or installation, or both,
                    of satellite broadband equipment to qualified consumers
                    to subscribe to satellite broadband service in remote
                    areas.
                      ``(B) Requirements.--As a condition of receiving a
                    grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall--
                              ``(i) provide retail broadband service
                            delivered via satellite technology to qualified
                            consumers, that--
                                      ``(I) enables a qualified consumer to
                                    the service to originate and receive
                                    high-quality voice, data, graphics,
                                    video; and
                                      ``(II) has a latency which does not
                                    exceed 250 milliseconds;
                              ``(ii) submit to the Secretary an application
                            at such time, in such manner, and containing
                            such other information as the Secretary may
                            require;
                              ``(iii) agree to reduce or eliminate the cost
                            associated with the purchase, installation, or
                            both, of satellite broadband equipment for
                            qualified consumers; and
                              ``(iv) agree to provide qualified consumers
                            with the reduction or elimination of that cost
                            within 1 year of the assistance being obligated
                            to the eligible entity.
                      ``(C) Eligibility map of qualified consumers.--Within
                    1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and
                    annually thereafter, the Secretary shall publish a map
                    of the remote areas of qualified consumers that do not
                    have access to terrestrial broadband service of at
                    least--
                              ``(i) a 25-Mbps downstream transmission
                            capacity; and
                              ``(ii) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission
                            capacity.
      ``(d) Report.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
    section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a
    comprehensive report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate that shall provide the outcomes, effectiveness,
    and impact of the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program, including--
              ``(1) an assessment of the broadband infrastructure funded,
            including the scope, scale, nature and geographic locations of
            each award;
              ``(2) the broadband access and speeds achieved, including the
            download and upload speeds, latency, and overall network
            reliability;
              ``(3) any technical or logistical challenges encountered by
            the eligible entities; and
              ``(4) any recommendations for future innovative broadband
            deployment initiatives in rural areas.
      ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2027 through 2031.''.

    SEC. 6204. COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANTS.

      Section 604 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-
    3) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``10'' and
                    inserting ``25''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``1'' and
                    inserting ``3'';
              (2) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) provides broadband speeds not less than the broadband
            project agreement requirements established under section
            601(e)(4)(B)(ii) to the eligible entity within the proposed
            eligible service area.''; and
              (3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6205. RATE REGULATION.

      Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-5)
    is amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 607. RATE REGULATION.

      ``Nothing in this title authorizes the Secretary to regulate rates
    charged for broadband service.''.

    SEC. 6206. PUBLIC NOTICE, ASSESSMENTS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND
                        REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

      Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950cc)
    is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``technical
            assistance,'' before ``and'';
              (2) in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), by inserting ``, including a
            complete shapefile map'' before the semicolon;
              (3) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and''
                            at the end;
                              (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
                            subparagraph (C) and inserting after
                            subparagraph (A) the following:
                      ``(B) validate the information submitted by service
                    providers under subparagraph (A) through procedures
                    established by the Secretary, which shall include an
                    agency determination provided to the submitter, an
                    opportunity of the submitter to respond, and a final
                    non-appealable determination of the Secretary; and'';
                    and
                              (iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated
                            by clause (ii) of this subparagraph), by
                            striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting
                            ``subparagraph (A)''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking all that precedes
                    subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
              ``(2) Assessment of eligibility.--In making any determination
            to award a loan, loan guarantee, or grant for any retail
            broadband project provided assistance or for which assistance
            is sought that is administered by the Secretary, the Secretary
            shall confirm that each unserved rural community identified in
            the application is eligible for funding by--
                      ``(A) utilizing the map created by the Federal
                    Communications Commission under section 802(c)(1)(A) of
                    the Communications Act of 1934 and the Deployment
                    Locations Map established under section 60104(b) of the
                    Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (47 U.S.C.
                    1704(b));''; and
              (4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
      ``(e) Broadband Technical Assistance Program.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to
            private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide or
            receive eligible entities broadband technical assistance and
            training to expand access to broadband service in rural
            communities through the broadband programs of the Department of
            Agriculture including--
                      ``(A) preparing applications for grants, loans and
                    loan guarantees under this section;
                      ``(B) identifying resources to finance broadband
                    facilities from public and private sources, including
                    other Federal agencies;
                      ``(C) preparing feasibility studies, financial
                    forecasts, market surveys, environmental studies, and
                    technical design information to support broadband
                    services;
                      ``(D) preparing reports and surveys necessary to
                    support the need for broadband services, the price
                    range, and request financial assistance;
                      ``(E) analyzing and improving operations related to
                    the management, including financial management, of
                    broadband facilities and to the efficiency of the
                    entity;
                      ``(F) collecting broadband infrastructure data; or
                      ``(G) assisting with other areas of need identified
                    by the Secretary.
              ``(2) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to obtain assistance
            under this subsection, an entity shall be--
                      ``(A) a federally recognized Tribe or Tribal entity;
                      ``(B) a State or local government, including any
                    agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political
                    subdivision thereof;
                      ``(C) a territory or possession of the United States;
                      ``(D) an institution of higher education (including a
                    1862 Land-Grant Institution, 1890 Land-Grant
                    Institution, 1994 Land-Grant Institution, Hispanic-
                    Serving Institution, or Historically Black College or
                    University);
                      ``(E) a nonprofit organization described in section
                    501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
                      ``(F) a cooperative or mutual organization;
                      ``(G) a corporation; or
                      ``(H) a limited liability company or limited
                    liability partnership.
              ``(3) Selection priority.--In selecting recipients of grants
            under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to
            organizations that have experience in providing technical
            assistance and training to rural entities.
              ``(4) National applications.--The Secretary shall allow
            applications for grants under this paragraph from qualified
            organizations for the sole purpose of providing on-site
            community technical assistance and training on a national or
            multi-State regional basis.
      ``(f) Assistance for Community Broadband Mapping.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to eligible
            entities for the purpose of collecting broadband service data
            to assist the Secretary in--
                      ``(A) establishing the availability of broadband
                    service or middle mile infrastructure in a rural area;
                      ``(B) determining the eligibility of a community for
                    assistance under any broadband program administered by
                    the Secretary;
                      ``(C) undertaking a service area assessment under
                    this section; or
                      ``(D) collecting information to submit a challenge to
                    the National Broadband Map created by the Federal
                    Communications Commission pursuant to section 802(c)(1)
                    of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
                    642(c)(1)).
              ``(2) Application.--To apply for a grant under this section,
            an entity shall submit an application which identifies--
                      ``(A) the data collection area;
                      ``(B) the purpose of the data collection;
                      ``(C) the types of broadband service data to be
                    collected;
                      ``(D) the survey and data collection methods
                    utilized; and
                      ``(E) any other information the Secretary determines
                    necessary to promote the integrity of broadband service
                    collected under this section.
              ``(3) Limitation of grant amount.--The amount of a grant made
            available under this subsection shall not exceed $50,000.
              ``(4) Broadband service data usage.--The Secretary shall
            ensure that any broadband service data collected under this
            section is--
                      ``(A) measured or assessed in accordance with such
                    standards as are established by the Federal
                    Communications Commission pursuant to section
                    802(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
                    U.S.C. 642(a)(1)(A));
                      ``(B) accurate and verifiable in accordance with such
                    standards as are established by the Federal
                    Communications Commission pursuant to section
                    802(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
                    U.S.C. 642(a)(1)(A));
                      ``(C) included in any broadband maps or data sets
                    maintained by the Secretary; and
                      ``(D) made available to the Chair of the Federal
                    Communications Commission and the Administrator of the
                    National Telecommunications and Information
                    Administration for inclusion in any broadband maps or
                    data sets either may maintain.
              ``(5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      ``(A) Broadband service.--The term `broadband
                    service' has the same meaning given the term in section
                    601.
                      ``(B) Broadband service data.--
                              ``(i) In general.--The term `broadband
                            service data' means information related to--
                                      ``(I) the location and type of
                                    broadband service;
                                      ``(II) the location and type of
                                    broadband infrastructure;
                                      ``(III) the advertised, maximum, and
                                    average speed of broadband service;
                                      ``(IV) the average price of the most
                                    subscribed tier of broadband service;
                                      ``(V) the speed tiers of broadband
                                    service available in the area; or
                                      ``(VI) any additional metric the
                                    Secretary deems appropriate.
                              ``(ii) Further definition.--The Secretary
                            shall further define the term `broadband
                            service area' to ensure that data is measured
                            and collected in a manner consistent with the
                            reporting requirements under this section, and
                            any broadband coordination or data-sharing
                            obligations.
                      ``(C) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
                    means--
                              ``(i) a unit of local government in a rural
                            area;
                              ``(ii) a Tribal Government or unit of Tribal
                            Government;
                              ``(iii) an economic development or other
                            community organization;
                              ``(iv) an eligible entity under title I or II
                            that serves persons in rural areas;
                              ``(v) an internet service provider that has
                            not more than 100,000 subscribers; or
                              ``(vi) any other entity eligible under a
                            title VI program that is not an internet
                            service provider.
                      ``(D) Middle mile infrastructure.--The term `middle
                    mile infrastructure' has the meaning given the term in
                    section 602.
                      ``(E) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the
                    meaning given the term in section 601.
              ``(6) Limitation on amount made available for grants.--The
            Secretary may not expend more than 1 percent of the amounts
            made available under subsection (g) for each of fiscal years
            2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection.
      ``(g) Limitations on Reservation of Funds.--Not less than 3 but not
    more than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated to the program to carry
    out title VI shall be set aside to be used for--
              ``(1) conducting oversight under such title;
              ``(2) implementing accountability measures and related
            activities authorized under such title; or
              ``(3) carrying out this section.''.

    SEC. 6207. LIMITATION ON OVERBUILDING.

      Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb et
    seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 608. LIMITATION ON OVERBUILDING.

      ``Any area in a proposed service area under this title shall not be
    considered unserved if an applicant in another Federal or State
    broadband program has received an obligation of funding to offer retail
    broadband service in the area not more than 5 years from the date of
    the obligation of funds, at a speed of at least 100 Mbps download and
    20 Mbps upload.''.

                           Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    SEC. 6301. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.

      Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, if
                            the entity continues to serve rural areas (as
                            defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the
                            Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
                            U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))'' before the semicolon;
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or''
                            at the end; and
                              (iii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
                            subparagraph (E) and inserting after
                            subparagraph (B) the following:
                      ``(C) any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of
                    the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
                    Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
                      ``(D) any public, quasi-public, or nonprofit entity
                    that uses innovative financing techniques and market
                    development tools to accelerate the deployment of
                    energy efficiency technology; or'';
                      (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(2) Energy efficiency measures.--The term `energy
            efficiency measures' means, with respect to any property
            service by an eligible entity--
                      ``(A) a structural improvement or investment in a
                    cost-effective, commercial technology to increase
                    energy efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-
                    grid renewable energy or energy storage system); and
                      ``(B) the replacement of a manufactured housing unit
                    or large appliance with a substantially similar
                    manufacturing housing unit or appliance, respectively,
                    if that replacement is a cost-effective option with
                    respect to energy savings.'';
              (2) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
                    Grants'' before ``to'';
                      (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(1) In general.--Subject to this subsection, the Secretary
            shall provide--
                      ``(A) loans to eligible entities that agree to use
                    the loan funds to make loans under subsection (d) to
                    qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing
                    energy efficiency measures; and
                      ``(B) at the election of any eligible entity that
                    receives a loan under subparagraph (A) of this
                    paragraph, a grant in accordance with paragraph
                    (11).'';
                      (C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as
                    paragraphs (3) through (10), respectively, and
                    inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
              ``(2) Prioritization.--The Secretary shall give priority to
            applications from eligible entities serving at least 80 percent
            of their ratepayers residing in rural areas, as defined in
            section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
            Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)).'';
                      (D) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated by
                    subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)--
                              (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
                            ``for loans'' before the period; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking
                            ``that is'';
                      (E) by striking paragraph (6) (as so redesignated by
                    subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(6) Repayment.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B) of
                    this paragraph, with respect to a loan under paragraph
                    (1)(A)--
                              ``(i) the term shall not exceed 20 years from
                            the date on which the loan is closed; and
                              ``(ii) except as provided in paragraph (8),
                            the repayment of each advance shall be
                            amortized for a period not to exceed 10 years.
                      ``(B) Extensions.--The Secretary may extend the term
                    of a loan under subparagraph (A)(i), or the deadline
                    for repayment of an advance under subparagraph (A)(ii),
                    as the Secretary determines appropriate.'';
                      (F) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated by
                    subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(1)''
                            and inserting ``(1)(A)''; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
                            ``Repayment'' and inserting ``Subject to an
                            applicable extension under paragraph (6)(B),
                            repayment'';
                      (G) by striking paragraph (9) (as so redesignated by
                    subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(9) Limitations.--
                      ``(A) Special advances.--All special advances shall
                    be made under a loan described in paragraph (1) during
                    the first 10 years of the term of the loan.
                      ``(B) Replacement of manufactured housing units or
                    large appliances.--Not more than 10 percent of the
                    total annual amount of budget authority for loans
                    described in paragraph (1) may be used for the
                    replacement of manufactured housing units or large
                    appliances.''; and
                      (H) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(11) Grants.--
                      ``(A) In general.--At the election of an eligible
                    entity that receives a loan under this subsection, the
                    Secretary may provide to the eligible entity a grant to
                    pay for a portion of the costs incurred in--
                              ``(i) making repairs to the property of a
                            qualified consumer that facilitates the energy
                            efficiency measures for the property financed
                            through a loan provided to the qualified
                            consumer under subsection (d); or
                              ``(ii) providing technical assistance,
                            outreach, and training.
                      ``(B) Amount.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
                            clause (ii), the amount of a grant provided to
                            an eligible entity under this paragraph shall
                            be equal to not more than 5 percent of the
                            amount of the loan provided to the eligible
                            entity under this subsection.
                              ``(ii) Persistent poverty counties.--The
                            amount of a grant provided under this paragraph
                            to an eligible entity that will use the grant
                            to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified
                            consumers located in a persistent poverty
                            county (as determined by the Secretary) shall
                            be equal to 10 percent of the amount of the
                            loan provided to the eligible entity under this
                            subsection.'';
              (3) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
                            by inserting ``or grant'' before ``funds''; and
                              (ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C)
                            and inserting the following:
                      ``(B)(i) may have a term and amortization schedule
                    the length of which is the useful life of the energy
                    efficiency measures implemented using the loan, if the
                    loan term does not exceed 20 years; and
                      ``(ii) shall finance energy efficiency measures for
                    the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the
                    qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the
                    maximum extent practicable, that the applicable loan
                    term described in clause (i) will not pose an undue
                    financial burden on the qualified consumer, as
                    determined by the eligible entity;
                      ``(C) shall not be used to fund purchases of, or
                    modifications to, personal property unless the personal
                    property--
                              ``(i) is a manufactured housing unit or large
                            appliance described in subsection (b)(2)(B); or
                              ``(ii) is or becomes attached to real
                            property as a fixture;''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Clarification of eligibility.--Notwithstanding any
            other provision of law (including regulations), an eligible
            entity may make a loan under this subsection to any qualified
            consumer located within the service territory of the eligible
            entity, regardless of whether the qualified consumer is located
            in a rural area.'';
              (4) in subsection (e)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting
                    ``Outreach,'' before ``and Technical Assistance'';
                      (B) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and
                            technical assistance of the program'' and
                            inserting ``outreach, and technical assistance
                            relating to the program under this section'';
                            and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting
                            ``, outreach,'' before ``and training''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Funding.--Not less than 3 but not more than 5 percent
            of amounts appropriated under subsection (i) may be used to
            provide outreach, training, and technical assistance under this
            subsection.''; and
              (5) in subsection (i), by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6302. PROMOTING PRECISION AGRICULTURE.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Advanced wireless communications technology.--The term
            ``advanced wireless communications technology'' means advanced
            technology that contributes to mobile (5G or beyond) networks,
            next-generation Wi-Fi networks, or other future networks using
            other technologies, regardless of whether the network is
            operating on an exclusive licensed, shared licensed, or
            unlicensed frequency band.
              (2) Artificial intelligence.--The term ``artificial
            intelligence'' has the meaning given the term in section 238(g)
            of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for
            Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. note prec.
            4061).
              (3) Foreign adversary.--The term ``foreign adversary'' means
            any foreign government or foreign nongovernment person engaged
            in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct
            significantly adverse to the national security of the United
            States, or security and safety of United States persons.
              (4) Precision agriculture; precision agriculture
            technology.--The terms ``precision agriculture'' and
            ``precision agriculture technology'' have the meanings given
            the terms in section 1201 of the Food Security Act of 1985.
              (5) Trusted.--The term ``trusted'' means, with respect to a
            provider of advanced communications service or a supplier of
            communications equipment or service, that the Secretary has
            determined that the provider or supplier is not owned by,
            controlled by, or subject to the influence of, a foreign
            adversary.
              (6) Voluntary consensus standards development organization.--
            The term ``voluntary consensus standards development
            organization'' means an organization that develops standards in
            a process that meets the principles for the development of
            voluntary consensus standards (as defined in the document of
            the Office of Management and Budget entitled ``Federal
            Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus
            Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities'' (OMB
            Circular A-119)).
      (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
              (1) to enhance the participation of precision agriculture in
            the United States; and
              (2) to promote United States leadership in voluntary
            consensus standards development organizations that set
            standards for precision agriculture.
      (c) Interconnectivity Standards for Precision Agriculture.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
            Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
            and the Federal Communications Commission, shall--
                      (A) develop voluntary, consensus-based, private
                    sector-led interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and
                    best practices for precision agriculture that will
                    promote economies of scale and ease the burden of the
                    adoption of precision agriculture; and
                      (B) in carrying out subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) coordinate with relevant public and
                            trusted private sector stakeholders and other
                            relevant industry organizations, including
                            voluntary consensus standards development
                            organizations; and
                              (ii) consult with sector-specific agencies,
                            other appropriate agencies, and State and local
                            governments.
              (2) Considerations.--The Secretary, in carrying out paragraph
            (1), shall, in consultation with the Federal Communications
            Commission and the Director of the National Institute of
            Standards and Technology, consider--
                      (A) the evolving demands of precision agriculture;
                      (B) the connectivity needs of precision agriculture
                    technology;
                      (C) the cybersecurity challenges facing precision
                    agriculture, including cybersecurity threats for
                    agriculture producers and agriculture supply chains;
                      (D) the impact of advanced wireless communications
                    technology on precision agriculture; and
                      (E) the impact of artificial intelligence on
                    precision agriculture.
      (d) GAO Assessment of Precision Agriculture Standards.--
              (1) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the Secretary
            develops standards under subsection (c), and every 2 years
            thereafter for the following 8 years, the Comptroller General
            of the United States shall conduct a study that assesses those
            standards, including the extent to which those standards, as
            applicable--
                      (A) are voluntary;
                      (B) were developed in coordination with relevant
                    industry organizations, including voluntary consensus
                    standards development organizations; and
                      (C) have successfully encouraged the adoption of
                    precision agriculture.
              (2) Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States
            shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
            Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Science, Space,
            and Technology of the House of Representatives, the Committee
            on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the
            Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
            a report that summarizes the findings of each study conducted
            under paragraph (1).

    SEC. 6303. FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN GUARANTEED LOANS.

      Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932) is amended by inserting after subsection (e) the
    following:
      ``(f) Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resilience Guaranteed Loans.--
              ``(1) Definition of food supply chain guaranteed loan.--In
            this subsection, the term `food supply chain guaranteed loan'
            means a business and industry guaranteed loan that is made or
            guaranteed by the Secretary under subsection (a)(2)(A),
            including a guarantee described in subsection (a)(3).
              ``(2) Purpose.--A food supply chain guaranteed loan may be
            made for the purpose of financing new investments in the start-
            up or expansion of projects in the United States that will
            increase the capacity of the food supply chain in the United
            States to aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport,
            wholesale, or distribute food, agricultural products, or
            agricultural inputs.
              ``(3) Limitations.--The maximum amount of a food supply chain
            guaranteed loan shall not exceed $40,000,000.
              ``(4) Loan guarantees in nonrural areas.--The Secretary may
            guarantee a food supply chain guaranteed loan to an eligible
            entity for a facility that is not located in a rural area if--
                      ``(A) the primary purpose of the loan guarantee is
                    for a facility to aggregate, process, manufacture,
                    store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food
                    agricultural products, or agricultural inputs for
                    agricultural producers or processors that are located
                    within 80 miles of the facility;
                      ``(B) the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary
                    that the primary benefit of the loan guarantee will be
                    to provide employment for residents of a rural area;
                    and
                      ``(C) the total principal amount of food supply chain
                    guaranteed loans guaranteed for a fiscal year under
                    this paragraph does not exceed 10 percent of the total
                    principal amount of food supply chain guaranteed loans
                    made for the fiscal year under subsection (a)(2)(A).
              ``(5) Quarterly reports to congress.--Within 30 days after
            the end of each calendar quarter, 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--
                      ``(A) an evaluation of the outcomes achieved through
                    use of the assistance, and the ability of the recipient
                    of the assistance to meet performance goals;
                      ``(B) a description of any debt recovery made with
                    respect to a loan guaranteed under this subsection, and
                    agency projections for activities for which the
                    assistance is provided; and
                      ``(C) any recommendations of the Secretary regarding
                    the implementation of this subsection.
              ``(6) Reservation of funds.--
                      ``(A) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2025
                    through 2029, the Secretary shall reserve not more than
                    5 percent of the funds made available to carry out
                    subsection (a) to carry out this subsection.
                      ``(B) Availability of funds.--Funds reserved under
                    subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be reserved
                    until April 1 of the fiscal year.''.

    SEC. 6304. NEW, MOBILE, AND EXPANDED MEAT PROCESSING AND RENDERING
                        GRANTS.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                      (A) a public, private, or cooperative organization
                    organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis, including
                    a small establishment and very small establishment;
                      (B) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
                    Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
                    (25 U.S.C. 5304));
                      (C) a land-grant college or university (as defined in
                    section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
                    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
                    3103));
                      (D) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as
                    defined in that section); and
                      (E) a State department of agriculture or other
                    applicable State office with authority over meat and
                    poultry processing and rendering.
              (2) Small establishment; very small establishment.--The terms
            ``small establishment'' and ``very small establishment'' have
            the meanings given the terms ``smaller establishment'' and
            ``very small establishment'', respectively, in the final rule
            entitled ``Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical
            Control Point (HACCP) Systems'' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25,
            1996)) (or successor regulations).
      (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
              (1) to create more resilient local and regional food systems;
              (2) to expand, diversify, and increase resilience in meat and
            poultry processing and rendering activities;
              (3) to increase farmer and rancher access to animal slaughter
            options;
              (4) to improve compliance of processors with livestock and
            poultry processing statutes (including regulations), including
            the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the
            Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
              (5) to reduce barriers to entry for new meat and poultry
            processors and renderers;
              (6) to establish new, or update, expand, or otherwise improve
            existing, meat and poultry processing and rendering facilities;
            and
              (7) to support the processing and slaughtering of niche
            production methods such as halal, kosher, and other specific
            cultural methods.
      (c) Grants.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible
            entities to use in accordance with subsection (d).
              (2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a grant awarded
            under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $500,000.
              (3) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under paragraph
            (1) shall not exceed 3 years.
              (4) Priority.--In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall give priority to small establishments and very
            small establishments.
      (d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this
    section shall use the grant to carry out activities in support of the
    purposes described in subsection (b), including activities--
              (1) to identify and analyze business opportunities, including
            feasibility studies required for credit worthiness;
              (2) to achieve compliance with applicable Federal, State, or
            local regulations;
              (3) to conduct regional, community, and local economic
            development planning and coordination and leadership
            development;
              (4) to incentivize new, innovative, or mobile enterprises for
            increasing or improving local and regional meat or poultry
            processing and rendering;
              (5) to implement humane handling infrastructure, including
            holding space for livestock prior to slaughter, shade
            structures, and structures and equipment for humane slaughter;
              (6) to develop a feasibility study or business plan for, or
            carry out any other activity associated with, establishing or
            expanding a small meat or poultry slaughter, processing, or
            rendering facility;
              (7) to purchase equipment that enables the further use or
            value-added sale of coproducts or byproducts; and
              (8) to purchase cold storage and related equipment.
      (e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the activities carried out
    using a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed--
              (1) 90 percent in the case of a grant in the amount of
            $100,000 or less; or
              (2) 75 percent in the case of a grant in an amount greater
            than $100,000.
      (f) Quarterly Reports to Congress.--Within 30 days after the end of
    each calendar quarter, 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--
              (1) an evaluation of the outcomes achieved through use of the
            grant, and the ability of the grantee to meet performance
            goals;
              (2) an evaluation of the compliance of the grantee with the
            terms and conditions of the grant;
              (3) a determination as to whether the grant recipient
            maintains adequate financial capacity to carry out the
            activities for which the grant is provided; and
              (4) any recommendations of the Secretary regarding the
            implementation of this section.
      (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $3,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

    SEC. 6305. EXPANDING CHILDCARE IN RURAL AMERICA INITIATIVE.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Childcare.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``childcare'' means any
                    program that--
                              (i) provides quality care and early education
                            for children who have not yet entered first
                            grade; and
                              (ii) is operated by--
                                      (I) an eligible childcare provider
                                    described in section 658P(6)(A) of the
                                    Child Care and Development Block Grant
                                    Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n(6)(A)); or
                                      (II) a childcare provider that, on
                                    the date of enactment of this Act--
                                              (aa) is licensed, regulated,
                                            or registered in the State,
                                            territory, or Indian Tribe in
                                            which the provider is located;
                                            and
                                              (bb) meets applicable State,
                                            Tribal, territorial, and local
                                            health and safety requirements.
                      (B) Inclusions.--The term ``childcare'' includes--
                              (i) a school-based program described in
                            subparagraph (A);
                              (ii) a program described in subparagraph (A)
                            that is a Head Start program, including a
                            migrant and seasonal  Head Start program, or an
                            American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start
                            program carried out under the Head Start Act
                            (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);
                              (iii) a facility used for a program described
                            in subparagraph (A); and
                              (iv) a service provided under a program
                            described in subparagraph (A).
              (2) Initiative.--The term ``Initiative'' means the Expanding
            Childcare in Rural America Initiative established under
            subsection (b).
              (3) Rural area.--The term ``rural area'' has the meaning
            given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated
            Farm and Rural Development Act.
      (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an initiative, to
    be known as the ``Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative'',
    under which the Secretary shall provide, for each of fiscal years 2027
    through 2029, priority in accordance with subsection (c) to address the
    availability, quality, and cost of childcare in rural areas.
      (c) Childcare Priorities.--
              (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
            in selecting recipients of loans and grants under a program
            described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall give priority
            to any qualified applicant that proposes to use the loan or
            grant to address the availability, quality, or cost of
            childcare.
              (2) Description of programs.--The programs referred to in
            paragraph (1) are the following:
                      (A) The essential community facilities loan and grant
                    programs authorized under section 306(a) of the
                    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
                    1926(a)).
                      (B) The business and industry direct and guaranteed
                    loan program authorized under section 310B(g) of that
                    Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)).
                      (C) The rural microentrepreneur assistance program
                    authorized under section 379E of that Act (7 U.S.C.
                    2008s).
                      (D) The intermediary relending program authorized
                    under the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1936b).
      (d) Requirements.--In providing funding in accordance with the
    Initiative, the Secretary shall ensure a balanced geographical
    distribution of the benefits under the Initiative.
      (e) Evaluation; Report.--
              (1) Evaluation.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a
            comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the
            projects carried out using assistance provided under the
            Initiative, including--
                      (A) a description of--
                              (i) the types of projects carried out;
                              (ii) the communities in which the projects
                            are carried out;
                              (iii) the organizations and entities
                            participating in the projects; and
                              (iv) the types of partnerships developed to
                            carry out the projects; and
                      (B) the economic and social impacts of the
                    investments in the projects.
              (2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, 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 describing the evaluation conducted
            under paragraph (1), including a thorough analysis of the
            outcomes of the evaluation.

    SEC. 6306. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR GEOGRAPHICALLY UNDERSERVED AND
                        DISTRESSED AREAS.

      (a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall directly, or through cooperative
    agreements, provide technical assistance and strengthen local capacity
    to improve access to rural development programs administered by the
    Secretary for local partners (including local governments,
    cooperatives, businesses, and community anchor institutions) in
    geographically underserved and distressed areas.
      (b) Reports.--Beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall annually publish, make available to
    the public, 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 how the provision of technical
    assistance under subsection (a) has affected geographically underserved
    and distressed areas in the year covered by the report.
      (c) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Geographically underserved and distressed area.--The term
            ``geographically underserved and distressed area'' means a
            rural area (as defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the
            Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
            1991(a)(13)(A)))--
                      (A) in a socially vulnerable community (as determined
                    by the Secretary);
                      (B) in a persistent poverty county (as determined by
                    the Secretary);
                      (C) in an economically distressed area (as determined
                    by the Secretary); or
                      (D) in a colonia.
              (2) Community anchor institution.--The term ``community
            anchor institution'' means--
                      (A) a public library;
                      (B) an elementary or secondary school;
                      (C) an institution of higher education;
                      (D) a health care facility; or
                      (E) any other nonprofit or governmental community
                    support organization.

    SEC. 6307. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION CENTER.

      Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 379J. RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION CENTER.

      ``(a) Definition of Rural Development Mission Areas.--In this
    section, the term `Rural Development Mission Areas' means the agencies
    under the Rural Development Agency at the Department of Agriculture,
    including the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative
    Service, and the Rural Housing Service.
      ``(b) Establishment.--There is hereby established within the Rural
    Development Mission Areas a Rural Development Innovation Center (the
    `Innovation Center') to promote and facilitate innovation in the
    administration and implementation of rural development programs and
    initiatives.
      ``(c) Functions.--The Innovation Center shall--
              ``(1) review all processes for Rural Development Mission Area
            programs to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and barriers
            to access, including--
                      ``(A) unnecessary delays in loan and grant
                    applications processing and approvals;
                      ``(B) high application costs; and
                      ``(C) deficiencies in technical assistance for
                    programs;
              ``(2) establish and maintain an ongoing public process for
            public and private stakeholders to provide perspectives on the
            challenges faced when applying for, utilizing, or participating
            in Rural Development Mission Area programs;
              ``(3) identify and assess any innovative strategies and
            collaborative models to enhance the efficiency and
            effectiveness of rural development programs and initiatives;
              ``(4) foster and maintain partnerships with public and
            private stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for
            the Rural Development Mission Areas;
              ``(5) promote cross-agency collaborations and identify best
            practices in rural economic development;
              ``(6) identify and implement technological solutions and
            software applications to improve the effectiveness and
            efficiency of Rural Development Mission Area programs,
            including enhancing data management systems;
              ``(7) conduct research, analysis, and evaluation to
            modernize, simplify, and improve Rural Development Mission Area
            programs, and ensure that the programs are accessible,
            transparent, and user-friendly; and
              ``(8) disseminate information, guidance, and training
            materials to Rural Development Mission Area personnel and
            stakeholders on innovative rural development practices and
            opportunities.
      ``(d) Modernization Plan.--The Innovation Center shall develop, and
    periodically update, a modernization plan to facilitate innovation in
    administering and implementing rural development programs and
    initiatives that--
              ``(1) outlines strategies aimed at harnessing the potential
            of emerging technologies for program delivery and overall
            service;
              ``(2) enhances program efficiencies by identifying and
            implementing measures to streamline program and administrative
            processes, reduce redundancies, and optimize resource
            allocation;
              ``(3) expands the availability and accessibility of digital
            services, leveraging digital platforms and tools to broaden the
            reach of the programs and improve the overall user experience
            for rural stakeholders;
              ``(4) integrates data-driven solutions to optimize program
            delivery and maximize impact and effectiveness of the efforts
            in rural development; and
              ``(5) establishes periodic milestones and goals to track the
            progress of the modernization plan.
      ``(e) Report.--The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on--
              ``(1) the activities and accomplishments of the Innovation
            Center, including progress in advancing rural development
            innovation and the outcome achieved;
              ``(2) a comprehensive working plan designed to actively
            engage public and private stakeholders, as described in
            subsection (c)(2); and
              ``(3) the progress on the modernization plan described in
            subsection (d).''.

    SEC. 6308. RURAL HEALTH LIAISON REPORT.

      Section 236 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6946) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (B) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and
                    inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(10) coordinate with the National Institute of Food and
            Agriculture in implementation of the Farm and Ranch Stress
            Assistance Network provided for in section 7522 of the Food,
            Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936).''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(c) Report.--The Rural Health Liaison shall submit an annual report
    to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    outlining the activities conducted under subsection (b).''.

     Subtitle D--Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                                Development Act

    SEC. 6401. 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)) is amended by striking
    ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6402. 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) Establishment.--The Secretary, through the
                    Rural Utilities Service, shall continue a national
                    rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that
                    is consistent with the activities and results of the
                    program conducted before the date of enactment of this
                    Act, and with this section, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
                      ``(B) Purpose.--The Rural Water and Wastewater
                    Circuit Rider Program shall provide a network of expert
                    rural water Circuit Riders located in all 50 States,
                    including United States territories and Freely
                    Associated States, which work one-on-one with eligible
                    rural water and wastewater systems in major assistance
                    categories described in subparagraph (D). The program
                    is intended to help rural water systems operate
                    effectively and efficiently and achieve long-term
                    sustainability and compliance with certain Federal laws
                    and requirements, including the Safe Water Drinking Act
                    (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) and the Clean Water Act (33
                    U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).
                      ``(C) Eligible entities.--In selecting recipients of
                    grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to be
                    made available for activities listed under subparagraph
                    (D), the Secretary shall select nonprofit organizations
                    that have demonstrated experience providing technical
                    assistance and disaster and recovery assistance for
                    water and wastewater utilities nationwide. Awardees
                    shall rely on personnel that possess active water and
                    wastewater operators' licenses or overall knowledge of
                    water utilities necessary to carry out eligible
                    activities under subparagraph (D).
                      ``(D) Eligible uses of funds.--An eligible entity
                    shall use funds under the Rural Water and Wastewater
                    Circuit Rider program for a rural water, wastewater, or
                    wastewater disposal facility for--
                              ``(i) technical assistance, including--
                                      ``(I) Board training;
                                      ``(II) managerial and financial
                                    operations with the effort to enhance
                                    the long-term sustainability of rural
                                    water and wastewater systems, including
                                    partnerships, consolidation, and
                                    regionalization;
                                      ``(III) physical operation and
                                    maintenance of rural water and
                                    wastewater infrastructure;
                                      ``(IV) water treatment;
                                      ``(V) regulatory compliance;
                                      ``(VI) facility security;
                                      ``(VII) loan application and
                                    reporting;
                                      ``(VIII) cybersecurity;
                                      ``(IX) implementation of
                                    cybersecurity plans, procedures, and
                                    technologies to protect against
                                    cyberthreats; or
                                      ``(X) other areas the Secretary deems
                                    appropriate;
                              ``(ii) disaster and recovery assistance
                            including--
                                      ``(I) direct on-site personnel and
                                    equipment to eligible utilities;
                                      ``(II) coordinating in statewide
                                    emergency response networks;
                                      ``(III) facilitating the development
                                    of action plans between utilities,
                                    local governments, the Federal
                                    Emergency Management Agency and the
                                    State emergency management agencies;
                                      ``(IV) resiliency and mitigation
                                    planning;
                                      ``(V) GIS mapping;
                                      ``(VI) updating vulnerability
                                    assessments, preparation of emergency
                                    response plans, communication
                                    protocols, hazard recognition and
                                    evaluation skills;
                                      ``(VII) conducting preliminary damage
                                    assessments of critical infrastructure;
                                      ``(VIII) addressing outstanding
                                    deficiencies focused on resolving
                                    health-based regulatory, operational,
                                    financial, and managerial deficiencies
                                    that impact the sustainability of the
                                    affected utilities;
                                      ``(IX) application and reporting
                                    assistance for Federal and State
                                    requirements including Federal
                                    Emergency Management Agency and
                                    insurance recovery claims;
                                      ``(X) providing for disaster
                                    readiness, support, and response
                                    activities targeted to disadvantaged
                                    communities that lack the financial
                                    resources and human capital necessary
                                    to adequately address significant
                                    health, safety, or sanitary concerns;
                                    and
                                      ``(XI) other areas the Secretary
                                    deems appropriate.
                              ``(iii) Additional uses.--In response to
                            activities under subparagraph (B) related to
                            natural disasters and emergencies, not more
                            than 5 percent of each award may be used to
                            purchase or reimburse the rental costs of
                            appropriate emergency equipment, as determined
                            by the Secretary.
                      ``(E) Eligible project areas.--To receive assistance
                    under the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider
                    Program and carry out activities, an eligible entity
                    must serve--
                              ``(i) an area with a population of--
                                      ``(I) 10,000 or fewer inhabitants for
                                    technical assistance under subparagraph
                                    (D)(i); or
                                      ``(II) 50,000 or fewer inhabitants
                                    for disaster and recovery assistance
                                    under subparagraph (D)(ii); and
                              ``(ii) a public body, nonprofit corporation,
                            or Indian tribe with legal authority to own and
                            operate the water facility.
                      ``(F) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
                    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
                    paragraph $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 through
                    fiscal year 2031.''.

    SEC. 6403. ZERO AND LOW INTEREST LOANS FOR DISTRESSED WATER SYSTEMS.

      Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (22) the
    following:
              ``(23) Assistance for distressed water systems.--
                      ``(A) To promote the long-term sustainability and
                    financial viability of eligible rural community waste
                    disposal and water facilities as described in
                    subparagraph (B), for any entity described in
                    subparagraph (C), the Secretary may--
                              ``(i) make a zero percent interest loan or a
                            1 percent interest loan pursuant to paragraph
                            (1);
                              ``(ii) forgive the principal or interest, or
                            modify any term or condition of a new or
                            existing loan made pursuant to paragraph (1);
                              ``(iii) refinance all or part of any other
                            loan made for an eligible purpose under
                            paragraph (1) of this subsection or section
                            306C; or
                              ``(iv) waive any fee required to insure or
                            guarantee a loan pursuant to paragraph (1) or
                            (24).
                      ``(B) To promote the long-term sustainability and
                    financial viability of the services provided by
                    eligible entities, the Secretary shall--
                              ``(i) provide assistance to an eligible
                            entity for the purpose of--
                                      ``(I) ensuring the entity has
                                    necessary resources to maintain public
                                    health, safety, or order;
                                      ``(II) addressing financial hardships
                                    of the eligible entity, its customers,
                                    and the community it serves;
                                      ``(III) improving the financial
                                    stability of the eligible entity,
                                    including changes to--
                                              ``(aa) operational practices;
                                              ``(bb) revenue enhancements;
                                              ``(cc) policy revisions; and
                                              ``(dd) contract services; and
                                      ``(IV) supporting a partnership,
                                    regionalization, or consolidation of
                                    the entity with another water system;
                                    and
                              ``(ii) require an applicant to--
                                      ``(I) receive financial planning
                                    assistance and prepare a long-term
                                    financial plan; or
                                      ``(II) partner, regionalize, or
                                    consolidate with another water system.
                      ``(C) An entity shall be eligible for assistance
                    under this paragraph if the entity--
                              ``(i) is a rural water, wastewater, or
                            wastewater disposal system with respect to
                            which assistance may be provided under a water
                            or wastewater, or waste disposal program under
                            this subsection or section 306A, 306C, or 306D,
                            and
                              ``(ii) is--
                                      ``(I) located in a socially
                                    disadvantaged community, a persistent
                                    poverty county, colonia, or distressed
                                    tribal area, as determined by the
                                    Secretary; or
                                      ``(II) facing an economic hardship as
                                    defined by the Secretary.
                      ``(D) An entity eligible under paragraph (1) or (2)
                    of subsection (a) may designate a water and wastewater
                    utility provider to apply for a loan under this
                    paragraph and carry out the loan application on behalf
                    of the eligible entity.
                      ``(E)(i) The Secretary shall evaluate such a loan
                    application on the basis of the needs of the eligible
                    entity and the beneficiaries of the eligible entity
                    rather than the needs of the applicant water and
                    wastewater utility provider.
                      ``(ii) A water and wastewater utility provider to
                    whom a loan is made under this paragraph on the basis
                    of an application submitted on behalf of an eligible
                    entity may use the loan only for the benefit of the
                    residents of the eligible area for which the loan is
                    provided.''.

    SEC. 6404. 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 ``2008 through
    2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6405. 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 ``2019 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6406. WATER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AND NATIVE VILLAGES IN ALASKA.

      Section 306D(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1926d(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6407. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.

      Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1926e) is amended to read as follows:

    ``SEC. 306E. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.

      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual'
            means an individual who is a member of a household the members
            of which have a combined income (for the most recent 12-month
            period for which the information is available) that is not more
            than 80 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income
            for the State or territory in which the individual resides,
            according to the most recent decennial census of the United
            States.
              ``(2) Eligible grant recipient.--The term `eligible grant
            recipient' means a private nonprofit organization that uses a
            grant provided under this section for the purposes described in
            subsection (b)(1).
              ``(3) Qualified water quality testing.--The term `qualified
            water quality testing' means a baseline analysis of the
            bacterial and chemical characteristics of concern from a
            drinking water sample collected at the point of consumption and
            tested by a laboratory certified to conduct water quality
            testing that is provided to--
                      ``(A) the Secretary; and
                      ``(B) the eligible grant recipient receiving a grant
                    under this section and any eligible individual served
                    by the eligible grant recipient.
      ``(b) Grants.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to an
            eligible grant recipient for the purpose of--
                      ``(A) providing loans and subgrants to eligible
                    individuals for--
                              ``(i) the construction, refurbishing, and
                            servicing of individual household water well
                            systems and individually owned household
                            decentralized wastewater systems in rural areas
                            that are or will be owned by the eligible
                            individuals; or
                              ``(ii) in the event of ground well water
                            contamination, the installation or replacement
                            of water treatment, where needed as determined
                            by a qualified water quality test or other
                            third-party documentation to the satisfaction
                            of the Secretary;
                      ``(B) performing qualified water quality testing of
                    individual household water well systems and
                    individually utilized household decentralized
                    wastewater systems in rural areas that are or will be
                    utilized by the eligible individuals; or
                      ``(C) providing technical assistance to eligible
                    individuals for--
                              ``(i) the installation or replacement of
                            individual household water well systems and
                            individually owned household decentralized
                            wastewater systems in rural areas that are or
                            will be owned by the eligible individuals;
                              ``(ii) interpreting qualified water quality
                            tests; or
                              ``(iii) addressing ground well water
                            contamination.
              ``(2) Terms and amounts for loans and subgrants.--
                      ``(A) Terms of loans.--A loan made with grant funds
                    under this section--
                              ``(i) shall have an interest rate of 1
                            percent; and
                              ``(ii) shall have a term not to exceed 20
                            years.
                      ``(B) Amounts.--A loan or subgrant made with grant
                    funds under this section shall not exceed $20,000 for
                    each water well system or decentralized wastewater
                    system described in paragraph (1).
              ``(3) Administrative expenses.--A recipient of a grant made
            under this section may use grant funds to pay administrative
            expenses associated with providing the assistance described in
            paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.
              ``(4) Water treatment standards.--Water treatment provided
            under this section shall--
                      ``(A) incorporate components that are third-party
                    certified as compliant with relevant consensus-based
                    standards for drinking water treatment units or
                    systems, as determined by the Secretary; and
                      ``(B) be installed, according to the instructions of
                    the manufacturer, by a qualified, certified, or
                    licensed water treatment professional, including a
                    professional credentialed through a manufacturer or
                    third-party.
      ``(c) Priority in Awarding Grants.--In awarding grants under this
    section, the Secretary shall give priority to an applicant that has
    substantial expertise and experience in promoting the safe and
    effective use of individually owned household water well systems,
    individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems, and
    ground water.
      ``(d) Limitation.--An eligible grant recipient cannot use more than
    10 percent of a grant awarded under this section for the activities
    described under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (b)(1).
      ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2027 through 2031.''.

    SEC. 6408. ASSISTANCE TO RURAL ENTITIES.

      Section 310B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932(a)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) Precision agriculture; precision agriculture
                    technology.--The terms `precision agriculture' and
                    `precision agriculture technology' have the meanings
                    given those terms in section 1201 of the Food Security
                    Act of 1985.''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
                    (C);
                      (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph
                    (D) and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(E) expanding the adoption of precision agriculture
                    practices, including by financing the acquisition of
                    precision agriculture technology, in order to promote
                    best practices, reduce costs, and improve the
                    environment.''.

    SEC. 6409. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANTS.

      Section 310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932(b)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``governments and related
            agencies'' and inserting ``governments, related agencies, and
            Indian tribes''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6410. RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

      Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2014 through
    2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6411. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

      Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) Cooperative development.--The term `cooperative
                    development' means activities including education,
                    training, and technical assistance, to support the
                    start-up, expansion, or ongoing sustainability of new
                    and existing cooperatives.'';
              (2) in paragraph (5)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``underserved
                    and economically distressed areas in rural areas of the
                    United States'' and inserting ``socially vulnerable,
                    underserved, or distressed communities''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (F)--
                              (i) by inserting ``at least'' before ``a 25
                            percent''; and
                              (ii) by inserting ``, and all applications
                            that satisfy this subparagraph shall be given
                            the same priority for the scoring criterion
                            based on satisfying this subparagraph'' before
                            the period;
              (3) in paragraph (6), by striking subparagraph (B) and
            inserting the following:
                      ``(B) Award renewals for qualified nonprofit
                    institutions.--The Secretary shall award a grant under
                    this subsection to a nonprofit institution on the same
                    terms and for the establishment or operation of the
                    same center or centers for cooperative development for
                    which the nonprofit institution was awarded a grant in
                    the current fiscal year, if the nonprofit institution--
                              ``(i) is a recipient of an award under this
                            subsection;
                              ``(ii) requests a renewal under this
                            subparagraph;
                              ``(iii) has submitted a complete application
                            under this subsection in the preceding 2 fiscal
                            years; and
                              ``(iv) has operated the center or centers for
                            cooperative development in a manner which
                            successfully meets the parameters described in
                            paragraph (5), as determined by the
                            Secretary.'';
              (4) in paragraph (10), by adding at the end the following:
            ``The Secretary shall analyze the data resulting from the
            research, and include the data and the analysis in the annual
            report submitted by the interagency working group under
            paragraph (12).'';
              (5) in paragraph (12), by adding at the end the following:
            ``Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
            this sentence and annually thereafter, the interagency working
            group shall submit to the Congress a report describing the
            activities carried out by the working group.''; and
              (6) in paragraph (13), by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6412. LENDER FEES IN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAMS.

      (a) In General.--Section 333 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
              (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``In
            connection'';
              (2) in paragraph (5), by adding ``and'' at the end;
              (3) in paragraph (6)(E), by striking ``; and'' and inserting
            a period;
              (4) by striking paragraph (7); and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(b) Fees.--
              ``(1) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may assess an
            initial guarantee fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued
            or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does not
            exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the
            loan.
              ``(2) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may assess a
            periodic retention fee for any insured or guaranteed loan
            issued or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does
            not exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the
            guaranteed loan.
              ``(3) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for any
            insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section
            306(a), the Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any
            fee change, shall provide a public disclosure of the financial
            data, economic and behavioral assumptions, calculations, and
            other factors used to determine the new fee rates.''.
      (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 310B(g)(5) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    1932(g)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(5) Fees.--
                      ``(A) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may
                    assess an initial guarantee fee for any guaranteed
                    business and industry loan in an amount that does not
                    exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of
                    the loan.
                      ``(B) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may
                    assess a periodic retention fee for any guaranteed
                    business and industry loan in an amount that does not
                    exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the
                    guaranteed loan.
                      ``(C) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for
                    any guaranteed business and industry loan, the
                    Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any fee
                    change, shall provide a public disclosure of the
                    financial data, economic and behavioral assumptions,
                    calculations, and other factors used to determine the
                    new fee rates.''.

    SEC. 6413. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTS.

      Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking
    ``2008 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6414. APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS PROGRAM.

      Section 310B(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932(i)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
                    (C);
                      (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph
                    (D) and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(E) provides training opportunities and resources
                    for veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38,
                    United States Code) who actively are or are seeking to
                    become agricultural producers, which shall be known as
                    the `Armed to Farm Initiative'.''; and
              (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2008 through 2023.'' and
            inserting the following: ``2027 through 2031, of which--
                      ``(A) $3,500,000 shall be made available for each
                    fiscal year for activities described in subparagraphs
                    (A) through (D) of paragraph (2); and
                      ``(B) $1,500,000 shall be available for each fiscal
                    year for activities described in paragraph (2)(E).''.

    SEC. 6415. RURAL ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP ZONES.

      Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 6416. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

      Section 310H(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1936b(i)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6417. RURAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY ASSISTANCE.

      (a) In General.--Section 342 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1990a) is amended--
              (1) by striking ``Assistance'' and inserting the following:
      ``(a) Refinancing of Certain Rural Health Care Facility Debt.--
              ``(1) In general.--Assistance'';
              (2) by striking ``rural hospital'' and inserting ``an
            eligible health care facility'';
              (3) by striking ``a community'' and inserting ``an area'';
              (4) by striking ``hospital,'' and inserting ``eligible health
            care facility,''; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(2) Requirements.--To promote the long-term sustainability
            and financial viability of an eligible health care facility,
            the Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) provide assistance to an eligible health care
                    facility for the purpose of--
                              ``(i) ensuring the facility has necessary
                            resources to maintain public health, safety, or
                            order;
                              ``(ii) addressing financial hardships of the
                            facility, its patients, and the area it serves;
                            and
                              ``(iii) identifying the financial stability
                            of the facility, including--
                                      ``(I) operational practices;
                                      ``(II) revenue enhancements;
                                      ``(III) policy revisions;
                                      ``(IV) partnerships, regionalization,
                                    or consolidation of rural health
                                    systems; and
                                      ``(V) contract services; and
                      ``(B) require an applicant to--
                              ``(i) receive financial planning assistance;
                            and
                              ``(ii) prepare a long-term financial plan.
              ``(3) Waiver.--In the case of an application for refinancing
            pursuant to this section, the Secretary may waive the
            requirement of section 302(a)(1)(D) if the eligible health care
            facility is insolvent.
      ``(b) Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program.--
              ``(1) In general.--In lieu of any other authority under which
            the Secretary may provide technical assistance to any eligible
            health care facility, the Secretary shall establish, and
            maintain, directly or by grant, contract, or cooperative
            agreement, a Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance
            Program (in this section referred to as the `Program') to
            provide technical assistance and training, tailored to the
            capacity and needs of each eligible health care facility, to
            help eligible health care facilities in rural areas--
                      ``(A) identify development needs for maintaining
                    essential health care services, and support action
                    plans for operational and quality improvement projects
                    to meet the development needs;
                      ``(B) better manage their financial and business
                    strategies, including providing financial planning
                    assistance and preparing long-term financial plans; and
                      ``(C) identify, and apply for assistance from, loan
                    and grant programs of the Department of Agriculture for
                    which the facilities are eligible.
              ``(2) Goals.--The goals of the Program shall be to--
                      ``(A) improve the long-term financial position and
                    operational efficiency of the eligible health care
                    facilities;
                      ``(B) prevent the closure of eligible health care
                    facilities;
                      ``(C) strengthen the delivery of health care in rural
                    areas;
                      ``(D) help eligible health care facilities better
                    access and compete for loans and grants from programs
                    administered by the Department of Agriculture; and
                      ``(E) continue the activities of the Rural Hospital
                    Technical Assistance Program in effect as of the date
                    of the enactment of this subsection.
              ``(3) Program participation.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall engage in
                    outreach and engagement strategies to encourage
                    eligible health care facilities to participate in the
                    Program.
                      ``(B) Eligible health care facility selection.--In
                    selecting eligible health care facilities to
                    participate in the Program, the Secretary shall give
                    priority to borrowers and grantees of the Rural Housing
                    Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural
                    Utilities Service. The Secretary may also consider--
                              ``(i) the age and physical state of the
                            health care facility involved;
                              ``(ii) the financial vulnerability of the
                            eligible health care facility, and the ability
                            of the eligible health care facility to meet
                            debt obligations;
                              ``(iii) the electronic health record
                            implementation needs of the health care
                            facility;
                              ``(iv) whether the eligible health care
                            facility is located in a health professional
                            shortage area or a medically underserved area;
                              ``(v) whether the eligible health care
                            facility serves a medically underserved
                            population; and
                              ``(vi) such other criteria and priorities as
                            are determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
                      ``(C) Reporting requirements.--Not later than 1 year
                    after the date of the enactment of this section, and
                    annually 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 written report
                    describing the progress and results of the program
                    conducted under this section, which should include--
                              ``(i) a brief description of each project to
                            provide technical assistance to an eligible
                            health care facility under this section,
                            including--
                                      ``(I) the name and location of the
                                    facility;
                                      ``(II) a description of the
                                    assistance provided;
                                      ``(III) a description of the outcomes
                                    for completed projects;
                                      ``(IV) the cost of the technical
                                    assistance; and
                                      ``(V) any other information the
                                    Secretary deems appropriate;
                              ``(ii) a summary of the technical assistance
                            projects completed;
                              ``(iii) a summary of the outcomes of the
                            technical assistance projects;
                              ``(iv) an assessment of the effectiveness of
                            the Program; and
                              ``(v) recommendations for improving the
                            Program.
                      ``(D) Limitations on authorization of
                    appropriations.--To carry out this section, there are
                    authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more
                    than $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
                    2031.
      ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
            given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated
            Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)).
              ``(2) Development needs.--The term `development needs'
            includes--
                      ``(A) constructing, expanding, renovating or
                    otherwise modernizing health care facilities;
                      ``(B) increasing telehealth capabilities;
                      ``(C) acquiring or upgrading health care information
                    systems such as electronic health records;
                      ``(D) providing financial planning assistance and
                    preparing a long-term financial plan; and
                      ``(E) such other needs as the Secretary deems
                    critical to maintaining health care services in the
                    community in which an eligible health care facility is
                    located.
              ``(3) Eligible health care facility.--The term `eligible
            health care facility' means a facility that is located in a
            rural area and is--
                      ``(A) a hospital (as defined in section 1861(e) of
                    the Social Security Act;
                      ``(B) a psychiatric hospital (as defined in section
                    1861(f) of such Act);
                      ``(C) a long-term care hospital (as defined in
                    section 1861(ccc) of such Act);
                      ``(D) a critical access hospital (as defined in
                    section 1861(mm)(1) of such Act);
                      ``(E) a rural health clinic (as defined in section
                    1861(aa)(2) of such Act);
                      ``(F) a religious nonmedical health care institution
                    (as defined in section 1861(ss)(1) of such Act);
                      ``(G) a sole community hospital (as defined in
                    section 1886(d)(5)(C)(iii) of such Act);
                      ``(H) a rural emergency hospital (as defined in
                    section 1861(kkk)(2) of such Act);
                      ``(I) a home health agency (as defined in section
                    1861(o) of such Act); or
                      ``(J) a community health center (as defined in
                    section 330 of the Public Health Service Act).
              ``(4) Health professional shortage area.--The term `health
            professional shortage area' has the meaning given the term in
            section 332(a)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act.
              ``(5) Medically underserved area.--The term `medically
            underserved area' has the meaning given the term in section
            330I(a)(5) of the Public Health Service Act.
              ``(6) Medically underserved population.--The term `medically
            underserved population' has the meaning given the term in
            section 330(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act.''.
      (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take
    effect on the completion of a rulemaking carrying out such amendments.

    SEC. 6418. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LOAN OR GRANT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

      Section 363 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2006e) is amended to read as follows:

    ``SEC. 363. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LOAN OR GRANT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall not approve any loan or grant
    under this title to drain, dredge, fill, or level, or otherwise
    manipulate a wetland (as defined in section 1201(a)(16) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(16))), or to engage in any
    activity that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation,
    or reach of water, except in the case of activity related to the
    maintenance of previously converted wetlands, or in the case of such
    activity that commenced before November 29, 1990.
      ``(b) Exclusions.--
              ``(1) Utilities lines.--This section shall not apply to a
            loan made or guaranteed under this title for a utility line.
              ``(2) Permitted activities and projects.--This section shall
            not apply to a rural development loan made or guaranteed under
            section 306 or 306C of this Act for an activity or project for
            which the applicant or borrower has obtained or is required to
            obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through
            the Chief of Engineers, under section 10 of the Act of March 3,
            1899 (33 U.S.C. 403; 30 Stat. 1151, chapter 425), or section
            404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
            1344).''.

    SEC. 6419. RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS TECHNICAL
                        ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.

      Section 368(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 2008c(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6420. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.

      Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008m) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2008 through 2023''
            and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
              (2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 6421. 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 by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6422. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

      Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008s) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``$50,000'' and
            inserting ``$75,000'';
              (2) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ``shall not exceed
            75 percent'' and inserting ``may be up to 100 percent, and a
            loan under this section for a project may be used to cover not
            more than 50 percent of any renovation, construction, or
            related costs of real estate improvements under the project'';
              (3) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by inserting ``(or 5 percent, in
            the case of a microenterprise development organization serving
            a persistent poverty county, as determined by the Secretary)''
            before ``of the total amount''; and
              (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6423. HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

      Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6424. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

      Section 379H(d)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 2008v(d)(4)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6425. RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.

      Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008w) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
                              (i) in clause (iii)--
                                      (I) by striking subclause (I) and
                                    inserting the following:
                                      ``(I) an institution of higher
                                    education (as defined in section 101,
                                    and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
                                    section 102(a)(1), of the Higher
                                    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001,
                                    1002(a)(1)));'';
                                      (II) by redesignating subclauses (II)
                                    and (III) as subclauses (III) and (IV),
                                    respectively, and inserting after
                                    subclause (I) the following:
                                      ``(II) an area career and technical
                                    education school (as defined in section
                                    3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
                                    Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
                                    U.S.C. 2302));''; and
                                      (III) in subclause (IV) (as so
                                    redesignated by subclause (II) of this
                                    clause), by striking ``and'';
                              (ii) in clause (iv)--
                                      (I) by striking subclause (IV) and
                                    inserting the following:
                                      ``(IV) an institution of higher
                                    education (as defined in section 101,
                                    and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
                                    section 102(a)(1), of the Higher
                                    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001,
                                    1002(a)(1)));''; and
                                      (II) by redesignating subclause (V)
                                    as subclause (VI) and inserting after
                                    subclause (IV) the following:
                                      ``(V) an area career and technical
                                    education school (as defined in section
                                    3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
                                    Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
                                    U.S.C. 2302)); or''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(v) in the case of a career pathway
                            program, includes 1 or more members of the
                            local workforce development board established
                            under section 107 of the Workforce Innovation
                            and Opportunity Act and serving the region to
                            ensure the program is integrated with the
                            activities carried out by the local workforce
                            development board; and''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(6) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' has the
            meaning given the term in section 3(7) of the Workforce
            Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(7)).
              ``(7) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry or
            sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in section 3
            of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
            3102).'';
              (2) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
                            by inserting ``or carry out career pathway
                            training programs or industry or sector
                            partnerships aligned with industry sectors in
                            rural communities'' before ``, including'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and''
                            after the semicolon;
                              (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
                            period and inserting a semicolon; and
                              (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) address workforce challenges, including worker
                    displacement, faced by specific industry sectors in
                    rural communities; and
                      ``(D) promote targeted skills development and
                    training initiatives to stimulate innovation and
                    enhance economic development in rural regions.'';
                      (B) in paragraph (3)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                      (I) in clause (i), by inserting ``,
                                    career pathway programs, or industry or
                                    sector partnerships'' before the
                                    semicolon; and
                                      (II) in clause (ii)--
                                              (aa) by inserting ``, career
                                            pathway programs, or industry
                                            or sector partnerships'' before
                                            ``to provide''; and
                                              (bb) by inserting
                                            ``leadership development,''
                                            before ``customized training'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
                            period and inserting ``; and''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(G) the ability of the eligible entity to carry out
                    activities to address the issues of worker
                    displacement, an aging workforce, and youth
                    migration.''; and
                      (C) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(5) Geographic distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure
            regional diversity of recipients of grants or participants in
            providing grants under paragraph (1) for jobs accelerators,
            career pathway programs, and related programming.'';
              (3) in subsection (d)(1)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (B)(xi), by striking the period
                    and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) to support career pathway programs or industry
                    or sector partnerships to be carried out within
                    industries in rural communities, including--
                              ``(i) telecommunications or broadband
                            services;
                              ``(ii) water, waste water, or disposal
                            services;
                              ``(iii) electric supply services;
                              ``(iv) forestry and logging operations;
                              ``(v) conservation practices and management;
                              ``(vi) health care and child care;
                              ``(vii) manufacturing;
                              ``(viii) agribusiness related to production,
                            processing, and distribution;
                              ``(ix) veterinarian services; and
                              ``(x) any other sectors identified by the
                            local workforce development board serving the
                            region to be an in-demand industry sector or
                            occupation, as defined in section 3 of the
                            Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.'';
              (4) in subsection (e)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
                              (i) in clause (xvii), by striking ``or'';
                              (ii) by redesignating clause (xviii) as
                            clause (xix) and inserting after clause (xvii)
                            the following:
                      ``(xviii) the number of individuals who have
                    completed skills development, recognized postsecondary
                    credentials, or gained specialized education through
                    career pathways programs or industry or sector
                    partnerships; or''; and
                              (iii) in clause (xix) (as so redesignated by
                            subparagraph (B) of this paragraph), by
                            striking the period and inserting ``; and'';
                            and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) in the case of a career pathway program or industry or
            sector partnership, report to the Secretary the employment and
            earnings outcomes for individuals who participate in the
            program on the indicators described in subclauses (I) through
            (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation
            and Opportunity Act.''; and
              (5) in subsection (f), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6426. LIMITATION ON RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES CONTROLLED
                        BY FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS.

      Section 384J(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2009cc-9(c)) is amended by striking ``50'' and inserting ``75''.

    SEC. 6427. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

      Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and
    inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6428. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

      Each of the following provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act are amended by striking ``urbanized'' and inserting
    ``urban'':
              (1) Section 343(a)(13)(A)(ii) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)(ii)).
              (2) Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(I) (7 U.S.C.
            1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)), in the matter preceding item (aa).
              (3) Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)(bb) (7 U.S.C.
            1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)(bb)).
              (4) Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(II) (7 U.S.C.
            1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(II)).
              (5) Section 343(a)(13)(E) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(E)).
              (6) Section 343(a)(13)(F)(i)(II) (7 U.S.C.
            1991(a)(13)(F)(i)(II)).
              (7) Section 384I(c)(4)(C) (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-8(c)(4)(C)).

    SEC. 6429. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING
                        PROGRAMS.

      Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                      (A) by striking ``technical assistance and training
                    to--'' and inserting ``for--'';
                      (B) in clause (v), by striking the period and
                    inserting ``; or''; and
                      (C) by redesignating clauses (i) through (v) as
                    subclauses (I) through (V), respectively, and moving
                    each such provision 2 ems to the right; and
                      (D) by inserting before the matter so redesignated
                    the following:
                              ``(i) technical assistance and training to--
                            ''; and
                      (E) by adding after and below the end the following:
                              ``(ii) disaster and recovery assistance.'';
                            and
              (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or disaster and
            recovery assistance'' before ``described''.

     Subtitle E--Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of
                                      1936

    SEC. 6501. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR UTILITY
                        INFRASTRUCTURE PURPOSES.

      Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    940c-1(f)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 6502. EXTENSION OF THE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT
                        PROGRAM.

      Section 313B of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-
    2) is amended--
              (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
      ``(b) Repayments.--
              ``(1) In general.--In the case of zero interest loans, the
            Secretary shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as
            will encourage borrower participation.
              ``(2) Letters of credit.--The Secretary shall not require a
            letter of credit or other similar guarantee from a recipient of
            a zero-interest loan under this section if the borrower assigns
            the Secretary a security interest in any collateral provided to
            secure a loan made with funds loaned under this section, or
            makes other similar arrangements to the satisfaction of the
            Secretary.''; and
              (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2019 through 2023''
            and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 6503. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.

      Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    940e(d)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2023'' and inserting
    ``2027 through 2031''.

              TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

    SEC. 7101. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND
                        ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.

      Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``15'' and
                    inserting ``16'';
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
                    following:
                      ``(E) 1 member representing the industry, consumer,
                    or rural interests of insular areas.''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``7'' and inserting
                    ``3''; and
              (2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7102. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.

      Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Not later than''
                    and all that follows through ``initial members of'' and
                    inserting ``The Secretary shall continue to implement,
                    and appoint the members of''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (C), by adding a period
                            at the end; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking
                            ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
              (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``executive committee''
            and inserting ``Secretary''.

    SEC. 7103. VETERINARY MEDICINE LOAN REPAYMENT.

      Section 1415A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151a) is amended--
              (1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
      ``(b) Determination of Veterinarian Shortage Situations.--In
    determining `veterinarian shortage situations', the Secretary--
              ``(1) may consider--
                      ``(A) geographical areas that the Secretary
                    determines have a shortage of veterinarians;
                      ``(B) areas of veterinary practice that the Secretary
                    determines have a shortage of veterinarians, such as
                    food animal medicine, public health, epidemiology, and
                    food safety; and
                      ``(C) areas described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
                    identified by appropriate State agencies; and
              ``(2) shall--
                      ``(A) develop quantitative mechanisms for predicting
                    the emergence of new veterinarian shortage situations
                    in the short-term and long-term; and
                      ``(B) make available to State agencies described in
                    paragraph (1)(C) the quantitative mechanisms developed
                    under subparagraph (A).''; and
              (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(9) Eligibility.--The Secretary shall not make a
            veterinarian ineligible for the program under this section
            based on a veterinarian's participation in a comparable
            Federal, State, or local program.
              ``(10) Application process.--Not later than 1 year after the
            date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security
            Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish streamlined
            application procedures and guidelines for entering into
            agreements with veterinarians under this section.''.

    SEC. 7104. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

      Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by striking ``, as
                    defined in'' and all that follows through ``1991(a))'';
                    and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Rural area.--The term ``rural area'' has the meaning
            given such term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
            Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).'';
              (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
                      (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
                    subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
                      (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
                    following:
                      ``(B) expand, retain, or attract additional
                    veterinary practices in rural areas;'';
              (3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(5) Application process.--Not later than 1 year after the
            date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
            of 2026 the Secretary shall establish a streamlined application
            process.''; and
              (4) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``To
                    Relieve Veterinarian Shortage Situations and Support
                    Veterinary Services''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
                            by striking ``situations and support'' and
                            inserting ``situations, to expand, retain, or
                            attract additional veterinary practices in
                            rural areas, and to support''; and
                              (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(G) To cover expenses associated with starting a
                    new veterinary practice or attracting new veterinarians
                    to existing practices, including--
                              ``(i) relocation expenses;
                              ``(ii) the purchase of necessary startup
                            equipment; and
                              ``(iii) housing or living stipends for
                            veterinary students, veterinary interns,
                            externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary
                            technician students.''.

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

      Section 1417(m)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7106. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

      Section 1419A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7107. EDUCATION GRANTS TO ALASKA NATIVE SERVING INSTITUTIONS AND
                        NATIVE HAWAIIAN SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

      Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the
                    following: ``The term of such grants may be for a
                    period of more than 1 year, but not more than 5
                    years.''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
              (2) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the
                    following: ``The term of such grants may be for a
                    period of more than 1 year, but not more than 5
                    years.''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7108. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

      Section 1425(g) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(g)) is amended by striking
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7109. 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--
              (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Carryover.--The balance of any annual funds provided to
            an eligible institution for a fiscal year under this subsection
            that remains unexpended at the end of that fiscal year may be
            carried over for use during the following fiscal year.''; and
              (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7110. EXTENSION AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT
                        COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

      (a) Extension.--Section 1444(a)(2) of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
    3221(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``40
    percent''.
      (b) Research.--Section 1445 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``30 percent'' and
            inserting ``40 percent'';
              (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``the research director''
            each place it appears and inserting ``the agricultural research
            director''; and
              (3) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) by striking ``a research director'' and inserting
                    ``an agricultural research director''; and
                      (B) by striking ``or other officer''.

    SEC. 7111. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

      Section 1446 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222a) is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``(commonly known as
            the david a. scott scholarship program for students at 1890
            institutions)'' before the period at the end; and
              (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    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
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7113. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES
                        AND EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL
                        AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT INSULAR AREA LAND-GRANT
                        COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

      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 ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7114. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
                        ACTIVITIES AT ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.

      Section 1449 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222d) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) by striking ``Not later than September 30, 1999''
                    and inserting ``Beginning on September 30, 2026, and
                    not later than September 30 of each fiscal year
                    thereafter''; and
                      (B) by striking ``fiscal year 1999'' and inserting
                    ``the fiscal year ending on that September 30''; and
              (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
      ``(c) State Matching Funds Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other
    provision of this subtitle, for each fiscal year, a State shall provide
    to each eligible institution located in the State matching funds from
    non-Federal sources in an amount equal to the amounts provided to the
    eligible institution under sections 1444 and 1445 for the purposes
    described in subsection (b)(1).''.

    SEC. 7115. NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS.

      Section 1450 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222e) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``land-grant
                    college or university'' and inserting ``land-grant
                    college or university (except for a 1994 Institution
                    (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational
                    Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7
                    U.S.C. 301 note)))''; and
                      (B) by striking paragraph (5); and
              (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7116. EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAMS FOR 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
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7117. BINATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

      Section 1458(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``entered into'' and
            inserting ``, as entered into in 1977,'';
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``United States and
            Israel'' and inserting ``United States, Israel, or other
            signatories of the Abraham Accords Declaration''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) BARD fund accelerator.--The BARD Fund shall establish
            an accelerator program that supports mid-stage research, as
            determined by the technology readiness level, in priority areas
            established by the BARD Fund that--
                      ``(A) fast-tracks cooperative research between
                    scientists participating in activities described in
                    paragraph (2);
                      ``(B) accelerates the successful development of
                    agricultural research through resources and services
                    developed or orchestrated by the BARD Fund;
                      ``(C) provides management guidance, technical
                    assistance, and consulting to scientists participating
                    in activities described in paragraph (2); or
                      ``(D) advances cooperative agricultural research
                    projects of mutual interest to the United States,
                    Israel, or other signatories of the Abraham Accords
                    Declaration.''.

    SEC. 7118. GRANTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
                        RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

      (a) In General.--Section 1458A of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292) is amended--
              (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows
            ``grants and partnerships for international agricultural
            research, extension, and education'';
              (2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the
            following:
      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Developing country.--The term `developing country'
            means a country that meets such criteria as determined by the
            Secretary, established using a gross national income per capita
            test selected by the Secretary.
              ``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible institution'
            means--
                      ``(A) a land-grant colleges or university;
                      ``(B) a non-land-grant college of agriculture;
                      ``(C) a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or
                    university; and
                      ``(D) a cooperating forestry school.
              ``(3) International partner institution.--The term
            `international partner institution' means a higher education
            institution in a developing country that is performing, or
            desiring to perform, activities similar to agricultural
            research, extension, and education activities carried out
            through eligible institutions in the United States.
      ``(b) Grants and Partnerships.--
              ``(1) Grants.--The Secretary may make competitive grants to
            eligible institutions in order to strengthen United States
            economic competitiveness and to promote international market
            development through--
                      ``(A) enhancing the international content of the
                    curricula in colleges and universities so as to ensure
                    that United States students acquire an understanding of
                    the international dimensions and trade implications of
                    their studies;
                      ``(B) ensuring that United States scientists,
                    extension agents, and educators involved in
                    agricultural research and development activities
                    outside of the United States have the opportunity to
                    convey the implications of their activities and
                    findings to their peers and students in the United
                    States and to the users of agricultural research,
                    extension, and teaching;
                      ``(C) enhancing the capabilities of colleges and
                    universities to do collaborative research with other
                    countries, in cooperation with other Federal agencies,
                    on issues relevant to United States agricultural
                    competitiveness;
                      ``(D) enhancing the capabilities of colleges and
                    universities to provide cooperative extension education
                    to promote the application of new technology developed
                    in foreign countries to United States agriculture; and
                      ``(E) enhancing the capability of United States
                    colleges and universities, in cooperation with other
                    Federal agencies, to provide leadership and educational
                    programs that will assist United States natural
                    resources and food production, processing, and
                    distribution businesses and industries to compete
                    internationally, including through the use of product
                    market identification, international policies limiting
                    or enhancing market production, the development of new
                    or enhancement of existing markets, and production
                    efficiencies.
              ``(2) Partnerships.--The Secretary may promote cooperation
            and coordination between eligible institutions and
            international partner institutions through--
                      ``(A) improving extension by--
                              ``(i) encouraging the exchange of research
                            materials and results between eligible
                            institutions and international partner
                            institutions;
                              ``(ii) facilitating the broad dissemination
                            of agricultural research through extension;
                              ``(iii) assisting with efforts to plan and
                            initiate extension services in developing
                            countries; and
                              ``(iv) developing self-sustaining regional
                            agricultural markets and promoting the
                            application of new agricultural technologies
                            and techniques;
                      ``(B) improving agricultural research by--
                              ``(i) in partnership with international
                            partner institutions, encouraging research that
                            addresses problems affecting food production
                            and security, human nutrition, agriculture,
                            forestry, livestock, and fisheries, including
                            local challenges; and
                              ``(ii) supporting and strengthening national
                            agricultural research systems in developing
                            countries;
                      ``(C) improving agricultural teaching and education
                    by--
                              ``(i) in partnership with international
                            partner institutions, supporting education and
                            teaching relating to food and agricultural
                            sciences, including technical assistance,
                            degree training, research collaborations,
                            classroom instruction, workforce training, and
                            education programs; and
                              ``(ii) assisting with efforts to increase
                            student capacity, including to encourage
                            equitable access for women and other
                            underserved populations, at international
                            partner institutions by promoting partnerships
                            with, and improving the capacity of, eligible
                            institutions;
                      ``(D) assisting eligible institutions in
                    strengthening their capacity for food, agricultural,
                    and related research, extension, and teaching programs
                    relevant to agricultural development activities in
                    developing countries to promote the application of new
                    technology to improve education delivery;
                      ``(E) providing support for the internationalization
                    of resident instruction programs of eligible
                    institutions;
                      ``(F) establishing a program, to be coordinated by
                    the Director of the National Institute of Food and
                    Agriculture and the Administrator of the Foreign
                    Agricultural Service, to place interns from eligible
                    institutions in, or in service to benefit, developing
                    countries; and
                      ``(G) establishing a program to provide fellowships
                    to students at eligible institutions to study at
                    foreign agricultural colleges and universities.'';
              (3) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
            by striking ``covered Institutions'' and inserting ``eligible
            institutions''; and
              (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.
      (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1459A of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b)
    is repealed.

    SEC. 7119. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

      Section 1462A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a(e)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7120. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.

      Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended by striking
    ``2023'' each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 7121. 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
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7122. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS.

      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 ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (2) in subsection (c)(3)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph
                    (G); and
                      (C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
                    following:
              ``(F) to examine potential benefits and opportunities for
            supplemental and alternative crops (including winter-planted
            rapeseed and winter-planted canola crops); and''; and
              (3) in subsection (e)(3), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7123. GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL
                        RESOURCES PROGRAMS.

       Section 1473E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e) is amended--
              (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
            ``grants for community college agriculture and natural
            resources programs'';
              (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
              (3) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting the
            following:
      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
                      ``(A) a junior or community college (as defined in
                    section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
                    U.S.C. 1058)) supporting agriculture advancement;
                      ``(B) a consortium or alliance of 2-year public
                    colleges supporting agriculture advancement; or
                      ``(C) an area career and technical education school
                    (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career
                    and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302))
                    that offers a program of study in agriculture.
              ``(2) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning'
            has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Carl D.
            Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
            2302).
      ``(b) Competitive Grants.--The Secretary shall make competitive
    grants to eligible entities to conduct workforce training, education,
    research, and outreach activities relating to food and agricultural
    sciences.
      ``(c) Priority.--In making grants under subsection (b), the Secretary
    shall give priority to an eligible entity coordinating with a local
    agriculture industry operator or conservation district to provide work-
    based learning, experiential training, and other opportunities for
    students.
      ``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
    subsection (b) may use the funds made available through the grant--
              ``(1) to offer educational programming on agricultural
            industry jobs, including farm business management-related
            subjects, such as accounting, paralegal studies, finance, and
            soil, water, and related resource conservation;
              ``(2) to develop apprenticeships and other work-based
            learning opportunities; and
              ``(3) other services that would increase workforce training,
            education, research, and outreach activities relating to food
            and agricultural sciences, as determined by the Secretary.'';
            and
              (4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by striking
            ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7124. 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 ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7125. AGRICULTURE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

      Section 1473H of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319k) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) by inserting ``, including precision
                            agriculture,'' after ``equipment''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``relating to the research
                            and development of qualified products and
                            projects'';
                      (B) in paragraph (5)--
                              (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
                            ``Person'' and inserting ``Eligible entity'';
                              (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                            (A), by striking ``person'' and inserting
                            ``eligible entity'';
                              (iii) by striking subparagraph (E); and
                              (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (F)
                            through (H) as subparagraphs (E) through (G),
                            respectively;
                      (C) in paragraph (6)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking
                            ``and'' at the end;
                              (ii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking the
                            period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) any other product or project, as determined by
                    the Secretary.''; and
                      (D) in paragraph (7), by striking ``that is developed
                    to assist in the discovery, development, or manufacture
                    of a qualified product or project'';
              (2) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (B) to
                    read as follows:
                      ``(B) to overcome the long-term and high-risk
                    technological barriers in the development of
                    agricultural technologies, research tools, and
                    qualified products and projects that enhance export
                    competitiveness, environmental sustainability, water
                    conservation, and resilience to extreme weather,
                    drought, infectious diseases, plant and animal
                    pathogens, and plant and animal pests;'';
                      (B) in paragraph (4)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
                            ``persons'' and inserting ``eligible
                            entities''; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (G), by striking
                            ``persons'' and inserting ``eligible
                            entities''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (7)(A)--
                              (i) by striking ``a person'' and inserting
                            ``an eligible entity''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``the person'' and inserting
                            ``the eligible entity'';
              (3) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``persons'' and
                    inserting ``eligible entities''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Use of strategic plan.--The Secretary shall use the
            strategic plan developed under paragraph (1) to inform the
            administration of AGARDA under this section.'';
              (4) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''; and
              (5) in subsection (e)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 years'' and
                    inserting ``13 years''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``5-year'' and
                    inserting ``13-year''.

    SEC. 7126. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

      Section 1477(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324(a)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and insert ``2031''.

    SEC. 7127. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND RESPONSE.

      Section 1484(a)(3) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a)(3)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7128. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--Section 1485 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3352) is amended--
              (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
            ``agriculture and food protection grant program'';
              (2) by striking subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f)
            and inserting the following:
      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant
    program under which the Secretary will award grants to eligible
    entities to support research, extension, and education activities that
    improve the capability of the United States to protect the food and
    agricultural system from any chemical, biological, cybersecurity, or
    bioterrorism attack.
      ``(b) Use of Funds.--Grants made under this section shall be used
    to--
              ``(1) encourage basic and applied research and development of
            agricultural countermeasures;
              ``(2) promote the development and expansion of teaching
            programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other
            disciplines closely allied to the food and agriculture system
            to increase the number of trained individuals with an expertise
            in agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity;
              ``(3) expand or upgrade facilities to meet biosafety and
            biosecurity requirements necessary to protect facility staff,
            members of the public, and the food supply while carrying out
            agricultural biosecurity research;
              ``(4) costs associated with the acquisition of equipment and
            other capital costs related to expansion of food, agriculture,
            and veterinary medicine teaching programs in agricultural
            biosecurity and cybersecurity; or
              ``(5) otherwise improve the capacity of the United States to
            respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing threats.
      ``(c) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible to receive a grant under
    this section include--
              ``(1) State agricultural experiment stations;
              ``(2) State departments of agriculture;
              ``(3) colleges and universities;
              ``(4) university research foundations;
              ``(5) other research institutions and organizations;
              ``(6) Federal agencies;
              ``(7) national laboratories; or
              ``(8) any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities
            described in paragraphs (1) through (7).'';
              (3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (d); and
              (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking ``for
            each fiscal year.'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years
            2027 through 2031.''.
      (b) Conforming Amendments.--Chapters 1 and 2 of subtitle B of title
    XIV of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912,
    8913, 8921, and 8922) are repealed.

    SEC. 7129. DISTANCE EDUCATION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREAS.

      Section 1490(f)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7130. RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREAS.

      Section 1491(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7131. REPEALS.

      (a) Section 1410 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ((7 U.S.C. 3125) is repealed.
      (b) Section 1419C of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3158) is repealed.
      (c) Section 1447A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-1) is repealed.
      (d) Subtitle M of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3331 et seq.) is repealed.

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

    SEC. 7201. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.

      Subtitle B of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
    Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) is amended by striking
    ``2023'' each place it appears in sections 1624 (7 U.S.C. 5814),
    1627(d) (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)), 1628(f)(2) (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)(2)), and
    1629(i) (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)), and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7202. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.

      Section 1635(b)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7203. AGRICULTURAL GENOME TO PHENOME INITIATIVE.

      Section 1671(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924(g)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7204. 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 subsection (d)--
                      (A) by striking paragraphs (5), (6), (9), (10), (11),
                    (13), and (18);
                      (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), (12), (14),
                    (15), (16), (17), (19), and (20) as paragraphs (5),
                    (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13),
                    respectively;
                      (C) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by
                    inserting ``and harmful algal blooms'' after ``macro-
                    algae systems''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(14) Fertilizer and nutrient management initiative.--
            Research and extension grants may be made under this section
            for the purposes of carrying out research to improve fertilizer
            use efficiency in crops and examining nutrient management based
            on the source, rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients.
              ``(15) Tropical plant health initiative.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of--
                      ``(A) developing and disseminating science-based
                    tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious
                    weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the
                    Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact
                    tropical plants, including--
                              ``(i) coffee plants;
                              ``(ii) macadamia trees;
                              ``(iii) cacao trees;
                              ``(iv) plantains and bananas;
                              ``(v) mangos;
                              ``(vi) vanilla plants;
                              ``(vii) tropical floriculture and nursery
                            crops; and
                              ``(viii) any other tropical plant as
                            determined by the Secretary;
                      ``(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
                    management program in areas affected by, or areas at
                    risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious
                    weeds;
                      ``(C) surveying and collecting data on tropical plant
                    production and health;
                      ``(D) investigating tropical plant biology,
                    immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
                      ``(E) conducting research on various factors that may
                    contribute to, or be associated with, tropical plant
                    immune systems and other serious threats to tropical
                    plants.
              ``(16) Biochar research.--Research and extension grants may
            be made under this section for the purpose of testing the full
            range of biochar types across soil types, soil health and soil
            management conditions, application methods, and climatic and
            agronomic regions, including through the establishment of a
            national biochar research network, to--
                      ``(A) assess the soil carbon sequestration potential
                    of various biochars and management systems integrating
                    biochar use;
                      ``(B) understand how to use biochar productively to
                    contribute to climate mitigation, crop production,
                    resilience to extreme weather events, ecosystem and
                    soil health, natural resource conservation, and farm
                    profitability; and
                      ``(C) deliver science-based, region-specific, cost-
                    effective, and practical information to farmers,
                    ranchers, foresters, land reclamation managers, urban
                    land managers, and other land and natural resource
                    managers and businesses on sustainable biochar
                    production and application.
              ``(17) Wildfire smoke exposure research.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of studying the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on
            specialty crops, including wine grapes, hops, stone fruit, and
            apples, by--
                      ``(A) conducting research--
                              ``(i) to identify the compounds responsible
                            for smoke exposure; and
                              ``(ii) to establish standard methodologies
                            for sampling and testing smoke-exposed
                            specialty crops and smoke-affected products,
                            including fast and inexpensive screening
                            methods;
                      ``(B) establishing a reliable database of background
                    levels of smoke exposure compounds that occur naturally
                    in specialty crops;
                      ``(C) developing risk assessment tools or mitigation
                    methods to reduce or eliminate smoke exposure; and
                      ``(D) studying compounds that can act as a barrier
                    between specialty crops and smoke compounds.
              ``(18) Invasive species research.--Research and extension
            grants may be made under this section for the purposes of
            developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments
            to manage or eradicate (including through methods of biocontrol
            and sterile insect techniques) invasive species of plants and
            animals, such as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula),
            navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and spotted wing
            drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).
              ``(19) Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
            on farmland.--Research and extension grants may be made under
            this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing
            research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics and per-
            and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including structural
            firefighting foam, in land-applied biosolids or compost on
            farmland, including by--
                      ``(A) conducting surveys and collecting data on
                    concentration, particle size, and chemical composition
                    of such substances in land-applied biosolids on
                    farmland;
                      ``(B) the development or analysis of techniques,
                    including wastewater treatment and composting, to
                    filter out or biodegrade such substances from biosolids
                    intended to be used for agricultural purposes;
                      ``(C) conducting an analysis of the impact on
                    agricultural crops and soil health of such substances
                    in land-applied biosolids on farmland, including the
                    uptake of such substances by various crops or
                    livestock;
                      ``(D) conducting research to better understand how
                    wastewater processing impacts such substances;
                      ``(E) conducting research to better understand the
                    fate, residence time, and transport of such substances
                    on farmland; and
                      ``(F) conducting research on how to remediate soil
                    and water systems contaminated with such substances.
              ``(20) Agricultural byproducts research.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of converting agricultural byproducts or forest
            residuals into valuable materials and products, including
            innovations in production processes for easily deployable
            refining facilities, developing alternatives to agricultural
            burning, and fostering energy production through recycling
            animal byproducts, wet waste, and plant-based waste.
              ``(21) Soil health research.--Research and extension grants
            may be made under this section for the purposes of--
                      ``(A) developing management practices that improve
                    soil health, including establishing tools that aid soil
                    preservation or improve composition of soil organic
                    compounds that are beneficial to soil quality and the
                    environment; and
                      ``(B) disseminating such practices through methods
                    such as innovative coursework and work-based learning.
              ``(22) White oak research.--Research and extension grants may
            be made under this section for the purposes of white oak
            research, including conducting research on--
                      ``(A) white oak genes with resistance and stress
                    tolerance;
                      ``(B) white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the
                    purpose of increasing survival and growth;
                      ``(C) establishing a diverse white oak seed bank
                    capable of responding to stressors;
                      ``(D) providing a sustainable supply of white oak
                    seedlings and genetic resources;
                      ``(E) reforestation of white oak through natural and
                    artificial regeneration; and
                      ``(F) the best methods for reforesting abandoned mine
                    land sites.
              ``(23) Alternative growing media research.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of developing and enhancing research on the
            characterization, utilization, and evaluation of alternative
            growing media, including science-based techniques that maximize
            functions in the growth of plants and harvest yields.
              ``(24) Rangeland research.--Research and extension grants may
            be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or
            enhancing research on the development of forage production and
            improved grazing and range management, including the adoption
            of virtual fencing technology that simultaneously enhance
            wildlife habitat, protect watersheds, and reduce hazards of
            erosion and flooding.
              ``(25) Specialty crop mechanization and automation
            research.--Research and extension grants may be made under this
            section for the purpose of developing and evaluating
            mechanization and automation technologies for specialty
            crops.'';
              (2) in subsection (e)(5), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (3) in subsection (f)(5), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (4) in subsection (g)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031'';
              (5) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
              (6) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
      ``(h) Report.--Not later than February 1, 2028, and not less
    frequently than once every other 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 report describing how the Department carried out research and
    extension activities specified in subsections (d) through (f) for the
    previous two fiscal years, including the amount of funding allocated to
    each high-priority research and extension initiative, through--
              ``(1) amounts made available under appropriations Acts to the
            Agricultural Research Service;
              ``(2) amounts made available to the National Institute of
            Food and Agriculture under capacity and infrastructure programs
            (as defined in section 251 of the Department of Agriculture
            Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971));
              ``(3) amounts made available to the National Institute of
            Food and Agriculture under competitive programs (as defined in
            such section); and
              ``(4) amounts made available through other agencies within
            the Department.''; and
              (7) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by
            striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7205. 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) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
            by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
              (2) by striking subsection (e);
              (3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e); and
              (4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) by striking paragraph (3).

    SEC. 7206. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

      Section 1672D(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7207. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
                        RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

      Section 1672E(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925g(a))--
              (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                      (A) by striking ``the Urban Agriculture and
                    Innovative Production Advisory Committee established
                    under section 222(b) of the Department of Agriculture
                    Reorganization Act of 1994'' and inserting ``the Urban
                    Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory
                    Committee and the Office of Urban Agriculture and
                    Innovative Production established under section 222 of
                    the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
                    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923)''; and
                      (B) by striking ``emerging agricultural production''
                    and inserting ``emerging agricultural production
                    practices (as described in subsection (a)(3) of such
                    section)'';
              (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``emerging agricultural
            production'' and inserting ``emerging agricultural production
            practices'';
              (3) in paragraph (7), by striking ``or'' at the end;
              (4) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
            inserting a semicolon; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(9) managing waste streams to improve the environmental
            footprint; or
              ``(10) advising land-grant colleges and universities (as
            defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
            Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)),
            minority-serving institutions (as described in section 371(a)
            of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a))),
            junior or community colleges (as defined in section 312(f) of
            such Act (20 U.S.C. 1058(f))), and vocational schools, with
            respect to career and technical education.''.

    SEC. 7208. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

      Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended--
              (1) by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting
            the following:
      ``(a) Centers of Excellence.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
            establish at least one center of excellence for the purpose of
            carrying out research, extension, or education activities for
            each of the areas of focus described in paragraph (3).
              ``(2) Host institutions.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Institutions eligible to host or
                    co-host a center of excellence established under this
                    subsection include--
                              ``(i) 1862 Institutions, as defined in
                            section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
                            Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
                            U.S.C. 7601);
                              ``(ii) 1890 Institutions, as defined in
                            section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
                            Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
                            U.S.C. 7601);
                              ``(iii) 1994 Institutions, as defined in
                            section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
                            Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note);
                              ``(iv) non-land-grant colleges of
                            agriculture, as defined in section 1404 of the
                            National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
                            Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103);
                              ``(v) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges
                            or universities, as defined in section 1404 of
                            the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
                            and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
                            3103); and
                              ``(vi) accredited schools of veterinary
                            medicine.
                      ``(B) Distribution.--To the maximum extent
                    practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the geographic
                    diversity of institutions selected to host or co-host a
                    center of excellence established under this subsection.
                      ``(C) Limitation.--An institution may host or co-host
                    only one center of excellence under this subsection at
                    a time.
                      ``(D) Duties.--The institution or institutions
                    selected to host or co-host a center of excellence
                    established under this subsection shall partner with
                    the Agricultural Research Service, other Federal
                    agencies, State governments, other institutions of
                    higher education (as defined in section 101 of the
                    Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)),
                    agricultural industry groups, or other relevant
                    entities to--
                              ``(i) reduce duplicative efforts and focus on
                            filling gaps across research, extension, or
                            education activities by enhancing coordination
                            and improving cost-effectiveness;
                              ``(ii) leverage available resources by using
                            public-private partnerships;
                              ``(iii) implement training and educational
                            initiatives to increase awareness and
                            effectively disseminate solutions to target
                            audiences through extension activities;
                              ``(iv) increase the economic returns to rural
                            communities by identifying, attracting, and
                            directing funds to high-priority agricultural
                            issues;
                              ``(v) rapidly respond to emerging issues that
                            threaten any sector of the United States
                            agricultural industry;
                              ``(vi) focus on workforce development for
                            employers to recruit and retain high-quality
                            employees in rural areas; and
                              ``(vii) engage in assistance for
                            administrative management and education
                            regarding potentially valuable intellectual
                            property derived from federally-supported
                            research, extension, or education activities.
              ``(3) Areas of focus.--
                      ``(A) Aquaculture.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    developing and applying aquaculture methods, including
                    through the propagation and rearing of economically and
                    ecologically valuable aquatic and marine species.
                      ``(B) Beginning farmers and ranchers.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection may engage
                    in research, extension or education activities focused
                    on training beginning farmers and ranchers, including
                    farm and agribusiness management, mentoring and
                    technical assistance, and access to capital.
                      ``(C) Biosecurity and cybersecurity.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection may engage
                    in research, extension, or education activities focused
                    on agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity efforts
                    to defend the United States food supply from any
                    attacks.
                      ``(D) Biosystems and agricultural engineering.--A
                    center of excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on biosystems and agricultural
                    engineering, including precision agriculture
                    technologies and mechanization and automation
                    technologies for specialty crops.
                      ``(E) Biotechnology.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    development of animal and plant biotechnologies that
                    will increase agricultural productivity.
                      ``(F) Crop production, protection, and resilience.--A
                    center of excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on crop production and protection,
                    including the development, manufacture, and use of
                    fertilizer, crop protection tools, and adjuvants in
                    increasing productivity and protecting crops from
                    damaging pests and diseases.
                      ``(G) Digital agriculture.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    developing, evaluating, and deploying digital
                    agriculture, including artificial intelligence and
                    remote sensing systems.
                      ``(H) Farm business and financial management.--A
                    center of excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on farm business and financial
                    management activities, including marketing plans,
                    production diversification, and cash forward
                    contracting.
                      ``(I) Food quality.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    improving food quality, including research on the
                    uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food,
                    the presence of microplastics in biosolids, and the
                    efficacy and feasibility of reducing levels of
                    inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, or mercury in food.
                      ``(J) Foreign animal disease.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    foreign animal diseases, including the ecology and
                    etiology of emerging diseases, control methods, and
                    implementation strategies to enhance preparedness and
                    response efforts to protect the livestock and poultry
                    industry.
                      ``(K) Forestry.--A center of excellence established
                    under this subsection may engage in research,
                    extension, or education activities focused on forest
                    productivity and forest health, including invasive
                    species control, biochar and pyrolysis development and
                    commercialization, reforestation and restoration of
                    damaged landscapes, and new wood-based materials.
                      ``(L) Invasive species.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    the control and eradication of invasive species that
                    pose a persistent and growing threat to United States
                    agricultural production, forest resources, global food
                    security, and rural economies.
                      ``(M) Livestock and poultry.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    issues impacting livestock (including equines) and
                    poultry production in the United States, including
                    economic research to understand policy implications for
                    producers.
                      ``(N) Veterinary medicine.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities focused on
                    developing additional veterinarians, including large
                    animal veterinarians, to address the veterinarian
                    shortage in rural areas.
                      ``(O) Water quality and quantity.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection may engage
                    in research, extension, or education activities focused
                    on water quality and quantity efforts, including
                    drought, water management, natural resource benefits,
                    and the health and resilience of the water supply in
                    the United States.
              ``(4) Terms.--
                      ``(A) Duration.--The term of an award under this
                    subsection shall be for a five-year period, and may be
                    renewed for not more than one additional five-year
                    period.
                      ``(B) Construction prohibited.--Funds made available
                    under this subsection shall not be used for the
                    construction of a new building or facility or the
                    acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an
                    existing building or facility (including site grading
                    and improvement, and architect fees).
              ``(5) Annual report.--Not later than one year after the date
            of enactment of this subsection, and every 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 report describing--
                      ``(A) the projects initiated by each center of
                    excellence established under this subsection in the
                    preceding year;
                      ``(B) the amount of funding for each such project and
                    the funding source;
                      ``(C) the institutions participating in each such
                    project and their shares of the overall funding for
                    each project;
                      ``(D) the level of cost sharing for each such
                    project;
                      ``(E) any technology transfer and intellectual
                    property management actions taken by each such center
                    of excellence, such as the number of relevant invention
                    disclosures, any provisional patents filed, any non-
                    provisional patents filed and issued, the number of
                    licenses executed, and any start-up companies
                    registered; and
                      ``(F) any additional information deemed necessary.'';
              (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b);
              (3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
                            inserting ``In addition to the centers of
                            excellence established under subsection (a),
                            the Secretary''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``not less than 3 centers of
                            excellence'' and inserting ``not less than 8
                            centers of excellence'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                      (I) in the subparagraph heading, by
                                    striking ``and workforce development''
                                    and inserting ``, workforce
                                    development, and rural studies''; and
                                      (II) by inserting ``economics,
                                    psychology, rural sociology, data
                                    sciences,'' after ``mathematics,'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``and
                            nature-based solutions to improve the
                            composition of soil organic compounds,
                            including carbon, that are beneficial to soil
                            quality and the environment'' before the period
                            at the end; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(G) Forest health and conservation.--A center of
                    excellence established under paragraph (1) may focus on
                    forest health, sustainable forest management,
                    agroforestry, enhancing forest resilience to
                    catastrophic wildfire, supporting rural infrastructure,
                    and urban and community forestry programs to promote
                    healthy forest ecosystems and resilient communities.
                      ``(H) Food safety, bioprocessing, and value-added
                    agriculture.--A center of excellence established under
                    paragraph (1) may focus on food safety, bioprocessing,
                    value-added agriculture enterprise development, and
                    innovative food and agriculture product development.'';
                    and
                      (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7209. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES.

      Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(3)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(F) provide education and support to youth and
                    young adults with disabilities interested in farming
                    and farm-related occupations.''; and
              (2) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
            inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7210. FARMING OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING AND OUTREACH.

      Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding
                    subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) by striking ``Secretary of Agriculture''
                            and inserting ``Secretary of Agriculture,
                            acting through the Director of the National
                            Institute of Food and Agriculture,''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
                            ``2031''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (4)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``and
                            organizations that provide training and
                            technical assistance in budgeting, business
                            planning, and similar financial and management
                            skills that focus on the ongoing economic
                            viability of beginning farm and ranch
                            enterprises'' after ``veteran farmers and
                            ranchers'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (I)(ii), by striking
                            ``shall include a broad representation of peers
                            of the eligible entity'' and inserting ``shall
                            include a broad representation of individuals
                            with demonstrated expertise in farm business
                            management''; and
                              (iii) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``to
                            the eligible entities providing that technical
                            assistance'' and inserting ``to the needs of
                            farmers and ranchers' ongoing economic
                            viability'';
              (2) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) by striking subparagraph (J); and
                              (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (K), (L),
                            (M), (N), and (O) as subparagraphs (J), (K),
                            (L), (M) and (N), respectively;
                      (C) in paragraph (8), by striking ``to partnerships
                    and collaborations that are led by or include
                    nongovernmental, community-based organizations and
                    school-based educational organizations with expertise
                    in new agricultural producer training and outreach''
                    and inserting ``to programs that provide training and
                    technical assistance in budgeting, business planning,
                    and similar financial and management skills that focus
                    on the ongoing economic viability of beginning farm and
                    ranch enterprises''; and
                      (D) in paragraph (12)(B), by striking ``a broad
                    representation of peers of the applicant for the grant
                    or cooperative agreement'' and inserting ``a broad
                    representation of the United States agriculture
                    industry and individuals with demonstrated expertise in
                    farm business management''; and
              (3) in subsection (l)(2), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7211. 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 ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7212. REPEAL.

      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. 7213. RESEARCHING THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC.

      Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 is amended by inserting after section 1673 (7 U.S.C. 5926) the
    following:

    ``SEC. 1674. RESEARCHING THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC.

      ``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants
    Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section
    as the `Secretary'), in consultation with the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, may make
    competitive grants to support research, education, and extension
    activities relating to the transition of nonorganic production systems
    into organic agricultural production systems for the purposes of--
              ``(1) overcoming barriers to transitioning to organic
            agricultural production;
              ``(2) documenting and understanding the effects of organic
            practices on ecosystem services, including soil health and
            fertility, greenhouse gas mitigation and sequestration, water
            management, biodiversity-related services, and pest management;
            and
              ``(3) developing improved technologies, methods, models, and
            metrics to document, describe, and optimize ecosystem services
            of transitioning agricultural production into organic
            management.
      ``(b) Grant Administration.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of
    subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
    Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) shall apply with respect to the making of
    grants under this section.
      ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2027
    and each fiscal year thereafter.''.

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

    SEC. 7301. NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
                        OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

      Section 405 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
    Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625) is amended--
              (1) by striking subsection (d);
              (2) by redesignating subsections (e) through (j) as
            subsections (d) through (i), respectively; and
              (3) in subsection (i), as so redesignated, by striking
            ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    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 ``2023''
    and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7303. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT, TRITICALE,
                        AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM
                        GRAMINEARUM OR BY TILLETIA
                        INDICA.

      Section 408(e)(3) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)(3)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7304. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.

      Section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7305. 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 (f)(3), by striking ``subsection (d) and
            (j)'' and inserting ``subsections (d), (j), and (k)'';
              (2) in subsection (g)(3), by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching
                    funds requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect
                    to a grant if the Secretary determines that--
                              ``(i) the results of the grant are of a
                            particular benefit to a specific specialty
                            crop, but such results are likely to be
                            applicable to specialty crops or agricultural
                            commodities, generally; or
                              ``(ii)(I) the grant--
                                      ``(aa) involves a minor commodity;
                                    and
                                      ``(bb) deals with scientifically
                                    important research; and
                              ``(II) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
                            matching funds requirement.'';
              (3) in subsection (j)(5), by striking ``subsection
            (k)(1)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection (l)(1)(C)'';
              (4) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l);
              (5) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
      ``(k) Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and
    Extension Program.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive
    research and extension grant program to award grants to eligible
    entities to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops in the
    United States through the advancement and acceleration of mechanization
    and automation, including projects that--
              ``(1) create or improve cost-effective mechanization and
            automation technologies to--
                      ``(A) reduce the manual labor requirements of a
                    specialty crop grower; or
                      ``(B) increase the efficiency of--
                              ``(i) crop production;
                              ``(ii) resource management;
                              ``(iii) harvesting;
                              ``(iv) processing;
                              ``(v) post-harvest technologies; or
                              ``(vi) packing;
              ``(2) increase adoption of mechanization and automation
            technologies by--
                      ``(A) emphasizing adoption drivers, including--
                              ``(i) connectivity;
                              ``(ii) autonomy;
                              ``(iii) reliability;
                              ``(iv) durability;
                              ``(v) in-field validation; or
                              ``(vi) cost-effectiveness; or
                      ``(B) investing in, and developing human capital to,
                    increase the capacity to--
                              ``(i) utilize new technologies; or
                              ``(ii) manage a more tech-focused farm
                            workforce; or
              ``(3) accelerate automation and mechanization through--
                      ``(A) prototype development;
                      ``(B) in-field trial testing;
                      ``(C) ongoing industry engagement; or
                      ``(D) rapid commercialization.''; and
              (6) in subsection (l), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as
                            follows:
                      ``(C) Reservation for specialty crop mechanization
                    and automation research and extension program.--For
                    each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary
                    shall reserve not less than $30,000,000 of the funds
                    made available under subparagraph (B) to carry out the
                    program established under subsection (k).''; and
                              (ii) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as
                            follows:
                      ``(D) Reallocation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (4),
                    any funds reserved under subparagraph (C) that remain
                    unobligated at the end of the fiscal year following the
                    fiscal year in which such funds are first made
                    available shall be reallocated to carry out activities
                    of the specialty crop research initiative established
                    under subsection (b).'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
                            ``for fiscal years 2014 through 2023''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
                            ``2031'';
                      (C) by striking paragraph (3); and
                      (D) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
                    paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively.

    SEC. 7306. AGRICULTURE GRANTS FOR VETERAN EDUCATION AND TRAINING
                        SERVICES.

      Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
    Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7624 et seq.) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:

    ``SEC. 414. AGRICULTURE GRANTS FOR VETERAN EDUCATION AND TRAINING
                        SERVICES.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program under
    which the Secretary will award competitive grants to eligible entities
    for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching
    opportunities for veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38,
    United States Code).
      ``(b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible for a grant under
    this section if such entity is--
              ``(1) a cooperative extension service;
              ``(2) a land-grant college or university (as defined in
            section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
            and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
              ``(3) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in
            such section);
              ``(4) a Hispanic-serving agricultural college and university
            (as defined in such section);
              ``(5) a State department of agriculture;
              ``(6) a nonprofit organization;
              ``(7) a community-based organization; or
              ``(8) a combination of 2 or more eligible entities described
            in paragraphs (1) through (7).
      ``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
    this section shall use the funds received through the grant--
              ``(1) to provide training and classroom education that leads
            to a comprehensive understanding of farm and ranch business
            operations and management practices;
              ``(2) to develop or identify curriculum that veteran farmers
            and ranchers can adopt to help manage their enterprise;
              ``(3) to offer education, workshops, tours, and instructor-
            supervised field experiences; or
              ``(4) to support any other activity, as identified by the
            Secretary, to increase the number of veterans pursuing
            knowledge and skills development in agriculture.
      ``(d) Matching Funds.--An entity that receives a grant under this
    section shall provide non-Federal matching funds for the purposes of
    carrying out this section in an amount equal to not less than the
    amount of the grant.
      ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2025 through 2031.''.

    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 ``2023''
    and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7308. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

      Section 614(f)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7309. FORESTRY PRODUCTS ADVANCED UTILIZATION RESEARCH.

      Section 617(f)(1) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7655b(f)(1)) is amended by
    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7310. REPEALS.

      The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
    1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.) is amended--
              (1) by striking section 404 (7 U.S.C. 7624); and
              (2) by striking section 411 (7 U.S.C. 7631).

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

    SEC. 7401. 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 ``, or
    otherwise be conveyed or transferred in whole or in part, for the
    period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on
    September 30, 2026'' and inserting ``, beginning on the date of the
    enactment of this Act''.

    SEC. 7402. FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE NETWORK.

      Section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 5936) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting ``, including
            crisis hotlines'' after ``websites'';
              (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
              (4) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
      ``(f) Referrals to Providers.--As part of the efforts of the
    recipient of a grant under subsection (a) to connect individuals to
    behavioral health counseling and wellness support and to ensure
    individuals have access to a comprehensive scope of mental health and
    substance use treatments and supports, when applicable, the grant
    recipient may establish referral relationships with--
              ``(1) certified community behavioral health clinics described
            in section 223 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014
            (42 U.S.C. 1396a note; Public Law 113-93);
              ``(2) health centers (as defined in section 330(a) of the
            Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(a)));
              ``(3) rural health clinics (as defined in section 1861(aa) of
            the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)));
              ``(4) Federally qualified health centers (as defined in that
            section); and
              ``(5) critical access hospitals (as defined in section
            1861(mm) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(mm))).''.

    SEC. 7403. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.

      Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 8114) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and bioproduct''
                    before ``technologies'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``product'' and
                    inserting ``bioproduct''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``product'' and
                    inserting ``bioproduct'';
              (2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``4 percent'' and
            inserting ``30 percent''; and
              (3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7404. REPEALS.

      The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et
    seq.) is amended--
              (1) by striking section 7521 (7 U.S.C. 3202); and
              (2) by striking section 7525 (7 U.S.C. 5937).

                      Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws

    SEC. 7501. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994.

      The Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301
    note; Public Law 103-382) is amended--
              (1) in section 533(b), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031'';
              (2) in section 534(a)(1), by striking ``equal to'' and
            inserting ``that is not less than'';
              (3) in section 535, by striking ``2023'' each place it
            appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting ``2031'';
            and
              (4) in section 536--
                      (A) in subsection (a), by inserting before the period
                    at the end the following: ``and to acquire, alter,
                    repair, maintain, and operate relevant equipment
                    necessary for strengthening the capacity of the
                    Institution to conduct research in the food and
                    agricultural sciences'';
                      (B) by striking subsection (b);
                      (C) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection
                    (b); and
                      (D) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), by
                    striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7502. RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.

      Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is
    amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7503. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

      Subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
    Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A)(iii)--
                              (i) by inserting ``regionally adapted''
                            before ``cultivar''; and
                              (ii) by inserting ``breeding for
                            environmental resilience,'' before ``and
                            participatory breeding'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ``,
                    including methods of increasing survival rate and
                    adaptability of shellfish'' after ``aquaculture'';
                      (C) in subparagraph (E)--
                              (i) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at
                            the end;
                              (ii) in clause (v), by striking the period at
                            the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(vi) hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics,
                            and other production technologies used in
                            controlled-environment agriculture
                            production.''; and
                      (D) in subparagraph (F)--
                              (i) in clause (i), by inserting ``, including
                            supply chain coordination and capacity
                            building'' after ``overseas markets'';
                              (ii) in clause (vii), by striking ``; and''
                            at the end and inserting a semicolon;
                              (iii) in clause (viii), by striking the
                            period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
                            and
                              (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(ix) workforce training and development,
                            including meat and poultry processing
                            (including rendering) and precision
                            agriculture; and
                              ``(x) reducing food loss and food waste.'';
              (2) in paragraph (7)--
                      (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (I) as
                    subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively;
                      (B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
                    following:
                      ``(D) area career and technical education schools;'';
                    and
                      (C) in subparagraph (J), as so redesignated, by
                    striking ``(H)'' and inserting ``(I)''; and
              (3) in paragraph (11)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i),
            by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7504. EXTENSION DESIGN AND DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE.

      Subsection (d)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities
    Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(d)(6)) is amended by striking
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7505. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

      Section 9008(h)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108(h)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7506. RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978.

      The Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 et
    seq.) is amended--
              (1) in section 6 (16 U.S.C. 1675), in the first sentence, by
            striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
              (2) in section 8 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note), by striking ``2023''
            and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 7507. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.

      The National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) is
    amended--
              (1) in section 4 (16 U.S.C. 2803)--
                      (A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking
                    ``acquaculture'' and inserting ``aquaculture'';
                      (B) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding
                    paragraph (1), by inserting ``, not less than once
                    every 3 years,'' after ``periodic reviews''; and
                      (C) in subsection (e)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
                            inserting ``, not less than once every 3
                            years,'' after ``undertake a continuing
                            assessment of aquaculture in the United
                            States'';
                              (ii) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at
                            the end;
                              (iii) in paragraph (6), by striking the
                            period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
                            and
                              (iv) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(7) a catalog of new and existing capital constraints, as
            described in the capital requirements plan formulated under
            section 8(b), that affect the development of the aquaculture
            industry in the United States; and
              ``(8) a catalog of new and existing Federal or State
            regulatory barriers, as described in the regulatory constraints
            plan formulated under section 9(b), to the initiation and
            operation of commercial aquaculture ventures.'';
              (2) in section 5 (16 U.S.C. 2804), by striking subsection (d)
            and inserting the following:
      ``(d) Aquaculture Advisory Committee.--
              ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,
            the Secretary shall establish an advisory committee, to be
            known as the Aquaculture Advisory Committee (referred to in
            this subsection as the `Committee'), to advise the Secretary
            on--
                      ``(A) oversight of programs of the Department and
                    other members of the coordinating group to support
                    development of, and to advance, aquaculture best
                    practices using the best available science, in
                    consultation with farmers and industry partners;
                      ``(B) providing technical assistance to aquaculture
                    farmers and businesses, including technical assistance
                    that pertains to shellfish, algae, and land-based
                    aquaculture systems, using the best available science;
                    and
                      ``(C) any other aspects of the implementation of this
                    Act.
              ``(2) Membership.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of
                    14 members, who are not officers or employees of the
                    Federal Government.
                      ``(B) Initial appointments.--The Secretary shall
                    appoint the members of the Committee not later than 180
                    days after the date of enactment of this section.
                      ``(C) Period of initial appointment; vacancies.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
                            clause (ii), a member of the Committee shall be
                            appointed for a term of 3 years.
                              ``(ii) Initial appointments.--Of the members
                            first appointed to the Committee--
                                      ``(I) 5 of the members, as determined
                                    by the Secretary, shall be appointed
                                    for a term of 3 years;
                                      ``(II) 5 of the members, as
                                    determined by the Secretary, shall be
                                    appointed for a term of 2 years; and
                                      ``(III) 4 of the members, as
                                    determined by the Secretary, shall be
                                    appointed for a term of 1 year.
                              ``(iii) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the
                            Committee--
                                      ``(I) shall not affect the powers of
                                    the Committee; and
                                      ``(II) shall be filled as soon as
                                    practicable in the same manner as the
                                    original appointment.
                      ``(D) Consecutive terms.--An initial appointee of the
                    Committee may serve an additional consecutive term if
                    the member is reappointed by the Secretary.
              ``(3) Meetings.--
                      ``(A) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet not fewer
                    than 3 times per year.
                      ``(B) Initial meeting.--Not later than 180 days after
                    the date on which the members are appointed under
                    paragraph (2)(B), the Committee shall hold the first
                    meeting of the Committee.
              ``(4) Duties.--The Committee shall--
                      ``(A) develop recommendations and advise the
                    Secretary on aquaculture policies, initiatives, and
                    outreach administered by the Department;
                      ``(B) evaluate and review ongoing research and
                    extension activities relating to aquaculture practices;
                      ``(C) identify new and existing barriers to
                    successful aquaculture practices; and
                      ``(D) provide additional assistance and advice to the
                    Secretary as appropriate.
              ``(5) Personnel matters.--
                      ``(A) Compensation.--A member of the Committee shall
                    serve without compensation.
                      ``(B) Travel expenses.--A member of the Committee
                    shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in
                    lieu of subsistence, in accordance with section 5703 of
                    title 5, United States Code.
              ``(6) Termination.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
                    Committee shall terminate on the date that is 5 years
                    after the date on which the members are appointed under
                    paragraph (2)(B).
                      ``(B) Extensions.--Before the date on which the
                    Committee terminates, the Secretary may renew the
                    Committee for 1 or more 2-year periods.
      ``(e) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and
    each year thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the coordinating
    group and in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the
    Secretary of the Interior, shall prepare on an annual basis, and submit
    to Congress, a report on the status of aquaculture in the United
    States. Such report shall contain--
              ``(1) a description and evaluation of the actions undertaken
            with respect to the Plan during the reporting period;
              ``(2) an explanation of any revisions made to the Plan during
            the reporting period;
              ``(3) the results of the continuing assessment established
            under section 4(e);
              ``(4) an evaluation of the role each Federal department or
            agency has in supporting the aquaculture industry;
              ``(5) the total amount and value of expenditures of Federal
            departments or agencies on--
                      ``(A) aquaculture purchases;
                      ``(B) aquaculture promotion and outreach supporting
                    the aquaculture industry;
                      ``(C) grants made to the aquaculture industry; and
                      ``(D) grants to facilitate aquaculture research and
                    the subject matter of such research;
              ``(6) a summary of the activities and recommendations of the
            Aquaculture Advisory Committee established under subsection
            (d);
              ``(7) a summary of the activities and recommendations of the
            coordinating group; and
              ``(8) such other comments and recommendations as the
            Secretary determines appropriate.''; and
              (3) in section 10 (16 U.S.C. 2809), by striking ``2023'' each
            place it appears in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7508. REPORTS ON DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
                        AND EXTENSION AT 1862 AND 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES,
                        INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

       Section 7116 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
    2207d) is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Not
            later than'' and inserting the following:
      ``(a) In General.--Not later than''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(b) Outreach.--Not later than February 1 of each fiscal year, the
    Secretary shall provide information relating to each matching
    requirement applicable to the State under the programs referred to in
    subsection (a) to the Governor and legislature of each State in which
    an 1862 Institution or 1890 Institution (as those terms are defined in
    section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform
    Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)) is located.
      ``(c) Attestations.--
              ``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than once each
            calendar year, the Governor of each State described in
            subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an attestation
            that describes if the State is able to fulfill each matching
            requirement with respect to which information is provided by
            the Secretary under such subsection for such State and calendar
            year.
              ``(2) Reports.--Not later than December 31 of each calendar
            year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly
            available on the website of the Department of Agriculture, an
            annual report describing the attestations received under
            paragraph (1) during that calendar year.''.

    SEC. 7509. REPEAL.

      Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (title XIV of Public Law 99-198;
    99 Stat. 1556) is repealed.

    SEC. 7510. AMENDMENT TO SMITH-LEVER ACT.

      Section 3(b)(3) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)) is
    amended by inserting after ``for the purposes set forth in section 2''
    the following: ``, and for 1994 Institutions to acquire, alter, repair,
    maintain, and operate relevant equipment necessary to strengthen the
    capacity of such 1994 Institutions to achieve the purposes set forth in
    section 2''.

                           Subtitle F--Other Matters

    SEC. 7601. FOUNDATION FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH.

      Section 7601 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5939) is
    amended--
              (1) in subsection (d)(1)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``of
                            Agriculture; and'' and inserting a semicolon;
                            and
                              (ii) by striking clause (iii); and
                      (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``the roadmap
                    for agricultural research, education, and extension
                    authorized by section 7504 of the Food, Conservation,
                    and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7614a)'' and inserting
                    ``the national research policies and priorities set
                    forth in section 1402 of the National Agricultural
                    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
                    U.S.C. 3101)'';
              (2) in subsection (e)(2)(C)(i)--
                      (A) in subclause (I), by striking ``National Academy
                    of Sciences'' and inserting ``National Agricultural
                    Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory
                    Board established under section 1408 of the National
                    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
                    Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123)''; and
                      (B) in subclause (II), by striking ``industry'' and
                    inserting ``national farm, producer, or research
                    organizations''; and
              (3) in subsection (f)(3)(B)(i)--
                      (A) in subclause (I)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding item (aa), by
                            striking ``and post online'' and inserting
                            ``online and submit to the Committee on
                            Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
                            the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                            Forestry of the Senate'';
                              (ii) in item (bb), by striking ``and'' at the
                            end;
                              (iii) in item (cc), by striking the period at
                            the end and inserting a semicolon; and
                              (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                                              ``(dd) the source and a
                                            description of all gifts to the
                                            Foundation of real or personal
                                            property;
                                              ``(ee) the source and amount
                                            of each gift to the Foundation
                                            of money, including a
                                            specification of any
                                            restrictions on the purposes
                                            for which a gift to the
                                            Foundation may be used;
                                              ``(ff) the source and amount
                                            of any Federal or State grant,
                                            contract, or cooperative
                                            agreement awarded to the
                                            Foundation;
                                              ``(gg) an accounting of the
                                            use of funds made available
                                            under subsection (g)(1);
                                              ``(hh) a description of the
                                            Foundation's outreach
                                            activities to agricultural
                                            stakeholders and potential
                                            research partners; and
                                              ``(ii) a description of the
                                            Foundation's consultation
                                            process with the Department
                                            under subsection (d)(1)(B).'';
                      (B) by striking subclauses (II) and (III); and
                      (C) by redesignating subclause (IV) as subclause
                    (II).

    SEC. 7602. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

      Section 6402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 1632b) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) by striking ``Each Agriculture Innovation
                            Center'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph
                            (3), each Agriculture Innovation Center''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``following::'' and
                            inserting ``following:''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement
            described in paragraph (2) with respect to an eligible entity
            if the Secretary determines that the eligible entity has a
            board of directors adequate for the purpose of carrying out
            this section.''; and
              (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 7603. LIVESTOCK INSECTS LABORATORY.

      Public Law 100-208 (101 Stat. 1439) is amended by striking
    ``Knipling-Bushland Research Laboratory'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``Knipling-Bushland Research Center''.

    SEC. 7604. U.S. ABIT MASSEY NATIONAL POULTRY RESEARCH CENTER.

      (a) Designation.--The U.S. National Poultry Research Center of the
    Department of Agriculture located in Athens, Georgia shall be known and
    designated as the ``U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research
    Center''.
      (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document,
    paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to
    in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``U.S. Abit
    Massey National Poultry Research Center''.

    SEC. 7605. HATCH ACT OF 1887.

      Section 5 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is amended--
              (1) in the second sentence--
                      (A) by striking ``known as a director'' and inserting
                    ``known as an experiment station director''; and
                      (B) by striking ``or other officer appointed by the
                    government board of the station'';
              (2) in the third sentence, by striking ``or other officer'';
            and
              (3) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``the authorized
            receiving officer'' and inserting ``the experiment station
            director''.

    SEC. 7606. COMMISSION ON NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE
                        MODERNIZATION.

      (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known as
    the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service
    Modernization (referred to in this section as the ``Commission'').
      (b) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study of the National
    Agricultural Statistics Service and provide recommendations on--
              (1) how data collection can be modernized and streamlined
            to--
                      (A) improve the quality of statistics reported;
                      (B) account for differences of national, regional,
                    and local production;
                      (C) accelerate adoption of new and innovative
                    technologies to reduce the number of surveys needed;
                      (D) improve producer response rates in statistical
                    surveys and identifying ways to reduce survey fatigue;
                      (E) increase transparency and confidence in
                    statistical reports through improved collaboration with
                    agricultural stakeholders;
                      (F) use more real-time statistical and environmental
                    data to complement existing survey-based data and
                    reporting; and
                      (G) improve collection and generation of timely data
                    on the specialty crop industry; and
              (2) how the recommendations under paragraph (1) with respect
            to modernizing and streamlining data collection can be
            implemented and the estimated costs of such implementation.
      (c) Membership.--
              (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 11
            members, as follows:
                      (A) The Administrator of the National Agricultural
                    Statistics Service.
                      (B) The Administrator of the Economic Research
                    Service.
                      (C) The Chief Economist of the Department.
                      (D) The Chair of the World Agricultural Outlook Board
                    of the Department.
                      (E) A representative from the Bureau of Labor
                    Statistics.
                      (F) 3 members appointed by the Committee on
                    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, of
                    which--
                              (i) 1 shall be appointed by the chair of the
                            Committee;
                              (ii) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking
                            member of the Committee; and
                              (iii) 1 shall be appointed jointly by the
                            chair and ranking member of the Committee.
                      (G) 3 members appointed by the Committee on
                    Agriculture of the House of Representatives, of which--
                              (i) 1 shall be appointed by the chair of the
                            Committee;
                              (ii) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking
                            member of the Committee; and
                              (iii) 1 shall be appointed jointly by the
                            chair and ranking member of the Committee.
              (2) Date of appointments.--The appointment of all members of
            the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after the
            date of enactment of this Act.
              (3) Term; vacancies.--
                      (A) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life
                    of the Commission.
                      (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
                              (i) shall not affect the powers of the
                            Commission; and
                              (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as
                            the original appointment was made.
              (4) Initial meeting.--Not later than 60 days after the date
            on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the
            Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.
      (d) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
    constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser
    number of members may hold hearings.
      (e) Chair.--The Chair of the Commission shall be selected by a
    majority of the members of the Commission.
      (f) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President, the Committee
    on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report containing
    the results of the study required by subsection (b), including--
              (1) an inventory of surveys conducted by the Commission, and
            the frequency with which they are conducted; and
              (2) such recommendations for administrative, regulatory, and
            legislative changes as the Commission considers appropriate.
      (g) Hearings.--The Commission shall hold such hearings, meet and act
    at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such
    evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this
    section.
      (h) Stakeholder Engagement.--The Commission shall establish a process
    to collect feedback from agricultural stakeholders to inform the
    results of the study required under subsection (b) and the report
    required under subsection (f).
      (i) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
    directly from a Federal agency such information as the Commission
    considers necessary to carry out this section. On request of the
    Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall provide the
    information to the Commission.
      (j) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mail
    in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of
    the Federal Government.
      (k) Assistance From Secretary.--The Secretary shall provide to the
    Commission appropriate office space and such reasonable administrative
    and support services as the Commission may request.
      (l) Compensation of Members.--
              (1) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is
            not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be
            compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
            annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
            Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
            Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the
            member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the
            Commission.
              (2) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is an
            officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve
            without compensation in addition to the compensation received
            for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the
            Federal Government.
              (3) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be
            allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
            subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency
            under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
            Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of
            the member in the performance of the duties of the Commission.
      (m) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Sections 1009 and 1013 of title
    5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Commission or any
    proceeding of the Commission.
      (n) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on September 30,
    2031.
      (o) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
    Secretary shall use to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal
    year 2026, to remain available until expended.

    SEC. 7607. RESTORATION OF 4-H NAME AND EMBLEM AUTHORITY.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) 4-H club.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``4-H club'' means a 4-H
                    club recognized under the 4-H Program.
                      (B) Inclusion.--The term ``4-H club'' includes an
                    authorized agent of a 4-H club.
              (2) 4-H emblem or name.--The term ``4-H emblem or name''
            means the 4-H sign or emblem, consisting of a green four-leaf
            clover with stem and the letter ``H'' in white or gold on each
            leaflet, and the words ``4-H'', ``4-H Club'', and ``4-H
            Clubs'', used to identify and distinguish the 4-H Program and
            the activities, clubs, members, goods, and services of the 4-H
            Program.
              (3) 4-H program.--The term ``4-H Program''--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``4-H Program'' means the
                    youth development program of the land-grant colleges or
                    universities, the Cooperative Extension System (as
                    defined by the Secretary), and the Department.
                      (B) Inclusion.--The term ``4-H Program'' includes an
                    authorized agent of the 4-H Program.
              (4) Land-grant college or university.--The term ``land-grant
            college or university''--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``land-grant college or
                    university'' means an 1862 Institution, an 1890
                    Institution, or a 1994 Institution (as those terms are
                    defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
                    Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
                    7601)).
                      (B) Inclusion.--The term ``land-grant college or
                    university'' includes an authorized agent of a land-
                    grant college or university.
      (b) Effect of Repeal; Ratification.--
              (1) Civil acts.--Any civil act or action of the 4-H Program,
            a 4-H club, the Secretary, or a land-grant college or
            university taken with respect to the use of the 4-H emblem or
            name, or the recognition of any 4-H club, during the period
            beginning on May 8, 1914, and ending on the date of enactment
            of this Act, is deemed to be of legal force and effect and
            ratified as if section 1002(3) of the Clean Up the Code Act of
            2019 (title X of division O of Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat.
            2155) had not been enacted into law.
              (2) Effect on criminal law.--Nothing in this subsection
            affects the effect on criminal law of the repeal made by
            section 1002(3) of the Clean Up the Code Act of 2019 (title X
            of division O of Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat. 2155).
      (c) Authorizations for Use of 4-H Emblem or Name; Fees; Deposits.--
              (1) Authorization.--The Secretary may--
                      (A) use the 4-H emblem or name; and
                      (B) grant authorizations to use the 4-H emblem or
                    name, as provided by regulations issued by the
                    Secretary.
              (2) Fees.--An authorization under paragraph (1) may be
            granted--
                      (A) without a fee or other consideration; or
                      (B) for a fee or other consideration.
              (3) Use of fees.--The Secretary shall deposit into a special
            account any fees collected under paragraph (2)(B), the amounts
            in which shall remain available to the Secretary until
            expended, without further appropriation, for furthering the 4-H
            Program.
      (d) Unauthorized Use of 4-H Emblem or Name.--
              (1) Prohibition.--Whoever, other than the 4-H Program, a 4-H
            club, the Department, a land-grant college or university, and
            those authorized by them, uses in commerce the 4-H emblem or
            name or any reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable
            imitation of the 4-H emblem or name to indicate membership in
            an association, organization, or other collective group, or in
            connection with the sale, offering for sale, distribution, or
            advertising of goods or services, on or in connection with
            which that use is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake,
            or to deceive as to membership or participation in, an
            affiliation, connection, or association with, or authorization
            or approval by, a 4-H club or the 4-H Program, shall be subject
            to the civil action under paragraph (2).
              (2) Civil action.--The Attorney General, on behalf of the
            Secretary, or contract counsel procured by the Secretary, may
            bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the
            United States against whoever engages in any of the prohibited
            acts described in paragraph (1) for the remedies provided in
            the Act of July 5, 1946 (commonly known as the ``Trademark Act
            of 1946'' or the ``Lanham Act'') (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.).
      (e) Savings Clauses.--
              (1) Prior authorized uses.--Nothing in this section makes
            unlawful the use of any emblem, name, sign, symbol, insignia,
            or words that was lawful on December 26, 2020.
              (2) Delegation.--Nothing in this section limits the authority
            of the Secretary to delegate the authority of the Secretary as
            otherwise authorized by law.

    SEC. 7608. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND
                        ECONOMICS.

      Section 251 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) be responsible for the coordination of research
            activities with other Federal agencies.'';
              (2) in subsection (e)(3)(C), by striking ``not less than 3
            years'' and inserting ``not less than 1 year''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(h) Interagency Coordination.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out cross-
            cutting and collaborative research and development activities
            focused on the joint advancement of the mission requirements
            and priorities of the Department of Agriculture and other
            Federal agencies.
              ``(2) Memoranda of understanding.--
                      ``(A) Department of energy.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year
                            after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food,
                            and National Security Act of 2026, the
                            Secretary and the Secretary of Energy(referred
                            to in this subparagraph as the `Secretaries')
                            shall coordinate the activities under paragraph
                            (1) through the establishment of memoranda of
                            understanding or other appropriate interagency
                            agreements. Such a memorandum or such an
                            agreement shall require the use of a
                            competitive, merit-reviewed process as
                            appropriate. Activities may include components
                            proposed by Federal agencies, National
                            Laboratories, institutions of higher education,
                            nonprofit organizations, and other entities
                            deemed appropriate under the memorandum or
                            agreement.
                              ``(ii) Coordination.--In carrying out the
                            activities under paragraph (1), the Secretaries
                            may--
                                      ``(I) conduct collaborative research
                                    in a variety of focus areas;
                                      ``(II) develop methods to accommodate
                                    large voluntary standardized and
                                    integrated data sets on agricultural,
                                    environmental, supply chain, and
                                    economic information with variable
                                    accuracy and scale;
                                      ``(III) promote collaboration and
                                    open community-based development
                                    between--
                                              ``(aa) Federal agencies;
                                              ``(bb) National Laboratories;
                                              ``(cc) institutions of higher
                                            education (as defined in
                                            section 101 of the Higher
                                            Education Act of 1965 (20
                                            U.S.C. 1001));
                                              ``(dd) nonprofit
                                            institutions;
                                              ``(ee) industry partners; and
                                              ``(ff) other entities deemed
                                            appropriate under the
                                            memorandum or agreement
                                            involved;
                                      ``(IV) support research
                                    infrastructure, including new
                                    facilities and equipment, and workforce
                                    development as the Secretaries
                                    determine necessary;
                                      ``(V) conduct collaborative research,
                                    development, and demonstration of
                                    methods and technologies; and
                                      ``(VI) facilitate relations between
                                    public and private entities to carry on
                                    the activities of this clause upon the
                                    termination of any agreement
                                    established under this subparagraph.
                              ``(iii) Agreements.--In carrying out the
                            activities under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretaries are authorized to--
                                      ``(I) carry out reimbursable
                                    agreements between the Department of
                                    Agriculture, the Department of Defense,
                                    and other entities in order to maximize
                                    the effectiveness of research and
                                    development; and
                                      ``(II) collaborate with other Federal
                                    agencies, as appropriate.
                      ``(B) National science foundation.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year
                            after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food,
                            and National Security Act of 2026, the
                            Secretary and the Director of the National
                            Science Foundation (referred to in this
                            subparagraph as the ``Director'') shall
                            coordinate the activities under paragraph (1)
                            through the establishment of memoranda of
                            understanding or other appropriate interagency
                            agreements. Such a memorandum or such an
                            agreement shall require the use of a
                            competitive, merit-reviewed process as
                            appropriate. Activities may include components
                            proposed by Federal agencies, institutions of
                            higher education, nonprofit organizations, and
                            other entities deemed appropriate under the
                            memorandum or agreement.
                              ``(ii) Coordination.--In carrying out the
                            activities under paragraph (1), the Secretary
                            and the Director may--
                                      ``(I) conduct collaborative research
                                    in a variety of focus areas;
                                      ``(II) promote collaboration and
                                    open, community-based development
                                    between--
                                              ``(aa) Federal agencies;
                                              ``(bb) institutions of higher
                                            education;
                                              ``(cc) community colleges (as
                                            defined in section 3167B of the
                                            Energy Science Education
                                            Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C.
                                            7381c-3));
                                              ``(dd) area career and
                                            technical education schools (as
                                            defined in section 3 of the
                                            Carl D. Perkins Career and
                                            Technical Education Act of 2006
                                            (20 U.S.C. 2302));
                                              ``(ee) nonprofit
                                            institutions;
                                              ``(ff) industry partners; and
                                              ``(gg) other entities deemed
                                            appropriate under the
                                            memorandum or agreement;
                                      ``(III) support research
                                    infrastructure, including new
                                    facilities, equipment and broadband
                                    deployment, as the Secretary and
                                    Director determine necessary;
                                      ``(IV) develop translational
                                    technologies for commercial
                                    utilization;
                                      ``(V) organize education, training,
                                    and research initiatives relating to
                                    STEM education and workforce
                                    development, which may include--
                                              ``(aa) activities supported
                                            by the Cooperative Extension
                                            System;
                                              ``(bb) industrial partnership
                                            programs;
                                              ``(cc) workshops for
                                            educating kindergarten through
                                            grade 12 teachers on how to
                                            increase agricultural literacy;
                                              ``(dd) development of
                                            agricultural-based science
                                            curricula for kindergarten
                                            through grade 12 students; and
                                              ``(ee) distribution of
                                            resources for educators to
                                            implement curricula; and
                                      ``(VI) facilitate relationships
                                    between public and private entities to
                                    carry on the activities under this
                                    clause upon the termination of any
                                    agreement established under this
                                    subparagraph.
                              ``(iii) Agreements.--In carrying out the
                            activities under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretary and the Director are authorized to--
                                      ``(I) carry out reimbursable
                                    agreements between the Department of
                                    Agriculture, the National Science
                                    Foundation, and other entities in order
                                    to maximize the effectiveness of
                                    research and development; and
                                      ``(II) collaborate with other Federal
                                    agencies as appropriate.
                      ``(C) Department of defense.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year
                            after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food,
                            and National Security Act of 2026, the
                            Secretary and the Secretary of Defense
                            (referred to in this subparagraph as the
                            `Secretaries') shall coordinate the activities
                            under paragraph (1) through the establishment
                            of memoranda of understanding or other
                            appropriate interagency agreements. Such a
                            memorandum or such an agreement shall require
                            the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed
                            process as appropriate. Activities may include
                            components proposed by Federal agencies,
                            National Laboratories, institutions of higher
                            education, nonprofit organizations, industry,
                            and other entities deemed appropriate under the
                            memorandum or agreement.
                              ``(ii) Coordination.--In carrying out the
                            activities under paragraph (1), the Secretaries
                            may--
                                      ``(I) conduct collaborative research
                                    in a variety of focus areas, including
                                    the areas specified in clause (iv);
                                      ``(II) develop methods to accommodate
                                    large voluntary standardized and
                                    integrated data sets on agricultural,
                                    environmental, supply chain, and
                                    economic information with variable
                                    accuracy and scale;
                                      ``(III) promote collaboration and
                                    secure information sharing with
                                    stakeholders that are capable of
                                    increasing market-based adoption of
                                    technologies developed pursuant to the
                                    memoranda of understanding or other
                                    appropriate interagency agreements
                                    entered into under this subparagraph;
                                      ``(IV) promote collaboration and open
                                    community-based development between--
                                              ``(aa) Federal agencies;
                                              ``(bb) National Laboratories;
                                              ``(cc) institutions of higher
                                            education (as defined in
                                            section 101 of the Higher
                                            Education Act of 1965 (20
                                            U.S.C. 1001));
                                              ``(dd) nonprofit
                                            institutions;
                                              ``(ee) industry partners; and
                                              ``(ff) other entities deemed
                                            appropriate under the
                                            memorandum or agreement
                                            involved;
                                      ``(V) support research
                                    infrastructure, including new
                                    facilities and equipment, and workforce
                                    development as the Secretaries
                                    determine necessary;
                                      ``(VI) conduct collaborative
                                    research, development, and
                                    demonstration of methods and
                                    technologies; and
                                      ``(VII) facilitate relations between
                                    public and private entities to carry on
                                    the activities of this clause upon the
                                    termination of any agreement
                                    established under this subparagraph.
                              ``(iii) Agreements.--In carrying out the
                            activities under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretaries are authorized to--
                                      ``(I) carry out reimbursable
                                    agreements between the Department of
                                    Agriculture, the Department of Defense,
                                    and other entities in order to maximize
                                    the effectiveness of research and
                                    development; and
                                      ``(II) collaborate with other Federal
                                    agencies, as appropriate.
                              ``(iv) Focus areas described.--The focus
                            areas described in this clause are the
                            following:
                                      ``(I) Management strategies for
                                    water, energy, soil, forests, and food
                                    to reduce scarcity risks to civilian
                                    and military operations.
                                      ``(II) Innovations applicable to
                                    defense objectives and beneficial to
                                    rural agricultural economies,
                                    including--
                                              ``(aa) precision agriculture
                                            technologies;
                                              ``(bb) drones;
                                              ``(cc) remote sensing; and
                                              ``(dd) positioning,
                                            navigation, and timing
                                            capabilities.
                                      ``(III) Mitigation of the impacts of
                                    chemicals, specifically perfluoroalkyl
                                    and polyfluoroalkyl substances
                                    (commonly referred to as PFAS),
                                    released through activities carried out
                                    by the Department of Defense, to
                                    farmland contiguous to military bases.
                      ``(D) Other federal agencies.--In addition to the
                    memoranda of understanding with Federal agencies
                    described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary
                    shall, as appropriate, enter into memoranda of
                    understanding with the heads of other Federal agencies
                    to coordinate the activities under paragraph (1).
              ``(3) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,
            the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional
            committees a report detailing--
                      ``(A) interagency coordination between each Federal
                    agency involved in the research and development
                    activities carried out under this section;
                      ``(B) potential opportunities to expand the technical
                    capabilities of each Federal agency involved in the
                    research and development activities carried out under
                    this section;
                      ``(C) collaborative research achievements;
                      ``(D) areas of future mutually beneficial successes;
                      ``(E) continuation of coordination activities between
                    each Federal agency involved in the research and
                    development activities carried out under this section;
                      ``(F) potential opportunities for additional
                    memoranda of understanding with other Federal agencies;
                    and
                      ``(G) any additional information as the Secretary
                    deems appropriate.
              ``(4) Research security.--The activities authorized under
            this section shall be applied in a manner consistent with
            subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development,
            Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of the
            CHIPS Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et
            seq.)).''.

    SEC. 7609. AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION CORPS.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an Agricultural
    Innovation Corps (referred to in this section as the ``Ag I-Corps'') to
    promote technology transfer and increase the economic impact of
    federally-funded research through--
              (1) supporting agricultural researchers, students, and
            institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of
            the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), in
            exploring the commercial potential of technologies developed in
            laboratories through a standardized entrepreneurial training
            program; and
              (2) bringing together Agriculture Research Service
            researchers and institutions of higher education within a
            distinct geographical region to collaborate and deliver a
            standardized entrepreneurial training curriculum.
      (b) Eligibility.--Agricultural researchers, students, and
    institutions of higher education receiving funds from the Department
    shall be eligible to participate in Ag I-Corps.
      (c) Follow-on Grants.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary may make funds available from
            the Small Business Innovation Research Program for competitive
            grants to Ag I-Corps participants to help support--
                      (A) prototype or proof-of-concept development; and
                      (B) such activities as the Secretary considers
                    necessary to build local, regional, and national
                    infrastructure for agricultural entrepreneurship.
              (2) Limitation.--Grants under paragraph (1) shall be limited
            to participants in Ag I-Corps with innovations that, because of
            the early stage of development of such innovations, are not
            eligible to participate in a Small Business Innovation Research
            Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program (as
            defined in section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
            638)).
      (d) Partnerships.--The Secretary may engage in partnerships with
    other Federal agencies, State and local governments, economic
    development organizations, and nonprofit organizations to provide
    access to Ag I-Corps to support entrepreneurship education and training
    for agricultural researchers, students, and institutions of higher
    education under this section.
      (e) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2027, and not less
    frequently than once every other year, 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 efficacy of Ag I-Corps, including metrics on the
    effectiveness of the program.

    SEC. 7610. STUDY ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH RESPECT TO TRANSFER OF
                        AGRICULTURAL LAND AND ASSETS.

      (a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of
    Agriculture shall conduct a study on, and submit to Congress a report
    on, ways to increase opportunities for 1890 Institutions (as defined in
    section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform
    Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)) to conduct educational programs and
    provide technical assistance with respect to issues relating to the
    transfers of agricultural land and assets, including heirs property, to
    the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
      (b) Heirs Property Defined.--In this section, the term ``heirs
    property'' means real property held in tenancy in common which, as of
    the date on which a partition action is filed, satisfies all of the
    following requirements:
              (1) There is no recorded agreement binding all the co-tenants
            which governs the partition of the property.
              (2) One or more of the co-tenants acquired title from a
            relative, whether living or deceased.
              (3) Any of the following applies:
                      (A) 20 percent or more of the interests are held by
                    co-tenants who are relatives.
                      (B) 20 percent or more of the interests are held by
                    an individual who acquired title from a relative,
                    whether living or deceased.
                      (C) 20 percent or more of the co-tenants are
                    relatives.

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

            Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

    SEC. 8101. SUPPORT FOR STATE ASSESSMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR FOREST
                        RESOURCES.

      Section 2A(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16
    U.S.C. 2101a(f)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``to carry out this
            section,'' and all that follows through the period at the end
            and inserting the following: ``the Secretary may use any other
            funds made available under this Act to develop and implement
            the State-wide assessment and State-wide strategy required by
            subsection (a), except that the total amount of combined
            funding used to develop and implement such assessment and
            strategy may not exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year.''.

    SEC. 8102. FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

      Section 7(l)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
    (16 U.S.C. 2103c(l)(3)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the State of Vermont''
            and inserting ``a State''; and
              (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), in the matter preceding
            subclause (I), by striking ``of Vermont'' and inserting
            ``involved''.

    SEC. 8103. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
                        PROGRAM.

      Section 13A(l)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
    (16 U.S.C. 2109a(l)(3)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 8104. RURAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL.

      Section 10 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16
    U.S.C 2106) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (e)(2)(B), by striking ``in kind
            contributions.'' and inserting ``in-kind contributions. The
            Secretary may waive the Federal share requirements of this
            subparagraph with respect to any such funds made available to
            rural volunteer fire departments.''; and
              (2) in subsection (g)(1)--
                      (A) by striking ``any organized, not for profit, fire
                    protection organization'' and inserting ``any fire
                    protection organization that is organized as a not for
                    profit organization or by the authority of a local
                    government and'';
                      (B) by striking ``10,000'' and inserting ``15,000'';
                    and
                      (C) by striking ``80'' and inserting ``70''.

              Subtitle B--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

    SEC. 8201. PROMOTING CROSS-BOUNDARY WILDFIRE MITIGATION.

      Section 103(e)(5) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6513(e)(5)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 8202. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION
                        ON FEDERAL LAND.

      Section 108 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6518) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 8203. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.

      Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6542) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as
                    paragraphs (2) through (8), respectively;
                      (B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so
                    redesignated, the following:
              ``(1) Adjacent land.--The term `adjacent land' means non-
            Federal land, including State, local, and private land, that is
            adjacent to, and within the same watershed as, National Forest
            System land on which a watershed protection and restoration
            project is carried out under this section.''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
                              (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and
                            (H) as subparagraphs (K) and (L), respectively;
                            and
                              (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the
                            following:
                      ``(G) an acequia association;
                      ``(H) a local, regional, or other public entity that
                    manages stormwater or wastewater resources or other
                    related water infrastructure;
                      ``(I) a land-grant mercedes;
                      ``(J) a local, regional, or other private entity that
                    has water delivery authority;'';
              (2) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting
                    the following:
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(2) Requirements.--A watershed protection and restoration
            project under the Program shall be designed to--
                      ``(A) protect and restore watershed health, water
                    supply and quality, a municipal or agricultural water
                    supply system, and water-related infrastructure;
                      ``(B) protect and restore forest health from insect
                    infestation and disease or wildfire; or
                      ``(C) advance any combination of the purposes
                    described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
              ``(3) Priorities.--In selecting watershed protection and
            restoration projects under the Program, the Secretary shall
            give priority to projects that--
                      ``(A) provide risk management benefits associated
                    with drought; wildfire; post-wildfire conditions;
                    extreme weather; flooding; resilience to climate
                    change; and watershed and fire resilience, including
                    minimizing risks to watershed health, water supply and
                    quality, and water-related infrastructure, including
                    municipal and agricultural water supply systems;
                      ``(B) support aquatic restoration and conservation
                    efforts that complement existing or planned forest
                    restoration or wildfire risk reduction efforts; or
                      ``(C) provide quantifiable benefits to water supply
                    or quality and include the use of nature-based
                    solutions, such as restoring wetland and riparian
                    ecosystems.
              ``(4) Conditions for projects on adjacent land.--
                      ``(A) In general.--No project or activity may be
                    carried out under this section on adjacent land unless
                    the owner of the adjacent land agrees in writing that
                    the owner is a willing and engaged partner in carrying
                    out that project or activity.
                      ``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this section shall be
                    construed to authorize any change in--
                              ``(i) the ownership of adjacent land on which
                            a project or activity is carried out under this
                            section; or
                              ``(ii) the management of adjacent land on
                            which a project or activity is carried out
                            under this section, except during the carrying
                            out of that project or activity.'';
              (3) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``watersheds that
                    provide water to the end water users'' and inserting
                    ``watersheds, and lands adjacent to any such watershed,
                    that provide water--
                      ``(A) to the end water users subject to the
                    agreement; or
                      ``(B) for the benefit of another end water user.'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or''
                            at the end;
                              (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
                            subparagraph (E); and
                              (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
                            following:
                      ``(D) a good neighbor agreement entered into under
                    section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C.
                    2113a); or''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Cooperation with non-federal partners.--The Secretary
            shall cooperate with non-Federal partners in carrying out
            assessments, planning, project design, and project
            implementation under this section.'';
              (4) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
              ``(2) Requirements.--A water source management plan shall
            be--
                      ``(A) designed to protect and restore ecological
                    integrity (as defined in section 219.19 of title 36,
                    Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
                    of enactment of this subparagraph));
                      ``(B) based on the best available scientific
                    information; and
                      ``(C) conducted in a manner consistent with the
                    forest plan applicable to the National Forest System
                    land on which the watershed protection and restoration
                    project is carried out.''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Reducing redundancy.--An existing watershed plan, such
            as a watershed protection and restoration action plan developed
            under section 304(a)(3), or other applicable watershed planning
            documents as approved by the Secretary may be used as the basis
            for a water source management plan under this subsection.'';
              (5) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``primary purpose of''
            and all that follows through the period at the end and
            inserting ``primary purpose of advancing any of the purposes
            described in subsection (b)(2).'';
              (6) in subsection (g), by amending paragraph (2) to read as
            follows:
              ``(2) Matching funds required.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
                    Secretary shall require the contribution of funds or
                    in-kind support from non-Federal partners to be in an
                    amount that is not less than 50 percent of the amount
                    of Federal funds.
                      ``(B) Waiver.--The requirement in subparagraph (A)
                    may be waived at the discretion of the Secretary.'';
                    and
              (7) in subsection (g)(4)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2019 through
                    2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) Set-aside for partner participation in planning
                    and technical assistance.--Of the amounts made
                    available under subparagraph (B) to carry out this
                    section for each fiscal year, the Secretary may not use
                    more than 10 percent for non-Federal partner planning
                    and technical assistance efforts in developing or
                    implementing a water source management plan under
                    subsection (d).''.

    SEC. 8204. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

      Section 304(a) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6543(a)) is amended in paragraphs (3) and (5) by striking
    ``protection and''.

    SEC. 8205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO COMBAT INSECT
                        INFESTATIONS AND RELATED DISEASES.

      Section 406 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6556) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2023'' and inserting
    ``October 1, 2031''.

    SEC. 8206. INSECT AND DISEASE INFESTATION.

      Section 602(d)(2) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6591a(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 8207. STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING PROJECTS.

      Section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6591c) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, including retaining
            and expanding existing forest products infrastructure necessary
            to carry out an agreement or contract under this subsection''
            before the period at the end;
              (2) in subsection (d)(3)(B), by striking ``10 years'' and
            inserting ``20 years''; and
              (3) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Special rule for long-term stewardship contracts.--
                      ``(A) Definition of multiyear contract.--In this
                    paragraph, the term `multiyear contract' means a
                    contract entered into under subsection (b) that--
                              ``(i) has a term of at least 5 years; and
                              ``(ii) is entered into on or after the date
                            of enactment of this paragraph.
                      ``(B) Special rule.--A multiyear contract entered
                    into under subsection (b) by the Chief or the Director
                    with an entity shall provide that, in the case of
                    cancellation or termination of the multiyear contract
                    by the Chief or the Director, the Chief or the
                    Director, as applicable, shall provide to the entity a
                    cancellation or termination payment equal to the lesser
                    of--
                              ``(i) an amount equal to 10 percent of the
                            multiyear contract; or
                              ``(ii) the amount of unrecovered costs that
                            would have been recouped through amortization
                            over the full term of the contract (including
                            the term canceled).''.

                      Subtitle C--Other Forestry Programs

    SEC. 8301. NATIONAL AND REGIONAL AGROFORESTRY CENTERS.

      Section 1243 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended--
              (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``national
            and regional agroforestry centers'';
              (2) by redesignating subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) as
            subsections (b), (d), (e), and (h), respectively;
              (3) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated)
            the following:
      ``(a) Definition of Agroforestry.--In this section, the term
    `agroforestry' means a management system that intentionally integrates
    trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to build more
    profitable and weather-resilient farms, ranches, and communities,
    address natural resource concerns and conservation needs, and establish
    productive and sustainable land use practices, including--
              ``(1) riparian forest buffers;
              ``(2) alley cropping;
              ``(3) silvopasture;
              ``(4) forest farming and multistory cropping; and
              ``(5) windbreaks, shelterbelts, hedgerows, and, where
            applicable, field borders, and living snow fences.'';
              (4) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by striking
                    ``Semiarid'' and inserting ``National'';
                      (B) by inserting ``(referred to in this section as
                    the `Secretary')'' after ``Secretary of Agriculture'';
                      (C) by striking ``Semiarid Agroforestry Research,
                    Development, and Demonstration Center (hereafter
                    referred to in this section as the `Center')'' and
                    inserting ``National Agroforestry Research,
                    Development, and Demonstration Center''; and
                      (D) by striking ``at the Center under subsection
                    (b)'' and inserting ``under subsection (d)'';
              (5) by inserting after subsection (b) (as so redesignated)
            the following:
      ``(c) Regional Agroforestry Centers.--
              ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief
            of the Forest Service and in cooperation with the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service, shall, subject to the
            availability of appropriations, establish 1 or more regional
            agroforestry centers to advance agroforestry research,
            outreach, technical assistance, and adoption.
              ``(2) Director.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of
            the Forest Service and in cooperation with the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service, shall appoint a Director to
            manage and coordinate the 1 or more regional agroforestry
            centers established under paragraph (1).
              ``(3) Location.--In selecting the locations for the 1 or more
            regional agroforestry centers under paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall prioritize locations at which the Department of
            Agriculture has, on the date of enactment of the Farm, Food,
            and National Security Act of 2026, at least 1 employee
            providing coordination among a diverse group of research
            institutions and other partners.
              ``(4) Administration.--Regional agroforestry centers
            established under paragraph (1) shall by administered by the
            National Agroforestry Center.'';
              (6) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                              (i) by striking ``the Center'' and inserting
                            ``each of the centers established under
                            subsections (b) and (c) (referred to in this
                            section as the `Centers')'';
                              (ii) by inserting ``and organizations'' after
                            ``nonprofit foundations''; and
                              (iii) by inserting ``demonstration
                            projects,'' after ``studies,'';
                      (B) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) by striking ``on semiarid lands that''
                            and inserting ``that build soil health and'';
                            and
                              (ii) by inserting ``, including agroforestry
                            systems on semiarid land and other fragile
                            agroecosystems where permanent woody perennial
                            plant communities can enhance carbon
                            sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas
                            emissions'' before the semicolon;
                      (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``forestry products
                    for commercial sale from semiarid land'' and inserting
                    ``agroforestry products for commercial sale'';
                      (D) in paragraph (4)--
                              (i) by striking ``in semiarid regions''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``the Great Plains region''
                            and inserting ``particular regions'';
                      (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``technical
                    assistance, demonstration projects, and'' before
                    ``technology'';
                      (F) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (11) as
                    paragraphs (8) through (12), respectively;
                      (G) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the
                    following:
              ``(6) develop improved silvopasture, alley cropping, forest
            farming, multistory cropping, riparian buffer, windbreak and
            shelterbelt, and other perennial production and conservation
            systems and technologies to improve soil health, carbon
            sequestration, drought preparedness, soil and water
            conservation, environmental quality, and biological diversity;
              ``(7) address barriers to the adoption of agroforestry
            practices, including--
                      ``(A) insufficient access to plant material;
                      ``(B) insufficient infrastructure to contain
                    equipment and plant material;
                      ``(C) insufficient machinery to implement
                    agroforestry practices;
                      ``(D) insufficient technical service assistance; and
                      ``(E) insufficient research related to agroforestry
                    systems, including silvopasture and alley cropping;'';
                      (H) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by
                    striking ``on semiarid lands'';
                      (I) in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated), by
                    striking ``on semiarid lands worldwide'' and inserting
                    ``worldwide, including on semiarid land''; and
                      (J) in paragraph (10) (as so redesignated)--
                              (i) by striking ``on semiarid lands''; and
                              (ii) by inserting ``and extreme weather''
                            after ``pollution'';
              (7) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
                    ``the Center'' and inserting ``each of the Centers'';
                      (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (C) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) by striking ``forestry'' and inserting
                            ``forestry, agroforestry,''; and
                              (ii) by striking the period at the end and
                            inserting ``; and''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) facilitate agroforestry adoption by disseminating
            comprehensive information on Federal, State, local, and Tribal
            programs that provide support for agroforestry.'';
              (8) by inserting after subsection (e) (as so redesignated)
            the following:
      ``(f) Regional Support.--The Secretary shall provide targeted
    regional support for agroforestry projects, including demonstration
    sites.
      ``(g) Survey.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment
    of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and every 5 years
    thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a National Agroforestry
    Producers Survey.''; and
              (9) in subsection (h) (as so redesignated)--
                      (A) by striking ``There are'' and inserting ``In
                    addition to amounts otherwise available, there is'';
                    and
                      (B) by striking ``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$7,000,000 for each
                    of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 8302. NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION ACT.

      (a) Matching Funds.--Section 405(b) of the National Forest Foundation
    Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-3(b)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.
      (b) White Oak Restoration Fund.--Section 409 of the National Forest
    Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-7) is amended--
              (1) by striking ``The activities'' and inserting the
            following:
      ``(a) In General.--The activities''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(b) White Oak Restoration Fund.--
              ``(1) In general.--Funds described in paragraph (2) shall be
            made available for activities--
                      ``(A) on national forests that are approved by the
                    Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
                    Service; and
                      ``(B) to--
                              ``(i) re-establish white oak forests where
                            appropriate;
                              ``(ii) improve management of existing white
                            oak forests to foster natural regeneration of
                            white oak;
                              ``(iii) improve and expand white oak nursery
                            stock; and
                              ``(iv) adapt and improve white oak seedlings.
              ``(2) Fund.--The National Forest Foundation may accept gifts,
            devises, or bequests for the purposes of carrying out the
            activities specified in paragraph (1).
              ``(3) Summary.--Beginning 1 year after the date of the
            enactment of this section, the National Forest Foundation shall
            include in the budget justification materials submitted to
            Congress in support of the budget of each such Foundation for
            each fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the President
            under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a
            summary of the activities carried out under paragraph (1) and
            the funds accepted under paragraph (2) that includes--
                      ``(A) the amount--
                              ``(i) accepted under paragraph (2) in the
                            preceding fiscal year; and
                              ``(ii) described in clause (i) that is
                            unobligated on the date of the report; and
                      ``(B) a description of the activities under paragraph
                    (1) funded during the preceding fiscal year.''.
      (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 410(b) of the National
    Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-8(b)) is amended by striking
    ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 8303. CONVEYANCES AND LEASES OF FOREST SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE
                        SITES.

      (a) Conveyance of Forest Service Administrative Sites.--Section
    503(f) of the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act
    of 2005 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 109-54) is amended by striking
    ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting ``September 30, 2031''.
      (b) Authorization for Lease of Forest Service Sites.--Section 8623(i)
    of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public
    Law 115-334) is amended by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 8304. FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS.

      (a) In General.--Section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
    Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1)--
                      (A) by striking ``their resources'' and inserting
                    ``the resources of those forests, including forest
                    carbon,'';
                      (B) by striking ``In compliance'' and inserting the
                    following:
                      ``(A) In general.--In compliance''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(B) Additional methods.--Under the program under
                    this subsection, the Secretary shall carry out, as a
                    data collection method--
                              ``(i) a national timber products output
                            survey; and
                              ``(ii) a national woodland owner survey.'';
              (2) in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting ``including with
            respect to available forest carbon data,'' after ``2
            decades,'';
              (3) in paragraph (4)--
                      (A) in the second sentence, by striking ``The
                    standards'' and inserting the following:
                      ``(B) Inclusions.--The standards described in
                    subparagraph (A)'';
                      (B) by striking ``(4) National standards and
                    definitions.--To ensure'' and inserting the following:
              ``(4) National consistency.--
                      ``(A) Standards and definitions.--To ensure''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(C) Terminology.--The Secretary shall include a
                    clear description of the definition of `forest' used
                    for purposes of reporting data from inventories and
                    analyses of forests and the resources of forests under
                    this subsection with--
                              ``(i) any data or report provided under the
                            program under this subsection;
                              ``(ii) Renewable Resource Assessments
                            prepared under section 3(a) of the Forest and
                            Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
                            1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601(a)); and
                              ``(iii) any data or report provided to an
                            entity outside the United States.'';
              (4) in paragraph (6)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                    striking ``Not later than 180 days after the date of
                    enactment of this subsection,'' and inserting ``In
                    accordance with paragraph (7),''; and
                      (B) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and
                    inserting the following:
                      ``(D) the organization and procedures necessary to
                    understand and report on changes in land cover and use;
                      ``(E) the organization and procedures necessary to
                    sample and evaluate carbon-related data variables,
                    including soil carbon, collected from forest inventory
                    and analysis plots, timber products output surveys, and
                    national woodland owner surveys to ensure that carbon
                    accounting information needs can be met; and''; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(7) Updates to strategic plan.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
                    date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary
                    shall prepare an update to the strategic plan under
                    paragraph (6) to include--
                              ``(i) a plan to implement nationally
                            consistent data collection protocols and
                            procedures to improve the statistical precision
                            of base program estimates;
                              ``(ii) pathways to integrate and report on
                            status and trends in forest carbon pools,
                            including below-ground carbon;
                              ``(iii) plans, including the identification
                            of challenges, to collaborate with other
                            Federal agencies, non-Federal partners, and the
                            private sector to integrate existing nationally
                            available data sets and best available
                            commercial technologies, such as remote
                            sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other
                            new technologies;
                              ``(iv) a plan to increase transparency and
                            clarity in reporting in accordance with
                            paragraph (4)(C);
                              ``(v) a plan to expand current data
                            collection, further integrate remote sensing
                            technology, or both, to include procedures to
                            improve the statistical precision of estimates
                            at the sub-State level;
                              ``(vi) a plan to expand current data
                            collection, further integrate remote sensing
                            technology, or both, to include information on
                            renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at
                            the local, State, regional, and national
                            levels, including by ownership type; and
                              ``(vii) such other matters as the Secretary
                            determines to be appropriate based on
                            recommendations of the Forest Inventory and
                            Analysis National User Group.
                      ``(B) Submission.--Not later than 180 days after the
                    date of enactment of this paragraph, 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 the
                    update to the strategic plan prepared under
                    subparagraph (A).
                      ``(C) Further updates.--Not later than 5 years after
                    the date on which the update is submitted under
                    subparagraph (B), and every 5 years thereafter, the
                    Secretary shall--
                              ``(i) prepare an additional update to the
                            strategic plan; and
                              ``(ii) submit the additional update to the
                            committees described in subparagraph (B).
              ``(8) Accessibility.--The Secretary shall ensure that data
            collected under this subsection is--
                      ``(A) easily accessible to all public- and private-
                    sector entities; and
                      ``(B) collected and made accessible using means that
                    ensure the confidentiality, in accordance with section
                    1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276),
                    of--
                              ``(i) plot locations;
                              ``(ii) nonaggregated data of woodland owners;
                            and
                              ``(iii) nonaggregated data from timber
                            product output survey.
              ``(9) Biennial compilations.--Biennially, the Secretary shall
            prepare and make publicly available a compilation of national
            forest inventory and analysis forest statistics, which shall be
            similar to the tables contained in the Renewable Resource
            Assessments prepared under section 3(a) of the Forest and
            Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
            1601(a)), accompanied by relevant geospatial products.
              ``(10) External complex data requests.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
                    office, a data platform, or team to process and respond
                    to complex data requests submitted by external
                    organizations relating to the program under this
                    subsection.
                      ``(B) Fees.--
                              ``(i) In general.--To cover the costs of
                            processing of and responding to complex data
                            requests described in subparagraph (A), the
                            Secretary may impose fees on external
                            organizations submitting the requests.
                              ``(ii) Fees collected.--Fees collected under
                            clause (i) may only be used for the purposes
                            described in such clause.
              ``(11) Reports.--Each year, the Secretary shall publish as
            part of the forest inventory and analysis business report a
            detailed description of the progress of the Secretary in
            implementing the programmatic elements of the strategic plan
            described in paragraph (6), including--
                      ``(A) the costs and priorities of the strategic plan;
                    and
                      ``(B) how the program under this subsection leverages
                    new technology, improves and standardizes collection
                    protocols, and increases workforce capacity.''.
      (b) Remote Sensing Technologies.--Section 8632(1) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 115-334) is
    amended by striking ``technologies'' and inserting ``technologies, such
    as microwave, LiDAR, hyperspectral, and high-resolution remote sensing
    data, and advanced computing technologies for improved modeling to
    provide tabular statistical estimates and geospatial products,''.

    SEC. 8305. REFORESTATION, NURSERY, AND SEED ORCHARD SUPPORT.

      (a) Partnerships, Collaboration, and Other Assistance in Support of
    Nurseries and Seed Orchards.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief
    of the Forest Service, shall--
              (1) partner with Federal and State agencies, Indian Tribes,
            private nurseries, and other relevant entities to provide
            training, technical assistance, and research to nursery and
            tree establishment programs that support natural regeneration,
            reforestation, agroforestry, and afforestation;
              (2) promote information sharing to improve the technical
            knowledge, practices, and understanding of the demands, climate
            change impacts, and other issues necessary to address all
            facets of the reforestation pipeline;
              (3) provide technical and financial assistance to
            international nursery and tree establishment programs through--
                      (A) international programs conducted by the Forest
                    Service pursuant to the International Forestry
                    Cooperation Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.);
                      (B) the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry of the
                    Forest Service; and
                      (C) the International Institute of Tropical Forestry
                    of the Forest Service;
              (4) collaborate with other relevant Federal departments and
            agencies, including the Foreign Agricultural Service of the
            Department, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the
            Department of the Interior, and international organizations to
            provide technical and financial assistance related to nurseries
            and reforestation;
              (5) coordinate the efforts of the Department to--
                      (A) address the challenges associated with the
                    reforestation pipeline; and
                      (B) leverage economic development assistance for work
                    with private nurseries; and
              (6) expand science-based reforestation supply chains through
            research, seed collection and storage, and nursery
            infrastructure and operations in coordination with the
            Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service.
      (b) Nursery and Seed Orchard Financial Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program
            to provide grants to eligible recipients to support nurseries
            and seed orchards.
              (2) Eligible projects.--The Secretary may make a grant under
            this subsection to an eligible recipient for a project to carry
            out at least one of the following:
                      (A) Develop, expand, enhance, or improve nursery
                    production capacity or other infrastructure to--
                              (i) improve seed collection, processing, and
                            storage;
                              (ii) increase seedling production, storage,
                            and distribution; or
                              (iii) enhance seedling survival and properly
                            manage tree genetic resources.
                      (B) Establish, improve, or expand a nursery or seed
                    orchard, including by acquiring equipment for such
                    nursery or seed orchard.
                      (C) Develop or implement quality control measures at
                    nurseries or seed orchards.
                      (D) Promote workforce development within any facet of
                    the reforestation pipeline.
                      (E) Carry out such other activity as the Secretary
                    determines appropriate.
      (c) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible recipient''
            means--
                      (A) a State forestry agency;
                      (B) an Indian Tribe;
                      (C) a private nursery that has experience growing
                    high-quality native trees of appropriate genetic
                    sources in bareroot or container stock types specific
                    for reforestation, restoration, or conservation,
                    including native plants and seeds that are of cultural
                    significance to Indian Tribes;
                      (D) an institution of higher education (as defined in
                    section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
                    U.S.C. 1001)); and
                      (E) a county or local government with a nursery or
                    seed orchard.
              (2) Nursery.--The term ``nursery'' means a tree or native
            plant nursery.
              (3) Seed orchard.--The term ``seed orchard'' means a tree or
            native plant seed orchard.
              (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
            States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
            Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
      (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2027 through 2031.

                         Subtitle D--Forest Management

                   PART I--NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

    SEC. 8401. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR HIGH PRIORITY HAZARD TREES.

      (a) Categorical Exclusion.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
            categorical exclusion (as defined in section 111 of the
            National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e))
            for high-priority hazard tree activities.
              (2) Administration.--In developing and administering the
            categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the Secretary
            shall--
                      (A) comply with the National Environmental Policy Act
                    of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
                      (B) apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures
                    under section 220.6 of title 36, Code of Federal
                    Regulations (or successor regulations), in determining
                    whether to use the categorical exclusion.
              (3) Project size limitation.--A project carried out using the
            categorical exclusion developed under paragraph (1) may not
            exceed 6,000 acres.
      (b) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) High-priority hazard tree.--The term ``high-priority
            hazard tree'' means a standing tree that--
                      (A) presents a visible hazard to people or property
                    due to conditions such as deterioration of, or damage
                    to, the root system, trunk, stem, or limbs of the tree,
                    or the direction or lean of the tree, as determined by
                    the Secretary;
                      (B) is determined by the Secretary to be highly
                    likely to fail and, on failure, would be highly likely
                    to cause injury to people or damage to Federal
                    property; and
                      (C) is located--
                              (i) within 300 feet of a National Forest
                            System road with a maintenance level of 3, 4,
                            or 5;
                              (ii) along a National Forest System trail; or
                              (iii) in a developed recreation site--
                                      (I) that is operated and maintained
                                    by the Secretary; and
                                      (II) on National Forest System land.
              (2) High-priority hazard tree activity.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``high-priority hazard tree
                    activity'' means a forest management activity that
                    mitigates the risks associated with high-priority
                    hazard trees, including pruning, felling, and disposal
                    of a high-priority hazard tree.
                      (B) Exclusions.--The term ``high-priority hazard tree
                    activity'' does not include any activity--
                              (i) conducted in a wilderness area or
                            wilderness study area;
                              (ii) for the construction of a permanent road
                            or permanent trail;
                              (iii) conducted on Federal land on which, by
                            Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation,
                            the removal of vegetation is restricted or
                            prohibited;
                              (iv) conducted in an area in which activities
                            described in subparagraph (A) would be
                            inconsistent with the applicable land and
                            resource management plan; or
                              (v) conducted in an inventoried roadless
                            area.

    SEC. 8402. COLLABORATIVE RESTORATION PROJECTS.

      Section 603(c)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6591b(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``3000 acres'' and inserting
    ``10,000 acres''.

    SEC. 8403. WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROJECT SIZE.

      Section 605(c)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6591d(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``3000 acres'' and inserting
    ``10,000 acres''.

    SEC. 8404. FUEL BREAKS IN FORESTS AND OTHER WILDLAND VEGETATION.

      Section 40806(d)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16
    U.S.C. 6592b(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``3,000 acres'' and
    inserting ``10,000 acres''.

    SEC. 8405. GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND MULE DEER HABITAT.

      Section 606 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6591e) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(1)(A)--
                      (A) by striking clause (ii);
                      (B) by redesignating clauses (iii) through (vii) as
                    clauses (ii) through (vi), respectively; and
                      (C) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by striking
                    ``in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem'';
              (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``concurrently for both
            greater sage-grouse and'' and inserting ``for greater sage-
            grouse or''; and
              (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
      ``(g) Limitation.--A covered vegetation management activity that is
    covered by the categorical exclusion under subsection (b) may not
    exceed 4,500 acres in a forested ecosystem or 7,500 acres in a
    rangeland ecosystem.''.

    SEC. 8406. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR ELECTRIC UTILITY LINES RIGHTS-OF-
                        WAY.

      (a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management activities
    described in subsection (b) are a category of activities designated as
    being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental
    assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of
    the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
      (b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
    Exclusion.--The forest management activities designated as being
    categorically excluded under subsection (a) are--
              (1) the development and approval of a vegetation management,
            facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan
            submitted under section 512(c)(1) of the Federal Land Policy
            and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(c)(1)) to the
            Secretary; and
              (2) the implementation of routine activities conducted under
            the plan referred to in paragraph (1).
      (c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after the date of
    the enactment of this Act, the Secretary may use the categorical
    exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this
    section.
      (d) Exclusion of Certain Areas.--The categorical exclusion
    established under subsection (a) shall not apply to any forest
    management activity conducted--
              (1) in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation
            System; or
              (2) on National Forest System lands on which, by Act of
            Congress, the removal of vegetation is restricted or
            prohibited.
      (e) Permanent Roads.--
              (1) Prohibition on establishment.--A forest management
            activity designated under subsection (b) shall not include the
            establishment of a permanent road.
              (2) Existing roads.--The Secretary may carry out necessary
            maintenance and repair on an existing permanent road for the
            purposes of conducting a forest management activity designated
            under subsection (b).
              (3) Temporary roads.--The Secretary shall decommission any
            temporary road constructed for a forest management activity
            designated under subsection (b) not later than 3 years after
            the date on which the action is completed.
      (f) Applicable Law.--A forest management activity designated under
    subsection (b) shall not be subject to section 7 of the Endangered
    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) or section 106 of the National
    Historic Preservation Act.

    SEC. 8407. FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM
                        LANDS.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary may conduct forest management
    activities on National Forest System land.
      (b) Coordination.--In carrying out forest management activities, the
    Secretary shall, as appropriate, coordinate with impacted parties to
    increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management
    practices across National Forest System lands.
      (c) Objectives.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct forest
            management activities on National Forest System land in a
            manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including.--
                      (A) reducing forest fuels;
                      (B) maintaining the diversity of plant and animal
                    communities;
                      (C) improving soil, streams, lakes, wetlands, and
                    water quality, including in riparian areas; and
                      (D) increasing resilience to changing water
                    temperature and precipitation regimes.
      (d) Ground Disturbance.--Consistent with applicable Federal law and
    any applicable forest plan, the Secretary shall--
              (1) establish criteria for ground conditions following a
            forest management activity carried out under a forest plan that
            results in ground disturbances; and
              (2) monitor such ground conditions to determine whether
            desired outcomes or conditions are achieved.
      (e) Availability of Categorical Exclusion for Certain Forest
    Management Activities.--A forest management activity conducted on
    National Forest System land for the purpose of reducing forest fuels is
    categorically excluded from the requirements of the National
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the forest
    management activity--
              (1) does not exceed 10,000 acres, including not more than
            3,000 acres of mechanical thinning;
              (2) is developed--
                      (A) in coordination with impacted parties,
                    specifically including representatives of local
                    governments, such as county supervisors or county
                    commissioners; and
                      (B) in consultation with other entities, as
                    determined by the Secretary/any other entity determined
                    relevant by the Secretary; and
              (3) is consistent with any applicable forest plan.
      (f) Cooperative Authorities.--The Secretary may enter into contracts
    and cooperative agreements with an impacted party to provide for fuel
    reduction, soil restoration, erosion control, reforestation, riparian
    restoration, revegetation, and similar management activities on Federal
    land and non-Federal land.
      (g) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Forest management activity.--The term ``forest management
            activity'' means a project or activity that is carried out by
            the Secretary on National Forest System land and is consistent
            with any applicable forest plan.
              (2) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan'' means a land and
            resource management plan under section 6 of the Forest and
            Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
            1406).
              (3) Impacted parties.--The term ``impacted parties''
            includes--
                      (A) State, local, and Tribal governments;
                      (B) local fire departments;
                      (C) other relevant volunteer groups.
              (4) 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)).

    SEC. 8408. SUPPRESSION OF WILDFIRES.

      (a) In General.--With respect to National Forest System lands
    described in subsection (b), the Secretary, acting through the Chief of
    the Forest Service--
              (1) shall--
                      (A) use available resources to carry out wildfire
                    suppression with the purpose of containing wildfires
                    detected on such lands not later than 24 hours after
                    such a wildfire is detected; and
                      (B) carry out wildfire suppression under subparagraph
                    (A) in a manner that is consistent with interagency
                    agreements and applicable standards of firefighter
                    safety;
              (2) shall not inhibit the suppression efforts of State or
            local firefighting agencies that are authorized to respond to
            wildfire on such lands;
              (3) may only use fire as a resource management tool if the
            fire is a prescribed fire that complies with applicable law and
            regulations;
              (4) may only initiate a backfire or burnout during a
            wildfire--
                      (A) by order of the responsible incident commander,
                    in consultation with the appropriate Forest Service
                    line officer; or
                      (B) in instances that are necessary to protect the
                    health and safety of firefighting personnel;
              (5) shall use available resources to control any such
            initiated backfire or burnout until contained;
              (6) shall use available resources, including infrared
            technologies, to ensure prescribed fires are contained; and
              (7) shall update the prescribed fire policies of the Forest
            Service to reflect the findings and recommendations included in
            the report entitled ``National Prescribed Fire Program Review''
            published in September 2022 by the Forest Service.
      (b) Limitations on Scope.--For purposes of subsection (a), the
    National Forest System lands described in this subsection are National
    Forest System lands that--
              (1) the National Interagency Fire Center has established as a
            National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level of 5;
              (2) contain areas that the U.S. Drought Monitor has rated as
            having a D2 (severe drought) intensity, D3 (extreme drought)
            intensity, or D4 (exceptional drought) intensity; or
              (3) the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
            Service, has identified as being located in a fireshed ranked
            in the top 10 percent of wildfire exposure, as determined using
            the most recent published models of fireshed risk exposure
            published by the Forest Service.
      (c) National Forest System Defined.--In this section, the term
    ``National Forest System'' has the meaning given such term in section
    11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
    1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).

                     PART II--FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

    SEC. 8411. NO ADDITIONAL CONSULTATION REQUIRED.

      (a) Forest Service Plans.--Section 6(d)(2) of the Forest and
    Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
    1604(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(2) No additional consultation required under certain
            circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
            Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation
            under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
            U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of
            Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on a land
            management plan approved, amended, or revised under this
            section when--
                      ``(A) a new species is listed or critical habitat is
                    designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
                    U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
                      ``(B) new information reveals effects of the land
                    management plan that may affect a species listed or
                    critical habitat designated under that Act in a manner
                    or to an extent not previously considered.''.
      (b) Bureau of Land Management Plans.--Section 202 of the Federal Land
    Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
      ``(g) No Additional Consultation Required Under Certain
    Circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
    Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under
    section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
    1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations
    (or a successor regulation), on a land use plan approved, amended, or
    revised under this section when--
              ``(1) a new species is listed or critical habitat is
            designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
            1531 et seq.); or
              ``(2) new information reveals effects of the land use plan
            that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated
            under that Act in a manner or to an extent not previously
            considered.''.

    SEC. 8412. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.

      (a) Good Neighbor Authority.--Section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(6), by striking ``or Indian tribe'';
              (2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(11) Special district.--The term `special district' means a
            political subdivision of a State that--
                      ``(A) has significant budgetary autonomy or control;
                      ``(B) was created by or pursuant to the laws of the
                    State for the purpose of performing a limited and
                    specific governmental or proprietary function; and
                      ``(C) is distinct from any other local government
                    unit within the State.''.
              (3) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``, Indian
                    Tribe, special district,'' after ``Governor'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(C)--
                              (i) in clause (i)--
                                      (I) by inserting ``special
                                    district,'' after ``Indian Tribe,''
                                    each place it appears;
                                      (II) in subclause (I)--
                                              (aa) by striking ``on''; and
                                              (bb) by striking ``; and''
                                            and inserting a semicolon;
                                      (III) in subclause (II)(bb), by
                                    striking the period at the end and
                                    inserting a semicolon; and
                                      (IV) by adding at the end the
                                    following:
                                      ``(III) to construct new permanent
                                    roads on Federal lands that are--
                                              ``(aa) necessary to implement
                                            authorized restoration
                                            activities; and
                                              ``(bb) approved by the
                                            Federal agency through
                                            environmental analysis or
                                            categorical exclusion decision;
                                      ``(IV) to complete new permanent road
                                    construction to replace and
                                    decommission an existing permanent road
                                    that is adversely impacting forest,
                                    rangeland, or watershed health; and
                                      ``(V) if there are funds remaining
                                    after carrying out subclauses (I)
                                    through (IV), to carry out authorized
                                    restoration services under other good
                                    neighbor agreements and for the
                                    administration of a good neighbor
                                    authority program by a Governor, Indian
                                    Tribe, special district, or county.'';
                                    and
                              (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``2028'' and
                            inserting ``2030'';
                      (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, Indian Tribe,
                    special district,'' after ``Governor''; and
                      (D) by striking paragraph (4).
      (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``, Indian Tribe,
            special district,'' after ``Governor''; and
              (2) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, Indian Tribe, special
            district,'' after ``Governor''.
      (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section apply to any
    project initiated pursuant to a good neighbor agreement (as defined in
    section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)))--
              (1) before the date of enactment of this Act, if the project
            was initiated after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4490);
            or
              (2) on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 8413. COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROGRAM.

      Section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16
    U.S.C. 7303) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)(3)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``or
                    pathogens'' after ``species'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (C) in subparagraph (H), by adding ``and'' after the
                    semicolon at the end; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(I) address standardized monitoring questions and
                    indicators;'';
              (2) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and''
                            at the end;
                              (ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
                            period at the end and inserting ``;''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(G) proposals that seek to use innovative
                    implementation mechanisms, including good neighbor
                    agreements entered into under section 8206 of the
                    Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a), and similar
                    implementation mechanisms;
                      ``(H) proposals that seek to reduce the risk of
                    uncharacteristic wildfire or increase ecological
                    restoration activities--
                              ``(i) within areas across land ownerships,
                            including State, Tribal, and private land; and
                              ``(ii) within the wildland-urban interface;
                            and
                      ``(I) proposals that seek to enhance watershed health
                    and drinking water sources.''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (3)--
                              (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
                            follows:
                      ``(A) 4 proposals in any 1 region of the National
                    Forest System to be funded during any fiscal year;
                    and'';
                              (ii) by striking subparagraph (B); and
                              (iii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
                            subparagraph (B); and
              (3) in subsection (f)(6), by striking ``2019 through 2023''
            and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 8414. PUBLIC-PRIVATE WILDFIRE TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT AND TESTBED
                        PARTNERSHIP.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Appropriate committees.--The term ``appropriate
            committees'' means--
                      (A) the Committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources,
                    and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
                    Representatives; and
                      (B) the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                    Forestry, Energy and Natural Resources, and Commerce,
                    Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
              (2) Covered agency.--The term ``covered agency'' means--
                      (A) the National Park Service;
                      (B) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
                      (C) the Bureau of Land Management;
                      (D) the Bureau of Reclamation;
                      (E) the Forest Service;
                      (F) the Department of Defense;
                      (G) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                    Administration;
                      (H) the United States Fire Administration;
                      (I) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
                      (J) the National Aeronautics and Space
                    Administration;
                      (K) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and
                      (L) any other Federal agency involved in wildfire
                    response.
              (3) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means--
                      (A) a private entity;
                      (B) a nonprofit organization; or
                      (C) an institution of higher education (as defined in
                    section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
                    U.S.C. 1001)).
              (4) Pilot program.--The term ``Pilot Program'' means the
            deployment and testbed pilot program developed under subsection
            (b).
              (5) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior,
            acting jointly.
      (b) Deployment and Testbed Pilot Program Established.--Not later than
    1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in
    coordination with the heads of the covered agencies, shall establish a
    deployment and testbed pilot program for new and innovative wildfire
    prevention, detection, communication, and mitigation technologies.
      (c) Functions.--In carrying out the Pilot Program, the Secretaries
    shall--
              (1) incorporate the Pilot Program into an existing
            interagency coordinating group on wildfires;
              (2) in consultation with the heads of covered agencies,
            identify key technology priority areas with respect to the
            deployment of wildfire prevention, detection, communication,
            and mitigation technologies, including--
                      (A) hazardous fuels reduction treatments or
                    activities;
                      (B) dispatch communications;
                      (C) remote sensing and tracking;
                      (D) safety equipment; and
                      (E) common operating pictures or operational
                    dashboards; and
              (3) partner with each covered entity selected to participate
            in the Pilot Program with the appropriate covered agency to
            coordinate real-time and on-the-ground testing of technology
            during wildland fire mitigation activities and training.
      (d) Applications.--To participate in the Pilot Program, a covered
    entity shall submit to the Secretaries an application at such time, in
    such manner, and containing such information as the Secretaries may
    require, which shall include a proposal to test technologies specific
    to key technology priority areas identified under subsection (c)(2).
      (e) Prioritization of Emerging Technologies.--In selecting covered
    entities to participate in the Pilot Program, the Secretaries shall
    give priority to covered entities developing and applying emerging
    technologies that address issues identified by the Secretaries,
    including artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, computing and
    quantum-hybrid applications, augmented reality, and 5G private networks
    and device-to-device communications supporting nomadic mesh networks,
    for wildfire mitigation.
      (f) Outreach.--The Secretaries, in coordination with the heads of the
    covered agencies, shall make publicly available the key technology
    priority areas identified under subsection (c)(2) and invite covered
    entities to apply to test and demonstrate their technologies to address
    those priority areas.
      (g) Reports and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the
    date of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter for the
    duration of the Pilot Program, the Secretaries shall submit to the
    appropriate committees a report that includes the following with
    respect to the Pilot Program:
              (1) A list of participating covered entities.
              (2) A brief description of the technologies tested by such
            covered entities.
              (3) An estimate of the cost of acquiring the technology
            tested in the program and applying it at scale.
              (4) Outreach efforts by Federal agencies to covered entities
            developing wildfire technologies.
              (5) Assessments of, and recommendations relating to, new
            technologies with potential adoption and application at-scale
            in Federal land management agencies' wildfire prevention,
            detection, communication, and mitigation efforts.
      (h) Termination.--The Pilot Program shall expire on September 30,
    2031.

    SEC. 8415. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN EXPERIENCED SERVICES
                        PROGRAM.

      Section 8302 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 3851a) is
    amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by striking ``aces'' and
            inserting ``experienced services'' (and by conforming the item
            relating to such section in the table of sections accordingly);
              (2) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) by striking ``(a) In General.--'';
                      (B) by striking ``Agriculture Conservation''; and
                      (C) by inserting ``, professional, or
                    administrative'' after ``technical''; and
              (3) by striking subsection (b).

    SEC. 8416. TIMBER SALES ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND.

      Section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C.
    472a) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (d), by striking ``$10,000'' and inserting
            ``$55,000''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(j) In the event of extreme risks to a unit of National Forest
    System land, including catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease
    outbreak, wind, hurricane, flood, drought, or to avoid impacts from
    such extreme events, the Secretary may, without an appraisal and under
    such rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary, dispose of by
    sale or otherwise, portions of trees or forest products located on such
    unit of National Forest System land.''.

    SEC. 8417. PERMITS AND AGREEMENTS WITH ELECTRICAL UTILITIES.

      (a) In General.--In any special use permit or easement on National
    Forest System lands provided to an electric utility company (as defined
    in section 1262 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16451)),
    the Secretary may provide permission to cut and remove trees or other
    vegetation from within the vicinity of distribution lines or
    transmission lines, including hazardous vegetation that increases fire
    risk, without requiring a separate timber sale if that cutting and
    removal is consistent with the applicable land management plan.
      (b) Use of Proceeds.--A special use permit or easement that includes
    permission for the cutting and removal of trees or other vegetation
    described in subsection (a) shall include a requirement that, if the
    applicable electrical utility sells any portion of the material removed
    under the permit or easement, the electrical utility shall provide to
    the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, any
    proceeds received from the sale, less any transportation costs incurred
    in the sale.
      (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
    to require the sale of any material removed under a special use permit
    or easement that includes permission for the cutting and removal of
    trees or other vegetation described in subsection (a).

    SEC. 8418. UTILIZING GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION.

      (a) Strategy.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall develop
            and implement a strategy to utilize livestock grazing as a
            wildfire risk reduction tool on Federal land under the
            jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.
              (2) Inclusions.--The strategy under paragraph (1) shall
            include--
                      (A) the completion of any reviews required under the
                    National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
                    4321 et seq.) to allow a permittee with a grazing
                    permit in effect to graze on vacant grazing allotments
                    during instances of drought, wildfire, or other natural
                    disaster that disrupt grazing on the allotments covered
                    by such grazing permit;
                      (B) the use of targeted grazing to reduce hazardous
                    fuels;
                      (C) an increase in the use of temporary grazing
                    permits to promote targeted fuels reduction and
                    reduction of invasive annual grasses;
                      (D) an increase in the use of livestock grazing--
                              (i) to eradicate invasive annual grasses; and
                              (ii) as a restoration strategy and for post-
                            fire recovery, as appropriate;
                      (E) the integrated use of advanced technologies to
                    dynamically adjust livestock placement on Federal land
                    under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned;
                      (F) an increase in the use of any authorities
                    applicable to livestock grazing, including
                    modifications to grazing permits or leases to allow
                    variances; and
                      (G) the use of grazing on Federal land under the
                    jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned in a manner
                    that--
                              (i) avoids conflicts with other uses of such
                            land; and
                              (ii) is consistent with any applicable land
                            management plan.
      (b) Effect on Existing Grazing Programs.--Nothing in this section
    affects--
              (1) any livestock grazing program carried out by the
            Secretary concerned as of the date of enactment of this Act; or
              (2) any statutory authority for any program described in
            paragraph (1).
      (c) Secretary Concerned Defined.--In this section, the term
    ``Secretary concerned'' means--
              (1) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National
            Forest System lands; and
              (2) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public
            lands.

    SEC. 8419. JOINT CHIEFS LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

      Section 40808 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is
    amended--
              (1) in subsection (g)(2), by inserting ``and at least once
            every 2 fiscal years thereafter'' after ``and 2023''; and
              (2) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``and 2023'' and
            inserting ``through 2031''.

    SEC. 8420. TRIBAL FOREST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

      Section 8703 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 is amended--
              (1) in the heading, by striking ``demonstration project'' and
            inserting ``program'' (and by conforming the item relating to
            such section in the table of contents accordingly); and
              (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``demonstration projects
            by'' and inserting ``a program under''.

                          PART III--TIMBER INNOVATION

    SEC. 8431. COMMUNITY WOOD FACILITIES PROGRAM.

      Section 9013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8113) is amended--
              (1) in the heading, by striking ``community wood energy and
            wood innovation program'' and inserting ``community wood
            facilities program'';
              (2) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(A)(iii), in the matter preceding
                    subclause (I), by striking ``woody biomass, including
                    residuals'' and inserting ``primarily forest biomass,
                    including processing or manufacturing residuals''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Community Wood
                    Energy and Wood Innovation Program'' and inserting
                    ``Community Wood Facilities Program'';
              (3) in subsection (b), by striking ``to be known as'' and all
            that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``to
            be known as the `Community Wood Facilities Program'.'';
              (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``exceed--'' in the matter
            preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the period
            at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``exceed
            $5,000,000.'';
              (5) in subsection (e)--
                      (A) by striking paragraph (1);
                      (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as
                    (1) through (7), respectively; and
                      (C) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated, by
                    inserting ``or market competitiveness'' after ``cost
                    effectiveness'';
              (6) in subsection (f)--
                      (A) by striking paragraph (2);
                      (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as
                    paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
                      (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking
                    ``use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill''
                    and inserting ``construction, use or retrofitting of
                    forest products manufacturing'';
              (7) in subsection (g)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 megawatts of
                    thermal energy or combined thermal and electric
                    energy'' and inserting ``15 megawatts of thermal energy
                    or combined thermal and electric energy''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 percent'' and
                    inserting ``50 percent''; and
              (8) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 8432. WOOD INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

      (a) Application to Transportation Costs.--Section 8643(b)(1) of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 7655d(b)(1)) is amended
    by inserting ``, including the construction of new facilities that
    advance the purposes of the program and for the hauling of material
    removed to reduce hazardous fuels to locations where that material can
    be utilized'' before the period at the end.
      (b) Targeting To Support Economic Development, Enhanced Building
    Design, and Impact Assessment.--Section 8643(c) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 7655d(c)) is amended to read as
    follows:
      ``(c) Targeting To Support Economic Development, Enhanced Building
    Design, and Impact Assessment.--In selecting among proposals of
    eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary may give
    priority to proposals for projects that--
              ``(1) include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing
            sawmill facilities located in counties in which the average
            annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average
            unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the previous
            calendar year;
              ``(2) recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies in
            building design and interior wood products, including forest
            impacts, which can be improved by North American manufacturing;
            or
              ``(3) include in the proposal of the entity an analysis of
            the benefits that forest management under the proposal will
            have on the resilience and economy of the community, including
            benefits associated with--
                      ``(A) wood products from anticipated wood supply
                    areas;
                      ``(B) wildfire risk reduction;
                      ``(C) increased fiber flow;
                      ``(D) the increase of forest or mill jobs; and
                      ``(E) support for forested communities.''.
      (c) Matching Requirement.--Section 8643(d) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 7655d(d)) is amended by inserting
    ``50 percent of'' before ``the amount''.

    SEC. 8433. FOREST AND WOOD PRODUCTS DATA TRACKER.

      (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
    Forest Service, in collaboration with the Chief of the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service and in consultation with federally
    recognized Indian Tribes, State foresters, and private sector partners,
    shall establish a publicly available platform to provide measurement,
    monitoring, verification, and reporting data regarding the carbon
    emissions, sequestration, storage, and related atmospheric impacts of
    forest management and wood products.
      (b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall
    source data, information, and data analysis from Department programs
    and interagency programs, including--
              (1) the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, including the
            Timber Products Output survey;
              (2) Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service
            soil carbon estimations;
              (3) the Forest Products Laboratory;
              (4) the Federal Life Cycle Assessment Commons;
              (5) Department entity-level guidelines; and
              (6) other relevant programmatic data and information sources,
            as published and made available.
      (c) Priorities.--The platform established by subsection (a) shall
    provide tools that calculate--
              (1) the above- and below-ground forest carbon stocks and
            stock changes associated with species composition, forest
            management regime, and landowner types (including small area
            estimations for regional and localized geographies across the
            United States) made available through Forest Inventory and
            Analysis updates and annual reports;
              (2) the embodied carbon involved in the manufacture of
            products, using data from published environmental product
            declarations and life cycle assessments, updated as new and
            more refined data becomes available;
              (3) the long-term stored carbon in manufactured timber
            products; and
              (4) the carbon displacement of wood products, compared to
            other materials, using substitution factors.
      (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
    to provide authority with respect to the generation, consumption, or
    trading of carbon or environmental credits from National Forest System
    lands in any voluntary or compliance environmental markets.

    SEC. 8434. BIOCHAR APPLICATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Biochar.--The term ``biochar'' means carbonized biomass
            produced by converting feedstock through reductive thermal
            processing for nonfuel uses.
              (2) Covered secretaries.--The term ``covered Secretaries''
            means--
                      (A) the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
                    Forest Service;
                      (B) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
                    Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and
                      (C) the Secretary of Energy, acting through the
                    Director of the Office of Science.
              (3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                      (A) a private, nonprivate, or cooperative entity or
                    organization;
                      (B) a State, local, special district, or Tribal
                    government;
                      (C) an eligible institution;
                      (D) a National Laboratory (as such term is defined in
                    section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
                    15801)); or
                      (E) a partnership or consortium of two or more
                    entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
              (4) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible institution''
            means land-grant colleges and universities, including
            institutions eligible for funding under--
                      (A) the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter
                    130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.);
                      (B) the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 417, chapter
                    841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee
                    University;
                      (C) Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the
                    ``McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962''); or
                      (D) the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act
                    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382).
              (5) Feedstock.--The term ``feedstock'' means excess biomass
            in the form of plant matter or materials that serves as the raw
            material for the production of biochar.
      (b) Demonstration Projects.--
              (1) Establishment.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to the availability of
                    appropriations made in advance for such purpose, not
                    later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of
                    this Act, the covered Secretaries shall establish a
                    program to enter into partnerships with eligible
                    entities to carry out demonstration projects to support
                    the development and commercialization of biochar in
                    accordance with this subsection.
                      (B) Location of demonstration projects.--In carrying
                    out the program established under subparagraph (A), the
                    covered Secretaries shall, to the maximum extent
                    practicable, enter into partnerships with eligible
                    entities such that not fewer than one demonstration
                    project is carried out in each region of the Forest
                    Service and each region of the Bureau of Land
                    Management.
              (2) Proposals.--To be eligible to enter into a partnership to
            carry out a biochar demonstration project under paragraph
            (1)(A), an eligible entity shall submit to the covered
            Secretaries a proposal at such time, in such manner, and
            containing such information as the covered Secretaries may
            require.
              (3) Use of funds.--In carrying out the program established
            under paragraph (1)(A), the covered Secretaries may enter into
            partnerships and provide funding to such partnerships to carry
            out demonstration projects to--
                      (A) acquire and test various feedstocks and their
                    efficacy;
                      (B) develop and optimize commercially and
                    technologically viable biochar production units,
                    including mobile and permanent units;
                      (C) demonstrate--
                              (i) the production of biochar from forest
                            residue; and
                              (ii) the use of biochar to restore forest
                            health and resiliency;
                      (D) build, expand, or establish biochar facilities;
                      (E) conduct research on new and innovative uses of
                    biochar;
                      (F) demonstrate cost-effective market opportunities
                    for biochar and biochar-based products;
                      (G) carry out any other activities the covered
                    Secretaries determine appropriate; or
                      (H) do any combination of the activities specified in
                    subparagraphs (A) through (F).
              (4) Priority.--In selecting proposals under paragraph (2),
            the covered Secretaries shall give priority to entering into
            partnerships with eligible entities that submit proposals to
            carry out biochar demonstration projects that--
                      (A) have the most potential to create new jobs and
                    contribute to local economies, particularly in rural
                    areas;
                      (B) have the most potential to demonstrate--
                              (i) new and innovative uses of biochar;
                              (ii) market viability for cost-effective
                            biochar-based products;
                              (iii) the restorative benefits of biochar
                            with respect to forest health and resiliency,
                            including forest soils and watersheds; or
                              (iv) any combination of the purposes
                            specified in clauses (i) through (iii);
                      (C) are located in areas that have a high need for
                    biochar production, as determined by the covered
                    Secretaries, due to--
                              (i) nearby lands identified as having high or
                            very high or extreme risk of wildfire;
                              (ii) availability of sufficient quantities of
                            feedstocks; or
                              (iii) a high level of demand for biochar or
                            other commercial byproducts of biochar; or
                      (D) satisfy any combination of the purposes specified
                    in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
              (5) Feedstock requirements.--To the maximum extent
            practicable, an eligible entity that carries out a biochar
            demonstration project under this subsection shall, with respect
            to the feedstock used under such project, derive at least 50
            percent of such feedstock from forest thinning and management
            activities, including mill residues, conducted on National
            Forest System lands or public lands.
              (6) Review of biochar demonstration.--
                      (A) In general.--The covered Secretaries shall
                    conduct regionally specific research, including
                    economic analyses and life-cycle assessments, on any
                    biochar produced from a demonstration project carried
                    out under the program established in paragraph (1)(A),
                    including--
                              (i) the effects of such biochar on--
                                      (I) forest health and resiliency;
                                      (II) carbon capture and
                                    sequestration, including increasing
                                    soil carbon in the short term and long
                                    term;
                                      (III) productivity, reduced input
                                    costs, and water retention in
                                    agricultural practices;
                                      (IV) the health of soil and
                                    grasslands used for grazing activities,
                                    including grazing activities on
                                    National Forest System land and public
                                    land; and
                                      (V) environmental remediation
                                    activities, including abandoned mine
                                    land remediation;
                              (ii) the effectiveness of biochar as a
                            coproduct of biofuels or in biochemicals; and
                              (iii) the effectiveness of other potential
                            uses of biochar to determine if any such use is
                            technologically and commercially viable.
                      (B) Coordination.--The covered Secretaries shall, to
                    the maximum extent practicable, provide data, analyses,
                    and other relevant information collected under
                    subparagraph (A) with recipients of a grant under
                    subsection (c).
              (7) Limitation on funding for establishing biochar
            facilities.--If the covered Secretaries provide to an eligible
            entity that enters into a partnership with the covered
            Secretaries under paragraph (1)(A) funding for establishing a
            biochar facility, such funding may not exceed 35 percent of the
            capital cost of establishing such biochar facility.
      (c) Biochar Research and Development Grant Program.--
              (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Interior, in
            consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish or
            expand an existing applied biochar research and development
            grant program to make competitive grants to eligible
            institutions to carry out the activities described in paragraph
            (3).
              (2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
            this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the
            Secretary a proposal at such time, in such manner, and
            containing such information as the Secretary may require.
              (3) Use of funds.--An eligible institution that receives a
            grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to
            conduct applied research on--
                      (A) the effect of biochar on forest health and
                    resiliency, accounting for variations in biochar, soil,
                    climate, and other factors;
                      (B) the effect of biochar on soil health and water
                    retention, accounting for variations in biochar, soil,
                    climate, and other factors;
                      (C) the long-term carbon sequestration potential of
                    biochar;
                      (D) the best management practices with respect to
                    biochar and biochar-based product that maximize--
                              (i) carbon sequestration benefits; and
                              (ii) the commercial viability and application
                            of such products in forestry, agriculture,
                            environmental remediation, water quality
                            improvement, and any other similar uses, as
                            determined by the Secretary;
                      (E) the regional uses of biochar to increase
                    productivity and profitability, including--
                              (i) uses in agriculture and environmental
                            remediation; and
                              (ii) use as a coproduct in fuel production;
                      (F) new and innovative uses for biochar byproducts;
                    and
                      (G) opportunities to expand markets for biochar and
                    create related jobs, particularly in rural areas.
      (d) Reports.--
              (1) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
            date of enactment of this Act, the covered Secretaries shall
            submit to Congress a report that--
                      (A) includes policy and program recommendations to
                    improve the widespread use of biochar;
                      (B) identifies any area of research needed to advance
                    biochar commercialization; and
                      (C) identifies barriers to further biochar
                    commercialization, including permitting and siting
                    considerations.
              (2) Materials submitted in support of the president's
            budget.--Beginning with the second fiscal year that begins
            after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter
            until the date described in subsection (e), the covered
            Secretaries shall include in the materials submitted to
            Congress in support of the President's budget pursuant to
            section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report
            describing, for the fiscal year covered by the report, the
            status of each demonstration project carried out under
            subsection (b) and each research and development grant carried
            out under subsection (c).
      (e) Sunset.--The authority to carry out this section shall terminate
    on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

                           Subtitle E--Other Matters

    SEC. 8501. 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 ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 8502. RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

      Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
    Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(6) Appointments by applicable regional foresters.--In
            making appointments under this subsection, the Secretary
            concerned may act through the applicable regional forester so
            long as before the applicable regional forester makes an
            appointment, the applicable regional forester conducts the
            review and analysis that would otherwise be conducted for an
            appointment to a resource advisory committee, including any
            review and analysis with respect to civil rights, budgetary
            requirements, vetting, and reporting, as the Secretary
            concerned determines appropriate.'';
              (2) in subsection (d)(6), by striking ``October 1, 2026'' and
            inserting ``October 1, 2031''; and
              (3) by striking subsection (g).

    SEC. 8503. ACCURATE HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION REPORTS.

      (a) Materials Submitted in Support of President's Budget.--
              (1) In general.--Beginning with the first fiscal year that
            begins after the date of the enactment of this Act, and
            annually thereafter, the Secretary concerned shall include in
            the materials submitted to Congress in support of the
            President's budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United
            States Code, a report describing the number of acres of Federal
            land on which the Secretary concerned carried out hazardous
            fuels reduction activities during the preceding fiscal year, as
            determined using--
                      (A) the methodology of the Secretary concerned in
                    effect on the day before the date of enactment of this
                    Act; and
                      (B) the methodology described in paragraph (2).
              (2) Requirements.--For purposes of a report required under
            paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall--
                      (A) in determining the number of acres of Federal
                    land on which the Secretary concerned carried out
                    hazardous fuels reduction activities during the period
                    covered by the report--
                              (i) record acres of Federal land on which
                            hazardous fuels reduction activities were
                            completed during that period; and
                              (ii) record each acre described in clause (i)
                            once in the report, regardless of whether
                            multiple hazardous fuels reduction activities
                            were carried out on that acre during the
                            applicable period; and
                      (B) with respect to the acres of Federal land
                    recorded in the report, include information relating
                    to--
                              (i) which acres are located in the wildland-
                            urban interface;
                              (ii) the level of hazard potential of the
                            acres on the first and last day of the period
                            covered by the report;
                              (iii) the types of hazardous fuels reduction
                            activities completed with respect to the acres,
                            including a description of whether those
                            hazardous fuels reduction activities were
                            conducted--
                                      (I) in a wildfire managed for
                                    resource benefits; or
                                      (II) through a planned hazardous
                                    fuels reduction project;
                              (iv) the cost per acre of the hazardous fuels
                            reduction activities carried out during the
                            period covered by the report;
                              (v) the region or System unit in which the
                            acres are located; and
                              (vi) the effectiveness of the hazardous fuels
                            reduction activities with respect to reducing
                            the risk of wildfire.
              (3) Transparency.--The Secretary concerned shall make each
            report submitted under paragraph (1) publicly available on the
            website of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of
            the Interior, as applicable.
      (b) Accurate Data Collection.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall implement
            standardized procedures for tracking data related to hazardous
            fuels reduction activities carried out by the Secretary
            concerned.
              (2) Elements.--The standardized procedures required under
            paragraph (1) shall include--
                      (A) regular, standardized data reviews of the
                    accuracy and timely input of data used to track
                    hazardous fuels reduction activities;
                      (B) verification methods that validate whether those
                    data accurately correlate to the hazardous fuels
                    reduction activities carried out by the Secretary
                    concerned;
                      (C) an analysis of the short- and long-term
                    effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction
                    activities on reducing the risk of wildfire; and
                      (D) for hazardous fuels reduction activities that
                    occur partially within the wildland-urban interface,
                    methods to distinguish which acres are located within
                    the wildland-urban interface and which acres are
                    located outside the wildland-urban interface.
              (3) Report.--Not later than 45 days after implementing the
            standardized procedures required under paragraph (1), the
            Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report that
            describes--
                      (A) the standardized procedures; and
                      (B) any programmatic or policy recommendations to
                    Congress to address limitations in tracking data
                    relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities under
                    this subsection.
      (c) GAO Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall--
              (1) conduct a study regarding the implementation of this
            section, including any limitations with respect to--
                      (A) reporting hazardous fuels reduction activities
                    under subsection (a); or
                      (B) tracking data relating to hazardous fuels
                    reduction activities under subsection (b); and
              (2) submit to Congress a report that describes the results of
            the study under paragraph (1).
      (d) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means any land
            under the jurisdiction of--
                      (A) the Secretary; or
                      (B) the Secretary of the Interior.
              (2) Hazardous fuels reduction activity.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``hazardous fuels reduction
                    activity'' means any vegetation management activity to
                    reduce the risk of wildfire, including mechanical
                    treatments, grazing, and prescribed burning.
                      (B) Exclusion.--The term ``hazardous fuels reduction
                    activity'' does not include the awarding of a contract
                    to conduct an activity described in subparagraph (A).
              (3) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
            means--
                      (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
                    National Forest System lands; and
                      (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
                    public lands.
      (e) No Additional Funds Authorized.--
              (1) In general.--No additional funds are authorized to carry
            out this section.
              (2) Subject to appropriations.--The activities authorized by
            this section are subject to the availability of appropriations
            made in advance for those purposes.

    SEC. 8504. SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATION RENTAL FEE WAIVER.

      All or part of the programmatic administrative fee, and any fees
    related to the special use authorization, as appropriate, may be waived
    by the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, when
    equitable and in the public interest as determined by the Chief of the
    Forest Service, for the use and occupancy of National Forest System
    land in the following circumstances:
              (1) The holder of the special use authorization is a State or
            local government or any agency or instrumentality thereof,
            excluding municipal utilities and cooperatives whose principal
            source of revenue is customer charges.
              (2) The holder is--
                      (A) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of
                    the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from
                    taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
                      (B) not controlled or owned by a profit-making
                    corporation or business enterprise; and
                      (C) is engaged in a public or semipublic activity to
                    further public health, safety, or welfare.
              (3) The holder is an amateur station, amateur operator, or
            provides amateur radio services, as those terms are defined in
            section 97.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or
            successor regulations).
              (4) Other circumstances the Secretary, acting through the
            Chief of the Forest Service, determines appropriate.

    SEC. 8505. CHARGES AND FEES FOR HARVEST OF FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS.

      (a) Recovery of Fair Market Value for Products.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of
            the Forest Service, shall establish and carry out a program to
            charge and collect fees under subsection (b) for forest
            botanical products harvested on National Forest System lands.
              (2) Appraisal methods; bidding procedures.--The Secretary,
            acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish
            a fee system based on fair market value for forest botanical
            products harvested on National Forest System lands.
      (b) Fees.--
              (1) Imposition and collection.--The Secretary shall charge
            and collect fees from persons who harvest forest botanical
            products on National Forest System lands.
              (2) Amount of fee.--The fees collected under paragraph (1)
            shall be based on the fair market value of the harvested forest
            botanical products and the costs incurred by the Secretary
            associated with granting, modifying, or monitoring the
            authorization for harvest of the forest botanical products,
            including the costs of any environmental or other analysis.
              (3) Security.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
            Forest Service, may require a person assessed a fee under this
            subsection to provide security to ensure that the Secretary
            receives the fees imposed under this subsection from the
            person.
      (c) Sustainable Harvest Levels for Forest Botanical Products.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of
            the Forest Service, shall--
                      (A) conduct appropriate analyses to determine whether
                    and how the harvest of forest botanical products on
                    National Forest System lands can be conducted on a
                    sustainable basis; and
                      (B) establish procedures and timeframes to monitor
                    and revise the harvest levels established for forest
                    botanical products.
              (2) Prohibition on harvest in excess of sustainable levels.--
            The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service,
            may not permit under the program under this section the harvest
            of forest botanical products on National Forest System lands at
            levels in excess of sustainable harvest levels, as defined
            under section 4 of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960
            (16 U.S.C. 531).
      (d) Waiver Authority.--
              (1) Personal use.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of
            the Forest Service, shall establish a personal use harvest
            level for each forest botanical product, and the harvest of a
            forest botanical product below that level by a person for
            personal use shall not be subject to charges and fees under
            subsections (a) and (b).
              (2) Other exceptions.--The Secretary, acting through the
            Chief of the Forest Service, may also waive the application of
            subsection (a) or (b) pursuant to such regulations as the
            Secretary may prescribe.
      (e) Deposit and Use of Funds.--
              (1) Deposit.--Funds collected under the program in accordance
            with subsections (a) and (b) shall be deposited into a special
            account in the United States Treasury.
              (2) Funds available.--Funds deposited into the special
            account in accordance with paragraph (1) shall remain available
            until expended without further appropriation.
              (3) Authorized uses.--The funds made available under
            paragraph (2) shall be expended at units of the National Forest
            System in proportion to the charges and fees collected at that
            unit under the program under this section to pay for--
                      (A) the costs of conducting inventories of forest
                    botanical products, determining sustainable levels of
                    harvest, monitoring and assessing the impacts of
                    harvest levels and methods, and for restoration
                    activities, including any necessary revegetation; and
                      (B) the costs described in subsection (b)(2).
              (4) Treatment of fees.--Funds collected under the program in
            accordance with subsections (a) and (b) shall not be taken into
            account for the purposes of the following laws:
                      (A) The sixth paragraph under the heading ``forest
                    service'' in the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C. 500),
                    and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly
                    known as the Weeks Act; 16 U.S.C. 500).
                      (B) The fourteenth paragraph under the heading
                    ``forest service'' in the Act of March 4, 1913 (16
                    U.S.C. 501).
                      (C) Section 33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act
                    (7 U.S.C. 1012).
                      (D) The Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 2601 et
                    seq.) and the Act of May 24, 1939 (43 U.S.C. 2621 et
                    seq.).
                      (E) Section 6 of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly
                    known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43
                    U.S.C. 869-4).
                      (F) Chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code.
                      (G) Section 401 of the Act of June 15, 1935 (16
                    U.S.C. 715s).
                      (H) Section 100904 of title 54, United States Code.
                      (I) Any other provision of law relating to revenue
                    allocation.
      (f) Reporting Requirements.--As soon as practicable after the end of
    each fiscal year in which the Secretary collects charges and fees under
    the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) or expends funds
    from the special account under subsection (e), the Secretary, acting
    through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall submit to the Congress a
    report summarizing the activities of the Secretary under the program
    under this section, including the funds collected under the program in
    accordance with subsections (a) and (b), the expenses incurred to carry
    out the program under this section, and the expenditures made from the
    special account during that fiscal year.
      (g) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
              (1) Forest botanical product.--The term ``forest botanical
            product''--
                      (A) means any naturally occurring mushroom, fungus,
                    flower, seed, root, bark, leaf, berry, bough,
                    bryophyte, bulb, burl, cone, epiphyte, fern, forb,
                    grass, moss, nut, pine straw, sedge, shrub, transplant,
                    tree sap, or other vegetation (or portion thereof) that
                    grows on National Forest System lands; and
                      (B) does not include trees, or portions of trees,
                    except as provided in regulations issued under section
                    339 of the Department of the Interior and Related
                    Agencies Appropriations Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 528
                    note) by the Secretary before the date of enactment of
                    this Act.
              (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)).

    SEC. 8506. FOREST SERVICE LEGACY ROAD AND TRAIL REMEDIATION PROGRAM
                        TRANSPARENCY.

      Section 8 of Public Law 88-657 (16 U.S.C. 538a) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (c)(2)--
                      (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
                    following:
                      ``(B) solicit and consider public input regionally in
                    selecting projects for funding under the Program by--
                              ``(i) publishing annually, for each region, a
                            list of projects considered for funding under
                            the Program;
                              ``(ii) accepting public comment on the
                            projects described in clause (i); and
                              ``(iii) considering public comments in
                            selecting projects for funding under the
                            Program;''; and
                      (B) in subparagraph (D)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
                            inserting ``annually, for each region,'' before
                            ``publish''; and
                              (ii) by striking clause (ii) and inserting
                            the following:
                              ``(ii) a list that includes a description
                            of--
                                      ``(I) each project considered for
                                    funding under the Program;
                                      ``(II) public comments received on
                                    each project described in subclause
                                    (I);
                                      ``(III) the ranking within the
                                    applicable region of each project
                                    described in subclause (I); and
                                      ``(IV) the proposed outcome of each
                                    project funded under the Program for
                                    the applicable fiscal year.''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(f) Definition of Region.--In this section, the term `region' means
    one of the 9 regions of the Forest Service.''.

    SEC. 8507. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY.

      For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary
    may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of
    chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and
    3328 of that title, a Job Corps graduate (as defined in section 142(5)
    of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3192(5))) to
    a position in the competitive service in the Forest Service for which
    the graduate meets the qualification standards.

    SEC. 8508. IMPROVING THE EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM.

      Section 407 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2206)
    is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
              (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
      ``(e) Advance Payments.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall give an owner of
            nonindustrial private forest land the option of receiving,
            before the owner carries out emergency measures under this
            section, not more than 75 percent of the cost of the emergency
            measures, as determined by the Secretary based on the fair
            market value of the cost of the emergency measures using the
            estimated cost of the applicable practice published in the
            Field Office Technical Guide of each State by the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service.
              ``(2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under paragraph
            (1) are not expended by the end of the 180-day period beginning
            on the date on which the owner of nonindustrial private forest
            land receives those funds, the funds shall be returned to the
            Secretary within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the
            Secretary.''.

    SEC. 8509. EXEMPTION FOR PREVIOUSLY ANALYZED AREAS OF NATIONAL FOREST
                        SYSTEM LANDS.

      (a) In General.--The requirements under the National Environmental
    Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or division A of subtitle
    54, United States Code, shall not apply to an application for a
    communications use authorization on National Forest System lands,
    including National Forest System lands on which authorized utilities,
    communications facilities, powerline facilities, or roads have been
    installed, if--
              (1) the communications equipment is located in or on existing
            infrastructure; or
              (2) the communications facility is located on previously
            analyzed areas of National Forest System lands.
      (b) No Additional Consultation Required Under Certain
    Circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
    Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation of the
    requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
    U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or division A of subtitle 54, United States Code,
    for an application for a communications use authorization on previously
    analyzed areas of National Forest System lands if new information
    concerning a previously analyzed area of National Forest System lands
    becomes available.
      (c) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Communications facility; communications use
            authorization.--The terms ``communications facility'' and
            ``communications use authorization'' have the meanings given
            the terms, respectively, in section 8705 of the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 1761a).
              (2) Previously analyzed areas of national forest system
            lands.--The term ``previously analyzed areas of National Forest
            System lands'' means any National Forest System lands with
            respect to which the Secretary has--
                      (A) granted, issued, and executed a communications
                    use authorization; and
                      (B) conducted sufficient environmental or historical
                    reviews.
              (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
            Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.

    SEC. 8510. RELEASE OF REVERSIONARY INTEREST IN BLACK RIVER STATE
                        FOREST.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Deli, inc.--The term ``Deli, Inc.'' means Deli, Inc., a
            sphagnum moss production business located in Millston,
            Wisconsin.
              (2) Deli land.--The term ``Deli land'' means the
            approximately 37.27 acres of land owned or optioned to acquire,
            subject to the approval of the land exchange by the Wisconsin
            Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Natural
            Resources Board, and the Governor of Wisconsin, in 2 separate
            parcels, by Deli, Inc., and located in Millston, Wisconsin, as
            depicted on the map and as described as follows:
                      (A) A parcel of real property containing
                    approximately 31.3 acres (which includes land within
                    the road right-of-way), together with any
                    improvements--
                              (i) comprising the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ sec. 29, T.
                            20 N., R. 2 W., Town of Millston, Jackson
                            County, Wisconsin;
                              (ii) excluding--
                                      (I) land lying north of the railroad
                                    right-of-way; and
                                      (II) a parcel 150 feet wide, with 50
                                    feet lying to the northeast, and 100
                                    feet to the southwest, of a line
                                    commencing at a point 5 feet east of
                                    the northwest corner of the quarter-
                                    quarter section described in clause
                                    (i), thence south 56 east 39" a
                                    distance of 222 feet, thence south 57
                                    east 31" a distance of 1359 feet; and
                              (iii) subject to--
                                      (I) any public water use or easements
                                    on Lee Lake; and
                                      (II) any easements or restrictions of
                                    record, public roadways, zoning and use
                                    ordinances, and the railroad right-of-
                                    way.
                      (B) A parcel of real property containing
                    approximately 5.97 acres located in the SW\1/4\SW\1/4\
                    sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 4 W., Town of Millston, Jackson
                    County, Wisconsin, comprising lot 7 of Certified Survey
                    Map No. 4483, as recorded in volume 19S of the
                    certified survey maps, page 334, as Document No. 413440
                    in the Jackson County Register of Deeds.
              (3) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Black
            River State Forest-Deli, Inc.'' and dated June 26, 2023.
              (4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Wisconsin.
              (5) State forest land.--The term ``State forest land'' means
            the approximately 31.83 acres of land located in the Black
            River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, as depicted on the
            map and as described as follows:
                      (A) A parcel containing 23.13 acres--
                              (i) comprising the portion of the E\1/2\SE\1/
                            4\ sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town of
                            Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying
                            south of the Interstate Highway 94 southern
                            right-of-way; and
                              (ii) excluding a triangular parcel in the
                            southwest corner described as commencing at the
                            southwest corner, thence east 260 feet, thence
                            northwesterly to a point on the west boundary
                            thereof 200 feet north of the southwest corner,
                            thence south to the place of beginning.
                      (B) A parcel containing 8.70 acres comprising the
                    portion of the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ sec. 29, T. 20 N., R. 2.
                    W., Town of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying
                    north of the railroad right-of-way, forming a
                    triangular piece and described as commencing at the
                    northeast corner of that quarter-quarter section,
                    thence west 1010 feet to the north line of the railroad
                    right-of-way, thence southeasterly along the boundary
                    of the railroad to the east line of that quarter-
                    quarter section, thence north on the east line 750 feet
                    to the place of beginning.
      (b) Conditional Release.--
              (1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
                      (A) the State forest land is subject to a
                    reversionary interest of the United States pursuant to
                    section 32(c) of The Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7
                    U.S.C. 1011(c)), requiring that the State forest land
                    be used for public purposes in perpetuity; and
                      (B) the State and Deli, Inc., have agreed that the
                    State will convey the State forest land in exchange for
                    the Deli land, and the Deli land will be added to Black
                    River State Forest in the State.
              (2) Conditional release.--If the State offers in a written
            agreement to convey the State forest land to Deli, Inc., in
            exchange for the conveyance of the Deli land to the State--
                      (A) the reversionary interest of the United States in
                    the State forest land shall be released; and
                      (B) the Secretary shall provide, as expeditiously as
                    possible, recordable evidence of the release under
                    subparagraph (A) in the form of a quitclaim deed, which
                    shall--
                              (i) convey any interest of the United States
                            in the State forest land without consideration;
                            and
                              (ii) be provided to the State for recording
                            before the exchange deeds are recorded.
              (3) Corrections.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
            State, may make any necessary corrections to the legal
            description of the State forest land for purposes of the
            quitclaim deed described in paragraph (2)(B).

    SEC. 8511. DOUG LAMALFA SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS ACT.

      Section 1 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
    Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 note) is amended by inserting
    ``or the `Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act''' before the period at
    the end.

    SEC. 8512. MINOR RANGE IMPROVEMENTS UNDER FOREST SERVICE GRAZING
                        PERMITS.

      (a) Minor Range Improvements by Permittees.--Not later than 1 year
    after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue
    regulations allowing a permittee to carry out a minor range improvement
    on the lands with respect to which the permittee holds a grazing permit
    if--
              (1) the permittee notifies the applicable Forest Service
            district ranger at least 30 days prior to carrying out such
            minor range improvement; and
              (2) such applicable district ranger--
                      (A) approves the minor range improvement; or
                      (B) does not respond to notification regarding the
                    minor range improvement.
      (b) Range Improvements by the Secretary.--The Secretary, acting
    through the applicable district ranger, shall--
              (1) respond to a covered request not later than 30 days after
            the date on which such request is submitted; and
              (2) if such response confirms that the Secretary, acting
            through the applicable district ranger, will carry out the
            range improvement requested--
                      (A) notify the district office that serves the area
                    in which such range improvement will occur; and
                      (B) expedite the carrying out of such range
                    improvement using any available administrative tools or
                    authorities, including categorical exclusions.
      (c) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) CFR terms.--The terms ``grazing permit'', ``permittee'',
            and ``range improvement'' have the meanings given those terms,
            respectively, in section 222.1 of title 36, Code of Federal
            Regulations (or any successor regulations).
              (2) Covered request.--The term ``covered request'' means a
            request submitted by a permittee to the Secretary requesting
            that the Secretary carry out a range improvement.
              (3) Minor range improvement.--The term ``minor range
            improvement'' includes improvements to existing fences and
            fence lines, wells, water pipelines, and stock tanks.

                        Subtitle F--White Oak Resilience

    SEC. 8601. SHORT TITLE.

      This subtitle may be cited as the ``White Oak Resilience Act''.

    SEC. 8602. WHITE OAK RESTORATION INITIATIVE COALITION.

      (a) In General.--The White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition shall
    be established--
              (1) as a voluntary collaborative group of Federal, State,
            Tribal, and local governments and private and nongovernmental
            organizations to carry out the duties described in subsection
            (b); and
              (2) in accordance with the charter titled ``White Oak
            Initiative Coalition Charter'' adopted by the White Oak
            Initiative Board of Directors on March 21, 2023 (or any
            successor charter).
      (b) Duties.--In addition to the duties specified in the charter
    described in subsection (a)(2), the duties of the White Oak Restoration
    Initiative Coalition are--
              (1) to coordinate Federal, State, Tribal, local, private, and
            nongovernmental restoration of white oak in the United States;
            and
              (2) to make program and policy recommendations, consistent
            with applicable forest management plans, with respect to--
                      (A) changes necessary to address Federal and State
                    policies that impede activities to improve the health,
                    resiliency, and natural regeneration of white oak;
                      (B) adopting or modifying Federal and State policies
                    to increase the pace and scale of white oak
                    regeneration and resiliency of white oak;
                      (C) options to enhance communication, coordination,
                    and collaboration between forest landowners,
                    particularly for cross-boundary projects, to improve
                    the health, resiliency, and natural regeneration of
                    white oak;
                      (D) research gaps that should be addressed to improve
                    the best available science on white oak;
                      (E) outreach to forest landowners with white oak or
                    white oak regeneration potential; and
                      (F) options and policies necessary to improve the
                    quality and quantity of white oak in tree nurseries.
      (c) Administrative Support, Technical Services, and Staff Support.--
    The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall make such
    personnel available to the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition
    for administrative support, technical services, and development and
    dissemination of educational materials as the Secretary of the Interior
    or the Secretary, as applicable, determines necessary to carry out this
    section.

    SEC. 8603. FOREST SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
    Forest Service, shall establish and carry out 5 pilot projects in
    national forests to restore white oak in such forests through white oak
    restoration and natural regeneration practices that are consistent with
    applicable forest management plans.
      (b) National Forests Reserved or Withdrawn From Public Domain.--At
    least 3 pilot projects required under subsection (a) shall be carried
    out on national forests reserved or withdrawn from the public domain.
      (c) Authority To Enter Into Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary
    may enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects
    required under subsection (a).
      (d) Sunset.--The authority under this section shall terminate on the
    date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 8604. WHITE OAK REGENERATION AND UPLAND OAK HABITAT.

      (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a nonregulatory
    program to be known as the ``White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat
    Regeneration Program'' (in this section referred to as the
    ``Program'').
      (b) Duties.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall--
              (1) draw upon the best available science and management plans
            for species of white oak to identify, prioritize, and implement
            restoration and conservation activities that will improve the
            growth of white oak within the United States;
              (2) collaborate and coordinate with the White Oak Restoration
            Initiative Coalition to prioritize white oak restoration
            initiatives;
              (3) adopt a white oak restoration strategy that--
                      (A) supports the implementation of a shared set of
                    science-based restoration and conservation activities
                    developed in accordance with paragraph (1);
                      (B) targets cost-effective projects with measurable
                    results; and
                      (C) maximizes restoration outcomes with no net gain
                    of Federal full-time equivalent employees; and
              (4) establish the voluntary grant and technical assistance
            programs in accordance with subsection (e).
      (c) Coordination.--In establishing the Program, the Secretary, acting
    through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall consult with--
              (1) the heads of Federal agencies, including--
                      (A) the Director of the United States Fish and
                    Wildlife Service; and
                      (B) the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation
                    Service; and
              (2) the Governor of each State in which restoration efforts
            will be carried out pursuant to the Program.
      (d) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program include--
              (1) coordinating restoration and conservation activities
            among Federal, State, Tribal, and local entities and
            conservation partners to address white oak restoration
            priorities;
              (2) improving and regenerating white oak and upland oak
            forests and the wildlife habitat such forests provide;
              (3) carrying out coordinated restoration and conservation
            activities that lead to the increased growth of species of
            white oak in native white oak regions on Federal, State,
            Tribal, and private land;
              (4) facilitating strategic planning to maximize the
            resilience of white oak systems and habitats under changing
            climate conditions;
              (5) engaging the public through outreach, education, and
            citizen involvement to increase capacity and support for
            coordinated restoration and conservation activities for species
            of white oak; and
              (6) increasing scientific capacity to support the planning,
            monitoring, and research activities necessary to carry out such
            coordinated restoration and conservation activities.
      (e) Grants and Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--To the extent that funds are available to
            carry out this section, the Secretary shall establish a
            voluntary grant and technical assistance program (in this
            section referred to as the ``grant program'') to achieve the
            purposes of the Program, as described in subsection (d).
              (2) Administration.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a
                    cooperative agreement with the National Fish and
                    Wildlife Foundation (in this subsection referred to as
                    the ``Foundation'') to manage and administer the grant
                    program.
                      (B) Funding.--Subject to the availability of
                    appropriations made in advance for such purpose, after
                    the Secretary enters into a cooperative agreement with
                    the Foundation under subparagraph (A), the Foundation
                    shall, for each fiscal year, receive amounts to carry
                    out this subsection in an advance payment of the entire
                    amount on October 1, or as soon as practicable
                    thereafter, of that fiscal year.
              (3) Application of national fish and wildlife foundation
            establishment act.--Amounts received by the Foundation to carry
            out the grant program shall be subject to the National Fish and
            Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.),
            excluding section 10(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3709(a)).
      (f) Sunset.--The authority under this section shall terminate on the
    date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 8605. TREE NURSERY SHORTAGES.

      (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of
    the Forest Service, shall--
              (1) develop and implement a national strategy to increase the
            capacity of Federal, State, Tribal, and private tree nurseries
            to address the nationwide shortage of tree seedlings; and
              (2) coordinate such strategy with--
                      (A) the national reforestation strategy of the Forest
                    Service; and
                      (B) each regional implementation plan for national
                    forests.
      (b) Elements.--The strategy required under subsection (a) shall--
              (1) be based on the best available science and data; and
              (2) identify and address--
                      (A) regional seedling shortages of bareroot and
                    container tree seedlings;
                      (B) regional reforestation opportunities and the
                    seedling supply necessary to fulfill such
                    opportunities;
                      (C) opportunities to enhance seedling diversity and
                    close gaps in seed inventories; and
                      (D) barriers to expanding, enhancing, or creating new
                    infrastructure to increase nursery capacity.

                                TITLE IX--ENERGY

    SEC. 9001. DEFINITION OF ADVANCED BIOFUEL.

      Section 9001(3)(B)(iv) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
    of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101(3)(B)(iv)) is amended by inserting ``and
    sustainable aviation fuel'' after ``diesel-equivalent fuel''.

    SEC. 9002. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.

      Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8102) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the
                    following:
                      ``(G) Procurement resources.--The Office of Federal
                    Procurement Policy, in coordination with the Secretary,
                    shall provide educational materials to procuring
                    agencies to consider the longevity of a product,
                    economic savings, and the efficacy and performance of a
                    product when making procurement decisions under this
                    subsection.''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (4)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause
                            (ii) and redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv)
                            as clauses (ii) and (iii), respectively;
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
                                      (I) in the matter preceding subclause
                                    (I)--
                                              (aa) by inserting ``and the
                                            Secretary'' after ``Policy'';
                                            and
                                              (bb) by striking
                                            ``information concerning--''
                                            and inserting ``a report that
                                            describes, for the year covered
                                            by the report--'';
                                      (II) in subclause (I), by inserting
                                    ``, including the actions taken by the
                                    procuring agency to establish and
                                    implement the biobased procurement
                                    program of the procuring agency under
                                    that paragraph'' before the semicolon;
                                      (III) in subclause (IV), by striking
                                    ``and'' at the end;
                                      (IV) in subclause (V), by striking
                                    ``and'' at the end; and
                                      (V) by adding at the end the
                                    following:
                                      ``(VI)(aa) the specific categories of
                                    biobased products that are unavailable
                                    to meet procurement needs of the
                                    procuring agencies; and
                                      ``(bb) the desired performance
                                    characteristics and other relevant
                                    specifications for those products; and
                                      ``(VII) if applicable, an explanation
                                    of the procurement requirement or
                                    updated procurement requirement
                                    established under paragraph (2)(A)(i)
                                    that procuring agencies failed to meet
                                    and reasons for the failure; and''; and
                              (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) Accountability.--The Office of Federal
                    Procurement Policy, in consultation with the Secretary,
                    shall annually--
                              ``(i) collect the information required to be
                            reported under subparagraph (B) and make the
                            information publicly available;
                              ``(ii) using the information collected under
                            subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, document
                            relevant procuring agencies under paragraph
                            (2)(A)(i) that, as applicable, have established
                            a procurement program in accordance with
                            paragraph (2)(A)(i)(I); and
                              ``(iii) make the information publicly
                            available, subject to the exemptions from
                            disclosure under section 552(b) of title 5,
                            United States Code.'';
              (2) in subsection (f)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in the heading, by inserting ``and
                            napcs'' before ``codes'';
                              (ii) by inserting ``and North American
                            Product Classification System codes'' before
                            ``for--''; and
                              (iii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B)
                            and inserting the following:
                      ``(A) renewable chemicals manufacturers and biobased
                    products manufacturers; and
                      ``(B) renewable chemicals and biobased products.'';
                    and
                      (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3)
                    and inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
              ``(2) Report.--To inform the development of codes under
            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, within 90 days after the
            date of the enactment of this paragraph, 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--
                      ``(A) the Federal statistical collections of
                    information related to the North American Industry
                    Classification System codes and the North American
                    Product Classification System codes that utilize
                    bioeconomy-specific data;
                      ``(B) recommendations to implement any bioeconomy-
                    related changes as part of the 2027 revisions of the
                    North American Industry Classification System codes and
                    the North American Product Classification System codes;
                    and
                      ``(C) an assessment of the impacts that bioeconomy-
                    specific North American Industry Classification System
                    codes and North American Product Classification System
                    codes would have on the measurement by the agency of
                    the economic contributions of the bioeconomy.''; and
              (3) in subsection (k)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2024'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 9003. BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE.

      (a) In General.--Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)(1)--
                      (A) by inserting ``or innovative'' before
                    ``commercial-scale''; and
                      (B) by inserting ``, renewable chemicals, or biobased
                    products'' after ``end-user products'';
              (2) in subsection (d)(1)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) by striking all that precedes ``a loan
                            guarantee'' and inserting the following:
                      ``(B) Feasibility.--
                              ``(i) In general.--In approving''; and
                              (ii) by adding after and below the end the
                            following:
                              ``(ii) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
                            requirement that the applicant must demonstrate
                            commercial viability for projects adopting
                            commercially available technology.'';
                      (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
                    subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
                      (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
                    following:
                      ``(C) Technical review agreement.--
                              ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall enter
                            into an agreement with each project applicant
                            that clearly outlines the specific objectives,
                            outcomes, and conditions by which the Secretary
                            determines successful technical feasibility of
                            the project under this section.
                              ``(ii) Conditions of agreement.--The
                            agreement provided under clause (i) shall
                            include clear guidelines and expectations for
                            the methodologies, protocols, and procedures,
                            and what the eligible technology must
                            demonstrate, for the Department to determine
                            technical feasibility from an integrated
                            demonstration unit, including--
                                      ``(I) a set timeline for the
                                    integrated demonstration unit campaign
                                    and final technical report to show
                                    reliable evidence of continuous,
                                    steady-state production;
                                      ``(II) criteria and methods for
                                    evaluating the project's success,
                                    including any third-party assessments
                                    or evaluations that may be conducted
                                    during the demonstration period and at
                                    the conclusion of the set timeline;
                                      ``(III) criteria and methods to prove
                                    the ability of the integrated
                                    demonstration unit to use project-
                                    specific feedstock for the production
                                    of advanced biofuels, renewable
                                    chemicals, or biobased products at a
                                    yield and quality consistent with the
                                    design basis of the project;
                                      ``(IV) required information and
                                    conditions that demonstrate operation
                                    duration, quality, and quantity
                                    specifications; and
                                      ``(V) any other information that, if
                                    supplied to the Secretary, would assist
                                    the eligible entity in sufficiently
                                    demonstrating a project's technical
                                    feasibility.
                              ``(iii) Failure to comply with agreement.--
                                      ``(I) Noncompliance notification.--If
                                    a project applicant fails to comply
                                    with the technical feasibility
                                    requirements as provided under clause
                                    (ii), the Secretary shall issue a
                                    written notice to the project applicant
                                    detailing the specific deficiencies and
                                    providing a reasonable timeframe for
                                    the project applicant to rectify the
                                    issues.
                                      ``(II) Corrective action period.--The
                                    project applicant shall have a period
                                    of not more than 90 days from the date
                                    of issuance of the noncompliance notice
                                    to address the identified deficiencies
                                    and submit a revised technical
                                    feasibility assessment for
                                    reconsideration.
                              ``(iv) Technical feasibility approval.--Upon
                            fulfillment of the conditions of agreement
                            established under clause (ii) or approval of
                            the revised technical feasibility assessment
                            under clause (iii)(II), the Secretary shall
                            determine the project to be technically
                            feasible.''; and
              (3) in subsection (g)--
                      (A) by striking all that precedes ``is authorized''
                    and inserting the following:
      ``(g) Funding.--There''; and
                      (B) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
      (b) Rescission.--Of the unobligated balances of amounts made
    available under section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
    Act of 2002, $18,000,000 are rescinded.

    SEC. 9004. BIOPRODUCT LABELING TERMINOLOGY.

      Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8101-8115) is amended by inserting after section 9003 the
    following:

    ``SEC. 9004. BIOPRODUCT LABELING TERMINOLOGY.

      ``(a) Uniform Standards.--
              ``(1) In general.--Within 1 year after the date of the
            enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue rules
            implementing national uniform labeling standards for, and
            ensuring the proper use of, the following terms in the labeling
            and marketing of bioproducts:
                      ``(A) Bio-attributed plastic.
                      ``(B) Bio-attributed product.
                      ``(C) Biobased plastic.
                      ``(D) Plant-based product.
              ``(2) Inclusion of certain defined terms.--In implementing
            the national uniform labeling standards under paragraph (1),
            the Secretary shall include the following terms, as defined in
            section 9001:
                      ``(A) Biobased product.
                      ``(B) Intermediate ingredient or feedstock.
                      ``(C) Renewable biomass.
                      ``(D) Renewable chemical.
      ``(b) Consultation.--In defining terms under subsection (a), the
    Secretary shall consult with--
              ``(1) biomanufacturers;
              ``(2) entities engaged in research and development of
            bioproducts;
              ``(3) feedstock growers; and
              ``(4) other industry stakeholders.''.

    SEC. 9005. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.

      Section 9005(g)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(g)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 9006. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

      Section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8106) is repealed.

    SEC. 9007. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(referred to in this
            section as the `Program')'' after ``Program'';
              (2) in subsection (b)(3)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``, cost
                    savings,'' after ``savings'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(G) the potential of the proposed program to
                    meaningfully improve the financial conditions of the
                    agricultural producer or rural small business.'';
              (3) in subsection (c)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by inserting ``,
                    agricultural cooperatives with less than 2,500
                    employees,'' before ``and rural'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and''
                            at the end;
                              (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as
                            subparagraph (H); and
                              (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the
                            following:
                      ``(G) the potential improvements to the financial
                    conditions of the agricultural producer or rural small
                    business; and''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``$25,000,000''
                    and inserting ``$50,000,000'';
              (4) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as
            subsections (e), (f), and (g), respectively, and inserting
            after subsection (c) the following:
      ``(d) Streamlined Application Process.--The Secretary shall develop a
    streamlined application process, including within each tier described
    in subsection (c)(4), under which an entity may apply for a grant under
    subsection (b), financial assistance under subsection (c), or a bundled
    application for a project with components eligible under clauses (i)
    and (ii) of subsection (c)(1)(A).'';
              (5) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by striking
                    ``Outreach'' and inserting ``Outreach, Technical
                    Assistance, and Education'';
                      (B) by striking ``that adequate'' and inserting the
                    following: ``that--
              ``(1) adequate'';
                      (C) in paragraph (1) (as inserted by subparagraph (B)
                    of this paragraph), by striking the period at the end
                    and inserting a semicolon; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(2) technical assistance is provided to entities seeking to
            apply for a grant or financial assistance under the Program;
            and
              ``(3) outreach, technical assistance, and education is
            provided to recipients of grants and other financial assistance
            under the Program relating to integrating renewable energy
            projects on land shared with crops or livestock.'';
              (6) in subsection (g), (as so redesignated by paragraph (4)
            of this section)--
                      (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Reserve fund.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Of the funds obligated under
                    paragraph (1) for each fiscal year , not less than 10
                    percent shall be deposited in a reserve fund in the
                    Treasury and reserved for use in accordance with this
                    subparagraph.
                      ``(B) Use of funds.--
                              ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall use
                            amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) to
                            provide grants to support projects using
                            underutilized renewable energy technologies.
                              ``(ii) Costs.--The amount of the grant for
                            such a project shall not exceed 25 percent of
                            the installation or maintenance costs of the
                            project for the year in which the grant is
                            awarded.
                      ``(C) Frequency of solicitations to fund.--The
                    Secretary shall carry out at least 2 solicitations for
                    applications for grants from the reserve fund in each
                    fiscal year.
                      ``(D) Reallocation.--Any funds reserved under
                    subparagraph (A) that remain unobligated 1 year after
                    the end of the fiscal year in which made available
                    under subparagraph (A) shall be reallocated to carry
                    out the program established under this section.
                      ``(E) Definition of underutilized renewable energy
                    technologies.--The term `underutilized renewable energy
                    technologies' means renewable energy technologies for
                    which have been expended not more than 20 percent of
                    the average of the total amounts made available under
                    this section for the 5 fiscal years most recently
                    ending before the date of the enactment of this
                    paragraph.''; and
              (7) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(h) Project Diversity.--In approving grant or loan guarantee
    applications under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to
    the extent practicable, there is diversity in the types of projects
    approved for grants or loan guarantees to ensure that as wide a range
    as possible of technologies, products, and approaches are assisted.''.
      (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 9007 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 8107)
    is amended by striking ``subsection (f)'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``subsection (g)''.

    SEC. 9008. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY.

      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 ``2026'' and inserting
            ``2031''; and
              (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2026'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 9009. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

      Section 9011(f)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 9010. CARBON UTILIZATION AND BIOGAS EDUCATION PROGRAM.

      Section 9014 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8115) is repealed.

    SEC. 9011. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS ON COVERED
                        FARMLAND.

      Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8101-8115) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 9014. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS ON COVERED
                        FARMLAND.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
    of Energy, shall conduct a study on the effects of solar panel
    installations on the conversion of covered farmland out of agricultural
    production in accordance with this section.
      ``(b) Content.--In conducting the study under this section, the
    Secretary shall--
              ``(1) analyze the economic effects of solar panel
            installations on covered farmland, including the effects on--
                      ``(A) crop yields;
                      ``(B) land values, including adjacent properties;
                      ``(C) land access and tenure;
                      ``(D) local economies; and
                      ``(E) food security;
              ``(2) investigate impacts of solar panel installation,
            operation, and decommissioning on covered farmland, and suggest
            best practices to protect--
                      ``(A) soil health;
                      ``(B) water resources;
                      ``(C) wildlife;
                      ``(D) vegetation;
                      ``(E) water drainage; and
                      ``(F) air quality;
              ``(3) assess the impacts of shared solar energy and
            agricultural production on covered farmland, including best
            practices to--
                      ``(A) maintain or increase agricultural production;
                      ``(B) increase agricultural resilience;
                      ``(C) retain covered farmland;
                      ``(D) increase economic opportunities in farming and
                    rural communities, including new revenue streams and
                    job creation;
                      ``(E) reduce nonfarmer ownership of covered farmland;
                    and
                      ``(F) enhance biodiversity;
              ``(4) assess the types of agricultural land best suited and
            worst suited for shared solar energy and agricultural
            production;
              ``(5) study the compatibility of different species of
            livestock with different solar panel system designs,
            including--
                      ``(A) the optimal height of and distance between
                    solar panels for livestock grazing and shade for
                    livestock;
                      ``(B) manure management considerations;
                      ``(C) fencing requirements; and
                      ``(D) other animal-handling considerations;
              ``(6) study the compatibility of different crop types with
            different solar panel system designs, including--
                      ``(A) the optimal height of and distance between
                    solar panels for plant shading and farm equipment use;
                    and
                      ``(B) the impact on crop yield;
              ``(7) evaluate the degree to which existing Federal, State,
            or local tax incentives result in the development of covered
            farmland under study;
              ``(8) recommend effective incentives that could shift solar
            panel installations toward the built environment, brownfield
            sites, and other contaminated sites;
              ``(9) evaluate the effectiveness of programs administered by
            the Federal Government related to solar energy development
            that--
                      ``(A) result in the development of contaminated
                    lands, the built environment, and other preferred
                    sites; and
                      ``(B) discourage solar panel installations that would
                    convert covered farmland out of agricultural
                    production; and
              ``(10) estimate the loss of agricultural production on
            covered farmland due to solar panel installations.
      ``(c) Consultation With Relevant Stakeholders.--In addition to
    consultation with the Secretary of Energy, while conducting the study
    under this section, the Secretary shall consult with--
              ``(1) farmers;
              ``(2) ranchers;
              ``(3) landowners;
              ``(4) agricultural organizations;
              ``(5) State departments of agriculture and energy;
              ``(6) units of local government;
              ``(7) conservation organizations;
              ``(8) land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in
            section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
            and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
              ``(9) solar developers.
      ``(d) Report.--Within 2 years after the date of enactment of this
    Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
    Senate a written report on the findings of the study and
    recommendations under this section.
      ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Covered farmland.--The term `covered farmland'
            includes--
                      ``(A) farmland, as defined in section 1540(c)(1) of
                    the Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C.
                    4201(c)(1)); and
                      ``(B) nonindustrial private forest land, as defined
                    in section 201(a)(18) of the Food Security Act of 1985
                    (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(18)).
              ``(2) Brownfield site.--The term `brownfield site' has the
            meaning given that term in section 101(39) of the Comprehensive
            Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
            (42 U.S.C. 9601(39)).
              ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of
            Agriculture.''.

    SEC. 9012. LIMITATION ON USDA FUNDING FOR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY
                        SYSTEMS.

      Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8101-8115) is further amended by adding at the end the
    following:

    ``SEC. 9015. LIMITATION ON USDA FUNDING FOR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY
                        SYSTEMS.

      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Covered farmland.--The term `covered farmland'
            includes--
                      ``(A) farmland, as defined in section 1540(c)(1) of
                    the Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C.
                    4201(c)(1)); and
                      ``(B) nonindustrial private forest land, as defined
                    in section 201(a)(18) of the Food Security Act of 1985
                    (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(18)).
              ``(2) Conversion.--The term `conversion' means, with respect
            to covered farmland, any activity that results in the covered
            farmland failing to meet the requirements of a State (as
            defined in section 343 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
            Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991)) for agricultural production,
            activity, or use or timber harvest.
              ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of
            Agriculture.
      ``(b) In General.--The Secretary may not provide financial assistance
    for a project that would result in the conversion of covered farmland
    for solar energy production.
      ``(c) Exception.--Subsection (b) shall not apply to a project if the
    project--
              ``(1) results in the conversion of less than 5 acres of
            covered farmland; or
              ``(2) results in the conversion of less than 50 acres of
            covered farmland with--
                      ``(A) the majority of the energy produced being for
                    on-farm use; and
                      ``(B) receipt of a resolution of approval or support,
                    or other similar instrument, from each county and
                    municipality in which the project is sited.
      ``(d) Covered Farmland Protection.--
              ``(1) Farmland conservation plan required.--A person who has
            applied to the Secretary for financial assistance for a project
            to which subsection (c)(2) applies shall--
                      ``(A) develop a farmland conservation plan for the
                    project to--
                              ``(i) implement best practices to protect
                            future soil health and productivity, and
                            mitigate soil erosion, compaction, and other
                            effects of solar energy production during
                            construction, operation, and decommissioning;
                            and
                              ``(ii) remediate and restore the soil health
                            of the farmland to that of the farmland before
                            the solar energy production project
                            construction; and
                      ``(B) ensure that sufficient funds, as determined by
                    the Secretary, are provided for the decommissioning of
                    the solar energy production system and the remediation
                    and restoration of covered farmland to carry out the
                    farmland conservation plan described in subparagraph
                    (A).
              ``(2) Obligation and disbursement of funds.--The Secretary
            may obligate financial assistance for a project described in
            paragraph (1), but shall not disburse the financial assistance
            until the Secretary has determined that the applicant for the
            financial assistance has complied with paragraph (1).
              ``(3) Farmland conservation plan implementation.--A person
            referred to in paragraph (1) shall carry out--
                      ``(A) the provisions of the plan that are described
                    in paragraph (1)(A)(i), on the receipt by the project
                    of financial assistance from the Secretary and for the
                    duration of solar energy production under the project;
                    and
                      ``(B) the provisions of the plan that are described
                    in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), on the cessation of solar
                    energy production under the project.
              ``(4) Compliance.--A person who fails to comply with
            paragraph (3) with respect to a project shall repay to the
            Secretary the full amount of the financial assistance provided
            by the Secretary to the person for the project.
      ``(e) Additional Limitations.--The Secretary may not provide
    financial assistance for a project that procures a solar energy
    component (as defined in section 45x(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
    of 1986) produced, manufactured, or assembled--
              ``(1) in a foreign country of concern (as defined in section
            10638(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. 19237(2))); or
              ``(2) by--
                      ``(A) an entity domiciled or controlled by such a
                    foreign country; or
                      ``(B) a foreign entity of concern (as defined in
                    section 10638(3) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C.
                    19237(3))).''.

    SEC. 9013. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS STRATEGY.

      The Secretary shall establish a Departmentwide strategy to advance
    the production of sustainable aviation fuels by--
              (1) facilitating the collaboration between relevant
            Department mission areas to encourage the advancement of the
            sustainable aviation fuels supply chain, including utilization
            of agricultural crops grown for sustainable aviation fuels
            production;
              (2) identifying opportunities to maximize sustainable
            aviation fuels development, deployment, and commercialization;
              (3) leveraging the capabilities of America's farmers,
            ranchers, foresters, and producers to capture opportunities in
            the sustainable aviation fuels market;
              (4) supporting rural economic development through sustainable
            aviation fuels production; and
              (5) promoting public-private partnerships for the
            development, deployment, and commercialization of sustainable
            aviation fuels.

    SEC. 9014. LEVERAGING EFFICIENCY AWARENESS FOR PUMPING SYSTEMS.

      (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
              (1) There are over 600,000 pumping systems used for
            irrigation on agricultural land in the United States, many of
            which still rely on fossil fuels.
              (2) Improving the efficiency of agricultural irrigation
            pumping systems can save up to 22,000,000,000 kilowatt hours of
            energy per year and eliminate 8,300,000 metric tons of carbon
            emissions annually.
              (3) Energy savings from electrifying agricultural irrigation
            pumping systems can save farmers and ranchers more than
            $1,800,000,000 annually in energy costs.
              (4) Pumping systems play a central role in the watering of
            livestock and the management of animal waste in every State.
              (5) Pumping systems are a critical component of the Nation's
            $2,300,000,000 aquaculture industry.
              (6) Improving the efficiency of pumping systems used in
            raising livestock and fish can significantly reduce energy use,
            save producers millions of dollars annually, and provide
            meaningful reductions in carbon emissions.
              (7) Agricultural irrigation pumping systems utilizing plastic
            piping can provide significant drought relief benefits,
            dramatically reducing water losses from evaporation and
            seepage; agriculture uses 37 percent of the Nation's surface
            and ground water, 30 percent of which is lost to seepage and
            evaporation.
              (8) Reducing the friction in piping used for agricultural
            irrigation and livestock watering can provide meaningful energy
            and cost savings; there are potentially 2,500 kWh of energy
            savings for every 10 miles of plastic piping utilized in
            delivering water for crops and livestock.
              (9) Solar pumping systems can play an important role in
            protecting riparian habitat and improving water quality in
            streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries through providing
            alternative watering options for livestock.
      (b) Information on Energy-Efficient Pumping Systems.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with
            pumping system experts, in order to educate farmers on the
            benefits of energy-efficient pumping systems, shall develop and
            make publicly available on the website of the Department easily
            accessible information on cost savings, energy savings, water
            conservation, and carbon emissions reductions that can be
            realized through the use of energy-efficient pumping systems.
              (2) Contents.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary
            shall include information on--
                      (A) pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls that
                    can provide energy savings and cost savings, conserve
                    water, and reduce carbon emissions; and
                      (B) Department programs that provide farmers
                    resources for acquiring energy-efficient pumping
                    systems and drought management infrastructure,
                    including the environmental quality incentives program,
                    the Rural Energy for America Program, and the
                    conservation stewardship program.
      (c) Energy Efficiency Preassessment Tool.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with
            pumping system experts, in order to raise awareness of the
            benefits of energy-efficient pumping systems and increase
            participation in Department programs that promote energy
            efficiency, shall develop and make publicly available on the
            website of the Department a user-friendly tool to--
                      (A) assist farmers in making a preliminary assessment
                    of the energy efficiency of existing pumping systems;
                    and
                      (B) provide an estimate of potential energy savings,
                    cost savings, and carbon emissions reductions that may
                    be realized through pumping system improvements.
              (2) Requirements.--
                      (A) Ease of use.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
                    tool made available under paragraph (1) provides a user
                    with projected energy savings, projected cost savings,
                    and projected carbon emissions reductions through the
                    input by the user of the following data relating to an
                    existing pumping system:
                              (i) Pump type.
                              (ii) Flow rating and actual flow.
                              (iii) Pressure rating and actual pressure.
                              (iv) Speed rating and actual speed.
                      (B) Considerations.--The Secretary shall ensure that
                    the tool made available under paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in assessing the energy efficiency of a
                            pumping system, takes into consideration pumps,
                            pipes, motors, drives, and controls associated
                            with the pumping system; and
                              (ii) in projecting the energy savings, cost
                            savings, and carbon emissions reductions that
                            may be realized through pumping system
                            improvements, takes into consideration the cost
                            of electricity and the profile of the existing
                            pumping system.
      (d) Energy Auditor Education.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with
            pumping system experts, in order to increase the effectiveness
            of Department of Agriculture energy efficiency programs, shall
            establish a process to educate persons performing energy
            efficiency audits for the Department of Agriculture on energy
            use and energy efficiency in pumping systems.
              (2) Implementation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall consider the use of existing education and
            training programs focused on energy use and energy efficiency
            in pumping systems.
      (e) Conservation Stewardship Program Activities.--Section
    1240I(2)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
    21(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ``and energy-efficient pumping
    systems'' before ``, as determined''.
      (f) Definition of Pumping System.--In this section, the term
    ``pumping system'' means any pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls
    used to move water and other fluids on farms, ranches, and aquaculture
    operations.

    SEC. 9015. ADDING WASTE ENERGY RECOVERY TO THE RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA
                        PROGRAM.

      Section 9001(15)(A) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101(15)(A)) is amended by striking ``or hydroelectric''
    and inserting ``hydroelectric, or waste energy recovery''.

            TITLE X--HORTICULTURE, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY REFORM

                            Subtitle A--Horticulture

    SEC. 10001. 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), in the matter preceding paragraph
            (1)--
                      (A) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) by striking ``specialty crops, including--'' and
                    inserting ``specialty crops through priorities
                    established annually by State program administrators in
                    consultation with specialty crop producers and producer
                    groups, including--''; and
              (2) by striking subsection (e), and inserting the following:
      ``(e) Plan Requirements.--The State plan shall identify the lead
    agency charged with the responsibility of carrying out the plan and
    indicate--
              ``(1) how the grant funds will be utilized to enhance the
            competitiveness of specialty crops; and
              ``(2) how outreach to, and consultation with, specialty crop
            producers and producer groups will be achieved.''.

    SEC. 10002. 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 ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 10003. OFFICE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION.

      Section 222 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)(3)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                    inserting ``production'' after ``emerging
                    agricultural'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (D)--
                              (i) by inserting ``controlled-environment
                            agriculture, including'' before ``hydroponic'';
                            and
                              (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (C) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph
                    (H); and
                      (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
                    following:
                      ``(E) using the resources of the Department and of
                    State, Tribal, and local agencies to provide technical
                    assistance for business incorporation, navigating local
                    zoning, and managing farm tract numbers for smaller,
                    noncontiguous parcels to growers implementing
                    activities described in this paragraph;
                      ``(F) using the resources of the Department and of
                    State, Tribal, and local agencies to promote
                    conservation techniques unique to urban agriculture and
                    innovative production, including techniques that
                    address stormwater runoff and the impacted nature of
                    urban land and the subsurface of the land;
                      ``(G) assisting urban and innovative producers in
                    navigating Federal, State, Tribal, and local policies
                    and regulations that impact business or operations;
                    and'';
              (2) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``the date that
                    is 5 years after the date on which the members are
                    appointed under paragraph (2)(B)'' and inserting
                    ``September 30, 2031'';
              (3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
      ``(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
              ``(1) Grants.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Director shall award
                    competitive grants to support the development of urban
                    and innovative agricultural production and technical or
                    financial assistance to producers.
                      ``(B) Subgrants.--An eligible entity may use funds
                    from a grant under subparagraph (A) to provide
                    subgrants to urban and innovative producers to support
                    the growth of the farm or farm business of the urban
                    and innovative producers.
                      ``(C) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to
                    receive a grant under subparagraph (A) is--
                              ``(i) a nonprofit organization;
                              ``(ii) a unit of local government;
                              ``(iii) a Tribal organization;
                              ``(iv) an agricultural cooperative or other
                            agricultural business entity or a producer
                            network or association; or
                              ``(v) a school that serves any of grades
                            kindergarten through grade 12.
              ``(2) Cooperative agreements.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Director may enter into
                    cooperative agreements with eligible entities to
                    support the development of urban and innovative
                    agricultural production.
                      ``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to enter
                    into cooperative agreements under subparagraph (A) is--
                              ``(i) a nonprofit organization;
                              ``(ii) a unit of local government;
                              ``(iii) a Tribal organization; or
                              ``(iv) an agricultural cooperative or other
                            agricultural business entity or a producer
                            network or association.'';
              (4) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Pilot'';
                      (B) by striking ``pilot'' each place it appears in
                    paragraphs (1) and (2);
                      (C) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``Not later than
                    1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the
                    Secretary shall establish a pilot program for not fewer
                    than 5 years that'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall
                    continue to implement a program that'';
                      (D) in paragraph (1)(C), in the matter preceding
                    clause (i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
                    ``2031''; and
                      (E) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and
                            construct at-scale composting, food-to-feed, or
                            anaerobic digestion food waste-to-energy
                            projects'' before the period at the end; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                      (I) in the subparagraph heading, by
                                    striking ``PILOT'';
                                      (II) in the matter preceding clause
                                    (i), by inserting ``Tribal
                                    governments,'' after ``local
                                    governments,'';
                                      (III) by redesignating clauses (vi)
                                    through (viii) as clauses (vii) through
                                    (ix), respectively; and
                                      (IV) by inserting after clause (v)
                                    the following:
                              ``(vi) develop food waste-to-energy
                            operations;''; and
              (5) in subsection (e), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 10004. NATIONAL PLANT DIAGNOSTICS NETWORK.

      Section 12203(c)(5) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7
    U.S.C. 8914(c)(5)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 10005. HEMP PRODUCTION.

      (a) State and Tribal Plans.--Section 297B of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639p) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                      (I) by redesignating clauses (ii)
                                    through (vii) as clauses (iii) through
                                    (viii), respectively;
                                      (II) by inserting after clause (i)
                                    the following:
                              ``(ii) a procedure under which a hemp
                            producer shall be required to designate the
                            type of production of the hemp producer as--
                                      ``(I) only industrial hemp; or
                                      ``(II) hemp grown for any purpose
                                    other than industrial hemp;''; and
                                      (III) in clause (iii), as
                                    redesignated by clause (i) of this
                                    subparagraph--
                                              (aa) by inserting ``except as
                                            provided in subparagraph
                                            (B)(i),'' before ``a
                                            procedure''; and
                                              (bb) by striking ``delta-9
                                            tetrahydrocannabinol
                                            concentration'' and inserting
                                            ``total tetrahydrocannabinol
                                            concentration (including
                                            tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)'';
                                            and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
                            ``include any other practice'' and inserting
                            the following: ``include--
                              ``(i) notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(iii),
                            a procedure for the use of visual inspections,
                            performance-based sampling methodologies,
                            certified seed, or a similar procedure when
                            developing sampling plans for any producer who
                            elects to be designated as a producer of only
                            industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii)(I);
                              ``(ii) notwithstanding subsection
                            (e)(3)(B)(i), a procedure for eliminating the
                            10-year period of ineligibility following the
                            date of conviction for a felony related to a
                            controlled substance for producers who elect to
                            be designated as producers of only industrial
                            hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
                              ``(iii) any other practice''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Inspection of industrial hemp producers.--
                      ``(A) In general.--If a State or Tribal plan referred
                    to in paragraph (1) includes procedures for reducing or
                    eliminating sampling or testing requirements under
                    paragraph (2)(B)(i) for a producer of industrial hemp,
                    the State or Indian tribe shall require the producer to
                    provide documentation that demonstrates a clear intent
                    to produce, and use in-field practices consistent with
                    production of, only industrial hemp, such as a seed
                    tag, sales contract, Farm Service Agency report,
                    harvest technique, or harvest inspection.
                      ``(B) Testing.--If a producer fails to provide the
                    documentation required under subparagraph (A), the
                    State or Indian tribe involved shall require the
                    producer to conduct the testing described in paragraph
                    (2)(A)(iii).'';
              (2) in subsection (e)(2)(A)(iii), by striking ``delta-9'' and
            all that follows through ``percent'' and inserting the
            following: ``total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration
            (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) of not more than 0.3
            percent in the plant''; and
              (3) in subsection (e)(3)--
                      (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
                      ``(A) Reporting.--
                              ``(i) In general.--In the case of a State
                            department of agriculture or a Tribal
                            Government with respect to which a State or
                            Tribal plan is approved under subsection (b),
                            such State department of agriculture or Tribal
                            Government (as applicable) shall immediately
                            report a hemp producer to the Attorney General
                            and, as applicable, the chief law enforcement
                            officer of the State or Indian tribe, if the
                            State department of agriculture or Tribal
                            Government (as applicable) determines that the
                            hemp producer has--
                                      ``(I) violated the State or Tribal
                                    plan with a culpable mental state
                                    greater than negligence; or
                                      ``(II) violated the State or Tribal
                                    plan by producing a crop that is
                                    inconsistent with the designation of
                                    only industrial hemp under subsection
                                    (a)(2)(A)(ii).
                              ``(ii) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not
                            apply with respect to--
                                      ``(I) a violation described in
                                    subclause (I) of clause (i); or
                                      ``(II) the production of a crop
                                    inconsistent with its designation, as
                                    described in subclause (II) of such
                                    clause.'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by amending clause (ii) to
                    read as follows:
                              ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply
                            to any person growing hemp that designates the
                            type of production as only industrial hemp
                            under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) if--
                                      ``(I) the State or Tribal plan
                                    approved under subsection (b) includes
                                    a procedure described in subsection
                                    (a)(2)(B)(ii); or
                                      ``(II) the plan established by the
                                    Secretary under section 297C includes a
                                    procedure described in subsection
                                    (a)(2)(B)(ii) of such section.''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) Production inconsistent with industrial hemp
                    designation.--Any person who knowingly produces a crop
                    that is inconsistent with the designation of only
                    industrial hemp under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) shall be
                    ineligible to participate in the program established
                    under this section for a period of 5 years beginning on
                    the date of the violation.''.
      (b) Department of Agriculture.--Section 297C of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639q) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) by striking ``paragraph (1) shall'' and
                            all that follows through ``practice to
                            maintain'' and inserting the following:
                            ``paragraph (1)--
                      ``(A) shall include--
                              ``(i) a practice to maintain'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (C), by redesignating
                            clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) and
                            (II), respectively, and moving the margins of
                            such subclauses (as so redesignated) two ems to
                            the right;
                              (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B)
                            through (E) as clauses (iii) through (vi),
                            respectively, and moving the margins of such
                            clauses (as so redesignated) two ems to the
                            right;
                              (iv) by inserting after clause (i) (as
                            designated by clause (i) of this subparagraph)
                            the following:
                              ``(ii) a procedure under which the Secretary
                            shall require a hemp producer to designate the
                            type of production of the hemp producer as--
                                      ``(I) only industrial hemp; or
                                      ``(II) hemp grown for any purpose
                                    other than industrial hemp;'';
                              (v) in clause (iii) (as redesignated by
                            clause (iii) of this subparagraph)--
                                      (I) by inserting ``except as provided
                                    in subparagraph (B)(i),'' before ``a
                                    procedure''; and
                                      (II) by striking ``delta-9
                                    tetrahydrocannabinol concentration''
                                    and inserting ``total
                                    tetrahydrocannabinol concentration
                                    (including tetrahydrocannabinolic
                                    acid)'';
                              (vi) in clause (v) (as redesignated by clause
                            (iii) of this subparagraph), by inserting
                            ``and'' after the semicolon at the end;
                              (vii) by striking subparagraph (F); and
                              (viii) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(B) may include--
                              ``(i) notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(iii),
                            a procedure for the use of visual inspections,
                            performance-based sampling methodologies,
                            certified seed, or a similar procedure when
                            developing sampling plans for any producer who
                            elects to be designated as a producer of only
                            industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii);
                              ``(ii) notwithstanding section
                            297B(e)(3)(B)(i), a procedure for eliminating
                            the 10-year period of ineligibility following
                            the date of conviction for a felony related to
                            a controlled substance for producers who elect
                            to be designated as producers of only
                            industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
                              ``(iii) such other practices or procedures as
                            the Secretary considers to be appropriate, to
                            the extent that the practice or procedure is
                            consistent with this subtitle.''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Inspections of industrial hemp producers.--
                      ``(A) In general.--If a plan referred to in paragraph
                    (1) includes procedures for reducing or eliminating
                    sampling or testing requirements under paragraph
                    (2)(B)(i) for a producer of only industrial hemp, the
                    Secretary shall require the producer to provide
                    documentation that demonstrates a clear intent to
                    produce, and use in-field practices consistent with
                    production of, industrial hemp, such as a seed tag,
                    sales contract, Farm Service Agency report, harvest
                    technique, or harvest inspection.
                      ``(B) Testing.--If a producer fails to provide the
                    appropriate documentation required under subparagraph
                    (A), the Secretary shall require the producer to
                    conduct the testing described in paragraph
                    (2)(A)(iii).''; and
              (2) in subsection (d)(2)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                      (B) in subparagraph (C)--
                              (i) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as
                            clauses (ii) and (iii), respectively;
                              (ii) by inserting before clause (ii) (as so
                            redesignated), the following:
                              ``(i) the designation of the type of
                            production of the hemp producers under section
                            297B(a)(2)(A)(ii) or under subsection
                            (a)(2)(A)(ii) of this section;''; and
                              (iii) in clause (iii), (as so redesignated),
                            by striking the period at the end and inserting
                            ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) the laboratory certificate of analysis for hemp
                    disposed of under section 297B(a)(2)(A)(iv) or
                    subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv) of this section.''.
      (c) Regulations and Guidelines; Effect on Other Law.--Section 297D of
    the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639r) is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by striking ``regulations and
            guidelines'' and inserting ``administration, regulations, and
            guidelines''; and
              (2) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by striking
                    ``PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES'' and
                    inserting ``ADMINISTRATION, REGULATIONS, AND
                    GUIDELINES''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Laboratory accreditation.--The Secretary, in
            consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
            Administration, shall establish a process by which the
            Department of Agriculture can issue certificates of
            accreditation to laboratories for the purposes of testing hemp
            in accordance with this subtitle.''.

    SEC. 10006. PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE INTRA-ORGANIZATIONAL MOVEMENT OF
                        GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MICROORGANISMS BY CERTAIN
                        AUTHORIZED PARTIES.

      Subtitle A of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7711 et seq.) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 420A. PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE INTRA-ORGANIZATIONAL MOVEMENT OF
                        GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MICROORGANISMS BY CERTAIN
                        AUTHORIZED PARTIES.

      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Covered microorganism.--The term `covered
            microorganism'--
                      ``(A) means a genetically engineered microorganism
                    that is a plant pest or may pose a plant pest risk; and
                      ``(B) does not include listed agents or toxins (as
                    defined in section 212(l) of the Agricultural
                    Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
                    8401(l))).
              ``(2) Covered unauthorized release.--The term `covered
            unauthorized release' means an unauthorized release of a
            covered microorganism, including such a release that a
            responsible party suspects took place.
              ``(3) Pilot program.--The term `pilot program' means the
            pilot program established under subsection (b).
              ``(4) Plant pest risk.--The term `plant pest risk' has the
            meaning given such term in section 340.3 of title 7, Code of
            Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
              ``(5) Responsible party.--The term `responsible party' means
            a partnership, corporation, association, joint venture, or
            other legal entity that--
                      ``(A) has a physical address in the United States;
                      ``(B) is not owned by or otherwise affiliated with
                    the government of a country of concern (as defined in
                    section 10638 of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C.
                    19237));
                      ``(C) has more than 1 responsible party
                    biocontainment facility;
                      ``(D) employs quality control personnel that are
                    capable of overseeing the movement and control of
                    covered microorganisms;
                      ``(E) has, in each of the 3 years preceding
                    enrollment in the pilot program, moved plant pests
                    pursuant to permits granted by the Secretary under this
                    Act;
                      ``(F) has the ability and resources to ensure
                    compliance with the requirements under subsection (e)
                    for the duration of the pilot program;
                      ``(G) has implemented the precautions specified in
                    subsection (e) to prevent the unauthorized release of
                    covered microorganisms; and
                      ``(H) has not, during the 5-year period preceding the
                    date on which the relevant application is submitted
                    under subsection (c)--
                              ``(i) caused an unauthorized release of a
                            plant pest;
                              ``(ii) materially failed to comply with a
                            permit granted by the Secretary for the
                            interstate movement of plant pests; or
                              ``(iii) violated any provision of this
                            section (including regulations promulgated
                            thereunder).
              ``(6) Responsible party biocontainment facility.--The term
            `responsible party biocontainment facility'--
                      ``(A) means a physical structure or portion thereof,
                    constructed and maintained in order to contain plant
                    pests, that is under the control of, or operated by, a
                    responsible party within the contiguous United States;
                    and
                      ``(B) includes sites under the control of, or
                    operated by, any parent organization, subsidiary, or
                    affiliate of the responsible party.
      ``(b) Establishment.--Not later than 100 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a pilot
    program under which the Secretary shall authorize not more than 75
    responsible parties--
              ``(1) to move covered microorganisms in interstate commerce
            between responsible party biocontainment facilities without a
            permit; and
              ``(2) to maintain control over and dispose of such covered
            microorganisms.
      ``(c) Application.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept applications
            from responsible parties for enrollment in the pilot program
            during a 45-day application period, beginning on the date on
            which the pilot program is established under subsection (b),
            using a web-based application process established by the
            Secretary.
              ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by a responsible
            party for enrollment in the pilot program shall include the
            following:
                      ``(A) The name and contact information of the
                    responsible party and any agent of the responsible
                    party that will be involved in the movement of a
                    covered microorganism.
                      ``(B) The methods by which a covered microorganism
                    will be moved and the measures taken to ensure that
                    there is no unauthorized release of the covered
                    microorganism.
                      ``(C) The manner in which a shipping container,
                    packaging material, or any other material accompanying
                    the covered microorganism will be disposed of to
                    prevent the unauthorized release of a covered
                    microorganism.
                      ``(D) A list of responsible party biocontainment
                    facilities to which the responsible party intends to
                    move covered microorganisms.
                      ``(E) A list of the predominant covered microorganism
                    chassis strains that, at the time of the application,
                    the responsible party intends to move.
                      ``(F) A sworn certification that the responsible
                    party meets each criterion specified in subsection
                    (a)(5).
              ``(3) Supplemental applications.--
                      ``(A) In general.--A responsible party may submit a
                    supplemental application to the Secretary to update a
                    list under subparagraph (D) or (E) of paragraph (2) at
                    any time during such enrollment. The Secretary shall
                    make a determination with respect to such supplemental
                    application not later than 30 days after the date on
                    which such supplemental application is submitted to the
                    Secretary.
                      ``(B) Denials.--The Secretary may only deny a
                    supplemental application if the Secretary has made the
                    determination set forth in subsection (d)(2)(B). A
                    denial of a supplemental application shall be subject
                    to appeal in accordance with the terms specified in
                    subsection (d)(3).
      ``(d) Selection Process.--
              ``(1) Timing.--The Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) evaluate applications received under subsection
                    (c)(1) in the order in which the applications are
                    received; and
                      ``(B) approve or deny all applications received
                    during the period described in that subsection not
                    later than 45 days after the end of that period.
              ``(2) Denial.--The Secretary shall deny an application
            received under subsection (c)(1) if--
                      ``(A) the Secretary has already selected 75
                    responsible parties for enrollment in the pilot
                    program; or
                      ``(B) the Secretary determines that the responsible
                    party submitting the application does not meet each
                    criterion specified in subsection (a)(5).
              ``(3) Appeal.--
                      ``(A) In general.--A responsible party seeking to
                    enroll in the pilot program whose application has been
                    denied under paragraph (2) may submit to the Secretary
                    a written appeal within--
                              ``(i) the 10-day period beginning on the date
                            on which the responsible party receives written
                            notification of the denial; or
                              ``(ii) a longer period, if the responsible
                            party makes a request for additional time to
                            submit such appeal and the Secretary grants
                            such request.
                      ``(B) Decision.--The Secretary shall, within a
                    reasonably prompt period, grant or deny an appeal under
                    subparagraph (A) in writing, which shall include the
                    reasons for the decision.
      ``(e) Requirements.--A responsible party shall, as a condition of
    enrollment in the pilot program, agree to--
              ``(1) maintain, move, and dispose of covered microorganisms
            in a manner that prevents unauthorized release, spread,
            dispersal, or persistence of those covered microorganisms in
            the environment;
              ``(2) unless otherwise authorized under a permit under this
            Act, only move a covered microorganism between sites that are
            responsible party biocontainment facilities;
              ``(3) maintain, move, and dispose of each covered
            microorganism separately from other organisms;
              ``(4) ensure that each covered microorganism is maintained,
            moved, and disposed of in a manner commensurate with the plant
            pest risk posed by that covered microorganism;
              ``(5) use, at a minimum, a package for movement--
                      ``(A) that consists of a securely sealed inner and
                    outer container, each of which is an effective barrier
                    to the escape or unauthorized dissemination of the
                    covered microorganism;
                      ``(B) the inner container of which--
                              ``(i) contains all of the applicable covered
                            microorganism; and
                              ``(ii) is cushioned and sealed in such a
                            manner as to remain sealed during any shock,
                            impact, or change in pressure; and
                      ``(C) the outer container of which is rigid and
                    strong enough to withstand typical shipping conditions
                    (such as dropping, stacking, and impact from other
                    freight) without opening;
              ``(6) on request, grant the Secretary access--
                      ``(A) to sample materials associated with the
                    interstate movement of covered microorganisms under the
                    pilot program;
                      ``(B) to observe and inspect the interstate movement
                    of those covered microorganisms; and
                      ``(C) to audit records of the activities of the
                    responsible party under the pilot program;
              ``(7) maintain detailed and accurate records of all
            activities carried out under the pilot program to demonstrate
            compliance with the applicable requirements;
              ``(8) on request, grant the Secretary access to each
            responsible party biocontainment facility for inspection in
            relation to a responsible party's enrollment in the pilot
            program; and
              ``(9) comply with any additional requirement for the
            containment of covered microorganisms in interstate commerce
            that the Secretary may require if--
                      ``(A) the Secretary determines that such an
                    additional requirement is reasonable; and
                      ``(B) the sole purpose of such additional requirement
                    is to avoid a covered unauthorized release.
      ``(f) Prohibition on Certain Preferences.--In carrying out the pilot
    program, the Secretary shall take no action or promulgate any
    regulation that--
              ``(1) treats genetically engineered covered microorganisms
            less favorably than nongenetically engineered covered
            microorganisms; or
              ``(2) limits the quantity or type of covered microorganisms
            that may be moved under the pilot program between responsible
            party biocontainment facilities.
      ``(g) Reporting by Responsible Parties.--A responsible party shall
    submit to the Secretary a quarterly report that describes the
    activities of the responsible party under the pilot program during the
    period covered by the report, including--
              ``(1) a description of each covered microorganism moved in
            interstate commerce, including--
                      ``(A) the 1 or more countries or localities at which
                    the covered microorganism was collected, developed,
                    manufactured, reared, cultivated, or cultured, as
                    applicable;
                      ``(B) the genus, species, and any relevant subspecies
                    and common name information of the covered
                    microorganism; and
                      ``(C) when applicable, a brief description of the
                    genetic modifications made in the microorganism,
                    including--
                              ``(i) the intended phenotype that the 1 or
                            more modifications are expected to confer;
                              ``(ii) any targeted deletions, insertions, or
                            base pair substitutions; and
                              ``(iii) the genetic elements used in
                            imparting the modification, including the name,
                            donor organism, and a brief description of the
                            function;
              ``(2) each method by which the covered microorganism was
            moved in interstate commerce;
              ``(3) the quantity of the covered microorganism moved in
            interstate commerce; and
              ``(4) the specific responsible party biocontainment
            facilities between which the covered microorganism was moved in
            interstate commerce.
      ``(h) Unauthorized Release.--In the case of a covered unauthorized
    release, a responsible party shall--
              ``(1) contact the applicable office within the Animal and
            Plant Health Inspection Service within 48 hours of discovery of
            the covered unauthorized release; and
              ``(2) submit to the Secretary a statement of facts pertaining
            to such release, in writing, not later than 5 business days
            after the date of that discovery.
      ``(i) Disenrollment From Pilot Program.--
              ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall terminate the
            enrollment of a responsible party in the pilot program if the
            Secretary has a sound factual basis to determine that--
                      ``(A) the responsible party no longer meets the
                    eligibility criteria of a responsible party described
                    in subsection (a)(5);
                      ``(B) the responsible party has materially failed to
                    comply with the requirements under subsection (e); or
                      ``(C) as a result of a failure by a responsible party
                    under subparagraph (B), the responsible party caused a
                    covered unauthorized release during the pilot program.
              ``(2) Disenrollment decision.--If the Secretary terminates
            the enrollment of a responsible party under paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall submit that decision in writing to the
            responsible party.
              ``(3) Appeal.--The appeal process described in subsection
            (d)(3) shall apply in the case of a responsible party that
            seeks to appeal a termination of enrollment under paragraph
            (1).
      ``(j) Termination.--The pilot program shall terminate on the date
    that is 3 years after the date on which the Secretary completes the
    application selection process under subsection (d)(1)(B).
      ``(k) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of termination
    of the pilot program described in subsection (j), the Secretary shall
    submit to Congress a report that describes--
              ``(1) the activities carried out under the pilot program,
            including--
                      ``(A) the quantities and identities of covered
                    microorganisms that were moved; and
                      ``(B) a description of any unauthorized release of
                    covered microorganisms that were moved, including a
                    description of the cause and consequence of any
                    unauthorized release; and
              ``(2) recommendations on--
                      ``(A) whether the pilot program should become a
                    permanent program; and
                      ``(B) whether, as a permanent program, changes should
                    be made to the criteria for a responsible party under
                    subsection (a)(5) or to the requirements under
                    subsection (e).''.

                             Subtitle B--Marketing

    SEC. 10101. MARKETING ORDERS.

      Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e-
    1(a)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing
    Agreement Act of 1937, is amended--
              (1) by inserting ``mandarin oranges,'' after ``oranges,'';
              (2) by inserting ``almonds,'' after ``onions,''; and
              (3) by striking ``, other than dates for processing,'' each
            place it appears.

    SEC. 10102. LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET PROGRAM.

      Section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
    1627c) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (13) as
                    paragraphs (6) through (14), respectively; and
                      (B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
              ``(5) Food hub.--The term `food hub' means a business or
            organization that actively manages the aggregation,
            distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products
            to multiple buyers from multiple producers, who are primarily
            local and regional producers, to strengthen the ability of such
            producers to satisfy local and regional wholesale, retail, and
            institutional demands.'';
              (2) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting ``, regional food
            chain coordination,'' after ``collaboration'';
              (3) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``stakeholders'' and
            inserting ``stakeholders before and after providing grants
            under the program'';
              (4) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
                    inserting ``2031'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``or'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (J)(ii), by striking the
                            period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                              (iii) by inserting at the end the following:
                      ``(K) to support the purchase of special purpose
                    equipment.''; and
                      (C) in paragraph (6)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (B)--
                                      (I) by redesignating clauses (vii)
                                    and (viii) as clauses (viii) and (ix),
                                    respectively; and
                                      (II) by inserting after clause (vi)
                                    the following:
                              ``(vii) a food hub;'';
                              (ii) in subparagraph (C)--
                                      (I) in the matter preceding clause
                                    (i), by striking ``applications that''
                                    and inserting ``applications, outreach,
                                    and technical assistance that would'';
                                      (II) in clause (i), by striking
                                    ``or'' at the end;
                                      (III) by redesignating clause (ii) as
                                    clause (iii);
                                      (IV) by inserting after clause (i)
                                    the following:
                              ``(ii) provide greater geographic balance
                            relative to the benefits of the Program; or'';
                            and
                                      (V) in clause (iii) (as so
                                    redesignated), by striking ``are used''
                                    and inserting ``be used'';
                              (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and
                            (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively;
                            and
                              (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
                            following:
                      ``(D) Simplified applications.--
                              ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            establish a simplified application form for
                            eligible entities described in subparagraph (B)
                            that--
                                      ``(I) request less than $100,000; and
                                      ``(II) choose from the project
                                    categories described in clause (ii),
                                    which shall include a specific, limited
                                    set of key activities with predefined
                                    requirements established by the
                                    Secretary.
                              ``(ii) Project categories.--The Secretary
                            shall establish a simplified application form
                            for the following project categories but may
                            include additional project categories as
                            necessary:
                                      ``(I) Direct-to-consumer projects.--
                                    In the case of a direct-to-consumer
                                    project, an application form described
                                    in clause (i) may be available for the
                                    following categories of projects:
                                              ``(aa) An outreach and
                                            promotion project.
                                              ``(bb) A project to provide
                                            funding for farmers market
                                            manager staff time.
                                              ``(cc) A project to provide
                                            vendor training.
                                              ``(dd) A planning and design
                                            project.
                                              ``(ee) A data collection and
                                            evaluation project.
                                      ``(II) Local and regional food
                                    markets and enterprise projects.--In
                                    the case of a local and regional food
                                    market and enterprise project, an
                                    application form described in clause
                                    (i) may be available for the following
                                    categories of projects:
                                              ``(aa) A food hub feasibility
                                            study project.
                                              ``(bb) A project to provide
                                            funding for regional food chain
                                            coordination staff time.
                                              ``(cc) A project to provide
                                            technical assistance.
                                              ``(dd) A data collection and
                                            evaluation project.
                                              ``(ee) A project to support
                                            the purchase of special purpose
                                            equipment.'';
              (5) in subsection (e)(2)(A), by striking ``2019 through
            2023'' and all that follows through the period at the end and
            inserting the following: ``2026 through 2031 to support
            partnerships--
                              ``(i) to plan a local or regional food
                            system;
                              ``(ii) to implement a local or regional food
                            system plan;
                              ``(iii) to develop and implement a regional
                            food chain coordination project; and
                              ``(iv) to develop and implement a regional
                            outreach, technical assistance, and evaluation
                            project.'';
              (6) in subsection (f)(1)--
                      (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection
                    (d); or'' and inserting ``subsection (d)(5);'';
                      (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph
                    (C); and
                      (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
                    following:
                      ``(B) are eligible to submit an application in
                    accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D); or''; and
              (7) in subsection (i)(3)(B)--
                      (A) by striking ``Of the funds'' and inserting the
                    following:
                              ``(i) In general.--Of the funds''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(ii) Simplified applications.--Of the funds
                            made available for grants under subsection
                            (d)(6) for a fiscal year, not less than 10
                            percent, and not more than 50 percent, shall be
                            used to provide grants to eligible entities
                            that submit an application in accordance with
                            subsection (d)(6)(D).''.

    SEC. 10103. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

      Section 12306 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 1632c) is
    amended--
              (1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
            (f) and (g), respectively;
              (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
      ``(e) Consultations.--
              ``(1) In general.--Beginning with the first request for
            applications under this section that occurs at least 1 year
            after the date of enactment of this Act, not later than 6
            months before such a request for applications, the Secretary
            shall solicit input from maple syrup industry stakeholders with
            respect to the research and education priorities of the maple
            syrup industry.
              ``(2) Consideration.--The Secretary shall consider the
            information provided through the consultation required under
            paragraph (1) when making grants under this section.''; and
              (3) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking
            ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 10104. ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND MARKET DATA INITIATIVE.

      Section 7407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 5925c) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic
            milk, through support from regional and national programs,
            including regularly reported data related to--
                      ``(A) the costs of major organic feedstuffs,
                    including--
                              ``(i) the prices for major organic feedstuffs
                            produced domestically;
                              ``(ii) the prices for imported major organic
                            feedstuffs; and
                              ``(iii) all other costs relating to the
                            production of organic milk;
                      ``(B) the establishment of an Organic All Milk Prices
                    Survey, which shall be analogous to the existing All
                    Milk Prices Survey conducted by the National
                    Agricultural Statistics Service, to gather and report
                    monthly data about the amounts organic dairy farmers
                    are being paid for organic milk and prices received for
                    organic dairy cows, including--
                              ``(i) national data; and
                              ``(ii) data relating to, at a minimum, the 6
                            regions with the greatest quantity of organic
                            dairy production; and
                      ``(C) periodic organic milk reporting under which the
                    Secretary, using data collected by the National
                    Agricultural Statistics Service, the Economic Research
                    Service, or the Agricultural Marketing Service,
                    publishes new periodic reports that include, or add to
                    existing periodic reports relating to, data for organic
                    milk, which shall be equivalent to data reported for
                    conventionally produced milk.''; and
              (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 10105. ORGANIC CERTIFICATION.

      (a) Reports.--Section 2122(d)(1) of the Organic Foods Production Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2031''.
      (b) Organic Technical Assistance.--The Organic Foods Production Act
    of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122A (7 U.S.C. 6521a)
    the following:

    ``SEC. 2122B. ORGANIC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

      ``(a) In General.--In carrying out this title, the Secretary may
    provide technical assistance, outreach, and education to support
    organic production through existing programs implemented by a covered
    agency.
      ``(b) Covered Agency.--For the purposes of this section, the term
    `covered agency' means--
              ``(1) the Agricultural Marketing Service;
              ``(2) the Agricultural Research Service;
              ``(3) the National Institute of Food and Agriculture;
              ``(4) the Farm Service Agency;
              ``(5) the Risk Management Agency;
              ``(6) the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
              ``(7) the Rural Business-Cooperative Service;
              ``(8) the Food and Nutrition Service; and
              ``(9) other agencies, as determined by the Secretary.''.
      (c) Funding.--Section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6)) is amended by striking ``for fiscal year
    2023'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2031''.

    SEC. 10106. REPORT ON PROCUREMENT.

      Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Farm,
    Food, and National Security Act of 2026, 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 examines--
              (1) the process by which domestic commodities or products (as
            defined in section 220.16 of title 7, Code of Federal
            Regulations (or any successor regulation)) are procured by the
            Secretary, including the solicitation process used to procure
            such commodities or products;
              (2) barriers to entry into such procurement process that are
            for nontraditional, culturally relevant, or local and regional
            commodities or products;
              (3) the diet quality and accessibility of commodities or
            products that are so procured; and
              (4) the Secretary's recommendations for administrative,
            regulatory, and legislative changes to improve such procurement
            process.

    SEC. 10107. DEFINITIONS OF RISK TO ORGANIC INTEGRITY AND OVERSIGHT
                        PROTOCOLS.

      Section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    6502) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (22) as
            paragraphs (22) through (24), respectively;
              (2) by redesignating paragraphs (16) through (19) as
            paragraphs (17) through (20), respectively;
              (3) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following:
              ``(16) Oversight protocols.--The term `oversight protocols'
            means the regulations, policies, and procedures issued by the
            Secretary under the authorities provided in sections 2104,
            2107, 2114, 2115, 2116, and 2120.''; and
              (4) by inserting after paragraph (20), as so redesignated,
            the following:
              ``(21) Risk to organic integrity.--The term `risk to organic
            integrity' means the likelihood that a product marketed as
            organically produced is, or contains, an agricultural product
            that was not produced using a system of organic farming in
            compliance with this title, not processed in compliance with
            this title, or both.''.

    SEC. 10108. MODERNIZATION OF INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.

      Paragraph (5) of section 2107(a) of the Organic Foods Production Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506(a)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(5) provide for annual inspections by the certifying agent
            of each farm and handling operation that has been certified
            under this title, which inspections shall be--
                      ``(A) in the case of a farm or handling operation
                    site located outside of the United States, conducted
                    on-site;
                      ``(B) in the case of a farm or handling operation
                    site located in the United States, conducted on-site
                    once every three years with intervening annual
                    inspections being conducted on-site or virtually based
                    on the farm's or handling operation's risk to organic
                    integrity, as determined by the Secretary; and
                      ``(C) in the case of a handling operation that
                    acquires but does not physically receive, process,
                    package, or store organic products, conducted through
                    inspection methods, including virtual methods, that
                    provide sufficient assurance of compliance, as
                    determined by the Secretary;''.

    SEC. 10109. STUDY AND REFORM OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
                        PROTOCOLS.

      The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), as
    amended by section 10105, is further amended by inserting after section
    2122B (as added by such section 10105) the following:

    ``SEC. 2122C. STUDY AND REFORM OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
                        PROTOCOLS.

      ``(a) Study.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive study for the
    purpose of determining whether the establishment of oversight protocols
    based on risk to organic integrity and the implementation of related
    reforms are necessary and appropriate.
      ``(b) Elements.--
              ``(1) In general.--In conducting the study under subsection
            (a), the Secretary shall examine the feasibility,
            opportunities, and implications of implementing oversight
            protocols that--
                      ``(A) are based on risk to organic integrity;
                      ``(B) include differential treatment of non-
                    compliance that increases the risk to organic integrity
                    versus non-compliance that does not;
                      ``(C) adopt standardized organic plans under section
                    2114 aligned with the risk to organic integrity;
                      ``(D) include a multi-tiered approach to
                    certification aligned with the risk to organic
                    integrity and the scale of the organic operation; and
                      ``(E) provide increased guidance and interpretations
                    of standards and criteria established under this title
                    given by the National Organic Program to certifying
                    agents and to certified organic farms and handling
                    operations.
              ``(2) Consideration of relevant factors.--In administering
            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, with respect to certified
            organic farms, certified organic handling operations, and
            certifying agents, take into account--
                      ``(A) the scope of certification or accreditation of
                    each entity;
                      ``(B) the scale and complexity of each entity;
                      ``(C) the domestic or international location of each
                    entity;
                      ``(D) the history of compliance of each entity; and
                      ``(E) other relevant factors.
      ``(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
    of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
    congressional committees, and make publicly available on the websites
    of the Department of Agriculture, a report describing the findings of
    the study conducted under subsection (a).
      ``(d) Consultation.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
    the Secretary shall consult with--
              ``(1) the National Organic Standards Board;
              ``(2) certifying agents;
              ``(3) certified organic farms and handling operations;
              ``(4) organic consumers; and
              ``(5) other relevant organic stakeholders.
      ``(e) Authority to Establish Additional Terms and Conditions.--
              ``(1) Issuance of regulations.--Based on the findings
            described in the report under subsection (c), and after
            consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, the
            Secretary may issue regulations to establish or modify
            oversight protocols under this title that the Secretary
            determines are necessary and appropriate, provided such
            regulations maintain strong organic integrity, support a
            resilient domestic organic sector, and are consistent with the
            requirements of this title.
              ``(2) Reducing oversight costs; prioritization.--In issuing
            the regulations under paragraph (1), the Secretary may seek
            to--
                      ``(A) reduce oversight costs and administrative
                    burdens for certified organic farms, certified organic
                    handling operations, and certifying agents that present
                    a lower risk to organic integrity; or
                      ``(B) prioritize oversight resources for activities
                    that present a higher risk to organic integrity.
      ``(f) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section,
    the term `appropriate congressional committees' means--
              ``(1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
            Representatives; and
              ``(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
            of the Senate.
      ``(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
    construed to limit the Secretary's authority to enforce compliance with
    this title to protect organic integrity.''.

                         Subtitle C--Regulatory Reform

          PART I--FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT

    SEC. 10201. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN SUBSTANCES.

      (a) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
    and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136) is amended--
              (1) by amending subsection (v) to read as follows:
      ``(v) Plant Regulator.--
              ``(1) In general.--The term `plant regulator' means any
            substance or mixture of substances intended, through
            physiological action, for accelerating or retarding the rate of
            growth or rate of maturation, or for otherwise altering the
            behavior of plants or the produce thereof.
              ``(2) Exclusions.--Such term shall not include--
                      ``(A) substances to the extent that they are--
                              ``(i) intended to be produced and used within
                            a plant; or
                              ``(ii) intended as plant nutrients, trace
                            elements, nutritional chemicals, plant
                            inoculants, soil amendments, or vitamin hormone
                            products; or
                      ``(B) plant biostimulants that--
                              ``(i) have a low-risk profile in relation to
                            humans and other organisms, as determined by
                            the Agency; and
                              ``(ii) are of biological origin or include
                            chemical compounds that are synthetically
                            derived, but structurally-similar and
                            functionally identical to, substances of
                            biological origin.'';
              (2) in subsection (hh)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'';
                      (B) in paragraph (3)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
                            by striking ``substances.'' and inserting
                            ``substances''; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                      (I) by striking ``volatilization
                                    urease'' and inserting
                                    ``volatilization, or urease'';
                                      (II) by striking the period at the
                                    end and inserting a semicolon; and
                      (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
              ``(4) a plant biostimulant; or
              ``(5) a nutritional chemical.''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(pp) Plant Biostimulant.--The term `plant biostimulant' means any
    substance or mixture of substances that, when applied to seeds, plants,
    the rhizosphere, or soil or other growth media, acts to support a
    plant's natural nutrition processes independently of the nutrient
    content of that substance or mixture of substances, and that thereby
    improves--
              ``(1) nutrient availability, uptake, or use efficiency;
              ``(2) tolerance to abiotic stress; or
              ``(3) consequent growth, development, quality, or yield.
      ``(qq) Nutritional Chemical.--The term `nutritional chemical' means
    any substance or mixture of substances that interacts with plant
    nutrients in a manner that improves nutrient availability or aids the
    plant in acquiring or utilizing plant nutrients.
      ``(rr) Vitamin Hormone Product.--The term `vitamin hormone product'
    means a product that--
              ``(1) consists of a mixture of plant hormones, plant
            nutrients, plant inoculants, soil amendments, trace elements,
            nutritional chemicals, plant biostimulants, or vitamins that is
            intended for the improvement, maintenance, survival, health,
            and propagation of plants;
              ``(2) is nontoxic and nonpoisonous in the undiluted packaged
            concentrations of the product; and
              ``(3) is not intended for use on food crop sites and is
            labeled accordingly.
      ``(ss) Plant-incorporated Protectant.--
              ``(1) In general.--The term `plant-incorporated protectant'
            means a pesticide that is--
                      ``(A) intended for preventing, destroying, repelling,
                    or mitigating a pest; and
                      ``(B) a substance or mixture of substances intended
                    to be produced and used within a living plant, or in
                    the produce thereof, and the genetic material necessary
                    for its production.
              ``(2) Inclusions.--Such term includes any inert ingredient
            (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal
            Regulations (or any successor regulation)).''.
      (b) Exemption From Regulation.--Section 25(b) of the Federal
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w(b)) is
    amended to read as follows:
      ``(b) Exemption of Pesticides.--
              ``(1) Exemption by rule.--The Administrator may exempt from
            the requirements of this Act by regulation any pesticide which
            the Administrator determines either--
                      ``(A) to be adequately regulated by another Federal
                    agency; or
                      ``(B) to be of a character which is unnecessary to be
                    subject to this Act in order to carry out the purposes
                    of this Act.
              ``(2) Exemption for certain plant-incorporated protectants.--
                      ``(A) Exemption.--
                              ``(i) In general.--Upon the issuance of
                            guidance as described in subparagraph (B),
                            plant-incorporated protectants resulting from
                            endogenous genetic material found within or
                            that could arise from the plant's gene pool are
                            exempt from the requirements of this Act.
                              ``(ii) Exception.--A specific plant-
                            incorporated protectant arising from endogenous
                            genetic material found within or that could
                            arise from the plant's gene pool shall not be
                            exempt from the requirements of this Act if the
                            Administrator determines that such plant-
                            incorporated protectant is of a character which
                            is necessary to be subject to this Act in order
                            to carry out the purposes of this Act.
                      ``(B) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date
                    of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
                    Security Act of 2026, the Administrator shall issue
                    guidance for the implementation of subparagraph (A).
                    The Administrator may update such guidance, as the
                    Administrator determines to be appropriate.
                      ``(C) Order.--
                              ``(i) In general.--If the Administrator makes
                            a determination described in subparagraph
                            (A)(ii) with respect to a plant-incorporated
                            protectant, the Administrator shall issue an
                            order explaining the basis for such
                            determination, which may be issued directly to
                            any person who owns, controls, or has custody
                            of such plant-incorporated protectant or
                            published in the Federal Register.
                              ``(ii) Effect of order.--After receipt or
                            publication of an order described in clause
                            (i), the plant-incorporated protectant
                            described in the order will no longer be exempt
                            from the requirements of this Act.
                      ``(D) Tolerance exemption.--The residue of a plant-
                    incorporated protectant that is exempt under
                    subparagraph (A)(i) shall be exempt from the
                    requirement for a tolerance under section 408 of the
                    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a)
                    unless, and until such time as, the Administrator
                    issues or publishes an order under subparagraph
                    (C)(i).''.
      (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide,
    Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136o(c)) is amended--
              (1) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                    striking ``(as defined in section 174.3 of title 40,
                    Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
                    regulation))'';
                      (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
                    end;
                      (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) that plant-incorporated protectant is exempt
                    under section 25(b)(2) or part 174 of title 40, Code of
                    Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).'';
                    and
              (2) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``(as defined in section
            174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
            successor regulation))''.

    SEC. 10202. COORDINATION.

      Section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
    (7 U.S.C. 136a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(i) Coordination.--
              ``(1) Risk mitigation measures.--If any risk mitigation
            measures are required for any pesticide registered under this
            Act, the Administrator shall--
                      ``(A) develop such measures in coordination with the
                    Secretary of Agriculture; and
                      ``(B) conduct, and publish in the docket, with the
                    corresponding action, an economic analysis determining
                    the cost of implementation of such measures.
              ``(2) Data and information.--
                      ``(A) Coordination of data and information.--With
                    regard to the registration or registration review of a
                    pesticide under this Act and for making a determination
                    under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
                    Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a) with respect to any
                    action that impacts the sale, distribution, or use of a
                    pesticide, the Administrator shall coordinate with the
                    Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director
                    of the Office of Pest Management Policy, so that the
                    Administrator has for the Administrator's use and
                    consideration for such processes--
                              ``(i) agronomic use data from--
                                      ``(I) the Department of Agriculture;
                                    and
                                      ``(II) industry; and
                              ``(ii) any information relating to the
                            availability and economic viability of
                            alternatives to such pesticide.
                      ``(B) Data and information.--When issuing any
                    decision resulting from the processes referred to in
                    subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall publish--
                              ``(i) a description of the use by the
                            Administrator of any data or information
                            provided by the Secretary of Agriculture under
                            subparagraph (A); and
                              ``(ii) the determination of the Administrator
                            on whether to use such data or information,
                            including, as applicable, the reasons that the
                            data or information was not used.
              ``(3) Reasonable and prudent actions and measures.--For
            implementation of reasonable and prudent actions and measures
            with respect to the use of a pesticide registered under this
            Act, the Administrator shall coordinate with the Secretary of
            Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary
            of Commerce--
                      ``(A) to review the development of any such actions
                    and measures that are a result of consultations
                    relating to actions under this Act;
                      ``(B) to fully consider the risks and benefits of any
                    such actions and measures in a manner consistent with
                    practices established to evaluate the risks and
                    benefits of a pesticide registered under this Act; and
                      ``(C) to provide feedback to the Secretary of the
                    Interior and the Secretary of Commerce on decisions
                    relating to any such actions and measures that may
                    affect end users of a pesticide registered under this
                    Act.
              ``(4) Waiver.--The coordination requirements imposed by this
            subsection may be waived or modified for a specific action to
            the extent agreed upon by the Administrator, the Secretary of
            Agriculture, and the registrant so long as such agreement is
            published by the Administrator in the docket for the
            corresponding action.''.

    SEC. 10203. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

      Section 3(c)(11) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
    Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(11)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (B)--
                      (A) by striking ``The Administrator shall'' and
                    inserting the following:
                              ``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall'';
                            and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(ii) Participation.--The Secretary of
                            Agriculture shall include the Director of the
                            Office of Pest Management Policy in all
                            meetings of the interagency working group.'';
              (2) in subparagraph (D)--
                      (A) in clause (iv)--
                              (i) by striking ``every 180 days thereafter''
                            and inserting ``each year thereafter''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``during the 5-year period
                            beginning on that date''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(v) Availability.--All reports required
                            under this subparagraph shall be published on
                            the website of the Environmental Protection
                            Agency.''; and
              (3) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
                      ``(E) Consultation.--
                              ``(i) Working group with private sector.--In
                            carrying out the duties under this paragraph,
                            the working group shall, as appropriate--
                                      ``(I) consult, including through
                                    public meetings, with representatives
                                    of interested industry stakeholders and
                                    nongovernmental organizations not less
                                    than once every year; and
                                      ``(II) take into consideration
                                    factors, such as actual and potential
                                    differences in interest between, and
                                    the views of, those stakeholders and
                                    organizations.
                              ``(ii) Administrator with working group.--
                            Before the Administrator implements any policy,
                            strategy, workplan, or pilot program regarding
                            the application of the Endangered Species Act
                            of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) to the
                            processes for the registration or registration
                            review of a pesticide under this Act, the
                            Administrator shall--
                                      ``(I) consult with the covered
                                    agencies on the policy, strategy,
                                    workplan, or pilot program and take
                                    into consideration input received; and
                                      ``(II) publish the input received
                                    from the covered agencies in the docket
                                    with the corresponding policy,
                                    strategy, workplan, or pilot
                                    program.''.

    SEC. 10204. REGISTRATION REVIEW.

      (a) Extension of Deadline.--Section 3(g)(1)(A)(iii) of the Federal
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
    136a(g)(1)(A)(iii)) is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking ``the
            registration review of'' and inserting ``the interim
            registration review decision of''; and
              (2) in subclause (I), by striking ``2022'' and inserting
            ``2031''.
      (b) Interim Registration Review Decision Requirements.--Section
    3(g)(1)(A) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
    (7 U.S.C. 136a(g)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(vi) Interim registration review decision
                    requirements.--
                              ``(I) Requirements.--Any covered interim
                            registration review decision shall include,
                            where applicable, measures to reduce the
                            effects of the applicable pesticide on--
                                      ``(aa) species listed under the
                                    Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
                                    U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
                                      ``(bb) any designated critical
                                    habitat.
                              ``(II) Consultation.--In developing measures
                            described in subclause (I), the Administrator
                            shall take into account the input received from
                            the Secretary of Agriculture and other members
                            of the interagency working group established
                            under subsection (c)(11).
                              ``(III) Covered interim registration review
                            decision.--In this subsection, the term
                            `covered interim registration review decision'
                            means an interim registration review decision--
                                      ``(aa) that is associated with an
                                    initial registration review described
                                    in clause (iii);
                                      ``(bb) that is noticed in the Federal
                                    Register during the period beginning on
                                    the date of enactment of this clause
                                    and ending on October 1, 2031; and
                                      ``(cc) for which the Administrator
                                    has not, as of the date on which the
                                    decision is noticed in the Federal
                                    Register, made effects determinations
                                    or completed any necessary consultation
                                    under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered
                                    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
                                    1536(a)(2)).''.
      (c) Conforming Repeal.--Section 711 of the Pesticide Registration
    Improvement Act of 2022 (title VI of division HH of Public Law 117-328)
    is repealed.

    SEC. 10205. UNIFORMITY OF PESTICIDE LABELING REQUIREMENTS.

      (a) In General.--Section 24(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
    and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136v(b)) shall be applied to require
    uniformity in pesticide labeling nationally, and to prohibit any State,
    instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof, or a court from
    directly or indirectly imposing or continuing in effect any
    requirements for, or penalize or hold liable, any entity for failing to
    comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that
    is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved
    by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred
    to in this section as the ``Administrator'') under such Act (7 U.S.C.
    136 et seq.), including any requirements relating to warnings on such
    labeling or packaging, provided that the entity is not in material
    violation of subparagraph (M), (Q), or (R) of section 12(a)(2) of such
    Act (7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)), for which the entity has been penalized
    pursuant to section 14 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136l).
      (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
    to alter or diminish the authority of States under subsections (a) and
    (c) of section 24 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
    Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136v).

    SEC. 10206. AUTHORITY OF STATES.

      Section 24 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
    (7 U.S.C. 136v) is amended--
              (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and localities''
            after ``states''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(d) Local Regulation.--A political subdivision of a State shall not
    impose, or continue in effect, any requirement relating to the sale,
    distribution, labeling, application, or use of any pesticide or device
    that is subject to regulation--
              ``(1) by a State pursuant to this section; or
              ``(2) by the Administrator under this Act.''.

    SEC. 10207. LAWFUL 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:
              ``(6) Lawful use of registered pesticides.--Notwithstanding
            any other provision of law, the use, application, or discharge
            of a registered pesticide consistent with its labeling approved
            under this Act shall be permitted and considered lawful,
            without further permitting or approval requirements.''.

                  PART II--OTHER REGULATORY REFORM PROVISIONS

    SEC. 10211. MULTIPLE CROP AND PESTICIDE USE SURVEY.

      Section 10109(b) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public
    Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4906) is amended to read as follows:
      ``(b) Administration.--
              ``(1) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the
            Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and make
            publicly available, the survey described in subsection (a).
              ``(2) Commercial data.--The Secretary, acting through the
            Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy, shall obtain
            commercial data on pesticide use to inform the conduct of, and
            enhance the results of, the survey described in subsection (a).
              ``(3) Rulemaking procedure.--The administration of this
            section shall be made without regard to chapter 35 of title 44,
            United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction
            Act).''.

    SEC. 10212. SAFE HARBOR FOR CERTAIN DISCHARGES OF WILDLAND FIRE
                        CHEMICALS.

      (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), no court may enjoin under
    the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) a
    covered entity from conducting an aerial application of a covered fire
    retardant and water enhancer for wildfire suppression, control, or
    prevention activities that results in a discharge, if such aerial
    application is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the
    Federal Facility Compliance Agreement between the Environmental
    Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service, as agreed to on February
    16, 2023.
      (b) Period of Application.--Subsection (a) shall apply to any aerial
    application described in such subsection that is conducted before the
    effective date of a permit issued by the Administrator of the
    Environmental Protection Agency or a State, as applicable, under
    section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342)
    that authorizes the discharge, from such aerial application, of a
    covered fire retardant and water enhancer for wildfire suppression,
    control, or prevention activities.
      (c) Effect.--Nothing in this section affects the authority of any
    court under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to any
    discharge resulting from an aerial application not conducted in
    accordance with the requirements described in subsection (a).
      (d) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means--
                      (A) any Federal agency, agency of a State or
                    political subdivision thereof, or Tribal agency
                    authorized by law to conduct an aerial application of
                    fire retardants and water enhancers for wildfire
                    suppression, control, or prevention activities; and
                      (B) any contractor, subcontractor, or other agent of
                    an agency described in subparagraph (A).
              (2) Covered fire retardant and water enhancer.--The term
            ``covered fire retardant and water enhancer'' means a fire
            retardant and water enhancer that--
                      (A) has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by
                    the Secretary; and
                      (B) appears on the most current Forest Service
                    Qualified Products List.
              (3) Discharge; state.--The terms ``discharge'' and ``State''
            have the meanings given those terms in section 502 of the
            Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362).
      (e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on the date
    that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section.

    SEC. 10213. OFFICE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY.

      Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 220
    (7 U.S.C. 6920) the following:

    ``SEC. 220A. OFFICE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish in the Department an
    Office of Biotechnology Policy to provide for the effective
    coordination of policies and activities within the Department of
    Agriculture related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic
    biology, and related emerging technologies, while taking into account
    the effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies.
      ``(b) Director.--The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall be under
    the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall
    report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary.
      ``(c) Duties.--The Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy
    shall--
              ``(1) develop and coordinate Department policy on
            biotechnology and related topics;
              ``(2) coordinate activities and services of the Department on
            biotechnology and related topics, including--
                      ``(A) research and development;
                      ``(B) extension and education;
                      ``(C) communication;
                      ``(D) regulation and labeling; and
                      ``(E) commercialization, use, and trade;
              ``(3) assist other offices and agencies of the Department in
            fulfilling their responsibilities related to biotechnology
            under applicable Federal law; and
              ``(4) perform such other functions as may be required under
            Federal law or prescribed by the Secretary.
      ``(d) Interagency Coordination.--In carrying out the duties under
    subsection (c), the Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy
    shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency
    activities with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug
    Administration, and other Federal and State agencies.
      ``(e) Outreach.--The Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy
    shall consult with biotechnology developers, academics, agricultural
    producers, and other entities that may be affected by biotechnology-
    related activities or actions of the Department or other Federal and
    State agencies as necessary in carrying out the Office's
    responsibilities under this section.
      ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2027 through 2031.''.

                            TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

    SEC. 11001. SPECIALTY CROP ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

      (a) In General.--Section 505 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
    U.S.C. 1505) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in paragraph (2)--
                              (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F),
                            and (G) as subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H),
                            respectively;
                              (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
                            following:
                      ``(E) The Chairperson of the Specialty Crop Advisory
                    Committee established by subsection (f).''; and
                              (iii) in subparagraph (H), as so
                            redesignated, by striking ``specialty crop''
                            and inserting ``livestock'';
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``subparagraphs
                    (E), (F), and (G) of paragraph (2)'' and inserting
                    ``subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H) of paragraph (2) and
                    the members of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee
                    described in subsection (f)(2)''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(f) Specialty Crop Advisory Committee.--
              ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall--
                      ``(A) establish a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee
                    (in this subsection referred to as `the Committee');
                    and
                      ``(B) appoint to the Committee in accordance with
                    paragraph (2) the initial members that will assist the
                    Corporation in the research, creation, and improvement
                    of policies or plans of insurance for specialty crops.
              ``(2) Composition.--
                      ``(A) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Committee
                    shall be an individual with experience in crop
                    insurance and the unique nature of the specialty crop
                    industry.
                      ``(B) Members.--The Committee shall consist of--
                              ``(i) individuals with an understanding of
                            the production methods, markets, and risks
                            (including losses due to weather, trade
                            damages, and supply chain disruptions) unique
                            to specialty crop production;
                              ``(ii) not less than 5 producers and not more
                            than 10 total members; and
                              ``(iii) not less than 1 producer from each of
                            the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions
                            of the United States (as identified by the
                            Bureau of the Census).
              ``(3) Duties.--The Committee established by this subsection
            shall--
                      ``(A) advise the Manager of the Corporation on issues
                    relating to specialty crop insurance policies;
                      ``(B) provide input, through the Chairperson of the
                    Committee, to the Board on decisions relating to
                    specialty crop insurance policies;
                      ``(C) review available educational programs and make
                    recommendations to the Manager of the Corporation on
                    how to enhance the effectiveness of such programs for
                    specialty crop producers;
                      ``(D) provide recommendations to the Manager of the
                    Corporation regarding the presentation of policies to
                    the Board required by section 508(a)(6);
                      ``(E) advise the Manager of the Corporation on
                    entering into partnerships to carry out subsections (d)
                    and (e)(2)(B) of section 522; and
                      ``(F) meet not less than 2 times each year to carry
                    out these duties.''.
      (b) Specialty Crops Coordinator.--Section 507(g)(2) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(g)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(2) Responsibilities.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Specialty Crops Coordinator
                    shall have primary responsibility for addressing the
                    needs of specialty crop producers, and for providing
                    information and advice, in connection with the
                    activities of the Corporation to improve and expand the
                    insurance program for specialty crops.
                      ``(B) Other duties.--In carrying out this paragraph,
                    the Specialty Crops Coordinator shall--
                              ``(i) act as the liaison of the Corporation
                            with representatives of specialty crop
                            producers and the Specialty Crop Advisory
                            Committee; and
                              ``(ii) assist the Corporation with the
                            knowledge, expertise, and familiarity of the
                            producers with risk management and production
                            issues pertaining to specialty crops.''.
      (c) Annual Review of New and Specialty Crops.--Section 508(a)(6)(A)
    of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(6)(A)) is amended
    by inserting ``(in consultation with the Specialty Crop Advisory
    Committee)'' after ``Corporation''.

    SEC. 11002. IDENTIFICATION OF HOLDERS OF SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS.

      Section 506(m) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506(m))
    is amended--
              (1) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
              ``(3) Identification of holders of substantial interests.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Manager of the Corporation may
                    require each policyholder to provide to the Manager, at
                    such times and in such manner as prescribed by the
                    Manager, the name of each individual or other entity
                    that acquires or holds a substantial beneficial
                    interest in such policyholder.
                      ``(B) Extension available.--
                              ``(i) In general.--In the case of a
                            policyholder that does not provide the
                            information required pursuant to subparagraph
                            (A) to the Manager at the time prescribed by
                            the Manager, the Manager shall allow such
                            policyholder to provide to the Manager such
                            information at any time during the applicable
                            crop year.
                              ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply
                            to a policyholder that an approved insurance
                            provider determines--
                                      ``(I) would receive disproportionate
                                    benefits under a crop insurance program
                                    as a result of failing to provide the
                                    information required pursuant to
                                    subparagraph (A) to the Manager at the
                                    time prescribed by the Manager; or
                                      ``(II) failed to provide such
                                    information to avoid an obligation or
                                    requirement under any State or Federal
                                    law.''; and
              (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``5 percent'' and inserting
            ``10 percent''.

    SEC. 11003. ACTUARIAL SOUNDNESS OF CERTAIN NEW PRODUCTS.

      Section 506(n) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506(n))
    is amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) Actuarial soundness of certain new products.--The
            Corporation shall--
                      ``(A) review each policy or product developed under
                    section 508(h) periodically for actuarial soundness;
                    and
                      ``(B) take such actions, in consultation with persons
                    described in paragraph (1)(A) of such section, as are
                    necessary to improve the actuarial soundness of such
                    policies and products.''.

    SEC. 11004. COVERAGE OF REVENUE LOSSES.

      Section 508(a)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(a)(1)) is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting ``or a
    decline in the market price of the insured commodity, so long as such
    decline was not directly caused by the producer (as determined by the
    Secretary)'' before the period at the end.

    SEC. 11005. LIMITATION ON FARM PROGRAM PARTICIPATION.

      (a) In General.--The Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et
    seq.) is amended--
              (1) in section 508(c)(4)(C)(iv) in the heading, by striking
            ``crops and''; and
              (2) in section 508B(f), by striking ``Effective beginning
            with the 2019 crop year'' and inserting ``Effective for the
            2019 through 2025 crop years''.
      (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9015) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(j) Limitation.--Beginning with the 2026 crop year, in the case of
    a farm for which a producer obtains coverage under the Stacked Income
    Protection Plan for upland cotton under section 508B of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508b) for a crop year, such farm shall
    not be eligible to receive payments for seed cotton for such crop year
    under--
              ``(1) price loss coverage under section 1116; or
              ``(2) agriculture risk coverage under section 1117.''.

    SEC. 11006. LIMITATION ON INTEREST ACCRUAL.

      Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d))
    is amended by inserting at the end the following new paragraph:
              ``(5) Limitation on interest accrual.--Effective beginning
            with the 2026 reinsurance year, in the case of a producer that
            is delinquent in paying a premium or administrative fee, an
            approved insurance provider may charge such producer with
            respect to such delinquency an amount less than or equal to 1
            percent of the simple interest of the amount for which such
            producer is delinquent, for each month (not to exceed 60
            consecutive months) the producer is so delinquent.''.

    SEC. 11007. CROP INSURANCE SUPPORT FOR BEGINNING AND VETERAN FARMERS
                        AND RANCHERS.

      (a) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Section 502(b)(14)(B)
    of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)(14)(B)) is
    amended--
              (1) in clause (ii), by striking ``5 years'' and inserting
            ``10 years''; and
              (2) in clause (iii), by striking ``5-year'' and inserting
            ``10-year''.
      (b) Increase in Assistance.--Section 508(e)(9) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)) is amended by inserting ``or veteran
    farmer or rancher'' after ``beginning farmer or rancher'' each place it
    appears.

    SEC. 11008. MARKETABILITY.

      Section 508(h)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(h)(4)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A), by amending clause (iii) to read as
            follows:
                              ``(iii) Application.--
                                      ``(I) In general.--Except as provided
                                    in subclause (II), this subparagraph
                                    shall apply with respect to a proposal
                                    only during the period preceding any
                                    approval of the proposal by the Board.
                                      ``(II) Exception.--An approved
                                    insurance provider that submits a
                                    letter of support for a concept
                                    proposal, a policy, or plan of
                                    insurance shall--
                                              ``(aa) not be considered the
                                            public for purposes of clause
                                            (ii);
                                              ``(bb) have access to data
                                            and other product development
                                            information submitted to the
                                            Board during its review under
                                            this subsection; and
                                              ``(cc) be subject to the
                                            confidentiality requirements as
                                            applicable to the Board
                                            pursuant to clauses (i) and
                                            (ii).'';
              (2) in subparagraph (D), by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(iv) Marketability deadline.--Any new
                            policy, plan of insurance, or other material
                            approved by the Board under this subsection
                            during a reinsurance year and after the
                            Standard Reinsurance Agreement closing date of
                            July 1 shall not be implemented for such
                            reinsurance year unless at least 90 days prior
                            to the sales closing date for such policy, plan
                            of insurance, or other material, the Board
                            makes available to the approved insurance
                            providers all necessary, as determined by the
                            Board, handbooks, training materials, and other
                            resources associated with such policy, plan of
                            insurance, or other material.''; and
              (3) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(F) Marketability determination.--
                              ``(i) Submission to the board.--Prior to the
                            approval of a product, any approved insurance
                            provider that submitted a letter of support for
                            the product shall provide information and
                            analysis to the Board on the marketability of
                            such product.
                              ``(ii) Deemed marketable.--In reviewing a
                            policy, plan of insurance, or other material
                            submitted to the Board under this subsection,
                            such product shall be deemed marketable in
                            accordance with paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(I) if at
                            least one approved insurance provider, in its
                            submission pursuant to clause (i), expresses
                            support for such policy, plan, or material.
                              ``(iii) Evaluation by the board.--In
                            evaluating whether a product is marketable in
                            accordance with paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(I), the
                            Board shall take into consideration any
                            information and analysis submitted pursuant to
                            clause (ii).
                              ``(iv) AIP participation.--The Board shall
                            not require the submission of a letter of
                            support from an approved insurance provider in
                            order to review and approve any policy, plan of
                            insurance, or other material submitted pursuant
                            to this subsection.''.

    SEC. 11009. REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING COSTS.

      Section 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(k)(4)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
                    ``not exceed'';
                      (B) in clause (i)--
                              (i) by inserting ``not exceed'' before ``for
                            the''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
                      (C) in clause (ii)--
                              (i) by striking ``and subsequent'' and
                            inserting ``through 2026'';
                              (ii) by inserting ``not exceed'' before ``for
                            each''; and
                              (iii) by striking the period and inserting
                            ``; and''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(iii) for each of the 2027 and subsequent
                            reinsurance years, be determined in accordance
                            with subparagraph (F).''; and
              (2) by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
                      ``(F) Reimbursement rates for reinsurance year 2027
                    and subsequent reinsurance years.--Notwithstanding
                    subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (E), for each of the
                    2027 and subsequent reinsurance years, the rate
                    established by the Board to reimburse approved
                    insurance providers and agents for the administrative
                    and operating costs of the providers and agents with
                    respect to each policy made available under this Act
                    shall be equal to the rate applicable to the policy in
                    effect for the 2026 reinsurance year.''.

    SEC. 11010. QUALITY LOSS ADJUSTMENT COVERAGE.

      Section 508(m)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(m)(3)) is amended--
              (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
                      ``(A) Periodic review.--Beginning in calendar year
                    2027 and once every 5 years thereafter, the Corporation
                    shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a
                    review, which shall be completed within 1 year of
                    initiation, of the quality loss adjustment procedures
                    of the Corporation.'';
              (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Effective beginning
            not later than the 2004 reinsurance year, based on the review,
            the Corporation'' and inserting ``Based on each review
            conducted under subparagraph (A), the Corporation'';
              (3) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
              (4) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
                      ``(B) Stakeholder engagement.--Each review under
                    subparagraph (A) shall include engagement from
                    regionally diverse industry stakeholders for each
                    agricultural commodity for which a quality loss
                    adjustment is offered.''; and
              (5) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(D) Report.--On the completion of each review under
                    subparagraph (A), the Corporation 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 that describes--
                              ``(i) the findings from that review;
                              ``(ii) the changes to the quality loss
                            adjustment procedures;
                              ``(iii) the stakeholder engagement for that
                            review conducted pursuant to subparagraph (B);
                            and
                              ``(iv) plans for establishing specific
                            quality loss adjustment procedures for unique
                            regions, as determined by the Secretary.''.

    SEC. 11011. PILOT PROGRAM TO REVIEW EFFECTIVENESS OF COVERAGE PENALTY.

      The Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is further
    amended by inserting after section 508D the following:

    ``SEC. 508E. PILOT PROGRAM TO REVIEW EFFECTIVENESS OF COVERAGE PENALTY.

      ``(a) In General.--Effective beginning with the 2027 crop year, the
    Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall establish a pilot
    program to evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction in benefits
    applied to corn and other crops, as determined by the Corporation,
    planted during the late planting period (as defined in section 457.8 of
    title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation)).
      ``(b) Location and Duration of Pilot.--The pilot program established
    under subsection (a) shall--
              ``(1) be conducted in not less than 10 counties located
            within or adjacent to the North Plains Groundwater Conservation
            District or the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District in
            the State of Texas; and
              ``(2) operate for a period of not less than 4 crop years.
      ``(c) Evaluation.--In carrying out the pilot program established
    under subsection (a), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation
    shall--
              ``(1) suspend any reduction to the insurance guarantee
            applied to an insurance policy for a crop that is planted
            during the late planting period;
              ``(2) gather and analyze data to determine if the number of
            days beyond the final plant date in which a crop was planted
            during the late planting period correlates with a decrease in
            crop yields; and
              ``(3) determine if planting a crop after the final plant date
            results in reduced usage of irrigation from the Ogallala
            Aquifer.
      ``(d) Report Required.--Not later than 90 days after the last day of
    crop year 2031, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
    and the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Nutrition of the Senate
    a report that includes--
              ``(1) a summary of the results of the pilot program
            established under subsection (a);
              ``(2) an analysis of the correlation between planting date
            and final yields; and
              ``(3) any changes to existing policies that the Corporation
            intends to make as a result of the information obtained during
            the pilot program.
      ``(e) Partnerships.--Of the amounts made available in section
    522(e)(2)(A)(ii), the Corporation may use not more than $200,000 to
    enter into a partnership or cooperative agreement with a nonprofit
    organization, State agency, or public university that is familiar with
    agricultural production in the region described in subsection (b)(1) to
    conduct the research and evaluation required under paragraphs (2) and
    (3) of subsection (c).''.

    SEC. 11012. WHOLE FARM IMPROVEMENTS.

      Section 522(c)(7)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1522(c)(7)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(iii) Additional review.--Not later than 12
                            months after the date of enactment of this
                            clause and annually thereafter, the Corporation
                            shall--
                                      ``(I) review any limitations on
                                    insurable revenue (including the
                                    overall limitation and limitations
                                    specific to animals, animal products,
                                    greenhouse and nursery, and
                                    aquaculture) to ensure such limitations
                                    are adequate to cover the financial
                                    risks associated with the production of
                                    high-value agricultural products; and
                                      ``(II) 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 includes a
                                    summary of the most recent review
                                    conducted and any expected changes to
                                    the policy for the following
                                    reinsurance year.''.

    SEC. 11013. PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND INTEGRITY.

      Section 515(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(b))
    is amended--
              (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``, Response, and
            Final Determination'' after ``Notification'';
              (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``shall notify in writing''
            and inserting ``shall, through an initial finding in writing,
            notify (unless such notification is pursuant to the
            responsibilities to conduct reviews and make corrections)'';
              (3) in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) in the heading, by striking ``Time for
                    notification'' and inserting ``Required timing'';
                      (B) by striking ``Notice'' and inserting the
                    following:
                      ``(A) Initial finding.--Notice''; and
                      (C) by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(B) Response.--During the 90-day period beginning
                    on the date the Corporation notifies an approved
                    insurance provider through an initial finding under
                    paragraph (1), such approved insurance provider may
                    appeal such initial finding in writing.
                      ``(C) Final finding.--Not later than 90 days after
                    the date on which an approved insurance provider
                    appeals pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Corporation
                    shall issue a final finding in writing to such approved
                    insurance provider.
                      ``(D) Request for final administrative
                    determination.--An approved insurance provider shall
                    have not more than 90 days after the receipt of the
                    Corporation's final finding under subparagraph (C) to
                    request, in writing, a final administrative
                    determination, if such approved insurance provider has
                    reason to believe that the Corporation's final finding
                    under subparagraph (C) is not in accordance with--
                              ``(i) the applicable laws, regulations,
                            custom, or practice of the crop insurance
                            industry; or
                              ``(ii) the approved policy and procedure of
                            the Corporation.
                      ``(E) Final determination.--The Corporation shall
                    have not more than 90 days after the receipt of a
                    request for a final administrative determination under
                    subparagraph (D) to provide such final administrative
                    determination, unless substantial new information, as
                    determined by the Corporation, is provided by the
                    approved insurance provider.
                      ``(F) Appeal to civilian board of contract appeals.--
                    An approved insurance provider shall have not more than
                    90 days after receipt of a final administrative
                    determination provided pursuant to subparagraph (E) to
                    appeal such determination to the Civilian Board of
                    Contract Appeals.''; and
              (4) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
              ``(3) Effect of failure to timely notify.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                    (B), failure of the Corporation to comply with the
                    requirements under paragraph (2) shall relieve the
                    approved insurance provider from the debt owed to the
                    Corporation.
                      ``(B) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to
                    any matters referred to the Office of the Inspector
                    General or the Department of Justice.''.

    SEC. 11014. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.

      (a) Expansion of Revenue Policies.--Section 522(c) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
              ``(20) Expansion of revenue policies.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
                    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
                    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
                    carry out research and development, to expand the
                    availability of policies that provide coverage against
                    losses of revenue for--
                              ``(i) oilseeds, including camelina, carinata,
                            and pennycress;
                              ``(ii) alfalfa;
                              ``(iii) pulse crops (including dry edible
                            beans);
                              ``(iv) sugarbeets;
                              ``(v) sugarcane;
                              ``(vi) blueberries; and
                              ``(vii) other crops for which only individual
                            yield-based insurance policies are available.
                      ``(B) Availability of policy.--Notwithstanding the
                    last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section
                    508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy
                    described in subparagraph (A) available if the
                    requirements of section 508(h) are met.
                      ``(C) Determination of projected price.--In
                    developing a policy described in subparagraph (A), the
                    Corporation may utilize alternative methods of
                    determining a projected price for a crop, including the
                    correlation of actual prices received for such crop to
                    the futures markets prices of other commodities.
                      ``(D) Pricing library.--In developing a policy
                    described in subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall
                    determine the feasibility of creating a pricing library
                    for agents and approved insurance providers using data
                    from alternative sources, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
                      ``(E) Discount factor.--For purposes of developing a
                    policy described in subparagraph (A), the Corporation
                    shall determine the feasibility of--
                              ``(i) establishing a State or regional
                            discount factor as an endorsement policy to
                            provide coverage against losses of revenue due
                            to quality discounts in soybeans; and
                              ``(ii) an alternative to applying the term
                            `zero-market value' in the case of an available
                            salvage market.
                      ``(F) Report.--Not later than 18 months 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--
                              ``(i) the crops for which research and
                            development has been carried out under
                            subparagraph (A);
                              ``(ii) the results of the research and
                            development carried out under subparagraph (A);
                              ``(iii) any recommendations with respect to
                            those results; and
                              ``(iv) additional crops for which research
                            and development under this paragraph is planned
                            to be carried out.''.
      (b) Wine Grape Losses Due to Smoke Exposure.--Section 522(c) of the
    Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by
    adding at the end the following:
              ``(21) Wine grape losses due to smoke exposure.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
                    Corporation shall carry out research and development,
                    or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or
                    more qualified persons to carry out research and
                    development, regarding a policy to insure wine grapes
                    (including wine grapes produced in the States of
                    California, Oregon, and Washington) against losses due
                    to wildfire smoke exposure.
                      ``(B) Availability of policy.--Notwithstanding the
                    last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section
                    508(a)(2), not later than 18 months after the date of
                    the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall
                    make available a policy described in subparagraph (A)
                    if the requirements of section 508(h) are met.
                      ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
                    of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall
                    submit to the Committees on Appropriations and
                    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
                    Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture,
                    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that
                    includes--
                              ``(i) the results of the research carried out
                            under subparagraph (A);
                              ``(ii) a description of the policies made
                            available under this paragraph; and
                              ``(iii) the feasibility of a product that
                            allows producers of wine grapes to claim an
                            indemnity through post-harvest, post-
                            vinification testing, if such testing
                            demonstrates smoke damage that was not
                            detectable prior to harvest.''.
      (c) Mushrooms.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
    U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(22) Mushrooms.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
                    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
                    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
                    carry out research and development, regarding a policy
                    to insure--
                              ``(i) the production of mushroom growing
                            media; and
                              ``(ii) the production of mushrooms.
                      ``(B) Availability of policy.--Notwithstanding the
                    second sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section
                    508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy
                    described in subparagraph (A) available if the
                    requirements of section 508(h) are met.
                      ``(C) Research and development.--Research and
                    development described in subparagraph (A) shall
                    evaluate the effectiveness of policies described in
                    that subparagraph, including policies that--
                              ``(i) are based on the risk of--
                                      ``(I) pests, including mushroom
                                    phorid flies and sciarid flies;
                                      ``(II) fungal pathogens; and
                                      ``(III) viral pathogens;
                              ``(ii) consider other causes of loss
                            applicable to mushroom compost and mushroom
                            production, such as--
                                      ``(I) loss of electricity due to
                                    weather; and
                                      ``(II) loss of growing media due to
                                    excessive 5-year, 10-year, or 20-year
                                    rainfall events;
                              ``(iii) consider appropriate best practices
                            to minimize the risk of loss;
                              ``(iv) consider whether to provide coverage
                            for mushrooms under 1 policy or to provide
                            coverage for various phases of production;
                              ``(v) have streamlined reporting and
                            paperwork requirements that take into account
                            short propagation schedules, variable crop
                            years, and the variety of mushrooms that may be
                            produced in a single facility; and
                              ``(vi) provide protection for revenue losses.
                      ``(D) 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--
                              ``(i) the results of the research and
                            development carried out under subparagraph (A);
                            and
                              ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
                            those results.''.
      (d) Study on Hurricane Insurance.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the
    end the following:
              ``(23) Standalone policy for hurricanes and tropical
            storms.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
                    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
                    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
                    conduct a study to determine the feasibility of
                    offering insurance against tropical storms and
                    hurricanes made available regardless of an underlying
                    crop insurance policy (or lack thereof).
                      ``(B) 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).''.
      (e) Frost or Cold Weather Insurance.--Section 522(c) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at
    the end the following:
              ``(24) Frost or cold weather insurance.--
                      ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
                    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
                    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
                    carry out research and development, regarding an index-
                    based policy to insure crops (including table grapes,
                    wine grapes, juice grapes, tomatoes, peppers,
                    sugarcane, strawberries, melons, citrus, peaches,
                    blueberries, and any other crop) on a nationally
                    available basis against losses due to a frost or cold
                    weather event.
                      ``(B) Research and development.--Research and
                    development under subparagraph (A) shall--
                              ``(i) evaluate the effectiveness of risk
                            management tools, such as the use of an index,
                            with respect to low frequency and catastrophic
                            loss weather events; and
                              ``(ii) result in a policy that provides
                            protection for at least 1 of the following:
                                      ``(I) Production loss.
                                      ``(II) Revenue loss.
                      ``(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--
                              ``(i) the results of the research and
                            development carried out under subparagraph (A);
                            and
                              ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
                            those results.''.
      (f) Study of Inclusion of Certain Oilseed Crops Under Double and
    Rotational Cropping Policies.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the
    end the following:
              ``(25) Double cropping and rotational cropping of certain
            oilseed crops.--
                      ``(A) Definition of covered oilseed crops.--In this
                    paragraph, the term `covered oilseed crops' means
                    rapeseed, canola, camelina, and other oilseed crops, as
                    determined by the Corporation.
                      ``(B) Research and development.--The Corporation
                    shall carry out research and development, or offer to
                    enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified
                    persons to carry out research and development, with
                    respect to insurance policies for covered oilseed crops
                    under double cropping and rotational cropping
                    practices.
                      ``(C) Requirements.--The research and development
                    carried out pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be
                    conducted in consultation with stakeholders to
                    evaluate--
                              ``(i) the factors impacting availability and
                            cost of crop insurance when incorporating
                            covered oilseed crops into double cropping and
                            rotational cropping policies; and
                              ``(ii) the potential risk management benefits
                            associated with incorporating covered oilseed
                            crops into double cropping and rotational
                            cropping policies, specifically with respect to
                            winter-planted covered oilseed crops, including
                            risk management benefits to soil health,
                            biodiversity, and the profitability of farming
                            operations.
                      ``(D) Emphasis.--In awarding contracts under
                    subparagraph (B), the Corporation may give priority to
                    awarding contracts to qualified persons that--
                              ``(i) have previous research experience with
                            covered oilseed crops; and
                              ``(ii) have access to a facility with the
                            capacity to carry out the applicable research.
                      ``(E) Report.--Not later than 13 months 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--
                              ``(i) the results of the research and
                            development carried out under subparagraph (B);
                            and
                              ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
                            those results.''.
      (g) Harvest Incentives.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the
    following:
              ``(26) Harvest incentives.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
                    Corporation shall carry out research and development,
                    or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or
                    more qualified persons to carry out research and
                    development, regarding harvest incentives for policies
                    that provide coverage against losses of revenue.
                      ``(B) Availability of policy.--Notwithstanding the
                    last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section
                    508(a)(2), not later than 24 months after the date of
                    the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall
                    make available a policy described in subparagraph (A)
                    if the requirements of section 508(h) are met.
                      ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
                    of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall
                    submit to the Committees on Appropriations and
                    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
                    Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture,
                    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that
                    includes--
                              ``(i) the results of the research carried out
                            under subparagraph (A); and
                              ``(ii) a description of the policies made
                            available under this paragraph.''.
      (h) Prevented Planting.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the
    following:
              ``(27) Prevented planting.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
                    Corporation shall carry out research and development,
                    or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or
                    more qualified persons to carry out research and
                    development, regarding prevented planting coverage for
                    insurance policies for specialty crops that are not
                    planted on a perennial basis.
                      ``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months 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 includes--
                              ``(i) the results of the research carried out
                            under subparagraph (A); and
                              ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
                            those results.''.
      (i) Policy for Swine Producers for Catastrophic Events.--Section
    522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further
    amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(28) Policy for swine producers for catastrophic events.--
                      ``(A) In general.--For purposes of updating any
                    conclusions contained in the final report for the study
                    on swine catastrophic disease published by the Risk
                    Management Agency in 2015, the Corporation shall carry
                    out research and development, or offer to enter into 1
                    or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
                    carry out research and development, regarding a policy
                    to insure swine producers with respect to financial
                    losses due to 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 research and
                    development carried out under subparagraph (A).''.

    SEC. 11015. REPORT ON STANDARD REINSURANCE AGREEMENT.

      (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
    enactment of this section, the Federal Crop Insurance 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 on the Standard Reinsurance Agreement that includes an
    analysis of any modifications to such Agreement that are necessary to
    expand the availability of policies and plans of insurance that meet
    the risk management needs of agricultural producers, States, regions,
    and commodities.
      (b) Contents.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall--
              (1) take into account the requirements under section
            508(k)(8)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
            1508(k)(8)(F)) related to budget neutrality of the Standard
            Reinsurance Agreement; and
              (2) include an analysis of--
                      (A) any benefit related to establishing--
                              (i) at least one additional reinsurance fund
                            for States that have experienced consistently
                            high loss ratios; and
                              (ii) at least one additional reinsurance fund
                            to provide alternative risk-sharing terms for
                            approved insurance providers that sell
                            insurance contracts offering area plan
                            coverage;
                      (B) with respect to any funds reimbursed for
                    administrative and operating costs under section 507(c)
                    of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(c)),
                    the best method for ensuring that approved insurance
                    providers obligate such funds for--
                              (i) the delivery of risk management tools to
                            producers; and
                              (ii) agent workforce assistance for
                            producers, in an amount that is not less than
                            the historical percentage of such
                            reimbursement; and
                      (C) with respect to each policy and plan of
                    insurance, compensation amounts for agents that--
                              (i) are consistent with historical norms; and
                              (ii) provide a reasonable return considering
                            workload and the critical service across
                            programs that the agents provide.
      (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the analysis required under
    subsection (a), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall consult
    with--
              (1) representatives of producers--
                      (A) from each State and region; and
                      (B) with respect to each commodity;
              (2) representatives of agents and approved insurance
            providers;
              (3) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
            Representatives; and
              (4) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
            the Senate.

    SEC. 11016. HURRICANE INSURANCE PROTECTION-WIND INDEX REPORT.

      (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of this section, the Federal Crop Insurance 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 on the hurricane insurance protection-wind index that includes
    an analysis of any events in the 5-year period preceding the date of
    the enactment of this section that caused an outage of a weather radio
    station operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration.
      (b) Contents.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall
    include--
              (1) data on events where a producer lost crop insurance
            coverage as a result of an outage of a weather radio station
            operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
            that occurred during the period described in subsection (a) and
            the cause of such outage; and
              (2) a contingency plan that evaluates the feasibility of
            obtaining data from land-grant colleges and universities (as
            defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
            Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) or
            other third-party sources, as determined by the Secretary.
      (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the analysis required under
    subsection (a), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall consult
    with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration.

    SEC. 11017. RISK MANAGEMENT STUDY FOR LAMB.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study that includes an
    analysis of any modifications to existing livestock protection and risk
    management programs that may enhance risk management protection to
    domestic lamb producers.
      (b) Content.--In conducting the study under this section, the
    Secretary shall take into account the various factors affecting risk
    management, including--
              (1) market access;
              (2) sources of feed;
              (3) costs of, and fluctuation of costs of, feed;
              (4) imports;
              (5) consumer demand and trends;
              (6) labor costs; and
              (7) availability and accuracy of market data.
      (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year 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 on the
    findings of the study under this section.
      (d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``existing livestock
    protection and risk management programs'' includes--
              (1) dairy margin coverage;
              (2) livestock risk protection; and
              (3) any other program designed to protect producers from
            market volatility, as determined by the Secretary.

    SEC. 11018. STUDY ON LIVESTOCK RISK PROTECTION POLICY WITH RESPECT TO
                        PRODUCERS OF FEEDER CATTLE AFFECTED BY ADVERSE
                        WEATHER EVENTS.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on potential
    modifications to the livestock risk protection policy offered under
    section 523(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523(b)) to
    improve the flexibility of such policy with respect to producers of
    feeder cattle affected by adverse weather events, as determined by the
    Secretary, including drought and wildfires.
      (b) Contents.--In conducting the study under this section, the
    Secretary shall, with respect to producers of feeder cattle, evaluate--
              (1) any impact drought, wildfire, and other adverse weather
            events have on decisions made by such producers related to the
            marketing of feeder cattle;
              (2) in the case an adverse weather event occurs more than 60
            days prior to the end date of a specific coverage endorsement
            under the livestock risk protection policy described in
            subsection (a), whether the requirements or endorsement
            structures of such policy (as in effect on the date of
            enactment of this section) cause such producers not to market
            feeder cattle so as to avoid a penalty under such policy;
              (3) any option to provide additional flexibility or an
            exemption to such producers that market feeder cattle more than
            60 days prior to such end date due to an adverse weather event;
            and
              (4) any other recommendation to improve the effectiveness of
            such policy for such producers.
      (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year 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 findings of the study.

                      TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                    Subtitle A--Livestock and Other Animals

                      PART I--ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION

    SEC. 12001. ANIMAL DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT.

      (a) NADPRP Program Activities.--Section 10409A(b)(2) of the Animal
    Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308A(b)(2)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (F)--
                      (A) by striking ``including training additional
                    emergency response personnel.'' and inserting the
                    following: ``including--
                              ``(i) training additional emergency response
                            personnel; and''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
                              ``(ii) improving animal disease
                            traceability.''; and
              (2) in subparagraph (I), by inserting before the period at
            the end the following: ``, including activities approved by the
            Secretary as of the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food,
            and National Security Act of 2026''.
      (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
              (1) National animal health laboratory.--Section
            10409A(d)(2)(A) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
            8308a(d)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023''
            and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
              (2) National animal disease preparedness and response
            program; national animal vaccine and veterinary countermeasures
            bank.--Section 10409A(d)(2)(B) of the Animal Health Protection
            Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a(d)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``2019
            through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
              (3) Administrative costs.--Section 10409A(d)(3)(B) of the
            Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a(d)(3)(B)) is
            amended--
                      (A) by striking ``carry out the National Animal
                    Disease Preparedness and Response Program under
                    subsection (b)'' and inserting ``carry out the National
                    Animal Health Laboratory Network under subsection (a)
                    and the National Animal Disease Preparedness and
                    Response Program under subsection (b)''; and
                      (B) by striking ``10 percent'' and inserting ``15
                    percent''.
              (4) Availability and purpose of funding.--Section
            10409A(e)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
            8308a(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
            inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

    SEC. 12002. CATTLE FEVER TICK ERADICATION PROGRAM REVIEW AND REPORT.

      (a) Program Review.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
            enactment of this section, the Secretary shall offer to enter
            into a contract with a covered institution under which the
            covered institution shall conduct a review of the Program.
              (2) Review elements.--The review conducted pursuant to
            paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation of--
                      (A) the effectiveness of the Program with respect to
                    preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne
                    illnesses in cattle, including a review of places from
                    which the cattle fever tick has been eradicated and the
                    resulting economic impact;
                      (B) with respect to cattle producers--
                              (i) the benefits of the Program; and
                              (ii) the burden of compliance with the
                            Program;
                      (C) the treatment protocols developed and implemented
                    under the Program; and
                      (D) the Federal and State funds allocated to support
                    the Program for the most recent fiscal year, including
                    the funds allocated to each research project associated
                    with the Program.
      (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
    Secretary and a covered institution enter into a contract pursuant to
    subsection (a)(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 that
    includes--
              (1) the results of the review conducted pursuant to
            subsection (a); and
              (2) recommendations for improvements to the Program,
            including recommendations for reducing the burden of compliance
            with the Program with respect to cattle producers.
      (c) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Covered institution.--The term ``covered institution''
            means--
                      (A) a land-grant college or university (as defined in
                    section 1404(13) of the National Agricultural Research,
                    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
                    3103(13))); or
                      (B) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as
                    defined in section 1404(14) of the National
                    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
                    Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14))).
              (2) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the Cattle Fever
            Tick Eradication Program carried out by the Animal and Plant
            Health Inspection Service of the Department in coordination
            with the Texas Animal Health Commission.
      (d) Funding.--The Secretary shall use funds made available for the
    agricultural and food policy research centers under section 1419A of
    the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
    of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) to carry out this section.

    SEC. 12003. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR NATIONAL DETECTOR DOG
                        TRAINING CENTER.

      The Beagle Brigade Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-191) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES.

      ``(a) In General.--In addition to the Center established under
    section 2(a), the Secretary may--
              ``(1) establish other dog training facilities, which shall
            have the same duties as are specified in section 2(b) for the
            Center; and
              ``(2) enter into a cooperative agreement with the department
            of agriculture of a State (or political subdivision thereof) to
            establish an off-site training program for the purpose of
            providing training and technical assistance in the training of
            dogs, as described in section 2(b).
      ``(b) Considerations.--When determining the need for additional
    training facilities under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
    consider--
              ``(1) the location of international ports of entry;
              ``(2) the volume of international passengers and cargo; and
              ``(3) regional agricultural production trends and associated
            pest and disease threats.''.

    SEC. 12004. REGIONALIZATION, ZONING, AND COMPARTMENTALIZATION
                        AGREEMENTS.

      (a) In General.--Section 10405 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7
    U.S.C. 8304) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
              (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
      ``(d) Engagement With Key Export Markets.--To reduce the impact of
    animal disease outbreaks on United States exports, the Secretary,
    acting through the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and
    Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and the Administrator of the Food Safety
    and Inspection Service, in consultation with the United States Trade
    Representative, is authorized to negotiate in advance, to the extent
    practicable, regionalization, zoning, compartmentalization, and other
    agreements regarding outbreaks of known animal disease threats of trade
    significance with the governments of countries with export markets for
    livestock animals or animal products from the United States.''.
      (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed--
              (1) to limit the ability of the United States Trade
            Representative to negotiate trade agreements; or
              (2) to require the United States Trade Representative to
            condition other trade agreements on the inclusion of language
            relating to reducing the impact of animal disease outbreaks on
            United States exports, as described in subsection (d) of
            section 10405 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
            8304) (as inserted by subsection (a)(2)).

    SEC. 12005. IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS.

      (a) In General.--The Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et
    seq.) is amended by inserting after section 10404 (7 U.S.C. 8303) the
    following:

    ``SEC. 10404A. IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS.

      ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Compensation.--The term `compensation' means any act,
            consideration, or thing of value received by a person directly,
            including cash or noncash benefits, cost-avoidance, obtaining
            positive or avoiding negative publicity, an exchange of
            services, or maintaining a license issued under any local,
            State, or Federal government authority.
              ``(2) Importer.--The term `importer' means any person who
            transports or causes the transportation of a dog into the
            United States from a foreign country.
              ``(3) Import transporter.--The term `import transporter'
            means any person or entity that--
                      ``(A) receives an imported dog from any importer,
                    dealer, research facility, exhibitor, operator of an
                    auction sale, or department, agency, or instrumentality
                    of the United States or of any State or local
                    government; and
                      ``(B) receives compensation for moving such dog in
                    commerce.
              ``(4) Transfer.--The term `transfer' means a change of
            ownership or control of an imported dog to another person,
            including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation.
      ``(b) Requirements.--
              ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), no
            person shall import a dog into the United States unless prior
            to transport to the United States, the Secretary receives
            electronic documentation necessary, as determined by the
            Secretary, to demonstrate that the dog--
                      ``(A) is in good health;
                      ``(B) has received all necessary vaccinations and
                    internal and external parasite treatment, and
                    demonstrated negative test results, as required by the
                    Secretary and evidenced by a certificate that--
                              ``(i) is issued by a licensed veterinarian
                            accredited by a competent veterinary authority
                            recognized by the Secretary; and
                              ``(ii) is endorsed by that authority in a
                            manner representing that the veterinarian
                            issuing the certificate was authorized to do
                            so;
                      ``(C) is officially identified by a permanent method
                    approved by the Secretary; and
                      ``(D) in the case that the dog is intended for
                    transfer--
                              ``(i) is at least 6 months old; and
                              ``(ii) is accompanied by an import permit
                            issued by the Secretary under this Act.
              ``(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary, by regulation, shall
            provide an exception to any requirement under this Act in any
            case in which a dog is imported for purposes of transfer--
                      ``(A) as a personal pet of United States origin
                    returning to the United States;
                      ``(B) as a United States military working dog or
                    contracted working dog supporting a military mission or
                    tasking;
                      ``(C) for research purposes;
                      ``(D) for veterinary treatment which is paid for by
                    the importer, subject to the condition that the dog--
                              ``(i) is taken directly to a veterinary
                            facility for treatment with appropriate
                            quarantine until the dog meets the criteria
                            described in paragraph (1); and
                              ``(ii) is then exported to its country of
                            origin; or
                      ``(E) in the case of a dog that is less than 6 months
                    old, for lawful importation into the State of Hawaii
                    from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand
                    in compliance with the regulations of the State of
                    Hawaii and the other requirements of this section, if
                    the dog is not transported out of the State of Hawaii
                    for transfer at less than 6 months of age.
      ``(c) Implementation and Regulations.--Not later than 18 months after
    the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
    2026, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and
    Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland
    Security, and the Secretary of Transportation, shall promulgate such
    regulations as the Secretary determines necessary to implement and
    enforce this section, including regulations--
              ``(1) to facilitate electronic submission and interagency
            sharing of all documentation required prior to the importation
            of a dog into the United States under subsection (b)(1);
              ``(2) to establish any necessary post-arrival verification
            processes for imported dogs;
              ``(3) to ensure the denial of entry into the United States of
            any dog attempted to be imported into the United States in
            violation of subsection (b)(1);
              ``(4) to provide that each importer, import transporter,
            intermediate handler, or carrier receiving a certificate of
            veterinary inspection required under this section shall submit
            a copy of the certificate to the Secretary, who shall, upon
            receipt--
                      ``(A) record and maintain the information in a
                    centralized database; and
                      ``(B) upon request by a State veterinarian, share the
                    information with such State veterinarian not later than
                    3 days after such request is received by the Secretary;
              ``(5) to require the Secretary to annually aggregate and
            publicly report the data submitted under paragraph (4),
            including information on the countries of origin of the
            imported dogs and the purposes for the importation of such
            dogs; and
              ``(6) to determine and establish such fees for the
            verification of documentation and issuance of permits required
            under subsection (b)(1) as may be necessary to fund the
            implementation and enforcement of this section.
      ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (c)(5) shall be
    construed as limiting the availability of funding made available under
    section 10417 to carry out this section.
      ``(e) Enforcement.--
              ``(1) Authority.--The Secretary shall have the authority
            granted under section 10414 to enforce this section.
              ``(2) Penalties.--An importer or import transporter that
            fails to comply with this section shall--
                      ``(A) be subject to penalties under section 10414;
                    and
                      ``(B) provide, as the Secretary may determine, at the
                    expense of the importer or import transporter, for--
                              ``(i) the care (including appropriate
                            veterinary care), forfeiture, quarantine, and
                            removal from the United States of each
                            applicable dog; and
                              ``(ii) the return of each applicable dog to
                            its place of export, with due care for the
                            welfare of each applicable dog.''.
      (b) Transition Period.--
              (1) In general.--During the transition period, regulations
            promulgated under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7
            U.S.C. 2148) (as in effect on the day before the date of
            enactment of this Act) shall continue to apply to the extent
            that such regulations do not conflict with section 10404A of
            the Animal Health Protection Act (as inserted by subsection
            (a)).
              (2) Transition period defined.--In this subsection, the term
            ``transition period'' means the period beginning on the date of
            enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which final
            regulations are promulgated under such section 10404A.
      (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7
    U.S.C. 2148) is repealed.

    SEC. 12006. ENSURING THE FREE MOVEMENT OF LIVESTOCK-DERIVED PRODUCTS IN
                        INTERSTATE COMMERCE.

      (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to--
              (1) protect the free movement in interstate commerce of
            products derived from covered livestock;
              (2) encourage a national market of such products;
              (3) ensure that producers of covered livestock are not
            subject to a patchwork of State laws restricting access to a
            national market; and
              (4) ensure that the United States continues to uphold its
            international trade obligations.
      (b) In General.--Producers of covered livestock have a Federal right
    to raise and market their covered livestock in interstate commerce and
    therefore no State or subdivision thereof may enact or enforce,
    directly or indirectly, a condition or standard on the production of
    covered livestock other than for covered livestock physically raised in
    such State or subdivision.
      (c) Protecting Interstate Commerce.--Producers of covered livestock
    have a Federal right to raise and market their covered livestock in
    interstate commerce and therefore no State or subdivision thereof may
    enact or enforce, directly or indirectly, as a condition for sale or
    consumption, any condition or standard of production on products
    derived from covered livestock not physically raised in such State or
    subdivision that is in addition to, or different from, the conditions
    or standards of production in the State in which the production occurs.
      (d) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Covered livestock.--The term ``covered livestock''--
                      (A) means any domestic animal raised for the purpose
                    of--
                              (i) slaughter for human consumption; or
                              (ii) producing products manufactured for
                            human consumption which are derived from the
                            processing of milk, including fluid milk
                            products; and
                      (B) does not include domestic animals raised for the
                    primary purpose of egg production.
              (2) Production.--The term ``production''--
                      (A) means the raising (including breeding) of covered
                    livestock; and
                      (B) does not include the movement, harvesting, or
                    further processing of covered livestock.

    SEC. 12007. REPORT ON SUPPORT FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCERS
                        DURING A FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK.

      (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months 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 report on the
    Department's preparedness to support livestock producers and poultry
    growers facing economic losses in the event of an outbreak of a foreign
    animal disease.
      (b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall
    include, with respect to the Department's ability to protect producers
    and growers from significant economic losses as a result of a foreign
    animal disease--
              (1) an assessment of--
                      (A) existing Federal programs, including catastrophic
                    risk management tools, indemnity, direct payments,
                    biosecurity assistance, and herd buyouts; and
                      (B) the Department's capacity to utilize such
                    programs to provide benefits to producers and growers
                    experiencing economic losses as a result of having to
                    sell livestock and poultry at a reduced price, having
                    to quarantine, treat, destroy, or dispose of animals,
                    having to implement additional biosecurity measures or
                    as a result of catastrophic market conditions;
              (2) a determination of gaps that exist in the Department's
            ability to provide economic support for producers and growers
            suffering such losses; and
              (3) recommendations of the Secretary for modifications to
            Federal law (including regulations) relating to protecting
            producers and growers from significant economic losses related
            to a foreign animal disease outbreak.
      (c) Provision of Information.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
            enactment of this Act, for purposes of facilitating the
            preparation of the report submitted under subsection (a), the
            relevant Department officials described in paragraph (2) shall
            inform the Secretary of the information described in subsection
            (b).
              (2) Relevant department officials described.--The relevant
            Department officials described in this paragraph are the
            following:
                      (A) The Under Secretary for Farm Production and
                    Conservation.
                      (B) The Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and
                    Consumer Services.
                      (C) The Under Secretary for Rural Development.
                      (D) The Under Secretary for Food Safety.
                      (E) The Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory
                    Programs.
                      (F) The Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign
                    Agricultural Affairs.
                      (G) Other officials, as specified by the Secretary.

    SEC. 12008. PROTECTION OF GREYHOUNDS.

      (a) In General.--The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``SEC. 30. PROTECTION OF GREYHOUNDS.

      ``(a) In General.--It shall be unlawful--
              ``(1) for any person to knowingly engage in commercial
            greyhound racing, live lure training, or open field coursing
            events in which any greyhound is moved in interstate or foreign
            commerce;
              ``(2) to conduct any commercial greyhound racing or racing
            meeting where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or
            ability of greyhounds occurs;
              ``(3) to conduct open field coursing or live lure training
            with the use of any bait that is not an inanimate object;
              ``(4) to engage in or facilitate simulcast betting or
            wagering on greyhound races in interstate or foreign commerce;
            and
              ``(5) for any person to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train,
            transport, deliver, or receive any greyhound for purposes of
            having the greyhound participate in commercial greyhound
            racing, live lure training, or open field coursing events.
      ``(b) Investigations.--The Secretary, or any other person authorized
    by the Secretary, shall make such investigations as the Secretary
    determines necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is
    violating any provision of this section. The Secretary may obtain the
    assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of
    the Treasury, or other law enforcement agencies of the United States,
    and State and local governmental agencies, in the conduct of such
    investigations, under cooperative agreements with such agencies.
      ``(c) Penalties.--Any person who violates any of paragraphs (1)
    through (5) of subsection (a) shall be fined under this Act, imprisoned
    for not more than 7 years, or both, for each such violation. Each
    instance of a violation of any such paragraph shall be considered a
    single violation.
      ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
              ``(1) Commercial greyhound racing.--The term `commercial
            greyhound racing' means any event involving the participation
            of greyhounds in which betting or wagering on the speed or
            ability of such greyhounds occurs.
              ``(2) Simulcast.--The term `simulcast' means the simultaneous
            audio or visual transmission from one location of foreign or
            domestic greyhound races taking place at a different location
            and gambling on the results of such races.''.
      (b) Definition of Animal.--Section 2(g) of the Animal Welfare Act (7
    U.S.C. 2132(g)) is amended by inserting ``hare,'' after ``rabbit,''.
      (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply
    with respect to conduct occurring on or after October 1, 2027.
      (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the amendments
    made by this section, shall be construed--
              (1) to preempt any State law prohibiting gambling or
            protecting the welfare of animals, including greyhounds,
            jackrabbits, and hares; or
              (2) to alter, limit, or extend the relationship between the
            Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) as
            it relates to horse racing and other Federal laws in effect on
            the date of enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 12009. ANIMAL FIGHTING.

      Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) is amended--
              (1) by striking the section designation and all that follows
            through ``It shall be unlawful'' in subsection (a)(2) and
            inserting the following:

    ``SEC. 26. SPONSORING OR EXHIBITING AN ANIMAL IN, ATTENDING, CAUSING AN
                        INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 16 TO
                        ATTEND, OR GAMBLING ON, AN ANIMAL FIGHTING VENTURE.

      ``(a) Sponsoring or Exhibiting.--
              ``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful for any person to
            knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting
            venture.
              ``(2) Attending or causing an individual who has not attained
            the age of 16 to attend.--It shall be unlawful''; and
              (2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
              ``(3) Animal venture gambling.--It shall be unlawful for any
            person to gamble on an animal fighting venture, including an
            in-person or broadcast event.''.

              PART II--MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING AND INSPECTION

    SEC. 12111. AMPLIFYING PROCESSING OF LIVESTOCK IN THE UNITED STATES (A-
                        PLUS).

      (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall revise section 201.67 of title 9, Code of
    Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2024, to specify that--
              (1) market agencies may have an ownership interest in,
            finance, or participate in the management or operation of, a
            packer, so long as such packer--
                      (A) with respect to cattle and sheep, has a
                    cumulative slaughter capacity of less than--
                              (i) 2,000 animals per day; or
                              (ii) 700,000 animals per year; and
                      (B) with respect to hogs, has a cumulative slaughter
                    capacity of less than--
                              (i) 10,000 animals per day; or
                              (ii) 3,000,000 animals per year; and
              (2) market agencies that have an ownership interest in,
            finance, or participate in the management or operation of, a
            packer shall disclose to sellers of livestock the existence of
            such ownership interest, financial relationship, or
            participation.
      (b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as
    a limitation on the authority of the Secretary to adopt or enforce
    rules or regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7
    U.S.C. 181 et seq.) related to the protection of producers,
    competition, market integrity, or the prevention of conflicts of
    interest.

    SEC. 12112. HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT GUIDANCE AND
                        RESOURCES FOR SMALL AND VERY SMALL POULTRY AND MEAT
                        ESTABLISHMENTS.

      (a) Meat Establishments.--The Federal Meat Inspection Act is amended
    by inserting after section 25 (21 U.S.C. 625) the following:

    ``SEC. 26. SMALL AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.

      ``(a) Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date
    of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum
    extent practicable, make publicly available--
              ``(1) a list of scientific studies (which the Secretary shall
            update as necessary) for use by small establishments and very
            small establishments in developing a Hazard Analysis and
            Critical Control Points plan;
              ``(2) guidelines relating to best practices and techniques by
            small establishments and very small establishments in the
            production of raw or further processed meat and meat food
            products; and
              ``(3) scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical
            Control Points plans for small establishments and very small
            establishments, including model plans for--
                      ``(A) slaughter-only establishments;
                      ``(B) processing-only establishments; and
                      ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.
      ``(b) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
    of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after
    notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on
    the requirements that need to be met for small establishments and very
    small establishments to develop, pursuant to this Act, a Hazard
    Analysis and Critical Control Points plan.
      ``(c) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall not publish confidential business information of any
    meat processing establishment, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical
    Control Points plan of a meat processing establishment.
      ``(d) Small Establishment and Very Small Establishment Defined.--In
    this section, the terms `small establishment' and `very small
    establishment' have the meanings given the terms `smaller
    establishment' and `very small establishment', respectively, in the
    final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical
    Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or
    successor regulations).''.
      (b) Poultry Establishments.--The Poultry Products Inspection Act is
    amended by inserting after section 14 (21 U.S.C. 463) the following:

    ``SEC. 14A. SMALL AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.

      ``(a) Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the date
    of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum
    extent practicable, make publicly available--
              ``(1) a list of scientific studies (which the Secretary shall
            update as necessary) for use by small establishments and very
            small establishments in developing a Hazard Analysis and
            Critical Control Points plan;
              ``(2) guidelines relating to best practices and techniques
            used by small establishments and very small establishments in
            the production of raw or further processed poultry products;
            and
              ``(3) scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical
            Control Points plans for small establishments and very small
            establishments, including model plans for--
                      ``(A) slaughter-only establishments;
                      ``(B) processing-only establishments; and
                      ``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.
      ``(b) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
    of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after
    notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on
    the requirements that need to be met for small establishments and very
    small establishments to develop a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
    Points plan pursuant to this Act.
      ``(c) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall not publish confidential business information of any
    poultry processing establishment, including a Hazard Analysis and
    Critical Control Points plan of a poultry processing establishment.
      ``(d) Small Establishment and Very Small Establishment Defined.--In
    this section, the terms `small establishment' and `very small
    establishment' have the meanings given the terms `smaller
    establishment' and `very small establishment', respectively, in the
    final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical
    Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or
    successor regulations).''.

    SEC. 12113. OUTREACH ON COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT.

      (a) Meat.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.
    683) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(k) Federal Outreach.--In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,
    the Secretary shall conduct outreach to States that--
              ``(1) have a State meat inspection program in effect pursuant
            to section 301; and
              ``(2) do not have a selected establishment.''.
      (b) Poultry.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21
    U.S.C. 472) is amended by adding at the end the following:
      ``(j) Federal Outreach.--In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,
    the Secretary shall conduct outreach to States that--
              ``(1) have a State poultry product inspection program in
            effect pursuant to section 5; and
              ``(2) do not have a selected establishment.''.
      (c) Report.--At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2027 through
    2031, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and
    results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under
    subsection (k) of section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21
    U.S.C. 683) and subsection (j) of section 31 of the Poultry Products
    Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 472), as added by subsections (a) and (b),
    to--
              (1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
            Representatives;
              (2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
            the Senate;
              (3) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
            Representatives; and
              (4) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

    SEC. 12114. PILOT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT CUSTOM SLAUGHTER ESTABLISHMENTS.

      (a) In General.--
              (1) State operated pilot program.--Upon the receipt of an
            application from a custom exempt facility and subject to the
            requirements specified in subsection (c), a State department of
            agriculture may operate a pilot program to allow such custom
            facility to sell slaughtered meat and meat food products
            (referred to in this section as ``meat products'') directly to
            consumers within the State in which the facility is located in
            accordance with the pilot program.
              (2) Lack of a state pilot program.--If a State department of
            agriculture does not elect to operate a pilot program, the
            Secretary shall, upon request from a custom exempt facility in
            such a State, operate a pilot program administered by the
            Secretary for that State in accordance with this section.
      (b) Allowable Number of Facilities.--
              (1) Initial approval.--Except as provided in paragraph (2)--
                      (A) a State department of agriculture may approve not
                    more than 5 facilities in such State for participation
                    in a pilot program established under subsection (a)(1);
                    and
                      (B) the Secretary may approve not more than 10
                    facilities to participate in all pilot programs
                    established under subsection (a)(2).
              (2) Subsequent approval of facilities.--Not less than 2 years
            after the establishment of a pilot program, a State department
            of agriculture or the Secretary may, if no product produced at
            a facility that was initially approved under paragraph (1) for
            participation in such pilot program has been subject to an
            emergency action under subsection (f) during the 2-year period
            following such establishment, approve--
                      (A) in the case of a State department of agriculture,
                    not more than 5 additional facilities in the respective
                    State; and
                      (B) in the case of the Secretary, not more than 10
                    additional facilities in all States.
      (c) Pilot Program Requirements.--A pilot program established under
    this section shall, at a minimum, require--
              (1) that meat products sold under the pilot program are--
                      (A) sold directly to consumers within the State
                    from--
                              (i) the owner of the animals from which such
                            meat products are derived; or
                              (ii) the custom exempt facility at which the
                            meat products were processed;
                      (B) not eligible for re-sale; and
                      (C) clearly labeled to indicate--
                              (i) the name and address of the facility at
                            which the meat products were processed;
                              (ii) the name and address of the owner of the
                            animals from which such meat products are
                            derived;
                              (iii) the location where animals from which
                            such meat products are derived were raised;
                              (iv) the date of slaughter of such animals
                            and the period of time over which the owner
                            raised such animals;
                              (v) that such meat products were not subject
                            to Federal inspection; and
                              (vi) that such meat products shall not be
                            resold;
              (2) that custom exempt facilities participating in the pilot
            program comply with--
                      (A) Public Law 85-765 (7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.;
                    commonly known as the ``Humane Methods of Slaughter Act
                    of 1958'');
                      (B) applicable State and local laws;
                      (C) section 23(d) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act
                    (21 U.S.C. 623(d)); and
                      (D) Federal regulations pertaining to--
                              (i) sanitation standards and record-keeping
                            requirements for custom exempt facilities; and
                              (ii) the handling and disposition of
                            specified risk materials;
              (3) that custom exempt facilities participating in the pilot
            program be subject to onsite inspection by the Secretary to
            ensure compliance with the requirements specified in paragraphs
            (1) and (2); and
              (4) that custom exempt facilities participating in the pilot
            program be subject to onsite inspection at least annually by
            the local authority responsible for restaurant inspections or
            the State department of agriculture.
      (d) Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue, and make publicly
    available, guidance for participation in a pilot program established
    pursuant to this section.
      (e) Ineligibility.--An establishment subject to inspection by the
    Secretary under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
    or operating pursuant to a State meat inspection program authorized
    under section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661)
    shall not be eligible to participate in a pilot program established
    pursuant to this section.
      (f) Authority for Emergency Action.--If the Secretary has credible
    evidence that a meat product produced at a custom exempt facility
    participating in a pilot program established pursuant to this section
    is adulterated, the Secretary--
              (1) shall, pursuant to the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21
            U.S.C. 601 et seq.), take such actions as may be necessary to
            address the risk to public health posed by such products; and
              (2) may terminate the participation of a custom exempt
            facility in a pilot program established pursuant to this
            section.
      (g) Report Required.--
              (1) Reports by state departments of agriculture to
            secretary.--Beginning September 30, 2026, and each fiscal year
            thereafter until September 30, 2031, each State department of
            agriculture operating a pilot program pursuant to this section
            shall submit to the Secretary a report detailing, with respect
            to each such pilot program within the relevant State for the
            preceding fiscal year--
                      (A) the number and location of persons or custom
                    exempt facilities selling meat products under each such
                    pilot program;
                      (B) the outcomes of each such pilot program;
                      (C) any instances in which a meat product was subject
                    to an emergency action under subsection (f); and
                      (D) aggregated data on the volume of meat being
                    processed under such pilot program.
              (2) Report by secretary to congress.--Not later than 2 years
            after initiating a pilot program under 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 detailing--
                      (A) the information received from participating State
                    departments of agriculture under paragraph (1); and
                      (B) for any custom exempt facilities participating in
                    a pilot program established by the Secretary pursuant
                    to subsection (a)(2)--
                              (i) the number and location of persons or
                            custom exempt facilities selling products
                            pursuant to such pilot program;
                              (ii) the outcomes of such pilot program; and
                              (iii) any instances in which a meat product
                            was subject to an emergency action under
                            subsection (f).
      (h) Custom Exempt Facility Defined.--In this section, the term
    ``custom exempt facility'' means an establishment engaged in the
    slaughter of animals and the preparation of the carcasses, parts
    thereof, meat, and meat food products for commerce that is not subject
    to the Federal inspection requirements under title I of the Federal
    Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
      (i) Sunset.--A State and the Secretary may not operate a pilot
    program under this section on or after September 30, 2031, and no
    facility that is exempt from inspection under the Federal Meat
    Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) pursuant to this section shall
    be exempt from that inspection on or after September 30, 2031.

        Subtitle B--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

    SEC. 12201. OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

      Section 221 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6922) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (B) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9);
                    and
                      (C) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
              ``(8) conducting annual cross-sector crisis simulation
            exercises related to a food-related emergency or disruption;
            and''; and
              (2) by adding at the end the following:
      ``(f) Detailees.--The Secretary may detail employees of the
    Department of Agriculture to, and accept employees detailed from, the
    intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National
    Security Act of 1947) to assist in carrying out the duties of the
    Office of Homeland Security.
      ``(g) Risk Assessments and Reports.--
              ``(1) Risk assessments.--Not later than 1 year after the date
            of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
            2026, and not less than every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary
            shall conduct an assessment of risks and security
            vulnerabilities to the food and agriculture critical
            infrastructure sector, including--
                      ``(A) naturally occurring, unintentional, or
                    intentional threats, including chemical, biological,
                    cybersecurity, or bioterrorism attacks;
                      ``(B) influence of state-owned enterprise;
                      ``(C) control of and access to agricultural data;
                      ``(D) foreign acquisition of intellectual property,
                    agricultural assets, and land;
                      ``(E) agricultural input shortages and dependence on
                    foreign-sourced inputs;
                      ``(F) supply chain and trade disruptions;
                      ``(G) science and technology cooperation;
                      ``(H) unequal investments in research, development,
                    and commercialization;
                      ``(I) incongruent regulatory policies; and
                      ``(J) any other vulnerabilities identified by the
                    Secretary.
              ``(2) Briefing and report.--
                      ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
                    completion of a risk assessment under paragraph (1),
                    the Secretary shall provide a briefing on the results
                    of the risk assessment and submit to the Committee on
                    Agriculture and the Committee on Homeland Security of
                    the House of Representatives and the Committee on
                    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee
                    on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
                    Senate a report that includes--
                              ``(i) an assessment of any gaps or
                            limitations in national security efforts
                            related to the food and agriculture critical
                            infrastructure sector;
                              ``(ii) any actions taken by the Secretary to
                            address any gaps or limitations identified
                            under clause (i), including through interagency
                            coordination, threat information sharing, and
                            stakeholder outreach;
                              ``(iii) any recommendations for
                            administrative, regulatory, or legislative
                            actions that can be taken to reduce any gaps or
                            limitations identified under clause (i),
                            including--
                                      ``(I) recommendations to reduce the
                                    dependence on foreign-source inputs
                                    necessary for the food and agriculture
                                    critical infrastructure sector; and
                                      ``(II) recommendations to address the
                                    cybersecurity threats to, and security
                                    vulnerabilities in, the food and
                                    agriculture critical infrastructure
                                    sector; and
                              ``(iv) resources the Secretary requires to
                            address current and future national security
                            vulnerabilities related to the food and
                            agriculture critical infrastructure sector.
                      ``(B) Exemption from access to congressionally
                    mandated reports act.--A report required under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be exempt from the requirements
                    of the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act
                    (subtitle D of title VII of Public Law 117-263; 136
                    Stat. 3677).''.

    SEC. 12202. OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.

      Section 226B(f)(3)(B) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
    Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``2023''
    and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 12203. BURDEN OF PROOF FOR NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION HEARINGS.

      Section 277(c)(4) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6997(c)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
              ``(4) Burden of proof.--The agency shall bear the burden of
            proving by substantial evidence that the adverse decision of
            the agency was valid.''.

    SEC. 12204. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

      Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
              ``(11) The authority of the Secretary to carry out the
            amendments made to this title by the Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026.''.

    SEC. 12205. FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.

      Section 309 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) by striking ``shall advise'' and all that follows
                    through the period at the end and inserting ``shall--
                    ''; and
                      (B) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(1) advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian
            tribes;
              ``(2) oversee--
                      ``(A) each self-determination contract (as defined in
                    section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
                    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) entered into
                    between the Secretary and a tribal organization; and
                      ``(B) each self-governance compact (as defined in
                    section 401 of such Act (25 U.S.C. 5361)) entered into
                    between the Secretary and an Indian tribe; and
              ``(3) carry out such other functions as the Secretary
            considers appropriate.''; and
              (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``this subsection'' and
            inserting ``this section''.

                         Subtitle C--National Security

    SEC. 12301. AGRICULTURAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT DISCLOSURE IMPROVEMENTS.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) AFIDA.--The term ``AFIDA'' means the Agricultural Foreign
            Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
              (2) FPAC-BC.--The term ``FPAC-BC'' means the Farm Production
            and Conservation Business Center of the Department of
            Agriculture.
      (b) MOU With CFIUS.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into 1 or more
    memoranda of understanding with the Committee on Foreign Investment in
    the United States under which the Secretary shall provide the Committee
    with all relevant information relating to reports on foreign ownership
    of United States agricultural land submitted to the Secretary under
    section 2 of AFIDA (7 U.S.C. 3501), including information on--
              (1) each report submitted to the Secretary; and
              (2) with respect to each such report, the identity of the
            foreign persons included in the report and the date of
            submission.
      (c) AFIDA Handbook Updates.--
              (1) First update.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
                      (A) update the most recent version of the Farm
                    Service Agency handbook titled ``Foreign Investment
                    Disclosure'' as determined necessary by the Secretary
                    for the effective implementation of AFIDA; and
                      (B) incorporate in such update the recommendations
                    made by the report of the Government Accountability
                    Office titled ``Foreign Investments in U.S.
                    Agricultural Land: Enhancing Efforts to Collect, Track,
                    and Share Key Information Could Better Identify
                    National Security Risks'' and dated January 18, 2024.
              (2) Subsequent updates.--After updating the handbook
            described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) under that
            paragraph, the Secretary shall carry out an update of that
            handbook every 10 years thereafter, including by incorporating
            any recommendations of the Government Accountability Office.
      (d) Civil Penalties.--Section 3 of the Agricultural Foreign
    Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3502) is amended--
              (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
              (2) by striking the section designation and heading and all
            that follows through ``Any such civil penalty shall be
            recoverable'' and inserting the following:

    ``SEC. 3. CIVIL PENALTIES.

      ``(a) In General.--A person shall be subject to a civil penalty
    imposed by the Secretary if the Secretary determines that the person--
              ``(1) has failed to submit a report in accordance with the
            provisions of section 2; or
              ``(2) has knowingly submitted a report under section 2 that--
                      ``(A) does not contain all the information required
                    to be in such report; or
                      ``(B) contains information that is misleading or
                    false.
      ``(b) Civil Action.--Any civil penalty imposed by the Secretary under
    subsection (a) shall be recoverable''; and
              (3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
                      (A) by striking the subsection designation and all
                    that follows through ``The amount'' and inserting the
                    following:
      ``(c) Amount of Penalty.--The amount'';
                      (B) by striking ``of this section''; and
                      (C) by striking ``shall not exceed 25 percent'' and
                    inserting ``for violations under subsection (a)(1)
                    shall not exceed 25 percent, and for violations under
                    subsection (a)(2) shall be not less than 5 percent, but
                    not more than 25 percent,''.
      (e) Public Disclosure of Enforcement Actions.--Section 3 of the
    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3502)
    (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
      ``(d) Public Disclosure of Enforcement Actions.--The Secretary shall
    publicly disclose the name of each person who paid to the Secretary a
    civil penalty imposed under subsection (a), including, if applicable,
    after the completion of an appeal of a civil penalty.''.
      (f) Publication of Reporting Requirements.--Section 3 of the
    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3502)
    (as amended by subsection (c)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
      ``(e) Outreach.--Using existing resources and efforts to the maximum
    extent practicable, the Secretary shall carry out a nationwide outreach
    program directed primarily toward landlords, operators, owners,
    persons, producers, and tenants (as those terms are defined in section
    718.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
    of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026)) of
    agricultural land and county property appraiser offices, land appraisal
    companies, and real estate auction companies to increase public
    awareness and provide education regarding the reporting requirements
    under this Act.''.

    SEC. 12302. REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND PURCHASING ACTIVITIES IN THE
                        UNITED STATES BY COUNTRIES DESIGNATED AS STATE
                        SPONSORS OF TERRORISM AND CERTAIN OTHER COUNTRIES.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Agricultural land.--The term ``agricultural land'' has
            the meaning given the term in section 9 of the Agricultural
            Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508).
              (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
            ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                    Forestry of the Senate;
                      (B) the Committee on Homeland Security and
                    Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
                      (C) the Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;
                      (D) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House
                    of Representatives;
                      (E) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
                    Representatives; and
                      (F) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of
                    the House of Representatives.
              (3) Covered foreign country.--The term ``covered foreign
            country'' means a foreign country of concern (as defined in
            section 10638 of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. 19237)).
              (4) Covered foreign person.--The term ``covered foreign
            person'' means a foreign person (as defined in section 9 of the
            Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7
            U.S.C. 3508)) that is a citizen of, or headquartered in, as
            applicable, a covered foreign country.
              (5) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given the term
            in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure
            Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508).
              (6) State sponsor of terrorism.--The term ``state sponsor of
            terrorism'' means a country the government of which the
            Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided
            support for acts of international terrorism, for purposes of--
                      (A) section 1754(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Export Control
                    Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)(1)(A)(i));
                      (B) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of
                    1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371);
                      (C) section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (22
                    U.S.C. 2780(d)); or
                      (D) any other provision of law.
      (b) Report.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
            of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland
            Security and the head of any other appropriate Federal agency,
            shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
            describing the national security risks of the purchase and
            management of agricultural land by covered foreign persons.
              (2) Contents.--A report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
            include the following with respect to the year covered by the
            report:
                      (A) A description of--
                              (i) the number of acres of agricultural land
                            owned, leased, or managed by covered foreign
                            persons, organized by State; and
                              (ii) for each State, the percentage of land
                            owned or managed by covered foreign persons
                            compared to the total acreage of the State.
                      (B) An analysis of the possible threat to food
                    security, food safety, biosecurity, or environmental
                    protection due to the ownership of agricultural land by
                    each covered foreign country through covered foreign
                    persons.
                      (C) An analysis of the annual and total cost of
                    support for agricultural land owned by covered foreign
                    persons through farm programs administered by the Farm
                    Service Agency.
                      (D) An analysis of the use of agricultural land for
                    industrial espionage or intellectual property transfer
                    by covered foreign persons.
                      (E) An analysis of the potential use by covered
                    foreign persons of agricultural land in close proximity
                    to manufacturing facilities, water sources, and other
                    critical infrastructure to monitor, interrupt, or
                    disrupt activities critical to the national and
                    economic security of the United States.
                      (F) An analysis of other threats to the agricultural
                    industry or national security of the United States due
                    to the ownership of agricultural land by covered
                    foreign persons.
              (3) Unclassified form.--A report submitted under this
            subsection shall--
                      (A) be submitted in unclassified form, but may
                    include a classified annex; and
                      (B) be consistent with the protection of intelligence
                    sources and methods.

    SEC. 12303. INVESTIGATIVE ACTIONS.

      (a) Investigative Actions.--Section 4 of the Agricultural Foreign
    Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3503) is amended to read as
    follows:

    ``SEC. 4. INVESTIGATIVE ACTIONS.

      ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall appoint an employee in the
    Senior Executive Service (as described in section 3131 of title 5,
    United States Code) of the Department of Agriculture to serve as Chief
    of Operations of Investigative Actions (referred to in this section as
    the `Chief of Operations'), who shall hire, appoint, and maintain
    additional employees to monitor compliance with the provisions of this
    Act.
      ``(b) Chief of Operations.--The Chief of Operations may serve in such
    position simultaneously with a concurrent position within the
    Department of Agriculture.
      ``(c) Security.--The Secretary shall--
              ``(1) provide classified storage, meeting, and other spaces,
            as necessary, for personnel of the Chief of Operations; and
              ``(2) assist such personnel in obtaining security clearances.
      ``(d) Duties.--The Chief of Operations shall--
              ``(1) monitor compliance with this Act;
              ``(2) refer noncompliance with this Act to the Secretary, the
            Farm Service Agency, and any other appropriate authority;
              ``(3) conduct investigations, in coordination with the
            Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the
            Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the
            Treasury, the National Security Council, and State and local
            law enforcement agencies, on malign efforts--
                      ``(A) to steal agricultural knowledge and technology;
                    or
                      ``(B) to disrupt the United States agricultural base;
              ``(4) conduct an annual audit of the database developed under
            section 12304(b) of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
            of 2026;
              ``(5) seek to enter into memoranda of agreement and memoranda
            of understanding with the Federal agencies described in
            paragraph (3)--
                      ``(A) to ensure compliance with this Act; and
                      ``(B) to prevent the malign efforts described in that
                    paragraph;
              ``(6) refer to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the
            United States transactions that--
                      ``(A) raise potential national security concerns; and
                      ``(B) result in agricultural land acquisition by a
                    foreign person that is a citizen of, or headquartered
                    in, as applicable, a foreign entity of concern; and
              ``(7) publish annual reports that summarize the information
            contained in every report received by the Secretary under
            section 2 during the period covered by the report.
      ``(e) Administration.--The Chief of Operations shall report to--
              ``(1) the Secretary; or
              ``(2) if delegated by the Secretary, to--
                      ``(A) the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency;
                    or
                      ``(B) the Director of the Department of Agriculture
                    Office of Homeland Security.''.
      (b) Definition of Foreign Entity of Concern.--Section 9 of the
    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508)
    is amended--
              (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``For
            purposes of this Act--'' and inserting ``In this Act:'';
              (2) in each of paragraphs (1) through (6)--
                      (A) by striking ``the term'' and inserting ``The
                    term''; and
                      (B) by inserting a paragraph heading, the text of
                    which comprises the term defined in that paragraph;
              (3) in each of paragraphs (1) through (4), by striking the
            semicolon and inserting a period;
              (4) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
            period;
              (5) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs
            (3), (4), (6), (7), and (8), respectively;
              (6) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
              ``(2) Foreign entity of concern.--The term `foreign entity of
            concern' has the meaning given the term in section 9901 of the
            William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act
            for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).''; and
              (7) by inserting after paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) the
            following:
              ``(5) Malign effort.--The term `malign effort' means any
            hostile effort undertaken by, at the direction of, on behalf
            of, or with the substantial support of the government of a
            foreign entity of concern.''.

    SEC. 12304. DIGITIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF FOREIGN LAND OWNERSHIP
                        DATA COLLECTION AND PUBLICATION.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Agricultural land.--The term ``agricultural land'' has
            the meaning given the term in section 781.2 of title 7, Code of
            Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of
            this Act).
              (2) Database.--The term ``database'' means the database
            developed under subsection (c).
              (3) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' has the
            meaning given the term in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign
            Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508).
      (b) Database.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall develop a database of agricultural land
    owned by foreign persons, using data that are collected pursuant to the
    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501
    et seq.).
      (c) Contents.--Each entry in the database for each registration or
    updated registration of agricultural land owned or leased by a foreign
    person shall include pertinent information, as determined by the
    Secretary, in the applicable filing, except it shall not publicly
    disclose the name of the filer and the purchase or lease price of such
    transaction for a period of at least 30 days following such filing.
      (d) Audit.--Not later than 180 days after the database is
    operational, and annually thereafter, the Chief of Operations for
    Investigative Actions appointed under section 4 of the Agricultural
    Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (as amended by section
    12303(a)) shall--
              (1) conduct an audit of the database; and
              (2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
            report--
                      (A) evaluating the accuracy of the database; and
                      (B) describing recommendations for improving
                    compliance with the reporting required under the
                    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978
                    (7 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
      (e) Repeal.--Section 773 of division A of the Consolidated
    Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) is repealed.

    SEC. 12305. CFIUS CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL LAND
                        TRANSACTIONS.

      (a) Inclusion of the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on
    Foreign Investment in the United States.--Section 721(k) of the Defense
    Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(k)) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
              ``(8) Inclusion of the secretary of agriculture.--The
            Secretary of Agriculture shall be a member of the Committee
            with respect to a covered transaction that involves--
                      ``(A) agricultural land;
                      ``(B) agriculture biotechnology; or
                      ``(C) the agriculture industry, including
                    agricultural transportation, storage, and
                    processing.''.
      (b) Consideration of Certain Agricultural Land Transactions.--Section
    721(b)(1) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(b)(1))
    is amended by adding at the end the following:
                      ``(I) Consideration of certain agricultural land
                    transactions.--
                              ``(i) In general.--After receiving
                            notification from the Secretary of Agriculture
                            of a reportable agricultural land transaction,
                            the Committee shall determine--
                                      ``(I) whether the transaction is a
                                    covered transaction; and
                                      ``(II) if the Committee determines
                                    that the transaction is a covered
                                    transaction, whether the Committee
                                    should initiate a review pursuant to
                                    subparagraph (D), or take another
                                    action authorized under this section,
                                    with respect to the reportable
                                    agricultural land transaction.
                              ``(ii) Reportable agricultural land
                            transaction.--In this subparagraph, the term
                            `reportable agricultural land transaction'
                            means a transaction--
                                      ``(I) that the Secretary of
                                    Agriculture has reason to believe is a
                                    covered transaction, based on
                                    information from or in cooperation with
                                    the intelligence community;
                                      ``(II) that involves the acquisition
                                    of an interest in agricultural land by
                                    a foreign person of the People's
                                    Republic of China, the Democratic
                                    People's Republic of Korea, the Russian
                                    Federation, or the Islamic Republic of
                                    Iran; and
                                      ``(III) with respect to which a
                                    person is required to submit a report
                                    to the Secretary of Agriculture under
                                    section 2(a) of the Agricultural
                                    Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of
                                    1978.
                              ``(iii) Sunset.--The requirements under this
                            subparagraph shall terminate, with respect to a
                            foreign person of the respective foreign
                            country, on the date that the People's Republic
                            of China, the Democratic People's Republic of
                            Korea, the Russian Federation, or the Islamic
                            Republic of Iran, as the case may be, is
                            removed from the list of foreign adversaries in
                            section 791.4 of title 15, Code of Federal
                            Regulations.''.

                   Subtitle D--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

    SEC. 12401. COMMISSION ON FARM TRANSITIONS--NEEDS FOR 2050.

      Section 12609 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law
    115-334; 132 Stat. 5009) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``There is established''
            and inserting ``Not later than 60 days after the date of the
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,
            the Secretary shall establish'';
              (2) in subsection (b)--
                      (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
                    Recommendations'' after ``Study'';
                      (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
                    inserting ``, and make recommendations relating to,''
                    after ``study on'';
                      (C) in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and
                            timely'' after ``affordable''; and
                              (ii) by striking subparagraph (D) and
                            inserting the following:
                      ``(D) apprenticeships, mentoring programs, business
                    training, and technical assistance programs;'';
                      (D) in paragraph (3)--
                              (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
                            by striking ``existing and new Federal tax
                            policies'' and inserting ``existing and new
                            State and Federal policies, including tax
                            policies''; and
                              (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or
                            impede'' after ``facilitate'';
                      (E) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (F) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting a semicolon; and
                      (G) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(6) heirs' property and succession of agricultural land;
              ``(7) any unique barriers faced by historically underserved
            and women farmers and ranchers in the ability to transfer,
            inherit, or purchase agricultural assets, including land; and
              ``(8) leasing and ownership trends, including leasing and
            ownership trends by foreign persons or entities.'';
              (3) in subsection (f), by striking ``1 year after the date of
            enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``2 years after the date
            of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
            2026'';
              (4) by amending subsection (l) to read as follows:
      ``(l) Federal Advisory Committees.--Sections 1008 and 1013 of title
    5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Commission or any
    proceeding of the Commission.''; and
              (5) in subsection (m), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 12402. REPORT ON PERSONNEL.

      Section 12506 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law
    115-334) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

    SEC. 12403. IMPROVEMENTS TO UNITED STATES DROUGHT MONITOR.

      Section 12512(d)(2) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7
    U.S.C. 5856(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 12404. REPORTS ON LAND ACCESS AND FARMLAND OWNERSHIP DATA
                        COLLECTION.

      Section 12607 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
    2204i) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
                    inserting ``and not less frequently than once every 2
                    years thereafter,'' before ``the Secretary of
                    Agriculture'';
                      (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
                      (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the
                    end and inserting ``; and''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(4) a catalog of existing Federal, State, or private
            programs that facilitate access to land, capital, and markets,
            including programs providing assistance relating to--
                      ``(A) acquiring of real property (including air
                    rights, water rights, and other interests therein),
                    including closing costs;
                      ``(B) subsidizing interest rates and mortgage
                    principal amounts for intended beneficiaries;
                      ``(C) providing down payment assistance to decrease
                    farm mortgages;
                      ``(D) securing clear title on heirs' property
                    farmland;
                      ``(E) conducting surveys and assessments of
                    agricultural land;
                      ``(F) improving or remediating land, water, and soil;
                      ``(G) constructing or repairing infrastructure;
                      ``(H) supporting land use planning;
                      ``(I) acquiring legal or financial planning
                    assistance;
                      ``(J) carrying out Tribal consultation;
                      ``(K) supporting acquisition of a Department of
                    Agriculture farm number; and
                      ``(L) any other activities as determined by the
                    Secretary.''; and
              (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2031''.

    SEC. 12405. INCREASING TRANSPARENCY REGARDING DETENTION OF IMPORTED
                        PLANTS.

      (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Director
    of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commissioner of U.S.
    Customs and Border Protection, shall issue guidance to clarify the
    process by which an importer of plants that have been denied entry into
    the United States and detained under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981
    (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) may obtain additional information on such
    denial and detention.
      (b) Information Provided.--The process referred to in subsection (a)
    shall ensure that the Secretary shall provide to an importer described
    in such subsection, upon the detention of any plants of such importer,
    the following information:
              (1) The specific reasons for which the detention of the
            plants was initiated, including the date on which the plants
            were presented to the Secretary for examination.
              (2) The anticipated length of the detention of such plants.
              (3) The nature of the tests or inquiries to be conducted on
            the plants, which the importer shall be able to replicate.
              (4) The nature of any information that, if supplied to the
            Secretary, would accelerate the disposition of the detention.

    SEC. 12406. ENHANCEMENT OF PET PROTECTIONS.

      (a) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
    of this Act (or later, if the Secretary determines appropriate after
    taking into consideration any ongoing programmatic review of the Animal
    Care program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), the
    Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the
    Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on
    Appropriations of the Senate a report with respect to companion animals
    that--
              (1) evaluates the enforcement of standards under, and
            requirements of, the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.)
            by the Secretary for both effectiveness and efficiency;
              (2) evaluates the efforts by the Secretary to educate and
            advise dealers of all standards under, and requirements of,
            such Act;
              (3) evaluates the capacity of the Secretary to enforce the
            standards established by such Act;
              (4) makes recommendations for the improvement of--
                      (A) all standards (including animal welfare
                    standards) under, and requirements of, such Act; and
                      (B) education efforts of the Secretary with respect
                    to such standards and requirements; and
              (5) considers the impact and associated costs of any
            recommended improvements or amendments to the standards under,
            and requirements of, such Act.
      (b) Veterinary Care.--
              (1) In general.--Section 13(a)(2)(A) of the Animal Welfare
            Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(which
            shall include visual dental examinations, whenever
            practicable)'' after ``adequate veterinary care''.
              (2) Technical amendment.--Section 13 of the Animal Welfare
            Act (7 U.S.C. 2143) is amended by redesignating the second
            subsection (f) (prohibiting delivery of certain animals without
            certificate of inspection), subsection (g), and subsection (h)
            as subsections (g) through (i), respectively.

    SEC. 12407. PROTECTING ANIMALS WITH SHELTER.

      Section 12502(b)(8) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
    (Public Law 115-334) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
    ``2031''.

    SEC. 12408. REPORT ON AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN
                        THE STATE OF TEXAS THAT HAVE SUFFERED ECONOMIC
                        LOSSES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF MEXICO TO DELIVER
                        WATER.

      Not later than 180 days 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 report that lists all existing authorities of
    the Secretary and programs within the Department that are or could be
    made available to provide assistance to agricultural producers in the
    State of Texas that have suffered economic losses due to the failure of
    Mexico to deliver water to the United States in accordance with the
    Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and
    Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande signed at Washington on February
    3, 1944, and the Supplementary Protocol signed at Washington November
    14, 1944.

    SEC. 12409. QUALIFIED RENEWABLE BIOMASS.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Agency action.--The term ``agency action'' has the
            meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States
            Code.
              (2) Qualified renewable biomass.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``qualified renewable
                    biomass'' means--
                              (i) forest products manufacturing bioenergy
                            feedstocks, including from--
                                      (I) forest products manufacturing
                                    residuals, including spent pulping
                                    liquors, pulping by-products, bark,
                                    woody manufacturing residuals, paper
                                    recycling residuals, wastewater and
                                    process water treatment plant
                                    residuals, and anaerobic digester
                                    biogas;
                                      (II) harvest residues, including
                                    portions of harvested trees that are
                                    too small or of too poor quality to be
                                    utilized for wood products or paper
                                    products;
                                      (III) downed wood from extreme
                                    weather events and natural disasters,
                                    nonhazardous landscape or right-of-way
                                    trimmings and municipal trimmings, and
                                    plant material removed for purposes of
                                    invasive or noxious plant species
                                    control;
                                      (IV) biowaste, including landfill
                                    gas; and
                                      (V) non-chemically treated used wood
                                    products, such as crates or pallets;
                                    and
                              (ii) forest biomass derived from residues
                            created as a by-product of timber harvesting,
                            including treetops, tree limbs, and bark, but
                            excluding stumps, roots, and round wood
                            suitable for industrial purposes.
                      (B) Exclusion.--Such term does not include paper of a
                    type that is commonly recycled.
      (b) In General.--
              (1) Consideration as renewable energy source.--With respect
            to any agency action of the Department related to qualified
            renewable biomass, the Secretary shall consider qualified
            renewable biomass to be a renewable energy source and assign it
            (and a facility, to the extent it uses qualified renewable
            biomass as fuel) a greenhouse gas emission rate, and a carbon
            intensity, of not greater than zero, if the use of such
            qualified renewable biomass as fuel does not cause the
            conversion of forests to non-forest use.
              (2) Petitions.--Not later than 1 year after receiving a
            petition requesting a change to a rule, policy, or program of
            the Department in order to comply with the requirements of
            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take such action as may be
            necessary to comply with such requirements with respect to such
            rule, policy, or program.
      (c) Guidance.--
              (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish guidance
            for purposes of carrying out subsection (b).
              (2) Modification.--The Secretary may periodically update the
            guidance established under paragraph (1) as the Secretary may
            determine necessary.
              (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
            Secretary shall consult with--
                      (A) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
                    Agency;
                      (B) the Secretary of Energy; and
                      (C) any other relevant entities, as determined by the
                    Secretary.

    SEC. 12410. WHOLE MILK UNDER THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM.

      Section 9(a)(2) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
    (42 U.S.C. 1758(a)(2)) is amended--
              (1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i),
            by striking ``Act--'' and inserting ``Act and breakfasts served
            by schools participating in the school breakfast program under
            section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)--
            '';
              (2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``or the school
            breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of
            1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)'' after ``Act''; and
              (3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``section 210.10'' and
            inserting ``sections 210.10 and 220.8''.

    SEC. 12411. SPOTTED LANTERNFLY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a
    national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of the public
    with respect to spotted lanternflies.
      (b) Required Activities.--In carrying out the national campaign under
    this section, the Secretary shall--
              (1) place public service announcements on television, radio,
            and billboards in areas of high incidence of spotted
            lanternflies that--
                      (A) inform individuals of the fact that spotted
                    lanternflies are an invasive pest that threaten local
                    agriculture; and
                      (B) encourage individuals to kill any spotted
                    lanternflies that such individuals encounter; and
              (2) use such other awareness tools as the Secretary
            determines appropriate to provide the information described in
            paragraph (1).

    SEC. 12412. RIO GRANDE VALLEY AGRICULTURAL WATER INTERAGENCY WORKING
                        GROUP.

      (a) Establishment.--The Secretary, in coordination with the heads of
    the agencies described in subsection (c), shall establish an
    interagency working group to coordinate a whole-of-government strategy
    to protect the economic interests of United States agricultural
    producers impacted by water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.
      (b) Duties.--The Working Group shall--
              (1) analyze the economic impact of water delivery deficits
            under the 1944 Water Treaty on the United States agricultural
            sector in the area affected by such water delivery deficits,
            including specific assessments of damages to perennial crops;
              (2) develop and implement a multi-agency strategy to--
                      (A) secure annual and predictable water deliveries in
                    accordance with the 1944 Water Treaty through the
                    coordinated use of Federal diplomatic and operational
                    authorities;
                      (B) enhance the resilience of the domestic
                    agricultural water supply through improved conservation
                    and infrastructure;
                      (C) assess trade-related mechanisms available to
                    address agricultural supply chain disruptions caused by
                    such water delivery deficits;
                      (D) ensure that water resources and infrastructure in
                    South Texas are efficiently managed and operational for
                    the beneficial use of agricultural producers and
                    municipal users; and
                      (E) support Federal officials in securing annual and
                    predictable water deliveries in accordance with the
                    1944 Water Treaty;
              (3) facilitate coordination among Federal agencies and with
            the State of Texas to align diplomatic, trade, and
            infrastructure efforts with the critical needs of the
            agricultural community in South Texas; and
              (4) provide a forum for public engagement and transparency
            regarding--
                      (A) the status of water deliveries from Mexico under
                    the 1944 Water Treaty; and
                      (B) the findings of the Working Group and the
                    strategy developed under paragraph (2).
      (c) Composition.--The Working Group shall be composed of--
              (1) the Secretary of Agriculture (who shall serve as Chair);
              (2) the Secretary of State;
              (3) the Secretary of the Interior;
              (4) the Commissioner of the United States Section of the
            International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and
            Mexico;
              (5) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
              (6) the United States Trade Representative;
              (7) the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S.
            Army Corps of Engineers; and
              (8) the Assistant to the President of the United States for
            National Security Affairs.
      (d) Meetings.--
              (1) Frequency.--The Working Group shall meet not less
            frequently than annually.
              (2) Public access.--The Working Group shall--
                      (A) hold the meetings described in paragraph (1) in a
                    manner open to the public; and
                      (B) provide an opportunity for interested
                    stakeholders, including agricultural producers and
                    irrigation districts, to provide oral and written
                    comments to the Working Group.
      (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
    this Act, and annually thereafter, the Working Group shall submit to
    the Committees on Agriculture, Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and
    Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Appropriations, Energy and
    Natural Resources, Foreign Relations, and Finance of the Senate, a
    report describing--
              (1) the findings resulting from the analysis under subsection
            (b)(1);
              (2) the status of diplomatic and operational efforts to
            secure compliance with the annual water delivery requirements
            of the 1944 Water Treaty;
              (3) an assessment of potential trade or administrative
            actions to secure long term water reliability under treaties
            with Mexico; and
              (4) recommendations for projects, resources, and legislative
            authorities needed to fully implement the strategy developed
            under subsection (b)(2).
      (f) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) 1944 water treaty.--The term ``1944 Water Treaty'' means
            the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the
            Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande signed at
            Washington on February 3, 1944, and the Supplementary Protocol
            signed at Washington November 14, 1944.
              (2) Working group.--The term ``Working Group'' means the
            interagency working group established under subsection (a).

    SEC. 12413. COST-SHARE GRANTS FOR ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURES.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Approved rollover protection structure.--The term
            ``approved rollover protection structure'' means a rollover
            protection structure that the Program Administrator
            determines--
                      (A) may be installed on eligible equipment;
                      (B) includes a seatbelt; and
                      (C) meets or exceeds the rollover protection
                    structure standards.
              (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means, as
            determined by the Secretary--
                      (A) an agricultural producer; and
                      (B) an eligible school.
              (3) Eligible equipment.--The term ``eligible equipment''
            means an agricultural tractor that the Program Administrator
            determines to be eligible for installation of an approved
            rollover protection structure.
              (4) Eligible school.--The term ``eligible school'' means--
                      (A) a vocational school that provides agricultural
                    instruction or training;
                      (B) an institution of higher education (as defined in
                    section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
                    U.S.C. 1001)) that provides direct, practical
                    agricultural instruction or training; and
                      (C) a public or private secondary school (as defined
                    in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
                    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8107)) the curriculum
                    of which includes an agricultural instruction or
                    training component.
              (5) Program administrator.--The term ``Program
            Administrator'' means the organization selected by the
            Secretary under subsection (c)(1)(B).
              (6) Rollover protection structure standards.--The term
            ``rollover protection structure standards'' includes the
            following:
                      (A) The SAE J2194 and SAE J1194 standards issued by
                    the Society of Automotive Engineers (and successor
                    standards).
                      (B) Any other relevant national or international
                    rollover protection structure manufacturing or testing
                    standards.
      (b) Cost-share Grants.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible
            entities for the cost of purchasing, transporting, and
            installing on eligible equipment approved rollover protection
            structures.
              (2) Limitations.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                    (B), the amount of a grant under this section shall
                    equal 70 percent of the costs of the eligible entity to
                    purchase, transport, and install the approved rollover
                    protection structure.
                      (B) Exception.--If, for an eligible entity that is
                    the recipient of a grant under this section, the costs
                    to purchase, transport, and install an approved
                    rollover structure (as documented by the eligible
                    entity) exceed $500, the amount of the grant shall be
                    increased to cover an increased percentage (as
                    determined by the Secretary) of such costs.
      (c) Administration.--
              (1) Program administrator.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) seek competitive bids from nongovernmental
                    organizations seeking to serve as the Program
                    Administrator under this section;
                      (B) select 1 organization from among the
                    organizations that submit bids under subparagraph (A);
                    and
                      (C) enter into a cooperative agreement with that
                    organization to carry out the activities described in
                    paragraph (2).
              (2) Duties.--The Program Administrator shall--
                      (A) identify--
                              (i) approved rollover protection structures;
                            and
                              (ii) eligible equipment;
                      (B) administer the application process under
                    subsection (d); and
                      (C) establish and administer a public website and
                    phone hotline with information necessary--
                              (i) to inform eligible entities, as described
                            in subsection (a)(2), of the grant
                            opportunities made available by this Act, and
                              (ii) to administer the application process
                            under subsection (d).
      (d) Applications.--
              (1) In general.--To apply for a grant under this section, an
            eligible entity shall submit to the Program Administrator an
            application, including documentation of the cost described in
            subsection (b)(2)(A).
              (2) Approval or denial.--On receipt of an application under
            paragraph (1), the Program Administrator shall--
                      (A) determine--
                              (i) whether the applicant is eligible for a
                            grant under this section; and
                              (ii) the amount of a grant under this section
                            for which the applicant is eligible; and
                      (B) submit to the Secretary a notification of the
                    determinations under subparagraph (A).
      (e) Disbursement.--On receipt of a notification under subsection
    (d)(2)(B), if an applicant is eligible for a grant under this section,
    the Secretary shall disburse to the eligible entity the amount of the
    grant described in subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii).
      (f) Funding.--
              (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to
            be appropriated to carry out this section $725,000 for each of
            fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
              (2) Allocation.--Of the amounts made available to carry out
            this section for each fiscal year--
                      (A) the Secretary shall use 70 percent of such
                    amounts for grants under this section; and
                      (B) the Secretary shall transfer to the Program
                    Administrator--
                              (i) 15 percent of such amounts for the
                            promotion of, and upgrades to the website
                            referred to in subsection (c)(2)(C); and
                              (ii) 15 percent of such amounts for the
                            telephone hotline referred to in such
                            subsection.

                               Brief Explanation

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

         Suspends the outdated permanent price support
    authority through calendar year 2031.
         Improves and expands access to the Tree Assistance
    Program (TAP) by clarifying the definition of an eligible
    orchardist and providing producers with the option to receive
    an upfront payment to support the timely replanting of their
    crops.
         Requires the Secretary to establish a framework
    for delivering specialty crop emergency assistance when funding
    is available.
         Creates a standing block grant authority to
    deliver ad hoc disaster assistance to States.
         Extends the authorities for Dairy Forward Pricing
    Contracting, the Dairy Farmer Indemnity Program, and the
    National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
         Requires a mandatory cost survey on dairy
    production expenses conducted by the Agricultural Marketing
    Service to ensure that dairy production costs are accurately
    reflected in manufacturing cost data.
         Requires the Secretary to continue the processing
    of marketing assistance loans and sugar processing loans during
    a lapse in appropriations.
         Provides that the implementation of the provisions
    under the committee-reported bill shall be exempt from general
    notice and comment provisions under the American Procedure Act
    and the Paperwork Reduction Act.
         Restores tobacco as an eligible agricultural
    commodity under the Commodity Credit Corporation charter.

                             TITLE II--CONSERVATION

         Retains the historic investment in the
    conservation title from H.R. 1 (119th) while protecting and
    maintaining the locally-led, voluntary, incentive-based
    conservation model.
         Builds on the reforms of the Agricultural
    Improvement Act of 2018 by streamlining, simplifying, and
    improving program administration, while increasing State and
    producer flexibility throughout the conservation title.
         Reauthorizes the Conservation Reserve Program
    (CRP) through Fiscal Year 2031 at the current limit of 27
    million acres.
         Maintains the 50% livestock allocation within the
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and codifies
    the Southern Border Initiative.
         Improves the Conservation Stewardship Program
    (CSP) by increasing the minimum payment and authorizing a
    matching soil health grant program for States and eligible
    Indian Tribes.
         Incorporates precision agriculture technologies
    into EQIP and CSP benefiting water quality and energy
    efficiency.
         Improves program administration and increases
    access to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
    by eliminating Adjusted Gross Income requirements, allowing
    separate pooling for socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers, providing clear authorities for easement
    modifications and exchanges, and increasing the Agricultural
    Land Easement Program Federal cost-share.
         Establishes the Forest Conservation Easement
    Program (FCEP) to provide an entity-held easement option for
    working forests and incorporating the Federal held easements
    currently within the Healthy Forests Reserve Program.
         Streamlines and improves implementation and
    administration of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program
    (RCPP). The Bill links the program back to the covered
    programs, ensures certified entities receive the same benefits
    afforded in ACEP, requires streamlining of partnership
    agreements and administrative actions and decisions, and allows
    for up to 10% of funds for a partnership agreement to reimburse
    administrative expenses. The program purposes are expanded to
    include preventing and mitigating the impacts of flooding and
    drought, incorporate flood resiliency, and promote the
    enhancement and restoration of wildlife habitat connectivity
    and wildlife mitigation corridors.
         Updates the Watershed Protection and Flood
    Prevention Program to require ongoing streamlining and data
    transparency, authorizes funding for remedial actions, and
    increases the federal cost-share for dam rehabilitation.
         Provides additional funding through Fiscal Year
    2031 for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program and
    designates 60% of funding to the Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service and 40% for the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service (NRCS).
         Creates a process for public participation in
    updating conservation practice standards and requires more
    frequent updates beginning with one year after enactment and
    every subsequent 5 years. The Bill establishes an Office of
    Innovation within the NRCS to promote innovation and advancing
    technology in conservation practice standards.
         Streamlines the Technical Service Provider program
    by requiring the establishment of clear approval processes and
    timelines for certifiers and third-party providers.
         Improves the Emergency Conservation Program by
    authorizing advance payments of up to 75% of the cost of the
    emergency measures.
         Provides direct hire authority for NRCS.

                                TITLE III--TRADE

    Trade promotion

         Increases funding for the Market Access Program
    (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, E (Kika) de la
    Garza Emerging Markets Program (EMP), Technical Assistance for
    Specialty Crops (TASC) Program, and Priority Trade Fund (PTF).
         Establishes funding to provide needs assessments,
    training, and other technical assistance to improve cold chain
    infrastructure in new and emerging markets.
         Requires the USDA, in consultation with the U.S.
    Trade Representative, to carry out a report on the
    competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.
         Directs USDA to secure foreign markets for goods
    using common names.
         Establishes an interagency working group to
    monitor and assess seasonable and perishable fruits and
    vegetables trade data.
         Reauthorizes the Biotechnology and Agricultural
    Trade Program.
         Reauthorizes the Export Credit Guarantee Program.
         Reauthorizes the International Agricultural
    Education Fellowship Program.
         Creates the International Agricultural Immersion
    and Exchange Program and authorizes appropriations of $10
    million to carry out the program.
         Reauthorizes the Cochran Fellowship Program.
         Establishes the Agricultural Trade Enforcement
    Task Force.
         Requires the Comptroller General of the U.S. to
    issue a report that examines policy options available to the
    Secretary of Agriculture to boost the competitiveness of
    domestic shrimp in global and domestic markets.
         Requires USDA to report on how any expected or
    implemented changes to USMCA will impact the agriculture
    industry.
         Requires USDA to report on how increased Argentine
    beef imports will impact domestic cattle producers, prices, and
    rural economies.

    International food aid and food security

         Transfers all authorities of the Food for Peace
    Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
    to USDA. Within this transfer, the authorities of the Food for
    Peace Act are reauthorized.
         Reserves 50 percent of Food for Peace resources
    for U.S. grown commodities and ocean shipping.
         Increases the authorization of appropriations for
    the International Food Relief Partnership from $10 million to
    $15 million.
         Clarifies that the Commodity Credit Corporation
    may pay all associated and incidental costs of titles II and
    III of the Food for Peace Act.
         Reserves $200 million for the procurement and
    distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods if the most
    recent Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates is above 5 percent
    and the total funding for title II Food for Peace is greater
    than $1.2 billion.
         Provides the Secretary with the authority to use
    appropriated funds made available for the salaries and expenses
    of the Foreign Agricultural Service to pay the administrative
    expenses for USDA to carry out the implementation of the Food
    for Peace Act.
         Reauthorizes the Food for Progress (FFPr) Program
    and clarifies that USDA should enter into two or more
    agreements with eligible entities in carrying out the program.
         Reauthorizes the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.
         Reauthorizes the McGovern-Dole International Food
    for Education and Child Nutrition (McGovern-Dole) Program,
    clarifies that lower-middle income countries are eligible for
    the purposes of cost repayment for the transportation of
    commodities, and changes the purchase range for local and
    regional commodity procurement from not more than 10 percent to
    not less than 8 percent, but not more than 15 percent.
         Reauthorizes the Global Crop Diversity Trust and
    clarifies that the Trust is not prohibited from applying for or
    receiving additional funding outside of what is authorized in
    22 U.S.C. 2220a note (if eligible).

                              TITLE IV--NUTRITION

         Updates the Declaration of Policy for the
    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the Food
    and Nutrition Act of 2008 to add that Congress recognizes that
    SNAP allows low-income households to obtain food that supports
    the prevention of diet-related chronic disease, disability,
    premature death, unsustainable health care costs, and the
    undermining of military readiness. Adds that it is the policy
    of Congress that USDA should administer SNAP in a manner that
    provides participants, especially children, access to a variety
    of foods essential to optimal health and wellbeing.
         Makes permanent a ban on new fees on SNAP
    retailers first established in the 2018 Farm Bill.
         Allows SNAP state agencies to use non-merit
    personnel in the SNAP certification process under certain
    circumstances.
         Permits USDA to provide technical assistance and
    more than one opportunity to meet stocking and inventory
    eligibility requirements for retailers seeking SNAP
    authorization.
         Directs USDA to include all identified payment
    errors, regardless of dollar amount, in a supplemental annual
    report.
         Directs USDA to promulgate a proposed rule on EBT
    card security no later than six months after enactment of the
    Act.
         Requires GAO to issue a report on state
    administrative expenses in SNAP that examines the causes of
    state variation and identifies factors most likely to
    contribute to an increase in costs.
         Adds ``animal protein'' to the list of foods
    eligible for SNAP healthy incentive projects.
         Directs USDA to issue guidance and regulations for
    the SNAP online purchasing program no later than two years
    after enactment of the Act and report to Congress.
         Expands the offering of the Senior Farmers' Market
    Nutrition Program to include maple syrup, herbs, and tree nuts.
         Authorizes a competitive grant pilot program for
    home delivery in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program
    (CSFP).
         Authorizes a demonstration project under which one
    or more Tribal organizations may enter into self-determination
    contracts to purchase commodities for CSFP.
         Allows for the use of all forms of produce in the
    Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program and waives the match
    requirement in persistent poverty counties.
         Directs USDA to submit an annual report to
    Congress on its Food Loss and Waste Liaison.
         Expands the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive
    Program by allowing incentives for all forms of fluid milk,
    including flavored, and for hard cheeses and low sugar yogurts.
         Authorizes state-led local food purchasing
    programs.
         Makes several reforms to the Dietary Guidelines
    for Americans, including expanding the required scope and rigor
    of scientific evidence included in the report and prohibiting
    USDA and HHS from including topics deemed not relevant to
    dietary guidance.

                                TITLE V--CREDIT

         Removes outdated eligibility barriers that prevent
    modern family farms from accessing Farm Service Agency (FSA)
    operating, emergency, and ownership loans.
         Reduces and streamlines the experience
    requirements to expand access for beginning farmers.
         Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations
    that establish a framework for the refinancing of distressed
    guaranteed loans into direct loans subject to certain
    conditions.
         Updates loan limits for FSA guaranteed operating
    and ownership loans, direct operating and ownership loans, and
    microloans.
         Provides Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions
    with the opportunity to partner with community banks to finance
    essential rural community facilities projects.
         Adjusts the principal amount of farm ownership
    loan made under the Down Payment Loan Program to align with
    such amount for direct ownership loans.
         Reauthorizes the Heirs Property Relending Program
    and allows USDA to enter into cooperative agreements with
    public interest legal service providers to assist producers in
    resolving ownership records and transitioning land into
    agricultural production.
         Creates a pre-approval pilot program for direct
    and guaranteed farm ownership loans to streamline producer
    access to capital.
         Reauthorizes Cooperative Lending Pilot Projects,
    Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts,
    and maintains the 50% direct loan fund set aside for beginning
    farmers and ranchers.
         Expands the authority of FCS institutions to
    provide loans to businesses that support the fishing industry
    such as equipment suppliers, repair shops, cold storage
    facilities, and fuel or bait providers.
         Raises the loan cap under the Export Guarantee
    Program to 15 percent of a bank's total assets to provide
    flexibility for financing agricultural exports while aligning
    with other Farm Credit Act limitations.
         Expands the Farm Credit Administration's (FCA)
    authority to allow for the USDA's guaranteed water and
    wastewater loan program to be made available in cities and
    towns with a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants.
         Establishes that the FCA is the sole financial
    regulator of FCS institutions.
         Expands access to the secondary market for
    guaranteed loans provided under the Rural Energy for America
    Program and modernizes the limitations in which the Federal
    Agricultural Mortgage Corporation treat qualified loans secured
    by agricultural real estate.
         Directs the USDA to evaluate how enhanced risk
    management practices can improve the financial stability and
    creditworthiness of producers participating in certain direct
    and guaranteed loan programs.
         Allows FCA to extend audit periods for small, low-
    risk Farm Credit System institutions from 18 months to 24
    months.

                          TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

         Codifies and merges the ReConnect Program with
    USDA's retail rural broadband program, establishes a 50/25
    Megabits per second (Mbps) minimum service standard,
    prioritizes funding for areas with less than 25/3 Mbps
    connectivity, and imposes buildout requirements up to 500/250
    Mbps to meet long-term rural needs.
         Improves the Broadband Technical Assistance
    Program to ensure comprehensive support for communities seeking
    assistance with all USDA broadband initiatives.
         Reauthorizes and improves the Innovative Broadband
    Advancement Program to help offset the cost of satellite
    broadband equipment in remote areas.
         Reauthorizes the Community Connect Program,
    Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, and Middle Mile
    Program.
         Promotes adoption of precision agriculture in
    rural communities and establishes federal-private sector
    partnerships for interconnectivity standards and cybersecurity.
         Codifies the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance
    Program to strengthen rural health care services and help
    prevent the closure of health care facilities in rural
    communities.
         Permits debt refinancing for certain health care
    facilities committed to long-term financial and managerial
    planning to enhance institutional viability.
         Maintains set-aside and prioritization for
    telemedicine projects addressing substance use disorder
    treatment, while expanding services to include behavioral and
    mental health treatment within the Distance Learning and
    Telemedicine Program and Community Facilities Program.
         Establishes a rural childcare initiative at USDA
    to improve availability and quality of childcare in rural
    areas.
         Modifies the RISE Grant Program to provide funding
    for career pathway programs and industry or sector partnerships
    to build-out workforce pipelines in rural America.
         Codifies USDA's Circuit Rider Program for rural
    water systems and allows funds to be used to address
    cybersecurity and emergency disaster response related needs.
         Provides zero and low-interest loans to distressed
    water systems, while requiring recipients to develop and
    receive assistance with long-term financial plans.
         Broadens the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee
    Program to support investments in food infrastructure,
    enhancing the resilience and diversity of the U.S. food supply
    chain.
         Reestablishes a meat processing and rendering
    grant program to support both new and growing meat processors,
    while also facilitating producer investments to foster
    competition within the meat packing sector.
         Establishes a technical assistance program for
    underserved and distressed areas.
         Improves the Rural Decentralized Water Systems
    Program to allow for the testing of contaminated groundwater to
    better facilitate its treatment.
         Establishes caps on guaranteed loan lender initial
    fees and retention fees for all guaranteed loan programs at
    USDA Rural Development.
         Codifies the Rural Development Innovation Center
    to modernize USDA RD programs for user accessibility and
    transparency, as well as provide a centralized structure for
    proactive stakeholder outreach.
         Streamlines the permitting process for Rural
    Development projects near wetlands that have already complied
    with existing wetland regulations.
         Encourages private investment in rural communities
    by reauthorizing the Rural Business Investment Program.

              TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

         Strengthens specialty crop research by allowing
    matching fund waivers and creating a $30 million annual program
    for mechanization and automation research and extension.
         Expands support for 1890 institutions by
    increasing research and extension funding authorizations and
    adding new Centers of Excellence.
         Reauthorizes and strengthens capacity funding
    programs for 1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions and improves
    program delivery for Tribal land-grant schools.
         Reauthorizes competitive research programs,
    including the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI),
    and updates priorities to address workforce development, supply
    chains, and emerging agricultural technologies.
         Maintains funding and improves programs supporting
    organic agriculture research, beginning farmers and ranchers,
    agricultural education, and veteran training programs.
         Establishes new high-priority research initiatives
    and a commission to modernize USDA's National Agricultural
    Statistics Service data collection and reporting.

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

         Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief
    of the United States Forest Service (USFS), to take actions to
    protect and restore watershed health, water supply and quality,
    municipal and agricultural water supply systems, and other
    water-related infrastructure. Title VIII also authorizes
    actions to protect and restore forest health from insect
    infestation, disease, and wildfire.
         Allows for the flexible use of funding for the
    development and implementation of State forest action plans.
         Expands critical partnership authorities,
    including the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) and Stewardship End
    Result Contracting, to increase the pace and scale of active
    management on Federal lands.
         Reauthorizes and strengthens the Water Source
    Protection Program, the Collaborative Forest Landscape
    Restoration Program, the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration
    Partnership Program, and the State and Private Forest
    Landscape-Scale Restoration Program.
         Modernizes data collection by directing the
    Secretary to establish a program to inventory and analyze
    public and private forests, including updating national
    surveys, refining and implementing consistent data collection
    protocols, and ensuring timely and accessible information on
    forest resources.
         Increases investment in USFS programs that support
    regeneration, reforestation, agroforestry, and afforestation
    through expanded training, research, and technical and
    financial assistance.
         Expands on the effectiveness of categorical
    exclusions (CE), which are applied to routine activities with
    known outcomes. This approach saves the USFS both time and
    money while still protecting the environment and natural
    resources.
         Expedites the USFS's ability to quickly remove
    hazard trees along roads to protect public health and safety
    while maintaining access to Federal lands.
         Expands market opportunities for forest products
    and directs the Secretary to continue investments that support
    the development and use of innovative wood products.
         Authorizes a biochar application demonstration
    project to facilitate the use of biochar, develop new biochar
    applications, and support the commercialization of biochar.
         Develops a strategy, in coordination with Federal
    grazing permit holders, to increase livestock grazing and
    associated rangeland improvements for wildfire risk reduction.
         Clarifies the authority of the Regional Forester
    to appoint members to the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) to
    promote collaboration and to strengthen working relationships
    among community members and national forest employees.

                                TITLE IX--ENERGY

         Reauthorizes and improves the BioPreferred Program
    by requiring the Secretary to issue procurement guidance to
    agencies, implementing more thorough reporting procedures for
    agency procurement, and increasing procurement accountability
    and verification.
         Directs the relevant agencies to develop North
    American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and North
    American Product Classification System (NAPCS) codes,
    establishes a report to recommend bioeconomy-related changes
    for the 2027 NAICS and NAPCS codes revisions, and assesses the
    development of a national measurement of the economic
    contributions of the bioeconomy.
         Provides the Secretary of Agriculture with the
    authority to develop national uniform labeling standards for
    certain bioproducts by defining certain bioproducts that are
    not already currently defined in statute.
         Reauthorizes and improves the 9003 Program by
    expanding eligibility for innovative biobased product
    manufacturing technologies and authorizing the Secretary to
    waive the requirement to demonstrate commercial viability for
    projects adopting commercially available technologies.
         Ensures transparency and accountability in the
    9003 Program application process by establishing a technical
    review agreement that outlines the specific objectives,
    outcomes, and conditions by which the Secretary will determine
    the project technically feasible.
         Affirms sustainable aviation fuel as an advanced
    biofuel.
         Reauthorizes the Bioenergy Program for Advanced
    Biofuels and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
         Requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to
    study the impacts of solar installations on private forestland
    and prime farmland.
         Limits the Secretary's authority to utilize USDA
    dollars to convert private forestland or prime farmland into
    ground-mounted solar installations.
         Maintains existing dollars for assistance to rural
    electric cooperatives for emissions-reducing rural energy
    systems.
         Maintains the authority for and investments in the
    Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
         Repeals the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program and
    the Carbon Utilization and Biogas Education Program.

            TITLE X--HORTICULTURE, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY REFORM

         Strengthens specialty crop programs by improving
    the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, reauthorizing Specialty
    Crop Market News, and requiring producer consultation in
    setting program priorities.
         Supports local and regional food systems by
    maintaining $50 million annually for the Local Agriculture
    Market Program and simplifying applications for farmers' market
    and local food promotion grants.
         Continuing support for organic and urban
    agriculture by reauthorizing the National Organic Program,
    improving organic market data, and expanding the role of the
    Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
         Improves transparency and market access by
    requiring USDA to report on federal commodity procurement and
    barriers for producers.
         Reduces regulatory burdens for hemp producers by
    allowing USDA, states, and tribes greater flexibility in
    testing requirements and establishing a process for accrediting
    hemp testing laboratories.
         Reaffirms that the Environmental Protection Agency
    (EPA) is the sole authority for making safety findings related
    to pesticides while retaining the states' ability to further
    regulate the use of these products.
         Clarifies the role and authority of State lead
    agencies in regulating pesticides under FIFRA.
         Provides regulatory relief by eliminating costly
    and duplicative permitting requirements for pesticide
    applications.
         Creates an Office of Biotechnology Policy to
    better coordinate related activities at USDA and across other
    Federal Agencies.

                            TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

         To help expedite the creation of new policies for
    specialty crops Title XI establishes a specialty crop insurance
    advisory committee and creates a seat on the FCIC Board to
    advise the Risk Management Agency on specialty crop insurance
    policies.
         Provides the authority to correct errors if
    someone with substantial beneficial interest is inadvertently
    omitted from a policy, provided omission doesn't
    disproportionately impact benefits.
         Directs RMA to review 508(h) policies for
    actuarial soundness to address any potential issues of new
    policies being approved with very high loss ratios.
         Clarifies that revenue losses outside of the
    producer's control are considered covered causes of loss.
         Streamlines reporting requirements for the Stacked
    Income Protection Plan.
         Reduces the interest rate and limits the number of
    years interest can accrue to the producer to help with farm
    transition planning.
         Simplifies the development process of getting
    training materials to the private sector after new product
    approval.
         Codifies A&O reimbursement rates for the 2026
    reinsurance year moving forward.
         Requires the annual review of limitations of
    policies under Whole Farm Revenue Protection.
         Directs the Risk Management Agency to undergo
    research and development on the expansion of revenue protection
    policies and the creation of prevented plant policies for
    annual specialty crops.
         Requires the Risk Management Agency to complete an
    analysis of the current Standard Reinsurance Agreement,
    including additional risk funds for AIPs that are targeted to
    high-loss states and area-wide policies.

                      TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                    SUBTITLE A--LIVESTOCK AND OTHER ANIMALS

         Reauthorizes the National Animal Health Laboratory
    Network (NAHLN), National Animal Disease Preparedness and
    Response Program (NADPRP), and National Animal Vaccine and
    Veterinary Countermeasure Bank (NAVVCB).
         Clarifies that animal disease traceability is an
    eligible activity under NADPRP.
         Requires a review and report on the Cattle Fever
    Tick Eradication Program.
         Provides the Secretary with the authority to
    create additional dog training facilities, which would have the
    same duties as the National Detector Dog Training Center.
         Requires the Secretary to work in consultation
    with the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate animal disease
    regionalization agreements with our trading partners.
         Requires electronic documentation records for the
    importation of live dogs into the United States.
         Clarifies that states and local governments cannot
    impose, directly or indirectly, as a condition for sale or
    consumption, a condition or standard on the production of
    covered livestock unless the livestock is physically located
    within such state or local government.
         Directs USDA to conduct a report on their
    preparedness to support livestock producers and poultry growers
    facing economic losses in the event of a foreign animal disease
    outbreak.
         Allows livestock auction owners to invest in
    packing facilities, subject to capacity limitations of 2,000
    animals per day or 700,000 animals per year for cattle and
    sheep and 10,000 animals per day or 3,000,000 animals per year
    for hogs.
         Requires USDA to provide guidance documents and
    other resources for small and very small meat and poultry
    processing facilities.
         Requires USDA to increase their outreach on the
    Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program.
         Creates a pilot program for the life of the farm
    bill to allow a small number of custom-exempt facilities to
    sell meat products direct to consumers within the State in
    which the facility is located.
         Prohibits commercial greyhound racing.
         Prohibits gambling on animal fighting ventures.

             SUBTITLE B--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REORGANIZATION
                                  ACT OF 1994

         Requires the Secretary to conduct regular
    assessments to identify risks and security vulnerabilities to
    the food and agriculture sector.
         Reauthorizes the Office of Partnerships and Public
    Engagement.
         Requires the USDA Office of Tribal Relations to
    oversee self-determination contract and self-governance
    compacts entered into between the Secretary and tribal
    organizations or Indian tribes.

                         SUBTITLE C--NATIONAL SECURITY

         Requires USDA to enter an MOU with the Committee
    on the Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to
    ensure timely sharing of data.
         Mandates the adoption of recommendations contained
    in the GAO report entitled ``Foreign Investments in U.S.
    Agricultural Land: Enhancing Efforts to Collect, Track, and
    Share Key Information Could Better Identify National Security
    Risks.''
         Imposes a minimum penalty on any person who
    knowingly fails to submit or falsifies an AFIDA filing, without
    being punitive to individuals who self-report errors.
         Directs outreach to provide awareness of
    requirements under AFIDA.
         Requires a report on any agricultural land owned
    by citizens or entities with ties to China, Russia, Iran, North
    Korea, and other state sponsors of terrorism and identifies
    potential threats from the ownership of such land.
         Establishes the position of Chief of Operations of
    Investigative Actions to audit and oversee activities related
    to AFIDA and report to CFIUS any land acquisitions that may
    pose a threat to national security.
         Mandates the creation of a public database for all
    AFIDA filings.
         Expands CFIUS to include the Secretary on
    Agriculture for covered transactions involving agricultural
    land, biotechnology, or industry.
         Requires CFIUS to determine if a national security
    threat review is necessary for reportable land transactions by
    USDA.

                   SUBTITLE D--OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         Reauthorizes the Commission on Farm Transitions--
    Needs for 2050.
         Reauthorize the authorization of appropriations
    for improvements to the United States Drought Monitor.
         Directs the Secretary to issue guidance to clarify
    how an importer of plants that have been denied entry to the
    U.S. under the Lacey Act may obtain additional information
    related to their detention.
         Requires USDA to conduct a report, as it relates
    to companion animals, to evaluate the enforcement of standards
    under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA); evaluate efforts by USDA to
    educate and advise on all standards and requirements of the
    AWA; evaluate the capacity of USDA to enforce the standards
    established by the AWA; and make recommendations for the
    improvement of standards and education efforts under the AWA.
         Affirms that visual dental examinations should be
    included in existing veterinary requirements.
         Reauthorizes the Protecting Animals with Shelter
    provision.

                                Purpose and Need

        Seven years, two months, twelve days--the time between when
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) was
    signed into law and when House Committee on Agriculture
    favorably reported the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
    2026 (FFNS-26). In that time, the 2018 Farm Bill has been
    extended three times, meanwhile farmers have seen total
    production expenses rise by forty percent, and as a direct
    result Congress has been forced to step in to pass billions in
    emergency economic relief and disaster assistance for
    producers, and the Administration has tapped the resources of
    the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to provide additional
    aid to stave off a widespread and systemic economic collapse in
    farm country. In short, the policies of 2018 are no match for
    the challenges of 2026, thus necessitating a new and improved
    farm bill that better serves all Americans, especially
    agricultural producers and rural communities.
        Beginning in 2023, the Committee engaged in a robust
    dialogue with Members of Congress, relevant organizations and
    associations, and directly with stakeholders to ascertain the
    priorities and needs for farm bill reauthorization. Through
    hearings in Washington, D.C., over 150 listening sessions in 42
    states and one territory, and countless meetings with
    organizations representing every American whose life is touched
    by the farm bill, the Committee gathered valuable input that
    ultimately led to the creation of the Farm, Food, and National
    Security Act of 2024 (FFNS-24; H.R. 8476).
        Key priorities in that legislation included the
    modernization of the farm safety net, as well as key
    investments in conservation, export promotion, research,
    specialty crops, and livestock biosecurity. While the bill
    advanced out of committee on a bipartisan vote, partisan
    disagreement over responsibly funding these much-needed
    investments in the farm economy ultimately led to another
    extension of the 2018 law.
        In 2025 Republican control of both chambers of Congress and
    the White House provided an opportunity through budget
    reconciliation to pursue the enactment of investments in
    critical farm bill programs as well as institute historic
    reforms to restore integrity, promote work, and end abuse of
    the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which at
    the time constituted over 80 percent of mandatory farm bill
    spending, up almost 10 percent just since the enactment of the
    2018 Farm Bill.
        With the inclusion of provisions related to funding
    included in H.R. 1 (Public Law No. 119-21), the remaining
    provisions related to policy changes from FFNS-24 that were not
    eligible for budget reconciliation served as the basis for
    FFNS-26 with key updates to reflect shifting priorities,
    additional needs, and ongoing feedback from Members and
    stakeholders. The broad support for this legislation is
    reflected by the endorsement of over 260 state and national
    organizations and a strong bi-partisan vote to favorably report
    FFNS-26 to the House.
        The farm bill is not just an assortment of titles or a
    broad collection of provisions directly or tangentially related
    to agriculture, it is also a symbol of the commitment of policy
    makers to the farm and ranch families that feed, fuel, and
    clothe our nation and the world, many of whom borrow more in
    one growing season than the average American will borrow in
    their lifetime. The farm bill is also a commitment to rural
    communities that often feel overlooked by Washington or low on
    the priority list for private sector innovation. Additionally,
    the farm bill serves as a helping hand for neighbors in need
    and it underpins a highly efficient food system that has
    resulted in Americans paying the lowest share of total
    expenditures on food at home in the world. These constituencies
    deserve a farm bill written for the needs of today, not those
    of almost eight years ago. They deserve the certainty of a
    long-term farm bill reauthorization.

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

        The commodity title of the farm bill is intended to assist
    farmers and dairy producers in the event they are faced with
    depressed prices and revenue, especially over multiple years,
    and for ranchers and livestock producers that experience
    production losses resulting from natural disasters.
        The flagship programs of Title I were enhanced and extended
    through 2031 via H.R. 1 (Pub. L. 119-21), the first major
    investment in farm policy in nearly 25 years and an imperative
    increase based on current economic conditions in rural America.
    The expansion of programs such as Price Loss Coverage (PLC),
    Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Marketing Loans, U.S. sugar
    policy, dairy risk management, and supplemental agricultural
    disaster assistance programs will be critical to producers as
    they weather severe losses.
        The modernization of the farm safety net and investments in
    ARC, PLC, sugar policy, and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) ensure
    these programs are better equipped to meet the moment when
    there are downturns in the farm economy. Reference prices
    better reflect the increased cost of production for all
    commodities, and more producers will have access to the safety
    net through the addition of base acres. Changes to standing
    livestock disaster programs now ensure that losses caused by
    federally protected species are fully covered, provide
    indemnities for the value of unborn livestock killed in
    disasters, and provide additional assistance for forage losses
    during drought.
        Outside of the progress made to the commodity title in H.R.
    1, additional policy enhancements remain and are addressed in
    the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
        The Committee-reported bill creates certainty for specialty
    crop producers as well as those producers who utilize marketing
    loans through USDA and provides additional flexibility in the
    implementation of the Tree Assistance Program (TAP).
        The Committee-reported legislation fully maintains the
    broad statutory authority invested in with the Secretary of
    Agriculture to respond to extraordinary needs, including the
    authority to provide direct assistance to farmers and ranchers
    who suffer economic losses. The bill also prevents updated farm
    policy from reverting to outdated permanent law.
        To provide continuity and certainty for producers who
    utilize marketing loans, the Committee-reported bill ensures
    that loan programs can continue operations during a lapse in
    appropriations. Previously, a producer could not enter or
    redeem their commodity from the loan in the event of a
    government shutdown. This not only harmed farm families but
    also disrupted the orderly marketing of commodities.
        TAP is an invaluable resource to America's orchardists and
    nursery tree growers as they look for ways to mitigate losses.
    The Committee believes that expanding access to this program is
    vital to the success of the industry. The Committee-reported
    bill creates more flexibility in when and how producers are
    able to replant destroyed crops by expanding TAP to allow for
    different varieties, locations, densities, and longer timelines
    when needed. Additional changes to the program expand
    eligibility to biennial crops and now provides the opportunity
    for an initial payment to aid with upfront costs of losses.
    Producers should have access to an upfront TAP payment in order
    to replant their crops in a timely fashion. It is also the
    intent of Congress that an eligible orchardist or nursery tree
    grower should qualify for TAP if there is such damage resulting
    from a qualifying disaster that the orchard will no longer
    produce an economically viable crop.
        The importance of long-term viability and competitiveness
    for America's specialty crop producers cannot be overstated,
    not only for their economic contributions but also for the
    healthy foods they produce. The Committee-reported bill
    provides this certainty through the creation of a specialty
    crop assistance framework. This framework will provide guidance
    to USDA when there is funding made available for either
    disaster or economic assistance and provides producers with a
    payment formula that is workable on the ground. Specialty crop
    producers are exceptionally resilient and the ability to plan
    ahead will create peace of mind as they make decisions for
    their operations.
        The Committee notes the importance of honeybee producers to
    agricultural production, including through pollination
    services. The Committee further notes that Emergency Assistance
    for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) provides
    assistance for colony losses but does not address potential
    income impacts when losses occur during the production season.
        The Committee encourages the Secretary, consistent with
    existing authority and available funding, to examine whether
    current ELAP administration adequately reflects in-season
    impacts for beekeepers whose losses exceed program thresholds.
    In doing so, the Committee encourages reliance on existing ELAP
    eligibility determinations, use of nationally available data,
    and avoidance of additional producer documentation. The
    Committee expects a briefing not later than one year after
    enactment on any findings or administrative actions under
    consideration.
        The Committee recognizes that drought conditions create
    complex loss scenarios across a range of agricultural sectors,
    including aquaculture and other farm-raised fish production
    systems. The Committee includes provisions addressing drought
    within the ELAP documentation framework and states the intent
    that drought-related losses be understood as falling within the
    scope of adverse conditions considered under program
    administration.
        The Committee further emphasizes the importance of clear
    and practical documentation standards for producers whose
    drought-related losses may be difficult to quantify using
    traditional livestock-based metrics. In directing the Secretary
    to consult with eligible producers of farm-raised fish
    regarding documentation standards for data collection,
    production impacts, and defining loss conditions attributable
    to drought, the Committee intends to provide context for
    consistent interpretation and administration of program
    requirements across production systems and regions. The
    Committee recognizes the economic significance of crawfish
    production and similar aquaculture operations and their
    vulnerability to prolonged drought conditions. The Committee
    notes administrative actions taken to reflect these realities
    and provides this discussion as part of the legislative history
    to clarify congressional understanding that drought-related
    reductions in crawfish harvest and comparable aquaculture
    losses are appropriate considerations in program
    implementation.
        In the event of disaster assistance, the Committee
    understands the importance of getting aid to producers as
    quickly as possible. The Committee-reported bill provides
    standing block grant authority for future supplemental disaster
    appropriations bills. The Committee acknowledges that healthy
    and productive Federal, State, and private forests are an
    important part of many rural communities, and their proper
    management is vital for our environment and preventing
    catastrophic forest fires. The Committee believes that ensuring
    our forests are resilient should be a priority for the
    Department. Accordingly, it is the intent of the Committee that
    this standing block grant authority encompasses all crops and
    commodities, including timber.
        The Committee-passed bill maintains and strengthens federal
    dairy policy by extending the Dairy Indemnity Payment Program
    (DIPP) and the National Dairy Checkoff through 2031.
    Additionally, the bill provides the authority for the Secretary
    of Agriculture to require a mandatory cost survey conducted by
    the Agricultural Marketing Service to ensure that make
    allowances are updated using accurate, current manufacturing
    cost data. Collectively, these changes promote transparency,
    economic stability, and the long-term success of the dairy
    industry.
        To address the uncertainty faced by America's tobacco
    farmers, the Committee-reported bill includes a provision to
    make tobacco an eligible commodity to receive funding from the
    Commodity Credit Corporation.
        The Committee expects USDA to fully implement and support
    third-party acreage reporting for Farm Service Agency (FSA) and
    Risk Management Agency (RMA) program purposes, as required by
    Section 1614(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-
    79) and Section 1614(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014, as
    amended by section 1706 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018 (Pub. L. 115-34, 7 U.S.C. 9097).
        Furthermore, the Committee directs USDA to ensure that the
    development and implementation of the ``One Farmer, One File''
    initiative by USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC)
    further enhances and supports the availability and efficiency
    of third-party acreage reporting for producers and the
    authorized third-party vendors serving producers.

                             TITLE II--CONSERVATION

        Title II programs offer producers technical assistance and
    financial cost-share for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and
    landowners to support voluntary, locally-led and incentive-
    based conservation on private lands. The farm bill's
    conservation programs address natural resource concerns and
    improve the environment while supporting the long-term
    viability of agricultural producers and a safe, affordable food
    supply. Title II programs provide producers with tools to
    address soil health and erosion, water quality and quantity,
    air quality, wildlife habitat, climate resiliency, and
    regulatory compliance, among others.
        With their proven track records, the Committee believes
    farm bill conservation programs must remain voluntary,
    flexible, locally-led, incentive-based, and producer focused.
    In addition, the Committee emphasizes working lands programs,
    such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and
    the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as
    partnership initiatives, such as the Regional Conservation
    Partnership Program (RCPP).
        The 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills provided a variety of reforms
    to streamline and consolidate conservation programs while
    simplifying the statute. In response to the growing complexity
    of the conservation title, the 2014 Farm Bill consolidated 23
    conservation programs to 13 programs, simplifying the title
    while simultaneously preserving the various USDA authorities.
    The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 builds on
    previous reforms through additional streamlining,
    administrative improvements, and user-friendly enhancements.
    For example, the Committee is aware of the significant
    administrative challenges complicating participation in RCPP
    for many participants in recent years. In response, the
    reported bill streamlines the program, sets reasonable
    timelines for USDA administration, and restores flexibility
    within the program. Similarly, to encourage more access for
    conservation technical assistance, the Bill improves and
    streamlines the Technical Service Providers (TSP) program's
    certification process and sets timelines for approvals for
    certifiers and third-party providers.
        The Committee strongly supports incorporating science,
    technology, and innovation in the Farm, Food, and National
    Security Act of 2026, with an emphasis on the conservation
    title. This includes further support for precision agriculture
    technologies to help generate conservation and environmental
    benefits, reduce inputs, and encourage cost savings for the
    producer over the long term. As such, Section 2001 amends the
    definitions in current law including new definitions for
    ``precision agriculture'' and ``precision agriculture
    technology''. These definitions have been specifically added to
    support the inclusion of precision agriculture technology
    within several conservation program reauthorizations. The
    Committee recognizes precision agriculture technology is the
    most rapidly changing sector of agriculture with new and
    unforeseen changes within the five-year term of this farm bill.
    The Committee directs the Secretary to take a broad view with
    respect to application of these definitions beyond technology
    and application, to include targeted biologic products.
    Furthermore, to incorporate innovation into conservation
    practices standards, the legislation requires more frequent
    updates to conservation practice standards, a clear process for
    public engagement, and a new Office of Innovation reporting
    directly to the Chief of NRCS.

    Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

        Section 2101 of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
    of 2026 reauthorizes the Conservation Reserve Program through
    Fiscal Year 2031 and updates the associated dates throughout
    the text.

    Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

        The 2026 Farm Bill authorizes the Environmental Quality
    Incentives Program through Fiscal Year 2031. The Committee
    strongly supports this critically important program and
    continues funding levels above the current baseline. To
    encourage science, innovation and technology in the program,
    the reported bill specifies that precision agriculture and the
    acquisition of precision agriculture technologies are covered
    practices under the program. Consistent with the new
    definitions in section 2001, the Committee includes references
    to both definitions for use in EQIP under section 2201. The
    Committee directs the Secretary to support the broader uses and
    applications of this term as incorporated in the definition.
        Subsection 2202(c) provides an increased payment limitation
    from $140,000 to $200,000 for conservation practices related to
    organic production included in contract enrolled beginning 2027
    through 2031. Section 2202 also provides new language
    clarifying producers can receive loans and loan guarantee
    payments for eligible practices receiving payment through an
    EQIP contract.
        Under Section 2202(a)(3), the bill allows for increased
    payments for precision agriculture technology under EQIP. The
    Committee fully expects that USDA will encourage the use of
    precision agriculture technology, where practicable, as
    contracts are awarded.
        Under Section 2204, the Committee specifically references
    the inclusion of precision agriculture practices as eligible
    practices for testing within Conservation Innovation Grants. As
    defined for this title, the Committee understands the universe
    of technology under the umbrella of precision agriculture
    technology is rapidly expanding. The Committee directs the
    Secretary to utilize this provision of EQIP to provide
    opportunities to evaluate new and emerging technologies and
    ensure innovations in mechanization, chemistry, application
    techniques, and biologics in order to for technologies to be
    current with the state of science and available to agriculture
    producers during the term of this Farm Bill.
        Additionally, the Committee recognizes that improving soil
    health on agricultural land, through nutrient management, is
    valuable in achieving conservation as well as economic benefits
    for farmers, as increased profit margins for farmers and long-
    term health of the land are key components of the success of
    the overall farm economy. The Committee supports new on-farm
    conservation trials for innovative conservation approaches and
    encourages NRCS to promote and provide assistance to prioritize
    precision agriculture and nutrient management projects through
    programs such as the conservation innovation grants program.
        The Committee recognizes the role of precision agriculture
    technologies in enhancing productivity, resource efficiency,
    and environmental stewardship in agricultural operations. For
    example, virtual fencing is one technology that uses GPS-
    enabled collars and digital mapping to allow producers to
    manage livestock movement without the need for physical
    fencing. The Committee notes that Section 2202 provides
    authority for USDA to increase payments to support precision
    agriculture tools that optimize input use, reduce environmental
    impact, and improve farm and ranch profitability. The Committee
    supports continued modernization of practice standards to allow
    precision technology and encourages NRCS to ensure States
    understand the standard and how to incorporate technology into
    conservation plans that support precision agriculture in the
    livestock sector.
        In 2022, USDA announced the EQIP Southern Border
    Initiative. This initiative allows for EQIP financial
    assistance specifically for damage to fields and farm
    infrastructure along the southern border. In recognition of the
    strong need for the continued availability of this funding
    within EQIP, the legislation authorizes the initiative for five
    years under Section 2202(f).
        The Committee recognizes innovative irrigation solutions
    benefit the conservation of water resources. The Committee
    supports the continuation of the development of surface water
    storage and usage, including conjunctive water management, and
    encourages USDA to consider EQIP funding for these purposes.
    Additionally, subsurface tile drainage and water management
    systems are critical to assisting farmers in increasing crop
    production while protecting their soil, water, and the
    environment. Due to aging and deteriorating drainage system
    infrastructure, the Committee encourages USDA to pursue
    additional financial and technical assistance opportunities for
    the repair and replacement of tiling systems on public and
    privately owned lands.
        The Committee acknowledges the broad and significant role
    of EQIP in promoting environmental stewardship. In addressing
    water quality and access as a resource concern, the Committee
    believes that conservation programs should include farm pond
    rehabilitation and maintenance after their lifespan has expired
    as an eligible practice under EQIP. Further, the Committee
    recommends NRCS focuses on farm ponds that are one acre or less
    in size as an eligible project for EQIP funding. Many of these
    structures were constructed decades ago and are now silted in,
    leaking, or in need of upkeep and maintenance to return them to
    their prime condition. This practice is recognized under
    current standards as a proven method for water storage for
    livestock, fire protection, irrigation, production of fish and
    other uses.

    Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

        The Committee reauthorizes the Conservation Stewardship
    Program (CSP) through Fiscal Year 2031 and maintains additional
    funding for the program. The revised language of the reported
    bill builds on the current law for 1240L(d) by adding precision
    agriculture technologies and conservation activities to the
    list of practices eligible additional payments. In making this
    addition, the Committee directs the Secretary to review the
    definitions included in Section 2001 of this Title. It is
    expected the full suite of precision technologies, including
    biologics, will be included in the additional payments offered
    under the Conservation Stewardship Program.
        In Section 2301(a)(1) the Committee specifically references
    the increased costs incurred by the producer when planning and
    adopting precision agriculture practices. In establishing CSP
    practice and activity payments, the Committee directs the
    Secretary to gather data, incorporate, and update all the
    described costs described within the paragraph as they
    specifically relate to application of existing, new, and
    emerging precision agriculture technologies. In recognition of
    the importance of science, technology and innovation,
    ``precision agriculture'' is included as eligible for cost-
    share in Section 2301(b), similar to the amendments provided in
    EQIP.
        To build upon the 2018 Farm Bill's commitment to soil
    health in CSP, Section 2302 of the reported bill includes a new
    soil health matching grant program within CSP for States and
    Tribes.

    Feral swine eradication and control program

        Through Section 2402, the Committee recognizes the success
    of the Feral Swine Pilot Program and the assistance it has
    provided since its inclusion in the 2018 Farm Bill by amending
    and incorporating the program language into Title XII of the
    Food Security Act of 1985. Through the pilot, NRCS and the
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have been
    able to assist more than 4,300 landowners with feral swine,
    encompassing nearly 3 million acres of land. The program
    covered 34 pilot project areas in 12 States, and demand for the
    program far exceeded the available dollars. As such, the
    reported bill also provides additional funding for the program
    for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2031. Additionally, to further
    support suppression and eradication efforts, the Committee
    alters the current even split allocation to APHIS and NRCS to
    60 percent and 40 percent, respectively.
        The Committee also acknowledges the important role that the
    land-grant university community played in the success of the
    feral hog pilot in the Agricultural Act of 2018. Specifically,
    the universities assessed the extent and nature of damages
    across the pilot projects, collated this data, and provided
    USDA with insights on the cost-effectiveness of the projects
    and locations where strategic efforts yielded the greatest
    benefit. The universities also assisted in coordinating with
    landowners to ensure the projects were successful. Their work
    also aided USDA is understanding ways to improve program
    delivery in the future. The Committee encourages USDA to
    actively engage the expertise, networks, and experience of
    those universities that have made the program a success to this
    point and encourages USDA to enter into cooperative
    relationships for future efforts with those universities.

    Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 566)

        The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, also
    known as P.L. 566, has been critical for protecting lives and
    property in rural America. The Farm, Food, and National
    Security Act of 2026 supports this important program and makes
    several key reforms to improve it.
        First, in Section 2403 of the Bill, the Committee makes two
    substantive changes to effectuate the policy of allowing
    remedial actions within the watershed program apart from the
    rehabilitation authority. This is done through the additions of
    paragraph (6) and a subsection (c). The authorizing language is
    amended by appending subsection (c) to section 3 for the
    purpose of providing clarity with respect to continued USDA
    assistance to local sponsors for remedial actions of structures
    and their components within and beyond their planned service
    life. The Committee is aware of over 2,000 structures where the
    planned useful life installed components were less than the
    planned service life of the structure.
        In addition, local sponsors have advised that some
    structures experience component deterioration at an accelerated
    rate either through deficiency in the original design or
    unrecognized site conditions at the time of construction.
    Sponsors have struggled to get the agency to prioritize these
    site-specific issues as remedial in nature rather than an
    operation and maintenance responsibility of the sponsor. By
    inserting this language, the Committee is providing clear
    authority for the agency to address certain issues such as
    remedial actions rather than operation and maintenance. For
    structures that have exceeded their planned service life, the
    agency will consider the feasibility of the remedial action
    extending the service life of the structure and not require
    each of these structures to be prioritized within the
    rehabilitation authority. Furthermore, the Committee provides
    for the costs of the remedial repair commensurate with the
    initial cost-share agreement with the local sponsoring
    organization.
        Further the Committee-reported bill includes language
    directing USDA to streamline the program to improve its
    administration, reduce or eliminate regulatory and procedural
    barriers, and make the program easier for participants to
    navigate. The Committee adds section 3(d) to direct the
    Secretary to coordinate with the applicable Federal agencies to
    reduce the burdensome regulatory, policy, and procedural
    barriers impacting the timely and efficient delivery of
    completed projects to the local communities. It is our belief
    the regulatory burden should be significantly reduced given the
    location and size of many of these structures and there remain
    opportunities for streamlining and constructing a scalable
    process for securing approval and permitting of the structures
    rather than applying a ``one-size-fits-all'' across all Federal
    project actions.
        The Committee continues to support the use of local
    sponsoring organizations in all aspects of program delivery.
    The amendment to add paragraph (6) to subsection section 3(a)
    creates a provision for technical and financial assistance in
    support of the new remedial action provision included as
    subsection (c) of this section.
        USDA has been granted broad authority to use agreements and
    contracts with local organizations to accomplish their program
    responsibilities. Through the more recent farm bills and direct
    appropriations, the program has seen significant growth in
    funding. It is in the interest of the taxpayers that the funds
    be applied to projects on the ground as efficiently as
    possible. Paragraph (4) of subsection (3)(d) directs the
    Secretary to prioritize the use of existing agreement and
    contracting authorities to accelerate implementation where
    state governments and local sponsoring organizations have the
    capacity to deliver any or all the program deliverables from
    planning through construction.
        The Committee amends Section 13, to increase publicly
    available transparency and reporting of the uses and benefits
    derived from the funding provided for the program. The
    amendment provides specific reporting elements to be
    maintained, regularly updated, and communicated through a
    publicly accessible website. The Secretary will not include
    information regarding individual landowners', operators', or
    occupiers' agreements except in aggregate.
        Section 14(b)(2) is amended to increase the minimum level
    of cost-share for rehabilitation of structural measures to 90%.
    The Committee recognizes the inability of many project sponsors
    to provide the requisite 35%. This results in many of our
    nation's most critical rehabilitation needs remaining unmet.
    This provision will overcome the sponsors' financial
    limitations and provide benefit to life, property, and
    communities at risk to weather volatility. The Committee
    intends, to the maximum extent practicable, that the minimum
    cost-share level be applied to all projects that are not yet
    awarded for construction. In addressing amendments to projects
    under construction requiring additional funds, the Secretary
    can use discretion in waiving the existing cost-share
    arrangement to address the funding modification necessary for
    the amended components.
        The Committee recognizes the rehabilitation of aged
    watershed structures is occurring on a constantly changing
    landscape of agriculture and community interactions. As such,
    the Committee accepts and continues the program objective in
    delivering projects occurring within agriculture landscapes and
    accruing benefits to agriculture. However, specific to
    rehabilitation of structures, the Committee removes the
    required accruing of 20% agriculture benefits and the
    requirement for farm plans on 50% of the acres. This action
    will allow for the rehabilitation of prior installed structural
    measures where community development has altered the
    agriculture footprint within the watershed and increased the
    risk for loss of life and property.

    Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

        Section 2404 amends the Emergency Conservation Program,
    Section 401 of the Agriculture Credit Act, to provide payment
    options for replacement, rehabilitation or repair of certain
    conservation measures, including fencing. The language further
    clarifies Congressional intent with respect to wildfires. The
    Committee acknowledges the significant impacts disasters have
    on agriculture operations. The Committee appreciates USDAs
    action in response to these disasters and conveys and
    expectation that the agency will continue to act expeditiously
    in deploying resources and delivering programs to all impacted
    producers. Language was also incorporated into the bill to
    ensure that technology-neutral modernization is eligible for
    fencing repair or replacement under ECP, provided that the
    update does not increase costs.

    Emergency Watershed Program (EWP)

        In amending Title IV, Section 403 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1978, through Section 2405 of the reported bill,
    the Committee clarifies and establishes clear authority for the
    Secretary to use appropriated program funding to restore the
    adapted vegetative cover and restore the wetlands hydrologic
    function and values historically associated with the
    floodplains being protected by the easements under this
    program.
        The Committee recognizes the significant role the
    ecological values of properly restored and managed floodplain
    easements provide in addition to removing future threats to
    property and life. Further, the Committee adds language
    clarifying the authority of the Secretary to work with the
    landowner, government entities, and non-governmental
    organizations to address the long-term management needs on
    restored floodplain easements. With these changes the Committee
    expects the Secretary to conduct the program within the
    expanded authority and amend the program regulations within 120
    days following enactment.
        The Committee recognizes the value of easements acquired
    through EWP in long-term protection of life and property, while
    restoring floodplain functions. In the past, the restoration of
    the floodplain easement was limited to reestablishing the
    native vegetation ecologically adapted to the easement site
    with minimal attention paid to restoring the hydrologic
    functions and values typical of unmanipulated floodplains. The
    Committee includes Section 2405(a) to amend section 403(b) of
    the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203(b))
    directing the Secretary to expand restoration activities with
    respect to restoring and maintaining floodplain easement
    functions and values, including hydrologic functions, in
    addition to the protection of the land under the easement.
        Building on the success of the Wetlands Reserve Easements,
    the amended language clarifies the authority of the Secretary
    to engage partners and landowners in the restoration and
    maintenance of the easement. Additionally, the Secretary is
    statutorily granted the authority to provide landowners
    compatible use authorizations to provide mutual benefits for
    the management and maintenance of the cover and hydrologic
    functions.
        Language under the new subsection (b) is included to
    reiterate and emphasize the intent of Congress to provide the
    Secretary authority under the program to conduct enhanced
    restoration activities on each floodplain easement that
    provides for long-term benefits to the health and protection of
    the watershed beyond the protection of agriculture and
    infrastructure from flooding.
        Additionally, the Committee recognizes the critical role
    that USDA field staff, extension service agents, and other
    technical service providers perform to assist producers with
    implementing impactful conservation practices, including
    practices that help producers reduce flooding and become more
    resilient to natural disasters. The Committee directs USDA to
    ensure there is appropriate support for producers to maximize
    flood resilience and encourages the Department to promote staff
    training on innovative soil health, natural resources,
    sustainability, and watershed management techniques that
    contribute to flood resilience in order to ensure their ability
    to provide specialized technical support for producers.

    Technical Service Providers (TSP)

        The Committee recognizes the importance of technical
    assistance and the need for improving the administration of the
    technical service providers program to increase access. As
    such, the reported bill provides a variety of reforms to
    improve the administration of the program for third-party
    certifiers and providers.
        Under (5) of Section 2502, the Secretary shall establish
    within 180 days a process to approve a non-Federal entity to
    become a non-Federal certifier. Paragraph (3) requires the
    Secretary to make decisions within 30 days on applications for
    third parties to be a certified provider. Further, the language
    directs the Secretary to establish within 180 days a
    streamlined certification process for the Secretary and non-
    Federal certifiers to use to certify a third-party provider.
        Subsection (e)(3) amends current law to require the
    Secretary to comprehensively review the certification process
    within one year, and periodically after one year, and make
    adjustments to improve the process. The Committee continues to
    receive input that USDA's payment rates for Technical Services
    are insufficient to recruit service providers or encourage
    agriculture producers to engage the services of third parties.
    Subsection (e)(5) clarifies the consideration for establishing
    payment rates and removes the cost-sharing requirement
    currently utilized.

    Innovation and conservation practice standards

        Subsection (f) amends Section 1242(h)(1) of current law to
    establish a regular review of existing conservation practices
    on at least a 5-year cycle. The Committee notes that the spirit
    of this entire revision is to ensure USDA is regularly engaging
    the public and private sector to ensure the conservation
    practices are being reviewed and adapted to the current
    agriculture production systems and not creating unnecessary
    barriers to conservation and program delivery. The Committee
    directs the work and process of reviewing and revising
    standards to be open to public input, transparent, and
    responsive to all input received.
        The reported bill's amendment to Section 1242(h)(3) in the
    Food Security Act of 1985, as amended represents a substantial
    revision to current law with respect to the process for
    reviewing and establishing interim and new conservation
    practice standards. The current pace of change in agriculture
    production systems and technology is creating opportunities
    within the current portfolio of conservation practices for both
    the review and revision of existing practice standards and a
    streamlined process for submission and establishment of interim
    and new conservation practices. The Committee understands that
    much of today's innovation in agriculture production and
    conservation is occurring within the private sector. The
    cumbersome process of developing practice standards delays
    opportunities for USDA employees, consultants, and producers to
    have adequate information and training to keep conservation
    ``on pace.'' This language is intended to spur USDA into a
    streamlined process that can be accessed by the private sector
    and provide predictability, transparency, and an expedient path
    for delivering new practice standards to agriculture producers.
        To provide clarity, the Committee listed in paragraph (D)
    specific innovative technologies the agency will prioritize
    under the streamlined process for interim and new standard
    development. The Committee also recognizes some of these
    technologies can be incorporated into one or more existing
    standards by revision. However, the Committee believes some
    technologies such as those listed under subparagraph (ii) are
    better served under independent standards rather than embedded
    in the existing nutrient management standard.

    Office of Conservation Innovation

        Section (f), paragraph (5) adds new language to the Food
    Security Act of 1985 establishing an Office of Conservation
    Innovation. The Committee understands the pace of innovation in
    agriculture and the struggles to remain current given the scope
    and complexity of technical and programmatic requirements
    placed on the agency. Therefore, the Committee is directing the
    establishment of this office with technical staff of the stated
    criteria in a structure that reports directly to the Chief of
    the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The goal is to
    provide technical leaders with unfettered access to the Chief
    to deliver the current state of technology for the Chief to
    better set priorities for technical advancement and timely
    delivery of products and tools to the field employees and
    agriculture producers.
        Given the diminished staff capacity of the agency and the
    expectations of Congress for timely delivery of the programs
    under this title, subsection (g) of Section 2502 is added to
    provide a path for the agency to acquire the personnel
    resources necessary to deliver the conservation programs
    administered by the agency.
        Section 2503 adjusts the aggregate acreage limitations
    associated with land retirement conservation programs to 25
    percent across all identified programs to better balance the
    programs with the applicable resource needs and benefits.
        In subparagraph (c), the Committee further addresses the
    issues of USDA continuing to elevate payment rates to a
    national level. The current program payment schedule process,
    while convenient for the agency staff, continues to miss the
    target for our agriculture producers. This amended language is
    directing the Secretary to establish a payment process that is
    more reflective of the local costs and variability of
    producer's costs in implementing conservation practices. The
    conservation program structure of this title is built around
    the premise of locally-led conservation, State Technical
    Committees, and shared costs with producers under the program
    defined sideboards. The Committee has every expectation the
    agency will rapidly adjust and adopt payment schedule methods
    that encourage and facilitate locally prioritized conservation
    practice adoption.
        The 2018 Farm Bill initiated a significant cross-program
    effort to protect our Nation's source water through targeting
    efforts, after seven years of application of this language the
    Committee is making a few significant changes to the law, by
    requiring each Natural Resources Conservation Service State
    Conservationist to designate a staff member to be responsible
    for coordinating with community water system providers and
    annually report through a publicly available method the program
    delivery and accomplishments of this effort.

    Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

        The legislation supports and reauthorizes the Agricultural
    Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) through Fiscal Year 2031.
    The Bill also provides a variety of reforms to improve
    administration, reduce burdensome processes, and increase
    program flexibility. This includes more clarity on easement
    transfers, modifications and exchanges, as well as a process
    for recognizing experienced easement entities with less
    unnecessary oversight. For Socially Disadvantaged Farmers
    (SDA), the bill provides a higher Federal cost-share, a
    separate evaluation and ranking pool, and a 30-year contract
    option within Wetland Reserve Easement contracts available to
    Indian Tribes. The bill also increases the Federal cost-share,
    creates a lower cost-share option, and waives the adjusted
    gross income requirement for the program.
        The legislation rescinds the authority under the
    Agricultural Conservation Easement Program--Agricultural Land
    Easements for entities to engage in Buy-Protect-Sell
    transactions. With this rescission, however, the Committee does
    not intend to preclude all projects that facilitate the
    transfer of eligible land between producers. The Committee
    believes that current statutory authority would allow an entity
    to apply to the program either on behalf of an eligible
    landowner who intends to transfer ownership of the eligible
    land to another landowner prior to the acquisition of the
    agricultural land easement, or on behalf of the future buyer of
    the eligible land, provided the buyer is otherwise eligible and
    purchases the land prior to or simultaneously with the
    acquisition of the agricultural land easement.
        To encourage and enable more landowners to participate in
    the program Section 2602 amends 1265B(b)(2) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 to increase the Federal share to an amount
    not to exceed 65% of the fair market value of the agricultural
    land easement. To fully promote program participation, the
    Committee expects the agency to apply this increased Federal
    share to all ACEP--ALE projects other than those eligible for
    the higher Federal share under (ii) or (iii) and the lower
    federal option authorized in (C).
        Recognizing the historic issues of landownership and
    difficulties in binding property rights in perpetuity within
    certain communities, the Committee amends Section 1265C
    (b)(1)(D) to add socially disadvantaged landowners to the 30-
    year contract option available to Indian Tribes. In doing so,
    the Committee does not intend for socially disadvantaged
    landowners to be excluded from applying for and being enrolled
    in perpetual or 30-year easements at their discretion.
        The Committee did not provide new language or modification
    with respect to the evaluation and ranking of offers described
    in 1265C(b)(3). However, the Committee recognizes the real and
    perceived barriers of socially disadvantaged landowners to
    easement programs. Therefore, the Committee directs the
    Secretary to work with the socially disadvantaged landowner
    communities to identify barriers to access and enrollment and
    to further take action to reduce or eliminate these barriers
    within the flexibilities provided under the law. Further and as
    a minimum, the Secretary should establish separate ranking
    pools and conduct targeted, timely outreach and education to
    socially disadvantaged landowners.
        Section 2602 amends 1265B(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 to include an alternative option for landowners reluctant
    to enter into an agricultural land easement in which the
    Federal Government has a contingent right of enforcement. This
    option is intended to enable public agencies to reconcile the
    NRCS minimum deed terms with their own state requirements.
    Without a Federal contingent right of enforcement, the
    Committee believes that no minimum deed terms should be
    required and the review of easement deed terms under this
    option should be limited to consistency with program purposes
    and inclusion of an effective right of enforcement for the
    entity.
        The Committee provides modification with respect to the
    easement payment in 1265C(b)(3). The Committee does not believe
    this program should compete with the land values for
    productive, well-suited agricultural land that could displace
    agriculture production or land access for beginning and
    socially disadvantaged farmers. The Committee does believe
    there remains a significant acreage of soils and farms that
    were inadequately drained prior to 1985, or the drainage has
    degraded over time making consistent, economically viable
    production impractical without accepting a higher risk. The
    Secretary shall view the established rate as a cap and monitor
    the methods used by each state and ensure the rates being
    offered are not diverting productive, economically viable
    agriculture lands into land retirement.
        The Committee provides modification to current law with
    respect to the agency's certification and use of certified
    entities. The Committee instructs USDA to embrace this
    provision and maximize the opportunities for entities to become
    certified and conduct their easement acquisition business with
    minimal interaction and interference of the agency.
        Subsection (d) in Section 1265C addresses easement
    stewardship needs and responsibilities of USDA. The Department
    has surpassed 6 million acres of enrolled easements with
    approximately 3 million in the wetlands reserve, the most
    comprehensive easement within the farm bill portfolio. The
    Committee appreciates USDA's historic, decades-long commitment
    in prioritizing the funding for the enrollment and restoration
    of new acres. This effort has carried the load in achieving the
    ``no net-loss'' goal for wetland conversions and in doing so
    has maintained a significant portion of these wetlands in the
    hands of our nation's private landowners. The sole intent of
    this language is to elevate the easement stewardship
    responsibilities within the program to a planning, budgeting,
    and execution priority level equivalent to acquisition and
    restoration. It is not intended to create an equal division of
    the funds for stewardship, but to require the agency to
    inventory, monitor, assess, and plan for post-restoration
    activities on these lands. Doing so will properly account for
    the program gains in meeting all objectives and ensure future
    activities are funded to prevent habitat degradation and
    encourage further enhancement of the easement functions and
    values.
        Section 2604 makes several changes to 1265D(c) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 to improve program efficiency related to
    easement stewardship. The Committee is aware of significant
    delays by the agency in acting on entity or landowner requests
    for easement modifications--delays that have led to negative
    landowner and partner perceptions of the program, chilling
    landowner interest in easement programs. The Committee has
    decoupled easement modifications from exchanges and created a
    separate set of requirements for each, recognizing that the
    administrative actions serve different purposes. An exchange
    involves the removal of some land included in an existing
    easement in exchange for other land not currently encumbered. A
    modification adjusts the terms of an easement, corrects errors,
    and clarifies vague language. The revised requirements for
    easement modifications allow modifications that support the
    long-term agricultural viability of farm or ranch operations
    and result in equal or greater conservation values, enabling
    farmers and ranchers to better respond to changing
    environmental and economic conditions and technologies, while
    still upholding the conservation purposes of the easement.
        The Committee authorizes certified entities to act on ``de
    minimis'' easement adjustments, such as minor easement
    corrections or requests to exercise rights that have been
    reserved in an easement. This authority will reduce the
    administrative burden on NRCS while creating a more efficient,
    less duplicative process for landowners. Minor easement
    modifications are a routine task for entities who manage
    easements, and certified entities must show that they are
    capable of long-term management of easements to become
    certified.
        Section 2604 clarifies that modifications shall not be
    considered a major Federal action subject to NEPA. The
    Committee is aware that an increasing challenge for landowners
    and partners in modifying easements is NRCS's determination
    that all modifications are subject to the National
    Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This determination delays
    approvals for minor easement modifications due to NRCS site
    visits and environmental assessments. The Committee believes
    that a modification to an easement in which the Federal
    Government has only a contingent right of enforcement does not
    rise to the level of major Federal action. Private agricultural
    lands conservation is a cornerstone to protecting valuable open
    space and wildlife habitat and a central condition for
    modifying an ACEP-ALE easement is that the modification results
    in equal or greater benefit to the property's conservation
    values.
        The Committee recognizes ACEP easements are evaluated on
    land protection, preservation, and restoration merits and not
    the applicant. As such, the adjusted gross income (AGI)
    provisions applied to the landowner are creating an impediment
    and burden on the applicant and the agency in further
    addressing the waiver requirements of Section 1001D(b).
    Therefore, the Committee inserted language in 1265D(g)
    exempting ACEP from AGI applicability.

    Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP)

        Recognizing the need for the increased availability of
    forest easements, Section 2701 of the Farm, Food, and National
    Security Act creates a new Subtitle I within Title XII of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 and authorizes mandatory dollars for
    a new Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP). The
    Committee intends this new program to be structured and
    function similarly to the Agricultural Conservation Easement
    Program. With the creation of FCEP, the bill repeals the
    existing Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP).
        Section 1267 establishes the purposes of FCEP: protect
    working forest land by limiting the negative effects of non-
    forest land uses; protect and enhance forest ecosystem
    functions; promote wildlife habitat; and carry out the
    functions of HFRP. Per Section 1267A, an eligible entity
    includes a state or local government or an Indian Tribe, a
    conservation organization, or a 501(c)(3) or a 509(a).
        In Sections 1267B and 1267C, the bill establishes two types
    of easements within the program: forest land easements and
    forest reserve easements. Under the provisions of 1265B, forest
    land easements are conveyed to an eligible entity for
    protecting forestland and natural resources, while allowing the
    landowner to continue working forest production. Subsection
    (b), paragraph (4)(iii) of 1265B, includes a requirement for a
    forest management plan as a minimum terms and conditions for
    the easement to be included in the agreement between the
    Secretary and entities.
        While the Committee believes the easement acreage should be
    under forest management plan, the Committee does not intend to
    include this or any other plan as a component, exhibit, or part
    of the filed easement. The easement and the long-term
    administration should not be encumbered by the unnecessary
    paperwork to review and amend an easement deed making necessary
    changes and adjustments to the plan during the term of the
    easement. The Committee reiterates that the plan development,
    approval, implementation, and modifications shall remain
    between the entity and landowner without interference of the
    Secretary.
        Separately, 1265C provides for forest reserve easements
    with certain rights conveyed to the Secretary for similar
    natural resources and forestland protection, while also
    allowing the landowner to continue working forest production.

    Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

        The Committee reauthorizes the Regional Conservation
    Partnership Program and fully supports partnerships that
    leverage resources to increase conservation program delivery
    and effectiveness. Section 2801 restructures Section 1271 of
    the Food Security Act of 1985 to clearly display the broad
    purposes to be addressed through the program.
        The Committee applauds the agency's efforts to improve
    accountability and reporting of natural resource benefits
    derived from program funds. However, this effort has created an
    overwhelming burden for eligible partners and further
    complicates partner engagement. The Committee and USDA partners
    have expressed frustration with respect to the lengthy process
    and delays in securing partnership agreements. The agency has
    not achieved the substantial changes necessary to ensure the
    partners are able to expeditiously initiate projects and
    deliver conservation services and funding to agriculture and
    forest producers. Section 1271B(a)(2), as amended by the
    reported bill instructs the Secretary to engage with partners
    and re-engineer the partnership and program agreement process
    to deliver funds to partners early in the fiscal year and
    simplify the financial and progress reporting complexities to
    align with the deliverables within the approved program
    application.
        The Committee also understands many partners have
    experienced significant delays in receiving payments for their
    work described and performed under the agreement. These delays
    hinder a partnering entity's ability to deliver the program.
    Amended language to subparagraph (d)(6) directs the Secretary
    to place greater emphasis on timely delivery of payments to
    partnering entities.
        Subsection (c) of Section 2803 instructs the Secretary to
    address specific requests for waivers to the covered programs
    within the application process. The Committee believes the
    added clarity will reduce confusion and delays with respect to
    project delivery. Section 2804 amends current law subsection
    1271C(d)(3) to add subparagraph (B) partners entering into an
    alternative funding arrangement or grant under the program will
    be required to furnish not less than 50 percent of the overall
    costs of the project. Section 2805 restructures current law to
    accommodate the mandatory program funding language to Section
    1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, consistent
    with the other conservation programs under this title.
        The Committee understands the term technical assistance to
    include direct personnel costs including wages and benefits,
    equipment at standard rates, travel, and training for the
    partner staff performing work identified within the agreement.
    The Secretary should exercise discretion using the authority
    provided in 2805(b) of this bill in identifying the acceptable
    technical assistance for use of program funds. This should not
    unduly restrict partners from properly covering their personnel
    and associated costs similar to the use of the funds for USDA
    personnel supporting the covered programs.
        It has been brought to the Committee's attention that the
    agency has created subdivisions in the allocation of technical
    assistance funds within the partnership agreement. In doing so,
    the agency has added administrative burden in the allocation,
    distribution, and modification of agreements as partners
    utilize the program funded technical assistance in support of
    the program. Further, the burdensome reporting required with
    respect to the division of these funds has introduced
    recordkeeping complexities that did not exist prior to the 2018
    Farm Bill or within other program delivery agreements. Through
    the additions and amendments to 1271D(c) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985, Congress directs USDA to eliminate this
    administrative complexity associated within the division of
    allocated technical assistance funding while maintaining the
    overall authority for the use of these funds as described in
    the statute.
        In establishing the program regulation as required by the
    2018 Farm Bill, USDA created considerable flexibility in the
    relationship of this program to the regulations and policies of
    the covered programs listed in 1271A(1) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985. In doing so, the agency has created considerable
    confusion for partners and producers in program delivery
    between the covered programs rules and regulations and the RCPP
    flexibilities embodied in the announcement of program funding
    and the partnership agreements. Through the amendments provided
    by Section 2806 of this bill, the Committee seeks to restore
    the guiding principles of the covered programs that exist
    through statute, regulation, and program policy as the
    underpinning of the RCPP.
        Section 2807 relates to the definition of priority resource
    concern for wildlife is clarified through expanded language
    including connectivity and corridors.

    Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program

        The Committee recognizes the significant role of the
    Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP)
    in helping State and Tribal governments increase public access
    to lands across the U.S. and improve wildlife habitats, while
    protecting private landowner rights.
        The Committee understands that current areas covered under
    this program provide much-needed access for Americans to
    reconnect with the outdoors through recreation activities, but
    there are opportunities to enhance those experiences. The
    Committee encourages USDA to improve the quality of habitat for
    sought-after game species (and numerous non-game species
    associated with them) on lands enrolled in Voluntary Public
    Access for the numerous species by increasing the ability of
    the landowner VPA-HIP grantees to participate in more-easily
    incorporate effective habitat management practices in
    conjunction with providing public access. The additional
    function of habitat improvement for the landowners will be
    advantageous for the landscape and wildlife.

    The sense of the Committee regarding other conservation efforts

        Western Water and Drought.--The reported Bill reauthorizes
    programs within the Department's jurisdiction, and several
    authorities granted to the Secretary, related to water and
    water conservation to address growing issues of water access
    across the United States. Due to the geographical and
    atmospheric conditions unique to the Western United States, the
    Federal government has historically played an active role in
    both water supply and water quality for this region,
    guaranteeing access for residents and businesses. The Committee
    urges the Department to use its existing programs and
    authorities to prioritize water quality and water supply needs
    in the Western United States. In addition, the Committee
    encourages agreements and management practices for the benefit
    of wildlife including for the purpose of providing seasonal
    wetland habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds.
        Wetland Reserve Easements and Levees.--The Committee
    recognizes that under Public Law 84-99, the Levee
    Rehabilitation Program, the United States Army Corps of
    Engineers (USACE) has the authority to restore a levee that has
    been damaged by a natural disaster like a flood. In order to do
    so, USACE utilizes adjacent ground to realign the levee.
    However, the Committee also recognizes that in some instances,
    the adjacent ground needed to realign the levee, is private
    property held under easement through the USDA's Wetlands
    Reserve Program (WRP) or CRP, which restricts the land from use
    and further delays progress in realigning the levee. The
    Committee urges USDA to utilize the flexibility in existing
    authority to work with the USACE to develop a pre-flood memo of
    understanding or a joint guidance document that will provide
    expeditious resolution of amendments to USDA conservation
    program contracts necessary to permit post-flood levee
    realignment without delay.
        Native Plants.--The Committee directs any entity of the
    Federal Government that performs landscape planting
    improvements as part of construction or maintenance activities
    to prioritize, as feasible with regard to cost, schedule, and
    product supply, the use of native plants over non-native
    plants, and to consider the benefits, such as habitat creation,
    supporting pollinators, decreasing soil erosion and landscape
    water usage, increasing sediment control, and controlling
    stormwater runoff, of using native plants over the life of the
    project when deciding whether to use native plants.
        Winter Hearty Cover Crops and Anerobic Digesters.--Winter
    hearty cover crops are widely known to provide agronomic and
    environmental benefits in annual cropping systems, including
    improved soil organic carbon storage, water infiltration,
    nutrient retention and the potential for reduced pest and weed
    pressure in subsequent summer crops. Allowing spring
    termination of cover crops through harvest could encourage more
    widespread adoption of cover cropping practices by farmers. The
    harvested material could be used for bioenergy--for example
    renewable electricity or renewable natural gas through
    anaerobic digestion--or for forage or bedding, providing market
    incentives for practice adoption.
        Aggregate Materials.--The Committee recognizes the
    advantages of applying minerals from fine aggregates materials
    and quarry by-products, including crushed rock, gravel, and
    other residual materials from quarry processing, on farmland.
    The Committee encourages the Secretary of Agriculture, in
    collaboration with NRCS and the aggregates industry, to
    establish best practices for applying minerals from fine
    aggregates materials and quarry by-products on farmland.
        Citrus Greening.--The Committee fully recognizes the
    ongoing challenges that citrus greening has created for citrus
    growers and citrus producing regions. The Committee encourages
    NRCS and FSA to make the appropriate tools and programs
    available to citrus growers, including cost-share opportunities
    and easements, where appropriate, to keep such lands working
    and in production.
        White Oak Initiative.--White oak forests are critical for
    wildlife, biodiversity, and forest products, and without swift
    action by private landowners and land management agencies,
    there will be a significant decline of white oak forests in the
    future. The Committee commends NRCS for its work to encourage
    white oak conservation and promote white oak reforestation
    practices and encourages NRCS to expand and coordinate these
    efforts across its programs with the U.S. Forest Service.

                                TITLE III--TRADE

    Trade promotion

        The Committee recognizes the immense importance of trade to
    the agriculture industry, with U.S. agricultural exports
    estimated at $176 billion per year and trade supporting more
    than one million full time civilian jobs.
        The Committee also understands our international trading
    partners have been substantially increasing publicly funded
    support for export promotion, while U.S. investments have
    remained stagnant. Flat spending, coupled with a lackluster
    trade agenda under the Biden Administration, has led to an
    agricultural trade deficit for the first time in decades.
        The Committee has heard from every segment of the
    agricultural industry about the importance of maintaining
    support for trade promotion and market development programs.
    While the Committee is confident that America's farmers and
    ranchers are incredibly efficient and can compete with anyone
    in the world on a level playing field, they simply cannot be
    expected to compete with foreign treasuries on their own.
        In an effort to keep American agriculture competitive on
    the global stage, the Committee-reported bill increases funding
    for the Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Program
    (ATPFP), comprised of the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign
    Market Development (FMD) Program, E (Kika) de la Garza Emerging
    Markets Program (EMP), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops
    (TASC) Program, and Priority Trade Fund (PTF). The topline
    funding is $533 million, with $410 million allocated to MAP,
    $82 million allocated to FMD, $16 million allocated to EMP, $18
    million allocated to TASC, and $7 million allocated to PTF. The
    Committee expects the Secretary and the Undersecretary for
    Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA to use this
    funding to continue breaking down barriers to trade and opening
    up new markets for U.S. agricultural products.
        The Committee also calls attention to the funding provided
    to enhance needs assessments, training, and other technical
    assistance to improve the capabilities of cold chain capacity
    in new and developing foreign markets. The Committee included
    this provision to ensure that agricultural commodities are not
    damaged or lost due to deficiencies of such infrastructure.
        The Committee wholeheartedly endorses the suite of trade
    promotion programs at USDA as valuable tools in advancing our
    international trade interests with proven results and
    substantial net returns. The Committee encourages the
    agricultural industry to continue utilizing these programs in
    the most efficient manner possible and urges MAP and FMD
    cooperators to leverage data and analytics to even more
    effectively target promotional efforts for U.S. products
    abroad.
        The Committee continues to encourage the agricultural
    industry to take full advantage of TASC and EMP. However, if
    these programs are underutilized, the Committee intends to
    ensure the Secretary has the flexibility to use remaining funds
    to supplement the popular and often oversubscribed MAP and FMD
    programs.
        Finally, the Committee intends to clarify that the TASC
    program should aim to align with and use the definition of
    ``specialty crops'' from the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act
    of 2004, which includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried
    fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

    International food aid and food security

        For more than 60 years, the United States has played a
    leading role in global efforts to alleviate hunger and
    malnutrition through international food assistance--primarily
    through the donation or sale of U.S. agricultural commodities.
    Unfortunately, in recent years, there has been a move away from
    in-kind assistance towards cash-based assistance, namely in the
    Food for Peace (FFP) program. While cash-based assistance can
    be beneficial in unique developmental circumstances, the
    Committee believes the focus of our international feeding
    programs should be restored to their original intent, which is
    to provide U.S. grown agricultural commodities to hungry people
    around the world.
        The Committee further believes that the best agency to
    implement and oversee our international feeding programs is
    USDA. USDA has managed programs like Food for Progress (FFPr)
    and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
    Child Nutrition (McGovern-Dole) Program for decades and has a
    unique expertise in commodity procurement. To that end, the
    Committee reported bill reauthorizes FFPr and McGovern-Dole and
    transfers all authorities of the Food for Peace Act, including
    the Food for Peace (FFP) program, from the U.S. Agency for
    International Development (USAID) to USDA. Through this
    transfer, the Committee intends for all statutory and
    regulatory provisions that have been used by USAID to
    administer the program to be fully transferred to USDA.
        Within the transfer, the Committee also notes the 50
    percent cap on FFP nonemergency funds for expenses other than
    the procurement of U.S. grown agricultural commodities and
    ocean transportation. The Committee expects USDA to meet the 50
    percent diversion requirement and work towards decreasing the
    diversion percentage in coming years, further restoring the
    original intent of the program.

                              TITLE IV--NUTRITION

        Title IV authorizes funding and updates policy for several
    federal nutrition programs, including the Supplemental
    Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Senior Farmers' Market
    Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Commodity Supplemental Food
    Program (CSFP), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),
    and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
    (FDPIR).
        SNAP currently offers nutrition assistance to 42 million
    individuals, providing an average monthly benefit of $332 per
    household. Total SNAP-related funding in FY 2025 was $102
    billion, which includes benefits, administration, nutrition
    education, employment and training, and program integrity.
    Total benefits provided to households in FY 2025 summed to $95
    billion.
        It is important to highlight the significant increase in
    SNAP spending since President Trump signed into law the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). In FY
    2018, total SNAP-related funding was $65 billion and total
    benefits provided to households summed to $61 billion. This is
    why, in the first session of the 119th Congress, congressional
    Republicans delivered the most meaningful reforms to SNAP in
    the history of the program in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
    (Pub. L. 119-21), signed into law by President Trump on July 4,
    2025. These reforms, which will save taxpayers nearly $200
    billion over the next decade, ensure SNAP works the way
    Congress intended it to, by reinforcing work, restoring program
    integrity, and instituting long-overdue accountability
    incentives to control costs and end administrative overreach.
    Title IV of the Committee-reported bill locks in these historic
    reforms for five years and continues to deliver wins for
    taxpayers by remaining entirely budget neutral.
        Despite budgetary limitations, the Committee-reported bill
    prioritizes our farmers and neighbors in need by advancing
    policies to expand the reach of critical feeding programs,
    improve nutrition, and hold states who administer programs
    accountable.
        First, the bill prioritizes innovation and improves access
    to nutrition programs, including by, but not limited to,
    authorizing state-led local purchasing programs to connect
    farmers and producers with their local food distribution
    organizations; expanding access to the CSFP through a program
    delivery pilot that priorities rural communities; strengthening
    the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) by
    allowing for all forms of produce in SNAP incentives and
    waiving the match requirement in persistent poverty counties;
    and requiring that USDA make the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot a
    permanent shopping option nationwide.
        Second, the bill creates a stronger, more sustainable
    connection between health and federal nutrition programs. The
    bill includes several reforms to the Dietary Guidelines for
    Americans to emphasize science, integrity, and transparency,
    while de-emphasizing politics and issues irrelevant to food and
    nutrition science. The Committee also expands the SNAP Healthy
    Fluid Milk Incentive Program to the Dairy Nutrition Incentive
    Program to increase SNAP household's access to more whole,
    nutritious foods. Finally, for the first time, the bill
    refocuses the purpose of SNAP as defined in the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 to a program that promotes a healthy
    lifestyle and the prevention of diet-related chronic disease.
        Lastly, building off Pub. L. 119-21, the Committee-reported
    bill continues to hold USDA and states accountable to the
    generosity of the American taxpayer by requiring USDA to
    include all identified SNAP payment errors, regardless of
    dollar amount, in a supplemental, public annual report and by
    directing GAO to investigate skyrocketing SNAP administrative
    costs in the states.

    Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico

        The Committee supports the goal of Puerto Rico ultimately
    transitioning from the Nutrition Assistance Program block grant
    to SNAP and recognizes that SNAP would give Puerto Rico more
    tools to promote employment. The Committee encourages both USDA
    and Puerto Rico to continue to formulate a financially and
    operationally viable pathway toward a transition and to remain
    engaged with Congress on the progress made in this effort. The
    Committee specifically encourages the Department to provide
    robust technical assistance to Puerto Rico throughout this
    process.

    SNAP Retailer Eligibility

        Current statute defines ``retail food stores'' as part of
    the SNAP retailer eligibility criteria USDA considers when
    assessing SNAP retailer applications. However, it is unclear
    how unattended food retailers such as micro markets are treated
    by USDA in the SNAP retailer application process. Currently,
    the Committee does not feel a statutory change is necessary for
    USDA to consider unattended food retailers under the ``retail
    food stores'' definition in current law (7 USC Sec. 2012(o)).
    To that end, the Committee encourages USDA to continue to
    consider and approve SNAP retailers, including unattended food
    retailers, who meet the necessary eligibility criteria under
    the existing statute to address food insecurity and increase
    utilization of the SNAP program.

    Eligible Foods in SNAP

        As the Department works with states to Make America Healthy
    Again and implement temporary waivers that restrict certain
    purchases with SNAP, the Committee encourages the Department to
    report to Congress, no later than one year after enactment of
    the Act, on the feasibility of a national standard for foods
    that should be purchased with SNAP benefits, taking into
    consideration implementation challenges, the effectiveness of
    such standards, and the impact on retailers of various sizes.

    SNAP Equal Treatment

        The Committee is aware that, due to changes in currency
    one-cent piece circulation and commercial practices, some
    retail food stores and authorized vendors round the total
    amount of cash transactions, including total change due, to the
    nearest whole cent or increment (e.g., nearest five-cent
    increment). The Committee notes that this practice, when
    applied, is done so uniformly to all customers paying with cash
    and is unrelated to the form or sequence of payment used for
    program benefits.
        The Committee does not intend for the equal treatment
    requirements under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to be
    implicated or interpreted in a manner that penalizes otherwise
    compliant retailers or vendors solely because they engage in
    uniform cash-rounding practices when necessitated by currency
    one-cent piece circulation changes.
        Accordingly, the Committee stresses that equal treatment or
    pricing requirements of SNAP are not implicated or violated
    solely on the basis that the retailer or vendor rounds the
    total amount of a cash transaction, provided that any such
    rounding is applied consistently to all cash transactions
    regardless of the type or sequence tender used.
        The Committee also stresses that none of the above limits
    the Secretary's authority to enforce program requirements
    related to fraud, overcharges, or differential treatment based
    on the form of payment.

    Buy American in SNAP

        The Committee directs the Secretary, no later than one year
    after enactment of the Act, to submit to the Committee a report
    evaluating the feasibility of applying a Buy American
    requirement to certain food products purchased with SNAP
    benefits, including meat and seafood products, dairy products,
    eggs, and fruits and vegetables.

    Ingredients and SNAP

        The Committee directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study
    the impact of ingredient information and transparency on SNAP
    purchases.

    Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs

        The Committee supports the role the Senior Farmers' Market
    Nutrition Program (SFMNP) plays in providing access to healthy
    foods for low-income seniors by connecting them with local
    farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported
    agricultural programs. The SFMNP is administered by state
    agencies who also administer the Special Supplemental Nutrition
    Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers' Market
    Nutrition Program (FMNP). However, the Committee understands
    that while the SFMNP receives mandatory funding under this
    legislation, the WIC FMNP is funded through annual
    discretionary appropriations. The Committee understands these
    two funding mechanisms, along with separate sets of USDA
    regulations, create administrative burdens and costs for both
    the administering state agencies and USDA. For these reasons,
    the Committee requests that the Secretary report to the
    Committee on the impact on state agencies and USDA of these two
    farmers' market programs operating separately, including
    administrative impacts and the impact of the annual
    appropriations cycle on the seasonal nature of farmers'
    markets.

                                TITLE V--CREDIT

        The Committee is dedicated to providing reliable access to
    credit to help ensure the success of America's family farmers,
    ranchers, and foresters as well as the rural economies they
    help support. The Committee notes that agricultural production
    is capital intensive, yet producers must continually manage
    their operations in markets with extremely slim margins.
        The Committee acknowledges that, in the wake of historic
    inflation and recent farm economy downturn, the modernization
    of credit programs is critical to the success of America's
    farmers and ranchers. The Committee-reported bill modernizes
    loan limits for guaranteed, direct, and microloans to account
    for the growing need for capital in rural America. Farm
    ownership loan limits are increased from $600,000 to $850,000
    for direct loans and from $1,750,000 to $3,500,000 for
    guaranteed loans, while operating loans are increased from
    $400,000 to $750,000 for direct loans and from $1,750,000 to
    $3,000,000 for guaranteed loans. Microloan limits are increased
    from $50,000 to $100,000. To keep pace with elevated cost of
    production, the Committee-reported bill indexes the limitation
    for guaranteed ownership loans to land values.
        Under certain conditions, the Committee-reported bill also
    provides the ability to refinance distressed guaranteed loans
    into direct loans. The Committee-reported bill also makes
    technical changes to Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan eligibility
    requirements to accommodate farmers and ranchers who utilize
    modern legal structures that allow them to share risk, limit
    liability, and aid with the transfer of operations to the next
    generation.
        The Committee recognizes the importance of expanding access
    to credit. To ensure new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers
    can successfully manage a transition into farming and ranching,
    the Committee-reported bill maintains the loan levels and loan
    fund set asides for beginning farmer and rancher operating
    loans as well as reduces and streamlines experience
    requirements for beginning farmers. To allow beginning farmers
    to retain more of their working capital, the Committee-reported
    bill aligns the loan limit for the FSA Down Payment Loan
    Program to match USDA Direct Farm Ownership Loans. The
    Committee-reported bill reauthorizes and bolsters the Heirs
    Property Relending Program to allow USDA to enter into
    cooperative agreements with public interest legal service
    providers and assist producers in resolving ownership records
    and transitioning land into agricultural production. The
    Committee-reported bill also establishes a pre-approval pilot
    program for producers utilizing direct farm ownership loans
    through the Farm Service Agency. To continue fostering the
    education and outreach to young and beginning farmers, the
    Committee-reported bill reauthorizes the Beginning Farmer and
    Rancher Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program.
        The Committee appreciates the important role that the Farm
    Credit System (FCS) and community banks play for producers and
    rural communities across the country. The Committee-reported
    bill clarifies the oversight authorities of the Farm Credit
    Administration (FCA) to ensure all participants in the System
    are in compliance with the Farm Credit Act. As such, the
    Committee-reported bill updates the Farm Credit Act of 1971 by
    eliminating references that are out of date based on current
    markets and regulations.
        Regulatory burdens faced by lenders can inhibit their
    ability to effectively serve their customers and provide much
    needed capital in a timely fashion. Regulations put in place to
    implement certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act
    unnecessarily included the FCS to report to the Consumer
    Finance Protection Bureau (CFPP), which is not the regulator of
    the FCS. In light of this, the Committee-reported bill
    reaffirms FCA as the sole regulator of the FCS unless otherwise
    specified in law as of the date of enactment. It is the intent
    of the Committee to ensure that the FCS is not subject to rules
    and regulations of other regulators unless Congress explicitly
    states so.
        The Committee encourages the Farm Credit Administration
    (FCA) to include in its determination of low-risk institutions
    only those FCA chartered institutions with total assets of less
    than $1.5 billion. The Committee further encourages the FCA, on
    an annual basis, to review the Farm Credit System's year-over-
    year percentage change in system assets to determine if the
    suggested cap should be adjusted.
        To help expedite the loan application process and allow
    lenders to provide more efficient service to producers, the
    Committee-reported bill amends the EZ Guarantee Loan Program to
    allow both certified and guaranteed lenders the ability to
    accept a lower guarantee on a loan in exchange for a faster
    turnaround time from the USDA. It was brought to the attention
    of the Committee instances in which a lender cannot complete a
    guaranteed loan application due to a lack of proof of purchase
    which in turn results in FSA being unable to start the final
    approval process. Government bureaucracy should not be the
    reason there is a delay in service to America's producers. For
    this reason, the Committee established a pilot program for
    guaranteed lenders that allows them to provide a bridge loan to
    producers to ensure they maintain the ability to secure
    capital. The Committee remains committed to expanding the
    ability of all lenders to adequately and efficiently provide
    credit to those who need it most as well as reduce the workload
    for FSA staff.
        The Committee believes regulations under the Farm Credit
    Act have not kept pace with innovations by farmers, ranchers,
    and businesses using waste for energy and supports interpreting
    ``water, waste, and waste disposal'' to include recycling and
    energy production from waste. The Committee also believes the
    Bank for Cooperatives, the Farm Credit System's direct lender,
    should be able to finance waste recycling, disposal, and energy
    production facilities, including when electricity is used on-
    site without burdening the energy grid. Due to current
    limitations on the size of loans able to be made under the
    Export Guarantee Program, cooperative lenders are unable to
    increase loan volume, or they are forced to assume more of the
    risk themselves. The Committee-reported bill raises the loan
    cap under the Export Guarantee Program to 15 percent of the
    bank's total assets to align it with other Farm Credit Act
    limitations.
        The Committee recognizes the importance of a strong rural
    economy and reliable infrastructure. The Committee-reported
    bill provides cooperative banks under the FCS with the ability
    to provide capital for essential community facilities in rural
    areas. To ensure community banks are not negatively impacted,
    cooperative lenders must offer an interest in financing to at
    least one domestic lending institution. To the extent
    practicable, it is the intent of the Committee that both FCS
    institutions and community banks work together to offer a
    blended rate of financing. The need for access to capital has
    become a common theme in rural America. Fishing communities
    across the country experience a lapse in available credit when
    attempting to secure loans for certain parts of the supply
    chain such as cold storage and gear production. To ensure the
    needs of the industry are being met, the Committee-reported
    bill expands the authority of FCS institutions to provide
    financial support for fishing communities. It is the intent of
    the Committee that these loans are limited to those that are
    providing direct assistance to fishing operations.
        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes the State
    Agricultural Mediation Program to help agricultural producers,
    their lenders, and other persons directly affected by the
    actions of USDA resolve their disputes. The Committee
    recognizes mediation as a valuable tool for settling disputes
    in a variety of USDA program areas.

                          TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

        The federal government has provided essential technical and
    financial assistance since the 1930's to rural communities that
    support rural families and farm households. USDA Rural
    Development programs are vital for enhancing quality of life
    and creating new economic opportunities in rural America. The
    Committee-reported bill continues the long history of
    bipartisan support for rural development initiatives, and
    making important improvements to programs, which support access
    to high-speed broadband; investments in essential utility
    services, including water infrastructure, and community
    facilities; the financial stability of hospitals and other
    health care facilities; new workforce development opportunities
    for rural workers; and economic development. These improvements
    to USDA Rural Development programs are crucial components to
    ensure rural America is not left behind, while building a
    robust, rural economy.

             SUBTITLE A--IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES IN RURAL AMERICA

        Rural Americans continue to face a range of health care
    challenges, which the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
    2026 aims to address.
        Throughout the Farm Bill process, the Committee has
    prioritized addressing the health crises that continue to
    devastate communities nationwide. Recognizing that rural
    America faces persistent opioid addiction along with a rising
    incidence of mental and behavioral health issues, the Committee
    worked to improve access to essential support and resources in
    these areas. Limited health care access, stigma, and workforce
    shortages have left many rural communities struggling to
    provide adequate mental and behavioral health services. These
    urgent challenges demand a response, with the USDA playing a
    key role in financing the infrastructure that communities and
    nonprofit organizations need to effectively address these
    health crises.
        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes the Secretary's
    temporary authority for an additional two years to address a
    broad range of potential health crises in rural America,
    including substance use disorder, mental health, behavioral
    health, and maternal health. Further, the bill maintains the
    Secretary's authority to address any future health crisis, by
    preserving set-asides or priorities in several programs,
    including the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, the
    Community Facility Loan and Grant Programs, and the Rural
    Health and Safety Education Program.
        In addition to these targeted health issues, rural
    Americans continue to face a broader concern: access to general
    health care services. Obtaining medical care is often more
    challenging in rural areas than in urban and suburban
    communities. In response, the bill reauthorizes the Distance
    Learning and Telemedicine program, which the Committee views as
    a vital bridge connecting rural patients to essential health
    care services that may otherwise be out of reach due to
    distance.

         SUBTITLE B--CONNECTING RURAL AMERICANS TO HIGH SPEED BROADBAND

        Ensuring that all communities across rural America have
    access to broadband remains a priority for the Committee.
    During a hearing on broadband, the Committee heard from
    witnesses that highlighted the importance of USDA broadband
    programs for ensuring that all rural communities have reliable
    Internet service.
        The Committee recognizes USDA's emphasis in the most recent
    ReConnect Program Notice of Funding Opportunity on supporting
    high-speed broadband infrastructure capable of delivering
    scalable, high-performance networks crucial to meeting the
    evolving connectivity needs of rural communities. The Committee
    encourages USDA to continue investing in projects that ensure
    federal broadband investments remain both durable and
    responsive to growing upload and download demands, while still
    prioritizing broadband service to those rural areas without the
    minimum threshold of service specified in the Committee-
    reported bill of 50/25 megabits per second (Mbps).
        Further, the Committee-reported bill requires the
    Secretary, when making any determination to award a loan, loan
    guarantee, or grant, to consult both the broadband map created
    by the Federal Communications Commission under section
    802(c)(1)(A) of the Communication Act of 1934 and the
    Deployment Locations Map established under section 60104(b) of
    the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
        In recognition of the historic investment in broadband
    service through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment
    (BEAD) Program, the Committee expects USDA Rural Development to
    coordinate broadband activities with the National
    Telecommunications and Information Administration and
    respective state broadband offices to prevent overbuilding and
    ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
        Additionally, the Committee-reported bill authorizes the
    Broadband Technical Assistance Program, which is intended to
    provide broadband technical assistance and training to expand
    broadband access in rural communities.
        Further, the Committee-reported bill amends Title VI of the
    Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-950bb-5) to
    state that nothing in Title VI gives the Secretary of
    Agriculture the authority to regulate rates charged for
    broadband service.
        The permitting process for USDA's Rural Utilities Service
    (RUS) funded projects can be cumbersome. Efforts by USDA to
    revise National Environmental Policy Act regulations to reduce
    the regulatory burden on America's ranchers, farmers, loggers,
    and rural communities is a step in the right direction. The
    Committee urges the RUS to explore avenues to provide online
    updates that enable funding recipients to track the status of
    RUS-funded projects throughout the permitting process.

    Other matters

        As the USDA develops financing, policy, and other aspects
    related to rural broadband development, the Committee requests
    USDA take into account the proposed rule soon to be finalized
    that would amend title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
    part 77, Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable
    Airspace, as it applies to certain towers with the highest
    point of the structure at least 50 feet Above Ground Level
    (AGL) up to and including 200 feet AGL at its site (FAA
    Document ID FAA-2024-2574-0001). The proposed rule stems from
    the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Pub. L.
    No. 114-190), and will ensure communication towers providing
    broadband services in rural areas are properly marked and
    entered into a Federal Aviation Administration database to
    protect the safety of aerial applicators, aerial firefighters,
    public health applicators, medevac units, law enforcement and
    other low-flying aircraft.

                           SUBTITLE C--MISCELLANEOUS

    Rural energy savings program

        The Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) has helped
    thousands of rural households live more comfortably and reduce
    their energy costs. RESP is particularly effective for rural
    families who do not qualify for weatherization assistance but
    lack the resources to invest in insulation or other
    improvements by themselves.
        The Committee-reported bill makes several targeted
    improvements to RESP to help rural utilities better support
    participating households. These improvements include limited
    grant funding to rural utilities and related entities for
    repairs to improved properties, technical assistance, outreach,
    and training. It also extends the maximum repayment term for
    consumer loans to 20 years, aligning with the lifespan and
    cost-effectiveness of energy-saving measures, and codifies
    manufactured housing and large appliances as eligible
    improvements, as in recent fiscal year appropriations. To
    maintain RESP's core purpose of implementing durable cost-
    effective energy efficiency measures, the bill includes a 10%
    cap on funds used for replacing manufactured housing units or
    large appliances.
        Additionally, the Committee-reported bill clarifies that
    eligible cooperatives receiving funds can serve both rural and
    non-rural customers within their service territories. However,
    the Secretary is authorized to prioritize applications from
    entities serving at least 80 percent rural ratepayers.

    Precision agriculture

        Farmers, ranchers, and foresters are the best stewards of
    their land and strive to reduce the use of water, fuel,
    fertilizer, chemicals, and other inputs. Deployment of new
    technology, including precision agriculture, have resulted in
    American farmers becoming the most efficient producers of food
    and fiber in the world. Today, the agriculture industry is
    among the most productive globally, generating nearly 300% more
    food than in the 1940s with minimal increases in input usage.
        The Committee-reported bill establishes a public-private
    partnership to develop voluntary interconnectivity standards
    and address cybersecurity needs for precision agriculture
    technologies. Developing these standards will accelerate the
    innovation and adoption of data-driven practices that
    strengthen rural communities nationwide.
        The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-
    334) established the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC)
    Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs
    of Precision Agriculture in the United States. While this task
    force was terminated on January 1, 2025, there were multiple
    recommendations put forward that USDA, in collaboration with
    other Federal agencies and external organizations, could carry
    out. The Committee encourages USDA to focus on the following
    precision agriculture related recommendations provided: USDA,
    through Rural Development, and its Land-Grant partners must
    cooperate with the FCC in promoting awareness of the existence
    of the National Broadband Map, and how it benefits agricultural
    communities; USDA, through Rural Development, and its Land-
    Grant partners can support these same communities by
    encouraging them to actively participate in the verification
    and challenge process of the National Broadband Map in order to
    make it more accurate; USDA Rural Development can promote
    coordinated and complementary funding programs, including
    combining awards where appropriate and necessary; adopt an all-
    of-the-above technology approach for current and future funding
    programs; facilitate the emergence of sustainable competition;
    develop playbook for deployment; and there should be
    stakeholder conferences convened between farmers, extension
    services, and state employment offices to identify gaps and
    develop solutions to encourage adoption of precision
    agriculture.
        The Committee-passed bill includes several provisions
    implementing recommendations of the Task Force for Reviewing
    the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture
    in the United States and improves precision agriculture
    practices and increases the accessibility of precision
    agriculture services. The Committee-reported bill establishes a
    partnership between the Federal Government and the private
    sector to create voluntary interconnectivity standards and
    prioritize the cybersecurity needs for precision agriculture
    technologies. Additionally, the bill helps rural entities
    expand the adoption of precision agriculture practices,
    including by financing the acquisition of precision agriculture
    technology. The bill also promotes coordinated and
    complementary funding between federal programs and reauthorizes
    and enhances the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant
    program. These enhancements will provide funding for career
    pathway programs and industry or sector partnerships to build
    out workforce pipelines for specific industry sectors in rural
    America, including telecommunications or broadband services and
    any other sectors identified by the local workforce development
    board serving the region.
        The Committee is aware of radar-based sensing technologies
    that have potential to significantly improve the delivery of
    health services in underserved rural areas. The Committee
    strongly urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture to explore
    existing funding opportunities to support precision agriculture
    technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems, radar-based
    sensing technologies, and related equipment and software.

    Domestic food supply chain

        The COVID-19 pandemic revealed serious vulnerabilities in
    the domestic food supply chain. A 2022 survey found that 70% of
    retailers were impacted by disruptions, while farmers faced
    delays in getting their products to market due to a shortage of
    shipping containers. In some regions, freight costs for fresh
    foods tripled, and limited warehouse space along with rising
    rental rates exacerbated the strain, heightening the risk of
    further disruptions.
        In response, the Committee-reported bill reinstates the
    Food Supply Chain Loan Guarantee Program at USDA Rural
    Development by integrating it into the broader Business and
    Industry Loan Guarantee Program. This expansion supports new
    investments or start-up costs in food infrastructure, including
    aggregation, processing, storage, and distribution, to build a
    more resilient and diverse U.S. food supply chain. The
    Committee-reported bill reserves no more than five percent of
    funds available under the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee
    Program for this purpose. By increasing the capacity of the
    food supply chain, these investments help reduce disruptions,
    enhance resilience, and improve food security. Expanding
    infrastructure also fosters economic growth, supports local and
    national economies, and ensures the United States can meet
    growing demands for food and agricultural products.
        The Committee intends for program funds to be used for, but
    not limited to, business conversions, expansions, repairs,
    modernization, or development; purchasing and developing land,
    buildings, and infrastructure for commercial or industrial use;
    building or equipping facilities for lease to commercial or
    industrial enterprises; purchasing and installing machinery,
    equipment, and IT systems; and providing working capital.
        Additionally, recognizing the unique role of controlled
    environment agriculture (CEA) facilities in the fresh food
    supply chain, the Committee intends to finance these facilities
    through this program. CEA facilities integrate production,
    post-harvest processing, and distribution activities within a
    single building or location. The Committee expects this
    clarification will not expand the pool of eligible entities for
    guaranteed loans under the program, but rather more accurately
    represent the capital requirements of CEA growers and their
    unique supply chain solutions, including the implausibility of
    readily separating production from post-harvest functions
    within their operations.

    Meat and poultry processing and rendering capacity

        Building on its strong commitment to a resilient domestic
    supply chain, the Committee recognizes the importance of
    facilitating meat and poultry processing and rendering capacity
    in rural communities. Many rural areas lack sufficient
    processing and rendering infrastructure, which forces farmers
    to transport livestock long distances, driving up costs and
    limiting market access. Investing in local processing and
    rendering facilities allows rural communities to create jobs,
    capture more local economic value from livestock production,
    and ease bottlenecks that affect the availability and pricing
    of meat and poultry products. By expanding processing and
    rendering capacity, rural areas can diversify the supply chain
    and enhance national food security.
        The Committee-reported bill establishes a USDA Rural
    Development grant program to support the growth of new and
    existing meat and poultry processors and renderers, enabling
    producers to invest in ways that boost competition within the
    packing sector. This program will encourage competition and
    sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, as well
    as help improve supply chain resiliency.

    Rural childcare

        Childcare is a vital resource in rural America, where
    limited access to quality care presents significant challenges
    for working families. The long distances to childcare centers
    often prevent parents from maintaining stable employment or
    pursuing education. Affordable, reliable childcare is essential
    for economic stability and child development, which in turn
    helps rural communities thrive. However, high costs, a shortage
    of providers, and concerns over care quality make it difficult
    for families to find dependable options. Strengthening
    childcare infrastructure is critical to ensuring equitable
    opportunities for rural families.
        Recognizing childcare as a critical component of broader
    economic development, the bill establishes a 3-year rural
    childcare initiative at USDA, which directs USDA to prioritize
    projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of
    childcare in agricultural and rural communities through the
    Community Facilities Program, the Business & Industry Loan
    Guarantee Program, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance
    Program, and the Intermediary Relending Program. For the
    purposes of this bill childcare means any program that provides
    care and early education for children who are in kindergarten
    or younger and is operated as a center (including school-based
    programs) or in a family home that is properly licensed.
        The Committee-reported bill also requires the Secretary to
    conduct a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation
    of the projects supported under the rural childcare initiative
    and to submit this evaluation to Congress upon the initiative's
    completion. The Committee intends for the report to provide
    recommendations for further addressing childcare challenges in
    rural communities in the next Farm Bill.

    Technical assistance for geographically underserved and distressed
            areas

        Geographically underserved and distressed communities have
    often lacked the support and technical assistance needed to
    access and use critical rural development programs. These
    programs are intended to address vital needs in infrastructure,
    healthcare, housing, and economic development, but many rural
    areas face barriers, such as limited staffing and complex
    application processes, that prevent them from fully benefiting
    from the multitude of available programs at USDA's Rural
    Development.
        The Committee-reported bill allows USDA to provide
    technical assistance to strengthen local capacity and improve
    access to rural development programs for geographically
    underserved and distressed rural areas directly or through
    cooperative agreements, similar to the authority the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334) provided
    the Secretary for Tribal entities. Geographically underserved
    and distressed areas are defined as socially vulnerable
    communities, persistent poverty counties, economically
    distressed areas, or colonias.
        The Committee intends to reference social vulnerability as
    a community's ability to prepare for and respond to hazardous
    events, from natural disasters like tornadoes or disease
    outbreaks to human-caused threats such as toxic chemical
    spills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    maintains the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
    Social Vulnerability Index (CDC/ATSDR SVI), which measures
    social vulnerability at the census tract level within each
    county. The Committee intends for the Secretary to reference
    the CDC/ATSDR SVI when utilizing this authority.
        The Committee also intends persistent poverty counties to
    include those that have maintained poverty rates of 20 percent
    or more over the past 30 years, as measured by the Decennial
    Census.
        Finally, the Committee intends economically distressed
    areas to include census tracts located in at-risk and
    transitional counties, with a median family income no greater
    than sixty-seven percent of the national average and a poverty
    rate at least one hundred fifty percent of the U.S. average,
    following the criteria used by the Appalachian Regional
    Commission (ARC). The Committee intends for the Secretary to
    reference the ARC's Distressed Areas Classification System when
    utilizing this authority.

    Rural innovation and modernization

        The Committee-reported bill codifies the USDA's Rural
    Development Innovation Center, formally establishing its role
    in advancing and implementing innovation across all rural
    development programs and initiatives.
        The Innovation Center is organized into three divisions,
    each playing a vital role in enhancing Rural Development (RD)
    efforts. The Data Analytics Division evaluates program
    performance to guide strategic investments. The Strategic
    Engagement Division builds partnerships and promotes cross-
    agency collaboration to support rural economic development. The
    Regulations Management Division develops and implements the
    regulations and policies that govern RD programs.
        Building on the Innovation Center's current
    responsibilities, the Committee-reported bill requires the
    Center to establish and maintain a public-facing process to
    gather input from both public and private stakeholders. This
    process will address the challenges encountered by stakeholders
    when applying for, utilizing, or participating in programs
    under the Rural Development Mission Area. The Committee is
    pleased with Rural Development's Rural Data Gateway, a great
    resource for stakeholders and potential applicants, with the
    added Lender Lens component providing further transparency.
        According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, agritourism
    generated $1.26 billion in income for U.S. farms and ranches, a
    12.4 percent increase from 2017 after adjusting for inflation.
    The USDA Economic Research Service defines agritourism as on-
    farm services that provide recreation, hospitality,
    educational, or entertainment experiences to visitors. In
    addition to providing supplemental farm income, agritourism
    supports rural entrepreneurship, promotes agricultural
    literacy, strengthens local food systems, and deepens community
    connections to working lands.
        As part of this continuing upward trend, the Committee
    strongly encourages Rural Development to actively highlight and
    promote eligible agritourism projects in existing program
    outreach, technical assistance, and funding guidance,
    particularly for farmers, ranchers, and small rural businesses
    seeking to diversify income through on-farm recreation,
    hospitality, educational programming, or direct-to-consumer
    experiences. As such, the Committee requests USDA to provide a
    report to be made public within six months of the date of
    enactment detailing RD's efforts to promote agritourism
    projects. The report shall include the following:
              1. Efforts to increase the visibility of federal
            resources for agritourism.
              2. Steps taken to clarify eligibility for
            agritourism-related activities under existing programs.
              3. Recommendations that would further support
            agritourism as a rural economic development strategy.
        Further, the Committee encourages RD to coordinate
    internally to ensure that agritourism applicants are aware of
    and able to access relevant programs across Rural Development's
    suite of programs.
        The Committee recognizes USDA Rural Development's
    commitment to serving rural communities and their stakeholders.
    However, the Committee has identified a disconnect between
    rural-serving entities and USDA Rural Development in addressing
    on-the-ground challenges. Additionally, the Committee continues
    to hear persistent concerns regarding burdensome, redundant,
    and difficult application processes at USDA Rural Development.
    By maintaining an open process for stakeholder feedback, the
    Innovation Center will help ensure that RD programs remain
    user-friendly, transparent, and adaptable to the evolving needs
    of rural communities. This ongoing commitment to improvement is
    essential for effectively reaching underserved areas,
    addressing local challenges, and supporting sustainable
    economic growth.
        Stakeholders and potential applicants have also expressed
    concerns about the delay with Rural Development notices of
    funding opportunities (NOFOs). The Committee urges RD to
    examine ways to ensure enhanced transparency regarding
    publication of NOFOs, including potentially providing targeted
    publication dates online. Other USDA agencies previously
    provided that information, allowing potential applicants to
    better plan application submissions and enhance overall project
    planning.
        USDA Rural Development is uniquely qualified to best serve
    rural America. RD has state-level offices led by State
    Directors who work with local offices across their respective
    states to implement RD initiatives. RD also has locally based
    staff who administer and serve customers of nationally managed
    RD programs. RD State Directors and local staff know their
    communities, because they live in their communities. The
    Committee held a hearing in September 2025, that explored why
    Rural Development programs are best housed at USDA. USDA Rural
    Development has long provided specialized services to rural
    communities that other agencies do not understand. In contrast
    to any other agency, Rural Development's structure also makes
    it the ideal choice for leveraging other Federal resources.
        The Committee urges the Rural Development Mission Area and
    senior Rural Development leadership to provide clear and
    consistent direction and encouragement to State Directors to
    ensure State Directors are more proactive with outreach to
    rural communities. This outreach can be enhanced by continuing
    existing partnerships and establishing new or expanded
    partnerships.
        Further, this outreach could be facilitated under the
    cooperative agreement authority provided in 7 U.S.C.
    2204b(b)(4). To improve the effectiveness of Federal programs,
    services, and actions in rural America, the Committee strongly
    urges USDA to enter into cooperative agreements with other
    Federal agencies, State and local governments, and other
    experienced, qualified organizations or entities with
    demonstrated experience in delivering technical assistance to
    rural areas. These groups include philanthropic, public-private
    partnerships, community development financial institutions,
    other financial institutions, cooperatives, regional and/or
    community development organizations, historic preservation
    nonprofits, nonprofits, national organizations and their
    respective state and regional affiliates, or individuals with
    longstanding connections, such as the Land-Grant Cooperative
    Extension System that often have local offices in rural
    communities. These new cooperative agreement partnerships have
    the potential to enhance Rural Development's presence, provide
    direct technical assistance to rural communities through local
    or regional rural partnerships, and ensure that access and
    information is available about RD programs.
        With disasters striking rural communities without notice,
    the Committee urges the USDA Rural Development to continue its
    partnerships with other Federal agencies and the Cooperative
    Extension System to provide assistance to rural communities
    following a natural disaster, including spotlighting the
    comprehensive Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Resources Guide
    for Rural Communities before disasters strike. Additionally,
    Rural Development should explore new public-private
    partnerships that aim to provide technical assistance to rural
    communities following a disaster.
        The Committee requests an update to be made public within
    six months of the date of enactment on USDA's implementation of
    7 U.S.C. 2204b and 7 U.S.C. 2204b-3. These statutes complement
    each other and provide USDA with the authority to coordinate a
    nationwide rural development program and lead the Council on
    Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development (Council).
    Particularly, the Committee requests updates on the rural
    development strategy required in 7 U.S.C. 2204b and the Council
    established in 7 U.S.C. 2204b-3.
        The Committee-reported bill requires the Innovation Center
    to develop and periodically update a modernization plan to
    enhance rural development program delivery. The Committee
    intends this plan to help USDA Rural Development outline
    strategies aimed at harnessing emerging technologies to improve
    services, streamline administrative processes, and optimize its
    resources. It will also aim to help expand digital access and
    availability for rural stakeholders and leverage data-driven
    solutions to increase program effectiveness. The Committee also
    intends USDA Rural Development to establish periodic milestones
    and goals to track the progress of its modernization plan. This
    modernization plan is crucial for ensuring that rural
    development programs remain efficient, accessible, and
    responsive to the changing needs of rural communities.
        The Committee notes that in the House Agriculture Committee
    reported Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334),
    there was a comprehensive report requested on USDA's Economic
    Development Authorities. The Committee requests that the
    Department update that report and make public within one year
    of the date of enactment. The requested information was, as
    follows:
              1. Catalogues and describes USDA's statutory programs
            and authorities devoted to economic development, both
            current and lapsed;
              2. Identifies each economic development office,
            agency, sub-agency, panel, committee, or other
            organizations created in statute or by regulation, and
            the decision-makers associated with each;
              3. Enumerates all authorizations and appropriations,
            as well as number of staff which support each
            authority, program, and organization, from both Federal
            and non-Federal sources;
              4. Provides a comprehensive description of how each
            program is utilized by the Department, any
            deficiencies, and overlap with other programs; and
              5. Makes suggestions for reforming USDA's Rural
            Development authorities, including streamlining or sun-
            setting any unnecessary or duplicative programs and
            authorities; consolidating overlapping authorities; or
            establishing new authorities where there is a need.

            SUBTITLE D--CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT

        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes the important
    infrastructure and economic development programs in the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CON Act),
    including the water and waste loan and grant programs, the
    community facilities programs, and rural business programs.

    Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program

        The Committee-reported bill codifies the USDA's Circuit
    Rider Program, which provides essential technical assistance to
    rural water systems through a cooperative agreement with the
    National Rural Water Association. Additionally, the bill
    expands the Circuit Rider Program to include funding for
    cybersecurity and emergency disaster response needs.
        The Committee recognizes that maintaining essential water
    services is critical for the health and economic well-being of
    communities during and after an emergency. Further, given the
    vulnerability of small water systems to cyber threats due to
    limited resources, strengthening cybersecurity protections is
    essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring
    reliable service.
        By incorporating disaster response and cybersecurity into
    the Circuit Rider Program, the Committee intends to better
    equip rural water systems, customers, and communities to
    effectively manage future emergencies and protect essential
    water services.

    Zero and low interest loans for distressed water systems

        In the wake of the financial challenges stemming from the
    COVID-19 pandemic, small rural water systems continue to face
    significant obstacles. To address these challenges and promote
    long-term sustainability, the Committee-reported bill empowers
    the Secretary to offer zero-interest, low-interest (1 percent),
    and forgivable loans to water and waste disposal systems in
    distress, particularly those in socially disadvantaged
    communities, persistent poverty counties, colonias, or
    distressed Tribal areas. To receive this assistance, entities
    must engage in financial planning and prepare a long-term
    financial strategy. This plan may include partnering,
    regionalizing, or consolidating with other water systems to
    strengthen their operations.
        Additionally, the Committee intends persistent poverty
    counties to include those that have maintained poverty rates of
    20 percent or more over the past 30 years, as measured by the
    Decennial Census.
        The Committee intends that an eligible entity may designate
    a water and wastewater utility provider to apply for and carry
    out the loan application on behalf of the eligible entity.
    Further, the designated utility must be contiguous to, or in
    the locality of, the service area of the eligible association
    and currently receives or is eligible for assistance under a
    rural water or wastewater program.
        Providing affordable financing for these distressed systems
    plays a key role in driving economic development, as
    infrastructure improvements attract businesses and create jobs.
    It also significantly improves residents' quality of life by
    ensuring continued access to clean water and efficient
    wastewater services.

    Decentralized water and wastewater systems

        An estimated 23 million U.S. households rely on private
    wells for their drinking water. Unlike municipal water systems,
    private wells are not subject to the same oversight and
    testing, which can delay the identification of potential health
    hazards in local groundwater.
        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes and improves the
    Rural Decentralized Water Systems Program, which supports
    qualified nonprofits and tribes in creating revolving loan
    funds to expand access to clean, reliable water and septic
    systems in eligible rural areas.
        In addition to maintaining funding for the construction,
    refurbishment, and servicing of well water and wastewater
    systems, the Committee-reported bill allows funds to be used
    for qualified water quality testing in cases of potentially
    contaminated groundwater. If the test results confirm
    contamination, funds can also be used to purchase and install
    water treatment equipment.
        To ensure the program's focus remains on its core mission,
    the Committee-reported bill establishes a ten percent cap on
    the use of funds for water testing and treatment equipment. It
    also requires that any water treatment systems funded through
    the program must be third-party certified to address the
    specific health-based contaminants identified in the drinking
    water.
        The Committee clarifies that ``water treatment'' refers to
    point-of-use or point-of-entry systems, which include
    replaceable or replacement filter components that can be
    maintained. These systems must be third-party certified as
    compliant with NSF P231, NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 44, 53, 55, 58,
    401, or other relevant, consensus-based standards for drinking
    water treatment units or systems.

    Rural Cooperative Development Grants

        The Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program
    plays a vital role in enhancing economic conditions in rural
    areas by providing essential support for the creation,
    expansion, and sustainability of cooperatives and other
    mutually owned businesses.
        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes and improves the
    RCDG program. Specifically, the Committee-reported bill
    clarifies that cooperative development encompasses activities
    such as education, training, and technical assistance to
    support both the start-up and ongoing success of cooperatives.
    Further, to ensure a more equitable interpretation of program
    match requirements, the bill guarantees that applicants who
    meet match requirements in full receive maximum points in the
    application scoring process. The Committee intends this change
    to address the current disadvantage faced by under-resourced
    organizations due to the ``scoring on a curve'' method.
        In addition, the Committee-reported bill provides the
    Secretary with the authority to renew RCDG awards for nonprofit
    institutions on the same terms and obligations as the previous
    fiscal year, provided the entity is a current recipient,
    requests renewal, submits a complete application in the prior
    two fiscal years, and meets program standards. This Committee
    intends this provision to reduce regulatory burdens and improve
    program delivery effectiveness.
        The Committee-reported bill directs the Interagency Working
    Group on Cooperative Development (IWGCD), established through
    the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), to submit an
    annual report to Congress. The IWGCD coordinates cooperative
    development efforts across federal agencies and works with
    national and local cooperative organizations to strengthen and
    expand cooperative enterprises in rural areas. The Committee
    intends this provision to provide enhanced oversight and
    accountability to ensure that the benefits of cooperative
    development are fully realized.
        The Committee is concerned with the RCDG program being
    administered by USDA agencies other than USDA Rural
    Development. Rural Development has the expertise, institutional
    knowledge, and field capacity needed for the most effective
    program delivery. In administering the program, USDA should
    continue to operate under the existing regulatory framework,
    including 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F, while updating internal
    guidance, notices of funding opportunity, scoring rubrics, and
    reporting templates to reflect statutory changes enacted in
    this reauthorization. Additionally, any revised program
    guidance and application materials should be published in a
    timely manner ahead of respective application period, and
    include broad stakeholder engagement, technical webinars, and
    clear transition instructions for returning grantees. Once
    grant selections are made, it is essential to ensure the timely
    distribution of the awards.

    Caps on loan guarantee fees

        Lender fees in guaranteed loan programs help offset the
    risks lenders assume by providing financial compensation for
    potential defaults and administrative costs. These fees also
    ensure the sustainability of the program, enabling continued
    loan guarantees, and facilitating market access for underserved
    borrowers.
        The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334)
    authorized the USDA's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan
    program to charge and collect lender fees, though without clear
    guidance on fee structure. While the provision aimed to reduce
    the costs of subsidies for insured or guaranteed loans,
    concerns have arisen regarding the impact of higher fees on
    program participation. Although the Agriculture Improvement Act
    stipulates that fees should ``not act as a bar to
    participation,'' the Committee believes that fees exceeding
    three percent of the guaranteed loan principal could harm both
    the marketplace and user participation. Since the Act's
    enactment, annual Congressional appropriations have capped the
    Secretary's authority to assess fees at three percent.
        The Committee-reported bill establishes a three percent cap
    on lender fees for all guaranteed loan programs under USDA
    Rural Development. In addition, the bill introduces a retention
    fee cap of 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the
    guaranteed loan, and requires the Secretary to provide a public
    disclosure, 30 days in advance, of any rate adjustments up to
    these caps, detailing the rationale and supporting data for any
    increases.
        These provisions are designed to maintain transparency,
    ensure fairness, and reduce potential barriers for
    participation, fostering an environment where rural businesses
    can access critical funding.

    Rural health care

        Since 2010, approximately 180 rural hospitals have closed
    or discontinued inpatient services, deepening the challenges
    faced by rural communities. The closure of these facilities not
    only deprives communities of essential medical care but also
    leads to the loss of major employers, with significant
    consequences for local economies and the well-being of rural
    populations.
        In response to these challenges, the Committee-reported
    bill codifies and strengthens the Rural Hospital Technical
    Assistance Program. USDA administers this program through a
    cooperative agreement with the National Rural Health
    Association. The Committee intends for the program to continue
    fulfilling its current responsibilities, focusing on preventing
    closures, strengthening essential health services, and
    improving the financial and operational sustainability of rural
    health care facilities. The Committee believes this program
    will help these facilities enhance service delivery and ensure
    continued access to critical care in rural areas.
        Additionally, the Committee-reported bill offers eligible
    health care facilities the opportunity to refinance certain
    debt obligations, contingent upon their commitment to
    comprehensive financial and managerial planning. This provision
    builds upon a similar measure in the Agricultural Improvement
    Act of 2018 (Section 6103). The Committee's goal is for this
    planning process to focus on long-term financial stability,
    improved efficiency, and the facility's overall viability. By
    addressing both immediate and long-term challenges, this
    provision aims to preserve rural health care infrastructure and
    ensure rural communities maintain access to essential health
    services.
        Ultimately, the Committee's goal is to ensure that rural
    health care facilities not only survive, but thrive. By
    strengthening operational capacity, reducing the risk of
    closure, and improving care quality, these facilities will
    continue to serve their communities and support the health and
    economic stability of rural America. With this expanded
    support, rural health care facilities will be better positioned
    to address ongoing challenges and safeguard the future of rural
    health care.
        Under the authority provided by Congress in 7 U.S.C.
    343(a)(13)(D), the Under Secretary for Rural Development can
    grant ``rural in character'' exceptions to areas that otherwise
    do not meet the requirements of the default rural definition
    for the Community Facilities Program. The Committee understands
    that there are instances where rural hospitals serving the
    civilian population of military installations have experienced
    challenges, but the town population exceeds the default
    ``rural'' definition. The Committee strongly urges USDA to
    coordinate with the Department of War to determine the
    prevalence of these situations across rural America and
    collaborate with local communities and military installations
    to keep rural hospitals financially viable in a changing
    healthcare landscape to continue to serve area and civilian
    residents.

    Rural workforce

        According to the 2020 Census, between 2010-2020, the
    working-age population in non-metro areas declined 4.9 percent
    while a 16 percent increase in the aging rural population. This
    means upwards of 20 percent of rural residents are aged 65 or
    above. Although the rural population only decreased by 289,000
    out of 46 million, this marks the first decade-long decline in
    rural population in U.S. history. This trend is concerning,
    especially given that the rural workforce has historically been
    concentrated in agriculture and manufacturing, industries
    essential to the national economy.
        As industries, technology, and global markets evolve, so
    too must career training and education to address the changing
    opportunities in the U.S. economy. Rural America uniquely
    experiences the impact of these economic shifts, with residents
    facing high long-term unemployment rates and limited access to
    training opportunities. At the same time, many employers
    struggle to find workers with the skills needed to fill open
    positions. In response, employers are developing their own
    workforce initiatives to provide the specific training required
    to meet job demands.
        The Committee-reported bill aims to address these
    challenges by modifying the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy
    (RISE) Grant Program. The Committee expands eligibility for
    funding under the program to include nonprofit and for-profit
    institutions of higher education, as well as area career and
    technical education schools. It also allows RISE grant funds to
    be used to establish career pathway programs and industry or
    sector partnerships in rural communities.
        The Committee defines career pathways as a combination of
    education, training, and support services that align with the
    skill needs of local industries. These pathways prepare
    individuals for success in secondary and postsecondary
    education, including registered apprenticeships, and provide
    counseling and workforce preparation. The aim is to help
    individuals earn a secondary school diploma or equivalent,
    along with a recognized postsecondary credential, and advance
    in specific occupations or industry sectors.
        The Committee also defines industry or sector partnerships
    as workforce collaborations organized around shared goals and
    human resource needs within an industry cluster. These
    partnerships include employers, labor organizations,
    educational institutions, and various state or local
    stakeholders. By organizing such partnerships, the Committee
    aims to address workforce displacement, promote targeted skill
    development, and stimulate economic growth and innovation in
    rural regions.
        The industries specified in the Committee-reported bill
    include telecommunications or broadband services; water, waste
    water, or disposal services; electric supply services; forestry
    and logging operations; conservation practices and management;
    health care and child care; manufacturing; agribusiness related
    to production, processing, and distribution; veterinarian
    services; and any other sectors identified by the local
    workforce development board serving the region to be an in-
    demand industry sector or occupation, as defined in section 3
    of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. All of these
    sectors are crucial to rural America, especially health care
    and childcare, as many rural communities struggle to recruit
    and retain qualified workers and sustain access to essential
    services. Industry or sector partnerships that bring together
    employers, local governments, education and training providers
    and other key stakeholders can align existing workforce
    development resources to regional needs, address workforce
    displacement, and advance local economic growth and innovation,
    while strengthening the capacity of rural communities to
    deliver essential services to residents.
        These improvements to the RISE program will help meet
    workforce needs in rural communities by providing targeted
    training initiatives that support economic development and
    address the challenges specific industries face in these areas.

    Other matters

        The Committee-reported bill supports rural entities in
    expanding the adoption of precision agriculture practices by
    providing financing for the acquisition of precision
    agriculture technologies through the Business and Industry Loan
    Guarantee Program.
        The Committee amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006e) to allow USDA loans or grants
    for projects near wetlands, if these projects comply with
    wetland regulations. USDA Rural Development adheres to
    Executive Order (EO) 11990, Protection of Wetlands, for all
    wetland impacts, regardless of jurisdiction. Additionally, the
    National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates that federal
    agencies demonstrate no practicable alternative to wetland
    development and implement mitigation measures before funding or
    approving construction in these areas.
        The Committee acknowledges that USDA RD works to minimize
    and mitigate wetland impacts; for jurisdictional wetlands, RD
    complies with the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit
    conditions, while state regulatory requirements govern non-
    jurisdictional wetlands. For isolated wetlands outside U.S.
    Army Corps of Engineers and state oversight, RD still evaluates
    impacts, seeking to avoid and minimize them through an 8-step
    alternatives analysis as required by EO 11990 and USDA RD's own
    wetlands guidance.
        The Committee recognizes that without this statute change,
    there are unnecessary burdens imposed on applicants by
    restricting flexibility in the regulatory process. Further, the
    Committee is confident that this action will not lessen USDA
    Rural Development's responsibilities under NEPA and EO 11990 to
    protect wetlands.
        The Committee recognizes the vital role of the Community
    Facilities Programs in enhancing transportation infrastructure
    in rural America. The Committee encourages USDA Rural
    Development to continue to support projects that facilitate the
    transportation of agricultural goods and essential commodities.
    These projects can be utilized for loading, unloading, and rail
    shipment of essential commodities vital to agricultural
    operations.
        Additionally, USDA Rural Development has previously funded
    animal shelters through the Community Facilities Direct Loan
    and Grant Program. The Committee urges the Department to
    continue to fund these types of projects.
        Moreover, the Committee reaffirms that essential services,
    including those provided by law enforcement, fire departments,
    and hospitals, are also eligible for funding through the
    Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.
        Finally, the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant
    Program is also crucial to preserving historic buildings, with
    the Committee encouraging USDA to collaborate with historic
    preservation partners to emphasize this funding opportunity for
    local government and nonprofits.

     SUBTITLE E--ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT OF
                                      1936

        The Committee recognizes the important work that borrowers
    under the Rural Electrification Act perform in rural America.
    Rural telephone companies and cooperatives, electric
    cooperatives, and broadband providers work to connect all
    Americans to seamless telecommunications and energy networks.
        Currently, under the Rural Economic Development Loan and
    Grant (REDLG) Program, the USDA requires intermediaries without
    an outstanding loan with the Rural Utilities Service to obtain
    an irrevocable letter of credit, which can cost tens of
    thousands of dollars. These costs are often passed on to loan
    recipients, reducing the benefit and impact of the intended
    zero percent interest loan.
        The Committee-reported bill provides an alternative by
    authorizing the Secretary to require other forms of security in
    place of a letter of credit for zero-interest loan recipients.
    These alternatives could include assigning the Secretary a
    security interest in collateral provided to secure the loan or
    other similar arrangements to the Secretary's satisfaction. The
    USDA already uses a similar security practice in other programs
    with even higher loan values.
        The Committee intends for this policy change to help reduce
    costs for borrowers and encourage greater participation in the
    program.

              TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

        Title VII of the Farm Bill addresses evolving issues of
    importance to the agricultural industry, and how those matters
    can be addressed through both extramural and intramural
    research, extension, and education activities. The majority of
    programs within the research title require annual discretionary
    appropriations, with a small number of programs within the
    title receiving mandatory funding.
        Significant investments in agriculture research funding
    were included through provisions in H.R. 1, which was passed in
    the 119th Congress. These investments included funding for
    several initiatives, including the Research Facilities Act
    Program, 1890s Scholarships program, Specialty Crop Research
    Initiative, Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, the
    Assistive Technology for Farmers with Disabilities program, and
    the Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agriculture Production,
    Research, Education, and Extension Initiative.
        The increase in mandatory funding programs through H.R. 1
    enabled the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 to
    focus on delivering a budget-neutral bill focused on
    reauthorizing existing programs and authorities in the research
    title and making programmatic updates to improve delivery and
    address evolving industry priorities. The Committee remains
    supportive of the critical role publicly funded research plays
    and was pleased to bring forward legislation that allows that
    funding to be stewarded as effectively as possible to maximize
    returns on this investment.
        The Committee-reported legislation aims to keep American
    agriculture at the forefront of innovation and productivity by
    thoughtfully directing USDA's research portfolio while also
    supporting our nation's land-grant and non-land-grant colleges
    of agriculture.

    Support for Land-Grant Institutions

        The Committee-reported bill includes a number of provisions
    to address the unique challenges faced by 1890 and 1994 land-
    grant institutions. The authorization of appropriations for
    both extension and research at 1890 institutions was increased
    to not less than 40 percent of the Smith Lever Act (extension)
    and the Hatch Act of 1887 (Research), raised from the existing
    benchmark of 30 percent to meet the financial needs of
    supporting these respective activities at levels that do not
    allow 1890s to fall behind their 1862 counterparts. The bill
    additionally requires the Secretary to conduct outreach to
    state governments regarding their obligations to meet matching
    fund requirements and requires that the Governor of each State
    submits an attestation regarding the State's ability to meet
    those requirements. These State matching fund requirements are
    a critical source of funding across the land-grant portfolio,
    and it is the expectation of this Committee that USDA works
    closely with Governors and State legislatures to make clear
    that States shall meet these requirements for all land-grant
    institutions.
        Additionally, the Farm Bill takes multiple steps to support
    1994 land-grant institutions by enabling the use of capacity
    funds to purchase and maintain equipment necessary to carry out
    agricultural research capabilities; removing the per
    institution financial cap; and removing the cooperative
    agreement requirement. The Committee recognizes concerns raised
    by 1994 land-grant institutions regarding their ability to
    secure matching funds necessary to support other functions,
    such as facility maintenance, enabled by the Research
    Facilities Act program. The Committee encourages USDA to
    evaluate existing challenges to institutions having meaningful
    access to these funding opportunities, and to provide
    recommendations on how access may be improved.

    Nutrition education program

        The Committee-reported language reaffirms the importance of
    nutrition education programming carried out through the 1862
    and 1890 land-grant universities. It is the expectation of the
    Committee that the EFNEP program continues to reduce nutrition
    insecurity of low-income families and youth nationwide.

    Veterinary medicine

        The Committee acknowledges the severe rural veterinary
    shortage and the barriers to both producing new veterinarians
    and attracting veterinarians to rural areas. To address this
    shortage, Congress has previously created the Veterinary
    Medicine Loan Repayment Program and the Veterinary Services
    Grant Program. To strengthen these programs, the Committee-
    reported bill allows the Secretary to engage with State
    agencies to better identify geographic areas of need, and to
    develop mechanisms to predict future areas of need.
    Additionally, the bill streamlines existing burdensome
    application processes and ensures that participation is not
    limited to only those Veterinarians who are not also in a
    comparable State or local program. Further, it expands eligible
    expenses for VSPG funds. These steps signify the Committees
    acknowledgement that a robust veterinary medicine network
    across rural areas, with appropriate Federal supports in place,
    is critical in maintaining a well-functioning food and
    agriculture supply chain. The Committee directs USDA to
    continue to find process efficiencies in the application and
    program delivery through ongoing reviews to help meet the needs
    of rural America.

    International engagement in agriculture research and extension

        The Committee understands and supports the need for
    partnerships and collaboration across agriculture research,
    education, and extension portfolio with international entities.
    To streamline the existing authorities at the Department for
    conducting these authorities, two existing authorizations that
    are not currently receiving any funding from the annual
    appropriations process (Partnerships to build capacity in
    international agricultural research, extension and teaching,
    and Competitive grants for international agricultural science
    and education programs) were combined into one authority.
    Combining these programs will empower a more unified approach
    to connecting NIFA-funded scientists at U.S. institutions with
    researchers around the world to address challenges of mutual
    interest.
        Additionally, the Committee-reported bill includes the
    creation of the BARD Fund Accelerator within the Binational
    Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) program to fast-
    track research activities and enable the advancement of
    projects.

    Grants for community college agriculture and natural resource programs

        The Committee recognizes that community colleges and two-
    year programs play a crucial role in supporting a well-prepared
    agricultural workforce. For this reason, existing authorities
    were expanded to ensure that USDA can support these programs,
    lending to a strengthened workforce across agriculture, food,
    and natural resources.

    AgARDA

        The Committee sees continued value in strategic federal
    investment on advanced research projects that address long-term
    and high-risk food and agriculture challenges that may not be
    otherwise undertaken through existing means. AgARDA presents a
    unique opportunity to address these challenges, and the Farm
    Bill aims to strengthen this program by requiring that elements
    of the Strategic Plan be used by the Secretary to address the
    administration of this program. Additionally, to allow the
    program to encompass future work that is critical to meeting
    challenges on the horizon in agriculture, the goals of the
    program were expanded.

    High-priority research and extension initiatives

        The Committee encourages USDA to more effectively
    coordinate intramural and extramural research activities that
    address high-priority research and extension initiatives. To
    help improve this coordination, the Committee directs USDA to
    publish a biennial report detailing expenditures by the
    Department for each high-priority research and extension
    initiative.
        While it is known that biochar has great potential to
    sequester carbon in the soil, the benefits of biochar are not
    yet fully recognized and further research is needed. The
    Committee recognizes the work USDA has already undertaken
    related to biochar--including the establishment of CHARnet to
    better coordinate research on biochar and communicate results
    of that research--and encourages the Department to continue and
    expand these efforts.
        The Committee remains concerned about the introduction and
    spread of invasive species and the threats they pose for
    agriculture, natural resources, food security, and the economy.
    The Committee expects USDA to accelerate research related to
    invasive species prevention, control, and eradication and
    improve coordination between land-grant institutions, the
    Agricultural Research Service, the Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service, Forest Service, and States. While the
    spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and the naval
    orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) are currently of particular
    interest to the Committee, the Committee recognizes that there
    are additional invasive species that require resources from the
    Department for prevention, control, and eradication.
        The Committee directs the National Institute of Food and
    Agriculture (NIFA) to issue a notice of funding opportunity
    under the Secretary's authorities as outlined in 7 U.S.C 5925
    to study the efficacy of living soil amendments on soil and
    plant health, as well as track the progress of crop yields,
    input reduction, and organic matter in the soil. Projects that
    partner with working farms to conduct research shall be
    prioritized.
        The Committee recognizes untapped potential in the use of
    Artificial Intelligence for agricultural purposes. As such, the
    Committee directs USDA to prioritize grants which develop and
    evaluate AI for such purposes across their high-priority
    research and extension initiatives. Specifically, the Committee
    would like to see projects that incorporate artificial
    intelligence to improve specialty crop production emphasized.

    Centers of excellence

        The Committee-reported language directs the Department to
    establish new Centers of Excellence for the purpose of carrying
    out research, education, and extension activities related to
    pressing issues across the food and agriculture supply chain
    that require enhanced coordination. Additionally, the Farm Bill
    directs USDA to expand the number of Centers of Excellence at
    1890s Institutions to not less than 8 centers and expands the
    Areas of Focus for those centers. The Committee was intentional
    in not creating an upper limit for number of Centers of
    Excellence at 1890s Institutions and is the expectation of this
    Committee that this language is not interpreted to interrupt
    current centers.
        As the Department looks to create a center of excellence
    for livestock and poultry as directed under this language, the
    Committee notes the unique challenges facing the equine
    industry that could be addressed under that center. This
    includes health, safety, and regulatory considerations;
    epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and bioinformatics related
    to equine diseases; investigations into infectious diseases
    impacting equines; the implementation of genomic programs; and
    reproductive health research.

    Codification of existing programs

        The Committee recognized the need to codify several
    existing programs that provide value to U.S. producers and
    communities. In the Committee-reported language, the Enhancing
    Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets) and
    the Organic Transitions programs were included in statute to
    continue their long-term viability. These programs have
    historically received funds through the annual appropriations
    process but had not been put into law. It is the expectation of
    the Committee that the Department continues the operations of
    these programs as they exist today.

    National Agricultural Statistics Service

        The Committee notes stakeholder concerns with the current
    effectiveness of the National Agricultural Statistics Service
    (NASS) data collection practices and resulting survey data.
    NASS plays a critical role in providing timely and objective
    data that underpin important functions of U.S. markets, with
    statistical products informing planting decisions, managing
    risk, allocating capital, and planning logistics.
        The Committee further notes the importance of accurate NASS
    data as a foundational input to the Department's market
    analysis and forecasting efforts, including the World
    Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) produced by
    the World Agricultural Outlook Board. NASS surveys and reports
    aid in providing empirical data for which Department supply and
    demand forecasts are developed and should assist in ensuring
    that WASDE projections reflect the most current and
    comprehensive information available. These estimates are
    followed closely by producers, commodity markers, buyers, and
    policymakers, and influence domestic and global markets. The
    Committee notes that maintaining the integrity, frequency, and
    coverage of NASS data collections is essential in supporting
    transparent markets, enabling informed decision-making, and
    reducing uncertainty.
        The Committee supports the steps being taken by the
    Department to ensure that the statistical products being
    produced are high quality and accurately reflect on farm
    realities and intends for the NASS Modernization Commission
    created in Farm Bill to complement those efforts.
        As the Department considers appropriate modernization
    efforts for NASS, the Committee does note specific needs
    related to data collection that should be considered.
        The Committee recognizes the burgeoning natural turf
    industry and encourages NASS to collect data on acreage,
    production, and economic impact, including employment, input
    costs, and retail value of turfgrass production as practicable.
        The Committee sees value in data collection activities
    related to innovative production and urban agriculture;
    specifically, controlled environment agriculture. The Committee
    requests that USDA conduct data collection for controlled
    environment agriculture (CEA) and report on both production and
    sale of agricultural products grown in a controlled
    environment, including but not limited to commodities such as
    lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and berries. The
    Committee intends for USDA to consult with stakeholders prior
    to the data collection to ensure collected data will be useful
    to advance the sectors and domestic food security. This data
    will assist the industry in accessing existing programs and
    moving forward as a robust production option for producers.

    Department Reorganization

        The Committee recognizes that USDA is evaluating their
    operations and is seeking to reorganize the Department to
    achieve greater operational efficiencies and customer service
    for the agricultural producers and communities that they serve.
    As a part of this reorganization, the Department held a public
    comment period in August of 2025 on the Department's proposed
    reorganization plan, and a summary of those comments was posted
    in December of 2025. It is the expectation of the Committee
    that the Department provides additional transparency and
    analysis for this reorganization to Congress and the public to
    the maximum extent practicable, including how the Department
    will retain sufficient staff expertise to carry out their
    mission areas. It is also the expectation of this Committee
    that the reorganization is conducted in a manner that does not
    disrupt critical USDA research activities.

    Commission on Production Agriculture

        The Committee recognizes the value that was brought to
    production agriculture through the Commission on 21st Century
    Production Agriculture, including insight into the Federal
    Government's role in supporting production agriculture through
    policy recommendations. It is the recommendation of this
    Committee that the Department, through the Office of the Chief
    Economist, explore an updated Commission report, leveraging
    land-grant institutions with existing institutional capacity
    and experience conducting comprehensive, objective policy
    analysis on such matters.

    Partnerships

        Across USDA's research and education portfolio, the
    Committee recognizes significant value in the Department
    engaging with convening bodies representing a cross-section of
    public and land-grant institutions, private industry, non-
    profit institutions, and professional societies. As the
    Department engages in activities to develop and advance a
    unified research and food and agricultural science agenda to
    best meet the current and future needs of the food,
    agriculture, and natural resource industry in a coordinated
    manner, it is the expectation of this Committee that the
    Department engage with these entities on a regular and ongoing
    basis.

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

        The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 advances
    effective forest management designed to ensure the health and
    productivity of Federal, State, and private forests.
    Additionally, Title VIII fosters public-private partnerships,
    encourages new market opportunities, and revitalizes rural
    communities while significantly reducing wildfire risks and
    improving forest health.
        The Committee-reported bill provides the United States
    Forest Service (USFS) with necessary tools and authorities to
    effectively overcome challenges in achieving its three primary
    mission areas: (1) the management of the 193 million acres
    within the National Forest System (NFS); (2) the advancement of
    forestry research; and (3) the facilitation of assistance to
    non-Federal forest owners, including those operating
    internationally.
        The Committee recognizes that healthy and productive
    Federal, State, and private forests are vital to rural
    communities. Active forest management is essential to reduce
    the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve forest health.
        The Committee also recognizes the extensive devastation
    that natural disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes, and
    drought, have on forests across the nation. These events cause
    widespread destruction and significant challenges for forest
    health and management due to the accumulation of downed and
    dead timber. In response to these challenges, the Committee-
    reported bill provides the USFS with the necessary tools and
    resources to support active forest management and improve
    forest health across the nation's Federal, State, and private
    forests.

    Active Forest Management

        The Committee recognizes the important relationship between
    active forest management and stable markets for forest
    products. Responsible forest management supports a robust
    market for forest products, generates jobs and economic
    opportunities, while providing essential resources for
    Americans. The Committee urges the USFS to prioritize active
    forest management to foster resilient forests and bolster the
    markets vital for rural communities.
        In 2022, the USFS announced plans to treat approximately 20
    million acres of NFS lands and grasslands, along with an
    additional 30 million acres of Federal, State, Tribal, and
    private lands. In 2025, the United States Department of
    Agriculture (USDA) announced an emergency situation
    determination requiring immediate action on more than 100
    million acres designated for treatment. To achieve these goals,
    reduce the risk of wildfire, and improve forest health
    throughout the NFS, the USFS will need to significantly
    increase the pace and scale of its management and continue to
    expand partnerships.
        The Committee-reported bill expands successful programs and
    authorities, such as Stewardship End Result Contracting and the
    Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). This expansion will provide the
    USFS with the opportunity to capitalize on critical
    partnerships that execute on-the-ground forest management.
    Specifically, the bill authorizes special districts to be
    eligible for participation in GNA agreements and codifies the
    option for up to 20-year contracts for stewardship end result
    contracting, regardless of the landscape condition.
        Furthermore, the Committee-reported bill simplifies the
    requirements for environmental processes while ensuring
    environmental protection. It builds on the success of
    categorical exclusions (CE) and other streamlined authorities.
    The bill expands collaborative restoration, wildfire
    resilience, and fuel break CEs to cover up to 10,000 acres.
    Additionally, it grants the Secretary the authority to create a
    CE for high-priority hazard tree activities.
        The Committee-reported bill also includes a permanent
    legislative fix to reverse the decision in the 2015 Cottonwood
    Environmental Law Center vs. U.S. Forest Service. The
    legislative fix will eliminate the need for ongoing
    consultations on completed land management plans, thereby
    reducing the risk of frivolous litigation that can prevent or
    delay urgent forest management activities in National Forests.

    Timber Sales

        Reduced timber harvest levels on National Forest System
    (NFS) lands, litigation challenging forest planning decisions,
    regulatory and permitting delays, and wildfire and forest
    health issues have all contributed to the rapid decline in
    domestic timber production. Extended planning and permitting
    timelines continue to delay critical forest management
    activities needed to maintain forest health and support timber
    harvest levels. Further, a reduction in forest health and
    timber production can play a significant role in the rise of
    catastrophic wildfires. In recent decades, timber harvesting in
    the NFS has remained far below historical levels, which has
    coincided with an increase in the number of acres burned
    annually and more severe wildfire seasons during the same
    period. In light of these trends, the Committee appreciates the
    USFS's current efforts to increase timber targets across the
    NFS and encourages the agency to continue doing so where
    appropriate and consistent with the allowable sale quantity
    established for each forest.
        In addition to supporting forest health, increased timber
    harvest will also promote the use of domestic forest products
    and related activities that depend on their availability. For
    example, the increased demand for larger wood utility poles to
    sustain and improve storm and fire resiliency to the electric
    grid has created a supply challenge. The Forest Service is
    strongly encouraged to prioritize work within the current
    structure of the existing timber sale program, Stewardship End
    Result Contracting, the Good Neighbor Authority Program, and
    other available authorities to foster additional production of
    wood utility poles that meet modern size specs of the U.S.
    electric utility industry while ensuring the ecological needs
    of the landscape.

    Forest Health

        The Committee recognizes the need to address forest health
    issues on a landscape scale, as private and public forests
    often intersect. The Committee amends the Cooperative Forestry
    Assistance Act to allow the flexible use of funding for the
    development and implementation of State forest action plans.
    Additionally, the Committee-reported bill reauthorizes the
    Landscape Scale Restoration Program and the Joint Chiefs
    Landscape Restoration Program, while modernizing the
    Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. Improved
    cross-boundary management and hazardous fuels reduction
    projects allow greater forest fire protection for those who
    live and work in our nation's forests, regardless of
    jurisdiction.
        The Committee acknowledges that healthy and productive
    Federal, State, and private forests are an important part of
    many rural communities, and their proper management is vital
    for our environment and preventing catastrophic forest fires.
    The Committee believes that ensuring our forests are resilient
    should be a priority for the USFS. The Committee recognizes
    prescribed burns as a proactive measure to reduce the risk of
    uncontrolled wildfires, enhance ecosystem health, and
    contribute to the overall resilience of forested areas. As
    such, the Committee encourages the Secretary of Agriculture, in
    consultation with relevant stakeholders, to develop and
    disseminate guidelines for the implementation of prescribed
    burns. These guidelines shall consider ecological factors,
    community safety, and best practices for controlled burns.
        Additionally, the Committee understands the ongoing
    challenges relating to white oak conservation and the
    regeneration of such forest stands. The Forest Service's own
    Forest Inventory and Analysis data shows that white oak
    occupies 103 million acres in the eastern U.S. and white oak is
    not regenerating as it has in the past. White oak is critical
    for wildlife, biodiversity and certain forest products. The
    Committee encourages the Forest Service to develop a strategy
    to naturally regenerate white oak on its national forests and
    further directs the Forest Service to increase private forest
    landowner outreach and education to encourage white oak forests
    for future generations.
        Furthermore, illegal cannabis cultivation on Federal lands
    degrades the natural ecosystem and poses significant health and
    contamination risks to the surrounding public and wildlife. A
    structured and federally managed remediation and intervention
    effort is critical to restore these lands and prevent further
    environmental damage. This includes detecting, identifying,
    assessing, investigating, monitoring, and developing solutions
    for the remediation of contamination caused by illegal cannabis
    cultivation. The Committee urges the USFS to leverage internal
    expertise and the expertise of USFS partners to mitigate the
    adverse effects of illegal cannabis cultivation on NFS lands to
    restore and protect federal lands.

    New and Existing Markets

        Productive Federal, State and private forests provide
    landscape for healthy habitats and economies across the
    country. The creation and expansion of market opportunities for
    wood products promote healthy landscapes and communities in
    rural America. The Committee urges the USFS to continue
    supporting research and development to promote new markets for
    wood products, including mass timber. The Committee recognizes
    product development is just one component of integrating mass
    timber into commercial and residential projects. The Committee
    urges the Secretary to emphasize workforce development and
    product-use education programming at USFS and other relevant
    Federal agencies.
        The Committee supports public-private partnerships that
    promote fire resilient communities, including efforts to
    encourage the design, construction, and retrofitting of fire
    resilient residential homes and commercial buildings.
    Collaborative efforts between private industry, university-
    based wildfire researchers, community-based organizations, and
    local communities are making notable progress in developing
    construction techniques and identifying building materials and
    assemblies to actively mitigate fire risk, including in the
    wildland-urban interface. The Committee encourages efforts at
    the state and local level, particularly within high-risk fire
    areas, to support the use of American made materials or
    assemblies that, based on standardized testing, have
    demonstrated fire-resilient performance to support and promote
    fire hardened and resilient communities.
        Additionally, the Committee urges the USFS to promote
    value-added attributes of forest products, especially related
    to carbon sequestration of wood products in existing and
    emerging marketplaces. Robust, historical data sets in the
    Forest Inventory and Analysis program leverage rural
    investment, product innovation, and competitive price for
    invested stakeholders.
        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes, renames, and
    enhances the Community Wood Facilities Grant Program, as well
    as modernizes the Wood Innovation Grant Program (WIG) to
    include provisions that support innovative wood products. To
    leverage data sources and tools, the Committee-reported bill
    establishes a platform to track forest and wood products data
    and modernizes and standardizes the Forest Inventory Analysis
    data collection to increase data accessibility, usability, and
    transparency. Additionally, the bill authorizes a biochar
    application and demonstration project to facilitate the use of
    biochar, develop new biochar applications, and support the
    commercialization of biochar.

    Recreation on NFS Lands

        The Committee intends the USFS, when designing restoration
    projects under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act or other
    forestry title authorities, consider opportunities to restore
    or enhance sustainable recreational infrastructure or access,
    or to accomplish other recreation outcomes, where such
    opportunities are compatible with the primary restoration
    purpose or purposes of the project. Such opportunities include
    increasing the resilience of trail systems and other recreation
    infrastructure to high severity wildfire, enhancing viewsheds
    and scenic values, rehabilitating recreation infrastructure
    during project implementation, including recreation data in the
    Fireshed Risk Map, and incorporating outdoor recreation metrics
    into project prioritization criteria.
        The Committee acknowledges the use of electric bicycles (e-
    bikes) and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), including All-Terrain
    Vehicles (ATVs) and Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), for recreational
    purposes within the NFS are an important aspect of many rural
    and outdoor recreational communities. The Committee also
    acknowledges there are more than 108,000 miles of trails and
    thousands of miles of roads on national forests and grasslands
    that are currently open to motorized vehicle use. The Committee
    believes that permitting the use of e-bikes and OHVs for
    recreational purposes increases access opportunities for
    elderly and disabled visitors who may otherwise be unable to
    navigate forest trails.

    USFS Multiple-Use Mandate

        The Committee reminds the USFS that the multiple use,
    sustained yield mandate found in its foundational statutes,
    including the Organic Act, Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act,
    and the National Forest Management Act remain in force. The
    agency is directed to offer a commercial timber sale program
    that meets the needs of nearby forest industry, focusing on
    economically viable products with current, installed
    manufacturing capacity and viable markets. The Committee-
    reported bill includes no efforts to restrict the USFS's
    multiple use mandate by removing additional lands from
    management, nor any efforts, mission areas, or programs to
    distract the USFS from the dual wildfire and forest health
    crises.

                                TITLE IX--ENERGY

        Farm Bill Energy Title programs play a crucial role in
    diversifying the nation's energy supply, advancing energy
    efficiency, and creating economic opportunities in rural
    America. Through these programs, funding is available for
    energy audits, renewable energy development, and the
    installation of energy-efficient and renewable energy systems.
    Additionally, USDA energy programs support the production of
    advanced biofuels, construction of biorefineries, and other
    initiatives that drive innovation and resilient energy
    solutions.

    Advanced Biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel

        The Committee recognizes that sustainable aviation fuels
    offer a significant opportunity to broaden markets for U.S.
    farmers and revitalize rural economies.
        The Committee-reported bill amends the definition of an
    advanced biofuel to affirm sustainable aviation fuel as an
    advanced biofuel for the purpose of Title IX programs.
        To strengthen the American agriculture industry's ability
    to contribute to sustainable aviation fuel production through
    USDA programs, the Committee-reported bill establishes a
    department-wide strategy by facilitating the collaboration
    between relevant USDA mission areas and leveraging the
    capabilities of our nation's farmers to capture opportunities
    in the sustainable aviation fuels market.
        The Committee is keenly aware of concerns from various
    stakeholders about the proportion of certain biofuels being
    produced with non-crop-based feedstocks. As sustainable
    aviation fuel production grows, it is vital to leverage crop-
    based feedstocks to the fullest extent practicable.

    Biobased markets and products

        To modernize the Biobased Markets Program (BioPreferred
    Program), the Committee-reported bill reauthorizes and amends
    the program, requiring the Secretary to issue procurement
    guidance to agencies to consider the longevity of a product,
    economic savings, and the efficacy and performance of a product
    when making procurement decisions. Further, the bill
    established more robust reporting and accountability procedures
    for agency procurement of biobased products.
        Under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-
    334), Congress directed the Secretaries of Agriculture and
    Commerce to jointly develop North American Industry
    Classification System (NAICS) codes for renewable chemical and
    biobased product manufacturers. The Economic Classification
    Policy Committee (ECPC), a group within the Office of
    Management and Budget responsible for maintaining NAICS,
    reviewed the need for new NAICS codes for biobased products.
    Upon review, the ECPC did not recommend creating new NAICS
    codes for renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturers
    in the 2022 NAICS revision, citing difficulties in
    distinguishing these products and their limited market size.
    Instead, the ECPC suggested using North American Product
    Classification System (NAPCS) codes, which are better suited
    for market analysis of biobased products, noting that NAICS was
    not designed for procurement or regulatory purposes. In
    preparation for the 2027 NAICS revision, an interagency
    technical working group requested public input and compiled
    recommendations to the ECPC, including expanding and creating
    specific NAICS codes to identify biomanufacturing processes as
    well as specific NAPCS codes for distinct biobased manufactured
    products.
        Based on the ECPC's recommendation, the Committee-reported
    bill directs the USDA and Department of Commerce to jointly
    develop NAICS and NAPCS codes for renewable chemicals
    manufacturers, biobased product manufacturers, and their
    respective products. Additionally, the bill requires USDA to
    provide a report to Congress proposing bioeconomy-related
    changes for the 2027 revisions of NAICS and NAPCS codes, while
    also evaluating the development of a national framework to
    measure the economic contributions of the bioeconomy.

    Biorefineries

        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes and expands the
    Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product
    Manufacturing Assistance program to broaden eligibility for
    innovative biobased manufacturing technologies. The Committee
    intends this expansion to open program participation to a wider
    range of entities, encouraging broader development of advanced
    biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products.
        Additionally, the bill establishes a technical review
    agreement outlining the specific objectives, outcomes, and
    conditions by which the Secretary will determine the project
    technically feasible. The Committee intends for this agreement
    to streamline the demonstration phase of the application
    process and lead to more successful applications, by ensuring
    that both the applicant and USDA agree on the goals of the
    demonstration unit before the unit is designed or constructed.

    Bioproduct terminology

        Products from American biobased feedstock support the U.S.
    bioeconomy by driving rural economic growth, creating jobs,
    promoting energy independence, and supporting U.S. national
    security. However, the Committee recognizes that inconsistent
    terminology in the marketplace may hinder consumer trust,
    certainty, and adoption of these products.
        To address this, the Committee-reported bill requires the
    Secretary of Agriculture to implement, within a year of the
    date of enactment, national uniform labeling standards for
    certain bioproducts that are not already currently defined in
    statute. Moreover, the current definitions in 7 CFR Part 4270
    (Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002--7 U.S.C. 8101) for specific terms that are also used in
    USDA's BioPreferred Program are to be used for the national
    labeling standards.
        In establishing the remaining definitions, the Secretary
    shall consult with biomanufacturers, researchers, feedstock
    growers, and other industry stakeholders. The Committee expects
    USDA to gather public feedback through the Federal Register
    public comment process, and with a focus on proactive outreach
    to the entities listed. In establishing uniform labeling
    standards, USDA is encouraged to consider all stakeholder and
    public feedback received and explore all avenues, including
    certification processes for standardized chain of custody
    models, such as mass balance.
        Further, nothing in the Committee-reported bill is meant to
    undermine the BioPreferred Program.

    Biofuels

        The Committee supports technological advancements in the
    biofuels sector, specifically emissions reducing technologies
    coupled with biofuels production and the role that low
    emissions biofuels play in further development of the
    bioeconomy and promotion of rural prosperity. Additionally, the
    Committee supports science-based emissions modeling of
    biofuels, including biodiesel, renewable diesel, and
    sustainable aviation fuel, that utilize the Department of
    Energy's Argonne National Lab Green House Gases, Regulated
    Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model and
    its associated tools in ways that recognize the agriculture
    industry's contribution to emissions reductions.
        The Committee supports the utilization of intermediate
    crops, or oilseed crops of renewable biomass that otherwise
    meet the definition of a ``cover crop'' and is planted and
    harvested on land that would otherwise be idle in a rotation
    pattern between main crops or in a fallow rotation, as a low
    carbon feedstock for the production of renewable biofuels and
    chemicals.
        Further, the Committee-passed bill reinforces language to
    strengthen American agriculture's ability to contribute to
    sustainable aviation fuels through U.S. Department of
    Agriculture's bioenergy programs and the development of a
    strategy fostering greater collaboration within USDA mission
    areas to advance sustainable aviation fuels opportunities for
    American agriculture.
        In acknowledging the vital role that agricultural
    feedstocks may contribute to sustainable aviation fuels, the
    Committee-reported bill also establishes a Department-wide
    strategy to advance the production of sustainable aviation
    fuels by facilitating the collaboration between relevant USDA
    mission areas, identifying opportunities and leveraging the
    capabilities of our nation's farmers to capture opportunities
    in the sustainable aviation fuels market.

    Rural energy systems and energy efficiency improvements

        The Committee-reported bill reauthorizes and improves the
    Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
        Under REAP, applications for energy efficiency projects are
    scored based on a variety of considerations, including the
    project's ability to generate, save or replace energy based on
    the installation of the energy efficiency measure. However, the
    Committee believes these projects should also consider the
    energy efficiency measure's ability to improve the operations
    for the agricultural producer or rural small business. To that
    end, the Committee-reported bill requires the Secretary to
    consider the potential improvements to the financial conditions
    of the agricultural producer or rural small business when
    reviewing loan guarantee or grant applications under REAP.
        Additionally, the bill increases the maximum amount for a
    loan guarantee from $25 million to $50 million. The Committee
    believes the changes will provide lenders with more
    opportunities to support additional projects.
        Finally, the Committee-reported bill requires the Secretary
    to ensure, to the extent practicable, that there is diversity
    in the types of projects approved for grants or loan guarantees
    under REAP and establishes a reserve fund within REAP to
    achieve this. As technology evolves and new sources of energy
    generation emerge, the Committee supports funding for diverse
    and underutilized technologies that may not yet have the same
    recognition as legacy energy generation systems, but can
    deliver significant benefits to farmers and rural small
    businesses. These include waste energy recovery technologies,
    which generate electricity solely from heat or pressure that
    would otherwise be vented, released, throttled, or discharged
    from a commercial, residential, or industrial process--such as
    waste heat to power or waste pressure to power systems.
    Additionally, the Committee encourages USDA to actively
    identify and support such technologies through existing energy
    and rural development programs and to prioritize their
    inclusion in technical assistance and loan or grant initiatives
    where appropriate.

    Solar panel installations on farmland and forestland

        The Committee-reported bill directs the USDA to conduct a
    comprehensive study on the impacts of solar panel installations
    on farmland and forestland, focusing on both economic and
    environmental effects. This study should evaluate the economic
    implications of solar development on crop yields, land values,
    access to farmland, local economies, and food security.
    Additionally, it should assess the environmental impacts of
    solar installation, operation, and decommissioning on soil
    health, water resources, wildlife, vegetation, and water
    quality. The Committee also expects an analysis of shared solar
    and agricultural production, including the compatibility of
    certain crops and livestock with solar panel systems, and the
    extent to which financial incentives contribute to the
    development of covered farmland for solar purposes. The study
    should include recommendations on shifting installations to the
    built environment, and an estimation of total farmland
    production loss due to solar installations. The Committee
    intends for this report to provide a clearer understanding of
    the risks and benefits associated with solar installations on
    agricultural and forest lands.
        Further, the bill limits the Secretary's authority to
    approve financial assistance, including grants, loans, or loan
    guarantees, for the conversion of covered farmland and
    forestland for solar energy production in cases where this
    would remove the land from agricultural or forestland use.
        However, the Committee-reported bill provides specific
    exceptions, including the conversion of up to 5 acres of
    covered farmland, or up to 50 acres of covered farmland if a
    majority of the generated energy supports on-farm use and there
    is local approval, provided a farmland conservation plan is in
    place and adequate funding is secured to implement the plan.
    The Committee intends for this local approval to be obtained
    from the smallest governing entity, whether that be the town,
    township, municipality, borough, or county.
        These limitations are designed to balance the development
    of renewable energy with the preservation of productive
    agricultural and forest land, while safeguarding the rights of
    farmers, ranchers, and foresters to use their land, and at the
    same time providing flexibility should they be exploring for
    tangible options to offset one of many input costs,
    electricity.
        Finally, there is a crucial need to bolster the economic
    stability of America's farmers, while advancing national energy
    security. Agrivoltaics--the integration of active agricultural
    production of marketable products (such as grazing, specialty
    crop cultivation, or animal husbandry) into land generating
    solar energy--represents a transformative opportunity to
    diversify farm income while keeping prime agricultural land in
    production. Ecovoltaics--the integration of pollinator habitat
    or other practices that improve ecosystem services into solar--
    can also enhance agricultural production.
        The Committee encourages USDA to highlight agrivoltaics
    innovation to bolster rural economic vitality and drought
    resilience. As a dual-use model, agrivoltaics provides farmer-
    landowners with a durable revenue stream through long-term
    lease agreements or energy sales. Additionally, agrivoltaics
    can lower the financial barrier to entry for the next
    generation of producers and improve land access for established
    producers seeking to expand their operations, helping to
    reverse the trend of rural land loss to permanent industrial
    development.

    Other matters

        The Committee is concerned with the administrative pause on
    the acceptance, processing, and awarding of loan guarantee
    applications for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and
    biogas digester projects. While it is vital to investigate
    potential program risk and performance, review overall
    portfolio performances, and ensure responsible stewardship of
    federal resources, the complete pausing of applications has
    already undermined projects' financing and confidence in these
    industries, despite there being a limited number of loans at
    issue. The Committee urges Rural Development to refocus on
    resolving delinquencies across all portfolios to prevent losses
    and respond to service requests to ensure there are no response
    delays. Finally, the Committee requests a report within three
    months of the date of enactment on losses in various guaranteed
    programs for the last ten years.
        Additionally, the Committee is aware that multiple Biobased
    Markets and Development Access Grant Program awards are being
    held. This crucial program provides funding for eligible
    applicants to prove the commercial viability of biobased
    technologies through the construction or and operation of
    Integrated Demonstration Units (IDUs), which replicate the
    proposed full-size commercial facilities in every way, except
    size. The IDUs, which applicants have found extremely difficult
    to finance with private sector investments as the IDUs do not
    generate revenue, are crucial for validating and derisking the
    emerging technologies that will be used in commercial
    facilities. The Committee strongly urges USDA to release the
    funds as soon as possible.
        Nuclear energy is a cornerstone of the global transition
    toward cleaner energy. With nuclear energy a vital part of the
    modern energy mix, the Committee strongly urges the Secretary
    of Agriculture to promote and fund nuclear energy projects
    through existing USDA Rural Development programs.
        The Committee urges USDA to collaborate with nonprofits and
    other organizations to engage with rural communities as they
    navigate funding pathways available at Rural Development. For
    example, controlled environment agriculture could benefit from
    ``circular economy'' opportunities by integrating waste heat
    from data centers to climate-control indoor farms. Rural
    communities can lower energy costs, create high-tech jobs, and
    ensure year-round food security.
        Finally, the Committee strongly urges the Department to
    update the 2016 Billion Ton Study and report on the
    availability of all potential feedstock sources for biofuels,
    including from forestry and agriculture, and evaluate the true
    potential of crop-based biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel,
    and renewable diesel, as well as crop-based aviation fuel. The
    updated study should explore the potential of biomass-based
    feedstocks, coupled with carbon capture and sequestration to
    generate fuels with negative carbon intensities.

            TITLE X--HORTICULTURE, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY REFORM

        First brought forth in the 2008 Farm Bill, the Horticulture
    title contains provisions intended to support a variety of
    commodities, such as specialty crops, organic agriculture,
    locally and regionally produced food, hemp, and other such
    issues. Additionally, the Horticulture title addresses key
    provisions impacting the regulatory environment for pesticide
    products, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection
    Agency. The Committee-reported bill contains budget neutral
    policy updates that are aimed strengthening the competitiveness
    of the specialty crop industry, supporting organic production,
    and streamlining burdensome or duplicative regulations that
    impact producers' ability to access necessary tools to combat
    pest and weed pressures.

    Specialty Crop Support

        Specialty crops play a unique role in providing a supply of
    fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and
    horticultural and nursery crops. Given the broad range of
    commodities that are considered specialty crops, Congress has
    historically faced challenges in ensuring these producers are
    adequately supported across all Department activities and has
    consequentially created unique programs that support these
    activities in a manner that provides needed flexibility.
        In the Committee-reported language, improvements are made
    to the keystone program that enables specialty crop producers
    to engage with their State governments in a manner that is
    tailored to their needs, the Specialty Crop Block Grant
    program. This program received a substantial investment through
    H.R. 1, which increased funding by $15 million per year. To
    compliment this funding, the Farm Bill directs State program
    administrators to consult annually with their producers. This
    update reflects Congressional intent that program
    administrators thoughtfully engage with producer communities,
    while still allowing crucial flexibility in program priorities
    to be carried out on a state-by-state basis.
        The Committee notes that, when administering any program
    directed toward specialty crop producers, the Department shall
    utilize the definition of specialty crops from the Specialty
    Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 to the maximum extent
    practicable so that the resources directed towards these
    purposes are not expanded or misinterpreted beyond
    Congressional intent.
        Finally, the Committee recognizes the substantial new
    market opportunities that are presented for specialty crops
    with the increase in demand for natural food dyes. The
    Committee encourages the Department to support policies that
    can enhance specialty crop availability for these purposes,
    including additional research, pest and disease management,
    infrastructure needs, and communication and outreach
    activities.

    Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

        Urban agriculture plays an increasingly important role in
    not only providing local foods, but also in increasing consumer
    awareness of agriculture. Through the Farm Bill, the Committee
    seeks to give the Department ongoing authority to provide
    grants and cooperative agreements to support such activities by
    removing the existing program from its pilot status, and by
    giving the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative
    Production expanded capabilities to help navigate support
    programs for such practices. It is the expectation of the
    Committee that the Department puts a renewed focus on the
    agricultural production that can be accomplished through urban
    agriculture activities.

    Hemp Production

        The Committee-reported language recognizes the continued
    Congressional support for the industrial hemp industry, and
    maintains the bifurcation of industrial hemp from hemp-derived
    cannabinoid final form products that was put into statute
    through the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
    Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.
    It is the intention of the Committee that the Department work
    with States and Tribes to implement language included in this
    bill in such a way that allows States to best support those
    producers of industrial hemp products while maintaining State
    authority in making regulatory decisions that best reflect the
    needs of their constituents. Additionally, the Committee
    believes that the Department should prioritize their work in
    coordinating with the DEA to reduce the bottlenecks that occur
    due to a lack of appropriately accredited labs, as this issue
    has been an ongoing challenge for the producers of hemp that
    could impact the sector moving forward if not addressed.
        The statutory framework for hemp laid out in this bill
    recognizes multiple primary agricultural outputs of the hemp
    plant, including fiber and grain, each of which involves the
    on-farm separation of the primary product from the cannabinoid-
    containing floral material of the plant. Terpenes follow this
    same production model. Terpenes are non-intoxicating aromatic
    compounds that originate in the flowering tops of the plant and
    are separated from cannabinoid-containing vegetative material
    during primary agricultural processing, in the same manner as
    grain is separated through threshing and fiber is separated
    through cutting and retting. Therefore, the Committee
    recognizes the production of the whole plant, or any lawful
    part thereof, for the extraction, production, or manufacture of
    any non-cannabinoid essential oil, aromatic compound, terpene,
    or other non-cannabinoid volatile organic compound derived from
    such plant as the production of industrial hemp, such that any
    cannabinoid components of such plant satisfactorily meet all
    other components of the definition of ``hemp'' as defined by
    Pub. L. 119-37.

    Organic Support

        The Committee recognizes increasing consumer demand for
    agricultural products produced through organic growing methods,
    and that domestic demand for such products has outpaced
    domestic production at an increasing rate. As such, the
    Committee-reported language includes a number of provisions
    that assist organic producers with having additional data that
    is comparable to that which is available to conventional
    producers to make informed decisions on their operations, and
    directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to
    producers who have expressed challenges in navigating the
    existing organic programs. It should be noted that Committee
    has also provided support to both current organic producers and
    those who wish to transition to organic production throughout
    the Farm Bill, including through codifying research
    initiatives.
        The Committee notes interest from stakeholders on
    addressing barriers to entry for organic agriculture,
    including, but not limited to, waiting periods for
    transitioning from conventional to organic. For this reason,
    the Committee directs USDA to identify such barriers and
    provide a list of identified barriers to Congress.

    Regulatory Reform

        The Federal Fungicide, 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, and provides for
    clarity on how the Environmental Protection Agency shall work
    with States to further regulate pesticides under specific
    circumstances as outlined in FIFRA. This regulatory framework
    provides a comprehensive, science-based process for evaluating
    product safety, approving product labels to reflect safety
    findings, and ensuring that pesticide products can be used
    safely and effectively according to their label instructions.
    The EPA is responsible for reviewing extensive scientific data
    and determining the conditions of use necessary to protect
    human health and the environment before approving a product
    label.
        As new, innovative products are developed that do not fit
    squarely into an existing definition or regulatory structure,
    some products have been subjected to regulatory review that is
    inappropriate for the characteristics and ultimate effect. The
    Committee included provisions to clarify that certain
    substances, such as plant incorporated protectants and
    biostimulants, should not be regulated as pesticide products as
    they do not have pesticidal claims that require such action.
        As the EPA conducts reviews of pesticide products under new
    actions pursuant to the ESA Workplan, the Committee directs the
    Agency to continue working with the USDA Office of Pest
    Management Policy and the ESA Interagency Working Group to
    ensure that agronomic realities are reflected in Agency
    decision-making. The Committee remains supportive of the EPA
    meeting their obligations under the Endangered Species Act.
        The Committee is concerned that misinterpretation from the
    Courts on FIFRA Section 24(b) has created the potential for a
    patchwork regulatory system that imposes labeling requirements
    that differ from or are in addition to those approved by EPA
    under FIFRA. Such inconsistent requirements undermine the
    uniform national labeling system established by Congress. The
    Committed-reported text reaffirms Congress' intent that
    pesticide labeling remains a federally regulated and uniform
    system and that EPA is the sole authority related to such
    labels.
        The Committee emphasizes that this section does not limit
    EPA's authority to review, suspend, or cancel pesticide
    registrations; require updated warnings; or enforce compliance
    with FIFRA. Nor does it restrict States authority to regulate
    the sale, use, and distribution of pesticides under sections
    24(a) and 24(c) of FIFRA.
        The Committee also directs the EPA to, in accordance with
    the existing statutory requirements, refrain from publishing
    documents or guidance to pesticide manufacturers that would be
    inconsistent with this section.
        The Committee is concerned that authority given to States
    by the EPA may be usurped by localities without sufficient
    scientific and regulatory expertise. In order to maintain a
    consistent regulatory framework for pesticides by reaffirming
    the roles of EPA and State lead agencies in evaluating and
    regulating pesticide use. By preventing a patchwork of local
    requirements, the Committee-reported language seeks to promote
    regulatory certainty for farmers, applicators, and other
    pesticide users while preserving the existing federal state
    partnership under FIFRA.
        The Committee recognizes that pesticide products undergo a
    comprehensive review process prior to registration and that
    duplicative permitting requirements can create regulatory
    uncertainty for applicators. The Committee-reported text
    includes clarification to provide consistency in the regulatory
    framework governing pesticide use and ensure that lawful use of
    registered pesticides is not subject to additional, duplicative
    permitting obligations.

                            TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

        Farm and ranch families from across the country
    consistently state that Federal Crop Insurance is the
    cornerstone of the farm safety net. By every metric, Federal
    Crop Insurance has become a vital risk management tool for
    producers facing ever escalating financial stakes, including
    producer participation, insured acres, commodities served, and
    liability protection in force. These advances are the result of
    prudent policies put in place since 1980 when delivery was
    turned over to the private sector. The 1994 reform made further
    inroads, and the 2000 Agricultural Risk Protection Act greatly
    enhanced the effectiveness of Federal Crop Insurance for all
    U.S. producers. Improvements made via H.R. 1 (Pub. L. 119-21)
    in 2025, which become effective in 2026, significantly build on
    this success.
        Not only does Federal Crop Insurance help producers get
    back on their feet after natural disasters but also enables
    farm and ranch families to better manage price volatility
    within a crop year and, through liability protection in force,
    to invest in their operations, both in the short and long term.
    Because food security is national security, a strong Federal
    Crop Insurance is in our national interest.
        The Committee-reported bill builds on the achievements made
    over nearly 50 years. A core component of the Committee-
    reported bill is enhancing access to quality coverage for
    specialty crops. While the legislation also provides an
    improved framework for disaster programs Congress may enact
    from time to time in response to natural disasters, the larger
    aim of the legislation is to provide specialty crop farmers
    with effective crop insurance that they can actually bank on.
        To further this objective, the legislation ensures a
    specialty crop farmer serves on the Federal Crop Insurance
    Board of Directors and establishes a Specialty Crop Advisory
    Committee. To ensure input from all perspectives of the
    industry is heard on the advisory committee, RMA should require
    one of the growers on the advisory committee to be from the
    Horticultural industry to provide feedback, information, and
    specialties related to the non-food side of the Specialty Crops
    industry.
        The Committee-reported bill also makes improvements to
    whole farm insurance coverage, a policy that holds out unique
    promise for many specialty crop farmers. Additionally, the
    legislation directs the Risk Management Agency to pursue
    research and development on policies to better serve specialty
    crops, including sugar beets, sugar cane, dry edible beans,
    wine grapes, mushrooms, and coverages that better address
    perils that especially impact the full range of specialty
    crops, including index-based policies, policies focused on
    hurricanes and tropical storms, and coverage for crops not
    planted on a perennial basis.
        The Committee encourages RMA to conduct a program
    performance evaluation for blueberries, make improvements to
    the blueberry Actual Production History (APH) policy that
    accounts for multiple crop types and values, and prioritize the
    research and development of a revenue-inclusive policy for
    blueberries.
        The Committee is aware that for many years sugar beet
    farmers have been seeking approval of a revenue insurance
    policy under the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Despite the
    challenges, the Committee understands that a revenue insurance
    policy has been developed that can effectively address the
    perils unique to sugar beet farmers. Not only are sugar beet
    farmers subject to yield losses, but also to price declines,
    low sugar content, and other production-related losses that
    adversely impact their viability. Sugar beet farmers face
    depressed prices, high production costs, and a torrent of
    heavily subsidized foreign imports so timely approval of an
    effective revenue policy is vitally important as Congress and
    the Administration weigh additional means of addressing the
    challenges our sugar beet farmers confront today. The Committee
    encourages the Risk Management Agency to promptly consider the
    pending policy submission to ensure that it is made available
    to sugar beet farmers for the 2027 crop.
        The legislation also includes a number of other provisions
    to enhance the effectiveness of Federal Crop Insurance in
    meeting unique risk management needs on the ground, including
    coverage of price declines; limits on interest to be paid by
    producers who may be late in paying premiums to companies, a
    situation that usually only stems from severe economic
    hardship; expanded premium benefits for veteran producers; a
    pilot program to analyze the effectiveness of the reduction in
    benefits on crops planted during a late planting period;
    harvest incentives for producers that help bolster industry
    segments throughout the supply chain; improved quality loss
    adjustment procedures; as well as improved policies for
    oilseeds produced under certain double cropping and rotational
    practices.
        Given USDA no longer generates data sufficient to quantify
    Price Elections for sorghum according to the Grain Sorghum
    Pricing Methodology and commodity price elections can influence
    planting decisions in the water-stressed sorghum belt, the
    Committee urges RMA to develop a new methodology that provides
    a floor for sorghum equal to the price election for corn and
    with an ability to increase for sorghum if market prices for
    sorghum relative to corn would justify a positive differential.
        Pub. L. 119-21 also included provisions to enhance the
    Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) insurance policy, a county-
    based insurance policy that can be purchased in conjunction
    with an underlying Multi-Peril Crop Insurance policy. The
    Committee understands insurance policies require robust data to
    appropriately set premiums and ensure actuarial soundness,
    however the Committee is deeply concerned by actions taken by
    the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to combine data across
    multiple counties which reduces the effectiveness of SCO and
    has resulted in producers not being indemnified for losses,
    despite widespread destruction within the county they farm.
        The Committee urges RMA to routinely review instances where
    county data is being combined for the administration of SCO and
    to the maximum extent practicable curtail such practice to
    ensure SCO is being administered utilizing only data from the
    county in which a participating farm is located. In instances
    where combining county data is deemed necessary, RMA should
    ensure the fewest number of counties and the smallest
    geographic area necessary are being combined and that the
    combined counties reflect similar geographic and agronomic
    properties to ensure losses within the combined unit are
    consistent across the geographic region.
        The Committee is committed to ensuring that all producers,
    commodities, and regions of the country have access to quality
    crop insurance coverage. This is not only in the interest of
    farm and ranch families but also to the nation's supply of
    food, fiber, and fuel and to the taxpayer, so it is important
    that private submissions under 508(h) are not unnecessarily
    delayed or encumbered. Parts of the 508(h) regulatory process
    require the submitting party to solicit the assistance of
    Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) due to their specialized
    expertise. However, the Committee is concerned that this has
    led to assisting AIPs to be included as submitting parties
    under the 508(h) process and significantly delayed the approval
    of new products. Section 508(h) states that any 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. The
    Committee recognizes that talented people across the country
    involved in U.S. agriculture have ideas to offer in the 508(h)
    process to make crop insurance serve all producers,
    commodities, and regions of the country even better and the
    process ought to remain open to them. The Committee is also
    aware of situations where policies have elements to them that
    might make them a fit within either the standard reinsurance
    agreement or the livestock price reinsurance agreement. The
    Committee notes there are certain policies that cover both
    yield and prices risk on an individual level and that those
    policies should be covered by the Standard Reinsurance
    Agreement.
        The legislation includes important housekeeping provisions,
    such as ensuring that policies meet actuarial soundness
    requirements prescribed by statute, clarifying Administrative
    and Operating reimbursement rates going forward, and requiring
    examination and report to Congress regarding potential
    adjustments in the Standard Reinsurance Agreement to help
    ensure that private sector delivery has the resources necessary
    to meet the risk management needs of all producers,
    commodities, and regions through the full range of policies
    made available under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
        The Committee affirms that the Federal Crop Insurance
    Program is a federally authorized and administered program
    designed to operate on a nationally uniform basis through
    standardized policies, procedures, and dispute resolution
    mechanisms established by the Federal Crop Insurance
    Corporation. The Committee is concerned that inconsistent
    interpretations in litigation have created uncertainty
    regarding the scope of remedies available under the program
    and, in some cases, have allowed State law causes of action to
    be asserted in ways that are inconsistent with the uniform
    administration of this federal program. These inconsistencies
    could risk the ability of AIPs to provide continued universal
    delivery of the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
        The Committee therefore encourages RMA to take appropriate
    administrative or regulatory actions to strengthen and clarify
    the preemption of State and local law causes of action,
    including judgments, damages, penalties, and attorney's fees
    based on State or local law, relating to policies issued under
    the Federal Crop Insurance Program. The Committee does not
    intend this clarification to limit a producer's right to
    arbitration or judicial review of policy determinations, nor to
    alter coverage levels, indemnity amounts, premium subsidies, or
    producer eligibility under the federal crop insurance program.
        The Committee is concerned by sweeping changes included in
    the FCIC Final Rule Removal of Regulatory Overreach and Federal
    Crop Insurance Policy Provisions, 90 FR 16151 (April 1, 2026)
    that, among other things, would downgrade Final Agency
    Determinations (FADs) from matters of general applicability to
    mere interpretive guidance. Prior to the rule, FADs served an
    important role to provide dispositive authority regarding
    interpretations of policy on all parties, this helped ensure a
    nationally uniform interpretation of federal policy. This
    change, in conjunction with changes contained in Expanding
    Access to Risk Protection, 90 FR 54523 (November 28, 2025) that
    expand the ability of insured producers to seek extra-
    contractual damages, could result in increased litigation,
    forum shopping, and inconsistent interpretation of policy
    terms, undermining the principle of universal delivery. The
    Committee reprimands the Department for pursuing such changes
    without appropriate engagement with representatives of
    insureds, AIPs, and the Committee. The Committee directs RMA to
    work with appropriate stakeholders to address these concerns
    and restore consistency and predictability to dispute
    resolutions under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
        The Crop Insurance Title in the Committee-reported bill is
    a combination of bipartisan legislation introduced in the House
    this Congress to better meet the needs of all American farm and
    ranch families, whatever commodity they produce, and wherever
    that commodity is raised or grown.

                      TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                    SUBTITLE A--LIVESTOCK AND OTHER ANIMALS

        The Committee understands the invaluable role animal
    agriculture plays in maintaining a safe and reliable food
    supply. The threats animal pests and diseases pose to the rural
    economy and our nation's food supply cannot be overlooked, as
    was made abundantly clear in recent years with the catastrophic
    outbreaks of highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the
    ever-present risks of New World screwworm (NWS), African swine
    fever (ASF), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Consequently,
    the Committee strives to ensure USDA and its partners have the
    tools necessary to prevent and respond to animal pests and
    diseases that cause harm to the U.S. economy and food security.
        More specifically, the Committee believes it is essential
    that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),
    State animal health officials, and stakeholders involved in
    animal agriculture have: (1) early detection, prevention, and
    rapid response tools to address any potential animal disease
    outbreak; (2) robust laboratory capacity for surveillance; and
    (3) a viable stockpile of vaccine to rapidly respond to the
    intentional or unintentional introduction of a high-consequence
    disease like FMD.
        To that end, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
    2026 complements increased funding that was secured in H.R. 1
    (Pub. L. 119-21) for the National Animal Health Laboratory
    Network (NAHLN), National Animal Disease Preparedness and
    Response Program (NADPRP), and National Animal Vaccine and
    Veterinary Countermeasure Bank (NAVVCB). The investments from
    H.R. 1 provide mandatory funding of $233 million for these
    programs for each of Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030, with $10
    million allocated to NAHLN, $70 million allocated to NADPRP,
    and $153 million allocated to NAVVCB. For subsequent Fiscal
    Years, $75 million of mandatory funding will be provided, with
    $45 million set aside for NADPRP, and the remainder to be used
    at the Secretary's discretion amongst the three components. The
    Committee is confident that the Secretary and her team of
    experts are best positioned to determine the highest priority
    use of such remaining funds based on current and forecasted
    needs.

    State livestock production standards

        The Committee believes that livestock producers should be
    able to make their own animal husbandry decisions based on
    their individual and unique needs. The Committee is concerned
    with state mandates that regulate livestock production outside
    of their own borders, such as California's Proposition 12 (Prop
    12). Such state mandates force arbitrary production standards
    on all producers who want to sell into California, regardless
    of whether they are raising their animals in California or
    another state. The Committee recognizes that these restrictions
    are financially burdensome for both producers and consumers.
        As such, the Committee clarifies in the Farm, Food, and
    National Security Act of 2026 that states and local governments
    cannot impose, directly or indirectly, as a condition for sale
    or consumption, a condition or standard on the production of
    covered livestock unless the livestock is physically located
    within such state or local government. The Committee intends
    for this provision to only cover production, and does not
    intend for it to include the movement, harvesting, or further
    processing of covered livestock.
        Finally, the Committee calls attention to the Supreme Court
    ruling in National Pork Producers Council v. Ross, where the
    justices make clear that it is the role of Congress to decide
    what the majority sees as moral judgements and economic harms.
    The Committee agrees with the justices and believes that
    Congress must act to ensure that livestock producers are not
    burdened by one state's misguided decision.

    Vaccines for emerging threats

        The health and safety of our nation's livestock and poultry
    populations are paramount to maintaining food security. With
    the ongoing outbreak of HPAI, and the ubiquitous threats of
    other foreign animal diseases, the Committee urges USDA to also
    pursue public-private partnerships to utilize technologies,
    including anti-viral platforms, that can rapidly create
    effective, shelf-stable therapeutics designed to swiftly
    counteract virus mutations. The Committee further urges USDA to
    ensure that such antivirals are efficiently distributed
    nationwide with private sector collaboration.

    Federal share for state inspection

        The Committee is supportive of State Meat and Poultry
    Inspection (MPI) Programs and recognizes the key role they play
    in maintaining the integrity of the nation's food supply. The
    Committee is also aware of the need for additional resources
    for State MPI program participants to maintain program
    viability. As the Department carries out its responsibilities
    in administering State MPI's, the Committee encourages the
    Department to work with participating states to ensure
    sufficient federal funds are allocated to each state in a
    timely manner.

    Line speeds

        The Committee recognizes that USDA's Food Safety and
    Inspection Service (FSIS) is part of a national science-based
    system focused on protecting public health by preventing
    illness from meat, poultry, and egg products by ensuring these
    products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. The
    Committee affirms that FSIS ensures food safety through the
    authorities of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry
    Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act,
    as well as humane animal handling through the Humane Methods of
    Slaughter Act.
        The Committee appreciates USDA's recently proposed rules,
    Maximum Line Speed Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection
    System (NSIS)--Docket No. FSIS-2025-0009 and Maximum Line Speed
    Rates for Young Chicken and Turkey Establishments Operating
    Under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS)--Docket No.
    FSIS-2025-0012. Upon finalization of these rules, the Committee
    expects USDA to ensure that pork and poultry processing
    establishments have a permanent method to operate at more
    efficient speeds based on the establishments' ability to
    maintain process control and meet food safety standards. The
    Committee calls attention to the fact that these rules are
    expected to generate significant cost savings for consumers--up
    to a 16% reduction in the average retail price for chicken
    products and a 5% reduction in the average retail price for
    pork products--while continuing to ensure food safety and
    effective on-line carcass inspection.
        The Committee commends FSIS for its diligent efforts to
    ensure the U.S. supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is
    safe and secure. The Committee believes that these proposed
    rules ensure continued protection of the public health of
    consumers, and the Committee encourages the Department to
    finalize these regulations.

    Amplifying processing of livestock

        The Committee supports efforts to expand and diversify
    processing capacity. To that end, the Committee reaffirms that
    the thresholds outlined in Section 12111 are intended to
    provide the option for a daily or yearly slaughter capacity.
    The Committee does not mean for USDA to prevent an investment
    if one, but not both, of the slaughter capacities are met for
    either cattle, sheep, or hogs.

                         SUBTITLE C--NATIONAL SECURITY

        The Committee recognizes that the food and agriculture
    sector represents a cornerstone of our nation's national
    security, making the security of the sector a matter of
    national importance. A stable, productive, and resilient
    domestic agricultural system is essential to ensuring Americans
    have consistent access to safe, affordable, and abundant food
    while maintaining the strength and independence of the U.S.
    economy.
        To address the need for a forward-looking approach to
    future security threats, the Committee-reported bill directs
    the Secretary, through the Office of Homeland Security, to
    conduct risk assessments on a regular basis to identify any
    vulnerabilities. This work is intended to address risks across
    a number of issues, including both international and domestic
    threats; intentional and unintentional attacks; supply chain
    vulnerability; and any other potential threats. The Committee
    notes the renewed focus that the Department has taken on
    matters related to National Security, and encourages USDA to
    continue work in addressing vulnerabilities.
        Additionally, the Committee recognizes the importance of
    the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) in
    promoting transparency and appropriate oversight of foreign
    ownership of agricultural land. However, AFIDA has historically
    relied on antiquated systems and paper filings that do not
    allow for the needed oversight of such activities. Due to this
    concern, the Committee-reported language directs USDA to
    undergo a number of modernization efforts to the AFIDA process,
    including electronic filings and the creation of a public
    database. The Committee notes that USDA has already made
    substantial strides in modernizing AFIDA, and supports the
    Department in their efforts to allow informed decision-making
    on long-term stewardship and security of U.S. agricultural
    resources.
        Additionally, the Committee is concerned with overall U.S.
    agricultural competitiveness amongst other countries, including
    Brazil. To address this concern, the Committee encourages USDA
    to work through the Economic Research Service (ERS) and other
    relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive study comparing
    the competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural sector with
    Brazil, focusing on strategic risk, input costs, environmental
    impacts, foreign investment, and agricultural market structure.

                   SUBTITLE D--OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

    U.S. Drought Monitor

        The Committee recognizes the important role that the U.S.
    Drought Monitor plays, particularly in informing Department
    actions to assist growers which are impacted by drought
    conditions. The Committee notes stakeholder concerns regarding
    the availability of consistent, accurate, and reliable data for
    use in producing the Drought Monitor, and encourages the
    Department to explore opportunities, such as the creation of a
    Working Group, to identify potential improvements.

    USDA Crop Input Economic Coordinator

        The Committee recognizes that crop inputs are essential to
    U.S. and global food production. Many of these inputs are
    globally produced, traded, and priced commodities that are
    subject to significant market volatility. Recent supply chain
    disruptions to crop input underscore the need for transparent,
    timely, independent, and authoritative analysis to better
    inform farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders about
    conditions in these critical input markets.
        The Committee directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture
    (USDA) to establish a full-time crop input economist
    coordinator position to be housed within the Office of the
    Chief Economist to enhance the Department's capacity to analyze
    and report on domestic and global markets of crop inputs.
        The Committee expects this position to serve as a liaison
    to Congress, stakeholders, and other relevant federal agencies.
    Additionally, this position should develop routine market
    reports, including supply and demand trends, pricing
    indicators, and related market research to promote transparency
    and resilience in the associated supply chains.
        The Committee further expects that any assessments,
    particularly those that relate to volatility and disruption,
    include an assessment on the implications for producers within
    the U.S. Through this work, the Department shall leverage
    existing university and industry data resources to access
    timely information. This position should be crafted in such a
    manner that does not impact existing staff workstreams.

                               Section-by-Section

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

    Sec. 1001. Suspension of permanent price support authority

        Section 1001 suspends permanent price support authority
    through calendar year 2031.

    Sec. 1002. Tree assistance program

        Section 1002 amends section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014, the tree assistance program. Subsection (a) amends the
    definitions section to expand the definition of ``eligible
    orchardist'' to include a person who grows trees for commercial
    purposes on a biannual basis and changes the definition of
    ``natural disaster'' to include plant pests for the purposes of
    the program. Subsection (b) provides orchardists and nursery
    tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but
    lost the trees or the trees no longer produce an economically
    viable crop as a result of a natural disaster to be eligible
    for tree assistance, as determined by the Secretary.
        Subsection (d) requires that a participant in the program
    to agree to replant new trees and salvage existing trees within
    two years of the approval of their application if practicable
    for tree survival and allows participants to replant an
    alternative variety of tree, have an alternative stand density,
    and replant in an alternative location.
        Subsection (e) imposes a deadline of 120 days for the
    Secretary to act upon an application and notify the applicant
    of the decision.
        Subsection (f) establishes initial payments for the tree
    assistance program that allows an eligible orchardist or
    nursery tree grower to opt to receive an initial assistance
    payment with respect to eligible losses before incurring the
    costs relating to such losses. The initial assistance payment
    shall be in an amount that is equal to the fair market value of
    the estimated costs that the eligible orchardist or nursery
    tree grower is likely to incur with respect to losses, as
    determined by the Secretary. Additionally, subsection (f)
    provides that the authority for the Secretary to make initial
    payments for the tree assistance program shall terminate on
    September 30, 2035.

    Sec. 1003. Specialty crop emergency assistance framework

        Section 1003 amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
    Reform Act of 1996 to add at the end of section 196, a new
    section to establish a framework to provide direct assistance
    subject to availability of funds to producers of specialty
    crops impacted by an adverse event (including an economic
    crisis or market disruption). For purposes of direct assistance
    to a producer of specialty crops, the Secretary shall calculate
    payments based on the producer's sales of specialty crops for a
    calendar year or the average of such sales over a set of
    consecutive calendar years that precedes the year in which the
    adverse event occurred. The total amount of payments received,
    directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity may not
    exceed $155,000 except if a person or legal entity with an
    average gross income for which greater than or equal to 75
    percent of the average derives from farming, ranching, or
    silviculture activities, in which case the total maximum amount
    of payments received, directly or indirectly, by such person or
    legal entity for any crop year under this section shall be set
    by the Secretary, except such amount may not be less than
    $900,000.

    Sec. 1004. Assistance in the form of block grants

        Section 1004 creates a standing block grant authority to
    States for future supplemental disaster payments authorized by
    Congress.

    Sec. 1005. Dairy-related extensions

        Section 1005 extends authorities for Dairy Forward Pricing
    Contracting, the Dairy farmer indemnity program, and the
    National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

    Sec. 1006. Mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs

        Section 1006 amends section 273 of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946 to implement a mandatory cost survey
    conducted by AMS to ensure that the data that is being used to
    update make allowances accurately reflects the true cost of
    making dairy products by requiring the manufacturer to report
    production costs and product yield information for any
    manufactured product. The section further requires the
    Secretary to publish a report, not later than two years and
    every two years thereafter. Any actions taken by the Secretary
    under section 273 shall not be subject to review under
    Executive Order 12866 or any successor order.

    Sec. 1007. Dairy reports

        Section 1007 amends section 301 of the Dairy Production
    Stabilization Act of 1983 is a technical amendment to allow for
    18 months for USDA to submit to Congress a report describing
    activities conducted under the dairy products promotion and
    research order.

    Sec. 1008. Processing of certain loans

        Section 1008 amends section 1204 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 and section 156 of the Federal Agricultural Improvement
    and Reform Act of 1996 to require the Secretary to continue the
    processing of marketing assistance loans and sugar processing
    loans during a lapse in appropriations.

    Sec. 1009. Storage facility loans

        Section 1009 amends section 1614 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008 to expand the storage facility loan
    program to producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities
    for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production.

    Sec. 1010. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains

        Section 1010 amends subtitle C of title I of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the President to set the
    preservation and domestic production of covered agricultural
    commodities from which food ingredients that serve an important
    function throughout the domestic supply chain are derived as a
    priority objective.

    Sec. 1011. Regulations

        Subsection (a) of section 1011 amends section 1601 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 to include title I of the Farm, Food,
    and National Security Act of 2026 and the amendments made by
    the title under the exemption from notice and comment
    provisions and the Paperwork Reduction Act.
        Subsection (b) of section 1011 amends section 1614 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 to make a technical correction to the
    implementation section of the Agricultural Act of 2014.

    Sec. 1012. Restoration of tobacco as an agricultural commodity in the
            Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act

        Section 1012 restores tobacco as an eligible agricultural
    commodity under the Commodity Credit Corporation charter.

                             TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                            SUBTITLE A--DEFINITIONS

    Sec. 2001. Definitions

        Section 2001 adds the definitions for ``precision
    agriculture'' and ``precision agriculture technology'' to the
    definitions section for the Food Security Act of 1985. The
    section also includes a technical amendment related to the
    definition of ``Indian Tribe.''

    Sec. 2002. Mitigation Banking

        Section 2002 amends section 1222(k) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 to reauthorize the mitigation banking program
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

                    SUBTITLE B--CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM

    Sec. 2101. Conservation Reserve

        Section 2101 amends section 1231 of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to reauthorize the conservation reserve program through
    Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 2102. Farmable Wetland Program

        Section 2102 amends section 1231B of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to reauthorize the farmable wetland subprogram through
    Fiscal Year 2031.

              SUBTITLE C--ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

    Sec. 2201. Definitions

        Section 2201 amends section 1240A of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to include the adoption of precision agriculture
    practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture
    technology in the definition of the term ``practice'' for the
    purposes of the environmental quality incentive program (EQIP).

    Sec. 2202. Establishment and Administration

        Section 2202 amends section 1240B of the Food Security Act
    of 1985.
        Subsection (a) clarifies that producers who participate in
    the EQIP program can also receive a loan or loan guarantee
    under the Conservation Loan Program to cover the costs of the
    same practices on the same land. The subsection further
    requires the Secretary to inform producer participating in EQIP
    of the availability of the loans and loan guarantees for the
    same practices. The language includes practices that increase
    carbon sequestration or reduce greenhouse gases and wildlife
    connectivity and migration corridors as new categories for
    State-determined practices that can be eligible for increased
    cost-share. The subsection provides an increased cost-share of
    90 percent for the costs of adopting precision agriculture
    practices or acquiring precision agriculture technology.
    Finally, the subsection allows for cost-share payments for the
    cost of installing or maintaining wildlife corridors on certain
    land that is enrolled in CRP.
        Subsection (b) extends the 50 percent reservation of
    funding from the program for livestock practices as well as the
    10 percent reservation of funding for practices benefiting
    wildlife.
        Subsection (c) adds the adoption of precision agriculture
    practices or the acquisition of precision agriculture
    technology to the list of practices for which the Secretary may
    provide water conservation and system efficiency payments.
        Subsection (d) increases the payment limit for Fiscal Years
    2025 through 2031 to $200,000.
        Subsection (e) adds the adoption of precision agriculture
    practices or adoption of precision agriculture technologies to
    the incentive practice payments.
        Subsection (f) establishes the ``Southern Boarder
    Initiative'' which authorized the Secretary to enter into one-
    year contracts to pay for the repair of damages that are
    accruing on the southern border.

    Sec. 2203. Limitation on Payments

        Section 2203 amends section 1240G of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to establish a new 5-year period from Fiscal Year 2025
    through Fiscal Year 2031 in which the payment limit of $450,000
    is accrued.

    Sec. 2204. Conservation Grants and Payments

        Section 2204 amends section 1240H of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) expands the grants for innovative
    conservation approaches to include the development and
    evaluation of new and innovative technologies that may be
    incorporated into conservation practice standards.
        Subsection (b) adds perennial production systems to the
    definition of new or innovative conservation approach for the
    purpose of On-farm Conservation Innovation Trials.
        Subsection (c) adds data used to evaluate new and emerging
    technologies and recommendations for the application of such
    technologies to the data required to be reported on and made
    publicly available.

                  SUBTITLE D--CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

    Sec. 2301. Conservation Stewardship Program

        Section 2301 amends section 1240J of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to provide for cost-share payments under EQIP for the
    cost of installing or maintaining wildlife corridors on certain
    land that is enrolled in CRP.

    Sec. 2302. Duties of the Secretary

        Section 2302 amends section 1240L of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) clarifies that the increased costs
    associated with using precision agriculture and related
    technologies can be considered as costs incurred by the
    producer when the Secretary determines a producer's annual
    payment under the program. The subsection further increases the
    minimum payment under the program to $4,000.
        Subsection (b) adds precision agriculture to the list of
    practices for which producers are eligible to receive
    supplemental payments under the program.
        Subsection (c) establish a new 5-year period from Fiscal
    Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2031 in which the payment limit
    of $200,000 is accrued.

    Sec. 2303. State Assistance for Soil Health

        Section 2303 creates a new subprogram under CSP for grants
    to States and Indian Tribes in order to improve soil health on
    agricultural lands in those states. The language provides for
    audits and reviews for the expenditures of any grant money.
    There is $100,000,000 available out of CSP funding to carry out
    the grant program.

                    SUBTITLE E--OTHER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

    Sec. 2401. Conservation of Private Grazing Land

        Section 2401 amends section 1240M of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to extend the conservation of private grazing land
    program through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec 2402. Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program

        Section 2402 moves the feral swine eradication and control
    pilot program from the 2018 Farm Bill into the Food Security
    Act of 1985 and makes it a full program. Further, the
    distribution of funds is amended with 40 percent allocated to
    NRCS and 60 percent allocated to APHIS. The Secretary is
    required to enter into contracts with one or more land grant
    colleges or universities to assist in achieving the goals of
    the program. The program receives funding at $150,000,000 for
    the Fiscal Years 2025 through 2031.

    Sec. 2403. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act

        Section 2403 amends the Watershed Protection and Flood
    Prevention Act. Subsection (a) expands the program to cover
    technical and financial assistance for remedial actions under
    the program. Such remedial actions include addressing any
    deterioration of a work of improvement that is occurring at an
    accelerated rate, a service life of a work that does not meet
    the planned service life, and structural damage that was caused
    by a storm event that was greater than the maximum storm event
    for which the work was designed. Subsection (a) further
    requires the Secretary to streamline the work occurring under
    the program by engaging with Federal agencies to reduce
    barriers to timely completion of projects, provide procedures
    for reviews and permitting to ensure that the requirements are
    commensurate with the size and scale of the project, provide
    for best-practices for internal procedures at USDA, and
    prioritize agreements and contacts with local organization to
    carry out the projects.
        Subsection (b) requires the Secretary to collect, maintain,
    and make publicly available certain data related to the
    expenditures, contracts, and resulting benefits of the projects
    carried out under the program. The Secretary is required to
    keep all data aggregated so to protect the privacy of
    landowners participating in the program.
        Subsection (c) increases the cost share for rehabilitation
    projects under the program to 90 percent. It further allows for
    rehabilitation projects to not be subject to the requirement
    that the project contain benefits directly related to
    agricultural to provide for the fact that many existing
    projects under this program we built when an area as primarily
    rural but has since been changed due to sprawl. It further
    allows for such projects to not be subject to the requirement
    that the project contain not less than 50 per centum of the
    lands situated in the drainage area above each retention
    reservoir. Finally, the subsection extends the authorization of
    appropriations for the rehabilitation project through 2031.

    Sec. 2404. Emergency Conservation Program

        Section 2404 amends section 401 of the Agricultural Credit
    Act of 1978 to allow for advanced payments under the Emergency
    Conservation Program (ECP). A producer may receive up to 75% of
    the costs for replacement or rehabilitation under ECP and 50
    percent of the costs of repair under ECP in advance of carrying
    out the replacement, rehabilitation or repair. The section
    allows for the use of new or emerging technologies when
    repairing or replacing fencing, as long as such use does not
    increase the cost of the repair or replacement. Finally, the
    section further defines wildfires, for the purposes of ECP, to
    include a fire that was not caused naturally if the damage was
    caused by the spread of the fire due to natural causes.

    Sec. 2405. Emergency Watershed Program

        Section 2405 amends section 403 of the Agricultural Credit
    Act of 1978. Subsection (a) provides the Secretary the
    authority to restore vegetative cover and hydrological
    functions on the land subject to a floodplain easement under
    the program. The subsection further provides the Secretary the
    authority to monitor, maintain, and enhance the vegetative
    cover and hydrological functions on the land subject to a
    floodplain easement under the program. The Secretary may carry
    out these activities through contracts directly with landowners
    or by entering into agreements with States, NGOs, or Tribes.
    Finally, the subsection allows for the landowner to carry out
    compatible economic use activities on the land if such uses are
    consistent with the protection of the floodplain easement.
        Subsection (b) authorizes the Secretary to undertake
    measures that would increase the level of protection of the
    floodplain easement if necessary to address immediate
    impairment of the watershed and it is in the best interest of
    the long-term health of the watershed.

    Sec. 2406. National Agriculture Flood Vulnerability Study

        Section 2406 requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a
    report on the results of a Conservation Effects Assessment
    Project assessment of flood risk on agricultural lands.

    Sec. 2407. Study on Environmental Benefits of Winter Wheat as a Cover
            Crop

        Section 2407 directs the Secretary, acting through the
    Chief of NRCS, to conduct a study on the environmental benefits
    of using winter wheat as a cover crop and report the results of
    such study to the House Committee on Agriculture.

                     SUBTITLE F--FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION

    Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation

        Section 2501 amends section 1241 of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) extends and amends the funding for the
    conservation programs provided by the Commodity Credit
    Corporation.
        Subsection (b) is a conforming amendment to the regional
    equity provision. Subsection (c) includes conforming amendments
    related to the acceptance and use of contributions for public-
    private partnerships. Subsection (d) extends the report on
    enrollment and assistance, respectively.

    Sec. 2502. Delivery of Technical Assistance

        Section 2502 amends section 1242 of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) defines the term ``non-Federal
    certifying entity.'' Subsection (b) adds the word `timely' to
    the purpose of technical assistance. Subsection (c) adds
    `(including private sector entities)' to the list of entities
    eligible for non-Federal assistance to clarify their
    eligibility.
        Subsection (d) directs the Secretary to ensure that persons
    (including commercial entities, non-profits, State or local
    governments, and other Federal agencies) with certain expertise
    are eligible to become approved providers of technical
    assistance. Subsection (d) also provides for how third-party
    providers may be certified including through a process by the
    Secretary, by a non-Federal entity, by an Indian Tribe, or a
    State agency. Subsection (d) further establishes an approval
    process for a non-Federal certifying entity, including a
    timeline, and eligibility criteria. The Subsection also
    provides for the duties of non-Federal certifying entities. The
    subsection provides for a thirty-day timeline after which the
    Secretary receives an application from a third-party provider
    to be certified. The subsection provides a 10-day timeline for
    the Secretary to include the name of the certified third-party
    provider on a registry after the Secretary receives a
    notification from a non-Federal certifying entity. Finally, the
    subsection directs the Secretary within 180 days to establish a
    streamlined process for certification of third-party providers
    that have a relevant professional certification.
        Subsection (e) extends the authority to utilize and expend
    technical assistance funds from all programs administered by
    the Secretary for third-party provider technical assistance.
    Subsection (e) further clarifies the term of an agreement with
    a third-party provider to include non-Federal certifying
    entities. The subsection provides new language directing the
    Secretary, within 1 year of enactment, to review the
    certification process, make necessary adjustments, conduct
    outreach and set target utilization rates for delivery of
    technical assistance through third-party providers. Technical
    assistance for the design and implementation of conservation
    practices is adjusted to include technical assistance to
    program participants on maintenance of established practices.
    Subsection (e) adds new language providing direction to the
    Secretary in establishing payment amounts for third-party
    providers including use of specialized equipment, site visits,
    necessary travel and transportation, and other appropriate
    factors while excluding the payments from being considered as a
    cost-share calculation to the program participant.
    Additionally, the new text requires the Secretary to establish,
    within 1 year following enactment, a transparent, publicly
    available reporting of the use of third-party providers in the
    delivery of services and the actual certification process. The
    final addition to this section requires the Secretary to place
    emphasis on the use of third-party providers in soil health
    planning, cover crops, precision agriculture, comprehensive
    nutrient management planning and other innovative plans.
        Subsection (f) provides direction to the Secretary in the
    establishment and review of conservation practice standards.
    The subsection is amended to require a complete review of all
    conservation practice standards within 1 year of enactment and
    at least every 5 years thereafter. The subsection expands the
    criteria for the review process to require solicitation of
    public input, summary of input received, decisions relating to
    the input, and the revision of the standard following the
    review. New language is added by subsection (f) describing the
    process the Secretary shall follow for establishing interim and
    new conservation practice standards. This language sets 1 year
    following enactment as the date for the Secretary to develop
    and describe a streamlined process for interim and new
    conservation practice standards that ensures public engagement
    and is responsive to the public. State Technical Committee
    input, technology success from Conservation Innovation Grants
    and On-Farm Demonstrations, state and local partnership input,
    as well as, Native or traditional ecological knowledge or
    principles will inform the development and establishment of
    interim and new standards in an open, publicly available,
    transparent process. The subsection further provides for a
    priority when reviewing practices for practices that integrate
    innovative technologies. The Secretary will report these
    results of these activities and recommendations for improvement
    to Congress within 2 years of enactment with updates every 2
    years thereafter. To ensure USDA's continued responsiveness to
    the ongoing innovation in agriculture technology and cultural
    considerations, the subsection establishes and mandates
    staffing of an Office of Conservation Innovation within the
    Office of the Chief of NRCS. The funding and staffing of this
    new office will be through the annual conservation operation
    appropriations to the agency.
        Subsection (g) provides direct hire authority to the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service for positions providing
    technical assistance under the conservation programs
    administered by the agency.
        Subsection (h) requires the Secretary to incorporate
    nonstructural methods to control livestock distribution (such
    as virtual fencing) into conservation practice standards and
    ensure there is adequate technical assistance available for the
    implementation of practices that support wildlife habitat
    connectivity.

    Sec. 2503. Administrative Requirements for Conservation Programs

        Section 2503 amends section 1244 of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) is a conforming amendment adding the
    Forest Conservation Easement Program to the existing tenant
    protection provisions.
        Subsection (b) amends the county cropland acreage
    limitation for the conservation reserve program and the
    wetlands reserve easements into a single combined limitation
    acreage limitation removing the sub-limitation for the wetlands
    reserve easements. The Subsection revises the exception to
    waive the limitations when the Secretary determines that
    exceeding the county cropland acreage limitation will not
    adversely affect the local economy of a county or addressing
    producer's highly erodible lands compliance difficulties.
    Subsection (b) further amends the exclusions from the cropland
    acreage calculation to include land capability class III soils
    within the county.
        Subsection (c) updates current law for review and guidance
    for conservation practice costs and payment rates. The
    Secretary will annually review the actual costs of implementing
    the practices, account for gaps in available data, consider the
    variability in costs across the eligible lands in establishing
    the payment rates. The Subsection further directs the Secretary
    to monitor and identify significant changes within each year,
    seek input from the State Technical Committee regarding the
    significant changes and adopt or adjust current contracts to
    reflect the accepted change.
        Subsection (d) instructs the Secretary to identify a state
    source water protection coordinator to promote collaborative
    effort with community water systems in implementing the source
    water protection provisions of current law. This Subsection
    adds annual reporting requirements for the Chief of the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service to make publicly available
    through an interactive map aggregate data with respect to
    priority areas, conservation programs, numbers of contracts,
    acres enrolled, practices adopted, and funds obligated and
    expended in source water protection areas.
        Subsection (e) encourages the Secretary to use USDA's
    conservation program authorities in support of wildlife habitat
    connectivity and wildlife movement corridors.

             SUBTITLE G--AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM

    Sec. 2601. Definitions

        Section 2601 amends section 1265A of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. This section amends the program definitions by
    striking the definition for ``buy-protect-sell transactions''
    and renumbers the paragraphs and makes and additional revision
    to the ``eligible land'' definition to conform to striking the
    previous definition.

    Sec. 2602. Agricultural Land Easements

        Section 2602 amends section 1265B of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) amends the availability of technical
    assistance to remove buy-protect-sell transactions. Subsection
    (b) increases the maximum Federal share from 50 to 65 percent
    and provides the Secretary the authority to increase the
    maximum Federal share to 90 percent for a socially
    disadvantaged farmer or rancher holding an ownership interest
    of not less than 50 percent. This Subsection also includes a
    structural change to bring forward the previously authorized
    grassland exception with respect to the Federal share into the
    amended structure.
        Subsection (b) includes language clarifying the eligible
    entities responsibility for providing the non-Federal share.
    Subsection (b) further provides new language for an option to
    exclude the Federal right of enforcement from the easement
    terms and conditions. To exercise this option the eligible
    entity will receive Federal cost-share that does not exceed 25
    percent of the fair market value, provide cash contribution of
    at least 50 percent of the fair market value and use its own
    easement deed terms with approval of the Secretary. To provide
    greater opportunities for access to the program, the subsection
    provides clear authority for the Secretary to evaluate and rank
    applications from entities that include farms or ranches owned
    by socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers in separate
    pools. This subsection includes a restructuring of the text in
    current law with respect to the easement minimum terms and
    conditions without changing the base text in current law. The
    Subsection includes a new provision facilitating the transfer
    of an easement to another eligible entity if the holding entity
    ceases to exist or cannot comply with the easement terms and
    conditions of their agreement with USDA.
        With respect to certification of eligible entities,
    Subsection (b) provides a clear objective for the certification
    process to promote efficiency and minimize agency oversight. It
    further reduces the minimum number of acquired easements from
    10 to 5 for certification of accredited land trusts and state
    agencies. New language is provided in this subsection to
    address certification of eligible entities that are not
    accredited or a state agency when they hold 10 or more
    easements. Finally, the Subsection clarifies the easement
    review requirements for eligible entities to maintain their
    certification.

    Sec. 2603. Wetland Reserve Easements

        Section 2603 amends section 1265C of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) provided socially disadvantaged farmers
    and ranchers the wetlands reserve 30-year contract option in
    addition to easements. The option is currently available to
    Indian Tribes and will continue to be an available option. The
    Subsection provides clear authority for the Secretary to
    maintain separate evaluation and ranking pools specific to
    socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Subsection (b)
    makes a conforming change in a subsection citation.
        Subsection (c) provides new language elevating stewardship
    of existing wetland reserve easements as a program priority.
    The Subsection provides authority and parameters for providing
    financial assistance on existing easements, requires evaluation
    of needs, prioritization, planning and execution of stewardship
    activities, payment authority and reporting requirements of the
    Secretary. The Subsection requires the Secretary to compile and
    transmit the report to Congress within 2 years of enactment.
        Subsection (d) expands the Secretary's existing wetlands
    reserve easement authority for restoration and enhancement
    contracts and agreements to include Federal and local agencies
    or private entities. It further expands the eligible activities
    to include maintenance, repair, assessment and monitoring of
    easements.
        Subsection (e) instructs the Secretary to use not less than
    15 percent of the wetlands reserve easement funds to carry out
    the wetlands reserve enhancement option through agreements with
    partnering organizations.

    Sec. 2604 Administration

        Section 2604 amends section 1265D of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) breaks out modifications from exchanges
    and lowers the bar for modifications while keeping exchanges
    similar to current law. The subsection clarifies that any
    modification is not to be considered a major Federal action
    under NEPA. Subsection (a) provides authority to approve and
    make de minimis adjustments to any interest in land. The
    subsection describes types of de minimis adjustments that would
    be allowed. It also includes language granting authority to
    entities to include and modify easement terms and conditions
    specific to their objectives if such inclusion or modification
    is not in conflict with the term prescribed by the Secretary.
    Subsection (b) provides an exemption to AGI limitations under
    this subtitle. It further exempts income from the acquisition
    of an easement from AGI.

                SUBTITLE G--FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM

    Sec. 2701 Forest Conservation Easement Program

        Section 2701 established a new program called the Forest
    Conservation Easement Program. The section provides for
    conforming amendments by redesignating subtitle I as subtitle J
    and by inserting the program as subtitle I.
        Section 1267 is the Establishment and Purposes. Subsection
    (a) directs the Secretary to establish a forest conservation
    easement program. Subsection (b) provides for the purposes of
    the program to include protecting the viability and
    sustainability of working forest land, protecting, and
    enhancing forest and ecosystems and landscape functions and
    values, promoting the restoration and protection of habitat
    species, and carrying out the purpose and functions or the
    healthy forests reserve program.
        Section 1267A is the Definitions. The Section provides for
    definitions for the subtitle including acreage owned by an
    Indian tribe, eligible entity, eligible land, forest land
    easement, forest management plan, forest reserve easement,
    program, and socially disadvantaged forest landowner.
        Section 1267B is the Forest Land Easements. Subsection (a)
    directs the Secretary to provide funding for the purchase by
    eligible entities of forest land easements, the development of
    a forest management plan, and technical assistance to implement
    the section. Subsection (b) provides for the terms of cost-
    share assistance including the Federal share of 50 percent of
    the fair market value of the forest land easement with an
    exception of not more than 75 percent for forests of special
    environmental significance or land owned by a socially
    disadvantaged forest owners. Subsection (b) also provides for
    the non-Federal share which is the equivalent of the remainder
    of the fair market value. The subsection provides for the
    permissible forms the non-Federal share may comprise. The
    subsection also provides for how the Secretary shall determine
    the fair market value. Subsection (b) also provides for
    evaluation and ranking of applications including the criteria,
    priority, and other considerations. The subsection continues by
    directing the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible
    entities and the length of those agreements. The subsection
    also authorizes eligible entities to use their own minimum
    terms and conditions if they are consistent with certain
    conditions, including subsurface. The subsection also allows
    for substitution of qualified projects and provides for effects
    of a violation. Finally, Subsection (b) directs the landowner
    to work with an eligible entity to develop a forest management
    plan and directs the Secretary to reimburse the landowner for
    the cost of the plan. Subsection (c) provides for the method of
    enrollment using permanent easements or easements for the
    maximum durations allowed by State law. Subsection (d) provides
    that the Secretary may provide technical assistance to assist
    in compliance with terms and conditions of forest land
    easements.
        Section 1267C is the Forest Reserve Easements. Subsection
    (a) directs the Secretary to provide funding to owners of
    eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance eligible lands
    through forest reserve easements, related forest reserve
    easement plans, and technical assistance. Subsection (b)
    describes the method of enrollment using permanent easements,
    30-year easements, and easements for the maximum duration
    allowed under State law. The subsection also describes the
    method of enrollment for acreage owned by an Indian Tribe. The
    subsection sets a limitation on the amount for each fiscal year
    dedicated to 30-year easements. Subsection (b) also provides
    for evaluation and ranking of applications including the
    criteria, priority, and other considerations. The subsection
    provides for the term and conditions of easements and provides
    for the ability for a landowner to request certain terms and
    conditions. Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to provide
    certain compensation for permanent easements and other
    compensation for 30-year easements. The subsection also directs
    the Secretary to determine the fair market value of the
    easement using certain standards.
        Subsection (c) directs the Secretary to provide financial
    assistance to owners to carry out activities and practices
    described in the forest reserve easement plan. Subsection (c)
    describes the amounts the Secretary shall pay for those
    activities and practices, the costs eligible and the timing of
    such payments. Finally, the subsection provides for a
    limitation of the amount of financial assistance the Secretary
    may provide. Subsection (d) directs the Secretary to provide
    technical assistance to owners of eligible land to assist
    owners in developing a forest reserve easement plan and
    complying with the terms and conditions of a forest reserve
    easement. The subsection also allows the Secretary to enter
    into contracts with entities to provide technical assistance.
    Subsection (e) directs the Secretary to make available to the
    landowners safe harbor or similar protections under the
    Endangered Species Act. The subsection also allows for costs
    associated with additional measures and the cost of a permit to
    be considered eligible costs for payment under subsection
    (c)(2).
        Subsection (f) allows the Secretary to delegate any of the
    management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities under
    this section to other Federal or State agencies. Subsection (f)
    also allows the Secretary to delegate any of the management
    responsibilities to a nonprofit organization if the Secretary
    determines the organization has the appropriate expertise.
    Finally, the subsection allows the Secretary to consult with
    landowners and other entities.
        Section 1267D is the Administration. Subsection (a) directs
    the Secretary to not use amounts available to carry out the
    program on certain ineligible land. Subsection (b) authorizes
    the Secretary to allow subordination, modification, exchange,
    and termination under certain conditions. The subsection
    directs the Secretary to obtain consent, if applicable, from
    the landowner and eligible entity for any subordination,
    exchange, modification, or termination. Subsection (b) directs
    the Secretary to provide written notice to the House and Senate
    Agriculture Committees before taking any termination action.
    Subsection (c) says that in accordance with provisions of
    section 2902, land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve
    program on the day before enactment shall be considered
    enrolled in the program.

    Sec. 2702. Healthy Forest Reserve Program

        Subsection (a) repeals Title V of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003. The subsection makes a conforming
    amendment to amend the table of contents to reflect the repeal.
    Subsection (b) provides for transitional authorities to ensure
    that it does not affect the validity or terms of contract,
    agreement, easement, payments, or technical assistance required
    entered into under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration
    Act. Subsection (b) authorizes the use of prior year funds.

             SUBTITLE I--REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

    Sec. 2801 Establishment and Purposes

        Section 2801 amends section 1271 of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. The section amends the purposes of the Regional
    Conservation Partnership Program to include the prevention and
    mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought and
    improvement or expansion of flood resiliency.

    Sec. 2802 Definitions

        Section 2802 amends section 1271A of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. The section adds the forest conservation easement
    program established under subtitle I to the list of covered
    programs.

    Sec. 2803 Regional Conservation Partnerships

        Section 2803 amends section 1271B of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) authorizes the Secretary to enter into
    partnership agreements with eligible entities to implement
    projects. Subsection (a) directs the Secretary to streamline
    the partnership agreement process ensuring the partnership
    agreement process takes less than 180 days and that the
    agreement contains only information described under (e)(3) to
    fund and initiate the project and any adjustments to the
    requirements of a covered program determined necessary by the
    Secretary under paragraph (2) of section 1271E(f) and any
    waiver provided under paragraph (3). Finally, subsection (a)
    directs the Secretary to make available information on the
    process for requesting a waiver or adjustment.
        Subsection (b) provides for a conforming amendment on an
    annual report on technical assistance funds. The subsection
    also ensures that payments to eligible partners are made not
    later than 30 days after the date on which the eligible partner
    submits to the Secretary a request for payment.
        Subsection (c) amends section 1271B(e)(3) to add any
    requests of a waiver or an adjustment to a covered program in
    the application section.

    Sec. 2804 Assistance to Producers

        Section 2804 amends section 1271C of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. The section amends 1271C(d)(3) to ensure eligible
    entities under an AFA provide not less than 50 percent of the
    overall costs of the project in direct funding.

    Sec. 2805 Funding

        Section 2805 amends section 1271D of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 to make certain conforming amendments. Subsection (b)
    amends the limitation of administration expenses to allow not
    more than 10 percent to reimburse the eligible partner for
    administrative expenses relating to the projects. The
    subsection also clarifies than any remaining amount not
    reimbursed that is expended by an eligible partner for
    administrative expenses may be a part of the contribution of
    the eligible partner under section 1271B(c)(2).
        Subsection (c) authorizes the Secretary to identify the
    total amount of funds that will be used for technical
    assistance and the share of funds provided to eligible
    partners. Subsection (c) also clarifies that the Secretary may
    reimburse partners for the cost of technical assistance
    including the costs of technical assistance to facilitate the
    maximum conservation benefit, the costs of providing outreach,
    the costs of establishing baseline metrics to support the
    development of the assessment required under section
    1271B(c)(1)(E), and other costs necessary to support the
    implementation of the project. The subsection also authorizes
    the Secretary to advance funds to eligible partners. The
    subsection also limits the costs of the Secretary for technical
    assistance. Finally, the subsection directs the Secretary to
    provide a single, simplified process for reimbursements and
    advancements, along with strategies for third-party providers
    to participate in the program.

    Sec. 2806 Administration

        Section 2806 amends section 1271E of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) amends the reporting provision to
    ensure the report is made publicly available.
        Subsection (b) adds subsection (f) to 1271E that directs
    the Secretary to ensure that the terms and conditions of a
    program contract are consistent with the requirements of the
    applicable covered program while also authorizing the Secretary
    to adjust a regulatory requirement of a covered program if
    requested by a partner. The subsection also provides for a
    limitation on that provision to not adjust statutory
    requirements. Subsection (b) also provides waiver authority of
    eligible land considerations for an Agricultural Land Easement.
    The subsection also ensures that certified eligible entities
    under the Agricultural Land Easement program shall have the
    same benefits in RCPP as they do in ACEP. Subsection (b)
    provides an exemption to the prior irrigation history
    requirement for an eligible activity under EQIP in which
    irrigation has not been used significantly for agricultural
    purposes. The subsection provides that paragraph (1) of this
    subsection does not apply to AFAs.

    Sec. 2807 Critical Conservation Areas

        Section 2807 amends section 1271F of the Food Security Act
    of 1985. Subsection (a) amends the definition of priority
    resource concerns to include restoration and enhancement of
    wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration corridors.
    Subsection (b) makes a conforming amendment to 1271D.

                                TITLE III--TRADE

                         SUBTITLE A--FOOD FOR PEACE ACT

    Sec. 3101. Transfer of authorities to the Secretary of Agriculture

        Section 3101 amends various sections of the Food for Peace
    Act to transfer the authorities of the Administrator of the
    United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to
    the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture
    (USDA).
        Section 3101 also provides that the assets, liabilities,
    orders, determinations, permits, grants, loans, contracts,
    agreements, certificates, and licenses of the USAID
    Administrator, pursuant to any authority under the Food for
    Peace Act on or after January 1, 2026, shall be transferred to
    the Secretary of Agriculture. Additionally, other authorities
    outside of the Food for Peace Act that the USAID Administrator
    used to implement Food for Peace programs may be exercised by
    the Secretary of Agriculture.
        Section 3101 further allows the Secretary of Agriculture to
    promulgate or amend rules and regulations (including by issuing
    or re-issuing interim final rules) that were previously used by
    the USAID Administrator to implement programs within the Food
    for Peace Act. Finally, the section requires the Secretary of
    Agriculture to consult with the Secretary of State from time to
    time in carrying out the authorities under the Food for Peace
    Act.

    Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance

        Paragraph (1) of section ``narrows the notwithstanding
    authority to the Food for Peace Act.
        Paragraph (2) of section 3102 amends section 202(b)(1) of
    the Food for Peace Act to clarify that assistance, including in
    the form of agricultural commodities, may be used for
    nonemergency assistance.
        Paragraph (3) of Section 3102 amends section 202(b)(2) of
    the Food for Peace Act to update the USAID references to USDA.
        Paragraph (4) of section 3102 amends section 202(d) of the
    Food for Peace Act to provide that a nongovernmental
    organization, as determined by the Secretary, qualifies as an
    eligible organization.
        Paragraph (5) of section 3102 amends section 202(e) of the
    Food for Peace Act to reserve 50 percent of Food for Peace
    resources for the procurement of U.S. grown commodities and
    ocean transportation.
        Paragraph (6) of section 3101 amends section 202(h)(3) of
    the Food for Peace Act to extend the funding limitation for
    food aid quality oversight through 2031.

    Sec. 3103. Minimum levels of assistance

        Section 3103 repeals section 204 of the Food for Peace Act.

    Sec. 3104. Food aid consultative group

        Section 3104 amends section 205 of the Food for Peace Act
    to reauthorize the Food Aid Consultative Group through December
    31, 2031, and updates USAID related references accordingly.

    Sec. 3105. Issuance of regulations; oversight, monitoring, and
            evaluation

        This section updates Farm Bill title references, changes
    USAID references to USDA, and extends existing funding
    authority through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 3106. International food relief partnership

        Section 3106 amends section 208(f) of the Food for Peace
    Act to increase appropriations from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000
    for the International Food Relief Partnership program for each
    of Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031.

    Sec. 3107. Use of commodity credit corporation

        Section 3107 amends section 406(b) of the Food for Peace
    Act to provide that the Commodity Credit Corporation may pay
    all associated and incidental costs of commodities made
    available for emergency and private assistance programs and
    food for development under the Food for Peace Act.

    Sec. 3108. Pre-positioning of agricultural commodities and annual
            report regarding food aid programs and activities

        Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) update USAID
    references to USDA. Paragraph (4) of section 3108 extends
    existing authority and funding through Fiscal Year 2031.
        Paragraph (7) of section 3108 amends section 407(f)(1) of
    the Food for Peace Act by striking the references to the USAID
    Administrator.
        Paragraph (8) of Section 3108 amends section 407(f)(2) by
    updating the annual reporting requirements to include a
    statement of the amount of funds provided to eligible
    organizations that received assistance and how those funds were
    used and requires an assessment of activities specifically
    targeting women and girls.
        Paragraph (9) of section 3108 is a conforming amendment to
    the changes made under paragraph (8).

    Sec. 3109. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other
            assistance

        Section 3109 amends section 408 of the Food for Peace Act
    to extend the deadline for agreements to finance sales or to
    provide other assistance until December 31, 2031.

    Sec. 3110. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance

        Paragraph (1) of section 3110 extends the minimum levels of
    nonemergency food assistance through Fiscal Year 2031.
        Paragraph (2) of section 3110 amends section 412 of the
    Food for Peace Act by providing that not less than $200,000,000
    for each fiscal year be available for the procurement and
    distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods. Such provision
    shall only be in effect if the most recent Joint Child
    Malnutrition Estimates reports a rate of children under 5 years
    of age affected by child wasting above 5 percent and the annual
    appropriations under title II is greater than $1,200,000,000.

    Sec. 3111. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs

        Section 3111 amends section 415 of the Food for Peace Act
    to reauthorize the micronutrient fortification program until
    2031 and updates USAID related references to USDA.

    Sec. 3112. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer program

        Section 3112 extends the authority for the John Ogonowski
    and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program and updates USAID
    references to USDA.

    Sec. 3113. Food for Peace Act administration

        Section 3113 provides that for Fiscal Years 2026 through
    2031, the Secretary of Agriculture may use funds made available
    for the salaries and expenses of the Foreign Agricultural
    Service under an appropriations Act or any other provision of
    law to pay the administrative expenses of the Department of
    Agriculture in the implementation of the Food for Peace Act.

                   SUBTITLE B--AGRICULTURAL TRADE ACT OF 1978

    Sec. 3201. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation

        Section 3201(a) amends section 203(c) of the Agricultural
    Trade Act of 1978 to provide not more than $1,500,000 in
    funding for Fiscal Year 2027 and not more than $5,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter for the
    Secretary to enter into contracts with trade organizations or
    nonprofit organizations with supply chain infrastructure
    expertise to provide technical assistance to enhance the
    capabilities of infrastructure in new and developing foreign
    markets, including infrastructure related to cold chain
    capacity, port improvements, and other developments.
        Section 3201(b) amends section 203(e)(7) of the
    Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to establish a biennial report
    that the Secretary, in consultation with the United States
    Trade Representative, to submit every two years to the
    Committee on Agriculture and Committee on Ways and Means of the
    House and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
    and the Committee on Finance of the Senate.
        Section 3201(c) amends section 203(f) of the Agricultural
    Trade Act of 1978 to provide the following funding:
               FY26:
                       Total funding: $255M
                       MAP: $200M
                       FMD: $34.5M
                       EMP: $8M
                       TASC: $9M
                       PTF: $3.5M
               FY27:
                       Total funding: $500M
                       MAP: $400M
                       FMD: $70.5M
                              D Of this, $1.5M will go towards cold
                            chain storage.
                       EMP: $8M
                       TASC: $9M
                       PTF: $3.5M
               FY28 and each fiscal year thereafter:
                       Total funding: $533M
                       MAP: $410M
                       FMD: $82M
                              D Of this, $5M will go towards cold
                            chain storage.
                       EMP: $16M
                       TASC: $18M
                       PTF: $7M
        Section 3201(d) repeals the prohibition on using funds to
    provide assistance to, or to pay the salaries of personnel to
    carry out a market promotion/market access program that
    provides assistance to the United States Mink Export
    Development Council or any mink industry trade association and
    the supplemental agricultural trade promotion program.

    Sec. 3202. Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names

        Section 3202(a) amends Section 102 of the Agricultural
    Trade Act of 1978 to create a definition for ``Common Name'',
    meaning a name that, as determined by the Secretary, is
    ordinarily or customarily used for an agricultural commodity or
    food product, is typically placed on the packaging and product
    label of the agricultural commodity or food product, and the
    use of the name is consistent with standards of the Codex
    Alimentarius Commission. Additionally, the definition excludes
    examples of names, among others, that shall be considered as
    common names with respect to food products, wine, and beer.
        Section 3202(b) amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
    to add a new section at the end of Title III that requires the
    Secretary to coordinate efforts with the United States Trade
    Representative to secure the right of U.S. agricultural
    producers, processors, and exporters to use common names for
    agricultural commodities or food products in foreign markets
    through the negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral, or
    multilateral agreements, memoranda of understanding, or
    exchanges of letters that assure the current and future use of
    each common name identified by the Secretary in connection with
    United States agricultural commodities or food products.
    Section 3202(b) also requires the Secretary and the U.S. Trade
    Representative to provide the House Committee on Agriculture
    and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and
    Nutrition a briefing, twice annually, on their efforts and
    success in carrying out negotiations to defend the use of
    common names.

    Sec. 3203. Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable
            working group

        Section 3203 amends subtitle B of title IV of the
    Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to require the Secretary, the
    United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce,
    and the heads of other Federal agencies or entities as
    determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, to jointly
    establish an interagency working group composed of
    representatives from each agency to monitor and assess, on an
    ongoing basis, seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables
    trade data and related information.

                   SUBTITLE C--OTHER AGRICULTURAL TRADE LAWS

    Sec. 3301. Growing American Food Exports

        Section 3301 amends Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize the
    $2,000,000 authorization of appropriations of the Biotechnology
    and Agricultural Trade Program for each fiscal year through
    2031.

    Sec. 3302. Food for Progress Act of 1985

        Paragraph (1) of section 3302 amends section 1110(c) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary to annually
    enter into two or more agreements with two or more eligible
    entities to furnish developing countries and countries that are
    emerging democracies with eligible commodities.
        Paragraphs (2) through (5)(A) of section 3302 amends
    section 1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 to reauthorize
    the program until 2031.
        Paragraph (5)(B) and (6) of section 3302 amends section
    1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 to narrow the scope of
    authority that the Secretary may use proceeds to pay the costs
    incurred by eligible entities under the Food for Progress Act
    to development purposes and programs.
        Paragraph (7) of section 3302 amends section 1110(n)(2)(C)
    of the Food Security Act of 1985 to update an outdated
    reference to the Committee on International Relations with the
    Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

    Sec. 3303. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act

        Paragraphs (1) and (5) of section 3303 amend section 302 of
    the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act to reauthorize the
    trust through 2031.
        Paragraph (2) of section 3303 amends section 302(c)(1)(C)
    of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act to provide the
    Secretary with the authority to determine if funds and
    commodities held in the trust are available for emergency and
    private assistance programs under the Food for Peace Act for a
    fiscal year if funds for such fiscal year are insufficient to
    meet emergency needs.
        Paragraph (3) of section 3303 strikes section 302(c)(1)(D)
    of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act regarding the USAID
    Administrator's authority to waive minimum tonnage
    requirements.
        Paragraph (4) of section 3303 amends section 302(f)(2)(A)
    of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act to provide that the
    Secretary shall reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for
    the release of eligible commodities from funds made available
    to carry out the Food for Peace Act and the funds that shall be
    available to replenish the trust.

    Sec. 3304. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets

        Section 3304 amends section 1542(a) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize
    funding for the promotion of agricultural exports to emerging
    markets through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 3305. International agricultural education fellowship program

        Section 3305 amends section 3307 of the Agricultural
    Improvement Act of 2018 to reauthorize funding for the
    International Agricultural Fellowship Program through Fiscal
    Year 2031. Section 3305 also requires the Secretary, to the
    maximum extent practicable, to implement the fellowship program
    in each participating host country for not fewer than 3
    consecutive years and to ensure that contracts awarded to
    outside organizations are multi-year.

    Sec. 3306. International agricultural cultural immersion and exchange
            program

        Section 3306 amends the Agricultural Improvement Act of
    2018 to add a new section at the end of Title III that
    establishes an International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and
    Exchange Program, authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for
    each of Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031, to develop globally
    minded citizens of the U.S. and to strengthen and enhance trade
    between eligible countries and the U.S. in agricultural, food,
    nutrition, and environmental industries.

    Sec. 3307. International food security technical assistance

        Section 3307 amends section 1543B(f) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize
    funding for international food security technical assistance
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 3308. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
            Nutrition Program

        Paragraph (1) of section 3308 amends section
    3107(c)(2)(B)(ii) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
    of 2002 by adding lower-middle income countries as eligible.
        Paragraph (2) of section 3308 amends section 3107(h)(2) of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to update an
    outdated reference to the Committee on International Relations
    with the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
    Representatives.
        Paragraph (3) of section 3308 amends section 3107(l)(2) of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to
    reauthorize funding for the McGovern-Dole International Food
    for Education and Child Nutrition Program through Fiscal Year
    2031.
        Paragraph (4) of section 3308 amends section 3107(l)(4) of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to provide
    that of the funds available to carry out the McGovern-Dole
    International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program,
    not less than 8 percent, but not more than 15 percent, shall be
    used to purchase agricultural commodities that are produced in
    and procured from developing countries that are McGovern-Dole
    recipients.

    Sec. 3309. Global Crop Diversity Trust

        Section 3309 amends section 3202 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008 to limit the aggregate contribution of
    funds of the Federal Government provided to the Global Crop
    Diversity Trust to 33% while also ensuring that the trust is
    not precluded from receiving additional competitive funding or
    other funding. Additionally, the section reauthorizes
    appropriations for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2031.

    Sec. 3310. Local and regional food aid procurement projects

        Section 3310 amends section 3206(e)(1) of the Food,
    Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize
    appropriations for local and regional food aid procurements
    projects until 2031.

    Sec. 3311. Agricultural trade enforcement task force

        Section 3311 establishes an Agricultural Trade Enforcement
    Task Force to identify trade barriers to U.S. agricultural
    exports that are vulnerable to dispute settlement under the
    World Trade Organization (WTO) or other trade agreements,
    develop and implement a strategy for enforcing violations of
    trade agreements related to those trade barriers, identify
    like-minded trading partners for specific trade barriers that
    could act as complainants on disputes that are systemically or
    economically important to the United States, and submit
    periodic reports to Congress.

    Sec. 3312. Report on international shrimp trade

        Section 3312 requires a GAO report provided to the
    Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and
    Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on
    Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on policy
    solutions to address illegal shrimp imports and related
    inspections, as well as policy solutions to promote and protect
    the domestic shrimp industry.

                        SUBTITLE D--OTHER TRADE MATTERS

    Sec. 3401. Report on modifications to USMCA

        Section 3401 requires the Secretary to report on how any
    expected or implemented modification or revocation of any part
    of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect the
    importation and exportation of agricultural commodities.

    Sec. 3402. Sense of Congress and report on Argentine beef imports

        Section 3402 expresses Congressional concern about
    increased Argentine beef imports and require a USDA report on
    their impacts on domestic cattle producers, prices, and rural
    economies.

                              TITLE IV--NUTRITION

             SUBTITLE A--SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

    Sec. 4101. Declaration of Policy

        Section 4101 amends section 2 of the Food and Nutrition Act
    of 2008, adding subsections (b) and (c) relating to Congress's
    Declaration of Policy on SNAP.

    Section 4102. Prohibited Feeds

        Section 4102 amends section 7(h)(13)(B) of the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 to make permanent the prohibition on the
    imposition of fees by States for EBT transactions including
    switching or routing such benefits.

    Section 4103. SNAP Staffing Flexibility

        Section 4103 amends section 11 of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 by adding a new subsection (y), allowing a State
    agency to hire a contractor to undertake supplemental nutrition
    assistance program certification or carry out any other
    function of the State agency under SNAP.
        Paragraph (2) stipulates a state agency may only use the
    authority to hire a contractor when the State experiences an
    increase in supplemental nutrition assistance program
    applications or an inability to timely process such
    applications from certain causes, or the State's payment error
    rate is 6% or greater.
        Paragraph (4) requires the State agency to notify the
    Secretary of its intent to use the authority provided in this
    section and shall provide any information or data supporting
    State agency increases in supplemental nutrition assistance
    program applications or any inability to timely process such
    applications.
        Paragraph (7) directs the Secretary to submit an annual
    report to Congress on SNAP Staffing Flexibility.
        Paragraph (8) lists when the temporary staffing shortage
    authorities provided to State agencies by this section expire.

    Section 4104. Updates to Administrative Processes for SNAP Retailers

        Section 4104 amends Section 9(d) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act to require food stores that are denied participation in
    SNAP to have to be denied on two consecutive occasions within
    three years before the existing six-month waiting period to
    submit a new application shall apply.

    Section 4105. Report on All Identified Payment Errors

        Section 4105 amends section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 by requiring the Secretary to include all
    identified payment errors, regardless of dollar amount, in a
    supplemental section of the annual payment error rate
    measurement report for SNAP. Such information shall not alter,
    modify, or affect the calculation of the tolerance level for
    excluding small errors under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) of such
    section, currently an amount not greater than $58.

    Section 4106. Authorization of Appropriations

        Section 4106 amends section 18(a)(1) of the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 by extending through 2031 the
    authorization for appropriations to carry out such Act.

    Section 4107. Retail Food Store and Recipient Trafficking

        Section 4107 amends section 29(c)(1) of the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 by extending the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Section 4108. EBT Card Security Regulations

        Section 4108 requires the Secretary to promulgate proposed
    rule regulations to enhance EBT Card security measures not
    later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act.

    Section 4109. Report on SNAP Administrative Expenses

        Section 4109 requires the Comptroller General to submit a
    report to Congress not later than 12 months after the date of
    enactment of this Act on SNAP administrative expenses.

    Section 4110. Animal Protein an Eligible Food

        Section 4110 amends section 9(j)(1)(B) of the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 by including ``animal protein'' in the
    list of eligible incentive foods.

    Section 4111. Permanent Authority for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
            Program Online Purchasing

        Section 4111 amends section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act
    of 2008 by adding a new subsection (l), requiring the Secretary
    to transition the SNAP online purchasing initiative from pilot
    status to permanent nationwide program operations.

    Section 4112. Emergency Food Assistance Programs

        Section 4112(a) amends section 209(d) of the Emergency Food
    Assistance Act of 1983 by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for emergency food program infrastructure grants
    through 2031.
        Subsection (b) amends section 27 of the Food and Nutrition
    Act, by extending through 2031 the availability of commodities
    for the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
        Subsection (c) amends section 214(c) of the Emergency Food
    Assistance Act of 1983 by adding a new paragraph (3) to allow
    States to use up to 20 percent of the cost of commodities
    allocated under that section to order commodities through the
    Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

    Sec. 4113. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

        Section 4113 amends Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act by extending through 2031 the Traditional and Locally and
    Regionally-Grown Food Fund within the Food Distribution Program
    on Indian Reservations.

                  SUBTITLE B--COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS

    Section 4201. Commodity Distribution Program

        Section 4201(a) amends Section 4402(b)(1) of the Farm
    Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by adding maple syrup
    and tree nuts as a permitted resource to be provided in the
    Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition program.
        Subsection (b) amends section 4(a) of the Agriculture and
    Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend the authority of the
    Secretary to carry out the Commodity Distribution Program
    through 2031.

    Section 4202. Commodity Supplemental Food Program

        Section 4202(1) and (2) amends section 5 of the Agriculture
    and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend the authority of
    the Secretary to carry out the Commodity Supplemental Food
    Program through 2031.
        Paragraph (3) adds as a new subsection (n) to such
    section--the Commodity Supplemental Food Program Delivery Pilot
    Program. The purpose of the program is to award grants for the
    operation of projects that increase the access of low-income
    elderly persons to commodities through home delivery or other
    means and to evaluate such projects. This paragraph authorizes
    there to be $10,000,000 for each of Fiscal Years 2027 through
    2031 for the program.

    Section 4203. Distribution of Surplus Commodities to Special Nutrition
            Projects

        Section 4203 amends section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the
    Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 by extending the Secretary's
    authority for the program through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Section 4204. Commodity Supplemental Food Program Demonstration Project
            for Tribal Organizations

        Section 4204 creates a demonstration project for tribal
    organizations under which one or more Tribal organizations may
    enter into self-determination contracts to purchase
    agricultural commodities under the food distribution program
    for the Indian reservation of that Tribal organization.
    Paragraph (6) authorizes $1,000,000 to carry out the
    demonstration project.
        Subsection (b) requires the Secretary to appoint an
    existing office of the United States Department of Agriculture
    to administer Tribal self-determination contracts and
    authorizes $1,200,000 for each of Fiscal Years 2027 through
    2031 for the payment of Department contract officers and
    program staff salaries and benefits.

                           SUBTITLE C--MISCELLANEOUS

    Section 4301. Purchase of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Distribution
            to Schools and Service Institutions

        Section 4301 amends section 10603(b) of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize the purchase of
    specialty crops through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Section 4302. Buy American Requirements for Certain School Meals

        Section 4302 amends Section 12(n)(2)(A) of the Richard B.
    Russell National School Lunch Act by codifying that the
    Secretary shall require that a school food authority purchase,
    with respect to each food purchase category designated by the
    Agricultural Marketing Service, at least 95 percent domestic
    products and commodities in each such category for each school
    year. Subparagraph (A)(ii) provides an exception for
    domestically unavailable foods. Subparagraph (A)(iii) requires
    the Secretary to make available to school food authorities a
    list of domestically unavailable products every 2 years.
    Subparagraph (A)(iv) prohibits school food authorities from
    purchasing certain foods from China or Russia.

    Section 4303. Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive
            Program

        Section 4303 amends Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008. Paragraph (1)(A) amends subsection
    (b)(1)(C) by allowing a waiver to persistent poverty counties
    from the requirement that the Federal cost-share not exceed
    50%.
        Paragraph (1)(B) provides that in awarding grants under the
    program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that
    increase year-round availability of incentives by offering all
    forms of fruits or vegetables.
        Paragraph (2) expands what an eligible entity must
    prescribe from just ``fresh fruits and vegetables'' to ``all
    forms of fruits, vegetables, and legumes''.

    Section 4304. Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison Report

        Section 4304 amends Section 224(e)(2) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to make the Food Loss
    and Waste Reduction Liaison Report annual and adds required
    information to be included in the report.

    Section 4305. Dairy Nutrition Incentives Projects

        Section 4305 amends section 4208 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 by expanding the program to include all
    forms of pasteurized fluid milk containing certain levels of
    vitamins A and D, cheeses made from pasteurized milk that are a
    good source of protein, and low added-sugar yogurts made from
    pasteurized milk that are good sources of protein. Paragraph
    (6) increases the authorization of appropriations for the
    section from $20,000,000 to $50,000,000.

    Section 4306. Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Program

        Section 4306 requires the Secretary to establish a program
    for entering into cooperative agreements with eligible entities
    to strengthen local and regional food producers, distributors,
    security, and systems.
        Subsections (b) and (c) list how funds may and may not be
    used by selected entities. Subsection (d) requires the
    Secretary to provide technical assistance to selected eligible
    entities.
        Subsection (e) requires the Secretary to allocate 10
    percent of this section's funding to Tribal Governments, 1
    percent to each State, and the remaining amounts to each
    eligible entity.
        Subsection (f) authorizes $200,000,000 in discretionary
    funding to carry out this section for Fiscal Years 2027 through
    2031.

    Section 4307. Healthy Food Financing Initiative

        Section 4307 amends section 243 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act by increasing from $125,000,000
    to $135,000,000, the authorization of appropriations for the
    Healthy Food Financing Initiative.

    Section 4308. Dietary Guidelines

        Section 4308 amends section 301 of the National Nutrition
    Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990. Subsections (a)(1)
    and (3) require the Secretaries of Agriculture and HHS to
    jointly publish Dietary Guidelines at least once every 10
    years. Current law requires the Guidelines be published at
    least once every 5 years.
        Subsection (a)(2) increases the level of scientific
    agreement required for information to be included in the report
    from a mere preponderance of current scientific and medical
    knowledge to ``significant scientific agreement determined by
    evidence-based review'', among other requirements.
        Subsection (a)(4) would require the Secretaries to notify
    and justify to Congress when the Dietary Guidelines are to be
    updated.
        Subsection (a)(5) would create an Independent Advisory
    Board to assist in updating the Dietary Guidelines as needed.
        Subsection (a)(6) excludes the Secretaries from being
    permitted to publish in the report information or topics not
    relevant to dietary guidance, including taxation, social
    welfare policies, purchases under Federal feeding programs,
    food and agricultural production practices, food labeling,
    socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, or regulations
    relating to nutrition.
        Subsection (b) clarifies the recently published 2025
    Dietary Guidelines for Americans shall be the controlling
    report until a more recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans is
    published in accordance with the amendments made to this
    section by this Act.

                                TITLE V--CREDIT

                        SUBTITLE A--FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS

    Sec. 5101. Persons eligible for real estate loans

        Section 5101 amends section 302(a)(2) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for direct
    farm ownership loans to individuals or entity members that hold
    at least a 50 percent interest and that are or will become bona
    fide operators of the farm real estate acquired, improved, or
    supported with real estate loans.

    Sec. 5102. Experience requirements

        Section 5102 amends section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act to lower the required years of farm
    or ranch operations experience, from 3 years to 2 years, for
    farmers and ranchers to be eligible for direct farm ownership
    loans. Section 5102 also allows Secretary to reduce the
    requirement to 1 year, if a farmer or rancher meets certain
    criteria.

    Sec. 5103. Refinancing of indebtedness into direct loans

        Section 5103 amends subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and
    Rural Development Act to require the Secretary to promulgate
    regulations, within 1 year after the date of enactment of the
    Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 to allow
    distressed loans guaranteed by the Farm Service Agency to be
    refinanced into direct loans subject to certain conditions.

    Sec. 5104. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program

        Section 5104 amends section 304 of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act to support the adoption of precision
    agriculture practices and acquisition of precision agriculture
    technologies as a priority for guaranteed conservation loans.
    Section 5103 also reauthorizes the Conservation Loan and Loan
    Guarantee Program through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 5105. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans

        Section 5105 amends section 305(a)(2) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the maximum
    allowable indebtedness for guaranteed loans, from $700,000 to
    $1,750,000 adjusted for inflation beginning in Fiscal Year
    2026.

    Sec. 5106. Inflation percentage

        Section 5106 amends section 305(c) of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act to adjust the inflation percentage
    applicable to the maximum allowable indebtedness for guaranteed
    loans to include the average of the per acre average United
    States farm real estate value, the per acre average United
    States cropland value, and the per acre average United States
    pasture value for the preceding year, weighted equally, to
    exceed the same averages from the prior year.

    Sec. 5107. Authority of farm credit system institutions to provide
            financial support for essential rural community facilities
            projects

        Section 5107 amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to create a
    new section that expands the authority of Farm Credit
    institutions to work in conjunction with community banks to
    provide financing and technical assistance for essential rural
    community facilities projects.

    Sec. 5108. Down payment loan program

        Section 5108 amends section 310E(b)(1) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to adjust the principal amount
    of a farm ownership loan made under the down payment loan
    program to be the lower of 45% the lessor of the purchase price
    or the appraised value of the farm or ranch to be acquired.

    Sec. 5109. Heirs property

        Section 5109(a) amends section 310I(g) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize the Heirs
    Property Intermediary Relending Program through Fiscal Year
    2031.
        Section 5109(b) amends section 310I of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to establish that the Secretary
    shall enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities
    to provide legal or accounting services to underserved heirs,
    at no cost to the underserved heirs, to assist in resolving
    undivided ownership interests on farmland or forest land, or
    land transitioning to farmland or forest land, that has
    multiple owners and to authorize appropriations of $60,000,000,
    for each of Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031, to carry out the
    cooperative agreements.
        Section 5109(c) amends section 310I(g) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary to
    annually submit to the House Committee on Agriculture and the
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry a
    report describing the operation and outcomes of the Heirs
    Property Intermediary Relending Program, with recommendations
    on how to strengthen the program.

    Sec. 5110. Prompt approval of loans and loan guarantees

        Section 5110 amends section 333A(g) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to provide to lenders a short,
    simplified application form to Preferred Certified Lender or
    Certified Lenders for real estate and operating guaranteed
    loans of not more than $1,000,000.

    Sec. 5111. Expedited approval pilot program

        Section 5111 amends subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and
    Rural Development Act to add at the end a new section to
    establish a pilot program for a prior approval process for
    direct farm ownership loans and farm ownership loans guaranteed
    by the Secretary that are serviced by a Preferred Certified
    Lender and provided to a creditworthy borrower, as determined
    by the Preferred Certified Lender.

                          SUBTITLE B--OPERATING LOANS

    Sec. 5201. Persons eligible for operating loans

        Section 5201 amends section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for operating
    loans to individuals or entity members that hold at least a 50
    percent interest and that are or will become bona fide
    operators of the farm real estate acquired, improved, or
    supported with operating loans.

    Sec. 5202. Limitations on amount of operating loans

        Section 5202 amends section 313(a)(1) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the maximum
    allowable indebtedness for guaranteed loans, from $750,000 to
    $3,000,000 adjusted for inflation beginning in Fiscal Year
    2026.

    Sec. 5203. Limitation on microloan amounts

        Section 5203 amends section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the limitation
    amount for microloan indebtedness from $50,000 to $100,000.

    Sec. 5204. Cooperative lending pilot projects

        Section 5204 amends section 313(c)(4)(A) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize
    existing funding levels for a pilot project to make loans to
    cooperative lenders through 2031.

                          SUBTITLE C--EMERGENCY LOANS

    Sec. 5301. Persons eligible for emergency loans

        Section 5301 amends section 321 of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for operating
    loans to individuals or entity members that hold at least a 50
    percent interest and that are or will become bona fide
    operators of the farm real estate acquired, improved, or
    supported with emergency loans.

                     SUBTITLE D--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    Sec. 5401. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
            pilot program

        Section 5401 amends section 333B(h) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize appropriations of
    $5,000,000 for the program for each fiscal year through Fiscal
    Year 2031.

    Sec. 5402. Loan authorization levels

        Section 5402 amends section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize existing funding
    levels for loan programs through 2031.

    Sec. 5403. Loan fund set-asides

        Section 5403 amends section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the 50%
    operating loan funds set aside for qualified beginning farmers
    and ranchers through 2031.

    Sec. 5404. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans
            under certain conditions

        Section 5404 amends section 346(b)(5)(C) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize
    appropriations of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year through
    Fiscal Year 2031 for the use of additional funds for direct
    operating microloans if the Secretary determines that the
    amount needed for direct operating loans (including microloans)
    exceeds the aggregate principal amount authorized for that
    fiscal year.

                           SUBTITLE E--MISCELLANEOUS

    Sec. 5501. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to
            producers or harvesters of aquatic products

        Section 5501(a) amends various sections of the Farm Credit
    Act of 1971 to expand the eligibility of credit and financial
    services authorized under the Act to include persons furnishing
    to producers or harvesters of aquatic product services directly
    related to their operating needs.

    Sec. 5502. Export finance authority

        Section 5502 amends section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Farm
    Credit Act of 1971 to require cooperative banks to guarantee or
    insure 95% of a loan for export financing if the balance of the
    loan exceeds 15% of the bank's total assets.

    Sec. 5503. Support for rural water and waste systems

        Section 5503 amends section 3.7(f) of the Farm Credit Act
    of 1971 to expand the Farm Credit Administration's authority to
    allow for the USDA's guaranteed water and wastewater loan
    program to be made available in cities and towns with a
    population of less than 50,000 inhabitants.

    Sec. 5504. Farmer credit system regulation

        Section 5504 amends part D of title IV of the Farm Credit
    Act of 1971 to establish the Farm Credit Administration as the
    sole and independent regulator of the Farm Credit System
    institutions with respect to activities subject to the Farm
    Credit Act, effective on the date of enactment of the Farm,
    Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Additionally, the
    section maintains the regulatory authority granted to the Farm
    Credit System Insurance Corporation under the Farm Credit Act.
    The section further provides that a law enacted or rule
    promulgated after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food,
    and National Security Act of 2026 shall not be held to modify
    or supersede the Farm Credit Administration's exclusive
    authority, except to the extent that the enacted law does so
    expressly.

    Sec. 5505. Loan guarantees

        Section 5505 amends section 8.0(7)(B) of the Farm Credit
    Act of 1971 to expand charter of the Federal Agricultural
    Mortgage Corporation outside the scope of loan guarantees under
    the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to also cover
    loans made under the Rural Energy for America Program.

    Sec. 5506. Standards for qualified loans

        Section 5506 amends section 8.8(a)(3) of the Farm Credit
    Act of 1971 to establish that the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
    Corporation shall not treat a loan secured by agricultural real
    estate as a qualified loan when the cumulative principal amount
    of all loans to a single borrower or related borrowers exceeds
    10 percent of the Corporation's tier 1 capital, as defined by
    the Farm Credit Administration.

    Sec. 5507. State agricultural mediation programs

        Section 5507(a) amends section 502 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1987 to establish that the Secretary shall not
    pay more than $700,000 per year to a single State under the
    matching grants established under section 502. Section 5508(b)
    also provides that the Secretary shall permit a State that
    receives a matching grant for a fiscal year to carry over not
    more than 25 percent of the grant that is not expended by the
    end of the fiscal year, for use during the next fiscal year
    without deducting the amount from any assistance provided in
    subsequent fiscal years.
        Section 5507(b) amends section 506 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1987 to reauthorize appropriations of $7,500,000
    for the state agricultural mediation programs for each fiscal
    year through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 5508. Technical corrections

        Section 5508 amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act to update obsolete and outdated references to
    terms created or recognized by the Farmers Home Administration,
    which was replaced by the Farm Service Agency.

    Sec. 5509. Report on improving creditworthiness of direct and
            guaranteed loan borrowers

        Section 5509 directs the USDA to evaluate how enhanced risk
    management practices can improve the financial stability and
    creditworthiness of producers participating in certain direct
    and guaranteed farm loan programs.

    Sec. 5510. Farm Credit Administration option to examine low risk Farm
            Credit System institutions on a 24-month cycle

        Section 5510 amends section 5.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act
    of 1971 to allow FCA to extend audit periods for small, low-
    risk Farm Credit System institutions from 18 to 24 months.

                          TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

             SUBTITLE A--IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES IN RURAL AMERICA

    Sec. 6101. Prioritizations for Distance Learning and Telemedicine and
            Community Facilities Program

        Section 6101 amends section 6101 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 by adding mental health, behavioral
    health, and maternal health as priority areas. The section also
    prioritizes rural health facilities that provide these
    services.

    Sec. 6102. Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants

        Section 6102 amends section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by extending the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

         SUBTITLE B--CONNECTING RURAL AMERICANS TO HIGH SPEED BROADBAND

    Sec. 6201. Rural Broadband Program Loans and Grants

        Section 6201 amends section 601 of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 by directing the Secretary to
    establish the ``ReConnect Rural Broadband Program'' to provide
    grants, loans, and loan guarantees.
        Paragraph (3) directs the Secretary to provide grants,
    loans, and loan guarantees to eligible entities for the purpose
    of financing the construction, improvement, or acquisition of
    facilities and equipment necessary for delivering broadband
    service in rural areas. The Secretary is directed to give the
    highest priority to projects that provide broadband service to
    unserved rural communities that do not have any residential
    broadband service of at least: (1) a 25-Mbps downstream
    transmission capacity; and (2) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission
    capacity.
        Paragraph (3) further directs the Secretary to prioritize
    certain rural communities and to consider the affordability of
    broadband service within a proposed service territory when
    determining whether that territory qualifies as unserved.
    Additionally, paragraph (3) establishes fee caps on loan
    guarantees.
        Paragraph (4) specifies the entities eligible and
    ineligible to receive assistance under the program. It also
    raises the threshold for eligibility by requiring that at least
    75% of households in a proposed service area be unserved or
    underserved, up from 50% under current law.
        Paragraph (5) establishes the broadband buildout standards
    that projects must meet to be eligible for assistance.
    Paragraph (6) extends the authorization of appropriations
    through fiscal year 2031.
        Paragraph (7) sunsets the authorities provided under
    section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018
    beginning 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    Sec. 6202. Expansion of Middle Mile Infrastructure Into Rural Areas

        Section 6202 amends section 602 of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 by extending the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6203. Innovative Broadband Advancement Program

        Section 6203 amends section 603 of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 to establish the ``Innovative
    Broadband Advancement Program.'' Under this program, the
    Secretary may provide grants, loans, or a combination of both
    to eligible entities to demonstrate innovative broadband
    technologies or deployment methods. These projects must
    significantly reduce the cost of broadband deployment and
    provide substantially faster broadband speeds in rural areas.
        Subsection (b) sets forth the eligibility requirements for
    assistance. To be eligible, an application must describe a
    terrestrial broadband demonstration project designed to reduce
    the cost of broadband deployment and increase broadband speeds
    to at least the maximum levels required under a broadband
    project agreement. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate
    the ability to carry out the project and agree to complete the
    project build-out within 5 years after receiving assistance.
        Subsection (c) creates a satellite broadband demonstration
    project program whereby the Secretary shall provide grants to
    eligible entities to reduce or eliminate the costs associated
    with the purchase or installation, or both, of satellite
    broadband equipment to qualified consumers to subscribe to
    satellite broadband service in remote areas.
        Subsection (d) directs the Secretary to provide an annual
    report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate. The report must assess the
    outcomes, effectiveness, an impact of the ``Innovative
    Broadband Advancement Program.''
        Subsection (e) extends the authorization of appropriations
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6204. Community Connect Grants

        Section 6204 amends section 604 of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936. Paragraph (1) revises the term,
    ``eligible service'' to mean an area with broadband service
    capacity of less than 25 Mbps downstream transmission capacity
    and 3 Mbps upstream transmission capacity. Paragraph (3)
    extends the authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year
    2031.

    Sec. 6205. Rate Regulation

        Section 6205 amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
    by adding a new section 607 to clarify that nothing in title 6
    of the Act authorizes the Secretary to regulate the rates
    charged for broadband service.

    Sec. 6206. Public Notice, Assessments, Technical Assistance, and
            Reporting Requirements

        Section 6206 amends section 701 of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936. Paragraph (3) establishes
    additional requirements for the Secretary when determining
    eligibility for loans, loan guarantees, or grants for retail
    broadband projects administered by the Department. In making
    such determinations, the Secretary must verify that each
    unserved rural community identified in the application is
    eligible for funding by utilizing the maps developed by the
    Federal Communications Commission and the Deployment Locations
    Map.
        Paragraph (4) directs the Secretary to provide grants for
    broadband technical assistance and training to expand access to
    broadband service in rural communities. Additionally, it
    defines the entities eligible to receive grants and directs the
    Secretary to prioritize organizations that have experience in
    providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.
    Additionally, not less than three but not more than five
    percent of the funds appropriated for the program must be set
    aside for oversight, the implementation of accountability
    measures and related authorized activities, and for carrying
    out the requirements of this section.

    Sec. 6207. Limitation on Overbuilding

        Section 6207 amends Title VI of the Rural Electrification
    Act of 1936 by adding a limitation on overbuilding. The
    limitation prohibits an area from being treated as ``unserved''
    if another Federal or State broadband program has received
    funding to provide retail broadband service to that area at a
    speed of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload within
    the next 5 years.

                           SUBTITLE C--MISCELLANEOUS

    Sec. 6301. Rural Energy Savings Program

        Section 6301 amends section 6407 of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002. Paragraph (1) clarifies what an
    eligible entity is and redefines ``energy efficiency measures''
    to include the replacement of manufactured housing units or
    large appliances with a substantially similar manufactured
    housing unit or appliance, respectively, if that replacement is
    a cost-effective option for energy savings.
        Paragraph (2) clarifies that no more than 10% of the total
    annual amount of budget authority for loans may be used for the
    replacement of manufactured housing units or large appliances.
    It also adds a subsection that provides rules for the Secretary
    to follow in offering grants under the Rural Energy Savings
    Program.
        Paragraph (3) revises the loan terms for qualified
    consumers to support energy efficiency measures for the purpose
    of reducing energy use or costs, while ensuring that loan terms
    do not impose an undue financial burden on the qualified
    consumer. Additionally, it clarifies that an eligible entity
    may provide loans under this program to any qualified consumer
    within its service territory, regardless of whether the
    qualified consumer is located in a rural area.
        Paragraph (4) provides that between 3 and 5 percent of the
    funds appropriated for this program may be used for outreach,
    training, and technical assistance. Paragraph (5) extends the
    authorization of appropriations through 2031.

    Sec. 6302. Promoting Precision Agriculture

        Section 6302 directs the Secretary to study and develop
    interconnectivity standards for precision agriculture to expand
    its use in the United State and strengthen United States
    leadership in voluntary consensus standards development
    organizations that set those standards.

    Sec. 6303. Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loans

        Section 6303 amends section 310B of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by adding a subsection (f). This
    subsection establishes guaranteed loans for food supply chain
    capacity and resilience. The purpose of these loans is to
    finance new investments in the development or expansion of
    projects in the United States that will enhance the capacity of
    the food supply chain to aggregate, process, manufacture,
    store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food, agricultural
    products, or agricultural inputs.
        Paragraph (3) establishes a cap of $40,000,000 for
    guaranteed loans in the food supply chain. Paragraph (4)
    requires the Secretary to submit quarterly reports to both the
    House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and the
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The
    report will address the outcomes achieved through the provided
    assistance, evaluate the recipient's ability to continue
    meeting performance goals, describe any debt recovery efforts,
    outline agency projections for the funded projects, and provide
    any recommendations from the Secretary.

    Sec. 6304. New, Mobile, And Expanded Meat Processing and Rendering
            Grants

        Section 6304 allows the Secretary to award grants to expand
    meat processing and rendering nationwide. Subsection (f)
    authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for each fiscal year
    through 2031.
        Subsection (g) directs the Secretary to submit a quarterly
    report to both the House of Representatives Committee on
    Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry. The report will address the outcomes achieved
    through the provided assistance, evaluate the recipient's
    ability to continue meeting performance goals, assess
    compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant, review
    whether the recipient has adequate financial capacity to carry
    out the activities funded by the grant, and include any
    recommendations from the Secretary.

    Sec. 6305. Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative

        Section 6305 directs the Secretary to establish the
    ``Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative.'' Subsection
    (a) defines ``childcare'' to encompass school-based programs
    including the migrant and seasonal Head Start program, as well
    as the American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start program.
        Subsection (c) directs the Secretary to prioritize
    qualified applicants that propose to use the loan or grant to
    address the availability, quality, or cost of childcare.

    Sec. 6306. Technical Assistance for Geographically Underserved and
            Distressed Area

        Section 6306 requires the Secretary to provide technical
    assistance and enhance local capacity to improve access to
    rural development programs. This support is aimed at local
    partners, including local governments, cooperatives,
    businesses, and community anchor institutions, particularly in
    geographically underserved and distressed areas.

    Sec. 6307. Establishment of the Rural Development Innovation Center

        Section 6307 amends subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and
    Rural Development Act by establishing within the Rural
    Development Mission Areas, a Rural Development Innovation
    Center to promote and facilitate innovation in the
    administration and implementation of rural development programs
    and initiatives. The Innovation Center shall develop, and
    periodically update, a modernization plan to facilitate
    innovation in administering and implementing rural development
    programs and initiatives.

    Sec. 6308. Rural Health Liaison Report

        Section 6308 amends Section 236 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. Paragraph (1) adds a
    requirement for the Liaison to coordinate with the National
    Institute of Food and Agriculture in implementation of the Farm
    and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, as outlined in section
    7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
    Paragraph (2) requires the Liaison to submit an annual report
    to Congress.

     SUBTITLE D--ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL
                                DEVELOPMENT ACT

    Sec. 6401. Water, Waste Disposal, and Wastewater Facility Grants

        Section 6401 amends section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the
    authorization of appropriations through 2031.

    Sec. 6402. Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program

        Section 6402 amends section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to codify the purpose,
    activities, and requirements of the national rural water and
    wastewater circuit rider program.

    Sec. 6403. Zero and Low Interest Loans for Distressed Water Systems

        Section 6403 amends section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by adding a new paragraph entitled
    ``Assistance for Distressed Water Systems.'' The purpose is to
    promote the long-term sustainability and financial viability of
    eligible rural community waste disposal and water facilities
    through no-interest and low-interest loans.

    Sec. 6404. Tribal College and University Essential Community Facilities

        Section 6404 amends section 306(a)(25)(C) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6405. Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grant
            Program

        Section 6405 amends section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6406. Water Systems for Rural and Native Villages in Alaska

        Section 6406 amends Section 306D(d)(1) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6407. Rural Decentralized Water Systems

        Section 6407 amends Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act to enable the Secretary to provide
    grants to eligible recipients for the purpose of funding loans
    and subgrants to eligible individuals for water quality
    testing, water treatment, and technical assistance for the
    installation of well systems, among other purposes. The maximum
    amount for loans or subgrants under this program is capped at
    $20,000. Additionally, Subsection (e) authorizes $20,000,000
    for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031.

    Sec. 6408. Assistance to Rural Entities

        Section 6408 amends Section 310B(a) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to allow loans for expanding the
    adoption of precision agriculture practices.

    Sec. 6409. Solid Waste Management Grants

        Section 6409 amends Section 310B(b) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to include Indian tribes as
    eligible for grants, while also extending the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6410. Rural Business Development Grants

        Section 6410 amends Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6411. Rural Cooperative Development Grants

        Section 6411 amends section 310B(e) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by directing the Secretary to
    prioritize grant applications that provide for the
    establishment of centers for rural cooperative development that
    commit to providing greater than at least 25% matching
    contribution in private funds and in-kind contributions.
        Paragraph (3) requires the Secretary to award grant
    renewals to eligible nonprofit institutions under certain
    specified circumstances.
        Paragraph (4) directs the Secretary to analyze data from
    the cooperative research program and to incorporate such
    findings in the annual report submitted by the interagency
    working group.
        Paragraph (6) extends the authorization of appropriations
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6412. Lender Fees in Guaranteed Loan Programs

        Section 6412 amends sections 310B(g)(5) and 333 of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to cap fees on
    guaranteed loans provided by the Secretary at an initial fee of
    3% of the principal, and periodic retention fees of no more
    than 0.75%.

    Sec. 6413. Locally or Regionally Produced Agricultural Food Products

        Section 6413 amends section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to extend through
    fiscal year 2031 the requirement for the Secretary to reserve
    not less than 5% of the funds made available under this
    subsection to carry out the loan or loan guarantee program.

    Sec. 6414. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas Program

        Section 6414 amends section 310B(i) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6415. Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones

        Section 6415 amends section 310B(j) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the Secretary's
    authority to carry out rural economic area partnership zones
    through 2031.

    Sec. 6416. Intermediary Relending Program

        Section 6416 amends section 310H(i) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6417. Rural Health Care Facility Assistance

        Section 6417 amends section 342 of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by clarifying requirements for the
    Secretary to follow in promoting long-term sustainability and
    financial viability for eligible health care facilities in
    rural areas.
        Subsection (b) creates a rural health care facility
    technical assistance program and limits the authorization of
    appropriations for subsection (b) at $2,000,000 a year through
    Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6418. Prohibition on Use of Loan or Grant for Certain Purposes

        Section 6418 amends Section 363 of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act. The Secretary is prohibited from
    approving any loan under this title to drain, dredge, fill, or
    level, or otherwise manipulate a wetland or to engage in any
    activity that would result in impairing or reducing the flow,
    circulation, or reach of water, except if the activity is
    related to the maintenance of previously converted wetlands or
    if the activity was commenced before 1990.

    Sec. 6419. Rural Business-Cooperative Service Programs Technical
            Assistance and Training

        Section 6419 amends section 368(d)(1) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6420. National Rural Development Partnership

        Section 6420 amends section 378 of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization of
    appropriations and authority through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6421. Grants for NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters

        Section 6421 amends Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6422. Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program

        Section 6422 amends section 379E of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by increasing the size of a microloan
    from $50,000 to $75,000. Paragraph (2) increases the permitted
    Federal share of a project's cost from 75% to up to 100%.
    Paragraph (4) extends the authorization of appropriations
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6423. Health Care Services

        Section 6423 amends Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6424. Strategic Economic and Community Development

        Section 6424 amends Section 379H(d)(4) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6425. Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program

        Section 6425 amends section 379I of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by expanding the RISE grant program
    to allow the Secretary to award grants to carry out career
    pathway training programs or industry or sector partnerships
    aligned with industry sectors in rural communities. Section
    6425 further clarifies that the grant program should address
    workforce challenges, including worker displacement, faced by
    specific industry sectors in rural communities, and promote
    targeted skills development and training initiatives to
    stimulate innovation and enhance economic development in rural
    regions.
        Paragraph (2) requires the Secretary to ensure geographic
    diversity of recipients of grants. Paragraph (5) extends the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6426. Limitation on Rural Business Investment Companies Controlled
            by Farm Credit System Institutions

        Section 6426 amends section 384J(c) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by prohibiting a rural business
    investment company from providing equity investments in
    entities not otherwise eligible to receive financing from the
    Farm Credit System if a Farm Credit System institution holds
    more than 75% of the shares of the rural business investment
    company. This is an increase from 50%.

    Sec. 6427. Rural Business Investment Program

        Section 6427 amends section 384S of the Consolidated Farm
    and Rural Development Act by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for the subtitle through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 6428. Technical Corrections

        Section 6428 amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act by replacing ``urbanized'' with ``urban'' in
    various sections.

    Sec. 6429. Rural Water and Wastewater Technical Assistance and Training
            Programs

        Section 6429 amends Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act by expanding eligible uses of
    assistance to include disaster and recover assistance.

     SUBTITLE E--ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT OF
                                      1936

    Sec. 6501. Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility
            Infrastructure Purposes

        Section 6501 amends section 313A(f) of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 extending the authority provided
    under the section through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 6502. Extension of the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant
            Program

        Section 6502 amends section 313B of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 by adding that the Secretary shall
    not require a letter of credit or other similar guarantee from
    a recipient of a zero-interest loan if the borrower assigns the
    Secretary a security interest in any collateral provided to
    secure a loan made with funds loaned under this section, or
    makes other similar arrangements to the satisfaction of the
    Secretary.

    Sec. 6503. Expansion of 911 Access

        Section 6503 amends Section 315(d) of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 by extending the authorization of
    appropriations through 2031.

              TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

      SUBTITLE A--NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING
                               POLICY ACT OF 1977

    Sec. 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
            Economics Advisory Board

        Section 7101 amends section 1408 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123). It adds an insular area representative to
    the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
    Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB). Additionally, it reduces
    the number of members on the NAREEEAB executive committee from
    seven to three and reauthorizes the NAREEEAB through September
    20, 2031.

    Sec. 7102. Specialty Crop Committee

        Section 7102 amends section 1408A of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a). It makes a technical correction by
    requiring the Secretary to appoint members of the Specialty
    Crop Committee, rather than the current practice where the
    executive committee of the NAREEEAB makes the appointments.
    Additionally, section 7102 reauthorizes the Citrus Disease
    Subcommittee of the Specialty Crop Committee through September
    30, 2031.

    Sec. 7103. Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment

        Paragraph (1) of section 7103 amends Section 1415A(b) of
    the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151a). It allows the Secretary to
    consider geographic areas with a shortage of veterinarians, as
    well as specific areas of veterinary practice identified by
    appropriate State agencies, when determining veterinarian
    shortage situations under the Veterinary Medicine Loan
    Repayment Program (VMLRP). Additionally, paragraph (1) directs
    the Secretary to develop quantitative methods for predicting
    the emergence of new veterinarian shortage situations and to
    share these methods with relevant State agencies.
        Paragraph (2) directs the Secretary to establish
    streamlined application procedures for the VMLRP and clarifies
    that veterinarians who participate in a comparable State or
    local loan repayment program are also eligible for the VMLRP.

    Sec. 7104. Veterinary Services Grant Program

        Section 7104 amends the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b). It
    updates the eligibility requirements for the Veterinary
    Services Grant Program (VSPG) to include entities that can
    expand, retain, or attract additional veterinary practices in
    rural areas. Additionally, it directs the Secretary to
    establish a streamlined application process for the VSPG.
        Paragraph (4) allows these entities to use VSPG funds for
    expanding, retaining, or attracting additional veterinary
    practices in rural areas, including covering expenses
    associated with starting a new veterinary practice or
    attracting new veterinarians to existing practices.

    Sec. 7105. Grants and Fellowships for Food and Agriculture Sciences
            Education

        Section 7105 amends section 1417(m)(2) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)(2)) by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for grants and fellowships in food and
    agriculture sciences education through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7106. Agricultural and Food Policy Research Centers

        Section 7106 amends section 1419A(e) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e)) by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for agricultural and food policy research
    centers through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7107. Education Grants to Alaska Native Serving Institutions and
            Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

        Section 7107 amends section 1419B of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) to permit educational grants for Alaska
    Native-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving
    Institutions to be awarded for a duration of more than one year
    but not exceeding five years.
        Paragraph (2) extends the authorization of appropriations
    for these grants through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7108. Nutrition Education Program

        Section 7108 amends section 1425(g) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(g)) by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for the Nutrition Education Program through
    September 30, 2031

    Sec. 7109. Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research Programs

        Section 7109 amends section 1433 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) to allow unspent funds from a fiscal year
    for ongoing animal health and disease research programs to be
    carried over into the next fiscal year. Additionally, it
    extends the authorization of appropriations for these programs
    through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7110. Extension and Agricultural Research at 1890 Land-Grant
            Colleges, Including Tuskegee University

        Section 7110 amends section 1444(a)(2) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(a)(2)) to increase the minimum required
    level of appropriations for cooperative extension at 1980 land-
    grant institutions to not less than 40% of the amount
    appropriated under the Smith-Lever Act.
        Subsection (b) amends subsection 1445 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221) to increase the minimum required level of
    appropriations for each fiscal year for agricultural research
    at 1890 land-grant colleges to 40% of the amount appropriated
    under the Hatch Act of 1887. This subsection also makes
    technical corrections by replacing the term ``research
    director'' with ``agricultural research director''.

    Sec. 7111. Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions (Commonly
            Known as the David A. Scott Scholarship Program for Students at
            1890 Institutions)

        Section 7111 amends section 1446(b) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222a) by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for scholarships for students at 1890
    institutions through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7112. Grants to Upgrade Agricultural and Food Sciences Facilities
            at 1890 Land-Grant Colleges, Including Tuskegee University

        Section 7112 amends section 1447(b) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at
    1890 land-grant institutions through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7113. Grants to Upgrade Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities
            and Equipment and Support Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural
            Research at Insular Area Land-Grant Colleges and Universities

        Section 7113 amends section 1447B(d) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and
    equipment at insular area land-grant institutions through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7114. Matching Funds Requirement for Research and Extension
            Activities at Eligible Institutions

        Section 7114 amends section 1449 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977. This section clarifies the existing requirement for
    states to provide matching funds for agricultural research and
    extension activities at 1980 land-grant institutions.
    Additionally, it directs these institutions to submit an annual
    report to the Secretary detailing the sources and amounts of
    non-Federal funds that the state has allocated to meet the
    matching requirement outlined in this section.

    Sec. 7115. New Beginning for Tribal Students

        Section 7115 amends section 1450 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977. It establishes that 1994 institutions, as defined in
    section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act
    of 1994, are exempt from the requirement to provide matching
    funds in order to receive a grant. Additionally, it removes the
    limitation on the maximum amount each State can receive under
    the new beginning for tribal students' program and extends the
    authorization of appropriations for the program through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7116. Education Grants Programs for Hispanic-Serving Institutions

        Section 7116 amends section 1455(c) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    education grants to Hispanic-serving institutions through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7117. Binational Agricultural Research and Development

        Section 7117 amends section 1458(e) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 to ensure that activities carried out under the Binational
    Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) Fund promote and
    support agricultural research and development that are of
    mutual benefit to the United States, Israel, or other
    signatories of the Abraham Accords Declaration. Additionally,
    section 7117 directs the BARD Fund to establish an accelerator
    program to support and accelerate mid-stage research.

    Sec. 7118. Grants and Partnerships for International Agricultural
            Research, Extension, and Education

        Section 7118 amends section 1458(A) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 to repeal the Competitive Grants for International
    Agricultural Science and Education Programs and to merge the
    program with the section authorizing the Partnerships to Build
    Capacity in International Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Program. Additionally, Section 7118 changes the name
    of the new merged program to ``Grants and Partnerships for
    International Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education''
    and extends the authorization pf appropriations for the program
    through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7119. Research Equipment Grants

        Section 7119 amends section 1462A(e) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a(e)) by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for research equipment grants through September
    30, 2031.

    Sec. 7120. University Research

        Section 7120 amends section 1463 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    various agricultural research programs, including research at
    State agricultural experiment stations, through September 30,
    2031.

    Sec. 7121. Extension Service

        Section 7121 amends section 1464 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 to reauthorize appropriations to carry out the USDA
    extension program through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7122. Supplemental and Alternative Crops

        Section 7122 amends section 1473D of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 to require the Secretary to include agreements, grants, or
    other arrangements to examine potential benefits and
    opportunities for supplemental and alternative crops (including
    winter-plated rapeseed and winter-planted canola crops) under
    the supplemental and alternative crops competitive grant
    program. Section 7122 also reauthorizes appropriations for
    supplement and alternative crops through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7123. Grants for Community College Agricultural and Natural
            Resources Programs

        Section 7123 amends section 1473E of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 to change the name of the ``New Era Rural Technology
    Program'' to ``Grants for Community College Agriculture and
    Natural Resources Programs'' and to expand the program to make
    competitive grants to eligible entities to conduct workforce
    training, education, research, and outreach activities to food
    and agricultural sciences.
        Paragraph (3) directs the Secretary to prioritize grants to
    eligible entities that coordinate with local agriculture
    industry operators or conservation districts that provide work-
    based learning, experiential training, and other opportunities
    for students.
        Paragraph (4) extends the authorization of appropriations
    for the program through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7124. Capacity Building Grants for NLGCA Institutions

        Section 7124 amends section 1473F(b) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    capacity building grants for Non-Land-Grant College of
    Agriculture institutions through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7125. Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority

        Section 7125 amends section 1473H of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 to add ``precision agriculture'' to the definition of
    agricultural technology for the purpose of the Agriculture
    Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) and to
    expand the goals of the program to include research on water
    conservation, drought, infectious diseases, plant and animal
    pathogens, and plant and animal pests. Additionally, section
    7125 directs the Secretary to use the AgARDA strategic plan to
    inform administration of the program, reauthorizes
    appropriations for the program through September 30, 2031, and
    extends the termination of authority under this program by 13
    years.

    Sec. 7126. Aquaculture Assistance Programs

        Section 7126 amends section 1477(a)(2) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for the
    aquaculture assistance programs through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7127. Special Authorization for Biosecurity Planning and Response

        Section 7127 amends section 1484(a)(3) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for the
    special authorization for biosecurity planning and response
    through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7128. Agriculture and Food Protection Grant Program

        Section 7128 repeals the Agricultural Biosecurity
    Communication Center; Assistance to Build Local Capacity in
    Agricultural Biosecurity, Planning, Preparedness, and Response;
    Research and Development of Agricultural Countermeasures; and
    Agricultural Biosecurity Grant Program. It also amends section
    1485 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to merge the programs with the
    Agricultural Research Facility Expansion and Security Upgrades
    Program. Additionally, section 7128 changes the name of the
    newly merged program to the Agriculture and Food Protection
    Grant Program and reauthorizes appropriations for the program
    through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7129. Distance Education Grants for Insular Areas

        Section 7129 amends section 1490(f)(2) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    distance education grants for insular areas through September
    30, 2031.

    Sec. 7130. Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas

        Section 7130 amends section 1491(c)(2) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 by extending the authorization of appropriations for
    resident instruction grants for insular areas through September
    30, 2031.

    Sec. 7131. Repeals

        Section 7131 repeals section 1410, section 1419C, section
    1447A, and subtitle M of title XIV of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977.

       SUBTITLE B--FOOD, AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF 1990

    Sec. 7201. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

        Section 7201 amends subtitle B of title XVI of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize
    appropriations for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and
    Education Program, including best utilization of biological
    applications, integrated management systems, the Sustainable
    Agriculture Technology Development and Transfer Program, and a
    National Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture, through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7202. National Genetics Resources Program

        Section 7202 amends section 1635(b)(2) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by extending
    the authorization of appropriations for the National Genetic
    Resources Program through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7203. Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative

        Section 7203 amends section 1671(g) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by extending
    the authorization of appropriations for the agricultural genome
    to phenome initiative through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7204. High-Priority Research and Extension Initiatives

        Section 7204 amends section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to repeal the Agricultural
    Development in the American Pacific Region Initiative, Tropical
    and Subtropical Agricultural Research Initiative, the Coffee
    Plant Health Initiative, and the Macadamia Tree Health
    Initiative and to authorize a new Tropical Plant Health
    Initiative that includes research on coffee plants, macadamia
    trees, cacao trees, plantains and bananas, mangos, vanilla
    plants, tropical floriculture, and other tropical plants. It
    also repeals the Corn, Soybean Meal, Cereal Grains, and Grain
    Byproducts Research and Extension Initiative and authorizes a
    new Agricultural Byproducts Research Initiative that includes
    converting agricultural byproducts or forest residuals into
    valuable materials and products. Further, it repeals the
    Fertilizer Management Initiative and the Nutrient Management
    Initiative and authorizes a new Fertilizer and Nutrient
    Management Initiative.
        Section 7204 expands the Algae Agriculture Research Program
    to include harmful algal blooms. It also establishes several
    new initiatives, including the Biochar Research Initiative, the
    Wildfire Smoke Exposure Research Initiative, the Invasive
    Species Research Initiative, the Microplastics and Per- and
    Polyfluoroalkyl Substances on Farmland Initiative, the Soil
    Health Research Initiative, the White Oak Research Initiative,
    the Alternative Growing Media Research Initiative, the
    Rangeland Research Initiative, and the Specialty Crop
    Mechanization and Automation Research Initiative. Additionally,
    it authorizes funding for the Pulse Crop Health Initiative,
    training coordination for food and agriculture protection,
    pollinator protection, and other high-priority research and
    extension initiatives through September 30, 2031.
        Additionally, section 7204 requires the Secretary to submit
    a biennial report to Congress describing how the Department
    carried out research and extension activities specified in this
    section for the previous two fiscal years, including the amount
    of funding allocated to each high-priority research and
    extension initiative.

    Sec. 7205. Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative

        Section 7205 amends section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to remove outdated
    paragraphs authorizing appropriations for the organic
    agriculture research and extension initiative (OREI) for Fiscal
    Years 2003 through 2007 and Fiscal Year 2013, to retain the
    authorization of mandatory funding at $50,000,000 per year, and
    to extend the authorization of appropriations for OREI through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7206. Farm Business Management

        Section 7206 amends section 1672D(d)(2) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    5925f(d)(2)) by extending the authorization of appropriations
    for farm business management through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7207. Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agricultural Production
            Research, Education, and Extension Initiative

        Section 7207 amends section 1672(E) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to add a
    requirement for consultation with the Office of Urban
    Agriculture and Innovative Production when awarding grants
    under this Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agricultural
    Production Research, Education, and Extension Initiative (UIE)
    and to add a reference to the description of emerging
    agricultural production practices in section 222(a)(3) of the
    Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994.
        Paragraph (5) adds the management of waste streams of
    production practices to improve the environmental footprint and
    advising land-grant colleges and universities, minority-serving
    institutions, junior or community colleges, and vocational
    schools with respect to career and technical education to the
    list of eligible activities.

    Sec. 7208. Centers of Excellence

        Section 7208 amends section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish a new process
    for the Secretary to identify at least 15 centers of excellence
    to carry out research, extension, and education activities for
    several focus areas. Section 7208 also increases the minimum
    number of 1890 Centers of Excellence to no less than 8; amends
    some of the existing focus areas for 1890 Centers of
    Excellence; adds additional focus areas for Forest Health and
    Conservation and Food Safety, Bioprocessing, and Value-Added
    Agriculture; and reauthorizes appropriations for the 1890
    Centers of Excellence through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7209. Assistive Technology Program for Farmers With Disabilities

        Section 7209 amends section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to reauthorize
    appropriations for the program through September 30, 2031, with
    no more than 15 percent of the amounts made available under
    this program shall be used to carry out a National Grant for
    Technical Assistance, Training and Dissemination.

    Sec. 7210. Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach

        Section 7210 amends section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to require the Secretary of
    Agriculture, acting through the Director of the National
    Institute of Food and Agriculture, carry out an outreach and
    technical assistance program to encourage and assist socially
    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers or
    ranchers and to reauthorize appropriations for the program
    through September 30, 2031.
        Additionally, Section 7210 clarifies that the Program may
    support organizations and programs that provide budgeting,
    business planning, and similar financial and management skills
    that focus on the ongoing economic viability of beginning farm
    and ranch enterprises.

    Sec. 7211. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse

        Section 7211 amends section 2381(e) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by extending
    the authorization of appropriations for the National Rural
    Information Center Clearinghouse through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7212. Repeal

        Section 7212 repeals subtitle D of title XVI of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.

    Sec. 7213. Researching the Transition to Organic

        Section 7213 authorize the Researching the Transition to
    Organic Program. Under this program, the Secretary of
    Agriculture is to, in consultation with the National
    Agricultural, Research, Extension, Education, and Economics
    Advisory Board, make competitive grants to support research,
    education, and extension activities related to the transition
    of nonorganic production systems into organic agricultural
    production systems. For this program, $7,500,000 is authorized
    to be appropriated for Fiscal Year 2026 and each year
    thereafter.

    SUBTITLE C--AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT
                                    OF 1998

    Sec. 7301. National Food Safety Training, Education, Extension,
            Outreach, and Technical Assistance Program

        Section 7301 amends section 405 of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to remove
    the requirement for coordination with the discontinued National
    Integrated Food Safety Initiative. It also extends the
    authorization for appropriations for the National Food Safety
    Training, Education, Extension, Outreach, and Technical
    Assistance Program through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7302. Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive
            Grants Program

        Section 7302 amends section 406(f) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 by
    extending the authorization of appropriations for integrated
    research, education, and extension competitive grants through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7303. Support for Research Regarding Diseases of Wheat, Triticale,
            and Barley Caused by Fusarium Graminearum or by Tilletia Indica

        Section 7303 amends section 408(e)(3) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to
    reauthorize appropriations for research regarding diseases of
    wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or
    by Tilletia indica through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7304. Grants for Youth Organizations

        Section 7304 amends section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 by
    extending the authorization of appropriations for grants for
    youth organizations through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7305. Specialty Crop Research Initiative

        Section 7305 amends section 412 of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998. It
    introduces a waiver for the matching funds requirement,
    establishes a research and extension program focused on
    specialty crop mechanization and automation, and allocates $20
    million per year for this research and extension. Additionally,
    it extends the authorization of appropriations for the
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7306. Agriculture Grants for Veteran Education and Training
            Services

        Section 7306 amend title IV of the Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to codify the
    Agriculture Grants for Veteran Education and Training Services
    (AgVets) Program that has been receiving appropriations since
    Fiscal Year 2017.

    Sec. 7307. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program

        Section 7307 amends section 604(e) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 by
    extending the authorization of appropriations for the food
    animal residue avoidance database program through September 30,
    2031.

    Sec. 7308. Office of Pest Management Policy

        Section 7308 amends section 614(f)(2) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to extend
    the authorization of appropriations for the office of pest
    management policy through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7309. Forestry Products Advanced Utilization Research

        Section 7309 amends section 617(f)(1) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 by
    extending the authorization of appropriations for forestry
    products advanced utilization research through September 30,
    2031.

    Sec. 7310. Repeals

        Section 7310 repeals section 404 and section 411 of the
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
    1998.

             SUBTITLE D--FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008

    Sec. 7401. Grazinglands Research Laboratory

        Section 7401 amends section 7502 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008 to prevent the Federal land and
    facilities administered as the Grazinglands Research Laboratory
    from being declared excess or surplus Federal property.

    Sec. 7402. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

        Section 7402 amends section 7522 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008 to establish grants to initiate, expand,
    or sustain programs that provide professional agricultural
    behavioral health counseling through farm telephone helplines
    and websites, including crisis hotlines. Section 7402 also
    establishes referrals to providers to connect individuals to
    behavioral health counseling and wellness support and to ensure
    individuals have access to a comprehensive scope of mental
    health and substance use treatments and supports, as well as
    extend the authorization of appropriations for the network
    through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7403. Sun Grant Program

        Section 7403 amends section 7526 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008 to expand the scope of the program to
    ensure bioproducts are eligible, increases the amount of
    administrative expenses allowed under the program to 30
    percent, and to extend the authorization of appropriations for
    the sun grant program through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7404. Repeals

        Section 7404 repeals section 7521 and section 7525 of the
    Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

                      SUBTITLE E--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

    Sec. 7501. Equity in Education Land-Grant Status Act of 1994

        Section 7501 amends the Equity in Education Land-Grant
    Status Act of 1994 to remove the $100,000 cap per institution
    for payments to the 1994 institutions and to remove the
    requirement that grant applications for research grants to 1994
    institutions be performed under a cooperative agreement with
    ARS or another land-grant, non-land-grant, or cooperating
    forestry school. Section 7501 also extends the authorization of
    appropriations for the endowment for 1994 institutions, 1994
    institutional capacity building grants, and research grants for
    1994 institutions through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7502. Research Facilities Act

        Section 7502 amends Sections 6(a) of the Research
    Facilities Act by extending the authorization of appropriations
    to be made in sums, as necessary, through 2031 for the study,
    plan, design, structure, and related costs of agricultural
    research facilities under this subchapter.

    Sec. 7503. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative

        Section 7503 amends subsection (b) of the Competitive,
    Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to update priority
    areas to include regionally adapted cultivars, breeding for
    environmental resilience, methods of increasing survival rate
    and adaptability of shellfish, controlled environment
    agriculture, supply chain coordination and capacity building,
    and workforce training and development. Additionally, section
    7503 adds career and technical education schools as an eligible
    entity and extends the authorization of appropriations for the
    agriculture and food research initiative through September 30,
    2031.

    Sec. 7504. Extension Design and Demonstration Initiative

        Section 7504 amends subsection (d)(6) of the Competitive,
    Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act by extending the
    authorization of appropriations for the extension design and
    demonstration initiative through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7505. Biomass Research and Development

        Section 7505 amends section 9008(h)(2) of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by extending the authorization
    of appropriations for biomass research and development through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7506. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978

        Section 7506 amends section 6 and section 8 of the
    Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 by extending the
    authorization of appropriations for the Renewable Resources
    Extension Act of 1978 through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7507. National Aquaculture Act of 1980

        Section 7507 amends section 4 of the National Aquaculture
    Act of 1980 to require the Secretary to review, and
    appropriately amend, the National Aquaculture Development Plan
    and undertake a continuing aquaculture assessment not less than
    once every 3 years. Section 7507 also adds a catalog of new and
    existing capital constraints and Federal or State regulatory
    barriers to the continuing aquaculture assessment.
        Additionally, section 7507 amends section 5 of the National
    Aquaculture Act of 1980 to create an Aquaculture Advisory
    Committee at USDA and to direct the Secretary to submit an
    annual report to Congress related to actions undertaken related
    to aquaculture.
        Section 7507 also amends section 10 of the National
    Aquaculture Act of 1980 by extending the authorization of
    appropriations for the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 through
    September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 7508. Reports on Disbursement of Funds for Agricultural Research
            and Extension at 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Colleges, Including
            Tuskegee University

        Section 7508 amends section 7116 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 to require the Secretary to conduct
    outreach to Governors and State legislatures regarding the
    matching requirement for 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges.
    Additionally, section 7508 directs the Governor of each State
    to submit an attestation regarding the States ability to
    fulfill the matching requirements and requires the Secretary to
    publish a report describing the attestations received.

    Sec. 7509. Repeal

        Section 7509 repeals section 1431 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
    Amendments of 1985.

    Sec. 7510. Amendments to Smith-Lever Act

        Section 7510 amends the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C.
    343(b)(3)) by expanded the use of appropriated funds by 1194
    Institutions. It would allow 1994 Institutions to use Smith-
    Lever funds to acquire, alter, repair, maintain, and operate
    relevant equipment necessary to strengthen the capacity of 1994
    Institutions.

                           SUBTITLE F--OTHER MATTERS

    Sec. 7601. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

        Section 7601 amends section 7601 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 to require the Foundation for Food and Agriculture
    Research to identify unmet and emerging agricultural research
    needs after reviewing the national research policies and
    priorities and to require members of the Board of Directors for
    the foundation to be selected from candidates provided by the
    National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
    Economics Advisory Board and national farm, producer, or
    research organizations. Additionally, section 7601 adds
    reporting requirements to the annual report the foundation
    shall submit to Congress.

    Sec. 7602. Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program

        Section 7602 amends section 6402 of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002 to add a waiver to the board of
    directors' requirement for eligible entities if the Secretary
    determines an existing board of directors is sufficient and
    extends the authorization of appropriations for the agriculture
    innovation center demonstration program through September 30,
    2031.

    Sec. 7603. Livestock Insects Laboratory

        Section 7603 amends the Act of December 23, 1987, to rename
    the Knipling-Bushland Research Laboratory as the Knipling-
    Bushland Research Center.

    Sec. 7604. U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center

        Section 7604 designated the U.S. National Poultry Research
    Center of the Department of Agriculture located in Athens,
    Georgia as the ``U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research
    Center.''

    Sec. 7605. Hatch Act of 1887

        Section 7605 amends section 5 of the Hatch Act of 1887 to
    make technical corrections to replace the term ``director''
    with ``experiment station director''.

    Sec. 7606. Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service
            Modernization

        Section 7606 establishes the Commission on National
    Agricultural Statistic Service Modernization (the
    ``Commission'').
        Subsection (b) directs the Commission to conduct a study of
    the National Agricultural Statistics Service and provide
    recommendations on how data collection can be modernized and
    streamlined and recommendations for implementation.
        Subsection (c) establishes that the Commission should be
    composed of 11 members who should be appointed no later than 60
    days after the enactment of this Act. The members will be
    appointed for the life of the Commission, and any vacancy
    should not affect the powers of the Commission and shall be
    filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
        Subsection (f) directs the Commission to establish a report
    not later than three years after the date of enactment of this
    Act. The report shall be submitted to the President, the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and
    the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate.
        Subsection (n) establishes that the Commission shall
    terminate on September 30, 2031. Subsection (o) directs the
    Secretary to use $1,000,000 in funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation for fiscal year 2026 and until expended.

    Sec. 7607. Restoration of 4-H Name and Emblem Authority

        Section 7607 restores the Federal protections for the 4-H
    Name and Emblem that were inadvertently repealed in the Clean
    Up the Code Act of 2019 (enacted as part of the Consolidated
    Omnibus Appropriations, 2021).

    Sec. 7608. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and
            Economics

        Section 7608 amends section 251 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 by directing the
    Secretary to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research
    and development activities focused on joint advancement of the
    mission requirements and priorities of the Department of
    Agriculture and other Federal agencies.

    Sec. 7609. Agricultural Innovation Corps

        Section 7609 directs the Secretary to establish an
    Agriculture Innovation Corps (Ag I-Corps) to promote technology
    transfer and enhance the economic impact of federally funded
    research. This initiative supports agricultural researchers,
    students, and institutions of higher education in exploring the
    potential of technologies developed in laboratories through a
    standardized entrepreneurial training program. Additionally, it
    aims to bring together Agriculture Research Service researchers
    and institutions of higher education within a distinct
    geographical region to collaborate and deliver a standardized
    entrepreneurial training curriculum.

    Sec. 7610. Study on Technical Assistance With Respect to Transfer of
            Agricultural Land and Assets

        Section 7610 directs the Secretary to conduct a study on
    ways to increase opportunities for 1890 Institutions to conduct
    educational programs and provide technical assistance with
    respect to issues relating to the transfers of agricultural
    land and assets, including heirs property, to the next
    generation of farmers and ranchers. The section also defines
    and outlines the requirements of the term, ``heirs property.''

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

            SUBTITLE A--COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1978

    Sec. 8101. Support for State Assessments and Strategies for Forest
            Resources

        Section 8101 amends Section 2A(f) of the Cooperative
    Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031. It also allows the
    Secretary to utilize additional funds made available under the
    Act to develop and implement the required state-wide assessment
    and strategy, provided that total combined funding for these
    purposes does not exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year.

    Sec. 8102. Forest Legacy Program Technical Correction

        Section 8102 amends Section 7(l)(3) of the Cooperative
    Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 by striking from the statute
    ``Vermont''.

    Sec. 8103. State and Private Forest Landscape-Scale Restorations

        Section 8103 amends Section 13A(l)(3) of the Cooperative
    Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8104. Rural Fire Prevention and Control

        Section 8104 amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
    of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2106) by granting the Secretary the
    authority to waive federal funding share requirements for rural
    volunteer fire departments.
        Paragraph (2) of Section 8104 raises the qualifying
    population threshold from 10,000 to 15,000. Additionally, it
    adjusts the percentage of volunteer firefighting personnel from
    80% to 70% to allow the Secretary discretion in waiving match
    requirements.

              SUBTITLE B--HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

    Sec. 8201. Promoting Cross-Boundary Wildfire Mitigation

        Section 8201 amends Section 103(e)(5) of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 by extending the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8202. Authorization of Appropriations for Hazardous Fuel Reduction
            on Federal Land

        Section 8202 amends Section 108 of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003 to extend the authorization of
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8203. Water Source Protection Program

        Section 8203 amends Section 303 of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003 by defining the term ``adjacent land.''
    In Paragraph (2), it outlines the requirements for the projects
    conducted under the program, which aim to protect and restore
    watershed health, water supply and quality, municipal or
    agricultural water supply systems, and water-related
    infrastructure. Additionally, under the requirements, it states
    the need to protect and restore forest health from infection
    infestation, disease, and wildfire. This paragraph further
    specifies the Secretary's priorities in selecting watershed
    protection and restoration projects and requires written
    agreements from adjacent landowners demonstrating their
    willingness to engage as active partners in carrying out
    projects or activities on adjacent lands under the program.
        Paragraph (3) amends the Water Source Investment Projects
    provision to include Good Neighbor Agreements entered into
    under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C.
    2113a) as eligible forms of partnership agreements. The
    paragraph also directs the Secretary to coordinate with Federal
    partners in carrying out assessments, planning, project design,
    and implementation of the projects.
        Paragraph (4) reduces redundancy in the program by allowing
    the use of existing watershed plans or other watershed planning
    documents as the foundation for a water source management plan.
        Paragraph (6) establishes a matching funds requirement by
    directing the Secretary to require non-Federal partners to
    contribute funds or in-kind support equal to at least 50% of
    the Federal funding provided.
        Paragraph (7) extends the authorization of appropriations
    through Fiscal Year 2031 and caps the amount of funds that the
    Secretary may use for planning and technical assistance related
    to water source management plans to 10% for non-Federal
    partners.

    Sec. 8204. Watershed Condition Framework Technical Corrections

        Section 8204 amends Section 304(a) of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003 to make a technical change by striking
    ``protection and''.

    Sec. 8205. Authorization of Appropriations to Combat Insect
            Infestations and Related Disease

        Section 8205 amends section 406 of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003 by extending the termination date to
    October 1, 2031.

    Sec. 8206. Insect and Disease Infestation

        Section 8206 amends section 602(d)(2) of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 by extending the Secretary's
    existing authority to identify, prioritize, and treat insect
    and disease affected forest lands through September 30, 2031.

    Sec. 8207. Stewardship End Result Contracting Projects

        Section 8207 amends section 604 of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003. It includes the retention and
    expansion of forest products infrastructure as an authorized
    objective of stewardship end result contracting projects to
    ensure that there is necessary support for executing associated
    agreements or contracts.
        Paragraph (2) increases the maximum term of a stewardship
    contract from 10 years to 20 years.
        Paragraph (3) establishes a special rule for long-term
    stewardship contracts, providing that if the Forest Service
    cancels or terminates a long-term stewardship contract (also
    referred to as ``multi-year contract''), the agency is
    responsible for compensating the contracting entity with a
    cancellation or termination payment equal to the lesser of: (1)
    10% of the total multi-year contract value; or (2) the amount
    of unrecovered costs that would have been recouped through
    amortization over the full term of the contract (including the
    term canceled).

                      SUBTITLE C--OTHER FORESTRY PROGRAMS

    Sec. 8301. National and Regional Agroforestry Centers

        Section 8301 amends Section 1243 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to rename the ``Semiarid
    Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration Center''
    as the ``National and Regional Agroforestry Centers.''
        Paragraph (3) adds a definition of ``agroforestry,''
    identifying recognized productive and sustainable land use
    practices, including riparian forest buffers, alley cropping,
    silvopasture, forest farming and multistory cropping,
    windbreaks, shelterbelts, hedgerows, and, where applicable,
    field borders, and living snow fences.
        Paragraph (5) directs the Secretary to establish one or
    more regional agroforestry centers to advance agroforestry
    research, outreach, technical assistance, and adoption. It
    provides for the appointment of a director, sets criteria for
    site selection, and specifies that the regional centers shall
    be administered by the National Agroforestry Center.
        Paragraph (6) adds the recognized productive and
    sustainable land use practices under the definition of
    ``agroforestry'' to the goals and purposes of the agroforestry
    centers. Paragraph (8) adds two new subsections that direct the
    Secretary to provide targeted regional support for agroforestry
    projects and requires the Secretary to conduct a National
    Agroforestry Producers Survey every five years.
        Paragraph (9) increases the authorization of appropriations
    by $5,000,000 to $7,000,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2027
    through 2031.

    Sec. 8302. National Forest Foundation Act

        Section 8302(a) amends section 405(b) of the National
    Forest Foundation Act by extending the authority through Fiscal
    Year 2031.
        Subsection (b) amends section 409 of the National Forest
    Foundation Act by creating a White Oak Restoration Fund that
    may accept gifts and bequests for the purpose of reestablishing
    white oak forests.

    Sec. 8303. Conveyances and leases of Forest Service Administrative
            Sites

        Section 8303(a)-(b) amends Section 503(f) of the Forest
    Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005 by
    extending authority through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8304. Forest Inventory and Analysis

        Section 8304 amends Section 3(e) of the Forest and
    Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Paragraph
    (1) requires the Secretary to carry out, as a data collection
    method, a national timber products output survey and a national
    woodland owner survey.
        Paragraph (4) adds reporting requirements and requires that
    the strategic plan include procedures for tracking changes in
    land cover and use, as well as procedures necessary to sample
    and evaluate carbon-related variables.
        Paragraph (5) adds new paragraphs (7) through (11),
    requiring the Secretary to prepare and update a strategic plan
    within 180 days of the passage of this Act. It includes that
    the strategic plan should be updated once every 5 years.
    Paragraph (9) requires the Secretary to prepare and publicly
    post a compilation of national forest inventory and analysis
    forest statistics, along with relevant geospatial products.
        Subsection (b) updates section 8632(1) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 to clarify remote sensing technologies
    and include examples such as a microwave, LiDAR, hyperspectral,
    and high-resolution remote sensing data, and advanced computing
    technologies for improved modeling to provide tabular
    statistical estimates and geospatial products.

    Sec. 8305. Reforestation, Nursery, and Seed Orchard Support

        Section 8305(a) requires the Secretary to partner with
    entities and collaborate to promote and support nurseries and
    seed orchards.
        Subsection (b) requires the Secretary to establish a
    program to provide grants to eligible recipients to support
    nurseries and seed orchards.
        Subsection (d) authorizes $5,000,000 for each of Fiscal
    Years 2027 through 2031.

                         SUBTITLE D--FOREST MANAGEMENT

                   PART I--NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

    Sec. 8401. Categorical Exclusion for High Priority Hazard Trees

        Section 8401(a) establishes a categorical exclusion for
    high priority hazard trees and limits the size of a project to
    6,000 acres. Additionally, it defines ``high-priority hazard
    tree'' and ``high-priority hazard tree activity.''

    Section 8402. Collaborative Restoration Projects

        Section 8402 amends Section 603(c)(1) of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to increase the collaborative
    forest project size from 3,000 acres to 10,000 acres.

    Sec. 8403. Wildfire Resilience Project Size

        Section 8403 amends Section 605(c)(1) of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to increase the wildfire
    resilience project categorical exclusion size from 3,000 acres
    to 10,000 acres.

    Sec. 8404. Fuel Breaks in Forests and Other Wildland Vegetation

        Section 8404 amends section 40806(d)(1) of the
    Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to increase the
    Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's fuel break categorical
    exclusion from 3,000 acres to 10,000 acres.

    Sec. 8405. Greater Sage-Grouse and Mule Dule Habitat

        Section 8405 amends Section 606 of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003. Paragraph (2) clarifies covered
    management activities are meant to cover habitat for greater
    sage-grouse or mule deer, and not necessarily both
    concurrently.
        Paragraph (3) amends subsection (g), increasing the
    categorical exclusion project size limitation from 4,500 acres
    to 7,500 acres.

    Sec. 8406. Categorical Exclusion for Electric Utility Lines Rights-Of-
            Way

        Section 8406(a) creates a categorical exclusion for certain
    forest management activities to be excluded from the
    preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental
    impact statement under section 102 of the National
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
        Subsection (b) designates as categorically: (1) the
    development and approval of a vegetation management, facility
    inspection, and operation and maintenance plan submitted under
    section 512(c)(1) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
    of 1976; and (2) the implementation of routine activities
    conducted under the plan.
        Subsection (d) provides that the categorical exclusion does
    not apply to activities conducted on areas that are within the
    National Wilderness Preservation System or on National Forest
    System lands where Congress has restricted or prohibited
    vegetation removal.
        Subsection (e) provides that to carry out the project
    subject to the categorical exclusion, the establishment of
    permanent roads is prohibited, but necessary maintenance and
    improvements to existing permanent roads are permitted, and
    that any temporary roads constructed must be decommissioned
    within three years of the project completion.
        Subsection (f) provides that a forest management activity
    under this section shall not be subject to section 7 of the
    Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) or section 106
    of the National Historic Preservation Act.

    Sec. 8407. Forest Management Activities on National Forest System Lands

        Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to, as appropriate,
    coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and
    maximize the compatibility of management practices across the
    National Forest System lands. Impacted parties are defined
    under this section as: (1) State, local, and Tribal
    governments; local fire departments; and other relevant
    volunteer groups.
        Subsection (c) establishes objectives for forest management
    activities on National Forest System land, directing the
    Secretary to attain multiple ecosystem benefits, including
    reducing forest fuels, maintaining plant and animal diversity,
    improving soil and water resources (including riparian areas),
    and increasing resilience to changing water temperature and
    precipitation regimes.
        Subsection (d) requires the Secretary, consistent with
    applicable Federal law and forest plans, to establish post-
    activity ground condition criteria for projects that result in
    ground disturbance and to monitor those conditions to ensure
    that desired outcomes are achieved.
        Subsection (e) establishes a categorical exclusion under
    the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for certain
    forest fuel-reduction activities on National Forest System
    land, provided that the forest management activity: (1) does
    not exceed 10,000 acres, including not more than 3,000 acres of
    mechanical thinning; (2) is developed in coordination with
    impacted parties, including local government representatives;
    and (3) is consistent with any applicable forest plan.
        Subsection (f) authorizes the Secretary to enter into
    contracts and cooperative agreements with impacted parties to
    carry out fuel reduction, restoration, erosion control,
    reforestation, riparian restoration, revegetation, and similar
    management activities on Federal land and non-Federal land.

    Sec. 8408. Suppression of Wildfires

        Section 8408 establishes requirements for wildfire
    suppression and management activities carried out by the Forest
    Service.
        Subsection (a) directs the Secretary to use available
    resources to contain wildfires within 24 hours of detection,
    consistent with interagency agreements and applicable
    firefighter safety standards. The Secretary may not inhibit the
    suppression efforts of State or local firefighting agencies
    that are authorized to respond to wildfire on such lands.
    Additionally, backfires or burnouts may be initiated only at
    the order of the responsible incident commander, in
    consultation with the appropriate Forest Service line officer,
    or when necessary to protect firefighter health and safety.
        Subsection (b) limits the scope of subsection (a) to
    National Forest System lands that meet heightened wildfire risk
    conditions, including lands where: (1) the National Interagency
    Fire Center has established as a National Wildland Fire
    Preparedness Level of 5; (2) the U.S. Drought Monitor has rated
    as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity, D3 (extreme drought)
    intensity, or D4 (exceptional drought) intensity; or the
    Secretary has identified as being located in a fireshed ranked
    in the top 10 percent of wildfire exposure.

                     PART II--FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

    Sec. 8411. No Additional Consultation Required

        Subsection (a) amends Section 6(d)(2) of the Forest and
    Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to provide
    that the Secretary is not required to reinitiate consultation
    under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or
    section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, for a
    land management plan approved, amended, or revised under this
    section when, after the date of such approval, amendment, or
    revision: (1) a species is listed as a threatened or endangered
    species under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973;
    (2) a critical habitat for a threatened or endangered species
    is designated under that section; or (3) new information
    concerning a threatened or endangered species or critical
    habitat for such a species becomes available.
        Subsection (b) amends section 202 of the Federal Land
    Policy and Management Act of 1976 to establish a parallel
    provision for the Bureau of Land Management land use plans.

    Sec. 8412. Good Neighbor Authority

        Subsection (a) amends section 8206 of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 to expand and modify Good Neighbor Authority (GNA).
    Also, the definition of ``special district'' is added which is
    defined as a political subdivision of a State that has
    significant budgetary autonomy, was created under State law to
    perform limited governmental or proprietary function, and is
    distinct from any other local government unit within the State.
        Paragraph (3) expands the entities eligible to participate
    in GNA to include Indian Tribes and special districts. This
    subsection further amends section 8206 of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 by expanding which officials or entities shall keep
    funds received from the sale of timber under a GNA from only a
    ``governor'' to also include Indian Tribes or counties.
        This subsection also repeals the limitation that sale funds
    be used only on authorized restoration services on Federal land
    under a good neighbor agreement, so that such funds may be used
    on land also held by Indian Tribes or counties with a good
    neighbor agreement.
        Furthermore, this subsection adds ``Indian Tribes''
    alongside Governor or county as an official or entity that
    shall not have delegated to it the power to make a decision
    required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    regarding authorized restoration services provided by good
    neighbor agreements on Federal land.

    Sec. 8413. Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program

        Section 8413 amends section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land
    Management Act of 2009. Paragraph (1) amends subsection (b)(3)
    to add that a collaborative forest landscape restoration
    proposal should describe plans to prevent or control pathogens
    and address standardized monitoring questions and indicators.
        Paragraph (2) amends subsection (d) by adding criteria to
    the selection process. Paragraph (2) also limits the Secretary
    from selecting not more than four proposals in any one region
    of the National Forest System.
        Paragraph (3) amends subsection (f)(6) to extend the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8414. Public-Private Wildfire Technology Deployment and Testbed
            Partnership

        Section 8414 requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and
    the Interior to create a deployment and testbed pilot program
    for new and innovative wildfire prevention, detection,
    communication, and mitigation technologies.
        Subsection (c) lists the functions of the pilot program and
    subsection (d) describes the application process for covered
    entities to participate in the pilot program.
        Subsection (e) directs the Secretaries to give priority to
    covered entities developing and applying emerging technologies
    that address issues identified by the Secretaries, including
    artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, computing and
    quantum-hybrid applications, augmented reality, and 5G private
    networks and device-to-device communications supporting nomadic
    mesh networks, for wildfire mitigation.
        Subsection (g) requires the Secretaries to submit reports
    and recommendations to Congress on the pilot program.
    Subsection (h) terminates the pilot program on September 30,
    2031.

    Sec. 8415. Forest Service Participation In Experienced Services Program

        Section 8415 amends section 8302 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 by renaming the ACES program the Experienced Services
    Program. Paragraph (3) strikes subsection (b), the termination
    of effectiveness clause.

    Sec. 8416. Timber Sales on National Forest System Land

        Section 8416 amends section 14 of the National Forest
    Management Act of 1976 by increasing in subsection (d) the
    threshold by which the value of a timber sale must meet before
    requiring advertising from $10,000 to $55,000.
        Paragraph (2) adds a new subsection (j) providing that in
    the event of extreme risks to a unit of National Forest System
    land, including catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease
    outbreak, wind, hurricane, flood, drought, or to avoid impacts
    from such extreme events, the Secretary may, without an
    appraisal and under such rules and regulations prescribed by
    the Secretary, dispose of by sale or otherwise, portions of
    trees, or forest products located on such unit of National
    Forest System lands.

    Sec. 8417. Permits and Agreements With Electrical Utilities

        Section 8417(a) provides the Secretary the ability to give
    permission to electric utility company holders of national
    forest system land permits or easements to cut and remove trees
    or other vegetation from within the vicinity of distribution
    lines or transmission lines, including hazardous vegetation
    that increases fire risk, without requiring a separate timber
    sale if that cutting and removal is consistent with the
    applicable land management plan.
        Subsection (b) requires that if the applicable electrical
    utility sells any portion of the material removed under the
    permit or easement, the electrical utility shall provide to the
    Secretary any proceeds received from the sale, less any
    transportation costs incurred in the sale.
        Subsection (c) states that there is no requirement that
    material removed under a special use permit or easement that
    includes permission for the cutting and removal of trees or
    other vegetation be sold.

    Sec. 8418. Utilizing Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction

        Section 8418 directs the Secretary, in coordination with
    holders of permits to graze livestock on Federal land, to
    develop and implement a strategy aimed at increasing the use of
    livestock grazing and related rangeland improvements as a
    wildfire risk reduction strategy.

    Sec. 8419. Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership Program

        Section 8419 amends Section 40808 of the Infrastructure
    Investment and Jobs Act to require reports from the Joint
    Chiefs at least once every two years and extends the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8420. Tribal Forest Management Program Technical Corrections

        Section 8420 amends section 8703 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 by renaming it the Tribal Forest
    Management Program.

                          PART III--TIMBER INNOVATION

    Sec. 8431. Community Wood Facilities Program

        Section 8431 amends Section 9013 of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002 and renames the program the
    Community Wood Facilities Program.
        Paragraph (2) amends the definition of community wood
    energy system, in part, as an energy system that uses primarily
    forest biomass, including processing or manufacturing
    residuals. Paragraph (4) increases the cap for a grant award
    from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000.
        Paragraph (5) strikes subsection (e)(1) of the selection
    criteria, and adds in (e)(1), as redesignated, that market
    competitiveness should be a factor to consider.
        Paragraph (6) amends subsection (f), by striking paragraph
    (2) and inserting in paragraph (2), as redesignated, that the
    Secretary shall give grant priorities to proposals that include
    the construction, use or retrofitting of forest products
    manufacturing facilities in areas with high unemployment.
        Paragraph (7) amends subsection (g) by increasing the
    thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy capacity
    limit from 5 megawatts to 15 megawatts and increases from 25%
    to 50% the amount of funds provided as grants that may go to
    applicants proposing innovative wood products facilities.
        Paragraph (8) amends subsection (h) by extending the
    authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8432. Wood Innovation Grant Program

        Section 8432(a) amends section 8643(b)(1) of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 by adding that the grant
    may be used for the construction of new facilities that advance
    the purposes of the program and for the hauling of material
    removed to reduce hazardous fuels to locations where that
    material can be utilized.
        Subsection (b) amends Section 8643(c) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, providing for the priority the
    Secretary may give to proposals for grants.
        Subsection (c) amends section 8643(d) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 by lowering the eligible entity non-
    Federal fund-matching requirement from a 100% match to 50%.

    Sec. 8433. Forest and Wood Products Data Tracker

        Section 8433(a) requires the Secretary, in collaboration
    with the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service
    and in consultation with federally-recognized Indian Tribes,
    State foresters, and private sector partners, establish a
    publicly available platform to provide measurement, monitoring,
    verification, and reporting data regarding the carbon
    emissions, sequestration, storage, and related atmospheric
    impacts of forest management and wood products.

    Sec. 8434. Biochar Application Demonstration Project

        Section 8434 requires the Secretary to conduct performance-
    driven research and development, education, technical
    assistance, outreach, and demonstration projects for the
    purpose of facilitating the use of biochar, developing
    additional biochar applications, and commercializing biochar.
        Subsection (c) amends section 8643(d) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 by lowering the eligible entity non-
    Federal fund-matching requirement from a 100% match to 50%.

                           SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS

    Sec. 8501. Rural Revitalization Technologies

        Section 8501 amends section 2371(d)(2) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by extending
    the authorization of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 8502. Resource Advisory Committees

        Section 8502 amends Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools
    and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Paragraph (1)
    allows for appointments to resource advisory committees by the
    applicable regional forester.
        Paragraph (2) extends the termination of authority date to
    October 1, 2031. Paragraph (3) strikes subsection (g), the
    Resource Advisory Committee Appointment Pilot Program.

    Sec. 8503. Accurate Hazardous Fuels Reduction Reports

        Section 8503 requires the inclusion of hazardous fuels
    reduction reports in materials submitted in support of the
    President's budget, including the number of acres of Federal
    land on which the Secretary concerned carried out hazardous
    fuel reduction activities during the preceding fiscal year.
        Subsection (a) requires that each acre recorded as having
    hazardous fuels reduction activities completed on it may only
    be recorded once, regardless of whether multiple hazardous
    fuels reduction activities were carried out on such acre during
    that year.

    Sec. 8504. Special Use Authorization Rental Fee Waiver

        Section 8504 allows the Chief of the Forest Service to
    waive all or part of the programmatic administrative fee, and
    any fees related to the special use authorization, when
    equitable and in the public interest as determined by the Chief
    of the Forest Service, for the use and occupancy of National
    Forest System land by specified governmental, non-profit, or
    amateur radio stations.

    Sec. 8505. Charges and Fees for Harvest of Forest Botanical Products

        Section 8505 codifies a program to charge and collect fees
    for forest botanical products harvested on National Forest
    System lands.
        Subsection (b) provides that the fees collected by the
    Secretary shall be based on the fair market value of the
    harvested forest botanical products and the costs incurred by
    the Secretary associated with the granting, modifying, or
    monitoring the authorization for harvest of the forest
    botanical products, including the costs of any environmental or
    other analysis.
        Subsection (c) provides that The Secretary may not permit
    the harvest of forest botanical products on National Forest
    System lands at levels in excess of sustainable harvest levels,
    as defined under section 4 of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield
    Act of 1960.
        Subsection (d) provides that the Secretary shall establish
    a personal use harvest level for each forest botanical product,
    and the harvest of a forest botanical product below that level
    by a person for personal use shall not be subject to charges
    and fees.

    Sec. 8506. Forest Service Legacy Road use and Trail Remediation Program
            Transparency

        Section 8506 amends section 8 of Public Law 88-657 by
    clarifying how the annual selection of project for funding
    should be advertised, and public comments considered.
        Paragraph (1) requires the Forest Service to publish on its
    website for each region, a list of each project considered
    under the Program, public comments received, the ranking within
    the region of each project, and the proposed outcome of each
    project.

    Sec. 8507. Direct Hire Authority

        Section 8507 enables the Secretary to appoint Job Corps
    graduates, as defined in section 142(5) of the Workforce
    Innovation and Opportunity Act, to competitive service
    positions within the Forest Service. This process does not
    require that the Secretary adhere to the provisions outlined in
    subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code,
    except for sections 3303 and 3328.

    Sec. 8508. Improving the Emergency Forest Restoration Program

        Section 8508 amends Section 407 of the Agricultural Credit
    Act of 1978 by inserting a new subsection (e) for advance
    payments, specifying that The Secretary shall give an owner of
    nonindustrial private forest land the option of receiving,
    before the owner carries out emergency measures, not more than
    75 percent of the cost of the emergency measures.
        Subsection (e) of section 407 would require that if the
    funds provided are not expended by the end of the 180-day
    period beginning on the date on which the owner of
    nonindustrial private forest land receives those funds, the
    funds shall be returned within a reasonable timeframe, as
    determined by the Secretary.

    Sec. 8509. Exemption for Previously Analyzed Areas of National Forest
            System Lands

        Subsection (a) of section 8509 exempts the requirements
    under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
    4321 et seq.) or division A of subtitle 54, United States Code
    to an application for a communications use authorization on
    National Forest System lands, including National Forest System
    lands on which authorized utilities, communications facilities,
    powerline facilities or roads have been installed if the
    communications equipment is located in or on existing
    infrastructure, or the communications facility is located on
    previously analyzed areas of National Forest System lands.
        Subsection (b) provides that the Secretary shall not be
    required to reinitiate consultation of the requirements under
    the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
    et seq.) or division A of subtitle 54, United States Code, for
    an application for a communications use authorization on
    previously analyzed areas of National Forest System lands if
    new information concerning a previously analyzed area of
    National Forest System lands becomes available.

    Sec. 8510. Release of Reversionary Interest in Black River State Forest

        Section 8510 allows for the conditional release of a
    reversionary interest held by the United States on
    approximately 31.83 acres of Wisconsin State Forest land. This
    release is contingent upon the State of Wisconsin offering to
    transfer that land to Deli, Inc., in exchange for approximately
    37.27 acres, which will be added to the Black River State
    Forest.

    Sec. 8511. Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act

        Section 8511 amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community
    Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 note) by
    providing an alternative name for the program, the ``Doug
    LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act.''

    Sec. 8512. Minor Range Improvements Under Forest Service Grazing
            Permits

        Sec. 8512 would streamline the approval of minor range
    improvements on Forest Service grazing allotments by allowing
    permittees to proceed after notification and requiring timely
    agency responses.

                        SUBTITLE F--WHITE OAK RESILIENCE

    Sec. 8601. Short Title

        Section 8601 names the subtitle the ``White Oak Resilience
    Act.''

    Sec. 8602. White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition

        Section 8602 establishes the White Oak Restoration
    Initiative Coalition, composed of a voluntary group of Federal,
    State, Tribal, and local governments, as well as private and
    non-governmental organizations. The Coalition is tasked with
    coordinating white oak restoration efforts across Federal,
    State, Tribal, local, and private partners in the United
    States. Additionally, the Coalition is responsible for making
    programmatic and policy recommendations that are consistent
    with applicable forest management plans. The section further
    directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the
    Interior to provide personnel to support the Coalition in
    carrying out its duties, including providing administrative
    support, technical services, and deployment and dissemination
    of education materials.

    Sec. 8603. Forest Service Pilot Program

        Section 8603 directs the Secretary to establish and carry
    out five pilot projects in National Forests to restore white
    oak through restoration and natural regeneration practices that
    are consistent with applicable forest management plans,

    Sec. 8604. White Oak Regeneration and Upland Oak Habitat

        Section 8604 directs the Secretary to establish a non-
    regulatory program known as the ``White Oak and Upland Oak
    Habitat Regeneration Program.'' In directing the program, the
    Secretary is directed to draw upon the best available science
    and management plans for species of white oak to identify,
    prioritize, and implement restoration and conservation
    activities that will improve the growth of white oak.
    Additionally, the Secretary is directed to collaborate and
    coordinate with the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition
    to prioritize white oak restoration initiatives.
        Subsection (b) also directs the Secretary to adopt a white
    oak restoration strategy that supports the implementation of
    science-based restoration and conservation activities, focuses
    on cost-effective projects, maximizes restoration outcomes, and
    establishes voluntary grant and technical assistance programs.
        Subsection (e) directs the Secretary to establish a
    voluntary grant and technical assistance program with the
    available funds. Under this grant program, the Secretary shall
    enter into a cooperative agreement with the National Fish and
    Wildlife Foundation (the ``Foundation'') to manage and
    administer the grant program.
        The authority granted under Section 8604 will terminate
    seven years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    Sec. 8605. Tree Nursery Shortages

        Section 8605 directs the Secretary to develop and implement
    a national strategy to increase the capacity of Federal, State,
    Tribal, and private tree nurseries to address the nationwide
    shortage of tree seedlings.

                                TITLE IX--ENERGY

    Section 9001. Definition of advanced biofuel

        Section 9001 amends section 9001(3)(B)(iv) of the Farm
    Security and Rural Investment Act of 9002 to provide in statute
    that ``advanced biofuel'' includes sustainable aviation fuel
    derived from renewable biomass, including vegetable oil and
    animal fat.

    Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program

        Paragraph (1) of section 9002 amends section 9002(a) of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to establish a
    guidance process, conducted by the Office of Federal
    Procurement Policy, to consider biobased products lifespan,
    savings, and efficacy when making federal procurement
    decisions. Paragraph (1) also requires each procuring agency to
    submit an annual federal biobased product procurement
    implementation report to the Office of Federal Procurement
    Policy, as well as requires the Office of Federal Procurement
    Policy to collect, document, and make publicly available
    through the review of the annual reports that each procuring
    agency has established a procurement program.
        Paragraph (2) of section 9002 amends section 9003(f) of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to provide that
    the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce to jointly
    development North American Industry Classification System codes
    and North American Product Classification System codes for
    renewable chemicals, biobased products, and manufacturers of
    renewable chemicals and biobased products. Paragraph (2)
    further provides that the Secretary shall submit a report,
    within enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
    of 2024, to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry that provides
    (1) the Federal statistical collections of information related
    to the North American Industry Classification System codes and
    the North American Product Classification System codes that
    utilize bioeconomy-specific data; (2) recommendations to
    implement any bioeconomy related changes as part of the 2027
    revisions of the North American Industry Classification System
    codes and the North American Product Classification System
    codes; and (3) an assessment of the impacts that bioeconomy-
    specific North American Industry Classification System codes
    and North American Products Classification System codes would
    have on the agency's measurement of the economic contributions
    of the bioeconomy.
        Paragraph (3) of section 9001 amends section 9002(k)(2) of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to
    reauthorize the discretionary funding for the biobased markets
    program through fiscal year 2031.

    Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance

        Paragraph (1) of section 9003(a) amends section 9003(b)(1)
    of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to expand
    the definition of ``biobased product manufacturing'' to include
    technologically new or innovative commercial-scale processing
    and manufacturing equipment. Paragraph (1) also requires
    facilities to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased
    outputs of biorefineries into end-user products, renewable
    chemicals, or biobased products on a commercial scale.
        Paragraph (2) of section 9003(a) amends section 9003(d)(1)
    of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to
    establish a technical review agreement between the Secretary
    and approved loan guarantee applicants that outlines the
    specific objectives, outcomes, and conditions for successful
    technical feasibility of a biorefinery, renewable chemical, or
    biobased product project.
        Paragraph (3) of section 9003(a) amends section 9003(i)(1)
    of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to adjust
    the funding for biofuel infrastructure and agriculture product
    market expansion electric loans for renewable energy to remain
    available until September 30, 2031.
        Section 9003(b) rescinds $18,000,000 of unobligated
    balances made under section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002.

    Sec. 9004. Bioproduct labeling terminology

        Section 9004 amends title IX of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 to establish that the Secretary shall
    issue rules implementing national uniform labeling standards
    for, and ensuring the proper use of, the labeling and marketing
    of bio-attributed plastics, bio-attributed products, biobased
    plastics, and plant-based products. In implementing the
    national uniform labeling standards, the Secretary shall
    include the following terms, as defined in section 9001 Farm
    Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002: biobased product,
    intermediate ingredient or feedstock, renewable biomass, and
    renewable chemical. In defining those terms, the Secretary must
    consult with biomanufacturers, entities engaged in research and
    development of bioproducts, feedstock growers, and other
    industry stakeholders.

    Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels

        Section 9005 amends section 9005(g)(2) of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize the
    discretionary funding for the bioenergy program for advanced
    biofuels through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program

        Section 9006 repeals section 9006 of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002.

    Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program

        Paragraph (1) of section 9007 provides technical drafting
    updates to improve the implementation of the program.
        Paragraph (2) of section 9007 amends section 9007(b)(3) of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to expand
    the selection criteria for competitive grants for energy audits
    and renewable energy development assistance to include the
    potential of a proposed program to produce cost savings and to
    meaningfully improve the financial conditions of agricultural
    producers or small rural businesses. Paragraph (2) also adds
    agricultural cooperatives with less than 2,500 employees as
    qualified entities under the Rural Energy for America Program.
        Paragraph (3)(A) of section 9007 amends section 9007(c)(2)
    of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to expand
    the award consideration for determining the amount of a loan
    guarantee or grant provided under the Rural Energy for America
    Program to include the expected cost savings of an agricultural
    producer or rural small business from the purchasing of
    renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency
    improvements.
        Paragraph (3)(B) of section 9007 amends section
    9007(c)(3)(B) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 to increase the amount of a loan guaranteed under the
    Rural Energy for America Program from $25,000,000 to
    $50,000,000.
        Paragraph (4) of section 9007 amends section 9007 of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to streamline
    the application process for the Rural Energy for America
    Program.
        Paragraph (5) of section 9007 amends section 9007 of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to enhance
    outreach and technical assistance for Rural Energy for America
    Program applicants and grantees.
        Paragraph (6) of Section 9007 amends section 9007(f)(3) of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to
    reauthorize the discretionary funding for the Rural Energy for
    America Program through fiscal year 2031.
        Paragraph (7) of section 9007 amends section 9007 of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to establish a
    REAP reserve fund.
        Paragraph (8) of section 9007 amends section 9007 of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to require the
    Secretary to ensure that, to the extent practicable, there is
    diversity in the types of projects approved for grants or loan
    guarantees under the Rural Energy for America Program.

    Sec. 9008. Feedstock flexibility

        Section 9008 amends section 9010(b) of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize the Secretary
    to purchase eligible commodities from eligible entities and
    sell such commodities to bioenergy producers, and to notify
    eligible entities and bioenergy producers of the quantity of
    eligible commodities available for purchase and sale, to
    produce bioenergy through the 2031 crop year.

    Sec. 9009. Biomass Crop Assistance Program

        Section 9009 amends section 9011(f)(1) of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations
    of $25,000,000 for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program for each
    fiscal year through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 9010. Carbon utilization and biogas education program

        Section 9010 repeals section 9014 of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002.

    Sec. 9011. Study on effects of solar panel installations on prime,
            unique, or statewide or locally important farmland

        Section 9011 amends title IX of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 to establish a new section that studies
    on the effects of solar panel installations on the conversion
    of prime, unique, or statewide or locally important farmland
    and nonindustrial private forest land out of agricultural
    production.

    Sec. 9012. Limitation on USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy
            systems

        Section 9012 amends title IX of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 to establish a new section that creates
    a limitation on USDA funding projects that would result in the
    conversion of prime, unique, or statewide or locally important
    farmland, or nonindustrial private forest land, for solar
    energy production, unless a project results in the conversion
    of less than 5 acres, or results in the conversion of less than
    50 acres of covered farmland if the majority of the energy
    produced is for on-farm use and has received a resolution of
    approval or support, or other similar instrument from each
    county and municipality in which the project is sited. Projects
    that receive local approval must develop and implement a
    farmland conservation protection plan. Additionally, financial
    assistance may not be provided to projects that procures a
    solar energy component produced, manufactured, or assembled in
    a foreign country of concern.

    Sec. 9013. Sustainable aviation fuels strategy

        Section 9013 amends title IX of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 to establish a new section that requires
    the USDA to create a Department-wide strategy to advance the
    production of sustainable aviation fuels.

    Sec. 9014. Leveraging efficiency awareness for pumping systems

        Section 9014 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make
    available information to educate farmers on the cost savings,
    energy savings, and water conservation that can be achieved
    through efficient pumping systems.

    Sec. 9015. Adding waste energy recovery to the Rural Energy for America
            Program

        Section 9015 amends section 9001(15)(A) of the Farm
    Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to expand the
    definition of renewable energy under the Rural Energy for
    America Program to include waste heat energy recovery.

      TITLE X--HORTICULTURE, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY REFORM SUBTITLE A--
                                  HORTICULTURE

    Sec. 10001. Specialty crop block grants

        Section 10001 amends section 101 of the Specialty Crop
    Competitiveness Act of 2004 to extend the authority of the
    Secretary to make grants through Fiscal Year 2031; direct the
    State program administrators to establish priorities for the
    program in consultation with specialty crop producer and
    producer groups; require the State program administrators to
    include in the State plan how outreach to, and consultation
    with, specialty crop producers and producer groups will be
    achieved.

    Sec. 10002. Specialty crop market news allocation

        Section 10002 amends section 10107(b) of the Food,
    Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to extend the
    authorization of appropriations for the specialty crop market
    news allocation through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 10003. Office of urban agriculture and innovative production

        Section 10003 amends section 222 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to add controlled-
    environment agriculture to the list of emerging agricultural
    production practices; direct the Office to use resources of the
    Department to provide technical assistance, promote
    conservation techniques, and assist producers in navigating
    policies and regulations that impact business operations;
    extend the reporting requirements and authorization for the
    Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee;
    allow for subgrants to support the growth of the farm or farm
    business; authorizes the use of cooperative agreements to
    support the development of urban and innovative agricultural
    production; remove the pilot status and extend reporting
    requirements for the Urban and Suburban County Committees and
    Increasing Community Compost and Reducing Food Waste projects;
    add development of food waste-to-energy operations as an
    eligible activity for the Increasing Community Compost and
    Reducing Food Waste projects; and reauthorize the authorization
    of appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 10004. National plant diagnostic network

        Section 10004 amends section 12203(c)(5) of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 to reauthorize the authorization of
    appropriations for the National Plant Diagnostics Network
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Sec. 10005. Hemp production

        Section 10005 amends subtitle G of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946. Subsection (a) amends section 297B to
    require State and Tribal plans to include a procedure under
    which a hemp producer shall be required to designate the type
    of production of the hemp producer; allow State and Tribal
    plans to include a procedure for the use of visual inspections,
    performance-based sampling methodologies, certified seed, or a
    similar procedure when developing sampling plans for industrial
    hemp; allow State and Tribal plans to include a procedure for
    eliminating the 10-year period of ineligibility following the
    date of conviction for producers of industrial hemp with a
    felony related to a controlled substance; require documentation
    during inspections that demonstrates a clear intent to produce
    industrial hemp for producers under a State or Tribal plan that
    includes procedures for reducing or eliminating sampling or
    testing requirements for industrial hemp; allow testing if a
    producer of industrial hemp fails to provide required
    documentation; require the State or Tribe to report a producer
    of industrial to the Attorney General and applicable law
    enforcement officers if that producer violated the State or
    Tribal plan by producing a crop that is inconsistent with the
    designation of industrial hemp; and ban any person who
    knowingly produced a crop that is inconsistent with the
    designation of industrial hemp from obtaining a hemp license
    for 5 years.
        Subsection (b) amends section 297C to require a Department
    of Agriculture plan to include a procedure under which a hemp
    producer shall be required to designate the type of production
    of the hemp producer; allow a Department of Agriculture plan to
    include a procedure for the use of visual inspections,
    performance-based sampling methodologies, certified seed, or a
    similar procedure when developing sampling plans for industrial
    hemp; allow a Department of Agriculture plan to include a
    procedure for eliminating the 10-year period of ineligibility
    following the date of conviction for producers of industrial
    hemp with a felony related to a controlled substance; require
    documentation during inspections that demonstrates a clear
    intent to produce industrial hemp for producers under a
    Department of Agriculture plan that includes procedures for
    reducing or eliminating sampling or testing requirements for
    industrial hemp; allow testing if a producer of industrial hemp
    fails to provide required documentation; and requires the
    Secretary to collect information related to the designation of
    the type of production of hemp producers and the laboratory
    certificate of analysis for hemp disposed of.
        Subsection (c) amends section 297D to require the Secretary
    of Agriculture to establish a process by which the Department
    of Agriculture can issue certificates of accreditation to
    laboratories for the purposes of testing hemp.

    Sec. 10006. Pilot program for the intra-organizational movement of
            genetically engineered microorganisms by certain authorized
            parties

        Section 10006 amends the Plant Protection Act by adding a
    new section 420A to direct the Secretary to create a pilot
    program for the intra-organizational movement of genetically
    engineered microorganisms by certain authorized parties.
        Subsection (a) of the new section defines terms used in the
    pilot program including covered microorganism, covered
    unauthorized release, pilot program, plant pest risk,
    responsible party, and responsible party biocontainment
    facility.
        Subsection (b) of the new section directs the Secretary to
    establish the pilot program for no more than 75 responsible
    parties within 100 days of enactment.
        Subsection (c) of the new section outlines the application
    process for the pilot program.
        Subsection (d) of the new section outlines the process for
    approving or denying applications for the pilot program and the
    process for appealing a denial.
        Subsection (e) of the new section outlines requirements
    that the party responsible shall agree to as a condition of
    enrollment in the pilot program.
        Subsection (f) of the new section prohibits the Secretary
    from taking action or promulgating any regulation that treats
    genetically engineered covered microorganisms less favorably
    than nongenetically engineered covered microorganisms or
    limiting the quantity or type of covered microorganisms that
    may be moved under the pilot program.
        Subsection (g) of the new section requires responsible
    parties enrolled in the pilot program to submit a quarterly
    report to the Secretary.
        Subsection (h) of the new section provides guidance for
    responsible parties enrolled in the pilot program in the case
    of a covered unauthorized release.
        Subsection (i) of the new section outlines the process by
    which the Secretary may terminate the enrollment of a
    responsible party enrolled in the pilot program.
        Subsection (j) of the new section terminates the pilot
    program three years after the date on which the Secretary
    completes the application selection process.
        Subsection (k) of the new section directs the Secretary to
    submit a report to Congress no later than 6 months after the
    termination of the pilot program.

                             SUBTITLE B--MARKETING

    Sec. 10101. Marketing orders

        Section 10101 amends section 8(e) of the Agricultural
    Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural
    Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to add mandarin oranges and
    almonds to and remove the prohibition on dates for processing
    from the list of imported agricultural products the Secretary
    has the authority to subject to marketing order terms and
    conditions regulating grade, size, quality, and maturity.

    Sec. 10102. Local agriculture market program

        Section 10102 amends section 210A of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act to define the term food hub; add regional food
    chain coordination to the purpose of the local agriculture
    market program; direct the Secretary to provide technical
    assistance and outreach to stakeholders before and after
    providing grants under the program; extend the authority of the
    Secretary to make grants through fiscal year 2031; clarify that
    purchase of special purpose equipment is an eligible activity;
    add food hubs as an eligible entity for the Farmers' Market and
    Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP); establish a simplified
    application process for applications to FMLFPP that request
    less than $100,000 for specific activities; clarify that the
    Regional Food Systems Partnership Program can be used for
    regional food coordination projects and regional outreach,
    technical assistance, and evaluation projects; and requires
    that no less than 10 percent of funds made available for FMLFPP
    shall be used for simplified applications.

    Sec. 10103. Acer access and development program

        Section 10103 amends section 12306 of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 to direct the Secretary to solicit input from maple
    syrup industry stakeholders with respect to the research and
    education priorities of the maple syrup industry and
    reauthorize the authorization of appropriations through Fiscal
    Year 2031.

    Sec. 10104. Organic production and market data initiative

        Section 10104 amends section 7407 of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to collect
    and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk;
    reauthorize the authorization of appropriations through Fiscal
    Year 2031.

    Sec. 10105. Organic Certification

        Section 10105 amends the Organic Foods Production Act of
    1990. Subsection (a) extends the reporting requirements for the
    report describing National Organic Program activities with
    respect to all domestic and overseas investigations and
    compliance actions through March 30, 2031.
        Subsection (b) adds a new section 2122B to allow the
    Secretary to provide technical assistance, outreach, and
    education to support organic production through existing
    programs implemented by a covered agency.
        Subsection (c) reauthorizes the authorization of
    appropriations for the National Organic Program through fiscal
    year 2031.

    Sec. 10106. Report on procurement

        Section 10106 directs the Secretary to submit a report to
    Congress that examines the process by which domestic
    commodities or products are procured, barriers to entry into
    such procurement process, the diet quality and accessibility of
    commodities or products that are procured, and the Secretary's
    recommendations to improve such procurement process.

    Sec. 10107. Definition of Risk to Organic Integrity and Oversight
            Protocols

        Section 10107 amends section 2103 of the Organic Foods
    Production Act of 1990 to provide definitions for ``oversight
    protocols'' and ``risk to organic integrity.''

    Sec. 10108. Modernization of Inspection Requirements

        Section 10108 amends section 2107 of the Organic Foods
    Production Act of 1990 to maintain the annual on-site
    inspections of organic facilities for sites located outside of
    the United States. For U.S.-based sites an on-site inspection
    shall occur every three years, with additional inspections
    conducted either on-site or virtually depending on the
    operations risk to organic integrity. In the case of an
    operation that does not physically handle organic products, the
    language provides for inspection methods for sufficient
    assurances of compliance, including virtual inspection methods.

    Sec. 10109. Study and Reform of National Organic Program Oversight
            Protocols

        Section 10109 amends the Organic Food Production Act of
    1990 to add a new section related to the study and reform of
    the national organic program oversight protocols. Subsection
    (a) of the new section requires the Secretary conduct a study
    to determine whether the establishment of oversight protocols
    based on risk to organic integrity are necessary.
        Subsection (b) enumerates different metrics related to
    oversight protocols and requires the Secretary to examine the
    feasibility, opportunities, and implications of implementing
    such protocols. The subsection also enumerates different
    factors related to farms, handling operations, and certifying
    agents the Secretary shall consider when conducting the study.
    Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to submit the report to
    Congress and make publicly available not later than 18 months
    after the date of enactment of the section. Subsection (d)
    requires consultation with the National Organic Standards
    Board, certifying agents, certified organic farms and handling
    operations, organic consumers, and other relevant stakeholders.
        Subsection (e) gives the Secretary authority to promulgate
    regulations that establish or modify oversight protocols based
    on the findings of the report, as long as such protocols
    maintain strong organic integrity, support a resilient domestic
    organic sector, and are consistent with other requirements
    under the Organic Food Production Act of 1990.
        Subsection (f) defines ``appropriate congressional
    committees.'' Subsection (g) is a rule of construction.

                         SUBTITLE C--REGULATORY REFORM

          PART I--FEDERAL, INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT

    Section 10201. Exclusions of Certain Substances

        Section 10201 amends section 2 of the Federal Insecticide,
    Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Subsection (a) amends
    the definition of ``plant regulator'' to exclude substances
    intended be produced and used within a plant and certain plant
    biostimulants; amends the definition of ``nitrogen stabilizer''
    to make technical corrections and exclude plant biostimulants
    and nutritional chemicals; and adds definitions for ``plant
    biostimulant'', ``nutritional chemical'', ``vitamin hormone
    product'', and ``plant-incorporated protectant''.
        Subsection (b) clarifies when and how the Administrator of
    the EPA may exempt pesticides from the requirements of FIFRA,
    including a statutory exemption of certain plant-incorporated
    protectants.
        Subsection (c) consists of conforming amendments to section
    17(c) of FIFRA.

    Section 10202. Coordination

        Section 10202 amends section 3 of FIFRA by adding a new
    subsection ``(j) Coordination'' that requires the Administrator
    of the EPA to develop risk mitigation measures required by
    FIFRA with the Secretary of Agriculture, and to conduct an
    economic analysis determining the cost of implementation of
    such measures. This section also requires the Administrator to
    coordinate sharing of data and information with regard to
    pesticide registration and registration reviews, including
    agronomic use data and information related to the availability
    and economic viability of alternatives. Additionally, this
    section requires the Administrator to coordinate with the
    Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of the Interior, and the
    Secretary of Commerce regarding implementation of reasonable
    and prudent actions and measures with respect to the use of a
    pesticide. This section also allows for these coordination
    requirements to be waived if agreed upon by the Administrator,
    the Secretary of Agriculture, and the registration of such
    pesticide.

    Section 10203. Interagency Working Group

        Section 10203 amends section 3(c)(11) of FIFRA by requiring
    the Secretary of Agriculture to include the Director of the
    Office of Pest Management Policy in all interagency working
    group meetings. This section also extends the reporting
    requirements, decreases the frequency of such reports, and
    directs the reports to be published on the website of the EPA.
    Additionally, this section amends the consultation requirements
    to ensure the interagency working group meets with stakeholders
    at least once per year and to ensure the Administrator consults
    with the interagency working group before implementing any
    policy, strategy, workplan, or pilot program regarding the
    application of the Endangered Species Act to the processes for
    registration and registration review of a pesticide.

    Section 10204 Registration Review

        Section 10204 extends the deadline under Section
    3(g)(1)(A)(iii)(I) of FIFRA for initial pesticide registration
    to 2031.

    Section 10205. Uniformity of Pesticide Labeling Requirements

        Section 10205 affects how FIFRA is to be applied.
    Subsection (a) mandates that section 24(b) of FIFRA be applied
    to require nationwide uniformity in pesticide labeling and
    prohibits states or other authorities from penalizing entities
    for failing to label pesticides in a manner different from the
    label approved by the Administrator under FIFRA.
        Subsection (b) clarifies that this section does not alter
    the authority of States under sections 24(a) or (c) of FIFRA.

    Section 10206. Authority of States

        Section 10206 amends section 24 of FIFRA by prohibiting
    political subdivisions of a state from imposing requirements
    relating to the sale, distribution, labeling, application, or
    use of any pesticide subject to regulation by a State or the
    Administrator of the EPA under FIFRA.

    Section 10207. Lawful Use of Authorized Pesticides

        Section 10207 amends section 3(f) of the Federal
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act by adding a new
    paragraph (6), which provides that the use, application, or
    discharge of a registered pesticide consistent with its
    labeling approved under FIFRA shall be permitted and considered
    lawful, without further permitting or approval requirements.

                  PART II--OTHER REGULATORY REFORM PROVISIONS

    Section 10211. Multiple Crop and Pesticide Use Survey

        Section 10211 amends section 10109 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 to require the Director of the Office
    of Pest Management Policy to obtain commercial data on
    pesticide use to inform the conduct of the Multiple Crop and
    Pesticide Use Survey.

    Section 10212. Safe Harbor for Certain Discharges of Wildland Fire
            Chemicals

        Section 10212 would prohibit a court from enjoining a
    covered entity under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
    from the aerial application of a covered fire retardant and
    water enhancer for wildfire suppression, control, or prevention
    if such application is in accordance with the Federal Facility
    Compliance Agreement between the EPA and the U.S. Forest
    Service, and occurred before the effective date of a permit
    issued by the EPA or a State, under section 403 of the Federal
    Water Pollution Control Act authorizing the aerial application
    of fire retardant. This provision sunsets 5 years after the
    effective date of this Act.

    Section 10213. Office of Biotechnology Policy

        Section 10213 adds a new section to the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 that creates an Office
    of Biotechnology Policy to provide for the effective
    coordination of policies and activities within the Department
    of Agriculture related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing,
    synthetic biology, and related emerging technologies, while
    taking into account the effects of regulatory actions of other
    government agencies. This new section provides an authorization
    of appropriations for $1,000,000 through Fiscal Year 2031.

                            TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

    Sec. 11001. Specialty crop advisory committee

        Section 11001(a) amends section 505 of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to establish a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee
    to advise the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (the
    Corporation) on issues relating to specialty crop insurance
    policies, provide input to the Board of the Corporation on
    decisions relating to specialty crop insurance policies, review
    available educational programs and make recommendations to the
    Corporation on how to enhance the effectiveness of programs for
    specialty crop producers, provide recommendations to the
    Corporation regarding the presentation of policies to the Board
    of the Corporation, and advise the Corporation on entering into
    partnerships to carry out various research and development
    activities.
        Section 11001(b) amends section 507(g)(2) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act to establish a Specialty Crops Coordinator
    to address the needs of specialty crop producers, and for
    providing information and advise, in connection with activities
    of the Corporation, to improve and expand the insurance program
    for specialty crops.
        Section 11001(c) amends section 508(a)(6)(A) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act to require the Corporation to consult with
    the Secretary in conducting an annual review of new and
    specialty crops.

    Sec. 11002. Identification of holders of substantial interests

        Paragraph (1) of section 11002 amends section 506(m)(3) of
    the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide an extension to crop
    insurance policyholders to provide the Corporation with the
    identification of holders of beneficial interest in the
    policyholder at any time during the applicable crop year.
        Paragraph (2) of section 11002 amends section 506(m)(4) of
    the Federal Crop Insurance Act to define ``substantial
    beneficial interest'' as not less than 10 percent of all
    beneficial interests in the policyholder.

    Sec. 11003. Actuarial soundness of certain new products

        Section 11003 amends section 506(n) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to require the Corporation to review each crop
    insurance policy or product developed for submission of
    policies and materials to the Corporation's Board of Directors
    for actuarial soundness.

    Sec. 11004. Coverage of revenue losses

        Section 11004 amends section 508(a)(1) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to extend crop insurance coverage of revenue
    losses to a decline in the market price of the insured
    commodity, so long as such decline was not directly caused by
    the producer (as determined by the Secretary).

    Sec. 11005. Limitation on farm program participation

        Section 11005 amends section 508B(f) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to provide that effective for the 2019 through
    2025 crop years, a farm shall not be eligible for the Stacked
    Income Protection Plan for upland cotton for a crop year for
    which the farm is enrolled in coverage for seed cotton under
    price loss coverage or agricultural risk coverage.
        Section 11005 also amends section 1115 of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 to conform with the amendment made above to provide
    that beginning with the 2026 crop year, in the case of a farm
    for which a producer obtains coverage under the Stacked Income
    Protection Plan for upland cotton for a crop year, such farm
    shall not be eligible to receive payments for seed cotton for
    such crop year under price loss coverage or agricultural risk
    coverage.

    Sec. 11006. Limitation on interest accrual

        Section 11006 amends Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to provide that effective beginning with the 2026
    reinsurance year, in the case of a producer that is delinquent
    in paying a premium or administrative fee, an approved
    insurance provider may charge such producer with respect to
    such delinquency an amount less than or equal to 1 percent of
    the simple interest of the amount for which such producer is
    delinquent, for each month (not to exceed 60-consecutive
    months) the producer is so delinquent.

    Sec. 11007. Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers
            and ranchers

        Section 11007(a) amends section 502(b) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to establish, among other criteria, that a
    veteran farmer or rancher, are farmers or ranchers that have
    operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years.
        Section 11007(b) amends section 508(e)(9) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act to provide the crop insurance policy premium
    to 15 percentage points greater than premium assistance
    otherwise available for each of the first and second
    reinsurance years that a veteran farmer or rancher participates
    as a beginning farmer or rancher or veteran farmer or rancher
    in the applicable policy or plan of insurance, 13 percentage
    points greater during the third reinsurance year, 11 percentage
    points greater for the fourth reinsurance year, and 10
    percentage points greater for the fifth reinsurance year.

    Sec. 11008. Marketability

        Section 11008 amends Section 508(h)(4) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to establish that any new policy, plan of
    insurance, or other material approved by the Board under this
    subsection during a reinsurance year and after the Standard
    Reinsurance Agreement closing date of July 1, shall not be
    implemented for such reinsurance year unless at least 90 days
    prior to the sales closing date for such policy, plan of
    insurance, or other material, the Board makes available to the
    approved insurance providers all necessary, as determined by
    the Board, handbooks, training materials, and other resources
    associated with such policy, plan of insurance, or other
    material. Section 1109 further provides that prior to the
    approval of a product, any approved insurance provider that
    submitted a letter of support for the product shall provide
    information and analysis to the Board on the marketability of
    such product, which the Board shall review and deem marketable
    if at least one approved insurance provider expresses support.

    Sec. 11009. Reimbursement rates for administrative and operating costs

        Section 11009 amends section 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to provide that for the 2027 and subsequent
    reinsurance years, the rate established by the Federal Crop
    Insurance Board to reimburse approved insurance providers and
    agents for the administrative and operating costs of the
    providers and agents with respect to each policy made available
    under this Act shall be equal to the rate applicable to the
    policy in effect for the 2026 reinsurance year.

    Sec. 11010. Quality loss adjustment coverage

        Section 11010 amends section 508(m) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to require, the Corporation, beginning in
    calendar year 2027 and once every 5 years thereafter, to
    contract with a qualified person to conduct a review, to be
    completed within 1 year of initiation, of the quality loss
    adjustment procedures of the Corporation. The review must
    include engagement from regionally diverse industry
    stakeholders, and the Corporation shall submit a report to
    Congress on the findings of the review.

    Sec. 11011. Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty

        Section 11011 amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to add
    a new section to require, beginning with the 2027 crop year,
    the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to establish a
    pilot program, to be conducted in not less than 10 counties
    located within or adjacent to the High Plains Groundwater
    Conservation District in Texas, to evaluate the effectiveness
    of the reduction in benefits applied to corn and other crops,
    as determined by the Corporation, planted during the late
    planting period.

    Sec. 11012. Whole farm improvements

        Section 11012 amends section 522(c)(7(E) of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Act to require the Corporation to, not later
    than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food,
    and National Security Act of 2026, and annually thereafter,
    review any limitations on insurable revenue (including the
    overall limitation and limitations specific to animals, animal
    products, greenhouse and nursery, and aquaculture) to ensure
    such limitations are adequate to cover the financial risks
    associated with the production of high-value agricultural
    products; and to submit to the House Committee on Agriculture
    and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry a report that includes a summary of the most recent
    review conducted and any expected changes to the policy for the
    following reinsurance year.

    Sec. 11013. Program compliance and integrity

        Section 11013 amends section 515(b) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to require the Corporation to, through an initial
    finding in writing, notify (unless such notification is
    pursuant to the responsibilities to conduct reviews and make
    corrections) an approved insurance provider of any error,
    omission, or failure to follow Corporation regulations or
    procedures for which the approved insurance provider may be
    responsible and which may result in a debt owed the
    Corporation. The section also establishes an appeals process
    for approved insurance providers after the Corporation notifies
    an approved insurance provider of an initial finding. The
    finding shall be subject to a final finding within 90 days of
    an approved insurance provider's appeal, followed by a final
    administrative determination upon the written request by an
    approved insurance provider and a final determination made by
    the Corporation.

    Sec. 11014. Research and development priorities

        Section 11014(a) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development or offer to
    enter 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and
    development, to expand the availability of policies that
    provide coverage against losses of revenue. Subsection (a) also
    requires the Corporation to determine the feasibility of
    creating a pricing library for agents and approved insurance
    providers using data from alternative sources, as determined by
    the Secretary. Further, subsection (a) directs the Federal Crop
    Insurance Corporation to evaluate creating a state or regional
    endorsement policy to cover soybean revenue losses caused by
    quality-related discounts. It also requires consideration of an
    alternative to assigning a ``zero-market value'' when a salvage
    market exists.
        Section 11014(b) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development, or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research
    and development, regarding a policy to insure wine grapes
    (including wine grapes produced in the States of California,
    Oregon, and Washington) against losses due to wildfire smoke
    exposure.
        Section 11014(c) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research
    and development, regarding a policy to ensure the production of
    mushroom growing media and the production of mushrooms.
        Section 11014(d) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development, or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to conduct a study to
    determine the feasibility of offering insurance against
    tropical storms and hurricanes made available regardless of
    underlying crop insurance policy (or lack thereof).
        Section 11014(e) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development, or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research
    and development, regarding an index-based policy to insure
    crops (including table grapes, wine grapes, juice grapes,
    tomatoes, peppers, sugarcane, strawberries, melons, citrus,
    peaches, blueberries, and any other crop) on a nationally-
    available basis against losses due to a frost or cold weather
    event.
        Section 11014(f) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development, or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research
    and development, regarding with respect to insurance policies
    for covered oilseed crops, meaning rapeseed, canola and other
    oilseed crops, under double cropping and rotational cropping
    practices.
        Section 11014(g) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research
    and development, regarding harvest incentives for policies that
    provide coverage against losses of revenue.
        Section 11014(h) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires the
    Corporation to carry out research and development, or offer to
    enter into 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research
    and development, regarding prevented planting coverage for
    insurance policies for specialty crops that are not planted on
    a perennial basis.
        Section 11014(i) amends section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act to add a new paragraph that requires USDA to
    conduct research and development on a policy to insure swine
    producers against financial losses resulting from a
    catastrophic disease event.

    Sec. 11015. Report on standard reinsurance agreement

        Section 11015 requires, not later than 90 days after the
    date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
    of 2026, the Corporation to 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 Standard Reinsurance Agreement that includes an analysis
    of any modifications to such Agreement that are necessary to
    expand the availability of policies and plans of insurance that
    meet the risk management needs of agricultural producers,
    States, regions, and commodities.

    Sec. 11016. Hurricane insurance protection-wind index report

        Section 11016 requires, not later than 1 year after the
    date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
    of 2026, the Corporation to 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 hurricane insurance protection-wind index that includes
    an analysis of any events in the 5-year period preceding the
    date of the enactment of this section that caused NOAA weather
    radio station outages.

    Sec. 11017. Risk management study for lamb

        Section 11017 directs the USDA to study the feasibility of
    an insurance or risk management program for domestic lamb
    producers to protect against market and input cost volatility.

    Sec. 11018. Study on livestock risk protection policy with respect to
            producers of feeder cattle affected by adverse weather events

        Section 11018 directs the USDA to study the feasibility of
    allowing cattle producers with Livestock Risk Protection
    policies to sell cattle outside the standard contract window
    without penalty due to adverse weather events, such as
    wildfires, force early sales.

                      TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                    SUBTITLE A--LIVESTOCK AND OTHER ANIMALS

                      PART I--ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION

    Sec. 12001. Animal Disease Prevention and Management

        Section 12001 amends section 10409 of the Animal Health
    Protection Act. Subsection (a) expands the program activities
    to include improving animal disease traceability and clarifies
    that additional activities previously approved by the Secretary
    shall continue to be appropriate program activities.
        Subsection (b) extends all of the authorization of
    appropriations for the program. The subsection further expands
    the funds available for eligible entities' administrative costs
    to include funds available to carry out the National Animal
    Health Laboratory Network and increases the cap on
    administrative costs for eligible entities from 10 percent to
    15 percent.

    Sec. 12002. Cattle Tick Fever Eradication Program Review and Report

        Section 12002 requires the Secretary to enter into a
    contract with either a land-grant university or other
    institution with a college of agriculture to conduct a review
    of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program within a year of
    enactment of this Act. At which point such university or
    institution shall submit to Congress the results of such review
    and any recommendations for improvements to the program. The
    Secretary is required to use funds made available for food
    policy research centers to carry out this section.

    Sec. 12003. Additional Training Facilities for National Dog Detection
            Training Center

        Section 12003 amends the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023 to
    provide the Secretary with the authority to establish
    additional training centers as well as off-site training
    programs.

    Sec. 12004. Regionalization, Zoning, and Compartmentalization
            Agreements

        Section 12004 amends section 1045 of the Animal Health
    Protection Act. Subsection (a) provides authority to the
    Administrator of APHIS, the Under Secretary for Trade and
    Foreign Agriculture, and the Administrator FSIS, in
    consultation with USTR, to negotiate in advance
    regionalization, compartmentalization, and other agreements
    related to outbreak of known animal disease threats with the
    governments of countries with livestock export markets from the
    United States. Subsection (b) is a rule of construction that
    the provision does not alter the authorities of USTR.

    Sec. 12005. Importation of Live Dogs

        Section 12005 adds a new section to the Animal Health
    Protection Act. Subsection (a) of the new section is the
    definitions. Subsection (b) prohibits the importation of a dog
    into the U.S. unless the importer submits to USDA electronic
    documentation, before the dog arrives in the U.S., that
    demonstrates the dog is in good health, it has all necessary
    vaccinations and parasite treatment, a certificate from a
    licensed veterinarian, and, if the dog is going to be
    transferred, proof that the dog is at least 6 months old and is
    accompanied by an import permit issued by the Secretary. The
    subsection exempts from such requirement, a dog that is a pet
    of a person returning the U.S., a U.S. military working dog
    retuning to the U.S., a dog transported for research purposes,
    a dog transferred for veterinary treatment, a dog less than 6
    months old lawfully being transported to Hawaii.
        Subsection (d) is a rule of construction related to funding
    under the Act. Subsection (e) provides the Secretary with
    enforcement authority and subjects an importer or import
    transporter to penalties under the Act.
        Subsection (b) of section 12005 provides for the
    continuation of existing regulations during a transition period
    before the final regulations promulgated for the new section
    are finalized.

    Sec. 12006. Ensuring the Free Movement of Livestock-Derived Products in
            Interstate Commerce

        Section 12006 establishes, for producers of meat and
    poultry, a Federal right to raise and market livestock in
    interstate commerce. Consequently, the section prohibits any
    State or subdivision from enacting or enforcing as a condition
    for sale of meat and poultry products any condition or standard
    other than standards for covered livestock within the state.
        The term ``covered-livestock'' means domestic animals
    raised for slaughter for human consumption and dairy producing
    animals. The term does not include animals raised for egg
    production. Further, the section only addresses standards and
    conditions related to the breeding and raising of livestock. It
    does not prohibit standards or conditions related to the
    movement, harvesting, or further processing.

    Sec. 12007. Report on Support for Livestock and Poultry Producers
            During a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak

        Section 12007 requires the Secretary to submit a report to
    Congress documenting the Department's ability to protect
    producers from significant economic losses due to a foreign
    animal disease outbreak. The report should include an
    assessment of all existing programs and USDA's capacity to
    effectively use those programs for the benefit of effected
    producers, a determination of existing gaps in USDA's ability
    to provide financial support, and recommendations for changes
    to the laws to improve protections for producers.

    Sec. 12008. Protection of Greyhounds

        Section 12008 amends the Animal Welfare Act by adding a new
    section related to the protection of greyhounds. Subsection (a)
    of the new section makes it unlawful to: knowingly engage in
    commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, or open field
    coursing events in which any greyhound is moved in interstate
    or foreign commerce; to conduct any commercial greyhound racing
    or racing meeting where any form of betting or wagering on the
    speed or ability of greyhounds occurs; to engage in or
    facilitate simulcast betting or wagering on greyhound races in
    interstate or foreign commerce; and to knowingly sell, buy,
    possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive any greyhound
    for purposes of having the greyhound participate in commercial
    greyhound racing, live lure training, or open field coursing
    events.
        Subsection (b) gives the Secretary authority to investigate
    instances of violations of the new provision and allows for
    cooperative agreements with other law enforcement agencies.
    Subsection (c) imposes penalties of a fine, or not more than 7
    years of prison for each individual violation. Subsection (d)
    is the definitions.

    Sec. 12009. Animal Fighting

        Section 12009 amends section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act
    to add a provision that makes it unlawful to gamble on an
    animal fighting venture, including in-person or at a broadcast
    event.

              PART II--MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING AND INSPECTION

    Sec. 12111. Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-
            Plus)

        Subsection (a) of section 12111 require the Secretary to
    revise the regulations related to financial interest in the
    livestock industry to allow livestock market agencies to hold
    an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the
    management or operation of a meat packer with a cumulative
    slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animals per day or
    700,000 animals per year for cattle and sheep, and (2) less
    than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year for
    hogs. Subsection (b) is a saving clause related to the
    Secretary's authority under the Packers and Stockyard's Act.

    Sec. 12112. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Guidance and
            Resources for Small and Very Small Poultry and Meat
            Establishments

        Section 12112 amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to
    include a new section related to HACCP guidance for small and
    very small meat and poultry establishments.

    Sec. 12113. Outreach on Cooperative Interstate Shipment

        Section 12113 amends section 501 of the Federal Meat
    Inspection Act. The section requires the Secretary to, during
    the periods of 2027 through 2031, conduct outreach to state
    meat and poultry product inspection programs but not have an
    establishment selected for interstate shipment. After the 5-
    year period, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
    describing the activities and results of the outreach
    conducted.

    Sec. 12114. Pilot Program to Support Custom Slaughter Facilities

        Section 12114 provides the authority for the State
    Department of agriculture to operate a pilot program to allow
    such custom facility to sell slaughtered meat and meat food
    products (referred to in this section as ``meat products'')
    directly to consumers within the State. In the absence of a
    state program, an establishment may request the Secretary to
    operate a pilot program operated by the Secretary. A State may
    operate more than 5 such facilities within the State. A program
    operated by the Secretary may approve not more than 10
    facilities nationwide. The section includes the authority to
    add more facilities if there has been no emergency action taken
    in relation to the initial pilot facilities.
        The program requires that the meat sold under the pilot
    program be sold directly to consumers within the State from the
    owner of the animals from which such meat products are derived
    or the custom exempt facility at which the meat products were
    processed. The products are not subject to resale. The meat
    products must further be clearly labeled to indicate the name
    and address of the facility at which the meat products were
    processed, the name and address of the owner of the animals
    from which such meat products are derived, the location where
    animals from which such meat products are derived were raised,
    the date of slaughter of such animals and the period of time
    over which the owner raised such animals, that such meat
    products were not subject to Federal inspection, and that such
    meat products shall not be resold.
        The facilities participating in the pilot program must
    comply with the requirements of the Human Slaughter Methods
    Act, adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Federal
    Meat Inspection Act, and applicable state and local laws. Such
    facilities must also be subject to onsite inspection by USDA,
    as the Secretary determines necessary, to ensure compliance and
    onsite inspection, at least annually, by applicable local
    authorities.
        Facilities that are already subject to Federal inspection
    are not eligible to participate in the program. The Secretary
    maintains the authority to take emergency actions if meat
    products produced under the pilot are found to be adulterated.
    The section requires State departments of agriculture
    participating in the pilot to submit to USDA a detailed report
    related to their pilot programs. Not less than 2 years after
    initiating the pilot, the Secretary shall report to Congress
    regarding the pilot program.

            SUBTITLE B--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REORGANIZATION ACT
                                    OF 1994

    Section 12201. Office of Homeland Security

        Section 12201 amends section 221 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. Paragraph (1) adds an
    additional duty to the Executive Director of Homeland Security
    to conduct annual cross-sector crisis simulation exercises
    related to a food-related emergency or disruption. Paragraph
    (2) adds two new subsections ((f) and (g)) to section 221. New
    subsection 221(f) permits the Secretary to detail employees to
    and from the USDA and the intelligence community to assist in
    carrying out the duties of the Office of Homeland Security. New
    subsection 221(g) requires the Secretary to conduct and submit
    to Congress reports on the risks and security vulnerabilities
    to the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector.

    Section 12202. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

        Section 12202 amends section 226B of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 by reauthorizing
    appropriations through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Section 12203. Burden of Proof

        Section 12203 amends section 227 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, switching the burden of
    proof for national appeals division hearings from the appellant
    needing to show the adverse decision of the agency was
    erroneous, to requiring the agency to bear the burden of
    proving by substantial evidence that the adverse decision was
    valid.

    Section 12204. Termination of Authority

        Section 12204 amends section 296 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to provide the Secretary
    with the authority to reorganize the Department of Agriculture
    pursuant to amendments made by the Farm, Food, and National
    Security Act of 2024.

    Section 12205. Functions of the Office of Tribal Relations

        Section 12205 amends section 309 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to allow the Secretary
    to oversee self-determination contracts and self-governance
    compacts entered into between the Secretary and Indian tribes.

                         SUBTITLE C--NATIONAL SECURITY

    Sec. 12301. Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Improvements

        Section 12301 includes improvement to the AFIDA disclosures
    at USDA. Subsection (a) is the definitions section. Subsection
    (b) requires the Secretary to enter into an MOU with CIFUS to
    provide CIFUS with all relevant information related to the
    reports on foreign ownership in agricultural land in the U.S.
    the Secretary conducts pursuant to AFIDA. Subsection (c)
    requires the Secretary to update the most recent version of the
    FSA handbook entitle ``Foreign Investment Disclosure: and
    incorporate the recommendations made by the GAO report entitled
    ``Foreign Investments in U.S. Agricultural Land: Enhancing
    Efforts to Collect, Track, and Share Key Information Could
    Better Identify National Security Risks.'' After the initial
    update, the Secretary shall carry out an update of the handbook
    every 10 years.
        Subsection (d) amends section 3 of the Agricultural Foreign
    Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. The subsection expands the
    actions for which a person can be subject to a civil penalty to
    include knowingly submitting a report that does not contain all
    the required information. The subsection further adds a penalty
    floor of not less than 5 percent but not more than 25 percent
    of the fair market value of the interest on the land for
    knowingly submitting a report that does not contain all the
    required information or contains information that is misleading
    or false. It maintains the penalty of not more than 25 percent
    of the fair market value of the interest on the land for
    failing to file a report.
        Subsection (e) adds a new subsection to section that
    requires the Secretary to publicly disclose the name of any
    person who has paid a civil penalty after the completion of an
    appeal if there was one. Subsection (f) adds a new subsection
    to section 3 requiring the Secretary to carry out a nationwide
    outreach program to increase public awareness of the reporting
    requirements an provide education.

    Sec. 12302. Report on Agricultural Land Purchasing Activities in the
            United States by Countries Designated as State Sponsors of
            Terrorism and Certain Other Countries

        Subsection (a) of section 12302 is the definition section,
    including the definitions for ``covered foreign country'' and
    ``state sponsor of terrorism.'' Subsection (b) requires the
    Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress describing the
    national security risks of the purchase and management of
    agricultural land by covered foreign persons.

    Sec. 12303. Investigative Actions

        Section 12303 amends section 4 of the Agricultural Foreign
    Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. Subsection (a) expands the
    requirements for investigative actions under section 4.
    Subsection (a) of the new section 4 requires the Secretary to
    appoint an employee of USDA to serve as Chief of Operations of
    Investigative Actions who, in turn, shall hire additional
    employees to monitor compliance with AFIDA.
        Subsection (b) of the new section 4 provides that the Chief
    of Operations may serve in another position at USDA
    concurrently. Subsection (c) requires the Secretary to provide
    classified storage and meeting space and assist personnel in
    obtaining security clearance.
        Subsection (d) of the new section 4 enumerates the duties
    of the Chief of Operations, including monitoring compliance
    with AFIDA, referring noncompliance to FSA, conducting
    investigations with DOJ, FBI, Treasury, and the National
    Security Council, conduct annual audits, refer transactions to
    CIFUS, and publish reports. Subsection (e) establishes that the
    Chief of Operations reports to the Secretary or, if delegated
    by the Secretary to the Administrator of FSA or the Director of
    the Department of Agriculture Office of Homeland Security.
        Subsection (b) of section 12302 amends section 9 of the
    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to
    provide for new definitions for AFIDA, including the term
    ``foreign entity of concern'' and ``malign effort.''

    Sec. 12304. Digitization and Consolidation of Foreign Land Ownership
            Data Collection and Publication

        Subsection (a) is the definitions section. Subsection (b)
    requires the Secretary to develop a database of agricultural
    land owned by foreign persons. Subsection (c) requires that
    each entry in the database includes pertinent information about
    the transaction except for the name of the filer and the
    purchase or lease price of the transaction. Subsection (d)
    requires the Chief of Operations to annually audit the database
    and submit a report to Congress evaluating the accuracy of the
    data and describing recommendations for improving compliance
    with AFIDA reporting.

    Sec. 12305. CFIUS Consideration of Certain Agricultural Land
            Transactions

        Subsection (a) amends section 721(k) of the Defense
    Production Act of 1950 to include the Secretary of Agriculture
    as a member of the CFIUS Committee for covered transactions
    that involve agricultural land, agriculture biotechnology, or
    the agriculture industry.
        Subsection (b) amends section 721(b) of the Defense
    Production Act of 1950 to instruct the CFIUS Committee on how
    to proceed after receiving notification from the Secretary of
    Agriculture on a reportable agricultural land transaction. The
    subsection includes a provision that terminates the authority
    as it relates to a specific foreign country on the date that
    such country is removed from the list of foreign adversaries in
    section 791.4 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

                   SUBTITLE D--OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

    Sec. 12401. Commission on Farm Transitions--Needs for 2050

        Section 12401 amends section 12609 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, making changes to study and reporting
    requirements, and extends the Commission through 2031.

    Sec. 12402. Report on Personnel

        Section 12402 amends Section 12506 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 by extending the years a report on
    personnel is required through 2031.

    Section 12403. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor

        Section 12403 amends Section 12512 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, extending authorization of
    appropriations to enhance the U.S. Drought Monitor through
    Fiscal Year 2031.

    Section 12404. Reports on Land Access and Farmland Ownership Data
            Collection

        Section 12404 amends Section 12607 of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018. Paragraph (1)(A) requires that a
    Report be submitted to Congress at least once every 2 years.
    Paragraph (1)(B) adds information required to be addressed in
    the Report.
        Paragraph (2) extends the authorization of appropriations
    through Fiscal Year 2031.

    Section 12405. Increasing Transparency Regarding Detention of Imported
            Plants

        Section 12405 requires the Secretary to issue guidance to
    clarify the process by which an importer of plants that has
    been denied entry into the United States and detained under the
    Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) may
    obtain additional information on such denial and detention.

    Sec. 12406. Enhancement of Pet Protections

        Subsection (a) requires the Secretary to submit a report to
    Congress that evaluates the enforcement standards under the
    Animal Welfare Act for effectiveness and efficiency, the
    efforts by the Secretary to educate and advise dealers of the
    standards a requirements of that Act, the capacity of the
    Secretary to enforce the standards of that Act, and to make
    recommendations on how to improve while considering the impact
    and costs. Subsection (b) allows for visual dental examination
    when practicable.

    Sec. 12407. Protecting Animals With Shelter

        Section 12407 amends section 12502 of the Agricultural
    Improvement Act of 2018 to extend the PAWS Act through Fiscal
    Year 2031.

    Sec. 12408. Report on Available Assistance to Agricultural Producers in
            the State of Texas That Have Suffered Losses Due to the Failure
            of Mexico to Deliver Water

        Section 12408 required the Secretary to submit to Congress
    a report that lists all existing authorities of the Secretary
    and programs within USDA that could be used to provide
    assistance to agricultural producers in Texas that have losses
    due to the failure of Mexico to deliver water to the U.S. in
    accordance with international treaty obligations.

    Sec. 12409. Qualified Renewable Biomass

        Section 12409 requires the Secretary to consider qualified
    renewable biomass to be a renewable energy source and assign it
    (and a facility, to the extent it uses qualified renewable
    biomass as fuel) a greenhouse gas emission rate, and a carbon
    intensity, of not greater than zero, if the use of such
    qualified renewable biomass as fuel does not cause the
    conversion of forests to non-forest use.

    Section 12410. Whole Milk Under the School Breakfast Program

        Section 12410 is a technical correction to section 9 of the
    Richard B. Russel National School Lunch Act to ensure that the
    recently enacted Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act applies to
    school breakfasts.

    Section 12411. Spotted Lanternfly Awareness Campaign

        Section 12412 requires the Secretary to carry out a
    national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of
    the public with respect to spotted lanternflies.

    Section 12412. Rio Grande Valley Agricultural Water Interagency Working
            Group

        Subsection (a) direct the Secretary to establish an
    interagency working group to coordinate a whole-of-government
    strategy to protect the economic interests of United States
    agricultural producers impacted by water deliveries under the
    1944 Water Treaty.
        Subsection (b) lists the duties of the working group.
    Subsection (c) lists the composition of the working group.
    Subsection (d) lists the meeting requirements of the working
    group. Subsection (e) requires the working group to submit
    annually to Congress a report on its findings and
    recommendations.

    Section 21413. Cost Share Grants for Rollover Protection Structures

        Subsection (a) lists definitions for this section.
    Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to award grants to
    eligible entities for the cost of purchasing, transporting, and
    installing on eligible equipment approved rollover protection
    structures, with certain limitations.
        Subsection (c) describes how and by whom the program is to
    be administered. Subsection (d) describes the grant application
    and approval or denial process. Subsection (f) authorizes
    $725,000 for the program through Fiscal Year 2031.

                           Related Committee Hearings

        Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of House rule XIII, the
    following related hearing was used to develop or consider H.R.
    7567:
        On June 11, 2025, the full Committee held a hearing
    entitled ``For the purpose of receiving testimony from the
    Honorable Brook L. Rollins, Secretary, U.S. Department of
    Agriculture.'' In the hearing, the Committee received testimony
    from the Honorable Brook L. Rollins, Secretary, U.S. Department
    of Agriculture on a wide range of subjects and issues addressed
    or represented in H.R. 7567.

                            Committee Consideration

        The Committee on Agriculture met, pursuant to notice, with
    a quorum present on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to consider H.R.
    7567, the ``Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.''
        Chairman Glenn `GT' Thompson offered an opening statement
    as did Ranking Member Craig. Without objection, H.R. 7567 was
    placed before the Committee for consideration, and the first
    reading of the measure was waived. Chairman Thompson informed
    members that pursuant to committee Rule III(i) and House Rule
    XI, Clause 2, the Chair may postpone further proceedings on the
    question of approving any measure, matter, or adoption of an
    amendment on which a recorded vote is ordered. Without
    objection the Committee agreed to vote on amendments using an
    electronic voting system.
        Chairman Thompson offered a manager's amendment and without
    objection the first reading was waived. The manager's amendment
    was adopted by a voice vote. After general debate, the bill was
    open for amendment on a title-by-title basis and subsequently
    for amendment at any point. 108 amendments were offered.
        Chairman Thompson opened Title I for amendment.
        Ms. Budzinski offered amendment #2 which would require a
    mandatory base acre update. Ms. Budzinski withdrew her
    amendment.
        Mr. Carbajal offered amendment #24 which would establish
    eligibility criteria as well as requirements to improve
    uniformity, accountability, and transparency for when the
    Secretary of Agriculture provides assistance for covered losses
    in the form of block grants under Subtitle E of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014. Mr. Carbajal withdrew his amendment.
        Mr. Crawford offered amendment #137 which would give
    farmers the option to receive a 50% partial payment months in
    advance for their regularly scheduled price loss coverage (PLC)
    or Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) payment if the Secretary
    projects payments will trigger. Mr. Crawford withdrew his
    amendment.
        Mr. Rouzer offered amendment 132 which would restore
    tobacco as an agricultural commodity under the Commodity Credit
    Corporation charter. Mr. Rouzer's amendment was adopted by a
    voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title I and opened Title II for
    amendment.
        Mr. Vasquez offered amendment #122 which would strengthen
    USDA programs to support wildlife habitat connectivity and
    migration corridors, increase payment limits for private land
    owners, and provide technical support for voluntary practices
    that improve landscape resilience while maintaining producer
    flexibility, like the Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands
    Act. Mr. Vazquez's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Costa offered amendment #61 which would improve and
    increase flexibility in the Conservation Reserve Program in a
    manner consistent with the Conservation Reserve Program
    Improvement and Flexibility Act. Mr. Costa withdrew his
    amendment.
        Mr. Finstad offered amendment #18 which would modernize the
    Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by incentivizing enrollment
    of marginal lands and emphasizing state partnerships. Mr.
    Finstad withdrew his amendment.
        Mr. Johnson offered amendment #10 which clarifies that
    technology-neutral modernization is eligible for fencing repair
    or replacement under the Emergency Conservation program,
    provided the update does not increase costs. Mr. Johnson's
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Budzinski offered amendment #54 which removes the
    $1.055 billion cut from the Environmental Quality Incentives
    Program (EQIP). Ms. Budzinski called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Sorensen offered amendment #106 which would direct
    NRCS, in collaboration with experts, to conduct a systematic
    review of existing USDA and Federal soil carbon monitoring
    methodologies in order to develop a standardized soil carbon
    monitoring methodology that is reflective of current best
    practices and ensures scientific rigor necessary to accurately
    measure and monitor soil carbon stocks and fluctuations over
    time and across regions, soil types, and various production
    systems. It would also develop a Soil Carbon Monitoring Network
    grounded in shared data measurements and standards to enable
    large-scale data analysis and insights. Mr. Sorensen called for
    a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2)
    further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Ms. Davids of Kansas offered amendment #69 which would
    direct the Natural Resources Conservation Service to study the
    impacts of winter wheat as a cover crop through harvest and
    report their findings to the House Committee on Agriculture.
    Ms. Davids of Kansas' amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Brown offered amendment #134 on behalf of Mr. Jackson
    of Illinois which expands the Agricultural Conservation
    Easement Program to explicitly include certain urban, suburban,
    and municipal private lands. Ms. Brown withdrew the amendment.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title II and opened Title III for
    amendment.
        Ms. Tokuda offered amendment #107 which would reset and cap
    tariffs on agricultural inputs from countries with normal trade
    relations at the rates in effect on January 19, 2025,
    preventing any future increases above that level. Mr. Bacon
    reserved a point of order. Following debate, Mr. Bacon insisted
    on his point of order that the amendment contains language
    relating to subject matter within Rule X jurisdiction of
    another committee. The Chairman ruled that the amendment
    violates Rule X. Ms. Tokuda appealed the ruling of the Chair
    and Mr. Rouzer made a motion to lay the appeal on the table.
    Ms. Tokuda called for a recorded vote and the motion to lay the
    appeal on the table was agreed to by a vote of 26 yeas and 21
    nays.
        Mr. Gray offered amendment #75 which would require the
    Secretary to report on how any expected or implemented
    modification or revocation of any part of the United States-
    Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect the importation and
    exportation of agricultural commodities. Mr. Gray's amendment
    was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Brown offered amendment #127 which would require a
    public report on the economic outlook for a tariff before an
    agricultural import tariff is issued. Ms. Brown called for a
    recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Vasquez offered amendment #141 which would express
    congressional concern about increased Argentine beef imports
    and require a USDA report on their impacts on domestic cattle
    producers, prices, and rural economies. Mr. Vasquez's amendment
    was adopted by a voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title III.
        The Committee then recessed subject to the call of the
    chair until 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4.
        The Committee resumed consideration of amendments on
    Wednesday, March 4, with a quorum present.
        Chairman Thompson opened Title IV for amendment.
        Mr. Crawford offered amendment #6 which would add hot
    rotisserie chicken as an eligible food item to be purchased
    through the SNAP program. Mr. Crawford withdrew his amendment.
        Mr. Vindman offered amendment #98 which would restore SNAP
    access to Afghan Allies arriving under Special Immigrant Visas
    (SIVs) and Ukrainians arriving under the Uniting for Ukraine
    (U4U) program. Mr. Vindman called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Ms. McDonald Rivet offered amendment #58 which increases
    funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
    (GusNIP) to $150 million. Ms. McDonald Rivet withdrew her
    amendment.
        Ms. Brown offered amendment #30 which would strike the
    expanded work requirement provisions that were enacted in H.R.
    1. Ms. Brown withdrew her amendment.
        Mrs. Hayes offered amendment #28 which would repeal the
    SNAP cuts in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Law. Mrs. Hayes
    called for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule
    III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Harris offered amendment #39 which would eliminate
    broad-based categorical eligibility in SNAP, prohibiting states
    from bypassing federally established income and asset limits to
    determine beneficiary eligibility. Mr. Harris withdrew his
    amendment.
        Mr. Gray offered amendment #74 which would allow states to
    reallocate up to 20% of their TEFAP (The Emergency Food
    Assistance Program) funds toward their DoD Fresh Fruit and
    Vegetable Program. Mr. Gray's amendment was adopted by a voice
    vote.
        Mr. Wied offered amendment #11 which would include low
    added sugar yogurt to the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Programs.
    Mr. Wied's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Adams offered amendment #92 which reinstates the annual
    U.S. Household Food Security Report at the USDA. Ms. Adams
    called for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule
    III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Rouzer offered amendment #133 which increases the
    authorization level for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition
    Program. Mr. Rouzer withdrew his amendment.
        Ms. Brown offered amendment #29 which would delay the SNAP
    Administrative and Benefit Cost Shifts enacted in H.R. 1. Ms.
    Brown requested a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule
    III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Vasquez offered amendment #140 which would exempt
    veterans from SNAP work requirements to improve access to
    nutrition assistance for those who have served. Mr. Vasquez
    called for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule
    III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Ms. Tokuda offered amendment #128 which would allocate
    $660,100,000 to reinstate the Local Food for Schools
    Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS). Ms. Tokuda called for a
    recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mrs. Cammack offered amendment #126 which would require
    that SNAP benefits used to purchase meat, seafood, dairy
    products, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables be spent only
    on foods produced in the United States, with limited exemptions
    for availability, quality, or undue burden, and establishes
    retailer compliance and enforcement mechanisms. Mrs. Cammack
    withdrew her amendment.
        Mr. Figures offered amendment #88 which would create a
    hardship exception to ensure that if a state cannot meet the
    new SNAP cost-share requirement, the Federal Government covers
    the difference. Mr. Figures called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Riley offered amendment #43 which would address fraud
    by directing USDA to update its cybersecurity regulations to
    ensure SNAP benefits cannot be easily stolen by criminals. Mr.
    Riley called for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule
    III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Thanedar offered amendment #117 which would reverse the
    elimination of SNAP Ed in H.R. 1 and fund the program at FY25
    levels. Mr. Thanedar called for a recorded vote and pursuant to
    Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment
    were postponed.
        Mrs. Hayes offered amendment #126 which would strike the
    cost share provisions for SNAP administration in H.R. 1, the
    One Big Beautiful Bill, and direct the Food and Nutrition
    Service to pay SNAP state agencies 100% of SNAP administrative
    personnel costs. Mrs. Hayes called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Ms. Adams offered amendment #139 which would ensure that
    earnings form employment and training programs do not decrease
    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as
    well as require a GAO study. Ms. Adams' amendment was not
    adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Davids of Kansas offered amendment #72 which would
    codify self-determination authority for the Food Distribution
    Program on Indian Reservations. Ms. Davids of Kansas withdrew
    her amendment.
        Mr. Riley offered amendment #45 which would establish the
    Elderly Simplified Application Project as a permanent state
    option. Mr. Riley withdrew his amendment.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title IV and opened Title V for
    amendment.
        Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia offered amendment #12 which
    would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate how
    enhanced risk management practices can improve the financial
    stability and creditworthiness of producers participating in
    certain direct and guaranteed farm loan programs. Mr. Austin
    Scott of Georgia's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title V and opened Title VI for
    amendment.
        Ms. McDonald Rivet offered amendment #144 which would
    ensure Head Start is a qualified provider under the Expanding
    Childcare in Rural America Initiative. Ms. McDonald Rivet's
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Mann offered amendment #16 which would insert ``rural
    health facilities'' in section 6101(1)(B)(i), to prioritize
    rural health facilities offering these services. Mr. Mann's
    amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
        Mrs. McClain Delaney offered amendment #81 which would
    require the Secretary to consider the affordability of
    broadband service when determining what constitutes an unserved
    household of service territory for grant purposes. Mrs. McClain
    Delaney's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Salinas offered amendment #34 which would expand
    Federal support and investment in rural communities and help
    ensure their long-term success. The amendment would create a
    grant program providing multiyear, flexible awards to
    communities to be used to address urgent needs, including but
    not limited to affordable child care, housing, and job
    training; provide technical assistance grants to help rural
    communities navigate existing Federal funding opportunities and
    ensure they get their fair share of private and Federal
    investments; and improve supportive services offered by the
    Federal government to rural communities. Ms. Salinas withdrew
    her amendment.
        Mr. Mannion offered amendment #129 which would increase the
    annual authorization for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance
    Program from $20 million to $25 million. Mr. Mannion withdrew
    his amendment.
        Mr. Davis of North Carolina offered amendment #90 which
    would lower the non-Federal cost share for the Rural
    Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) to five percent for
    Microenterprise Organizations serving persistent poverty
    counties. Mr. Davis of North Carolina's amendment was adopted
    by a voice vote.
        Mr. Figures offered amendment #87 which would create a
    targeted loan and loan-guarantee program to help financially
    distressed rural health care facilities keep their doors open
    and preserve essential services. Mr. Figures' amendment was not
    adopted by a voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title VI and opened Title VII for
    amendment.
        Mr. Costa offered amendment #60 which would amend Sec.
    7502, the ``Research Facilities Act,'' by striking
    ``125,000,000'' and inserting ``500,000,000'' and extended
    dates to 2031. Mr. Costa's amendment was not adopted by a voice
    vote.
        Mr. Finstad offered amendment #19 which clarifies that the
    Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program may support
    organizations and programs that provide budgeting, business
    planning, and similar financial and management skills that
    focus on the ongoing economic viability of beginning farm and
    ranch enterprises. Mr. Finstad's amendment was adopted by a
    voice vote.
        Mr. David Scott of Georgia offered amendment #22 which
    would permanently authorize the Scholarships for Students at
    1890 Institutions and would increase funding by $5 million. Mr.
    David Scott of Georgia called for a recorded vote and pursuant
    to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Harris offered amendment #38 which would strike
    language directing the USDA Secretary to encourage U.S.
    research institutions to partner with international
    organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank,
    regional development banks, and international agricultural
    research centers. Mr. Harris called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Ms. Pingree offered amendment #49 which would add
    ``reducing food loss and waste'' as a priority area under the
    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Ms. Pingree's
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Adams offered amendment #91 which specifies the number
    of Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions as no more than
    10 as well as authorizes funding at $50 million for each of the
    Fiscal Years 2027 to 2031. Ms. Adams called for a recorded vote
    and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on
    the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Van Orden offered amendment #124 which would ensure 15%
    of funding for grants related to agricultural conservation
    education and workforce development be awarded to 2-year
    institutions. The amendment would clarify the priority for
    funding allocation to ensure community colleges can access this
    category of grants. Mr. Van Orden withdrew his amendment.
        Mrs. McClain Delaney offered amendment #84 which
    strengthens the Grant for Community College Agriculture and
    Natural Resources Programs by explicitly prioritizing
    agricultural conservation and work-based learning
    opportunities, tailoring these initiatives to organizations
    that hire graduates in these fields. Mrs. McClain Delaney's
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Figures offered amendment #76 which would include 1890
    land-grant institutions as eligible entities and prioritize
    their projects, recognizing their critical role in veterinary
    medicine, animal health, and disease prevention. Mr. Figures'
    amendment was not adopted by a voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson offered amendment #151 which names the
    program for scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions as
    the ``David A. Scott Scholarship Program for Students at 1890
    Institutions.'' Chairman Thompson's amendment was adopted by a
    voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title VII and opened Title VIII
    for amendment.
        Mr. DesJarlais offered amendment #145 which would establish
    the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition to encourage the
    Forest Service to work alongside private and state partners at
    no cost to the taxpayer. The amendment asks the U.S. Forest
    Service and the Department of the Interior to regenerate white
    oak through a series of pilot projects on national parks and
    volunteered private lands. The amendment also allows the Forest
    Service to enter memorandums of understanding with land grant
    institutions to conduct much-needed research on white oak. Mr.
    DesJarlais' amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Rose offered amendment #17 which would modernize the
    Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program by: (1) changing the
    qualifying population threshold from 10,000 to 15,000; (2)
    changing the percent of volunteer firefighting personnel from
    80% to 70%; and (3) allowing for Secretarial discretion on
    waiving match requirements, similar to other private forestry
    programs. Mr. Rose's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Newhouse offered amendment #4 which would reauthorize
    the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program. Mr.
    Newhouse withdrew his amendment.
        Ms. Salinas offered amendment #35 which would establish the
    Wood Building Accelerator Grant Program to fund programs that
    support the critical elements of designing and building with
    wood, including traditional wood products, mass timber and
    other advanced wood products; and establish the Rural
    Infrastructure and Building Pilot Program to fund pilot
    programs that demonstrate the use of innovative wood products
    in the construction and renovation of rural infrastructure and
    building projects, such as affordable, modular housing. Ms.
    Salinas called for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee
    Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were
    postponed.
        Chairman Thompson offered amendment #5 which would name the
    ``Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of
    2000'' the ``Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act.'' Chairman
    Thompson's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title VIII and opened Title IX for
    amendment.
        Mr. Sorensen offered amendment #149 which would apply the
    waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements that is applicable
    to gasoline blended with 10% ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended
    with up to 15% ethanol (E15). Mr. Lucas reserved a point of
    order. Following debate, Mr. Lucas insisted on his point of
    order that the amendment contains language relating to subject
    matter within Rule X jurisdiction of another committee. The
    Chairman ruled that the amendment violates Rule X. Mr. Sorensen
    appealed the ruling of the Chair and Mr. Lucas made a motion to
    lay the appeal on the table. Mr. Sorensen called for a recorded
    vote and the motion to lay the appeal on the table was agreed
    to by a vote of 25 yeas and 21 nays.
        Ms. Budzinski offered amendment #53 which removes the ban
    on USDA funding for ground mounted solar systems. Ms. Budzinski
    withdrew her amendment.
        Mr. Johnson offered amendment #1 which adds agricultural
    cooperatives with less than 2,500 employees as qualified
    entities under the Rural Energy for America Program. Mr.
    Johnson's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Vindman offered amendment #100 which improves REAP by
    streamlining the application process, enhancing outreach and TA
    for applicants and grantees, and establishing a REAP reserve
    fund. Mr. Vindman's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Riley offered amendment #42 which would direct the
    Secretary of Agriculture to make available information to
    educate farmers on the cost savings, energy savings, and water
    conservation that can be achieved through efficient pumping
    systems. Mr. Riley's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title IX and opened Title X for
    amendment.
        Mr. Wied offered amendment #123 which would define ``risk
    to organic integrity'' and modernize USDA inspection
    requirements for U.S.-based organic operations to require on-
    site inspections at least every 3 years with annual virtual
    inspections for low-risk operations. International operations
    would continue to have annual on-site inspections.
    Additionally, it would authorize a USDA study on risk-based
    oversight protocols and examine the feasibility of reforms.
    USDA would be authorized to make regulations on risk-based
    oversight based on the study and consultation with Congress.
    Mr. Wied's amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Craig offered amendment #15 on behalf of Mr. Baird
    which would delay the redefining of ``hemp'' by 2 years in
    section 781 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
    Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act of
    2026. Ms. Craig withdrew the amendment.
        Ms. Pingree offered amendment #51 which would strike
    Sections 10205, 10206, and 10207. Ms. Pingree called for a
    recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Vasquez offered amendment #147 which would provide one-
    time payments to specialty crop producers to help expand
    domestic and new markets and require a GAO report on the
    impacts of tariffs and trade barriers on specialty crop
    exports. Mr. Vazquez withdrew his amendment.
        Mr. Thanedar offered amendment #120 which would provide $50
    million in mandatory funding per year from Fiscal Years 2027-
    2031 for the USDA's Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative
    Production. Mr. Thanedar withdrew his amendment.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title X and opened Title XI for
    amendment.
        Mr. Kelly offered amendment #7 which directs the Federal
    Crop Insurance Corporation to evaluate creating a state or
    regional endorsement policy to cover soybean revenue losses
    caused by quality-related discounts. It also requires
    consideration of an alternative to assigning a ``zero-market
    value'' when a salvage market exists. Mr. Kelly's amendment was
    adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. McDonald Rivet offered amendment #57 which would
    require USDA to create a new revenue insurance product for
    sugar beet growers starting in 2028 that protects both
    individual yield losses and reductions in cooperative payments
    caused by lower production, lower sugar content, or falling
    sugar prices. Ms. McDonald Rivet withdrew her amendment.
        Mrs. Hayes offered amendment #27 which would address the
    lack of safety nets for small farms by amending the Non-Insured
    Disaster Assistance Program and the Whole Farm Revenue
    Protection Program. Mrs. Hayes called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Finstad offered amendment #20 which would require USDA
    to conduct research and development on a policy to insure swine
    producers against financial losses resulting from a
    catastrophic disease event. Mr. Finstad's amendment was adopted
    by a voice vote.
        Ms. Salinas offered amendment #33 which would remove the
    statutory cap on the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP). Ms.
    Salinas withdrew her amendment.
        Mr. Jackson of Texas offered amendment #8 which would
    direct the USDA to study the feasibility of an insurance or
    risk management program for domestic lamb producers to protect
    against market and input cost volatility. Mr. Jackson of Texas'
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mr. Jackson of Texas offered amendment #14 which would
    direct the USDA to study the feasibility of allowing cattle
    producers with Livestock Risk Protection policies to sell
    cattle outside the standard contract window without penalties
    due to adverse weather events, such as wildfires, force early
    sales. Mr. Jackson of Texas' amendment was adopted by a voice
    vote.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title XI and opened Title XII for
    amendment.
        Mr. Costa offered amendment #59 which would strike Section
    12006 and make such conforming changes as may be necessary. Mr.
    Costa withdrew his amendment.
        Ms. De La Cruz offered amendment #3 which would establish
    an interagency working group led by the Secretary of
    Agriculture to coordinate a whole-of-government strategy to
    protect the economic interests of south Texas producers
    impacted by Mexico's failure to deliver water under the 1944
    Water Treaty. Ms. De La Cruz withdrew her amendment.
        Ms. Adams offered amendment #135 on behalf of Mr. Jackson
    of Illinois which would establish civil rights accountability
    measures for USDA employees. Ms. Adams requested a recorded
    vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Carbajal offered amendment #25 which would prohibit
    commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, open field
    coursing, simulcast betting or wagering on greyhound races, and
    trafficking of greyhounds for these purposes. Mr. Carbajal's
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Davids of Kansas offered amendment #68 which would
    require USDA to rehire or hire a replacement for all qualified
    Federal employees that were separated from service as part of a
    mass termination by the Department beginning on January 20,
    2025. It prohibits NRCS, FSA, and RD office closures. Ms.
    Davids of Kansas called for a recorded vote and pursuant to
    Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment
    were postponed.
        Mr. Vindman offered amendment #104 which would require USDA
    to carry out a public PSA campaign to ensure that Americans in
    affected states are aware that they should kill spotted
    lanternflies. Mr. Vindman's amendment was adopted by a voice
    vote.
        Ms. De La Cruz offered amendment #153 which would establish
    an interagency working group led by the Secretary of
    Agriculture to coordinate a whole-of-government strategy to
    protect the economic interests of south Texas producers
    impacted by Mexico's failure to deliver water under the 1944
    Water Treaty. Ms. De La Cruz's amendment was adopted by a voice
    vote.
        Mr. Thanedar offered amendment #119 which would insert the
    text of H.R. 3946, the ``FIGHT Act of 2025,'' at the end of
    Part I of subtitle A of Title XII of the ``Farm, Food, and
    National Security Act of 2026.'' Mr. Mann offered a second-
    degree amendment which would strike all provisions of Mr.
    Thanedar's Amendment other than (b). A recorded vote was
    requested and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Nunn offered amendment #138 which would strike
    subsection (c) of section 12406. Mr. Nunn's amendment was
    adopted by a voice vote.
        Mrs. McClain Delaney offered amendment #130 which would
    require the Secretary of Agriculture to meet specific
    requirements, including conducting a benefit-cost analysis and
    soliciting public comment, before proceeding with a USDA
    reorganization. It would also require a report detailing how
    any reorganization would retain staff expertise, improve
    efficiency, and enhance customer service. Mrs. McClain Delaney
    withdrew her amendment.
        Mr. Jackson of Texas offered amendment #13 which would cap
    administrative overhead at 15 percent for the National Animal
    Health Laboratory Network and National Animal Disease
    Preparedness and Response Program funding to ensure Federal
    resources are primarily directed to frontline animal disease,
    testing surveillance, and mitigation. Mr. Jackson of Texas'
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Ms. Craig offered amendment #146 which provides support to
    hungry Americans who could see their SNAP food assistance
    change due to changes in the law, and provides economic
    assistance to family farmers struggling with high input costs
    and market losses. Ms. Craig called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Harris offered amendment #36 which would strike the
    creation of the Office of the Ombudsman within the USDA,
    authorized at $1 million per year. Mr. Harris called for a
    recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Vasquez offered amendment #32 which would prohibit the
    listing or trading of sports and casino-style event contracts
    on federally-regulated commodity exchanges to ensure these
    markets remain focused on agricultural risk management. Mr.
    Vasquez withdrew his amendment.
        Chairman Thompson closed Title XII and opened H.R. 7567, in
    its entirety, for amendment.
        Mr. Johnson offered amendment #152 which would strengthen
    Tribal 1994 land-grant Institutions by expanding their ability
    to acquire land, modernize facilities, and invest in equipment
    to support agricultural research and extension. Mr. Johnson's
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mrs. Hayes offered amendment #142 which would set out a
    process for transitioning Puerto Rico from the Nutrition
    Assistance Program (NAP) to the Supplemental Nutrition
    Assistance Program (SNAP). Mrs. Hayes withdrew her amendment.
        Ms. Tokuda offered amendment #108 which would authorize
    funding within the Community Facilities program to be used to
    reimburse hospitals for revenue loss due to temporary
    reductions in patient volume or service delivery and support
    staffing costs necessary to maintain essential services. Ms.
    Tokuda called for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee
    Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the amendment were
    postponed.
        Chairman Thompson offered an en bloc amendment which would:
    (1) expand the definition of ``renewable energy'' under USDA
    REAP to include waste heat energy recovery (amendment #46); (2)
    allow FCA to extend audit periods for small, low-risk Farm
    Credit institutions from 18 to 24 months (amendment #103); (3)
    strengthen land-grant universities' ability to provide heirs
    property education and succession planning support so farming
    families can secure clear title, access USDA programs, and pass
    their land on to the next generation (amendment #89); (4)
    authorize the Researching the Transition to Organic Program
    (amendment #102), and; (5) continue operation of the ROPS
    Rebate Program under USDA, establishing cost-share grants for
    retrofitting agricultural tractors with rollover protection
    structures (amendment #31). Chairman Thompson's en bloc
    amendment was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mrs. McClain Delaney offered amendment #86 which would make
    it unlawful for any non-authorized entity to access sensitive
    financial systems overseen by USDA including databases managed
    by the Farm Service Agency. Mrs. McClain Delaney called for a
    recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further
    proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Ms. McDonald Rivet offered amendment #56 which amends the
    Farm Credit Act of 1971 to raise the population limit from
    2,500 to 10,000 for rural housing assistance for homebuyers.
    Ms. McDonald Rivet withdrew her amendment.
        Ms. Davids of Kansas offered amendment #70 which would
    provide $100 million per year for FY 2027-2031 for the
    Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority. Ms.
    Davids of Kansas withdrew her amendment.
        Mr. Vasquez offered amendment #47 which would streamline
    approval of minor range improvements on Forest Service Grazing
    allotments by allowing permittees to proceed after notification
    and requiring timely agency responses. Mr. Vasquez's amendment
    was adopted by a voice vote.
        Mrs. Hayes offered amendment #143 which would allow SNAP
    benefits to be used at grocery retailers to purchase hot food
    products that are ready for immediate consumption. Mrs. Hayes
    withdrew her amendment.
        Mr. Vindman offered amendment #105 which would authorize
    funding for FFAR. Mr. Vindman called for a recorded vote and
    pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2) further proceedings on the
    amendment were postponed.
        Mr. Thanedar offered amendment #118 which would adjust the
    minimum acceptable level of broadband service from 50/25 Mbps
    to a 50/50 Mbps symmetrical speed standard. Mr. Thanedar called
    for a recorded vote and pursuant to Committee Rule III(i)(2)
    further proceedings on the amendment were postponed.
        Chairman Thompson closed consideration of H.R. 7567 for
    additional amendment.
        The Committee considered the proceedings of the amendments
    that were postponed and Members recorded their votes by
    electronic device.
        Amendment #54, offered by Ms. Buzinski of Illinois, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #106, offered by Mr. Sorensen of Illinois, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #127, offered by Ms. Brown of Ohio, was not
    adopted by a vote of 25 yeas and 26 nays.
        Amendment #98, offered by Mr. Vindman of Virginia, was not
    adopted by a vote of 25 yeas and 26 nays.
        Amendment #28, offered by Mrs. Hayes of Connecticut, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #92, offered by Ms. Adams of North Carolina, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #29, offered by Ms. Brown of Ohio, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #140, offered by Mr. Vasquez of New Mexico, was
    not adopted by a vote of 25 yeas and 26 nays.
        Amendment #128, offered by Ms. Tokuda of Hawaii, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #88, offered by Mr. Figures of Alabama, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #43, offered by Mr. Riley of New York, was not
    adopted by a vote of 25 yeas and 26 nays.
        Amendment #117, offered by Mr. Thanedar of Michigan, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #26, offered by Mrs. Hayes of Connecticut, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #22, offered by Mr. David Scott of Georgia, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #38, offered by Mr. Harris of North Carolina, was
    adopted by a vote of 26 yeas and 25 nays.
        Amendment #91, offered by Ms. Adams of North Carolina, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #35, offered by Ms. Salinas of Oregon, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #51, offered by Ms. Pingree of Maine, was not
    adopted by a vote of 22 yeas and 28 nays.
        Amendment #27, offered by Mrs. Hayes of Connecticut, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #135, offered by Mr. Jackson of Illinois, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #68, offered by Ms. Davids of Kansas, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Second Degree Amendment to Amendment #119, offered by Mr.
    Mann of Kansas, was adopted by a vote of 29 yeas and 22 nays.
        Amendment #119, as amended by the Second Degree Amendment,
    offered by Mr. Thanedar of Michigan, was adopted by a vote of
    51 yeas and 0 nays.
        Amendment #146, offered by Ms. Craig of Minnesota, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #36, offered by Mr. Harris of North Carolina, was
    adopted by a vote of 27 yeas and 24 nays.
        Amendment #108, offered by Ms. Tokuda of Hawaii, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #86, offered by Mrs. McClain Delaney of Maryland,
    was not adopted by a vote of 25 yeas and 26 nays.
        Amendment #105, offered by Mr. Vindman of Virginia, was not
    adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Amendment #118, offered by Mr. Thanedar of Michigan, was
    not adopted by a vote of 24 yeas and 27 nays.
        Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia made a motion to report H.R.
    7567, as amended, favorably to the House with the
    recommendation that it pass. A recorded vote was requested, and
    H.R. 7567, as amended, was ordered to be reported favorably to
    the House with the recommendation that it pass by a vote of 34
    yeas and 17 nays.
        Chairman Thompson advised Members that, consistent with
    Committee and House rules, Members would have until 5:00 p.m.
    on Friday, March 6, 2026, to file any additional, dissenting,
    or minority views. Without objection, staff were given the
    authority to make any necessary clerical, technical, or
    conforming changes without changing the substance of the
    legislation.
        Chairman Thompson thanked the Members and the Committee was
    adjourned.

                                Committee 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. 7567:

    Roll Call No. 1

        Summary: Motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the
    Chair.
        Offered By: Representative David Rouzer of North Carolina.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 26 yeas, 21 nays,
    and 6 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller                     14. Mr. Moore
                                        15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Mr. Nunn
                                        20. Mr. Van Orden
                                        21. Mr. Newhouse
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                      NAYS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. Costa
    3. Ms. Adams
    4. Mrs. Hayes
    5. Ms. Brown
    6. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    7. Ms. Salinas
    8. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    9. Ms. Tokuda
    10. Ms. Budzinski
    11. Mr. Sorensen                    12. Mr. Vasquez
                                        13. Mr. Thanedar
                                        14. Mr. Gray
                                        15. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        16. Mr. Figures
                                        17. Mr. Riley
                                        18. Mr. Mannion
                                        19. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        20. Ms. Pingree
                                        21. Mr. Carbajal

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird
    2. Ms. De La Cruz
    3. Mr. David Scott                  4. Mr. McGovern
                                        5. Mr. Jackson of Illinois
                                        6. Mr. Vindman

    Roll Call No. 2

        Summary: Motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the
    Chair.
        Offered By: Representative Frank Lucas of Oklahoma.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 21 nays,
    and 7 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller                     14. Mr. Moore
                                        15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        19. Mr. Nunn
                                        20. Mr. Newhouse
                                        21. Mr. Wied
                                        22. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        23. Mr. Messmer
                                        24. Mr. Harris
                                        25. Mr. Taylor

                                      NAYS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda                      12. Ms. Budzinski
                                        13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Thanedar
                                        15. Mr. Gray
                                        16. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        17. Mr. Figures
                                        18. Mr. Riley
                                        19. Mr. Mannion
                                        20. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        21. Ms. Pingree

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird
    2. Mr. Jackson of Texas
    3. Mr. Van Orden
    4. Mr. Vasquez                      5. Mr. Jackson of Illinois
                                        6. Mr. Vindman
                                        7. Mr. Carbajal

    Roll Call No. 3

        Summary: Amendment #54.
        Offered By: Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 4

        Summary: Amendment #106.
        Offered By: Representative Eric Sorensen of Illinois.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 5

        Summary: Amendment #127.
        Offered By: Representative Shontel Brown of Ohio.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 26 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Bacon
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    12. Ms. Tokuda
    13. Ms. Budzinski                   14. Mr. Sorensen
                                        15. Mr. Vasquez
                                        16. Mr. Thanedar
                                        17. Mr. Gray
                                        18. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        19. Mr. Figures
                                        20. Mr. Vindman
                                        21. Mr. Riley
                                        22. Mr. Mannion
                                        23. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        24. Ms. Pingree
                                        25. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bost
    9. Mr. Johnson
    10. Mr. Mann
    11. Mr. Feenstra
    12. Mrs. Miller
    13. Mr. Moore                       14. Mrs. Cammack
                                        15. Mr. Finstad
                                        16. Mr. Rose
                                        17. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        18. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        19. Mr. Nunn
                                        20. Mr. Van Orden
                                        21. Mr. Newhouse
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 6

        Summary: Amendment #98.
        Offered By: Representative Eugene Vindman of Virginia.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 26 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Bacon
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    12. Ms. Tokuda
    13. Ms. Budzinski                   14. Mr. Sorensen
                                        15. Mr. Vasquez
                                        16. Mr. Thanedar
                                        17. Mr. Gray
                                        18. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        19. Mr. Figures
                                        20. Mr. Vindman
                                        21. Mr. Riley
                                        22. Mr. Mannion
                                        23. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        24. Ms. Pingree
                                        25. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bost
    9. Mr. Johnson
    10. Mr. Mann
    11. Mr. Feenstra
    12. Mrs. Miller
    13. Mr. Moore                       14. Mrs. Cammack
                                        15. Mr. Finstad
                                        16. Mr. Rose
                                        17. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        18. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        19. Mr. Nunn
                                        20. Mr. Van Orden
                                        21. Mr. Newhouse
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 7

        Summary: Amendment #28.
        Offered By: Representative Jahana Hayes of Connecticut.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 8

        Summary: Amendment #92.
        Offered By: Representative Alma Adams of North Carolina.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 9

        Summary: Amendment #29.
        Offered By: Representative Shontel Brown of Ohio.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 10

        Summary: Amendment #140.
        Offered By: Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 26 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Van Orden
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    12. Ms. Tokuda
    13. Ms. Budzinski                   14. Mr. Sorensen
                                        15. Mr. Vasquez
                                        16. Mr. Thanedar
                                        17. Mr. Gray
                                        18. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        19. Mr. Figures
                                        20. Mr. Vindman
                                        21. Mr. Riley
                                        22. Mr. Mannion
                                        23. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        24. Ms. Pingree
                                        25. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller                     14. Mr. Moore
                                        15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Newhouse
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 11

        Summary: Amendment #128.
        Offered By: Representative Jill Tokuda of Hawaii.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 12

        Summary: Amendment #88.
        Offered By: Representative Shomari Figures of Alabama.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 13

        Summary: Amendment #43.
        Offered By: Representative Josh Riley of New York.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 26 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Van Orden
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    12. Ms. Tokuda
    13. Ms. Budzinski                   14. Mr. Sorensen
                                        15. Mr. Vasquez
                                        16. Mr. Thanedar
                                        17. Mr. Gray
                                        18. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        19. Mr. Figures
                                        20. Mr. Vindman
                                        21. Mr. Riley
                                        22. Mr. Mannion
                                        23. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        24. Ms. Pingree
                                        25. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller                     14. Mr. Moore
                                        15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Newhouse
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 14

        Summary: Amendment #117.
        Offered By: Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 15

        Summary: Amendment #26.
        Offered By: Representative Jahana Hayes of Connecticut.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 16

        Summary: Amendment #22.
        Offered By: Representative David Scott of Georgia.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 17

        Summary: Amendment #38.
        Offered By: Representative Mark Harris of North Carolina.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 26 yeas, 25 nays,
    and 2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller                     14. Mr. Moore
                                        15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Newhouse
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    12. Ms. Tokuda
    13. Ms. Budzinski                   14. Mr. Sorensen
                                        15. Mr. Vasquez
                                        16. Mr. Thanedar
                                        17. Mr. Gray
                                        18. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        19. Mr. Figures
                                        20. Mr. Vindman
                                        21. Mr. Riley
                                        22. Mr. Mannion
                                        23. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        24. Ms. Pingree
                                        25. Mr. Carbajal

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 18

        Summary: Amendment #91.
        Offered By: Representative Alma Adams of North Carolina.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 19

        Summary: Amendment #35.
        Offered By: Representative Andrea Salinas of Oregon.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 23 yeas, 27 nays, and
    3 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Vasquez
                                        14. Mr. Thanedar
                                        15. Mr. Gray
                                        16. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        17. Mr. Figures
                                        18. Mr. Vindman
                                        19. Mr. Riley
                                        20. Mr. Mannion
                                        21. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        22. Ms. Pingree
                                        23. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird
    2. Mr. Sorensen                     3. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 20

        Summary: Amendment #51.
        Offered By: Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 22 yeas, 28 nays, and
    3 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda                      12. Ms. Budzinski
                                        13. Mr. Vasquez
                                        14. Mr. Thanedar
                                        15. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        16. Mr. Figures
                                        17. Mr. Vindman
                                        18. Mr. Riley
                                        19. Mr. Mannion
                                        20. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        21. Ms. Pingree
                                        22. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor
                                        28. Mr. Gray

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird
    2. Mr. Sorensen                     3. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 21

        Summary: Amendment #27.
        Offered By: Representative Jahana Hayes of Connecticut.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 22

        Summary: Amendment #135.
        Offered By: Representative Jonathan Jackson of Illinois.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 23

        Summary: Amendment #68.
        Offered By: Representative Sharice Davids of Kansas.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 24

        Summary: Second Degree Amendment to Amendment #119.
        Offered By: Representative Tracey Mann of Kansas.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 29 yeas, 22 nays,
    and 2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bost
    9. Mr. Johnson
    10. Mr. Mann
    11. Mr. Feenstra
    12. Mrs. Miller
    13. Mr. Moore
    14. Mrs. Cammack
    15. Mr. Finstad                     16. Mr. Rose
                                        17. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        18. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        19. Mr. Nunn
                                        20. Mr. Newhouse
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor
                                        27. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
                                        28. Mr. Vindman
                                        29. Mrs. McClain Delaney

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Bacon
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Ms. Tokuda                      12. Ms. Budzinski
                                        13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Riley
                                        20. Mr. Mannion
                                        21. Ms. Pingree
                                        22. Mr. Carbajal

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 25

        Summary: Amendment #119, as amended by the Second Degree
    Amendment.
        Offered By: Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 51 yeas, 0 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore
    15. Mrs. Cammack
    16. Mr. Finstad
    17. Mr. Rose
    18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
    19. Ms. De La Cruz
    20. Mr. Nunn
    21. Mr. Van Orden
    22. Mr. Newhouse
    23. Mr. Wied
    24. Mr. Bresnahan
    25. Mr. Messmer
    26. Mr. Harris                      27. Mr. Taylor
                                        28. Ms. Craig
                                        29. Mr. David Scott
                                        30. Mr. Costa
                                        31. Mr. McGovern
                                        32. Ms. Adams
                                        33. Mrs. Hayes
                                        34. Ms. Brown
                                        35. Ms. Davids of Kansas
                                        36. Ms. Salinas
                                        37. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
                                        38. Ms. Tokuda
                                        39. Ms. Budzinski
                                        40. Mr. Sorensen
                                        41. Mr. Vasquez
                                        42. Mr. Thanedar
                                        43. Mr. Gray
                                        44. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        45. Mr. Figures
                                        46. Mr. Vindman
                                        47. Mr. Riley
                                        48. Mr. Mannion
                                        49. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        50. Ms. Pingree
                                        51. Mr. Carbajal

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 26

        Summary: Amendment #146.
        Offered By: Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 27

        Summary: Amendment #36.
        Offered By: Representative Mark Harris of North Carolina.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 27 yeas, 24 nays,
    and 2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                      NAYS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 28

        Summary: Amendment #108.
        Offered By: Representative Jill Tokuda of Hawaii.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 29

        Summary: Amendment #86.
        Offered By: Representative April McClain Delaney of
    Maryland.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 25 yeas, 26 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Bacon
    2. Ms. Craig
    3. Mr. David Scott
    4. Mr. Costa
    5. Mr. McGovern
    6. Ms. Adams
    7. Mrs. Hayes
    8. Ms. Brown
    9. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    10. Ms. Salinas
    11. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    12. Ms. Tokuda
    13. Ms. Budzinski                   14. Mr. Sorensen
                                        15. Mr. Vasquez
                                        16. Mr. Thanedar
                                        17. Mr. Gray
                                        18. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        19. Mr. Figures
                                        20. Mr. Vindman
                                        21. Mr. Riley
                                        22. Mr. Mannion
                                        23. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        24. Ms. Pingree
                                        25. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bost
    9. Mr. Johnson
    10. Mr. Mann
    11. Mr. Feenstra
    12. Mrs. Miller
    13. Mr. Moore                       14. Mrs. Cammack
                                        15. Mr. Finstad
                                        16. Mr. Rose
                                        17. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        18. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        19. Mr. Nunn
                                        20. Mr. Van Orden
                                        21. Mr. Newhouse
                                        22. Mr. Wied
                                        23. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        24. Mr. Messmer
                                        25. Mr. Harris
                                        26. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 30

        Summary: Amendment #105.
        Offered By: Representative Eugene Vindman of Virginia.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 31

        Summary: Amendment #118.
        Offered By: Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan.
        Results: Failed by a recorded vote of 24 yeas, 27 nays, and
    2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. Costa
    4. Mr. McGovern
    5. Ms. Adams
    6. Mrs. Hayes
    7. Ms. Brown
    8. Ms. Davids of Kansas
    9. Ms. Salinas
    10. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
    11. Ms. Tokuda
    12. Ms. Budzinski                   13. Mr. Sorensen
                                        14. Mr. Vasquez
                                        15. Mr. Thanedar
                                        16. Mr. Gray
                                        17. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        18. Mr. Figures
                                        19. Mr. Vindman
                                        20. Mr. Riley
                                        21. Mr. Mannion
                                        22. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        23. Ms. Pingree
                                        24. Mr. Carbajal

                                      NAYS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore                       15. Mrs. Cammack
                                        16. Mr. Finstad
                                        17. Mr. Rose
                                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

    Roll Call No. 32

        Summary: Motion to report H.R. 7567, as amended, favorably
    to the House with the recommendation that it pass.
        Offered By: Representative Austin Scott of Georgia.
        Results: Adopted by a recorded vote of 34 yeas, 17 nays,
    and 2 not voting.

                                      YEAS

    1. Mr. Thompson
    2. Mr. Lucas
    3. Mr. Austin Scott
    4. Mr. Crawford
    5. Mr. DesJarlais
    6. Mr. Rouzer
    7. Mr. Kelly
    8. Mr. Bacon
    9. Mr. Bost
    10. Mr. Johnson
    11. Mr. Mann
    12. Mr. Feenstra
    13. Mrs. Miller
    14. Mr. Moore
    15. Mrs. Cammack
    16. Mr. Finstad
    17. Mr. Rose                        18. Mr. Jackson of Texas
                                        19. Ms. De La Cruz
                                        20. Mr. Nunn
                                        21. Mr. Van Orden
                                        22. Mr. Newhouse
                                        23. Mr. Wied
                                        24. Mr. Bresnahan
                                        25. Mr. Messmer
                                        26. Mr. Harris
                                        27. Mr. Taylor
                                        28. Mr. Costa
                                        29. Ms. Davids of Kansas
                                        30. Mr. Davis of North Carolina
                                        31. Mr. Vasquez
                                        32. Mr. Gray
                                        33. Ms. McDonald Rivet
                                        34. Mr. Riley

                                      NAYS

    1. Ms. Craig
    2. Mr. David Scott
    3. Mr. McGovern
    4. Ms. Adams
    5. Mrs. Hayes
    6. Ms. Brown
    7. Ms. Salinas
    8. Ms. Tokuda
    9. Ms. Budzinski                    10. Mr. Sorensen
                                        11. Mr. Thanedar
                                        12. Mr. Figures
                                        13. Mr. Vindman
                                        14. Mr. Mannion
                                        15. Mrs. McClain Delaney
                                        16. Ms. Pingree
                                        17. Mr. Carbajal

                                   NOT VOTING

    1. Mr. Baird                        2. Mr. Jackson of Illinois

                          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.

       New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures

        The Committee has requested but not received from the
    Director of the Congressional Budget Office an estimate.
    However, pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
    of the House of Representatives, once an estimate has been
    prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, as
    required by sections 308 and 402 of the Congressional Budget
    Act of 1973, the Committee will adopt as its own the estimate
    of new budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax
    expenditures or revenues contained in the cost estimate.

                     Congressional Budget Office Estimates

        Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of House rule XIII, the
    Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by the
    Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section
    402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

                               Earmark Statement

        H.R. 7567 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.

                        Performance Goals and Objectives

        With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(4) of Rule
    XIII, the performance goals and objectives of H.R. 7567 are to
    provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and
    other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal
    year 2031, and of other purposes.

                          Advisory Committee Statement

        Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1004(b), H.R. 7567 establishes an
    Independent Advisory Board for the purpose of assisting in the
    Dietary Guidelines for Americans process in section 4308. H.R.
    7567 also creates an Aquaculture Advisory Committee in section
    7507 to advise the USDA on aquaculture matters. H.R. 7567
    further requires the establishment of a Specialty Crop Advisory
    Committee under section 11001.
        The functions of the proposed Advisory Committees cannot be
    performed by agency or advisory committees already in
    existence.

                    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 and Intergovernmental Mandates Statement

        The Committee has requested but not received from the
    Director of the Congressional Budget Office an estimate of the
    Federal and intergovernmental mandates pursuant to section 423
    of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. The Committee will
    adopt the estimate once it has been prepared by the Director.

                        Duplication of Federal Programs

        This bill does not establish or reauthorize a program of
    the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another
    Federal program, a program that was included in any report from
    the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to
    section 21 of Public Law 111--139, or a program related to a
    program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal
    Domestic Assistance.

                   Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law

        Pursuant to section 423(e) of the Congressional Budget and
    Impoundment Control Act of 1974, H.R. 7567 establishes the Farm
    Credit Administration, in section 5504, as the sole and
    independent regulator of the Farm Credit System with respect to
    activities subject to the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended
    by H.R. 7567.
        H.R. 7567 also clarifies the original congressional intent
    and prior interpretation that section 24(b) of the Federal
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) shall be
    applied to require nationwide uniformity in pesticide labeling
    and prohibits states or other authorities from penalizing
    entities for failing to label pesticides in a manner different
    from the label approved by the Administrator under such Act, in
    section 10205. H.R. 7567 further amends section 24 of FIFRA by
    prohibiting political subdivisions of a state from imposing
    requirements relating to the sale, distribution, labeling,
    application, or use of any pesticide subject to regulation by a
    State or the Administrator of the EPA under FIFRA, in section
    10206.

             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 italics, and existing law in which no
    change is proposed is shown in roman):

                            AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 2014

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

      (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural
    Act of 2014''.
      (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is
    as follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
         * * * * * * *

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

         * * * * * * *

                                Subtitle C--Sugar

    Sec. 1301. Sugar policy.
    Sec. 1302. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.
         * * * * * * *

       Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

    Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.
    Sec. 1502. Assistance in the form of block grants.
         * * * * * * *

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

         * * * * * * *

                      Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Provisions

         * * * * * * *
    Sec. 8302. Forest service participation in [ACES] experienced services
              program.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              TITLE I--COMMODITIES

    Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    PART II--COMMODITY POLICY

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1115. PRODUCER ELECTION.

      (a) Election Required.--For the 2014 through 2018 crop years
    (except as provided in subsection (g)) and for the 2019 through
    2031 crop years (subject to subsection (h)), all of the
    producers on a farm shall make a 1-time, irrevocable election
    to obtain--
              (1) price loss coverage under section 1116 on a
            covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis; or
              (2) agriculture risk coverage under section 1117.
      (b) Coverage Options.--In the election under subsection (a)
    or (h), as applicable, the producers on a farm that elect to
    obtain agriculture risk coverage shall unanimously select
    whether to receive agriculture risk coverage payments based
    on--
              (1) county coverage applicable on a covered
            commodity-by-covered-commodity basis; or
              (2) individual coverage applicable to all of the
            covered commodities on the farm.
      (c) Effect of Failure to Make Unanimous Election.--If all the
    producers on a farm fail to make a unanimous election under
    subsection (a) for the 2014 crop year, the 2019 crop year, or
    the 2026 crop year, as applicable--
              (1) the Secretary shall not make any payments with
            respect to the farm for the 2014 crop year, the 2019
            crop year, or the 2026 crop year, as applicable, under
            section 1116 or 1117; and
              (2) subject to subsection (h), the producers on the
            farm shall be deemed to have elected, as applicable--
                      (A) price loss coverage for all covered
                    commodities on the farm for the 2015 through
                    2018 crop years;
                      (B) the same coverage for each covered
                    commodity on the farm for the 2020 through 2023
                    crop years as was applicable for the 2015
                    through 2018 crop years; and
                      (C) the same coverage for each covered
                    commodity on the farm for the 2027 through 2031
                    crop years as was applicable for the 2025 crop
                    year.
      (d) Effect of Selection of County Coverage.--If all the
    producers on a farm select county coverage for a covered
    commodity under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may not make
    price loss coverage payments under section 1116 to the
    producers on the farm with respect to that covered commodity.
      (e) Effect of Selection of Individual Coverage.--If all the
    producers on a farm select individual coverage under subsection
    (b)(2), in addition to the selection and election under this
    section applying to each producer on the farm, the Secretary
    shall consider, for purposes of making the calculations
    required by subsections (b)(2) and (c)(3) of section 1117, the
    producer's share of all farms in the same State--
              (1) in which the producer has an interest; and
              (2) for which individual coverage has been selected.
      (f) Prohibition on Reconstitution.--The Secretary shall
    ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm to
    void or change an election or selection made under this
    section.
      (g) Special Election.--
              (1) In general.--In the case of acres allocated to
            seed cotton on a farm, for the 2018 crop year, all of
            the producers on the farm shall be given the
            opportunity to make a new 1-time election under
            subsection (a) to reflect the designation of seed
            cotton as a covered commodity for that crop year under
            section 1111(6)(B).
              (2) Effect of failure to make unanimous election.--If
            all the producers on a farm fail to make a unanimous
            election under paragraph (1), the producers on the farm
            shall be deemed to have elected price loss coverage
            under section 1116 for acres allocated on the farm to
            seed cotton.
      (h) Option to Change Election.--
              (1) In general.--For the 2021 crop year and each crop
            year thereafter, all of the producers on a farm may
            change the election under subsection (a), subsection
            (c), or this subsection, as applicable, to price loss
            coverage or agriculture risk coverage, as applicable.
              (2) Applicability.--An election change under
            paragraph (1) shall apply to--
                      (A) the crop year for which the election
                    change is made; and
                      (B) each crop year thereafter until another
                    election change is made under that paragraph.
      (i) Higher of Price Loss Coverage Payments and Agriculture
    Risk Coverage Payments.--For the 2025 crop year, the Secretary
    shall, on a covered commodity-by-covered commodity basis, make
    the higher of price loss coverage payments under section 1116
    and agriculture risk coverage county coverage payments under
    section 1117 to the producers on a farm for the payment acres
    for each covered commodity on the farm.
      (j) Limitation.--Beginning with the 2026 crop year, in the
    case of a farm for which a producer obtains coverage under the
    Stacked Income Protection Plan for upland cotton under section
    508B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508b) for a
    crop year, such farm shall not be eligible to receive payments
    for seed cotton for such crop year under--
              (1) price loss coverage under section 1116; or
              (2) agriculture risk coverage under section 1117.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    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.--
              (1) In general.--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--
                      (A) 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
                      (B)(i) in the case of long grain rice and
                    medium grain rice, the prevailing world market
                    price for the commodity, as determined and
                    adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with
                    this section; or
                      (ii) in the case of upland cotton, the
                    prevailing world market price for the
                    commodity, as determined and adjusted by the
                    Secretary in accordance with this section.
              (2) Refund for upland cotton.--In the case of a
            repayment for a marketing assistance loan for upland
            cotton at a rate described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the
            Secretary shall provide to the producer a refund (if
            any) in an amount equal to the difference between the
            lowest prevailing world market price, as determined and
            adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this
            section, during the 30-day period following the date on
            which the producer repays the marketing assistance loan
            and the repayment rate.
      (c) Repayment Rates for Extra Long Staple Cotton.--Repayment
    of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton
    shall be 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)); and
              (2) the prevailing world market price for the
            commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary
            in accordance with this section.
      (d) Prevailing World Market Price.--
              (1) In general.--For purposes of this section and
            section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by
            regulation--
                      (A) a formula to determine the prevailing
                    world market price for each of upland cotton,
                    long grain rice, medium grain rice, and extra
                    long staple cotton; and
                      (B) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall
                    announce periodically those prevailing world
                    market prices.
              (2) Upland cotton.--In the case of upland cotton, for
            any period when price quotations for Middling (M) 1\3/
            32\-inch cotton are available, the formula under
            paragraph (1)(A) shall be based on the average of the 3
            lowest-priced growths that are quoted.
      (e) Adjustment of Prevailing World Market Price for Upland
    Cotton, Extra Long Staple 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) Upland 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, 2032, 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) Extra long staple cotton.--The prevailing world
            market price for extra long staple cotton determined
            under subsection (d)--
                      (A) shall be adjusted to United States
                    quality and location, with the adjustment to
                    include 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
                    the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for
                    reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con.
                    Res. 14'' (119th Congress) and ending on July
                    31, 2032, if the Secretary determines the
                    adjustment is necessary--
                              (i) to minimize potential loan
                            forfeitures;
                              (ii) to minimize the accumulation of
                            stocks of extra long staple cotton by
                            the Federal Government;
                              (iii) to ensure that extra long
                            staple cotton produced in the United
                            States can be marketed freely and
                            competitively; 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.
              (4) 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.--
              (1) Crop years 2014 through 2025.--Effective for each
            of the 2014 through 2025 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.
              (2) Payment of cotton storage costs.--Effective for
            each of the 2026 through 2031 crop years, the Secretary
            shall make cotton storage payments for upland cotton
            and extra long staple cotton available in the same
            manner as the Secretary provided storage payments for
            the 2006 crop of upland cotton, except that the payment
            rate shall be equal to the lesser of--
                      (A) the submitted storage charge for the
                    current marketing year; and
                      (B) in the case of storage in--
                              (i) California or Arizona, a payment
                            rate of $4.90; and
                              (ii) any other State, a payment rate
                            of $3.00.
      (h) Repayment Rate for Peanuts.--The Secretary shall permit
    producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for
    peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of--
              (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under
            subsection (a)(20) or (b)(20), as applicable, of
            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) 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.
      (j) Effect of Lapse in Appropriations.--The servicing of a
    marketing assistance loan under section 1201 by an officer or
    employee of the Department shall be deemed, for purposes of
    section 1342 of title 31, services for emergencies involving
    the safety of human life or the protection of property.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Sugar

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1302. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.

      (a) In General.--With respect to any Federal policy that
    would impact the administration of the programs described in
    this subtitle or any rule, policy, or guidance issued pursuant
    to such programs, the preservation and strengthening of the
    domestic production described in subsection (b) shall be a
    priority objective of the President.
      (b) Domestic Production Described.--The domestic production
    described in this subsection is the production of an
    agricultural commodity--
              (1) described in this subtitle; and
              (2) from which a food ingredient that serves an
            important function throughout the domestic food
            production supply chain is derived.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

       Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

    SEC. 1501. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Covered producer.--The term ``covered producer''
            means an eligible producer on a farm that is--
                      (A) as determined by the Secretary--
                              (i) a beginning farmer or rancher;
                              (ii) a socially disadvantaged farmer
                            or rancher; or
                              (iii) a limited resource farmer or
                            rancher; or
                      (B) a veteran farmer or rancher, as defined
                    in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture,
                    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
                    2279(a)).
              (2) 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) an Indian tribe or tribal
                            organization (as those terms are
                            defined in section 4 of the Indian
                            Self-Determination and Education
                            Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
                              (iv) a partnership of citizens of the
                            United States; or
                              (v) a corporation, limited liability
                            corporation, or other farm
                            organizational structure organized
                            under State law.
              (3) Farm-raised fish.--The term ``farm-raised fish''
            means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared
            in a controlled environment.
              (4) 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.
              (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
      (b) Livestock Indemnity Payments.--
              (1) Payments.--For fiscal year 2012 and each
            succeeding fiscal year, 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, sold livestock for a reduced sale price, or
            both 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;
                      (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, on the condition that in the case of the
                    death loss of unweaned livestock due to that
                    adverse weather, the Secretary may disregard
                    any management practice, vaccination protocol,
                    or lack of vaccination by the eligible producer
                    on a farm; or
                      (C) disease that, as determined by the
                    Secretary--
                              (i) is caused or transmitted by a
                            vector; and
                              (ii) is not susceptible to control by
                            vaccination or acceptable management
                            practices.
              (2) Payment rates.--
                      (A) Losses due to predation.--Indemnity
                    payments to an eligible producer on a farm
                    under paragraph (1)(A) shall be made at a rate
                    of 100 percent of the market value of the
                    affected livestock on the applicable date, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
                      (B) Losses due to adverse weather or
                    disease.--Indemnity payments to an eligible
                    producer on a farm under subparagraph (B) or
                    (C) of paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of
                    75 percent of the market value of the affected
                    livestock on the applicable date, as determined
                    by the Secretary.
                      (C) Determination of market value.--In
                    determining the market value described in
                    subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary may
                    consider the ability of eligible producers to
                    document regional price premiums for affected
                    livestock that exceed the national average
                    market price for those livestock.
                      (D) Applicable date defined.--In this
                    paragraph, the term ``applicable date'' means,
                    with respect to livestock, as applicable--
                              (i) the day before the date of death
                            of the livestock; or
                              (ii) the day before the date of the
                            event that caused the harm to the
                            livestock that resulted in a reduced
                            sale price.
              (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)).
              (4) Payment reductions.--A payment made under
            paragraph (1) to an eligible producer on a farm that
            sold livestock for a reduced sale price shall--
                      (A) be made if the sale occurs within a
                    reasonable period following the event, as
                    determined by the Secretary; and
                      (B) be reduced by the amount that the
                    producer received for the sale.
              (5) Additional payment for unborn livestock.--
                      (A) In general.--In the case of unborn
                    livestock death losses incurred on or after
                    January 1, 2024, the Secretary shall make an
                    additional payment to eligible producers on
                    farms that have incurred such losses in excess
                    of the normal mortality due to a condition
                    specified in paragraph (1).
                      (B) Payment rate.--Additional payments under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be made at a rate--
                              (i) determined by the Secretary; and
                              (ii) less than or equal to 85 percent
                            of the payment rate established with
                            respect to the lowest weight class of
                            the livestock, as determined by the
                            Secretary, acting through the
                            Administrator of the Farm Service
                            Agency.
                      (C) Payment amount.--The amount of a payment
                    to an eligible producer that has incurred
                    unborn livestock death losses shall be equal to
                    the payment rate determined under subparagraph
                    (B) multiplied, in the case of livestock
                    described in--
                              (i) subparagraph (A), (B), or (F) of
                            subsection (a)(4), by 1;
                              (ii) subparagraph (D) of such
                            subsection, by 2;
                              (iii) subparagraph (E) of such
                            subsection, by 12; and
                              (iv) subparagraph (G) of such
                            subsection, by the average number of
                            birthed animals (for one gestation
                            cycle) for the species of each such
                            livestock, as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                      (D) Unborn livestock death losses defined.--
                    In this paragraph, the term ``unborn livestock
                    death losses'' means losses of any livestock
                    described in subparagraph (A), (B), (D), (E),
                    (F), or (G) of subsection (a)(4) that was
                    gestating on the date of the death of the
                    livestock.
      (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 fiscal year 2012 and each
            succeeding fiscal year, 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 not less
                                    than--
                                              (aa) 4 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); or
                                              (bb) 7 of the
                                            previous 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 2 monthly
                                            payments 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 3 monthly
                                            payments using the
                                            monthly payment rate
                                            determined under
                                            subparagraph (B);
                                              (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 4
                                            monthly payments using
                                            the monthly payment
                                            rate determined under
                                            subparagraph (B); or
                                              (cc) if the county is
                                            rated as having a D4
                                            (exceptional drought)
                                            intensity in any area
                                            of the county for at
                                            least 4 weeks during
                                            the normal grazing
                                            period, in an amount
                                            equal to 5 monthly
                                            payments using the
                                            monthly 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 fiscal year 2012 and each
            succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use 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, including inspections of
            cattle tick fever.
              (3) Availability of funds.--Any funds made available
            under this subsection shall remain available until
            expended.
              (4) Payment rate for covered producers.--In the case
            of a covered producer that is eligible to receive
            assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall
            provide reimbursement of 90 percent of the cost of
            losses described in paragraph (1) or (2).
              (5) Assistance for losses due to bird depredation.--
                      (A) Definition of farm-raised fish.--In this
                    paragraph, the term ``farm-raised fish'' means
                    fish propagated and reared in a controlled
                    fresh water environment.
                      (B) Payments.--Eligible producers of farm-
                    raised fish, including fish grown as food for
                    human consumption, shall be eligible to receive
                    payments under this subsection to aid in the
                    reduction of losses due to piscivorous birds.
                      (C) Payment rate.--
                              (i) In general.--The payment rate for
                            payments under subparagraph (B) shall
                            be determined by the Secretary, taking
                            into account--
                                      (I) costs associated with the
                                    deterrence of piscivorous
                                    birds;
                                      (II) the value of lost fish
                                    and revenue due to bird
                                    depredation; and
                                      (III) costs associated with
                                    disease loss from bird
                                    depredation.
                              (ii) Minimum rate.--The payment rate
                            for payments under subparagraph (B)
                            shall be not less than $600 per acre of
                            farm-raised fish.
                      (D) Payment amount.--The amount of a payment
                    under subparagraph (B) shall be the product
                    obtained by multiplying--
                              (i) the applicable payment rate under
                            subparagraph (C); and
                              (ii) 85 percent of the total number
                            of acres of farm-raised fish farms that
                            the eligible producer has in production
                            for the calendar year.
      (e) Tree Assistance Program.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Eligible orchardist.--The term ``eligible
                    orchardist'' means a person that produces
                    annual or biennial crops from trees for
                    commercial purposes.
                      (B) Natural disaster.--The term ``natural
                    disaster'' means plant disease, insect or pest
                    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
                    fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal
                    year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are
                    necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit
                    Corporation [to provide assistance--] to
                    provide assistance under subparagraphs (A) and
                    (B) of paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists
                    and nursery tree growers that planted trees for
                    commercial purposes but lost the trees or the
                    trees no longer produce an economically viable
                    crop as a result of a natural disaster, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
                              [(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 normal
                    mortality.
              (3) Assistance.--Subject to paragraphs (4) [and (5)],
            (5), (6), and (7), 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 normal mortality; or
                      (ii) at the option of the Secretary,
                    sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand;
                    and
                      (B) reimbursement of 65 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
                    normal tree damage or 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) 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 1,000 acres.
              (5) Payment rate for beginning and veteran
            producers.--Subject to paragraph (4), in the case of a
            beginning farmer or rancher or a veteran farmer or
            rancher (as those terms are defined in subsection (a)
            of section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
            and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279)) that is eligible
            to receive assistance under this subsection, the
            Secretary shall provide reimbursement of 75 percent of
            the costs under subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B) of
            paragraph (3).
              (6) Timing requirements.--An eligible orchardist or
            nursery tree grower shall agree, as a condition on
            receipt of assistance under this subsection, to carry
            out any replacement and rehabilitation activities for
            which such assistance is provided not later than--
                      (A) 2 years after the application for such
                    assistance is approved; or
                      (B) if the period specified in subparagraph
                    (A) is not adequate for tree survival, at such
                    time as is necessary to ensure tree survival.
              (7) Alternatives used in replanting.--
                      (A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or
                    nursery tree grower receiving assistance under
                    this subsection with respect to tree loss may
                    use such assistance to replant using--
                              (i) an alternative variety from the
                            variety used prior to the loss;
                              (ii) an alternative stand density
                            from the stand density used prior to
                            the loss; and
                              (iii) an alternative location than
                            was used prior to the loss.
                      (B) Cost share limitations with respect to
                    alternatives.--The assistance provided by the
                    Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery
                    tree growers--
                              (i) for losses described in
                            subparagraph (A)(i), shall be an amount
                            that is not greater than the amount the
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree
                            grower would receive if the eligible
                            orchardist or nursery tree grower
                            planted the variety lost;
                              (ii) for losses described in
                            subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be an amount
                            that is not greater than the amount the
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree
                            grower would receive if the eligible
                            orchardist or nursery tree grower
                            planted the stand density lost; and
                              (iii) for losses described in
                            subparagraph (A)(iii), shall be an
                            amount that is not greater than the
                            amount the eligible orchardist or
                            nursery tree grower would receive if
                            the eligible orchardist or nursery tree
                            grower planted the location in which
                            the loss occurred.
              (8) Deadline for notice regarding application
            status.--Not later than 120 days after receiving an
            application for assistance under this subsection, the
            Secretary shall--
                      (A) approve or deny such application; and
                      (B) notify the applicant of such approval or
                    denial.
              (9) Initial payments.--
                      (A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or
                    nursery tree grower may opt to receive an
                    initial assistance payment with respect to
                    losses described in paragraph (2) before
                    incurring the costs described in paragraph (3)
                    relating to such losses.
                      (B) Amount.--An initial assistance payment
                    under subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount
                    that is equal to the fair market value of the
                    estimated costs described in paragraph (3) that
                    the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
                    is likely to incur with respect to losses
                    described in paragraph (2), as determined by
                    the Secretary.
                      (C) Subsequent payment.--
                              (i) In general.--In the case of an
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree
                            grower that opts to receive an initial
                            payment under subparagraph (A) with
                            respect to losses described in
                            paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, as
                            soon as practicable after providing
                            such initial payment, provide a
                            subsequent payment to the eligible
                            orchardist or nursery tree grower in an
                            amount equal to--
                                      (I) the payment amount the
                                    eligible orchardist or nursery
                                    tree grower would have received
                                    with respect to such losses
                                    under paragraph (3) or pursuant
                                    to paragraph (5); minus
                                      (II) the initial payment
                                    amount provided to such
                                    eligible orchardist or nursery
                                    tree grower under subparagraph
                                    (B) with respect to such
                                    losses.
                              (ii) Overpayment.--If an initial
                            payment under subparagraph (B) with
                            respect to losses described in
                            paragraph (2) is greater than the
                            amount an eligible orchardist or
                            nursery tree grower would have received
                            under paragraph (3) or pursuant to
                            paragraph (5) for such losses, such
                            eligible orchardist or nursery tree
                            grower shall repay the Secretary the
                            excess amount.
                      (D) Sunset.--The authority to make payments
                    under this paragraph shall terminate on
                    September 30, 2035.
      (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 subsection (c) 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.

    SEC. 1502. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.

      (a) In General.--In the case additional funds made available
    after the date of the enactment of this section for covered
    losses, the Secretary may make assistance for such losses
    available in the form of block grants.
      (b) Covered Losses.--In this section, the term ``covered
    losses'' means losses--
              (1) of revenue, quality, or production of crops,
            trees, bushes, vines, poultry or livestock as a
            consequence of a natural disaster (as determined by the
            Secretary); and
              (2) for which assistance is not available pursuant to
            any other Federal law.

                           Subtitle F--Administration

    SEC. 1601. ADMINISTRATION GENERALLY.

      (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Secretary 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, sections 11003 and 11017, title I
            of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and the
            amendments made by that title, and section 10109 of
            that Act] a covered provision of law shall be made
            without regard to--
                      (A) the notice and comment provisions of
                    section 553 of title 5, United States Code; and
                      (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States
                    Code (commonly known as the ``Paperwork
                    Reduction Act'').
              (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.
              (4) Covered provision of law defined.--In this
            subsection, the term ``covered provision of law''
            means--
                      (A) this title and sections 11003 and 11017;
                      (B) title I of the Agriculture Improvement
                    Act of 2018 and the amendments made by that
                    title, and section 10109 of that Act; and
                      (C) title I of the Farm Food and National
                    Security Act of 2026 and the amendments made by
                    that title.
      (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 such allowable levels
            for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary
            shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make
            adjustments in the amount of such expenditures during
            that period to ensure that such 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 2014 through [2023] 2031 crops of covered
    commodities (as defined in section 1111), 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, [2023]
    2031:
              (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
    2014 through [2023] 2031 crops of covered commodities (as
    defined in section 1111), 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, [2023] 2031:
              (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 and
    1340), shall not be applicable to the crops of wheat planted
    for harvest in the calendar years 2014 through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1614. IMPLEMENTATION.

      (a) Maintenance of Base Acres and Payment Yields.--The
    Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland
    cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established
    under sections 1001 and 1301 of the Food, Conservation, and
    Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702, 8751), as adjusted pursuant
    to sections 1101, 1102, 1108, and 1302 of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    8711, 8712, 8718, 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013,
    and as adjusted pursuant to sections 1112 and 1113.
      (b) Streamlining.--In implementing this title and the
    amendments made by this title, the Secretary shall--
              (1) continue to reduce administrative burdens and
            costs to producers by streamlining and reducing
            paperwork, forms, and other administrative
            requirements, to ensure that--
                      (A) a producer (or an agent of a producer)
                    may report information, electronically
                    (including geospatial data) or conventionally,
                    to the Department of Agriculture, subject to
                    the Secretary--
                              (i) establishing reasonable levels of
                            tolerance that reflect the differences
                            in accuracy between measures of common
                            land units and geospatial data; and
                              (ii) ensuring that discrepancies that
                            occur within the levels of tolerance
                            established under clause (i) shall not
                            be used to penalize a producer (or an
                            agent of a producer) under any program
                            administered by the Department of
                            Agriculture;
                      (B) on the request of a producer (or an agent
                    of a producer), the Department of Agriculture
                    electronically shares with the producer (or
                    agent) in real time and without cost to the
                    producer (or agent) the common land unit data,
                    related farm level data, conservation
                    practices, and other information of the
                    producer through a single Department of
                    Agriculture-wide login;
                      (C) not later than September 30, 2020, the
                    Administrator of the Risk Management Agency and
                    the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency
                    shall implement a consistent method for
                    determining crop acreage, acreage yields, farm
                    acreage, property descriptions, and other
                    common informational requirements, including
                    measures of common land units;
                      (D) except in the case of misrepresentation,
                    fraud, or scheme and device, no crop insurance
                    agent, approved insurance provider, or employee
                    or contractor of a crop insurance agency or
                    approved insurance provider bears
                    responsibility or liability under the Acreage
                    Crop Reporting and Streamlining Initiative (or
                    any successor or similar initiative) for the
                    eligibility of a producer for a program
                    administered by the Department of Agriculture,
                    not including a policy or plan of insurance
                    offered under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
                    U.S.C. 1501 et seq.); and
                      (E) on request of a crop insurance agent or
                    approved insurance provider required to deliver
                    policies and plans of insurance under the
                    Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et
                    seq.) the crop insurance agent or approved
                    insurance provider receives, in a timely
                    manner, any information held by the Farm
                    Service Agency that is necessary to ensure
                    effective crop insurance coverage for farmer
                    customers;
              (2) continue to improve coordination, information
            sharing, and administrative work among the Farm Service
            Agency, Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources
            Conservation Service, and other agencies, as determined
            by the Secretary;
              (3) continue to take advantage of new technologies to
            enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the
            delivery of Department of Agriculture programs to
            producers, including by developing and making publicly
            available data standards and security procedures to
            allow third-party providers to develop applications
            that use or feed data (including geospatial and
            precision agriculture data) into the datasets and
            analyses of the Department of Agriculture; and
              (4) reduce administrative burdens on producers
            participating in price loss coverage or agriculture
            risk coverage by offering--
                      (A) those producers an option to remotely and
                    electronically sign annual contracts for that
                    coverage; and
                      (B) to the maximum extent practicable, an
                    option to sign a multiyear contract for that
                    coverage.
      (c) Implementation.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make available
            to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title
            $100,000,000.
              (2) Additional funds.--
                      (A) Initial determination.--If, by September
                    30, 2014, the Secretary notifies the Committee
                    on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
                    and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
                    and Forestry of the Senate that the Farm
                    Service Agency has made substantial progress
                    toward implementing the requirements of
                    subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall make
                    available to the Farm Service Agency to carry
                    out this title $10,000,000 on October 1, 2014.
                    The amount made available under this
                    subparagraph is in addition to the amount made
                    available under paragraph (1).
                      (B) Subsequent determination.--If, by
                    September 30, 2015, the Secretary notifies the
                    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
                    Representatives and the Committee on
                    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
                    Senate that the requirements of subsection
                    (b)(1) have been fully implemented and those
                    Committees provide written concurrence to the
                    Secretary, the Secretary shall make available
                    to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this
                    title $10,000,000 on the date the written
                    concurrence is provided or October 1, 2015,
                    whichever is later. The amount made available
                    under this subparagraph is in addition to the
                    amount made available under paragraph (1) and
                    any amount made available under subparagraph
                    (A).
              (3) Producer education.--
                      (A) In general.--Of the funds made available
                    under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
                    provide $3,000,000 to State extension services
                    for the purpose of educating farmers and
                    ranchers on the options made available under
                    subtitles A, D, and E of this title and under
                    section 196 of the Federal Agriculture
                    Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
                    7333).
                      (B) Web-based decision aids.--
                              (i) Use of qualified universities.--
                            Of the funds made available under
                            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use
                            $3,000,000 to support qualified
                            universities (or university-based
                            organizations) that represent a
                            diversity of regions and commodities
                            (including dairy), possess expertise
                            regarding the programs authorized by
                            this Act, have a history in the
                            development of decision aids and
                            producer outreach initiatives regarding
                            farm risk management programs, and are
                            able to meet the deadline established
                            pursuant to clause (ii) to develop web-
                            based decision aids to assist producers
                            in understanding available options
                            described in subparagraph (A) and to
                            train producers to use these decision
                            aids.
                              (ii) Deadlines.--To the maximum
                            extent practicable, the Secretary
                            shall--
                                      (I) obligate the funds made
                                    available under clause (i)
                                    within 30 days after the date
                                    of the enactment of this Act;
                                    and
                                      (II) require the products
                                    described in clause (i) to be
                                    made available to producers on
                                    the internet within a
                                    reasonable period of time, as
                                    determined by the Secretary,
                                    after the implementation of the
                                    first rule implementing
                                    programs required under
                                    subtitle A of this title.
              (4) Agriculture improvement act of 2018.--The
            Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service
            Agency to carry out title I of the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018 and the amendments made by that
            title $15,500,000.
              (5) Further funding.--The Secretary shall make
            available to carry out subtitle C of title I of the Act
            entitled ``An Act to provide for reconciliation
            pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14'' (119th
            Congress) and the amendments made by that subtitle
            $50,000,000, to remain available until expended, of
            which--
                      (A) not less than $5,000,000 shall be used to
                    carry out paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection
                    (b);
                      (B) $3,000,000 shall be used for activities
                    described in paragraph (3)(A);
                      (C) $3,000,000 shall be used for activities
                    described in paragraph (3)(B);
                      (D) $9,000,000 shall be used--
                              (i) to carry out mandatory surveys of
                            dairy production cost and product yield
                            information to be reported by
                            manufacturers required to report under
                            section 273 of the Agricultural
                            Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1637b),
                            for all products processed in the same
                            facility or facilities; and
                              (ii) to publish the results of such
                            surveys biennially; and
                      (E) $1,000,000 shall be used to conduct the
                    study under subsection (d) of section 359k of
                    the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7
                    U.S.C. 1359kk).
      (d) Loan Implementation.--
              (1) In general.--In any crop year in which an order
            is issued pursuant 2 U.S.C. 901(a), the Secretary shall
            use such sums as necessary of the funds of the
            Commodity Credit Corporation for such crop year to
            fully restore the support, loan, or assistance that is
            otherwise required under [subtitle B or C, under the
            amendments made by subtitle B or C, or under the
            amendments made by subtitle B or C of the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018, except with respect to the
            assistance provided under sections 1207(c) and 1208.] a
            covered provision of law.
              (2) Repayment.--In carrying out this subsection, the
            Secretary shall ensure that when a producer repays a
            loan at a rate equal to the loan rate plus interest in
            accordance with the repayment provisions [of subtitles
            B or C] that the repayment amount shall include the
            portion of the loan amount provided under paragraph
            (1), except that this paragraph shall not affect or
            reduce marketing loan gains, loan deficiency payments,
            or forfeiture benefits provided for [under subtitles B
            or C] under the repayment provisions and as
            supplemented in accordance with paragraph (1).
              (3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Covered provision of law.--The term
                    ``covered provision of law'' means--
                              (i) subtitle B or C or the amendments
                            made by subtitle B or C;
                              (ii) the amendments made by subtitle
                            B or C of the Agriculture Improvement
                            Act of 2018, except with respect to the
                            assistance provided under sections
                            1207(c) and 1208; and
                              (iii) section 156 of the Federal
                            Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act
                            of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272).
                      (B) Repayment provisions.--The term
                    ``repayment provisions'' means the repayment
                    requirements under--
                              (i) subtitle B or C; or
                              (ii) section 156 of the Federal
                            Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act
                            of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272).
      (e) Deobligation of Unliquidated Obligations.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any
            payment obligated or otherwise made available by the
            Secretary under this title on or after the date of
            enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
            that is not disbursed to the recipient by the date that
            is 5 years after the date on which the payment is
            obligated or otherwise made available shall--
                      (A) be deobligated; and
                      (B) revert to the Treasury.
              (2) Outstanding payments.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3),
                    any payment obligated or otherwise made
                    available by the Farm Service Agency (or any
                    predecessor agency of the Department of
                    Agriculture) under the laws described in
                    subparagraph (B) before the date of enactment
                    of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
                    that is not disbursed by the date that is 5
                    years after the date on which the payment is
                    obligated or otherwise made available shall--
                              (i) be deobligated; and
                              (ii) revert to the Treasury.
                      (B) Laws described.--The laws referred to in
                    subparagraph (A) are any of the following:
                              (i) This title.
                              (ii) Title I of the Food,
                            Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
                            U.S.C. 8702 et seq.).
                              (iii) Title I of the Farm Security
                            and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
                            U.S.C. 7901 et seq.).
                              (iv) The Agricultural Market
                            Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.).
                              (v) Titles I through XI of the Food,
                            Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
                            Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624; 104
                            Stat. 3374) and the amendments made by
                            those titles.
                              (vi) Titles I through X of the Food
                            Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-
                            198; 99 Stat. 1362) and the amendments
                            made by those titles.
                              (vii) Titles I through XI of the
                            Agriculture and Food Act of 1981
                            (Public Law 97-98; 95 Stat. 1218) and
                            the amendments made by those titles.
                              (viii) Titles I through X of the Food
                            and Agriculture Act of 1977 (Public Law
                            95-113; 91 Stat. 917) and the
                            amendments made by those titles.
              (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may delay the date of the
            deobligation and reversion under paragraph (1) or (2)
            of any payment--
                      (A) that is the subject of--
                              (i) ongoing administrative review or
                            appeal;
                              (ii) litigation; or
                              (iii) the settlement of an estate; or
                      (B) for which the Secretary otherwise
                    determines that the circumstances are such that
                    the delay is equitable.
      (f) Report.--Not later than January 1, 2020, and each January
    1 thereafter through January 1, 2023, 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 tilled
    native sod acreage that was subject to a reduction in benefits
    under section 196(a)(4)(B) of the Federal Agriculture
    Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4)(B) and
    section 508(o)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(o)(2))--
              (1) as of the date of submission of the report; and
              (2) by State and county, relative to the total acres
            of cropland in the State or county.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                      Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions

    SEC. 7601. FOUNDATION FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Board of
            Directors described in subsection (e).
              (2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
            Department of Agriculture.
              (3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the
            Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
            established under subsection (b).
              (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
      (b) Establishment.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
            nonprofit corporation to be known as the ``Foundation
            for Food and Agriculture Research''.
              (2) Status.--The Foundation shall not be an agency or
            instrumentality of the United States Government.
      (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Foundation shall be--
              (1) to advance the research mission of the Department
            by supporting agricultural research activities focused
            on addressing key problems of national and
            international significance including--
                      (A) plant health, production, and plant
                    products;
                      (B) animal health, production, and products;
                      (C) food safety, nutrition, and health;
                      (D) renewable energy, natural resources, and
                    the environment;
                      (E) agricultural and food security;
                      (F) agriculture systems and technology; and
                      (G) agriculture economics and rural
                    communities; and
              (2) to foster collaboration with agricultural
            researchers from the Federal Government, State (as
            defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural
            Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
            U.S.C. 3103)) governments, institutions of higher
            education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher
            Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), industry, and
            nonprofit organizations.
      (d) Duties.--
              (1) In general.--The Foundation shall--
                      (A) award grants to, or enter into contracts,
                    memoranda of understanding, or cooperative
                    agreements with, scientists and entities, which
                    may include agricultural research agencies in
                    the Department, university consortia, public-
                    private partnerships, institutions of higher
                    education, nonprofit organizations, and
                    industry, to efficiently and effectively
                    advance the goals and priorities of the
                    Foundation;
                      (B) in consultation with the Secretary--
                              (i) identify existing and proposed
                            Federal intramural and extramural
                            research and development programs
                            relating to the purposes of the
                            Foundation described in subsection (c);
                            and
                              (ii) coordinate Foundation activities
                            with those programs so as to minimize
                            duplication of existing efforts and to
                            avoid conflicts, specifically at the
                            Department [of Agriculture; and];
                              [(iii) document the consultation
                            process and include a summary of the
                            results in the annual report required
                            in subsection (f)(3)(B)]
                      (C) identify unmet and emerging agricultural
                    research needs after reviewing [the roadmap for
                    agricultural research, education, and extension
                    authorized by section 7504 of the Food,
                    Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
                    7614a)] the national research policies and
                    priorities set forth in section 1402 of the
                    National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
                    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101);
                      (D) facilitate technology transfer and
                    release of information and data gathered from
                    the activities of the Foundation to the
                    agricultural research community and agriculture
                    stakeholders;
                      (E) promote and encourage the development of
                    the next generation of agricultural research
                    scientists; and
                      (F) carry out such other activities as the
                    Board determines to be consistent with the
                    purposes of the Foundation.
              (2) Relationship to other activities.--The activities
            described in paragraph (1) shall be supplemental to any
            other activities at the Department and shall not
            preempt any authority or responsibility of the
            Department under another provision of law.
      (e) Board of Directors.--
              (1) Establishment.--The Foundation shall be governed
            by a Board of Directors.
              (2) Composition.--
                      (A) In general.--The Board shall be composed
                    of appointed and ex-officio, nonvoting members.
                      (B) Ex-officio members.--The ex-officio
                    members of the Board shall be the following
                    individuals or designees of such individuals:
                              (i) The Secretary.
                              (ii) The Under Secretary of
                            Agriculture for Research, Education,
                            and Economics.
                              (iii) The Administrator of the
                            Agricultural Research Service.
                              (iv) The Director of the National
                            Institute of Food and Agriculture.
                              (v) The Director of the National
                            Science Foundation.
                      (C) Appointed members.--
                              (i) In general.--The ex-officio
                            members of the Board (as specified in
                            subparagraph (B)) shall, by majority
                            vote, appoint to the Board 15
                            individuals, of whom--
                                      (I) 8 shall be selected from
                                    a list of candidates to be
                                    provided by the [National
                                    Academy of Sciences] National
                                    Agricultural Research,
                                    Extension, Education, and
                                    Economics Advisory Board
                                    established under section 1408
                                    of the National Agricultural
                                    Research, Extension, and
                                    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
                                    U.S.C. 3123); and
                                      (II) 7 shall be selected from
                                    lists of candidates provided by
                                    [industry] national farm,
                                    producer, or research
                                    organizations.
                              (ii) Requirements.--
                                      (I) Expertise.--The ex-
                                    officio members shall ensure
                                    that a majority of the
                                    appointed members of the Board
                                    have actual experience in
                                    agriculture or agricultural
                                    research and, to the extent
                                    practicable, represent diverse
                                    sectors of agriculture.
                                      (II) Limitation.--No employee
                                    of the Federal Government may
                                    serve as an appointed member of
                                    the Board under this
                                    subparagraph.
                                      (III) Not federal
                                    employment.--Appointment to the
                                    Board under this subparagraph
                                    shall not constitute Federal
                                    employment.
                              (iii) Authority.--All appointed
                            members of the Board shall be voting
                            members.
                      (D) Chair.--The Board shall, from among the
                    members of the Board, designate an individual
                    to serve as Chair of the Board.
              (3) Initial meeting.--Not later than 60 days after
            the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
            convene a meeting of the ex-officio members of the
            Board--
                      (A) to incorporate the Foundation; and
                      (B) to appoint the members of the Board in
                    accordance with paragraph (2)(C)(i).
              (4) Duties.--
                      (A) In general.--The Board shall--
                              (i) establish bylaws for the
                            Foundation that, at a minimum,
                            include--
                                      (I) policies for the
                                    selection of future Board
                                    members, officers, employees,
                                    agents, and contractors of the
                                    Foundation;
                                      (II) policies, including
                                    ethical standards, for--
                                              (aa) the acceptance,
                                            solicitation, and
                                            disposition of
                                            donations and grants to
                                            the Foundation; and
                                              (bb) the disposition
                                            of assets of the
                                            Foundation, including
                                            appropriate limits on
                                            the ability of donors
                                            to designate, by
                                            stipulation or
                                            restriction, the use or
                                            recipient of donated
                                            funds;
                                      (III) policies that would
                                    subject all employees, fellows,
                                    trainees, and other agents of
                                    the Foundation (including
                                    members of the Board) to
                                    conflict of interest standards
                                    in the same manner as Federal
                                    employees are subject to the
                                    conflict of interest standards
                                    under section 208 of title 18,
                                    United States Code;
                                      (IV) policies for writing,
                                    editing, printing, publishing,
                                    and vending of books and other
                                    materials;
                                      (V) policies for the conduct
                                    of the general operations of
                                    the Foundation, including a cap
                                    on administrative expenses for
                                    recipients of a grant,
                                    contract, or cooperative
                                    agreement from the Foundation;
                                    and
                                      (VI) specific duties for the
                                    Executive Director;
                              (ii) prioritize and provide overall
                            direction for the activities of the
                            Foundation;
                              (iii) evaluate the performance of the
                            Executive Director;
                              (iv) actively solicit and accept
                            funds, gifts, grants, devises, or
                            bequests of real or personal property
                            made to the Foundation, including from
                            private entities; and
                              (v) carry out any other necessary
                            activities regarding the Foundation.
                      (B) Establishment of bylaws.--In establishing
                    bylaws under subparagraph (A)(i), the Board
                    shall ensure that the bylaws do not--
                              (i) reflect unfavorably on the
                            ability of the Foundation to carry out
                            the duties of the Foundation in a fair
                            and objective manner; or
                              (ii) compromise, or appear to
                            compromise, the integrity of any
                            governmental agency or program, or any
                            officer or employee employed by, or
                            involved in, a governmental agency or
                            program.
              (5) Terms and vacancies.--
                      (A) Terms.--
                              (i) In general.--The term of each
                            member of the Board appointed under
                            paragraph (2)(C) shall be 5 years,
                            except that of the members initially
                            appointed, 8 of the members shall each
                            be appointed for a term of 3 years and
                            7 of the members shall each be
                            appointed for a term of 2 years.
                              (ii) Partial terms.--If a member of
                            the Board does not serve the full term
                            applicable under clause (i), the
                            individual appointed to fill the
                            resulting vacancy shall be appointed
                            for the remainder of the term of the
                            predecessor of the individual.
                              (iii) Transition.--A member of the
                            Board may continue to serve after the
                            expiration of the term of the member
                            until a successor is appointed.
                      (B) Vacancies.--After the initial appointment
                    of the members of the Board under paragraph
                    (2)(C), any vacancy in the membership of the
                    Board shall be filled as provided in the bylaws
                    established under paragraph (4)(A)(i).
              (6) Compensation.--Members of the Board may not
            receive compensation for service on the Board but may
            be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other
            necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the duties
            of the Board.
              (7) Meetings and quorum.--A majority of the members
            of the Board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of
            conducting the business of the Board.
      (f) Administration.--
              (1) Executive director.--
                      (A) In general.--The Board shall hire an
                    Executive Director who shall carry out such
                    duties and responsibilities as the Board may
                    prescribe.
                      (B) Service.--The Executive Director shall
                    serve at the pleasure of the Board.
              (2) Administrative powers.--
                      (A) In general.--In carrying out this
                    section, the Board, acting through the
                    Executive Director, may--
                              (i) adopt, alter, and use a corporate
                            seal, which shall be judicially
                            noticed;
                              (ii) hire, promote, compensate, and
                            discharge 1 or more officers,
                            employees, and agents, as may be
                            necessary, and define the duties of the
                            officers, employees, and agents;
                              (iii) solicit and accept funds,
                            gifts, grants, devises, or bequests of
                            real or personal property made to the
                            Foundation, including such support from
                            private entities;
                              (iv) prescribe the manner in which--
                                      (I) real or personal property
                                    of the Foundation is acquired,
                                    held, and transferred;
                                      (II) general operations of
                                    the Foundation are to be
                                    conducted; and
                                      (III) the privileges granted
                                    to the Board by law are
                                    exercised and enjoyed;
                              (v) with the consent of the
                            applicable executive department or
                            independent agency, use the
                            information, services, and facilities
                            of the department or agency in carrying
                            out this section on a reimbursable
                            basis;
                              (vi) enter into contracts with public
                            and private organizations for the
                            writing, editing, printing, and
                            publishing of books and other material;
                              (vii) hold, administer, invest, and
                            spend any funds, gifts, grant, devise,
                            or bequest of real or personal property
                            made to the Foundation;
                              (viii) enter into such contracts,
                            leases, cooperative agreements, and
                            other transactions as the Board
                            considers appropriate to conduct the
                            activities of the Foundation;
                              (ix) modify or consent to the
                            modification of any contract or
                            agreement to which the Foundation is a
                            party or in which the Foundation has an
                            interest;
                              (x) take such action as may be
                            necessary to obtain and maintain
                            patents for and to license inventions
                            (as defined in section 201 of title 35,
                            United States Code) developed by the
                            Foundation, employees of the
                            Foundation, or derived from the
                            collaborative efforts of the
                            Foundation;
                              (xi) sue and be sued in the corporate
                            name of the Foundation, and complain
                            and defend in courts of competent
                            jurisdiction;
                              (xii) appoint other groups of
                            advisors as may be determined necessary
                            to carry out the functions of the
                            Foundation; and
                              (xiii) exercise such other incidental
                            powers as are necessary to carry out
                            the duties and functions of the
                            Foundation in accordance with this
                            section.
                      (B) Limitation.--No appointed member of the
                    Board or officer or employee of the Foundation
                    or of any program established by the Foundation
                    (other than ex-officio members of the Board)
                    shall exercise administrative control over any
                    Federal employee.
              (3) Records.--
                      (A) Audits.--The Foundation shall--
                              (i) provide for annual audits of the
                            financial condition of the Foundation;
                            and
                              (ii) make the audits, and all other
                            records, documents, and other papers of
                            the Foundation, available to the
                            Secretary and the Comptroller General
                            of the United States for examination or
                            audit.
                      (B) Reports.--
                              (i) Annual report on foundation.--
                                      (I) In general.--Not later
                                    than 5 months following the end
                                    of each fiscal year, the
                                    Foundation shall publish [and
                                    post online] online 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
                                    for the preceding fiscal year
                                    that includes--
                                              (aa) a description of
                                            Foundation activities,
                                            including
                                            accomplishments and how
                                            those activities align
                                            to the challenges
                                            identified in the
                                            strategic plan under
                                            clause (iv);
                                              (bb) a comprehensive
                                            statement of the
                                            operations and
                                            financial condition of
                                            the Foundation; [and]
                                              (cc) a description of
                                            available agricultural
                                            research programs and
                                            priorities for the
                                            upcoming fiscal
                                            year[.];
                                              (dd) the source and a
                                            description of all
                                            gifts to the Foundation
                                            of real or personal
                                            property;
                                              (ee) the source and
                                            amount of each gift to
                                            the Foundation of
                                            money, including a
                                            specification of any
                                            restrictions on the
                                            purposes for which a
                                            gift to the Foundation
                                            may be used;
                                              (ff) the source and
                                            amount of any Federal
                                            or State grant,
                                            contract, or
                                            cooperative agreement
                                            awarded to the
                                            Foundation;
                                              (gg) an accounting of
                                            the use of funds made
                                            available under
                                            subsection (g)(1);
                                              (hh) a description of
                                            the Foundation's
                                            outreach activities to
                                            agricultural
                                            stakeholders and
                                            potential research
                                            partners; and
                                              (ii) a description of
                                            the Foundation's
                                            consultation process
                                            with the Department
                                            under subsection
                                            (d)(1)(B).
                                      [(II) Financial condition.--
                                    Each report under subclause (I)
                                    shall include a description of
                                    all gifts, grants, devises, or
                                    bequests to the Foundation of
                                    real or personal property or
                                    money, which shall include--
                                              [(aa) the source of
                                            the gifts, grants,
                                            devises, or bequests;
                                            and
                                              [(bb) any
                                            restrictions on the
                                            purposes for which the
                                            gift, grant, devise, or
                                            bequest may be used.
                                      [(III) Availability.--The
                                    Foundation shall--
                                              [(aa) make copies of
                                            each report submitted
                                            under subclause (I)
                                            available for public
                                            inspection; and
                                              [(bb) on request,
                                            provide a copy of the
                                            report to any
                                            individual.]
                                      [(IV)] (II) Public meeting.--
                                    The Board shall hold an annual
                                    public meeting to summarize the
                                    activities of the Foundation.
                              (ii) Grant reporting.--Any recipient
                            of a grant under subsection (d)(1)(A)
                            shall provide the Foundation with a
                            report at the conclusion of any
                            research or studies conducted that
                            describes the results of the research
                            or studies, including any data
                            generated.
                              (iii) Stakeholder notice.--The
                            Foundation shall publish an annual
                            notice with a description of
                            agricultural research priorities under
                            this section for the upcoming fiscal
                            year, including--
                                      (I) a schedule for funding
                                    competitions;
                                      (II) a discussion of how
                                    applications for funding will
                                    be evaluated; and
                                      (III) how the Foundation will
                                    communicate information about
                                    funded awards to the public to
                                    ensure that grantees and
                                    partners understand the
                                    objectives of the Foundation.
                              (iv) Strategic plan.--Not later than
                            1 year after the date of enactment of
                            the Agriculture Improvement Act of
                            2018, the Foundation shall submit to
                            the Committee on Agriculture of the
                            House of Representatives and the
                            Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
                            and Forestry of the Senate a strategic
                            plan describing a path for the
                            Foundation to become self-sustaining,
                            including--
                                      (I) a forecast of major
                                    agricultural challenge
                                    opportunities identified by the
                                    scientific advisory councils of
                                    the Foundation and approved by
                                    the Board, including short- and
                                    long-term objectives;
                                      (II) an overview of the
                                    efforts that the Foundation
                                    will take to be transparent in
                                    each of the processes of the
                                    Foundation, including--
                                              (aa) processes
                                            relating to grant
                                            awards, including the
                                            selection, review, and
                                            notification processes;
                                              (bb) communication of
                                            past, current, and
                                            future research
                                            priorities; and
                                              (cc) plans to solicit
                                            and respond to public
                                            input on the
                                            opportunities
                                            identified in the
                                            strategic plan;
                                      (III) a description of
                                    financial goals and benchmarks
                                    for the next 10 years,
                                    including a detailed plan for--
                                              (aa) raising funds in
                                            amounts greater than
                                            the amounts required
                                            under subsection
                                            (g)(1)(B);
                                              (bb) soliciting
                                            additional resources
                                            pursuant to subsections
                                            (e)(4)(A)(iv) and
                                            (f)(2)(A)(iii); and
                                              (cc) managing and
                                            leveraging such
                                            resources pursuant to
                                            subsection
                                            (f)(2)(A)(vii); and
                                      (IV) other related issues, as
                                    determined by the Board.
              (4) Integrity.--
                      (A) In general.--To ensure integrity in the
                    operations of the Foundation, the Board shall
                    develop and enforce procedures relating to
                    standards of conduct, financial disclosure
                    statements, conflicts of interest (including
                    recusal and waiver rules), audits, and any
                    other matters determined appropriate by the
                    Board.
                      (B) Financial conflicts of interest.--Any
                    individual who is an officer, employee, or
                    member of the Board is prohibited from any
                    participation in deliberations by the
                    Foundation of a matter that would directly or
                    predictably affect any financial interest of--
                              (i) the individual;
                              (ii) a relative (as defined in
                            section 13101 of title 5, United States
                            Code) of that individual; or
                              (iii) a business organization or
                            other entity in which the individual
                            has an interest, including an
                            organization or other entity with which
                            the individual is negotiating
                            employment.
              (5) Intellectual property.--The Board shall adopt
            written standards to govern the ownership and licensing
            of any intellectual property rights derived from the
            collaborative efforts of the Foundation.
              (6) Liability.--The United States shall not be liable
            for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the
            Foundation nor shall the full faith and credit of the
            United States extend to any obligations of the
            Foundation.
      (g) Funds.--
              (1) Funding.--
                      (A) In general.--
                              (i) Establishment funding.--On the
                            date of the enactment of this Act, of
                            the funds of the Commodity Credit
                            Corporation, the Secretary shall
                            transfer to the Foundation to carry out
                            this section $200,000,000, to remain
                            available until expended under the
                            conditions described in subparagraph
                            (B).
                              (ii) Enhanced funding.--On the date
                            on which the strategic plan described
                            in subsection (f)(3)(B)(iv) is
                            submitted, of the funds of the
                            Commodity Credit Corporation, the
                            Secretary shall transfer to the
                            Foundation to carry out this section
                            $185,000,000, to remain available until
                            expended.
                              (iii) Additional funding.--Not later
                            than 30 days after the date of
                            enactment of this clause, of the funds
                            of the Commodity Credit Corporation,
                            the Secretary shall transfer to the
                            Foundation to carry out this section
                            $37,000,000, to remain available until
                            expended.
                              (iv) Further funding.--Not later than
                            30 days after the date of enactment of
                            this clause, of the funds of the
                            Commodity Credit Corporation, the
                            Secretary shall transfer to the
                            Foundation to carry out this section
                            $37,000,000, to remain available until
                            expended.
                      (B) Conditions on expenditure.--
                              (i) In general.--The Foundation may
                            use the funds made available under
                            subparagraph (A) to carry out the
                            purposes,duties, and powers of the
                            Foundation only to the extent that the
                            Foundation secures an equal amount of
                            matchingfunds from a non-Federal
                            source, including an
                            agriculturalcommodity promotion,
                            research, andinformation program.
                              (ii) Effect.--Nothing in this section
                            requires the Foundation to require a
                            matching contribution from an
                            individual grantee as a condition of
                            receiving a grant under this section.
                      (C) Prohibition on construction.--None of the
                    funds made available under subparagraph (A) may
                    be used for construction.
              (2) Separation of funds.--The Executive Director
            shall ensure that any funds received under paragraph
            (1) are held in separate accounts from funds received
            from nongovernmental entities as described in
            subsection (f)(2)(A)(iii).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 8206. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Authorized restoration services.--The term
            ``authorized restoration services'' means similar and
            complementary forest, rangeland, and watershed
            restoration services carried out--
                      (A) on Federal land, non-Federal land, and
                    land owned by an Indian tribe; and
                      (B) by either the Secretary or a Governor,
                    Indian Tribe, special district, or county, as
                    applicable, pursuant to a good neighbor
                    agreement.
              (2) County.--The term ``county'' means--
                      (A) the appropriate executive official of an
                    affected county; or
                      (B) in any case in which multiple counties
                    are affected, the appropriate executive
                    official of a compact of the affected counties.
              (3) Federal land.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``Federal land''
                    means land that is--
                              (i) National Forest System land; or
                              (ii) public land (as defined in
                            section 103 of the Federal Land Policy
                            and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
                            1702)); or
                              (iii) National Park System land; or
                              (iv) National Wildlife Refuge Land.
                      (B) Exclusions.--The term ``Federal land''
                    does not include--
                              (i) a component of the National
                            Wilderness Preservation System;
                              (ii) Federal land on which the
                            removal of vegetation is prohibited or
                            restricted by Act of Congress or
                            Presidential proclamation (including
                            the applicable implementation plan); or
                              (iii) a wilderness study area.
              (4) Forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration
            services.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``forest,
                    rangeland, and watershed restoration services''
                    means--
                              (i) activities to treat insect- and
                            disease-infected trees;
                              (ii) activities to reduce hazardous
                            fuels; and
                              (iii) any other activities to restore
                            or improve forest, rangeland, and
                            watershed health, including fish and
                            wildlife habitat.
                      (B) Exclusions.--The term ``forest,
                    rangeland, and watershed restoration services''
                    does not include--
                              (i) construction, reconstruction,
                            repair, or restoration of paved or
                            permanent roads or parking areas, other
                            than the reconstruction, repair, or
                            restoration of a National Forest
                            System, Bureau of Land Management,
                            National ParkService, or National
                            Wildlife Refuge managed road that is--
                                      (I) necessary to carry out
                                    authorized restoration services
                                    pursuant to a good neighbor
                                    agreement; and
                                      (II) in the case of a
                                    National Forest System road
                                    that is determined to be
                                    unneeded in accordance with
                                    section 212.5(b)(2) of title
                                    36, Code of Federal Regulations
                                    (as in effect on the date of
                                    enactment of the Wildfire
                                    SuppressionFunding and Forest
                                    Management Activities Act),
                                    decommissioned in accordance
                                    with subparagraph (A)(iii)--
                                              (aa) in a manner that
                                            is consistent with the
                                            applicable travel
                                            management plan; and
                                              (bb) not later than 3
                                            years after the date on
                                            which the applicable
                                            authorized restoration
                                            services project is
                                            completed; or
                              (ii) construction, alteration, repair
                            or replacement of public buildings or
                            works.
              (5) Good neighbor agreement.--The term ``good
            neighbor agreement'' means a cooperative agreement or
            contract (including a sole source contract) entered
            into between the Secretary and a Governor, Indian
            Tribe, special district, or county, as applicable, to
            carry out authorized restoration services under this
            section.
              (6) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the
            Governor or any other appropriate executive official of
            an affected State [or Indian tribe] or the Commonwealth
            of Puerto Rico.
              (7) 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.
            5304).
              (8) National forest system road.--The term ``National
            Forest System road'' has the meaning given the term in
            section 212.1 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations
            (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Wildfire
            Suppression Fundingand Forest Management Activities
            Act).
              (9) Road.--The term ``road'' has the meaning given
            the term in section 212.1 of title 36, Code of Federal
            Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of
            this Act).
              (10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
                      (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with
                    respect to National Forest System land; and
                      (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with
                    respect to Bureau of Land Management land.
              (11) Special district.--The term ``special district''
            means a political subdivision of a State that--
                      (A) has significant budgetary autonomy or
                    control;
                      (B) was created by or pursuant to the laws of
                    the State for the purpose of performing a
                    limited and specific governmental or
                    proprietary function; and
                      (C) is distinct from any other local
                    government unit within the State.
      (b) Good Neighbor Agreements.--
              (1) Good neighbor agreements.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into
                    a good neighbor agreement with a Governor,
                    Indian Tribe, special district, or county to
                    carry out authorized restoration services in
                    accordance with this section.
                      (B) Public availability.--The Secretary shall
                    make each good neighbor agreement available to
                    the public.
              (2) Timber sales.--
                      (A) In general.--Subsections (d) and (g) of
                    section 14 of the National Forest Management
                    Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a(d) and (g)) shall
                    not apply to services performed under a good
                    neighbor agreement.
                      (B) Approval of silviculture prescriptions
                    and marking guides.--The Secretary shall
                    provide or approve all silviculture
                    prescriptions and marking guides to be applied
                    on Federal land in all timber sale projects
                    conducted under this section.
                      (C) Treatment of revenue.--
                              (i) In general.--Funds received from
                            the sale of timber by a Governor,
                            Indian Tribe, special district, or
                            county under a good neighbor agreement
                            shall be retained and used by the
                            Governor, Indian Tribe, special
                            district, or county, as applicable--
                                      (I) to carry out authorized
                                    restoration services [on] under
                                    the good neighbor agreement[;
                                    and];
                                      (II) if there are funds
                                    remaining after carrying out
                                    clause (i), to carry out--
                                              (aa) authorized
                                            restoration services
                                            under other good
                                            neighbor agreements; or
                                              (bb) authorized
                                            recreation services
                                            under the Good Neighbor
                                            Authority for
                                            Recreation Act[.];
                                      (III) to construct new
                                    permanent roads on Federal
                                    lands that are--
                                              (aa) necessary to
                                            implement authorized
                                            restoration activities;
                                            and
                                              (bb) approved by the
                                            Federal agency through
                                            environmental analysis
                                            or categorical
                                            exclusion decision;
                                      (IV) to complete new
                                    permanent road construction to
                                    replace and decommission an
                                    existing permanent road that is
                                    adversely impacting forest,
                                    rangeland, or watershed health;
                                    and
                                      (V) if there are funds
                                    remaining after carrying out
                                    subclauses (I) through (IV), to
                                    carry out authorized
                                    restoration services under
                                    other good neighbor agreements
                                    and for the administration of a
                                    good neighbor authority program
                                    by a Governor, Indian Tribe,
                                    special district, or county.
                              (ii) Termination of effectiveness.--
                            The authority provided under this
                            subparagraph terminates effective
                            October 1, [2028] 2030.
              (3) 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 authorized restoration services to be
            provided under this section on Federal land shall not
            be delegated to a Governor, Indian Tribe, special
            district, or county.
              [(4) Receipts.--Notwithstanding any other provision
            of law, any payment made by a county to the Secretary
            under a project conducted under a good neighbor
            agreement shall not be considered to be monies received
            from National Forest System, Bureau of Land Management,
            National ParkSystem, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
            land, as applicable.]

                      Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Provisions

    SEC. 8302. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN [ACES]  EXPERIENCED SERVICES
                        PROGRAM.

      [(a) In General.--]The Secretary, acting through the Chief of
    the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-
    related programs executed on National Forest System land 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,
    professional, or administrative services for conservation-
    related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary
    on National Forest System land.
      [(b) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided to
    the Secretary to carry out this section terminates effective
    October 1, 2023.]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12306. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

      (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make
    competitive 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
    competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal
    government, or research institution shall include--
              (1) a description of the activities to be supported
            using the grant funds;
              (2) a description of the benefits that the State,
            tribal government, or research institution 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,
            tribal government, or research institution 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) Consultations.--
              (1) In general.--Beginning with the first request for
            applications under this section that occurs at least 1
            year after the date of enactment of this Act, not later
            than 6 months before such a request for applications,
            the Secretary shall solicit input from maple syrup
            industry stakeholders with respect to the research and
            education priorities of the maple syrup industry.
              (2) Consideration.--The Secretary shall consider the
            information provided through the consultation required
            under paragraph (1) when making grants under this
            section.
      [(e)] (f) Regulations.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
    promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this
    section.
      [(f)] (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
    $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

             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) 18.00 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the
            2008 crop year;
              (2) 18.25 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the
            2009 crop year;
              (3) 18.50 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the
            2010 crop year;
              (4) 18.75 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for each
            of the 2011 through 2018 crop years;
              (5) 19.75 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for each
            of the 2019 through 2024 crop years; and
              (6) 24.00 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for each
            of the 2025 through 2031 crop years.
      (b) Sugar Beets.--The Secretary shall make loans available to
    processors of domestically grown sugar beets at a rate equal
    to--
              (1) 22.9 cents per pound for refined beet sugar for
            the 2008 crop year;
              (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 2024 crop years; and
              (3) a rate that is equal to 136.55 percent of the
            loan rate per pound of raw cane sugar under subsection
            (a)(6) for each of the 2025 through 2031 crop years.
      (c) Term of Loans.--
              (1) In general.--A loan under this section during any
            fiscal year shall be made available not earlier than
            the beginning of the fiscal year and shall mature at
            the earlier of--
                      (A) the end of the 9-month period beginning
                    on the first day of the first month after the
                    month in which the loan is made; or
                      (B) the end of the fiscal year in which the
                    loan is made.
              (2) Supplemental loans.--In the case of a loan made
            under this section in the last 3 months of a fiscal
            year, the processor may repledge the sugar as
            collateral for a second loan in the subsequent fiscal
            year, except that the second loan shall--
                      (A) be made at the loan rate in effect at the
                    time the first loan was made; and
                      (B) mature in 9 months less the quantity of
                    time that the first loan was in effect.
      (d) Loan Type; Processor Assurances.--
              (1) Nonrecourse loans.--The Secretary shall carry out
            this section through the use of nonrecourse loans.
              (2) Processor assurances.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall obtain
                    from each processor that receives a loan under
                    this section such assurances as the Secretary
                    considers adequate to ensure that the processor
                    will provide payments to producers that are
                    proportional to the value of the loan received
                    by the processor for the sugar beets and
                    sugarcane delivered by producers to the
                    processor.
                      (B) Minimum payments.--
                              (i) In general.--Subject to clause
                            (ii), the Secretary may establish
                            appropriate minimum payments for
                            purposes of this paragraph.
                              (ii) Limitation.--In the case of
                            sugar beets, the minimum payment
                            established under clause (i) shall not
                            exceed the rate of payment provided for
                            under the applicable contract between a
                            sugar beet producer and a sugar beet
                            processor.
              (3) Administration.--The Secretary may not impose or
            enforce any prenotification requirement, or similar
            administrative requirement not otherwise in effect on
            May 13, 2002, that has the effect of preventing a
            processor from electing to forfeit the loan collateral
            (of an acceptable grade and quality) on the maturity of
            the loan.
              (4) Effect of lapse in appropriations.--The servicing
            of a loan under this section by an officer or employee
            of the Department shall be deemed, for purposes of
            section 1342 of title 31, services for emergencies
            involving the safety of human life or the protection of
            property.
      (e) Loans for In-Process Sugar.--
              (1) Definition of in-process sugars and syrups.--In
            this subsection, the term ``in-process sugars and
            syrups'' does not include raw sugar, liquid sugar,
            invert sugar, invert syrup, or other finished product
            that is otherwise eligible for a loan under subsection
            (a) or (b).
              (2) Availability.--The Secretary shall make
            nonrecourse loans available to processors of a crop of
            domestically grown sugarcane and sugar beets for in-
            process sugars and syrups derived from the crop.
              (3) Loan rate.--The loan rate shall be equal to 80
            percent of the loan rate applicable to raw cane sugar
            or refined beet sugar, as determined by the Secretary
            on the basis of the source material for the in-process
            sugars and syrups.
              (4) Further processing on forfeiture.--
                      (A) In general.--As a condition of the
                    forfeiture of in-process sugars and syrups
                    serving as collateral for a loan under
                    paragraph (2), the processor shall, within such
                    reasonable time period as the Secretary may
                    prescribe and at no cost to the Commodity
                    Credit Corporation, convert the in-process
                    sugars and syrups into raw cane sugar or
                    refined beet sugar of acceptable grade and
                    quality for sugars eligible for loans under
                    subsection (a) or (b).
                      (B) Transfer to corporation.--Once the in-
                    process sugars and syrups are fully processed
                    into raw cane sugar or refined beet sugar, the
                    processor shall transfer the sugar to the
                    Commodity Credit Corporation.
                      (C) Payment to processor.--On transfer of the
                    sugar, the Secretary shall make a payment to
                    the processor in an amount equal to the amount
                    obtained by multiplying--
                              (i) the difference between--
                                      (I) the loan rate for raw
                                    cane sugar or refined beet
                                    sugar, as appropriate; and
                                      (II) the loan rate the
                                    processor received under
                                    paragraph (3); by
                              (ii) the quantity of sugar
                            transferred to the Secretary.
              (5) Loan conversion.--If the processor does not
            forfeit the collateral as described in paragraph (4),
            but instead further processes the in-process sugars and
            syrups into raw cane sugar or refined beet sugar and
            repays the loan on the in-process sugars and syrups,
            the processor may obtain a loan under subsection (a) or
            (b) for the raw cane sugar or refined beet sugar, as
            appropriate.
              (6) Term of loan.--The term of a loan made under this
            subsection for a quantity of in-process sugars and
            syrups, when combined with the term of a loan made with
            respect to the raw cane sugar or refined beet sugar
            derived from the in-process sugars and syrups, may not
            exceed 9 months, consistent with subsection (c).
      (f) Avoiding Forfeitures; Corporation Inventory
    Disposition.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (d)(3), to the
            maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall operate
            the program established under this section at no cost
            to the Federal Government by avoiding the forfeiture of
            sugar to the Commodity Credit Corporation.
              (2) Inventory disposition.--
                      (A) In general.--To carry out paragraph (1),
                    the Commodity Credit Corporation may accept
                    bids to obtain raw cane sugar or refined beet
                    sugar in the inventory of the Commodity Credit
                    Corporation from (or otherwise make available
                    such commodities, on appropriate terms and
                    conditions, to) processors of sugarcane and
                    processors of sugar beets (acting in
                    conjunction with the producers of the sugarcane
                    or sugar beets processed by the processors) in
                    return for the reduction of production of raw
                    cane sugar or refined beet sugar, as
                    appropriate.
                      (B) Bioenergy feedstock.--If a reduction in
                    the quantity of production accepted under
                    subparagraph (A) involves sugar beets or
                    sugarcane that has already been planted, the
                    sugar beets or sugarcane so planted may not be
                    used for any commercial purpose other than as a
                    bioenergy feedstock.
                      (C) Additional authority.--The authority
                    provided under this paragraph is in addition to
                    any authority of the Commodity Credit
                    Corporation under any other law.
      (g) Information Reporting.--
              (1) Duty of processors and refiners to report.--A
            sugarcane processor, cane sugar refiner, and sugar beet
            processor shall furnish the Secretary, on a monthly
            basis, such information as the Secretary may require to
            administer sugar programs, including the quantity of
            purchases of sugarcane, sugar beets, and sugar, and
            production, importation, distribution, and stock levels
            of sugar.
              (2) Duty of producers to report.--
                      (A) Proportionate share states.--As a
                    condition of a loan made to a processor for the
                    benefit of a producer, the Secretary shall
                    require each producer of sugarcane located in a
                    State (other than the Commonwealth of Puerto
                    Rico) in which there are in excess of 250
                    producers of sugarcane to report, in the manner
                    prescribed by the Secretary, the sugarcane
                    yields and acres planted to sugarcane of the
                    producer.
                      (B) Other states.--The Secretary may require
                    each producer of sugarcane or sugar beets not
                    covered by subparagraph (A) to report, in a
                    manner prescribed by the Secretary, the yields
                    of, and acres planted to, sugarcane or sugar
                    beets, respectively, of the producer.
              (3) Duty of importers to report.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require
                    an importer of sugars, syrups, or molasses to
                    be used for human consumption or to be used for
                    the extraction of sugar for human consumption
                    to report, in the manner prescribed by the
                    Secretary, the quantities of the products
                    imported by the importer and the sugar content
                    or equivalent of the products.
                      (B) Tariff-rate quotas.--Subparagraph (A)
                    shall not apply to sugars, syrups, or molasses
                    that are within the quantities of tariff-rate
                    quotas that are subject to the lower rate of
                    duties.
              (4) Collection of information on mexico.--
                      (A) Collection.--The Secretary shall
                    collect--
                              (i) information on the production,
                            consumption, stocks, and trade of sugar
                            in Mexico, including United States
                            exports of sugar to Mexico; and
                              (ii) publicly available information
                            on Mexican production, consumption, and
                            trade of high fructose corn syrups.
                      (B) Publication.--The data collected under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be published in each
                    edition of the World Agricultural Supply and
                    Demand Estimates.
              (5) Penalty.--Any person willfully failing or
            refusing to furnish the information required to be
            reported by paragraph (1), (2), or (3), or furnishing
            willfully false information, shall be subject to a
            civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each such
            violation.
              (6) Monthly reports.--Taking into consideration the
            information received under this subsection, the
            Secretary shall publish on a monthly basis composite
            data on production, imports, distribution, and stock
            levels of sugar.
      (h) Substitution of Refined Sugar.--For purposes of
    Additional U.S. Note 6 to chapter 17 of the Harmonized Tariff
    Schedule of the United States and the reexport programs and
    polyhydric alcohol program administered by the Secretary, all
    refined sugars (whether derived from sugar beets or sugarcane)
    produced by cane sugar refineries and beet sugar processors
    shall be fully substitutable for the export of sugar and sugar-
    containing products under those programs.
      (i) Effective Period.--This section shall be effective only
    for the 2008 through 2031 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle H--Miscellaneous Commodity Provisions

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 196A. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a framework to
    provide direct assistance to producers of specialty crops the
    production of which was impacted by an adverse event (including
    an economic crisis or market disruption), as determined by the
    Secretary, in accordance with this section.
      (b) Payment Calculation.--In determining a payment
    calculation for purposes of direct assistance to a producer of
    specialty crops under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
    calculate payments based on--
              (1) the producer's sales of specialty crops for a
            calendar year that precedes the year in which the
            adverse event described in such subsection occurred or
            the average of such sales over a set of consecutive
            calendar years that precedes the year in which such
            adverse event occurred, as determined by the Secretary;
            multiplied by
              (2) a payment factor the Secretary determines,
            subject to the availability of funds, to address losses
            of such specialty crops from such adverse event.
      (c) Special Rules.--Subject to subsection (d), in providing
    direct assistance pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall
    consider--
              (1) the higher value of specialty crops;
              (2) the greater input costs required to grow
            specialty crops; and
              (3) diverse types of legal entities and structures
            used by specialty crop producers.
      (d) Limitations.--
              (1) Total amount.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), the total amount of payments
                    received, directly or indirectly, by a person
                    or legal entity (except a qualified pass-
                    through entity) (as such terms are defined in
                    section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of
                    1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a))) for any crop year
                    under this section may not exceed the amount
                    specified in subsection (b) of section 1001 of
                    the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308),
                    as adjusted pursuant to subsection (i) of such
                    section 1001.
                      (B) Exception.--In the case of a person or
                    legal entity with an average gross income (as
                    calculated under section 1001D(b)(4)(B) of the
                    Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-
                    3a(b)(4)(B))) for which greater than or equal
                    to 75 percent of the average derives from
                    farming, ranching, or silviculture activities--
                              (i) subparagraph (A) shall not apply;
                            and
                              (ii) the total maximum amount of
                            payments received, directly or
                            indirectly, by such person or legal
                            entity for any crop year under this
                            section shall be set by the Secretary,
                            except such amount may not be less than
                            $900,000.
              (2) Notification of interests; eligibility;
            denials.--Sections 1001A(a), 1001B, and 1001C of the
            Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-1(a); 1308-2;
            1308-3) shall apply to a producer of a specialty crop
            under this section in the same manner as such sections
            apply to a person or legal entity with respect to a
            covered commodity, except to the extent such sections
            relate to the application of subsections (b) through
            (d) of section 1001A.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                           FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    TITLE X--GENERAL COMMODITY PROVISIONS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1001D. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.

      (a) Definitions.--
              (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 paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
            provide, by regulation, a method for determining the
            average adjusted gross 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 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 would have been declared
                    and reported had the persons filed 2 separate
                    returns; and
                      (B) the Secretary determines that the method
                    described in the statement is consistent with
                    the information supporting the filed joint tax
                    return.
      (b) Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs.--
              (1) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision
            of law, subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), 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 $900,000.
              (2) Covered benefits.--Paragraph (1) applies with
            respect to the following:
                      (A) A payment or benefit under subtitle A or
                    E of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
                      (B) A marketing loan gain or loan deficiency
                    payment under subtitle B of title I of the
                    Agricultural Act of 2014.
                      (C) Starting with fiscal year 2015, a payment
                    or benefit under title II of the Agriculture
                    Improvement Act of 2018, title II of the
                    Agricultural Act of 2014, title II of the Farm
                    Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002,
                    title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
                    Act of 2008, or title XII of the Food Security
                    Act of 1985.
                      (D) A payment or benefit under section 524(b)
                    of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
                    1524(b)).
                      (E) A payment or benefit under section 196 or
                    196A of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
                    Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333).
              (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the limitation
            established by paragraph (1) with respect to a payment
            pursuant to a covered benefit described in paragraph
            (2)(C), on a case-by-case basis, if the Secretary
            determines that environmentally sensitive land of
            special significance would be protected as a result of
            such waiver.
              (4) Exception for certain operations.--
                      (A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
                              (i) Excepted payment or benefit.--The
                            term ``excepted payment or benefit''
                            means--
                                      (I) a payment or benefit
                                    under subtitle E of title I of
                                    the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
                                    U.S.C. 9081 et seq.);
                                      (II) a payment or benefit
                                    under section 196 or 196A of
                                    the Federal Agriculture
                                    Improvement and Reform Act of
                                    1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333); and
                                      (III) a payment or benefit
                                    described in paragraph (2)(C)
                                    received on or after October 1,
                                    2024.
                              (ii) Farming, ranching, or
                            silviculture activities.--The term
                            ``farming, ranching, or silviculture
                            activities'' includes agri-tourism,
                            direct-to-consumer marketing of
                            agricultural products, the sale of
                            agricultural equipment owned by the
                            person or legal entity, and other
                            agriculture-related activities, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
                      (B) Exception.--In the case of an excepted
                    payment or benefit, the limitation established
                    by paragraph (1) shall not apply to a person or
                    legal entity during a crop, fiscal, or program
                    year, as appropriate, if greater than or equal
                    to 75 percent of the average gross income of
                    the person or legal entity derives from
                    farming, ranching, or silviculture activities.
              (5) Exception for compensation under acep.--For
            purposes of this subsection, the adjusted gross income
            of a person or legal entity that is a landowner of
            eligible land (as defined in section 1265A) shall not
            include any income received as compensation for the
            acquisition of an agricultural land easement or a
            wetland reserve easement on that eligible land under
            subtitle H of title XII.
      (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 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 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 subsection (b)(2) to the person or legal entity,
            under similar terms and conditions as described in
            section 1001B.
              (3) Audit.--The Secretary shall establish
            statistically valid procedures under which the
            Secretary shall conduct targeted audits of such persons
            or legal entities as the Secretary determines are most
            likely to exceed the limitations under subsection (b).
      (d) Commensurate Reduction.--In the case of a payment or
    benefit described in subsection (b)(2) made in a crop, program,
    or fiscal year, as appropriate, to an entity, 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 of each person who has an average adjusted gross
    income in excess of the applicable limitation specified in
    subsection (b).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                TITLE XI--TRADE

         Subtitle A--Public Law 480 and Use of Surplus Commodities in
    International Programs

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                               food for progress

      Sec. 1110. (a) This section may be cited as the ``Food for
    Progress Act of 1985''.
      (b) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Cooperative.--The term ``cooperative'' has the
            meaning given the term in section 402 of the Food for
            Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1732).
              (2) Corporation.--The term ``Corporation'' means the
            Commodity Credit Corporation.
              (3) Developing country.--The term ``developing
            country'' has the meaning given the term in section 402
            of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1732).
              (4) Eligible commodity.--The term ``eligible
            commodity'' means an agricultural commodity, or a
            product of an agricultural commodity, in inventories of
            the Corporation or acquired by the Secretary or the
            Corporation for disposition through commercial
            purchases under a program authorized under this
            section.
              (5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
            means--
                      (A) the government of an emerging
                    agricultural country;
                      (B) an intergovernmental organization;
                      (C) a private voluntary organization;
                      (D) a nonprofit agricultural organization or
                    cooperative;
                      (E) a nongovernmental organization;
                      (F) a college or university (as such terms
                    are defined in section 1404(4) of the Food and
                    Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(4)); and
                      (G) any other private entity.
              (6) Food security.--The term ``food security'' means
            access by all people at all times to sufficient food
            and nutrition for a healthy and productive life.
              (7) Nongovernmental organization.--The term
            ``nongovernmental organization'' has the meaning given
            the term in section 402 of the Food for Peace Act (7
            U.S.C. 1732).
              (8) Private voluntary organization.--The term
            ``private voluntary organization'' has the meaning
            given the term in section 402 of the Food for Peace Act
            (7 U.S.C. 1732).
              (9) Program.--The term ``program'' means a food
            assistance or development initiative proposed by an
            eligible entity and approved by the Secretary under
            this section.
              (10) Rate of return.--For purposes of applying
            subsection (j)(3), the rate of return for an eligible
            commodity shall be equal to the proportion that--
                      (A) the proceeds eligible entities generate
                    through monetization of such commodity, bears
                    to
                      (B) the cost to the Federal Government to
                    procure and ship the commodity to the country
                    where it is monetized.
              (11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
      (c) Program.--In order to use the food resources of the
    United States more effectively in support of developing
    countries, and countries that are emerging democracies that
    have made commitments to introduce or expand free enterprise
    elements in their agricultural economies through changes in
    commodity pricing, marketing, input availability, distribution,
    and private sector involvement, the Secretary shall [enter
    into] annually enter into two or more agreements with two or
    more eligible entities to furnish to the countries eligible
    commodities made available under subsections (e) and (f).
      (d) Consideration for Agreements.--In determining whether to
    enter into an agreement under this section, the Secretary shall
    consider whether a potential recipient country is committed to
    carry out, or is carrying out, policies that promote economic
    freedom, private, domestic production of eligible commodities
    for domestic consumption, and the creation and expansion of
    efficient domestic markets for the purchase and sale of such
    eligible commodities. Such policies may provide for, among
    other things--
              (1) access, on the part of farmers in the country, to
            private, competitive markets for their products;
              (2) market pricing of eligible commodities to foster
            adequate private sector incentives to individual
            farmers to produce food on a regular basis for the
            country's domestic needs;
              (3) establishment of market-determined foreign
            exchange rates;
              (4) timely availability of production inputs (such as
            seed, fertilizer, or pesticides) to farmers;
              (5) access to technologies appropriate to the level
            of agricultural development in the country; and
              (6) construction of facilities and distribution
            systems necessary to handle perishable products.
      (e) Funding of Eligible Commodities.--(1) The Corporation
    shall make available to the Secretary such eligible commodities
    as the Secretary may request for purposes of furnishing
    eligible commodities under this section.
      (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
    Corporation may use funds appropriated to carry out title I of
    the Food for Peace Act in carrying out this section with
    respect to eligible commodities made available under that Act,
    and subsection (g) does not apply to eligible commodities
    furnished on a grant basis or on credit terms under that title.
      (3) The Corporation may finance the sale and exportation of
    eligible commodities, made available under the Food for Peace
    Act, which are furnished under this section. Payment for
    eligible commodities made available under that Act which are
    purchased on credit terms under this section shall be on the
    same basis as the terms provided in section 106 of that Act.
      (4) In the case of eligible commodities made available under
    the Food for Peace Act for purposes of this section, section
    406 of that Act shall apply to eligible commodities furnished
    on a grant basis under this section and sections 402, 403(a),
    403(c), and 403(i) of that Act shall apply to all eligible
    commodities furnished under this section.
              (5) No effect on domestic programs.--The Secretary
            shall not make an eligible commodity available for
            disposition under this section in any amount that will
            reduce the amount of the eligible commodity that is
            traditionally made available through donations to
            domestic feeding programs or agencies, as determined by
            the Secretary.
      (f) Provision of Eligible Commodities to Developing
    Countries.--(1) The Corporation may provide for--
              (A) grants, or
              (B) sales on credit terms,
    of eligible commodities made available under section 416(b) of
    the Agricultural Act of 1949 for use in carrying out this
    section.
      (2) In carrying out section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of
    1949, the Corporation may purchase eligible commodities for use
    under this section if--
              (A) the Corporation does not hold stocks of such
            eligible commodities; or
              (B) Corporation stocks are insufficient to satisfy
            commitments made in agreements entered into under this
            section and such eligible commodities are needed to
            fulfill such commitments.
      (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 [2023] 2031 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.
      (4) The cost of eligible commodities made available under
    section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 which are
    furnished under this section, and the expenses incurred in
    connection with furnishing such eligible commodities, shall be
    in addition to the level of assistance programmed under the
    Food for Peace Act and may not be considered expenditures for
    international affairs and finance.
              (5) Sale procedure.--In making sales of eligible
            commodities under this section, the Secretary shall
            follow the sale procedure described in section 403(l)
            of the Food for Peace Act.
      (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 [2023] 2031.
      (h) Prohibition on Resale or Transshipment of Eligible
    Commodities.--An agreement entered into under this section
    shall prohibit the resale or transshipment of the eligible
    commodities provided under the agreement to other countries.
      (i) Displacement of United States Commercial Sales.--In
    entering into agreements under this section, the Secretary
    shall take reasonable steps to avoid displacement of any sales
    of United States commodities that would otherwise be made to
    such countries.
      (j) Multicountry or Multiyear Basis.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the
            Secretary, on request and subject to the availability
            of eligible commodities, is encouraged to approve
            agreements that provide for eligible commodities to be
            made available for distribution or sale by the
            recipient on a multicountry or multiyear basis if the
            agreements otherwise meet the requirements of this
            section.
              (2) Deadline for program announcements.--Before the
            beginning of any fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to
            the maximum extent practicable--
                      (A) make all determinations concerning
                    program agreements and resource requests for
                    programs under this section; and
                      (B) announce those determinations.
              (3) Report.--Not later than April 1 of each fiscal
            year, 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) a list of programs, countries, and eligible commodities,
    and the total amount of funds for transportation and
    administrative costs, approved during the prior fiscal year
    under this section;
                      (B) a description of the actual rate of
                    return for each commodity made available under
                    this section for the previous fiscal year
                    including--
                              (i) factors that influenced the rate
                            of return; and
                              (ii) with respect to the commodity,
                            the costs of bagging or further
                            processing, ocean transportation,
                            inland transportation, storage costs,
                            and any other information that the
                            Secretary determines to be necessary;
                            and
                      (C) for each instance in which a commodity
                    was made available under this section at a rate
                    of return less than 70 percent, an explanation
                    for the rate of return realized.
      (k) Effective and Termination Dates.--This section shall be
    effective during the period beginning October 1, 1985, and
    ending December 31, [2023] 2031.
      (l) Administrative Expenses.--(1) To enhance the development
    of private sector agriculture in countries receiving assistance
    under this section the Secretary may, in each of the fiscal
    years 1996 through [2023] 2031, 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.
      (2) To carry out this subsection, the Secretary may provide
    eligible commodities under agreements entered into under this
    section in a manner that uses the commodity transaction as a
    means of developing in the recipient countries a competitive
    private sector that can provide for the importation,
    transportation, storage, marketing and distribution of such
    eligible commodities.
      (3) The Secretary may use the assistance provided under this
    subsection and proceeds derived from the sale of eligible
    commodities under paragraph (2) to design, monitor, and
    administer activities undertaken with such assistance, for the
    purpose of strengthening or creating the capacity of recipient
    country private enterprises to undertake commercial
    transactions, with the overall goal of increasing potential
    markets for United States agricultural eligible commodities.
              (4)  [Humanitarian or development] Development
            purposes.--The Secretary may authorize the use of
            proceeds to pay the costs incurred by an eligible
            entity under this section for--
                      (A)(i) programs targeted at hunger and
                    malnutrition; or
                      (ii) development programs involving food
                    security;
                      (B) transportation, storage, and distribution
                    of eligible commodities provided under this
                    section; and
                      (C) administration, sales, monitoring, and
                    technical assistance.
      (m) Secretarial Approval.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall approve, as determined appropriate by the
    Secretary, agreements with agricultural trade organizations,
    intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary
    organizations, and cooperatives that provide for--
              (1) the sale of eligible commodities, including the
            marketing of these eligible commodities through the
            private sector; and
              (2) the use of the proceeds generated in the
            [humanitarian and] development programs of such
            agricultural trade organizations, intergovernmental
            organizations, private voluntary organizations, and
            cooperatives.
      (n) Program management.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure, to the
            maximum extent practicable, that each eligible entity
            participating in 1 or more programs under this
            section--
                      (A) uses eligible commodities made available
                    under this section--
                              (i) in an effective manner;
                              (ii) in the areas of greatest need;
                            and
                              (iii) in a manner that promotes the
                            purposes of this section;
                      (B) in using eligible commodities, assesses
                    and takes into account the needs of recipient
                    countries and the target populations of the
                    recipient countries;
                      (C) works with recipient countries, and
                    indigenous institutions or groups in recipient
                    countries, to design and carry out mutually
                    acceptable programs authorized under this
                    section; and
                      (D) monitors and reports on the distribution
                    or sale of eligible commodities provided under
                    this section using methods that, as determined
                    by the Secretary, facilitate accurate and
                    timely reporting.
              (2) Requirements.--
                      (A) In general.--Not later than 270 days
                    after the date of enactment of this paragraph,
                    the Secretary shall review and, as necessary,
                    make changes in regulations and internal
                    procedures designed to streamline, improve, and
                    clarify the application, approval, and
                    implementation processes pertaining to
                    agreements under this section.
                      (B) Considerations.--In conducting the
                    review, the Secretary shall consider--
                              (i) revising procedures for
                            submitting proposals;
                              (ii) developing criteria for program
                            approval that separately address the
                            objectives of the program;
                              (iii) pre-screening organizations and
                            proposals to ensure that the minimum
                            qualifications are met;
                              (iv) implementing e-government
                            initiatives and otherwise improving the
                            efficiency of the proposal submission
                            and approval processes;
                              (v) upgrading information management
                            systems;
                              (vi) improving commodity and
                            transportation procurement processes;
                            and
                              (vii) ensuring that evaluation and
                            monitoring methods are sufficient.
                      (C) Consultations.--Not later than 1 year
                    after the date of enactment of this paragraph,
                    the Secretary shall consult with the Committee
                    on Agriculture, and the [Committee on
                    International Relations] Committee on Foreign
                    Affairs, of the House of Representatives and
                    the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                    Forestry of the Senate on changes made in
                    regulations and procedures.
              (3) Reports.--Each eligible entity that enters into
            an agreement under this section shall submit to the
            Secretary, at such time as the Secretary may request, a
            report containing such information as the Secretary may
            request relating to the use of eligible commodities and
            funds furnished to the eligible entity under this
            section.
      (o) Private Voluntary Organizations and Other Private
    Entities.--In entering into agreements described in subsection
    (c), the Secretary--
              (1) shall enter into agreements with eligible
            entities described in subparagraphs (C) and (G) of
            subsection (b)(5); and
              (2) shall not discriminate against such eligible
            entities.
      (p) Pilot Agreements.--
              (1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019
            through 2023, subject to the availability of
            appropriations pursuant to the authorization in
            paragraph (3), the Secretary shall enter into 1 or more
            pilot agreements with 1 or more eligible entities
            through which the Secretary shall provide financial
            assistance to the eligible entities to carry out
            activities consistent with subsection (l)(4)(A).
              (2) Report required.--In each of fiscal years 2020
            through 2024, the Secretary shall submit to the
            Committee on Agriculture of the House of
            Representatives and Committee on Agriculture,
            Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
            describing, with respect to the previous fiscal year--
                      (A) the amount provided to eligible entities
                    under each pilot agreement pursuant to
                    paragraph (1) and how the funds were used;
                      (B) the activities carried out under each
                    pilot agreement;
                      (C) the number of direct and indirect
                    beneficiaries of those activities; and
                      (D) the effectiveness of the pilot
                    agreements, including as applicable the impact
                    on food security and agricultural productivity.
              (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out pilot
            agreements pursuant to this subsection $10,000,000 for
            each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                            TITLE XII--CONSERVATION

                            Subtitle A--Definitions

                                  definitions

      Sec. 1201. (a) For purposes of [subtitles A through I:]
    subtitles A through J:
              (1) The term ``agricultural commodity'' means--
                      (A) any agricultural commodity planted and
                    produced in a State by annual tilling of the
                    soil, including tilling by one-trip planters;
                    or
                      (B) sugarcane planted and produced in a
                    State.
              (2) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term
            ``beginning farmer or rancher'' has the meaning given
            the term in section 343(a)(8) of the Consolidated Farm
            and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(8)).
              (3) Conservation plan.--The term ``conservation
            plan'' means the document that--
                      (A) applies to highly erodible cropland;
                      (B) describes the conservation system
                    applicable to the highly erodible cropland and
                    describes the decisions of the person with
                    respect to location, land use, tillage systems,
                    and conservation treatment measures and
                    schedule; and
                      (C) is approved by the local soil
                    conservation district, in consultation with the
                    local committees established under section
                    8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic
                    Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5)) and the
                    Secretary, or by the Secretary.
              (4) Conservation system.--The term ``conservation
            system'' means a combination of 1 or more conservation
            measures or management practices that--
                      (A) are based on local resource conditions,
                    available conservation technology, and the
                    standards and guidelines contained in the
                    Natural Resources Conservation Service field
                    office technical guides; and
                      (B) are designed to achieve, in a cost
                    effective and technically practicable manner, a
                    substantial reduction in soil erosion or a
                    substantial improvement in soil conditions on a
                    field or group of fields containing highly
                    erodible cropland when compared to the level of
                    erosion or soil conditions that existed before
                    the application of the conservation measures
                    and management practices.
              (5) The term ``conservation district'' means any
            district or unit of State or local government formed
            under State or territorial law for the express purpose
            of developing and carrying out a local soil and water
            conservation program. Such district or unit of
            government may be referred to as a ``conservation
            district'', ``soil conservation district'', ``soil and
            water conservation district'', ``resource conservation
            district'', ``natural resource district'', ``land
            conservation committee'', or a similar name.
              (6) The term ``cost sharing payment'' means a payment
            made by the Secretary to an owner or operator of a farm
            or ranch containing highly erodible cropland under the
            provisions of section 1234 (b) of this Act.
              (7)(A) The term ``converted wetland'' means wetland
            that has been drained, dredged, filled, leveled, or
            otherwise manipulated (including any activity that
            results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation,
            or reach of water) for the purpose or to have the
            effect of making the production of an agricultural
            commodity possible if--
                      (i) such production would not have been
                    possible but for such action; and
                      (ii) before such action--
                              (I) such land was wetland; and
                              (II) such land was neither highly
                            erodible land nor highly erodible
                            cropland.
                      (B) Wetland shall not be considered converted
                    wetland if production of an agricultural
                    commodity on such land during a crop year--
                              (i) is possible as a result of a
                            natural condition, such as drought; and
                              (ii) is not assisted by an action of
                            the producer that destroys natural
                            wetland characteristics.
              (8) Farm.--The term ``farm'' means a farm that--
                      (A) is under the general control of one
                    operator;
                      (B) has one or more owners;
                      (C) consists of one or more tracts of land,
                    whether or not contiguous;
                      (D) is located within a county or region, as
                    determined by the Secretary; and
                      (E) may contain lands that are incidental to
                    the production of perennial crops, including
                    conserving uses, forestry, and livestock, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
              (9) Field.--The term ``field'' means a part of a farm
            that is separated from the balance of the farm by
            permanent boundaries such as fences, roads, permanent
            waterways, or other similar features. At the option of
            the owner or operator of the farm, croplines may also
            be used to delineate a field if farming practices make
            it probable that the croplines are not subject to
            change. Any highly erodible land on which an
            agricultural commodity is produced after December 23,
            1985, and that is not exempt under section 1212, shall
            be considered as part of the field in which the land
            was included on December 23, 1985, unless the owner and
            Secretary agree to modification of the boundaries of
            the field to carry out this title.
              (10) The term ``highly erodible cropland'' means
            highly erodible land that is in cropland use, as
            determined by the Secretary.
              (11)(A) The term ``highly erodible land'' means
            land--
                      (i) that is classified by the Soil
                    Conservation Service as class IV, VI, VII, or
                    VIII land under the land capability
                    classification system in effect on the date of
                    the enactment of this Act; or
                      (ii) that has, or that if used to produce an
                    agricultural commodity, would have an excessive
                    average annual rate of erosion in relation to
                    the soil loss tolerance level, as established
                    by the Secretary, and as determined by the
                    Secretary through application of factors from
                    the universal soil loss equation and the wind
                    erosion equation, including factors for
                    climate, soil erodibility, and field slope.
              (B) For purposes of this paragraph, the land
            capability class or rate of erosion for a field shall
            be that determined by the Secretary to be the
            predominant class or rate of erosion under regulations
            issued by the Secretary.
                      (C) Equations.--Not later than 60 days after
                    the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the
                    Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register
                    the universal soil loss equation and wind
                    erosion equation used by the Department of
                    Agriculture as of that date. The Secretary may
                    not change the equations after that date except
                    following notice and comment in a manner
                    consistent with section 553 of title 5, United
                    States Code.
              (12) The term ``hydric soil'' means soil that, in its
            undrained condition, is saturated, flooded, or ponded
            long enough during a growing season to develop an
            anaerobic condition that supports the growth and
            regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation.
              (13) The term ``hydrophytic vegetation'' means a
            plant growing in--
                      (A) water; or
                      (B) a substrate that is at least periodically
                    deficient in oxygen during a growing season as
                    a result of excessive water content.
              (14) Indian tribe.--The [term ``Indian tribe'' has
            the meaning given the term] terms ``Indian tribe'' and
            ``Indian Tribe'' have the meaning given those terms in
            section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and
            Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)).
              (15) The term ``in-kind commodities'' means
            commodities that are normally produced on land that is
            the subject of an agreement entered into under subtitle
            D.
              (16) Integrated pest management.--The term
            ``integrated pest management'' means a sustainable
            approach to managing pests by combining biological,
            cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that
            minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.
              (17) Livestock.--The term ``livestock'' means all
            animals raised on farms, as determined by the
            Secretary.
              (18) Nonindustrial private forest land.--The term
            ``nonindustrial private forest land'' means rural land,
            as determined by the Secretary, that--
                      (A) has existing tree cover or is suitable
                    for growing trees; and
                      (B) is owned by any nonindustrial private
                    individual, group, association, corporation,
                    Indian tribe, or other private legal entity
                    that has definitive decisionmaking authority
                    over the land.
              (19) Person and legal entity.--For purposes of
            applying payment limitations under subtitle D, the
            terms ``person'' and ``legal entity'' have the meanings
            given those terms in section 1001(a) of this Act (7
            U.S.C. 1308(a)).
              (20) Precision agriculture.--The term ``precision
            agriculture'' means managing, tracking, or reducing
            crop or livestock production inputs, including seed,
            feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time, at a
            heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity
            and biological targeting to improve efficiencies,
            reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.
              (21) Precision agriculture technology.--The term
            ``precision agriculture technology'' means any
            technology (including targeted inputs and the equipment
            that is necessary for the deployment of such
            technology) that directly contributes to a reduction
            in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or
            livestock production, including--
                      (A) Global Positioning System-based or
                    geospatial mapping technology;
                      (B) satellite or aerial imagery technology;
                      (C) yield monitors;
                      (D) soil mapping technology;
                      (E) sensors for gathering data on crop, soil,
                    or livestock conditions;
                      (F) Internet of Things and telematics
                    technologies;
                      (G) data management software and advanced
                    analytics;
                      (H) network connectivity products and
                    solutions;
                      (I) Global Positioning System guidance or
                    auto-steer systems;
                      (J) variable rate technology for applying
                    inputs, such as section control; and
                      (K) any other technology, as determined by
                    the Secretary, that directly contributes to a
                    reduction in, or improved efficiency of, the
                    use of crop or livestock production inputs,
                    which may include seed, feed, fertilizer, soil
                    amendments, chemicals, water, and time.
              [(20)] (22) The term ``rental payment'' means a
            payment made by the Secretary to an owner or operator
            of a farm or ranch containing highly erodible cropland
            to compensate the owner or operator for retiring such
            land from crop production and placing such land in the
            conservation reserve in accordance with subtitle D.
              [(21)] (23) The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
              [(22)] (24) The term ``shelterbelt'' means a
            vegetative barrier with a linear configuration composed
            of trees, shrubs, and other approved perennial
            vegetation.
              [(23)] (25) Socially disadvantaged farmer or
            rancher.--The term ``socially disadvantaged farmer or
            rancher'' has the meaning given the term in section
            2501(e)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
            Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)(2)).
              [(24)] (26) The term ``State'' means each of the 50
            States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
            Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United
            States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
            Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the
            Pacific Islands.
              [(25)] (27) Technical assistance.--The term
            ``technical assistance'' means technical expertise,
            information, and tools necessary for the conservation
            of natural resources on land active in agricultural,
            forestry, or related uses. The term includes the
            following:
                      (A) Technical services provided directly to
                    farmers, ranchers, and other eligible entities,
                    such as conservation planning, technical
                    consultation, and assistance with design and
                    implementation of conservation practices.
                      (B) Technical infrastructure, including
                    activities, processes, tools, and agency
                    functions needed to support delivery of
                    technical services, such as technical
                    standards, resource inventories, training,
                    data, technology, monitoring, and effects
                    analyses.
              [(26)] (28) The term ``vegetative cover'' means--
                      (A) perennial grasses, legumes, forbs, or
                    shrubs with an expected life span of 5 or more
                    years; or
                      (B) trees.
              [(27)] (29) The term ``wetland'', except when such
            term is part of the term ``converted wetland'', means
            land that--
                      (A) has a predominance of hydric soils;
                      (B) is inundated or saturated by surface or
                    groundwater at a frequency and duration
                    sufficient to support a prevalence of
                    hydrophytic vegetation typically adapted for
                    life in saturated soil conditions; and
                      (C) under normal circumstances does support a
                    prevalence of such vegetation. For purposes of
                    this Act, and any other Act, this term shall
                    not include lands in Alaska identified as
                    having high potential for agricultural
                    development which have a predominance of
                    permafrost soils.
              (30) Wildlife habitat connectivity.--The term
            ``wildlife habitat connectivity'' means the degree to
            which landscape or habitat elements facilitate native
            species movement among seasonal habitats.
      (b) The Secretary shall develop--
              (1) criteria for the identification of hydric soils
            and hydrophytic vegetation; and
              (2) lists of such soils and such vegetation.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Wetland Conservation

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1222. DELINEATION OF WETLANDS; EXEMPTIONS.

      (a) Delineation by the Secretary.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b) and
            paragraph (6), the Secretary shall delineate,
            determine, and certify all wetlands located on subject
            land on a farm.
              (2) Wetland delineation maps.--The Secretary shall
            delineate wetlands on wetland delineation maps. On the
            request of a person, the Secretary shall make a
            reasonable effort to make an on-site wetland
            determination prior to delineation.
              (3) Certification.--On providing notice to affected
            persons, the Secretary shall--
                      (A) certify whether a map is sufficient for
                    the purpose of making a determination of
                    ineligibility for program benefits under
                    section 1221; and
                      (B) provide an opportunity to appeal the
                    certification prior to the certification
                    becoming final.
              (4) Duration of certification.--A final certification
            made under paragraph (3) shall remain valid and in
            effect as long as the area is devoted to an
            agricultural use or until such time as the person
            affected by the certification requests review of the
            certification by the Secretary.
              (5) Review of mapping on appeal.--In the case of an
            appeal of the Secretary's certification, the Secretary
            shall review and certify the accuracy of the mapping of
            all land subject to the appeal to ensure that the
            subject land has been accurately delineated. Prior to
            rendering a decision on the appeal, the Secretary shall
            conduct an on-site inspection of the subject land on a
            farm.
              (6) Reliance on prior certified delineation.--No
            person shall be adversely affected because of having
            taken an action based on a previous certified wetland
            delineation by the Secretary. The delineation shall not
            be subject to a subsequent wetland certification or
            delineation by the Secretary, unless requested by the
            person under paragraph (4).
      (b) Exemptions.--No person shall become ineligible under
    section 1221 for program loans or payments under the following
    circumstances:
              (1) As the result of the production of an
            agricultural commodity on the following lands:
                      (A) A converted wetland if the conversion of
                    the wetland was commenced before December 23,
                    1985.
                      (B) Land that is a nontidal drainage or
                    irrigation ditch excavated in upland.
                      (C) A wet area created by a water delivery
                    system, irrigation, irrigation system, or
                    application of water for irrigation.
                      (D) A wetland on which the owner or operator
                    of a farm or ranch uses normal cropping or
                    ranching practices to produce an agricultural
                    commodity in a manner that is consistent for
                    the area where the production is possible as a
                    result of a natural condition, such as drought,
                    and is without action by the producer that
                    destroys a natural wetland characteristic.
                      (E) Land that is an artificial lake or pond
                    created by excavating or diking land (that is
                    not a wetland) to collect and retain water and
                    that is used primarily for livestock watering,
                    fish production, irrigation, wildlife, fire
                    control, flood control, cranberry growing, or
                    rice production, or as a settling pond.
                      (F) A wetland that is temporarily or
                    incidentally created as a result of adjacent
                    development activity.
                      (G) A converted wetland if the original
                    conversion of the wetland was commenced before
                    December 23, 1985, and the Secretary determines
                    the wetland characteristics returned after that
                    date as a result of--
                              (i) the lack of maintenance of
                            drainage, dikes, levees, or similar
                            structures;
                              (ii) a lack of management of the
                            lands containing the wetland; or
                              (iii) circumstances beyond the
                            control of the person.
                      (H) A converted wetland, if--
                              (i) the converted wetland was
                            determined by the Natural Resources
                            Conservation Service to have been
                            manipulated for the production of an
                            agricultural commodity or forage prior
                            to December 23, 1985, and was returned
                            to wetland conditions through a
                            voluntary restoration, enhancement, or
                            creation action subsequent to that
                            determination;
                              (ii) technical determinations
                            regarding the prior site conditions and
                            the restoration, enhancement, or
                            creation action have been adequately
                            documented by the Natural Resources
                            Conservation Service;
                              (iii) the proposed conversion action
                            is approved by the Natural Resources
                            Conservation Service prior to
                            implementation; and
                              (iv) the extent of the proposed
                            conversion is limited so that the
                            conditions will be at least equivalent
                            to the wetland functions and values
                            that existed prior to implementation of
                            the voluntary wetland restoration,
                            enhancement, or creation action.
              (2) For the conversion of the following:
                      (A) An artificial lake or pond created by
                    excavating or diking land that is not a wetland
                    to collect and retain water and that is used
                    primarily for livestock watering, fish
                    production, irrigation, wildlife, fire control,
                    flood control, cranberry growing, rice
                    production, or as a settling pond.
                      (B) A wetland that is temporarily or
                    incidentally created as a result of adjacent
                    development activity.
                      (C) A wetland on which the owner or operator
                    of a farm or ranch uses normal cropping or
                    ranching practices to produce an agricultural
                    commodity in a manner that is consistent for
                    the area where the production is possible as a
                    result of a natural condition, such as drought,
                    and is without action by the producer that
                    destroys a natural wetland characteristic.
                      (D) A wetland previously identified as a
                    converted wetland (if the original conversion
                    of the wetland was commenced before December
                    23, 1985), but that the Secretary determines
                    returned to wetland status after that date as a
                    result of--
                              (i) the lack of maintenance of
                            drainage, dikes, levees, or similar
                            structures;
                              (ii) a lack of management of the
                            lands containing the wetland; or
                              (iii) circumstances beyond the
                            control of the person.
                      (E) A wetland, if--
                              (i) the wetland was determined by the
                            Natural Resources Conservation Service
                            to have been manipulated for the
                            production of an agricultural commodity
                            or forage prior to December 23, 1985,
                            and was returned to wetland conditions
                            through a voluntary restoration,
                            enhancement, or creation action
                            subsequent to that determination;
                              (ii) technical determinations
                            regarding the prior site conditions and
                            the restoration, enhancement, or
                            creation action have been adequately
                            documented by the Natural Resources
                            Conservation Service;
                              (iii) the proposed conversion action
                            is approved by the Natural Resources
                            Conservation Service prior to
                            implementation; and
                              (iv) the extent of the proposed
                            conversion is limited so that the
                            conditions will be at least equivalent
                            to the wetland functions and values
                            that existed prior to implementation of
                            the voluntary wetland restoration,
                            enhancement, or creation action.
      (c) On-site Inspection Requirement.--
              (1) In general.--No program loans, payments, or
            benefits shall be withheld from a person under this
            subtitle unless the Secretary has conducted an on-site
            visit of the subject land,which, except as provided in
            paragraph (2), shall be conductedin the presence of the
            affected person.
              (2) Exception.--The Secretary may conduct an on-site
            visit under paragraph (1) without the affected person
            present if the Secretary has made a reasonable effort
            to include the presence of the affected person at the
            on-site visit.
      (d) Identification of Minimal Effect Exemptions.--For
    purposes of applying the minimal effect exemption under
    subsection (f)(1), the Secretary shall identify by regulation
    categorical minimal effect exemptions on a regional basis to
    assist persons in avoiding a violation of the ineligibility
    provisions of section 1221. The Secretary shall ensure that
    employees of the Department of Agriculture who administer this
    subtitle receive appropriate training to properly apply the
    minimal effect exemptions determined by the Secretary.
      (e) Nonwetlands.--The Secretary shall exempt from the
    ineligibility provisions of section 1221 any action by a person
    upon lands in any case in which the Secretary determines that
    any one of the following does not apply with respect to such
    lands:
              (1) Such lands have a predominance of hydric soils.
              (2) Such lands are inundated or saturated by surface
            or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient
            to support a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation
            typically adapted for life in saturated soil
            conditions.
              (3) Such lands, under normal circumstances, support a
            prevalence of such vegetation.
      (f) Minimal Effect; Mitigation.--The Secretary shall exempt a
    person from the ineligibility provisions of section 1221 for
    any action associated with the production of an agricultural
    commodity on a converted wetland, or the conversion of a
    wetland, if 1 or more of the following conditions apply, as
    determined by the Secretary:
              (1) The action, individually and in connection with
            all other similar actions authorized by the Secretary
            in the area, will have a minimal effect on the
            functional hydrological and biological value of the
            wetlands in the area, including the value to waterfowl
            and wildlife.
              (2) The wetland and the wetland values, acreage, and
            functions are mitigated by the person through the
            restoration of a converted wetland, the enhancement of
            an existing wetland, or the creation of a new wetland,
            and the restoration, enhancement, or creation is--
                      (A) in accordance with a wetland conservation
                    plan;
                      (B) in advance of, or concurrent with, the
                    action;
                      (C) not at the expense of the Federal
                    Government;
                      (D) in the case of enhancement or restoration
                    of wetlands, on not greater than a 1-for-1
                    acreage basis unless more acreage is needed to
                    provide equivalent functions and values that
                    will be lost as a result of the wetland
                    conversion to be mitigated;
                      (E) in the case of creation of wetlands, on
                    greater than a 1-for-1 acreage basis if more
                    acreage is needed to provide equivalent
                    functions and values that will be lost as a
                    result of the wetland conversion that is
                    mitigated;
                      (F) on lands in the same general area of the
                    local watershed as the converted wetland; and
                      (G) with respect to the restored, enhanced,
                    or created wetland, made subject to an easement
                    that--
                              (i) is recorded on public land
                            records;
                              (ii) remains in force for as long as
                            the converted wetland for which the
                            restoration, enhancement, or creation
                            to be mitigated remains in agricultural
                            use or is not returned to its original
                            wetland classification with equivalent
                            functions and values; and
                              (iii) prohibits making alterations to
                            the restored, enhanced, or created
                            wetland that lower the wetland's
                            functions and values.
              (3) The wetland was converted after December 23,
            1985, but before November 28, 1990, and the wetland
            values, acreage, and functions are mitigated by the
            producer through the requirements of subparagraphs (A),
            (B), (C), (D), (F), and (G) of paragraph (2).
              (4) The action was authorized by a permit issued
            under section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution
            Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344) and the wetland values,
            acreage, and functions of the converted wetland were
            adequately mitigated for the purposes of this subtitle.
      (g) Mitigation Appeals.--A person shall be afforded the right
    to appeal, under section 1243, the imposition of a mitigation
    agreement requiring greater than one-to-one acreage mitigation
    to which the person is subject.
      (h) Good Faith Exemption.--
              (1) Exemption described.--The Secretary may waive a
            person's ineligibility under section 1221 for program
            loans, payments, and benefits as the result of the
            conversion of a wetland subsequent to November 28,
            1990, or the production of an agricultural commodity on
            a converted wetland, if the Secretary determines that
            the person has acted in good faith and without intent
            to violate this subtitle.
              (2) Eligible reviewers.--A determination of the
            Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, under
            paragraph (1) shall be reviewed by the applicable--
                      (A) State Executive Director, with the
                    technical concurrence of the State
                    Conservationist; or
                      (B) district director, with the technical
                    concurrence of the area conservationist.
              (3) Period for compliance.--The Secretary shall
            provide a person who the Secretary determines has acted
            in good faith and without intent to violate this
            subtitle with a reasonable period, but not to exceed 1
            year, during which to implement the measures and
            practices necessary to be considered to be actively
            restoring the subject wetland.
      (i) Restoration.--Any person who is determined to be
    ineligible for program benefits under section 1221 for any crop
    year shall not be ineligible for such program benefits under
    such section for any subsequent crop year if, prior to the
    beginning of such subsequent crop year, the person has fully
    restored the characteristics of the converted wetland to its
    prior wetland state or has otherwise mitigated for the loss of
    wetland values, as determined by the Secretary, through the
    restoration, enhancement, or creation of wetland values in the
    same general area of the local watershed as the converted
    wetland.
      (j) Determinations; Restoration and Mitigation Plans;
    Monitoring Activities.--Technical determinations, the
    development of restoration and mitigation plans, and monitoring
    activities under this section shall be made by the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service.
      (k) Mitigation Banking.--
              (1) Mitigation banking program.--
                      (A) In general.--Using authorities available
                    to the Secretary, the Secretary shall operate a
                    program or work with third parties to establish
                    mitigation banks to assist persons in complying
                    with the provisions of this section while
                    mitigating any loss of wetland values and
                    functions.
                      [(B) 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 2019
                    through 2023.]
                      (B) 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 2027
                    through 2031.
              (2) Applicability.--Subsection (f)(2)(C) shall not
            apply to this subsection.
              (3) Policy and criteria.--The Secretary shall develop
            the appropriate policy and criteria that will allow
            willing persons to access existing mitigation banks,
            under this section or any other authority, that will
            serve the purposes of this section without requiring
            the Secretary to hold an easement, in whole or in part,
            in a mitigation bank.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

            Subtitle D--Agricultural Resources Conservation Program

    CHAPTER 1--COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                       Subchapter B--Conservation Reserve

    SEC. 1231. CONSERVATION RESERVE.

      (a) In General.--Through the [2023] 2031 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)(i) if permitted to remain untreated could
                    substantially reduce the agricultural
                    production capability for future generations;
                    or
                      (ii) cannot be farmed in accordance with a
                    plan that complies with the requirements of
                    subtitle B; and
                      (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 Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018] the
                    date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and
                    National Security Act of 2026, on the condition
                    that the Secretary shall consider to be planted
                    cropland enrolled in the conservation reserve
                    program;
              (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, marginal pasture land, and grasslands
            that will have a positive impact on water quality and
            will be devoted to--
                      (A) a grass sod waterway;
                      (B) a contour grass sod strip;
                      (C) a prairie strip;
                      (D) a filterstrip;
                      (E) a riparian buffer;
                      (F) a wetland or a wetland buffer;
                      (G) a saturated buffer;
                      (H) a bioreactor; or
                      (I) another similar water quality practice,
                    as determined by the Secretary;
              (5) cropland that is otherwise ineligible if the
            Secretary determines that--
                      (A) if permitted to remain in agricultural
                    production, the land would--
                              (i) contribute to the degradation of
                            soil, water, or air quality; or
                              (ii) pose an on-site or off-site
                            environmental threat to soil, water, or
                            air quality;
                      (B) the land is a--
                              (i) newly-created, permanent grass
                            sod waterway; or
                              (ii) a contour grass sod strip
                            established and maintained as part of
                            an approved conservation plan;
                      (C) the land will be devoted to newly
                    established living snow fences, permanent
                    wildlife habitat, windbreaks, shelterbelts,
                    salt tolerant vegetation, field borders, or
                    practices to benefit State or federally
                    identified wellhead protection areas;
                      (D) the land poses an off-farm environmental
                    threat, or a threat of continued degradation of
                    productivity due to soil salinity, if permitted
                    to remain in production; or
                      (E) enrollment of the land would facilitate a
                    net savings in groundwater or surface water
                    resources of the agricultural operation of the
                    producer;
              (6) 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; or
              (7) as determined by the Secretary, land--
                      (A) that was enrolled in the conservation
                    reserve program under a 15-year contract that
                    expired on [September 30, 2017, or September
                    30, 2018] September 30, 2025, or September 30,
                    2026;
                      (B) for which there was no opportunity for
                    additional enrollment in that program; and
                      (C) on which the conservation practice under
                    the expired contract under subparagraph (A) is
                    maintained.
      (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, during the crop year, the land was
    devotedto a conserving use.
      (d) Enrollment.--
              (1) Maximum acreage enrolled.--The Secretary may
            maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time
            during--
                      (A) fiscal year 2019, not more than
                    24,000,000 acres;
                      (B) fiscal year 2020, not more than
                    24,500,000 acres;
                      (C) fiscal year 2021, not more than
                    25,000,000 acres;
                      (D) fiscal year 2022, not more than
                    25,500,000 acres; and
                      (E) [fiscal year 2023] each of fiscal years
                    2023 through 2031, not more than 27,000,000
                    acres.
              (2) Grasslands.--
                      (A) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the
                    limitations in paragraph (1)--
                              (i) the Secretary shall enroll and
                            maintain in the conservation reserve
                            not fewer than 2,000,000 acres of the
                            land described in subsection (b)(3) by
                            September 30, 2023; and
                              (ii) in carrying out clause (i), to
                            the maximum extent practicable, the
                            Secretary shall maintain in the
                            conservation reserve at any one time
                            during--
                                      (I) fiscal year 2019,
                                    1,000,000 acres;
                                      (II) fiscal year 2020,
                                    1,500,000 acres; and
                                      (III) fiscal years 2021
                                    through [2023] 2031, 2,000,000
                                    acres.
                      (B) Priority.--In enrolling acres under
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give
                    priority to land, as determined by the
                    Secretary--
                              (i) with expiring conservation
                            reserve contracts;
                              (ii) at risk of conversion or
                            development; or
                              (iii) of ecological significance,
                            including land that--
                                      (I) may assist in the
                                    restoration of threatened or
                                    endangered species under the
                                    Endangered Species Act of 1973
                                    (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
                                      (II) may assist in preventing
                                    a species from being listed as
                                    a threatened or endangered
                                    species under the Endangered
                                    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
                                    1531 et seq.); or
                                      (III) improves or creates
                                    wildlife habitat corridors.
                      (C) Method of enrollment.--
                              (i) In general.--In enrolling acres
                            under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
                            shall make the program available to
                            owners or operators of eligible land on
                            an annual enrollment basis with one or
                            more ranking periods.
                              (ii) Timing of grassland ranking
                            period.--For purposes of grasslands
                            described in subsection (b)(3), the
                            Secretary shall announce at least 1
                            ranking period subsequent to the
                            announcement of general enrollment
                            offers.
                      (D) Reservation of unenrolled acres.--If the
                    Secretary is unable in a fiscal year to enroll
                    enough acres of land described in subsection
                    (b)(3) to meet the number of acres described in
                    clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (A) for
                    the fiscal year--
                              (i) the Secretary shall reserve the
                            remaining number of acres for that
                            fiscal year for the enrollment of land
                            described in subsection (b)(3); and
                              (ii) that number of acres shall not
                            be available for the enrollment of any
                            other type of eligible land.
              (3) Water quality practices to foster clean lakes,
            estuaries, and rivers (clear initiative).--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall give
                    priority within continuous enrollment under
                    paragraph (6) to the enrollment of land
                    described in subsection (b)(4).
                      (B) Sediment and nutrient loadings.--In
                    carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary
                    shall give priority to the implementation of
                    practices on land that, if enrolled, will help
                    reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings,
                    and harmful algal blooms, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
                      (C) Acreage.--
                              (i) In general.--Of the acres
                            maintained in the conservation reserve
                            in accordance with paragraph (1), to
                            the maximum extent practicable, not
                            less than 40 percent of acres enrolled
                            in the conservation reserve using
                            continuous enrollment under paragraph
                            (6) shall be of land described in
                            subsection (b)(4).
                              (ii) Limitation.--The acres described
                            in clause (i) shall not include
                            grasslands described in subsection
                            (b)(3).
                      (D) Report.--The Secretary shall--
                              (i) in the monthly publication of the
                            Secretary describing conservation
                            reserve program statistics, include a
                            description of enrollments through the
                            priority under this paragraph; and
                              (ii) publish on the website of the
                            Farm Service Agency an annual report
                            describing a summary of, with respect
                            to the enrollment priority under this
                            paragraph--
                                      (I) new enrollments;
                                      (II) expirations;
                                      (III) geographic
                                    distribution; and
                                      (IV) estimated water quality
                                    benefits.
              (4) State enrollment rates.--At the beginning of each
            of fiscal years [2019 through 2023] 2026 through 2031,
            to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
            allocate to the States proportionately 60 percent of
            the available number of acres each year for enrollment
            in the conservation reserve, in accordance with
            historical State enrollment rates, taking into
            consideration--
                      (A) the average number of acres of all land
                    enrolled in the conservation reserve in each
                    State during each of fiscal years 2007 through
                    2016;
                      (B) the average number of acres of all land
                    enrolled in the conservation reserve nationally
                    during each of fiscal years 2007 through 2016;
                    and
                      (C) the acres available for enrollment during
                    each of fiscal years [2019 through 2023] 2026
                    through 2031, excluding acres described in
                    paragraph (2).
              (5) Frequency.--In carrying out this subchapter, for
            contracts that are not available on a continuous
            enrollment basis, the Secretary shall hold a signup and
            enrollment not less often than once each year.
              (6) Continuous enrollment procedure.--
                      (A) In general.--To the maximum extent
                    practicable, the Secretary shall allow
                    producers to submit applications on a
                    continuous basis for enrollment in--
                              (i) the conservation reserve of--
                                      (I) marginal pasture land
                                    described in subsection (b)(2);
                                      (II) land described in
                                    subsection (b)(4); and
                                      (III) cropland described in
                                    subsection (b)(5); and
                              (ii) the conservation reserve
                            enhancement program under section
                            1231A.
                      [(B) Limitation.--For purposes of applying
                    the limitations in paragraph (1)--
                              [(i) the Secretary shall, to the
                            maximum extent practicable, enroll and
                            maintain not fewer than 8,600,000 acres
                            of land under subparagraph (A) by
                            September 30, 2023; and
                              [(ii) in carrying out clause (i), to
                            the maximum extent practicable, the
                            Secretary shall maintain in the
                            conservation reserve at any one time
                            during--
                                      [(I) fiscal year 2019,
                                    8,000,000 acres;
                                      [(II) fiscal year 2020,
                                    8,250,000 acres;
                                      [(III) fiscal year 2021,
                                    8,500,000 acres; and
                                      [(IV) fiscal years 2022 and
                                    2023, 8,600,000 acres.]
                      (B) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the
                    limitations in paragraph (1), the Secretary
                    shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
                    enroll and maintain not fewer than 8,600,000
                    acres of land under subparagraph (A) by
                    September 30, 2031.
      (e) Duration of Contract.--
              (1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out this
            subchapter, the Secretary shall enter into contracts of
            not less than 10, nor more than 15, years.
              (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 areas of
            special environmental sensitivity as conservation
            priority areas.
              (2) Eligible areas.--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 an area's designation if the
            Secretary finds thatthe area no longer contains actual
            and significant adversewater quality or habitat impacts
            related to agricultural productionactivities.
              (4) Duty of secretary.--In carrying out this
            subsection, the Secretary shall attempt to maximize
            water quality and habitat benefits in the watersheds
            described in paragraph (1) by promoting a significant
            level of enrollment of land within the watersheds in
            the program under this subchapter by whatever means the
            Secretary determines are appropriate and consistent
            with the purposes of this subchapter.
      (g) Multi-Year Grasses and Legumes.--
              (1) In general.--For purposes of this subchapter,
            alfalfa and other multi-year grasses and legumes in a
            rotation practice, approved by the Secretary, shall be
            considered agricultural commodities.
              (2) Cropping history.--Alfalfa, when grown as part of
            a rotation practice, as determined by the Secretary, is
            an agricultural commodity subject to the cropping
            history criteria under subsection (b)(1)(B) for the
            purpose of determining whether highly erodible cropland
            has been planted or considered planted for 4 of the 6
            years referred to in such subsection.
      (h) Eligibility for Consideration.--
              (1) In general.--On the expiration of a contract
            entered into under this subchapter, the lan d subject
            to the contract shall be eligible to be considered for
            reenrollment in the conservation reserve.
              (2) Reenrollment limitation for certain land.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), land subject to a contract
                    entered into under this subchapter shall be
                    eligible for only one reenrollment in the
                    conservation reserve under paragraph (1) if the
                    land is devoted to hardwood trees.
                      (B) Exclusions.--Subparagraph (A) shall not
                    apply to--
                              (i) riparian forested buffers;
                              (ii) forested wetlands enrolled under
                            subsection (d)(3) or the conservation
                            reserve enhancement program under
                            section 1231A; and
                              (iii) shelterbelts.
      (i) Balance of Natural Resource Purposes.--In determining the
    acceptability of contract offers under this subchapter, the
    Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, an
    equitable balance among the conservation purposes of soil
    erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1231B. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

      (a) Program Required.--
              (1) In general.--During the 2008 through [2023] 2031
            fiscal years, the Secretary shall carry out a farmable
            wetland program in each State under which the Secretary
            shall enroll eligible acreage described in subsection
            (b).
              (2) Participation among states.--The Secretary shall
            ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that owners
            and operators in each State have an equitable
            opportunity to participate in the program established
            under this section.
      (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) that is wetland (including a converted
                    wetland described in section 1222(b)(1)(A))
                    that had a cropping history during at least 3
                    of the immediately preceding 10 crop years;
                      (B) on which a constructed wetland is to be
                    developed that will receive surface and
                    subsurface flow from row crop agricultural
                    production and is designed to provide nitrogen
                    removal in addition to other wetland functions;
                      (C) that was devoted to commercial pond-
                    raised aquaculture in any year during the
                    period of calendar years 2002 through 2007; or
                      (D) that, after January 1, 1990, and before
                    December 31, 2002, was--
                              (i) cropped during at least 3 of 10
                            crop years; and
                              (ii) subject to the natural overflow
                            of a prairie wetland.
              (2) Buffer acreage.--Subject to subsections (c) and
            (d), an owner or operator may enroll in the
            conservation reserve, pursuant to the program
            established under this section, buffer acreage that--
                      (A) with respect to land described in
                    subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph
                    (1)--
                              (i) is contiguous to such land;
                              (ii) is used to protect such land;
                            and
                              (iii) is of such width as the
                            Secretary determines is necessary to
                            protect such land, taking into
                            consideration and accommodating the
                            farming practices (including the
                            straightening of boundaries to
                            accommodate machinery) used with
                            respect to the cropland that surrounds
                            such land; and
                      (B) with respect to land described in
                    subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1), enhances a
                    wildlife benefit to the extent practicable in
                    terms of upland to wetland ratios, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
      (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) 100,000 acres in any State; and
                      (B) a total of 750,000 acres.
              (2) Relationship to maximum enrollment.--Subject to
            paragraph (3), any acreage enrolled in the conservation
            reserve under this section shall be considered acres
            maintained in the conservation reserve.
              (3) Relationship to other enrolled acreage.--Acreage
            enrolled in the conservation reserve under this section
            shall not affect for any fiscal year the quantity of--
                      (A) acreage enrolled to establish
                    conservation buffers as part of the program
                    announced on March 24, 1998 (63 Fed. Reg.
                    14109); or
                      (B) acreage enrolled into the conservation
                    reserve enhancement program announced on May
                    27, 1998 (63 Fed. Reg. 28965).
              (4) Review; potential increase in enrollment
            acreage.--The Secretary shall conduct a review of the
            program established under this section with respect to
            each State that has enrolled land in the conservation
            reserve pursuant to the program. As a result of the
            review, the Secretary may increase the number of acres
            that may be enrolled in a State under the program to
            not more than 200,000 acres, notwithstanding paragraph
            (1)(A).
      (d) Owner or Operator Enrollment Limitations.--
              (1) Wetland and related land.--
                      (A) Wetlands and constructed wetlands.--The
                    maximum size of any land described in
                    subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1)
                    that an owner or operator may enroll in the
                    conservation reserve, pursuant to the program
                    established under this section, shall be 40
                    contiguous acres.
                      (B) Flooded farmland.--The maximum size of
                    any land described in subparagraph (D) of
                    subsection (b)(1) that an owner or operator may
                    enroll in the conservation reserve, pursuant to
                    the program established under this section,
                    shall be 20 contiguous acres.
                      (C) Coverage.--All acres described in
                    subparagraph (A) or (B), including acres that
                    are ineligible for payment, shall be covered by
                    the conservation contract.
              (2) Buffer acreage.--The maximum size of any buffer
            acreage described in subsection (b)(2) that an owner or
            operator may enroll in the conservation reserve under
            this section shall be determined by the Secretary in
            consultation with the State Technical Committee.
              (3) Tracts.--Except for land described in subsection
            (b)(1)(C) and buffer acreage related to such land, the
            maximum size of any eligible acreage described in
            subsection (b)(1) in a tract of an owner or operator
            enrolled in the conservation reserve under this section
            shall be 40 acres.
      (e) Duties of Owners and Operators.--During the term of a
    contract entered into under the program established under this
    section, an owner or operator shall agree--
              (1) to restore the hydrology of the wetland within
            the eligible acreage to the maximum extent practicable,
            as determined by the Secretary;
              (2) to establish vegetative cover (which may include
            emerging vegetation in water and bottomland hardwoods,
            cypress, and other appropriate tree species) on the
            eligible acreage, as determined by the Secretary;
              (3) to a general prohibition of commercial use of the
            enrolled land; and
              (4) to carry out other duties described in section
            1232.
      (f) Duties of the Secretary.--
              (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2)
            and (3), in return for a contract entered into under
            this section, the Secretary shall--
                      (A) make payments to the owner or operator
                    based on rental rates for cropland; and
                      (B) provide assistance to the owner or
                    operator in accordance with sections 1233 and
                    1234.
              (2) Contract offers and payments.--The Secretary
            shall use the method of determination described in
            section 1234(d) to determine the acceptability of
            contract offers and the amount of rental payments under
            this section.
              (3) Incentives.--The amounts payable to owners and
            operators in the form of rental payments under
            contracts entered into under this section shall reflect
            incentives that are provided to owners and operators to
            enroll filterstrips in the conservation reserve under
            section 1234.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

     CHAPTER 4--ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM AND CONSERVATION
                              STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

    Subchapter A--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1240A. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subchapter:
              (1) Conservation planning assessment.--The term
            ``conservation planning assessment'' means a report, as
            determined by the Secretary, that--
                      (A) is developed by--
                              (i) a State or unit of local
                            government (including a conservation
                            district);
                              (ii) a Federal agency; or
                              (iii) a third-party provider
                            certified under section 1242(e)
                            (including a certified rangeland
                            professional);
                      (B) assesses rangeland or cropland function
                    and describes conservation activities to
                    enhance the economic and ecological management
                    of that land; and
                      (C) can be incorporated into a comprehensive
                    planning document required by the Secretary for
                    enrollment in a conservation program of the
                    Department of Agriculture.
              (2) Eligible land.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``eligible land''
                    means land on which agricultural commodities,
                    livestock, or forest-related products are
                    produced.
                      (B) Inclusions.--The term ``eligible land''
                    includes the following:
                              (i) Cropland.
                              (ii) Grassland.
                              (iii) Rangeland.
                              (iv) Pasture land.
                              (v) Nonindustrial private forest
                            land.
                              (vi) Other agricultural land
                            (including cropped woodland, marshes,
                            environmentally sensitive areas, and
                            agricultural land used for the
                            production of livestock) on which
                            identified or expected resource
                            concerns related to agricultural
                            production could be addressed through a
                            contract under the program, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
              (3) Incentive practice.--The term ``incentive
            practice'' means a practice or set of practices
            approved by the Secretary that, when implemented and
            maintained on eligible land, address 1 or more priority
            resource concerns.
              (4) Organic system plan.--The term ``organic system
            plan'' means an organic plan approved under the
            national organic program established under the Organic
            Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
              (5) Payment.--The term ``payment'' means financial
            assistance provided to a producer for performing
            practices under this subchapter, including compensation
            for--
                      (A) incurred costs associated with planning,
                    design, materials, equipment, installation,
                    labor, management, maintenance, or training;
                    and
                      (B) income forgone by the producer.
              (6) Practice.--The term ``practice'' means 1 or more
            improvements and conservation activities that are
            consistent with the purposes of the program under this
            subchapter, as determined by the Secretary, including--
                      (A) improvements to eligible land of the
                    producer, including--
                              (i) structural practices;
                              (ii) land management practices;
                              (iii) vegetative practices;
                              (iv) forest management;
                              (v) soil testing;
                              (vi) soil remediation to be carried
                            out by the producer; and
                              (vii) other practices that the
                            Secretary determines would further the
                            purposes of the program; and
                      (B) conservation activities involving the
                    development of plans appropriate for the
                    eligible land of the producer, including--
                              (i) comprehensive nutrient management
                            planning;
                              (ii) planning for resource-conserving
                            crop rotations (as defined in section
                            1240L(d)(1));
                              (iii) soil health planning, including
                            increasing soil organic matter and the
                            use of cover crops;
                              (iv) a conservation planning
                            assessment;
                              (v) precision conservation management
                            planning (including the adoption of
                            precision agriculture practices and the
                            acquisition of precision agriculture
                            technology); and
                              (vi) other plans that the Secretary
                            determines would further the purposes
                            of the program under this subchapter.
              (7) 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; and
                      (B) represents a significant concern in a
                    State or region.
              (8) Program.--The term ``program'' means the
            environmental quality incentives program established by
            this subchapter.
              (9) Soil remediation.--The term ``soil remediation''
            means scientifically based practices that--
                      (A) ensure the safety of producers from
                    contaminants in soil;
                      (B) limit contaminants in soil from entering
                    agricultural products for human or animal
                    consumption; and
                      (C) regenerate and sustain the soil.
              (10) Soil testing.--The term ``soil testing'' means
            the evaluation of soil health, including testing for--
                      (A) the optimal level of constituents in the
                    soil, such as organic matter, nutrients, and
                    the potential presence of soil contaminants,
                    including heavy metals, volatile organic
                    compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or
                    other contaminants; and
                      (B) the biological and physical
                    characteristics indicative of proper soil
                    functioning.

    SEC. 1240B. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Establishment.--During each of the 2002 through 2031
    fiscal years, the Secretary shall provide payments to producers
    that enter into contracts with the Secretary under the program.
      (b) Practices and Term.--
              (1) Practices.--A contract under the program may
            apply to the performance of one or more practices.
              (2) Term.--A contract under the program shall have a
            term that does not exceed 10 years.
      (c) Bidding Down.--If the Secretary determines that the
    environmental values of two or more applications for payments
    are comparable, the Secretary shall not assign a higher
    priority to the application only because it would present the
    least cost to the program.
      (d) Payments.--
              (1) Availability of payments.--Payments are provided
            to a producer to implement one or more practices under
            the program.
              (2) Limitation on payment amounts.--A payment to a
            producer for performing a practice may not exceed, as
            determined by the Secretary--
                      (A) 75 percent of the costs associated with
                    planning, design, materials, equipment,
                    installation, labor, management, maintenance,
                    or training;
                      (B) 100 percent of income foregone by the
                    producer; or
                      (C) in the case of a practice consisting of
                    elements covered under subparagraphs (A) and
                    (B)--
                              (i) 75 percent of the costs incurred
                            for those elements covered under
                            subparagraph (A); and
                              (ii) 100 percent of income foregone
                            for those elements covered under
                            subparagraph (B).
              (3) Special rule involving payments for foregone
            income.--In determining the amount and rate of payments
            under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary may accord great
            significance to a practice that, as determined by the
            Secretary, promotes--
                      (A) soil health;
                      (B) water quality and quantity improvement;
                      (C) nutrient management;
                      (D) pest management;
                      (E) air quality improvement;
                      (F) wildlife habitat development, including
                    pollinator habitat and wildlife habitat
                    connectivity; or
                      (G) invasive species management.
              (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, 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))), or a beginning farmer
                    or rancher, the Secretary shall increase the
                    amount that would otherwise be provided to a
                    producer under this subsection--
                              (i) to not more than 90 percent of
                            the costs associated with planning,
                            design, materials, equipment,
                            installation, labor, management,
                            maintenance, or training; and
                              (ii) to not less than 25 percent
                            above the otherwise applicable rate.
                      (B) Advance payments.--
                              (i) In general.--On an election by a
                            producer described in subparagraph (A),
                            the Secretary shall provide at least 50
                            percent of the amount determined under
                            subparagraph (A) in advance for all
                            costs related to 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 timeframe, as determined by
                            the Secretary.
                              (iii) Notification and
                            documentation.--The Secretary shall--
                                      (I) notify each producer
                                    described in subparagraph (A),
                                    at the time of enrollment in
                                    the program, of the option to
                                    receive advance payments under
                                    clause (i); and
                                      (II) document the election of
                                    each producer described in
                                    subparagraph (A) to receive
                                    advance payments under clause
                                    (i) with respect to each
                                    practice that has costs
                                    described in that clause.
              (5) Financial assistance from other sources.--Except
            as provided in paragraph (6), any payments received by
            a producer from a State or private organization or
            person for the implementation of one or more practices
            on eligible land of the producer shall be in addition
            to the payments provided to the producer under this
            subsection.
              (6) Other payments.--[A producer shall]
                      (A) Payments under this subtitle._Except as
                    provided in paragraph (9), a producer shall
                    not be eligible for payments for practices on
                    eligible land under the program if the producer
                    receives payments or other benefits for the
                    same practice on the same land under another
                    program under this subtitle.
                      (B) Conservation loan and loan guarantee
                    program payments.--
                              (i) In general.--A producer receiving
                            payments for practices on eligible land
                            under the program may also receive a
                            loan or loan guarantee under section
                            304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                            Development Act to cover costs for the
                            same practices on the same land.
                              (ii) Notice to producer.--The
                            Secretary shall inform a producer
                            participating in the program in writing
                            that they may apply to receive a loan
                            or loan guarantee under section 304 of
                            the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                            Development Act as it relates to costs
                            of implementing practices under this
                            program.
              (7) Increased payments for state-determined high-
            priority practices.--
                      (A) State determination.--Each State, in
                    consultation with the State technical committee
                    established under section 1261(a) for the
                    State, may designate not more than 10 practices
                    to be eligible for increased payments under
                    subparagraph (B), on the condition that the
                    practice, as determined by the Secretary--
                              (i) addresses specific causes of
                            impairment relating to excessive
                            nutrients in groundwater or surface
                            water;
                              (ii) addresses the conservation of
                            water to advance drought mitigation and
                            declining aquifers;
                              (iii) meets other environmental
                            priorities and other priority resource
                            concerns identified in habitat or other
                            area restoration plans; [or]
                              (iv) is geographically targeted to
                            address a natural resource concern in a
                            specific watershed[.];
                              (v) addresses the conservation and
                            restoration of wildlife habitat,
                            including wildlife habitat connectivity
                            and wildlife migration corridors; or
                              (vi) increases carbon sequestration
                            or reduces greenhouse gas emissions,
                            including emissions of methane and
                            nitrous oxide.
                      (B) Increased payments.--Notwithstanding
                    paragraph (2), in the case of a practice
                    designated under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary may increase the amount that would
                    otherwise be provided for a practice under this
                    subsection to not more than 90 percent of the
                    costs associated with planning, design,
                    materials, equipment, installation, labor,
                    management, maintenance, or training.
              (8) Increased payments for precision agriculture
            practices.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the
            Secretary may increase the amount that would otherwise
            be provided for a practice under this subsection to not
            more than 90 percent of the costs associated with
            adopting precision agriculture practices and acquiring
            precision agriculture technology for the purpose of
            implementing conservation practices.
              (9) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the
            conservation reserve program.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary may provide
                    payments under the program for costs associated
                    with planning, design, materials, equipment,
                    installation, labor, management, maintenance,
                    or training, for the purpose of a wildlife
                    corridor, with respect to eligible land that
                    is--
                              (i) enrolled in the conservation
                            reserve program under section
                            1231(d)(2)(A); and
                              (ii) of ecological significance, as
                            described in section
                            1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
                      (B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be
                    eligible for payments under subparagraph (A)
                    for a practice if the producer receives
                    payments or other benefits for the same
                    practice on the same land under this title.
      (e) Modification or Termination of Contracts.--
              (1) Voluntary modification or termination.--The
            Secretary may modify or terminate a contract entered
            into with a producer under the program if--
                      (A) the producer agrees to the modification
                    or termination; and
                      (B) the Secretary determines that the
                    modification or termination is in the public
                    interest.
              (2) Involuntary termination.--The Secretary may
            terminate a contract under the program if the Secretary
            determines that the producer violated the contract.
      (f) Allocation of Funding.--
              (1) Livestock.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through
            [2023] 2031, at least 50 percent of the funds made
            available for payments under the program shall be
            targeted at practices relating to livestock production,
            including grazing management practices.
              (2) Wildlife habitat.--
                      (A) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--For each
                    of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 5
                    percent of the funds made available for
                    payments under the program shall be targeted at
                    practices benefitting wildlife habitat under
                    subsection (g).
                      (B) Fiscal years 2019 through 2031.--For each
                    of fiscal years 2019 through 2031, at least 10
                    percent of the funds made available for
                    payments under the program shall be targeted at
                    practices benefitting wildlife habitat under
                    subsection (g).
      (g) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide payments
            under the environmental quality incentives program for
            conservation practices that support the restoration,
            development, protection, and improvement of wildlife
            habitat on eligible land, including--
                      (A) upland wildlife habitat;
                      (B) wetland wildlife habitat;
                      (C) habitat for threatened and endangered
                    species;
                      (D) fish habitat;
                      (E) habitat on pivot corners and other
                    irregular areas of a field; and
                      (F) other types of wildlife habitat, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
              (2) State technical committee.--In determining the
            practices eligible for payment under paragraph (1) and
            targeted for funding under subsection (f), the
            Secretary shall consult with the relevant State
            technical committee not less often than once each year.
              (3) Maximum term.--In the case of a contract under
            the program entered into solely for the establishment
            of 1 or more annual management practices for the
            benefit of wildlife as described in paragraph (1),
            notwithstanding any maximum contract term established
            by the Secretary, the contract shall have a term that
            does not exceed 10 years.
              (4) Included practices.--For the purpose of providing
            seasonal wetland habitat for waterfowl and migratory
            birds, a practice that is eligible for payment under
            paragraph (1) and targeted for funding under subsection
            (f) may include--
                      (A) a practice to carry out postharvest
                    flooding; or
                      (B) a practice to maintain the hydrology of
                    temporary and seasonal wetlands of not more
                    than 2 acres to maintain waterfowl and
                    migratory bird habitat on working cropland.
      (h) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--
              (1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary may
            provide water conservation and system efficiency
            payments under this subsection to an entity described
            in paragraph (2) or a producer for--
                      (A) water conservation scheduling, water
                    distribution efficiency, soil moisture
                    monitoring, or an appropriate combination
                    thereof;
                      (B) irrigation-related structural or other
                    measures that conserve surface water or
                    groundwater, including managed aquifer recovery
                    practices[; or];
                      (C) a transition to water-conserving crops,
                    water-conserving crop rotations, or deficit
                    irrigation[.]; or
                      (D) the adoption of precision agriculture
                    practices or the acquisition of precision
                    agriculture technology to achieve water
                    conservation and energy efficiency.
              (2) Eligibility of certain entities.--
                      (A) In general.--Notwithstanding section
                    1001(f)(6), the Secretary may enter into a
                    contract under this subsection with a State,
                    irrigation district, groundwater management
                    district, acequia, land-grant mercedes, or
                    similar entity under a streamlined contracting
                    process to implement water conservation or
                    irrigation practices under a watershed-wide
                    project that will effectively conserve water,
                    provide fish and wildlife habitat, or provide
                    for drought-related environmental mitigation,
                    as determined by the Secretary.
                      (B) Implementation.--Water conservation or
                    irrigation practices that are the subject of a
                    contract entered into under subparagraph (A)
                    shall be implemented on--
                              (i) eligible land of a producer; or
                              (ii) land that is--
                                      (I) under the control of an
                                    irrigation district,
                                    groundwater management
                                    district, acequia, land-grant
                                    mercedes, or similar entity;
                                    and
                                      (II) adjacent to eligible
                                    land described in clause (i),
                                    as determined by the Secretary.
                      (C) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may
                    waive the applicability of the limitations in
                    section 1001D(b) or section 1240G for a payment
                    made under a contract entered into under this
                    paragraph if the Secretary determines that the
                    waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives
                    of the project.
                      (D) Contract limitations.--If the Secretary
                    grants a waiver under subparagraph (C), the
                    Secretary may impose a separate payment
                    limitation for the contract with respect to
                    which the waiver applies.
              (3) Priority.--In providing payments under this
            subsection for a water conservation or irrigation
            practice, the Secretary shall give priority to
            applications in which--
                      (A) consistent with the law of the State in
                    which the land on which the practices will be
                    implemented is located, there is a reduction in
                    water use in the operation on that land; or
                      (B) except in the case of an application
                    under paragraph (2), the producer agrees not to
                    use any associated water savings to bring new
                    land, other than incidental land needed for
                    efficient operations, under irrigated
                    production, unless the producer is
                    participating in a watershed-wide project that
                    will effectively conserve water, as determined
                    by the Secretary.
              (4) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection authorizes
            the Secretary to modify the process for determining the
            annual allocation of funding to States under the
            program.
      (i) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Organic
    Production.--
              (1) Payments authorized.--The Secretary shall provide
            payments under this subsection for conservation
            practices, on some or all of the operations of a
            producer, related--
                      (A) to organic production; and
                      (B) to the transition to organic production.
              (2) Eligibility requirements.--As a condition for
            receiving payments under this subsection, a producer
            shall agree--
                      (A) to develop and carry out an organic
                    system plan; or
                      (B) to develop and implement conservation
                    practices for certified organic production that
                    are consistent with an organic system plan and
                    the purposes of this subchapter.
              (3) Payment limitations.--
                      (A) In general.--Payments under this
                    subsection to a person or legal entity,
                    directly or indirectly, may not exceed, in the
                    aggregate--
                              (i) through fiscal year 2018--
                                      (I) $20,000 per year; or
                                      (II) $80,000 during any 6-
                                    year period; and
                              (ii) during the period of fiscal
                            years [2019 through 2023, $140,000]
                            2027 through 2031, $200,000.
                      (B) Technical assistance.--In applying the
                    limitations under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary shall not take into account payments
                    received for technical assistance.
              (4) Exclusion of certain organic certification
            costs.--Payments may not be made under this subsection
            to cover the costs associated with organic
            certification that are eligible for cost-share payments
            under section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural
            Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523).
              (5) Termination of contracts.--The Secretary may
            cancel or otherwise nullify a contract to provide
            payments under this subsection if the Secretary
            determines that the producer--
                      (A) is not pursuing organic certification; or
                      (B) is not in compliance with the Organic
                    Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et
                    seq).
      (j) Conservation Incentive Contracts.--
              (1) Identification of eligible priority resource
            concerns for states.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary, in
                    consultation with the applicable State
                    technical committee established under section
                    1261(a), shall identify watersheds (or other
                    appropriate regions or areas within a State)
                    and the corresponding priority resource
                    concerns for those watersheds or other regions
                    or areas that are eligible to be the subject of
                    an incentive contract under this subsection.
                      (B) Limitation.--For each of the relevant
                    land uses within the watersheds, regions, or
                    other areas identified under subparagraph (A),
                    the Secretary shall identify not more than 3
                    eligible priority resource concerns.
              (2) Contracts.--
                      (A) Authority.--
                              (i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            enter into contracts with producers
                            under this subsection that require the
                            implementation, adoption, management,
                            and maintenance of incentive practices
                            (which may include the adoption of
                            precision agriculture practices and the
                            acquisition of precision agriculture
                            technology) that effectively address at
                            least 1 eligible priority resource
                            concern identified under paragraph (1)
                            for the term of the contract.
                              (ii) Inclusions.--Through a contract
                            entered into under clause (i), the
                            Secretary may provide--
                                      (I) funding, through annual
                                    payments, for certain incentive
                                    practices to attain increased
                                    levels of conservation on
                                    eligible land; or
                                      (II) assistance, through a
                                    practice payment, to implement
                                    an incentive practice.
                      (B) Term.--A contract under this subsection
                    shall have a term of not less than 5, and not
                    more than 10, years.
                      (C) Prioritization.--Notwithstanding section
                    1240C, the Secretary shall develop criteria for
                    evaluating incentive practice applications
                    that--
                              (i) give priority to applications
                            that address eligible priority resource
                            concerns identified under paragraph
                            (1); and
                              (ii) evaluate applications relative
                            to other applications for similar
                            agriculture and forest operations.
              (3) Incentive practice payments.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
                    payments to producers through contracts entered
                    into under paragraph (2) for--
                              (i) adopting and installing incentive
                            practices; and
                              (ii) managing, maintaining, and
                            improving the incentive practices for
                            the duration of the contract, as
                            determined appropriate by the
                            Secretary.
                      (B) Payment amounts.--In determining the
                    amount of payments under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary shall consider, to the extent
                    practicable--
                              (i) the level and extent of the
                            incentive practice to be installed,
                            adopted, completed, maintained,
                            managed, or improved;
                              (ii) the cost of the installation,
                            adoption, completion, management,
                            maintenance, or improvement of the
                            incentive practice;
                              (iii) income foregone by the
                            producer, including payments, as
                            appropriate, to address--
                                      (I) increased economic risk;
                                      (II) loss in revenue due to
                                    anticipated reductions in
                                    yield; and
                                      (III) economic losses during
                                    transition to a resource-
                                    conserving cropping system or
                                    resource-conserving land use;
                                    and
                              (iv) the extent to which compensation
                            would ensure long-term continued
                            maintenance, management, and
                            improvement of the incentive practice.
                      (C) Delivery of payments.--In making payments
                    under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, to
                    the extent practicable--
                              (i) in the case of annual payments
                            under paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(I), make
                            those payments as soon as practicable
                            after October 1 of each fiscal year for
                            which increased levels of conservation
                            are maintained during the term of the
                            contract; and
                              (ii) in the case of practice payments
                            under paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(II), make
                            those payments as soon as practicable
                            on the implementation of an incentive
                            practice.
      (k) Southern Border Initiative.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide payments
            under the program to producers to implement
            conservation practices on covered lands of such
            producers that address and repair covered damage that
            may contribute to a natural resource concern or
            problem.
              (2) Contract term.--In the case of a contract under
            the program entered into for the implementation of
            practices described in paragraph (1), such contract
            shall have a term of 1 year.
              (3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Covered damage.--The term ``covered
                    damage'' means damage to agricultural land or
                    farming infrastructure.
                      (B) Covered land.--The term ``covered land''
                    means eligible land in a county at or near the
                    southern border of the United States, as
                    determined by the Secretary.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1240G. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

      Not including payments made under section 1240B(j), a person
    or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-
    share or incentive payments under this subchapter that, in
    aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under
    this subchapter by the person or legal entity during the period
    of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, or the period of fiscal
    years [2019 through 2023] 2027 through 2031, regardless of the
    number of contracts entered into under this subchapter by the
    person or legal entity.

    SEC. 1240H. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

      (a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation
    Approaches.--
              [(1) Grants.--Out of the funds made available to
            carry out this subchapter, the Secretary may pay the
            cost of competitive grants that are intended to
            stimulate innovative approaches to leveraging the
            Federal investment in environmental enhancement and
            protection, in conjunction with agricultural production
            or forest resource management, through the program.]
              (1) Grants.--Out of the funds made available to carry
            out this subchapter, the Secretary may award
            competitive grants that are intended to stimulate
            development and evaluation of new and innovative
            approaches to leveraging the Federal investment in
            environmental enhancement and protection, in
            conjunction with agricultural production or forest
            resource management, through the program, including
            grants for the development and evaluation of new and
            innovative technologies that may be incorporated into
            conservation practice standards.
              (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) involve producers who are eligible for
                    payments or technical assistance under the
                    program or community colleges (as defined in
                    section 1473E(a) of the National Agricultural
                    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
                    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e(a))) carrying out
                    demonstration projects on land of the community
                    college;
                      (B) leverage Federal funds made available to
                    carry out the program under this subchapter
                    with matching funds provided by State and local
                    governments and private organizations to
                    promote environmental enhancement and
                    protection in conjunction with agricultural
                    production;
                      (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;
                      (D) provide environmental and resource
                    conservation benefits through increased
                    participation by producers of specialty crops;
                      (E) partner with farmers to develop
                    innovative practices for urban, indoor, or
                    other emerging agricultural operations;
                      (F) utilize edge-of-field and other
                    monitoring practices on farms--
                              (i) to quantify the impacts of
                            practices implemented under the
                            program; and
                              (ii) to assist producers in making
                            the best conservation investments for
                            the operations of the producers;
                      (G) facilitate on-farm conservation research
                    and demonstration activities; and
                      (H) facilitate pilot testing of new
                    technologies or innovative conservation
                    practices (including precision agriculture
                    practices and precision agriculture
                    technologies).
      (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 subchapter, the Secretary shall carry out this
            subsection using $37,500,000 for each of fiscal years
            2019 through 2031.
      (c) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible
                    entity'' means, as determined by the
                    Secretary--
                              (i) a third-party private entity the
                            primary business of which is related to
                            agriculture;
                              (ii) a nongovernmental organization
                            with experience working with
                            agricultural producers; or
                              (iii) a governmental organization.
                      (B) New or innovative conservation
                    approach.--The term ``new or innovative
                    conservation approach'' means--
                              (i) new or innovative--
                                      (I) precision agriculture
                                    technologies;
                                      (II) enhanced nutrient
                                    management plans, nutrient
                                    recovery systems, and
                                    fertilization systems;
                                      (III) soil health management
                                    systems, including systems to
                                    increase soil carbon levels;
                                      (IV) water management
                                    systems;
                                      (V) resource-conserving crop
                                    rotations (as defined in
                                    section 1240L(d)(1));
                                      (VI) cover crops; [and]
                                      (VII) irrigation systems; and
                                      (VIII) perennial production
                                    systems, including agroforestry
                                    and perennial forages and grain
                                    crops; and
                              (ii) any other conservation approach
                            approved by the Secretary as new or
                            innovative.
              (2) Testing new or innovative conservation
            approaches.--Using $25,000,000 of the funds made
            available to carry out this subchapter for each of
            fiscal years 2019 through 2031, the Secretary shall
            carry out on-farm conservation innovation trials, on
            eligible land of producers, to test new or innovative
            conservation approaches--
                      (A) directly with producers; or
                      (B) through eligible entities.
              (3) Incentive payments.--
                      (A) Agreements.--In carrying out paragraph
                    (2), the Secretary shall enter into agreements
                    with producers (either directly or through
                    eligible entities) on whose land an on-farm
                    conservation innovation trial is being carried
                    out to provide payments (including payments to
                    compensate for foregone income, as appropriate
                    to address the increased economic risk
                    potentially associated with new or innovative
                    conservation approaches) to the producers to
                    assist with adopting and evaluating new or
                    innovative conservation approaches to achieve
                    conservation benefits.
                      (B) Adjusted gross income requirements.--
                              (i) In general.--Adjusted gross
                            income requirements under section
                            1001D(b)(1) shall--
                                      (I) apply to producers
                                    receiving payments under this
                                    subsection; and
                                      (II) be enforced by the
                                    Secretary.
                              (ii) Reporting.--An eligible entity
                            participating in an on-farm
                            conservation innovation trial under
                            this subsection shall report annually
                            to the Secretary on the amount of
                            payments made to individual farm
                            operations under this subsection.
                      (C) Limitation on administrative expenses.--
                    None of the funds made available to carry out
                    this subsection may be used to pay for the
                    administrative expenses of an eligible entity.
                      (D) Length of agreements.--An agreement
                    entered into under subparagraph (A) shall be
                    for a period determined by the Secretary that
                    is--
                              (i) not less than 3 years; and
                              (ii) if appropriate, more than 3
                            years, including if such a period is
                            appropriate to support--
                                      (I) adaptive management over
                                    multiple crop years; and
                                      (II) adequate data collection
                                    and analysis by a producer or
                                    eligible entity to report the
                                    natural resource and
                                    agricultural production
                                    benefits of the new or
                                    innovative conservation
                                    approaches to the Secretary.
              (4) Flexible adoption.--The scale of adoption of a
            new or innovative conservation approach under an on-
            farm conservation innovation trial under an agreement
            under paragraph (2) may include multiple scales on an
            operation, including whole farm, field-level, or sub-
            field scales.
              (5) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall
            provide technical assistance--
                      (A) to each producer or eligible entity
                    participating in an on-farm conservation
                    innovation trial under paragraph (2) with
                    respect to the design, installation, and
                    management of the new or innovative
                    conservation approaches; and
                      (B) to each eligible entity participating in
                    an on-farm conservation innovation trial under
                    paragraph (2) with respect to data analyses of
                    the on-farm conservation innovation trial.
              (6) Geographic scope.--The Secretary shall identify a
            diversity of geographic regions of the United States in
            which to establish on-farm conservation innovation
            trials under paragraph (2), taking into account factors
            such as soil type, cropping history, and water
            availability.
              (7) Soil health demonstration trial.--Using funds
            made available to carry out this subsection, the
            Secretary shall carry out a soil health demonstration
            trial under which the Secretary coordinates with
            eligible entities--
                      (A) to provide incentives to producers to
                    implement conservation practices that--
                              (i) improve soil health;
                              (ii) increase carbon levels in the
                            soil; or
                              (iii) meet the goals described in
                            clauses (i) and (ii);
                      (B) to establish protocols for measuring
                    carbon levels in the soil and testing carbon
                    levels on land where conservation practices
                    described in subparagraph (A) were applied to
                    evaluate gains in soil health as a result of
                    the practices implemented by the producers in
                    the soil health demonstration trial; and
                      (C)(i) not later than September 30, 2020, to
                    initiate a study regarding changes in soil
                    health and, if feasible, economic outcomes,
                    generated as a result of the conservation
                    practices described in subparagraph (A) that
                    were applied by producers through the soil
                    health demonstration trial; and
                      (ii) to submit to the Committee on
                    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
                    the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
                    Forestry of the Senate annual reports on the
                    progress and results of the study under clause
                    (i).
      (d) Reporting and Database.--
              (1) Report required.--Not later than September 30,
            2019, 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 on the
            status of activities funded under this section,
            including--
                      (A) funding awarded;
                      (B) results of the activities, including, if
                    feasible, economic outcomes;
                      (C) incorporation of findings from the
                    activities, such as new technology and
                    innovative approaches, into the conservation
                    efforts implemented by the Secretary; and
                      (D) on completion of the study required under
                    subsection (c)(7)(C), the findings of the
                    study.
              (2) Conservation practice database.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall use the
                    data reported under paragraph (1) to establish
                    and maintain a publicly available conservation
                    practice database that provides--
                              (i) a compilation and analysis of
                            effective conservation practices,
                            including both management and
                            structural conservation practices, for
                            soil health, nutrient management, and
                            source water protection in varying soil
                            compositions, cropping systems, slopes,
                            and landscapes; [and]
                              (ii) data that may be used to
                            evaluate new and emerging technologies
                            and recommendations for State and
                            regional applications of such new and
                            emerging technologies; and
                              [(ii)] (iii) a list of recommended
                            new and effective conservation
                            practices for consideration under the
                            streamlined process developed under
                            section 1242(h)(3).
                      (B) Privacy.--Information provided under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be transformed into a
                    statistical or aggregate form so as to not
                    include any identifiable or personal
                    information of individual producers.

                 Subchapter B--Conservation Stewardship Program

    SEC. 1240I. 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 and energy-efficient
                            pumping systems, as determined by the
                            Secretary;
                              (ii) planning needed to address a
                            priority resource concern;
                              (iii) development of a comprehensive
                            conservation plan, as defined in
                            section 1240L(e)(1);
                              (iv) soil health planning, including
                            planning to increase soil organic
                            matter; and
                              (v) activities that will assist a
                            producer to adapt to, or mitigate
                            against, increasing weather volatility.
              (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 land in 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 resourcethrough
            the use of--
                      (A) quality criteria under a resource
                    management system;
                      (B) predictive analytics tools or models
                    developed or approved by the Natural Resources
                    Conservation Service;
                      (C) data from past and current enrollment in
                    the program; and
                      (D) other methods that measure conservation
                    and improvement in priority resource concerns,
                    as determined by the Secretary.

    SEC. 1240J. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

      (a) Establishment and Purpose.--During each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2031, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation
    stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority
    resource concerns and improve and conserve the quality and
    condition of natural resources 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), and except as provided in
            paragraph (3), 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 reserve
                    easement through the agricultural conservation
                    easement program.
              (2) Conversion to cropland.--Eligible land used for
            crop production after the date of enactment of
            Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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 such 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.
              (3) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the
            conservation reserve program.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary may provide
                    payments under the program for costs associated
                    with planning, design, materials, equipment,
                    installation, labor, management, maintenance,
                    or training, for the purpose of a wildlife
                    corridor, with respect to eligible land that
                    is--
                              (i) enrolled in the conservation
                            reserve program under section
                            1231(d)(2)(A); and
                              (ii) of ecological significance, as
                            described in section
                            1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
                      (B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be
                    eligible for payments under subparagraph (A)
                    for a conservation activity if the producer
                    receives payments or other benefits for the
                    same conservation activity on the same land
                    under this title.
                      (C) Emergency grazing and haying access
                    preserved.--No priority resource concern,
                    practice, or incentive pertaining to
                    restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat
                    connectivity and wildlife migration corridors
                    on the acres described above will prevent or
                    alter emergency grazing and haying access for
                    grassland acres enrolled in the conservation
                    reserve program.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1240L. 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, 1 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
    funding 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) 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 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
                    (including increased costs associated with
                    planning and adopting precision agriculture
                    conservation activities and acquiring precision
                    agriculture technology).
                      (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 are 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 such payments as soon as practicable
                    after October 1 of each fiscal year for
                    activities carried out in the previous fiscal
                    year.
              (5) Payment for cover crop activities.--The amount of
            a payment under this subsection for cover crop
            activities shall be not less than 125 percent of the
            annual payment amount determined by the Secretary under
            paragraph (2).
              (6) Minimum payment.--The amount of an annual payment
            under the program shall be not less than $4,000.
      (d) Supplemental Payments for Resource-Conserving Crop
    Rotations [and Advanced Grazing Management], Advanced Grazing
    Management, and Precision Agriculture.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Advanced grazing management.--The
                    term``advanced grazing management'' means the
                    use of a combinationof grazing practices (as
                    determined by the Secretary),which may include
                    management-intensive rotationalgrazing, that
                    provide for--
                              (i) improved soil health and carbon
                            sequestration;
                              (ii) drought resilience;
                              (iii) wildlife habitat;
                              (iv) wildfire mitigation;
                              (v) control of invasive plants; and
                              (vi) water quality improvement.
                      (B) Management-intensive rotational
                    grazing.--The term ``management-intensive
                    rotational grazing'' means a strategic,
                    adaptively managed multipasture grazing system
                    in which animals are regularly and
                    systematically moved to fresh pasture in a
                    manner that--
                              (i) maximizes the quantity and
                            quality of forage growth;
                              (ii) improves manure distribution and
                            nutrient cycling;
                              (iii) increases carbon sequestration
                            from greater forage harvest;
                              (iv) improves the quality and
                            quantity of cover for wildlife;
                              (v) provides permanent cover to
                            protect the soil from erosion; and
                              (vi) improves water quality.
                      (C) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--The
                    term``resource-conserving crop rotation'' means
                    a crop rotation that--
                              (i) includes at least 1 resource-
                            conserving crop (as defined by the
                            Secretary);
                              (ii) reduces erosion;
                              (iii) improves soil fertility and
                            tilth;
                              (iv) interrupts pest cycles;
                              (v) builds soil organic matter; and
                              (vi) in applicable areas, reduces
                            depletion of soil moisture or otherwise
                            reduces the need for irrigation.
              (2) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall
            provide additional payments to producers that, in
            participating in the program, agree to adopt or
            improve,manage, and maintain--
                      (A) resource-conserving crop rotations[; or];
                      (B) advanced grazing management[.]; or
                      (C) precision agriculture conservation
                    activities.
              (3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a payment
            described in paragraph (2), a producer shall agree to
            adopt or improve, manage, and maintain resource-
            conserving crop rotations [or advanced grazing
            management], advanced grazing management, or precision
            agriculture conservation activities for the term of the
            contract.
              (4) Amount of payment.--An additional payment
            provided under paragraph (2) shall be not less than 150
            percent of the annual payment amount determined by the
            Secretary under subsection (c)(2).
      (e) Payment for Comprehensive Conservation Plan.--
              (1) Definition of comprehensive conservation plan.--
            In this subsection, the term ``comprehensive
            conservation plan'' means a conservation plan that
            meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for each
            priority resource concern identified by the Secretary
            under subsection (a)(2).
              (2) Payment for comprehensive conservation plan.--The
            Secretary shall provide a 1-time payment to a producer
            that develops a comprehensive conservation plan.
              (3) Amount of payment.--The Secretary shall determine
            the amount of payment under paragraph (2) based on--
                      (A) the number of priority resource concerns
                    addressed in the comprehensive conservation
                    plan; and
                      (B) the number of types of land uses included
                    in the comprehensive conservation plan.
      (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 [2019 through 2023] 2027
    through 2031, 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) Organic Certification.--
              (1) Coordination.--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.
              (2) Allocation.--
                      (A) In general.--Using funds made available
                    for the program for each of fiscal years 2019
                    through 2031, the Secretary shall allocate
                    funding to States to support organic production
                    and transition to organic production through
                    paragraph (1).
                      (B) Determination.--The Secretary shall
                    determine the allocation to a State under
                    subparagraph (A) based on--
                              (i) the number of certified and
                            transitioning organic operations within
                            the State; and
                              (ii) the number of acres of certified
                            and transitioning organic production
                            within the State.
      (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.
      (j) Streamlining and Coordination.--To the maximum extent
    feasible, the Secretary shall provide for streamlined and
    coordinated procedures for the program and the environmental
    quality incentives program under subchapter A, including
    applications, contracting, conservation planning, conservation
    practices, and related administrative procedures.
      (k) Soil Health.--To the maximum extent feasible, the
    Secretary shall manage the program to enhance soil health.
      (l) Annual Report.--Each fiscal year, 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 payment
    rates for conservation activities offered to producers under
    the program and an analysis of whether payment rates can be
    reduced for the most expensive conservation activities.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1240L-2. STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SOIL HEALTH.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible indian tribe.--The term ``eligible
            Indian Tribe'' means an Indian Tribe that is--
                      (A) implementing a soil health program for
                    the area over which the Indian Tribe has
                    jurisdiction; and
                      (B) meeting or exceeding performance measures
                    established by the Indian Tribe for the soil
                    health program.
              (2) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State''
            means a State that is--
                      (A) implementing a soil health program for
                    the State; and
                      (B) meeting or exceeding performance measures
                    established by the State for the soil health
                    program.
              (3) Soil health program.--The term ``soil health
            program'' means a program to improve soil health on
            agricultural land that--
                      (A) is broadly consistent with the soil
                    health principles of the Natural Resources
                    Conservation Service, as determined by the
                    Secretary; and
                      (B) may include--
                              (i) technical assistance;
                              (ii) financial assistance;
                              (iii) on-farm research and
                            demonstration;
                              (iv) education, outreach, and
                            training;
                              (v) monitoring and evaluation; or
                              (vi) such other components as the
                            Secretary determines appropriate.
      (b) Availability and Purpose of Grants.--For fiscal years
    2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall make grants to eligible
    States and eligible Indian Tribes for the purpose of improving
    soil health on agricultural lands through the implementation of
    State and Tribal soil health programs.
      (c) Applications.--
              (1) In general.--To receive a grant under this
            section, an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe
            shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
            time, in such a manner, and containing such information
            as the Secretary shall require, which shall include--
                      (A) a description of performance measures to
                    be used to evaluate the State or Tribal soil
                    health program and the results of any
                    activities carried out using grant funds
                    received under this section; and
                      (B) an assurance that grant funds received
                    under this section will supplement the
                    expenditure of State or Tribal funds in support
                    of soil health, rather than replace such funds.
              (2) Tribal option.--An Indian Tribe shall have the
            option, at the sole discretion of the Indian Tribe, to
            be incorporated into the application of an eligible
            State.
      (d) Grants.--
              (1) Amount.--The amount of a grant to an eligible
            State or eligible Indian Tribe under this section for a
            fiscal year may not exceed the lower of--
                      (A) $5,000,000; or
                      (B) as applicable--
                              (i) 50 percent of the cost of
                            implementing the State soil health
                            program in the fiscal year; or
                              (ii) 75 percent of the cost of
                            implementing the Tribal soil health
                            program in the fiscal year.
              (2) Term.--A grant under this section shall be for 1
            year, and may be renewed annually.
      (e) Audits and Reviews.--An eligible State or eligible Indian
    Tribe receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the
    Secretary--
              (1) for each year for which the State or Indian Tribe
            receives such a grant, the results of an audit of the
            expenditures of the grant funds; and
              (2) at such intervals as the Secretary shall
            establish, a review and evaluation of the State or
            Tribal soil health program.
      (f) Effect of Noncompliance.--If the Secretary, after
    reasonable notice to an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe
    receiving a grant under this section, finds that the State or
    Indian Tribe has failed to comply with the terms of the grant,
    the Secretary may disqualify, for 1 or more years, the State or
    Indian Tribe from receipt of future grants under this section.
      (g) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out this
    subchapter, $100,000,000 shall be available in each of fiscal
    years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.
      (h) Administration.--
              (1) Department.--The Secretary 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 or indian tribes.--An eligible State or
            eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this
            section may not use more than 7 percent of the granted
            funds for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.

                     CHAPTER 5--OTHER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

    SEC. 1240M. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

      (a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to authorize
    the Secretary to provide a coordinated technical, educational,
    and related assistance program to conserve and enhance private
    grazing land resources and provide related benefits to all
    citizens of the United States by--
              (1) establishing a coordinated and cooperative
            Federal, State, and local grazing conservation program
            for management of private grazing land;
              (2) strengthening technical, educational, and related
            assistance programs that provide assistance to owners
            and managers of private grazing land;
              (3) conserving and improving wildlife habitat on
            private grazing land;
              (4) conserving and improving fish habitat and aquatic
            systems through grazing land conservation treatment;
              (5) protecting and improving water quality;
              (6) improving the dependability and consistency of
            water supplies;
              (7) identifying and managing weed, noxious weed, and
            brush encroachment problems on private grazing land;
            and
              (8) integrating conservation planning and management
            decisions by owners and managers of private grazing
            land, on a voluntary basis.
      (b) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
            Department of Agriculture.
              (2) Private grazing land.--The term ``private grazing
            land'' means private, State-owned, tribally-owned, and
            any other non-federally owned rangeland, pastureland,
            grazed forest land, and hay land.
              (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
      (c) Private Grazing Land Conservation Assistance.--
              (1) Assistance to grazing landowners and others.--
            Subject to the availability of appropriations for this
            section, the Secretary shall establish a voluntary
            program to provide technical, educational, and related
            assistance to owners and managers of private grazing
            land and public agencies, through local conservation
            districts, to enable the landowners, managers, and
            public agencies to voluntarily carry out activities
            that are consistent with this section, including--
                      (A) maintaining and improving private grazing
                    land and the multiple values and uses that
                    depend on private grazing land;
                      (B) implementing grazing land management
                    technologies;
                      (C) managing resources on private grazing
                    land, including--
                              (i) planning, managing, and treating
                            private grazing land resources;
                              (ii) ensuring the long-term
                            sustainability of private grazing land
                            resources;
                              (iii) harvesting, processing, and
                            marketing private grazing land
                            resources; and
                              (iv) identifying and managing weed,
                            noxious weed, and brush encroachment
                            problems;
                      (D) protecting and improving the quality and
                    quantity of water yields from private grazing
                    land;
                      (E) maintaining and improving wildlife and
                    fish habitat on private grazing land;
                      (F) enhancing recreational opportunities on
                    private grazing land;
                      (G) maintaining and improving the aesthetic
                    character of private grazing land;
                      (H) identifying the opportunities and
                    encouraging the diversification of private
                    grazing land enterprises; and
                      (I) encouraging the use of sustainable
                    grazing systems, such as year-round,
                    rotational, or managed grazing.
              (2) Program elements.--
                      (A) Funding.--If funding is provided to carry
                    out this section, it shall be provided through
                    a specific line-item in the annual
                    appropriations for the Natural Resources
                    Conservation Service.
                      (B) Technical assistance and education.--
                    Personnel of the Department trained in pasture
                    and range management shall be made available
                    under the program to deliver and coordinate
                    technical assistance and education to owners
                    and managers of private grazing land, at the
                    request of the owners and managers.
                      (C) Partnerships.--In carrying out the
                    program under this section, the Secretary shall
                    provide education and outreach activities
                    through partnerships with--
                              (i) land-grant colleges and
                            universities (as defined in section
                            1404 of the National Agricultural
                            Research, Extension, and Teaching
                            Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
                            and
                              (ii) nongovernmental organizations.
      (d) Grazing Technical Assistance Self-Help.--
              (1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
                      (A) there is a severe lack of technical
                    assistance for farmers and ranchers that graze
                    livestock;
                      (B) Federal budgetary constraints preclude
                    any significant expansion, and may force a
                    reduction of, current levels of technical
                    support; and
                      (C) farmers and ranchers have a history of
                    cooperatively working together to address
                    common needs in the promotion of their products
                    and in the drainage of wet areas through
                    drainage districts.
              (2) Establishment of grazing demonstration.--In
            accordance with paragraph (3), the Secretary may
            establish 2 grazing management demonstration districts
            at the recommendation of the grazing land conservation
            initiative steering committee.
              (3) Procedure.--
                      (A) Proposal.--Within a reasonable time after
                    the submission of a request of an organization
                    of farmers or ranchers engaged in grazing, the
                    Secretary shall propose that a grazing
                    management district be established.
                      (B) Funding.--The terms and conditions of the
                    funding and operation of the grazing management
                    district shall be proposed by the producers.
                      (C) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve
                    the proposal if the Secretary determines that
                    the proposal--
                              (i) is reasonable;
                              (ii) will promote sound grazing
                            practices; and
                              (iii) contains provisions similar to
                            the provisions contained in the beef
                            promotion and research order issued
                            under section 4 of the Beef Research
                            and Information Act (7 U.S.C. 2903) in
                            effect on April 4, 1996.
                      (D) Area included.--The area proposed to be
                    included in a grazing management district shall
                    be determined by the Secretary on the basis of
                    an application by farmers or ranchers.
                      (E) Authorization.--The Secretary may use
                    authority under the Agricultural Adjustment Act
                    (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), reenacted with
                    amendments by the Agricultural Marketing
                    Agreement Act of 1937, to operate, on a
                    demonstration basis, a grazing management
                    district.
                      (F) Activities.--The activities of a grazing
                    management district shall be scientifically
                    sound activities, as determined by the
                    Secretary in consultation with a technical
                    advisory committee composed of ranchers,
                    farmers, and technical experts.
      (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 [2023] 2031.

    SEC. 1240N. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a feral swine
    eradication and control program (in this section referred to as
    the ``program'') to respond to the threat feral swine pose to
    agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health.
      (b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the program,
    the Secretary shall--
              (1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage
            to the threatened areas caused by feral swine;
              (2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral
            swine in the threatened areas;
              (3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral
            swine; and
              (4) provide financial assistance to agricultural
            producers in threatened areas.
      (c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial
    assistance to agricultural producers under the program to
    implement methods to--
              (1) eradicate or control feral swine in the
            threatened areas; and
              (2) restore damage caused by feral swine.
      (d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant
    Health Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this
    section through State technical committees established under
    section 1261(a).
      (e) Cost Sharing.--
              (1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs of
            activities under the program may not exceed 75 percent
            of the total costs of such activities.
              (2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of
            the costs of activities under the program may be
            provided in the form of in-kind contributions of
            materials or services.
      (f) Threatened Area Defined.--In this section, the term
    ``threatened area'' means an area of a State in which feral
    swine have been identified as a threat to agriculture, native
    ecosystems, or human and animal health, as determined by the
    Secretary.
      (g) Funding.--
              (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
            out this section $75,000,000 for the period of fiscal
            years 2019 through 2023, $15,000,000 for fiscal year
            2024, and $150,000,000 for the period of fiscal years
            2025 through 2031.
              (2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made
            available under paragraph (1)--
                      (A) 40 percent shall be allocated to the
                    Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry
                    out the program, including the provision of
                    financial assistance to producers for on-farm
                    trapping and technology related to capturing
                    and confining feral swine; and
                      (B) 60 percent shall be allocated to the
                    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to
                    carry out the program, including the use of
                    established, and testing of innovative,
                    population reduction methods.
              (3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more
            than 10 percent of funds made available under this
            section may be used for administrative expenses of the
            program.
      (h) Coordination and Cooperation With a Land Grant
    University.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall direct the
            Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal
            and Plant Health Inspection Service to enter into a
            contract with 1 or more land-grant colleges or
            universities to assist with the program in achieving
            its goals.
              (2) Eligible land-grant colleges and universities.--A
            land-grant college or university is eligible to enter
            into a contract under paragraph (1) if such college or
            university--
                      (A) has developed and implemented a system of
                    evaluating damages from feral swine and
                    effectiveness of control efforts in response to
                    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public
                    Law 115-334);
                      (B) shows evidence of a strong working
                    relationship with Wildlife Services in the
                    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and
                      (C) has maintained a State-funded, non-
                    Federal Wildlife Services program that has an
                    active cooperative agreement with Wildlife
                    Services in the Animal and Plant Health
                    Inspection Service within the structure of the
                    Land Grant University System.
              (3) Role of the land-grant college or university.--A
            land-grant college or university that enters into a
            contract under paragraph (1) shall, as a condition on
            entering into such a contract, assist the program by
            acting as a strategic, neutral entity that is able to
            advance the program beyond the expertise of the
            Department to achieve the stated goals of the program
            by--
                      (A) identifying and carrying out research on
                    novel methods of feral swine control and land
                    remediation;
                      (B) assisting in establishing strategic areas
                    for feral swine control based on data collected
                    in response to the Agriculture Improvement Act
                    of 2018;
                      (C) coordinating and collaborating between
                    field staff, programmatic staff, and research
                    staff within the Natural Resources Conservation
                    Service and the Animal and Plant Health
                    Inspection Service; and
                      (D) establishing and consulting with the
                    Department on research goals and priorities in
                    the program.
              (4) Funding.--Funding made available under (g)(2)
            shall be available to fund activities under this
            subsection, as determined by the Secretary.
              (5) Land-grant college or university defined.--In
            this subsection, the term ``land-grant college or
            university'' has the meaning given the term ``land-
            grant colleges and universities'' in section 1404 of
            the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
            Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                     Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

    SEC. 1241. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

      (a) Annual Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2014 through
    2031, 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--
                      (A) $12,000,000 for the period of fiscal
                    years [2019 through 2023] 2027 through 2031 to
                    provide payments under section 1234(c); and
                      (B) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal
                    years [2019 through 2023] 2027 through 2031,
                    including not more than $5,000,000 to provide
                    outreach and technical assistance, to carry out
                    section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of
                    land subject to contracts from contract holders
                    to covered farmers or ranchers, as defined in
                    section 1235(f)(1).
              (2) The agricultural conservation easement program
            under subtitle H using to the maximum extent
            practicable--
                      (A) $625,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
                      (B) $650,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                      (C) $675,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
                      (D) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
                      (E) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
                      (F) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
              (3) The programs under chapter 4, using, to the
            maximum extent practicable--
                      (A) for the environmental quality incentives
                    program under subchapter A of that chapter--
                              [(i) $2,655,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2026;
                              [(ii) $2,855,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2027;
                              [(iii) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2028;
                              [(iv) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2029;
                              [(v) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2030; and
                              [(vi) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2031; and]
                              (i) $2,530,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2027;
                              (ii) $2,730,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2028;
                              (iii) $3,130,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2029;
                              (iv) $3,175,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2030; and
                              (v) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2031; and
                      (B) for the conservation stewardship program
                    under subchapter B of that chapter--
                              (i) $1,300,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2026;
                              (ii) $1,325,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2027;
                              (iii) $1,350,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2028;
                              (iv) $1,375,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2029;
                              (v) $1,375,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2030; and
                              (vi) $1,375,000,000 for fiscal year
                            2031.
              (4) The conservation stewardship program under
            subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D (as in effect
            on the day before the date of enactment of the
            Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), using such sums
            as are necessary to administer contracts entered into
            before that date of enactment.
              (5) The forest conservation easement program under
            subtitle I, using, to the maximum extent practicable--
                      (A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                      (B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
                      (C) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
                      (D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
                      (E) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
              (6) The regional conservation partnership program
            under subtitle J, to the maximum extent practicable--
                      (A) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                      (B) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
                      (C) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
                      (D) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
                      (E) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
      (b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts made available by
    subsection (a) for fiscal years 2014 through 2031 shall be used
    by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such
    subsection and shall remain available until expended.
      (c) Technical Assistance.--
              (1) Availability.--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;
                      (B) except for technical assistance for the
                    conservation reserve program under subchapter B
                    of chapter 1 of subtitle D, shall be
                    apportioned for the provision of technical
                    assistance in the amount determined by the
                    Secretary, at the sole discretion of the
                    Secretary; and
                      (C) 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) Priority.--
                      (A) In general.--In the delivery of technical
                    assistance under the Soil Conservation and
                    Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a et
                    seq.), the Secretary shall give priority to
                    producers who request technical assistance from
                    the Secretary in order to comply for the first
                    time with the requirements of subtitle B and
                    subtitle C of this title as a result of the
                    amendments made by section 2611 of the
                    Agricultural Act of 2014.
                      (B) Report.--Not later than 270 days after
                    the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act
                    of 2014, 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 regarding the extent to which
                    the conservation compliance requirements
                    contained in the amendments made by section
                    2611 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 apply to
                    and impact specialty crop growers, including
                    national analysis and surveys to determine the
                    extent of specialty crop acreage that includes
                    highly erodible land and wetlands.
              (3) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2014, 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 provision
                    that would be helpful to such Committees.
              (4) Compliance report.--Not later than November 1 of
            each year, 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 includes--
                      (A) a description of the extent to which the
                    requests for highly erodible land conservation
                    and wetland compliance determinations are being
                    addressed in a timely manner;
                      (B) the total number of requests completed in
                    the previous fiscal year;
                      (C) the incomplete determinations on record;
                    and
                      (D) the number of requests that are still
                    outstanding more than 1 year since the date on
                    which the requests were received from the
                    producer.
      (d) Relationship to Other Law.--The use of Commodity Credit
    Corporation funds under subsection (c) 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).
      (e) Regional Equity.--
              (1) Equitable distribution.--When 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, and [subtitle I] subtitle J 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.
      (f) Acceptance and Use of Contributions for Public-Private
    Partnerships.--
              (1) Establishment of public-private partnership
            contributions accounts.--The Secretary shall establish
            the necessary accounts and process to accept
            contributions of private funds for the purposes of
            addressing the changing climate, sequestering carbon,
            improving wildlife habitat, protecting sources of
            drinking water, and addressing other natural resource
            priorities identified by the Secretary.
              (2) Deposit and use of contributions.--Contributions
            of non-Federal funds received for a covered program
            shall be deposited into the account established under
            this subsection for the program and shall be available
            to the Secretary, without further appropriation and
            until expended, to carry out the program.
              (3) Secretarial authority.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary may accept
                    under this subsection contributions of such
                    funds as the Secretary determines appropriate,
                    taking into consideration--
                              (i) the source of the funds to be
                            contributed;
                              (ii) the natural resource concerns to
                            be addressed through the use of the
                            funds;
                              (iii) the amount of funds to be
                            contributed;
                              (iv) whether the activities proposed
                            to be carried out using the funds are
                            consistent with the priorities of the
                            Secretary; and
                              (v) any other factors the Secretary
                            determines to be relevant.
                      (B) Determination.--A determination of
                    whether to accept private funds under this
                    subsection shall be at the sole discretion of
                    the Secretary.
              (4) Match of contributed funds.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
                    the Secretary may provide matching Federal
                    funds, and determine the level of such match,
                    which shall not exceed 75 percent, for the
                    private funds contributed under this
                    subsection, subject to the availability of
                    funding for the applicable covered program.
                      (B) Distribution of federal funding for
                    states.--The Secretary may not provide any
                    matching Federal funds pursuant to subparagraph
                    (A) in a manner that would result in a
                    substantial reduction in the historical
                    distribution of Federal funding to any State
                    for any covered program.
                      (C) Limitation.--No funds made available
                    pursuant to Public Law 117-169 may be used to
                    provide matching Federal funds pursuant to
                    subparagraph (A).
              (5) Role of contributing entity.--An entity
            contributing funds under this subsection may--
                      (A) designate the covered program for which
                    the contributed funds are intended to be used;
                      (B) specify the geographic area in which the
                    contributed funds are intended to be used;
                      (C) identify a natural resource concern the
                    contributed funds are intended to be used to
                    address;
                      (D) with respect to an activity funded
                    pursuant to this subsection that may result in
                    environmental services benefits to be sold
                    through an environmental services market,
                    subject to the approval of the Secretary,
                    prescribe the terms for ownership of the
                    entity's share of such environmental services
                    benefits resulting from such activity; and
                      (E) work with the Secretary to promote the
                    activities funded pursuant to this subsection.
              (6) Producer participation.--
                      (A) Notification.--The Secretary shall
                    establish a process to provide notice to
                    producers--
                              (i) of activities that may be carried
                            out, through a covered program,
                            pursuant to this section; and
                              (ii) of any terms prescribed by the
                            contributing entity under paragraph
                            (5)(D) with respect to such activities.
                      (B) Retention of environmental services
                    benefits.--The Secretary shall not claim or
                    impede any action of a producer with respect to
                    the environmental services benefits they accrue
                    through activities funded pursuant to this
                    subsection.
              (7) Consistency with program requirements.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall ensure
                    that the terms and conditions of activities
                    carried out using funds contributed under this
                    subsection are consistent with the requirements
                    of the applicable covered program.
                      (B) Adjustments.--
                              (i) In general.--The Secretary may,
                            if the Secretary determines necessary,
                            adjust a regulatory requirement of a
                            covered program, or related guidance,
                            as it applies to an activity carried
                            out using funds contributed under this
                            subsection--
                                      (I) to provide a simplified
                                    process; or
                                      (II) to better reflect unique
                                    local circumstances and to
                                    address a specific priority of
                                    the contributing entity.
                              (ii) Limitation.--The Secretary shall
                            not adjust the application of statutory
                            requirements for a covered program,
                            including requirements governing
                            appeals, payment limits, and
                            conservation compliance.
              (8) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2024, and
            each year thereafter through December 31, 2031, 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--
                      (A) the name and a description of each entity
                    contributing private funds under this
                    subsection that took an action under paragraph
                    (5), and a description of each such action;
                      (B) the name and a description of each entity
                    contributing private funds under this
                    subsection for which the Secretary has provided
                    matching Federal funds, and the level of that
                    match, including the amount of such matching
                    Federal funds; and
                      (C) the total amounts of--
                              (i) private funds contributed under
                            this subsection; and
                              (ii) matching Federal funds provided
                            by the Secretary under paragraph (4).
              (9) Covered program defined.--In this subsection, the
            term ``covered program'' means a program carried out by
            the Secretary under--
                      [(A) subtitle D (except for subchapter B of
                    such subtitle), subtitle H, or subtitle I;]
                      (A) subtitle D (except for subchapter B of
                    chapter 1 of such subtitle), subtitle H,
                    subtitle I, or subtitle J;
                      (B) section 403 of the Agricultural Credit
                    Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203)[;]; or
                      [(C) title V of the Healthy Forests
                    Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et
                    seq.); or]
                      [(D)] (C) the Watershed Protection and Flood
                    Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), except
                    for any program established by the Secretary to
                    carry out section 14 of such Act (16 U.S.C.
                    1012).
              (10) Duration of authority.--The authority of the
            Secretary under this subsection shall expire, with
            respect to each covered program, on the date on which
            the authority of the covered program expires.
      (g) Allocations Review and Update.--
              (1) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
            enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
            the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service and the Administrator of
            the Farm Service Agency, shall conduct a review of
            conservation programs and authorities under this title
            that utilize annual allocation formulas to determine
            the sufficiency of the formulas in accounting for
            relevant data on local natural resource concerns,
            resource inventories, evaluations and reports,
            recommendations from State technical committees
            established under section 1261(a), State-level economic
            factors, level of agricultural infrastructure, or
            related factors that affect conservation program costs.
              (2) Update.--The Secretary shall improve conservation
            program allocation formulas as necessary to ensure
            that--
                      (A) the formulas adequately reflect the costs
                    of carrying out the conservation programs;
                      (B) to the maximum extent practicable, local
                    natural resource concerns are considered a
                    leading factor in determining annual funding
                    allocation to States;
                      (C) the process used at the national level to
                    evaluate State budget proposals and to allocate
                    funds is reviewed annually to assess the effect
                    of allocations in addressing identified natural
                    resource priorities and objectives; and
                      (D) the allocation of funds to States
                    addresses priority natural resource concerns
                    and objectives.
      (h) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for
    Conservation Access.--
              (1) Assistance.--
                      (A) Fiscal years 2009 through 2018.--Of the
                    funds made available for each of fiscal years
                    2009 through 2018 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--
                              (i) 5 percent to assist beginning
                            farmers or ranchers; and
                              (ii) 5 percent to assist socially
                            disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
                      (B) Fiscal years 2019 through 2031.--Of the
                    funds made available for each of fiscal years
                    2019 through 2031 to carry out the
                    environmental quality incentives program under
                    subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D and the
                    conservation stewardship program under
                    subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D, the
                    Secretary shall use, to the maximum extent
                    practicable--
                              (i) 5 percent to assist beginning
                            farmers or ranchers; and
                              (ii) 5 percent to assist socially
                            disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
              (2) Repooling of funds.--In any fiscal year, amounts
            not obligated under paragraph (1) by a date determined
            by the Secretary shall be available for payments and
            technical assistance to all persons eligible for
            payments or technical assistance in that fiscal year
            under the environmental quality incentives program and,
            in the case of fiscal years 2019 through 2031, under
            the conservation stewardship program under subchapter B
            of chapter 4 of subtitle D.
              (3) Repooling of acres.--In any fiscal year through
            fiscal year 2018, acres not obligated under paragraph
            (1)(A) by a date determined by the Secretary shall be
            available for use in that fiscal year under the
            conservation stewardship program.
              (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, as applicable, clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph
            (1)(A) or clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(B).
      (i) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Not later
    than December 15 of each of calendar years [2019 through 2023]
    2027 through 2031, 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 containing statistics by State related to
    enrollments in conservation programs under this title, as
    follows:
              (1) The annual and current cumulative activity
            reflecting active agreement and contract enrollment
            statistics.
              (2) Secretarial exceptions, waivers, and significant
            payments, including--
                      (A) payments made under the agricultural
                    conservation easement program for easements
                    valued at $250,000 or greater;
                      (B) payments made under the regional
                    conservation partnership program subject to the
                    waiver of adjusted gross income limitations
                    pursuant to section 1271C(c)(3);
                      (C) waivers granted by the Secretary under
                    section 1001D(b)(3);
                      (D) exceptions and activity associated with
                    section 1240B(h)(2); and
                      (E) exceptions provided by the Secretary
                    under [section 1265B(b)(2)(B)(ii)] section
                    1265B(b)(2)(A)(iii).
      (j) Conservation Standards and Requirements.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this
            title, the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall
            serve as the lead agency in developing and establishing
            technical standards and requirements for conservation
            programs carried out under this title, including--
                      (A) standards for conservation practices
                    under this title;
                      (B) technical guidelines for implementing
                    conservation practices under this title,
                    including the location of the conservation
                    practices; and
                      (C) standards for conservation plans.
              (2) Consistency of farm service agency technical
            standards and payment rates.--The Administrator of the
            Farm Service Agency shall ensure that--
                      (A) technical standards of programs
                    administered by the Farm Service Agency are
                    consistent with the technical standards
                    established by the Natural Resources
                    Conservation Service under paragraph (1); and
                      (B) payment rates, to the extent practicable,
                    are consistent between the Farm Service Agency
                    and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

    SEC. 1242. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible participant.--The term ``eligible
            participant'' means a producer, landowner, or entity
            that is participating in, or seeking to participate in,
            programs in which the producer, landowner, or entity is
            otherwise eligible to participate under this title or
            the agricultural management assistance program under
            section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
            U.S.C. 1524(b)).
              (2) Non-federal certifying entity.--The term ``non-
            Federal certifying entity'' means a non-Federal entity,
            an Indian Tribe, or a State agency described in
            subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of subsection (e)(4) that
            has entered into an agreement under subsection
            (e)(5)(D).
              [(2)] (3) Third-party provider.--The term ``third-
            party provider'' means a commercial entity (including a
            farmer cooperative, agriculture retailer, or other
            commercial entity (as defined by the Secretary)), a
            nonprofit entity, a State or local government
            (including a conservation district), or a Federal
            agency, that has expertise in the technical aspect of
            conservation planning, including nutrient management
            planning, watershed planning, or environmental
            engineering.
      (b) Purpose of Technical Assistance.--The purpose of
    technical assistance authorized by this section is to provide
    eligible participants with consistent, timely, science-based,
    site-specific practices designed to achieve conservation
    objectives on land active in agricultural, forestry, or related
    uses.
      (c) Provision of Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall
    provide technical assistance under this title to an eligible
    participant--
              (1) directly;
              (2) through an agreement with a third-party provider;
            or
              (3) at the option of the eligible participant,
            through a payment, as determined by the Secretary, to
            the eligible participant for an approved third-party
            provider, if available.
      (d) Non-Federal Assistance.--The Secretary may request the
    services of, and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts
    with, other agencies within the Department or non-Federal
    entities (including private sector entities) to assist the
    Secretary in providing technical assistance necessary to assist
    in implementing conservation programs under this title.
      (e) Certification of Third-Party Providers.--
              (1) Purpose.--The purpose of the third-party provider
            program is to increase the availability and range of
            technical expertise available to eligible participants
            to plan and implement conservation measures.
              (2) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the
            date of the enactment of the [Food, Conservation, and
            Energy Act of 2008] Farm, Food, and National Security
            Act of 2026, the Secretary shall promulgate such
            regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
              (3) Expertise.--In promulgating such regulations, the
            Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall--
                      [(A) ensure that persons with expertise in
                    the technical aspects of conservation planning,
                    watershed planning, and environmental
                    engineering, including commercial entities,
                    nonprofit entities, State or local governments
                    or agencies, and other Federal agencies, are
                    eligible to become approved providers of the
                    technical assistance;]
                      (A) ensure that persons (including commercial
                    entities, nonprofit entities, State or local
                    governments or agencies, and other Federal
                    agencies) with expertise in the technical
                    aspects of conservation planning, watershed
                    planning, environmental engineering,
                    conservation practice design, implementation,
                    and evaluation, and any other technical skills
                    determined appropriate by the Secretary, are
                    eligible to become approved providers of the
                    technical assistance;
                      (B) provide national criteria for the
                    certification of third-party providers; and
                      (C) approve any unique certification
                    standards established at the State level.
              [(4) Certification process.--The Secretary shall
            certify a third-party provider through--
                      [(A) a certification process administered by
                    the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
                    Natural Resources Conservation Service; or
                      [(B) a non-Federal entity approved by the
                    Secretary to perform the certification.
              [(5) Streamlined certification.--The Secretary shall
            provide a streamlined certification process for a
            third-party provider that has an appropriate specialty
            certification, including a sustainability
            certification.]
              (4) Certification.--A third-party provider may be
            certified to provide technical assistance under this
            section only--
                      (A) through a certification process
                    administered by the Secretary, acting through
                    the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation
                    Service;
                      (B) by a non-Federal entity (other than a
                    State agency or an Indian Tribe) approved by
                    the Secretary under paragraph (5) to certify a
                    third-party provider;
                      (C) by an Indian Tribe approved by the
                    Secretary under paragraph (5) to certify a
                    third-party provider; or
                      (D) by a State agency that--
                              (i) has statutory authority to
                            certify, administer, or license
                            professionals in one or more fields of
                            natural resources, agriculture, or
                            engineering; and
                              (ii) is approved by the Secretary
                            under paragraph (5) to certify a third-
                            party provider.
              (5) Non-federal certifying entity.--
                      (A) Establishment of approval process.--Not
                    later than 180 days after the date of enactment
                    of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of
                    2026, the Secretary shall establish a process
                    to approve a non-Federal entity (including a
                    State agency and an Indian Tribe), to become a
                    non-Federal certifying entity.
                      (B) Approval.--Not later than 60 days after
                    the date on which the Secretary receives an
                    application by a non-Federal entity to certify
                    third-party providers under this section, the
                    Secretary shall make a decision on whether to
                    approve such application.
                      (C) Eligibility.--In carrying out
                    subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall take into
                    consideration--
                              (i) the ability of the applicable
                            non-Federal entity to assess the
                            qualifications of a third-party
                            provider and to certify third-party
                            providers at scale;
                              (ii) the experience of the applicable
                            non-Federal entity in working with
                            third-party providers and eligible
                            participants;
                              (iii) the expertise of the applicable
                            non-Federal entity in the technical
                            skills described in paragraph (3)(A);
                            and
                              (iv) such other qualifications as the
                            Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                      (D) Agreement.--Upon approving an application
                    under this paragraph, the Secretary shall enter
                    into an agreement with the non-Federal entity
                    to become a non-Federal certifying entity.
                      (E) Duties of non-federal certifying
                    entities.--In certifying third-party providers
                    under this section, a non-Federal certifying
                    entity shall--
                              (i) assess the ability of a third-
                            party provider to appropriately provide
                            technical assistance to eligible
                            participants for specified practices
                            and conservation activities;
                              (ii) provide training to ensure that
                            a third-party provider is qualified to
                            provide technical assistance upon
                            certification by the non-Federal
                            certifying entity; and
                              (iii) submit to the Secretary, in a
                            timely manner, information on--
                                      (I) each third-party provider
                                    certified by the non-Federal
                                    certifying entity, for
                                    inclusion on the registry of
                                    certified third-party providers
                                    maintained by the Secretary;
                                    and
                                      (II) each third-party
                                    provider the certification of
                                    which is withdrawn by the non-
                                    Federal certifying entity.
              (6) Timely decisions.--
                      (A) Certification by secretary.--Not later
                    than 30 days after the date on which the
                    Secretary receives an application from a third-
                    party provider to be certified under the
                    process described in paragraph (4)(A) for
                    particular practices and conservation
                    activities, the Secretary shall--
                              (i) make a final decision with
                            respect to such application; and
                              (ii) if the final decision is to
                            certify the third-party provider,
                            include the name of the certified
                            third-party provider on the registry of
                            certified third-party providers
                            maintained by the Secretary.
                      (B) Certification by non-federal certifying
                    entity.--Not later than 10 days after the date
                    on which the Secretary receives a notification
                    from a non-Federal certifying entity that a
                    third-party provider was certified, pursuant to
                    subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (4),
                    for particular practices and conservation
                    activities, the Secretary shall include the
                    name of the certified third-party provider on
                    the registry of certified third-party providers
                    maintained by the Secretary.
              (7) Streamlined certification.--Not later than 180
            days after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and
            National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall
            establish a streamlined process for the Secretary and
            non-Federal certifying entities to use to certify under
            this section a third-party provider that has a relevant
            professional certification for particular practices and
            conservation activities, as determined by the
            Secretary.
      (f) Administration.--
              (1) Funding.--Effective for fiscal year 2008 and each
            subsequent fiscal year, funds of the Commodity Credit
            Corporation made available to carry out technical
            assistance for [each of the programs specified in
            section 1241] conservation programs administered by the
            Secretary shall be available for the provision of
            technical assistance from third-party providers under
            this section.
              (2) Term of agreement.--An agreement with a third-
            party provider or a non-Federal certifying entity under
            this section shall have a term that--
                      (A) at a minimum, is equal to the period
                    beginning on the date on which the agreement is
                    entered into and ending on the date that is 1
                    year after the date on which all activities
                    performed pursuant to the agreement have been
                    completed;
                      (B) does not exceed 3 years; and
                      (C) can be renewed, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
              [(3) Review of certification requirements.--Not later
            than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Food,
            Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary
            shall--
                      [(A) review certification requirements for
                    third-party providers; and
                      [(B) make any adjustments considered
                    necessary by the Secretary to improve
                    participation.]
              (3) Update of certification process by the
            secretary.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
            of 2026, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary
            shall--
                      (A) review the certification processes under
                    paragraphs (4)(A) and (7) of subsection (e);
                      (B) make any adjustments considered necessary
                    by the Secretary to--
                              (i) increase the number of third-
                            party providers delivering technical
                            assistance; and
                              (ii) improve the quality of technical
                            assistance delivered by third-party
                            providers;
                      (C) conduct outreach to, and receive input on
                    the barriers for third-party providers to
                    become certified under this section from--
                              (i) third-party providers that are,
                            or have been, certified under this
                            section; and
                              (ii) other interested parties
                            associated with eligible participants;
                            and
                      (D) set a target rate of utilization of
                    third-party providers to deliver technical
                    assistance across all conservation programs
                    administered by the Secretary.
              (4) Eligible activities.--
                      (A) Inclusion of activities.--The Secretary
                    may include as activities eligible for payments
                    to a third-party provider--
                              (i) technical services provided
                            directly to eligible participants, such
                            as conservation planning, education and
                            outreach, and assistance with design
                            and implementation (including
                            maintenance) of conservation practices;
                            and
                              (ii) related technical assistance
                            services that accelerate conservation
                            program delivery.
                      (B) Exclusions.--The Secretary shall not
                    designate as an activity eligible for payments
                    to a third-party provider any service that is
                    provided by a business, or equivalent, in
                    connection with conducting business and that is
                    customarily provided at no cost.
              [(5) Payment amounts.--The Secretary shall establish
            fair and reasonable amounts of payments for technical
            services provided by third-party providers.]
              (5) Payment amount.--
                      (A) In general.--For payments provided by the
                    Secretary under paragraph (2) or (3) of
                    subsection (c), the Secretary shall determine
                    payment amounts for technical assistance
                    provided by third-party providers, which shall
                    be at rates equivalent to, but that do not
                    exceed, the cost to the Secretary of providing
                    technical assistance directly to an eligible
                    participant.
                      (B) Considerations.--In determining payment
                    amounts under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
                    shall consider specialized equipment, frequency
                    of site visits, training, travel and
                    transportation, and such other factors as the
                    Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                      (C) Exclusion.--A payment provided under
                    subsection (c)(3) shall be excluded from
                    calculations relating to any cost-sharing
                    requirements of the applicable conservation
                    program under which the payment was provided.
              (6) Transparency.--Not later than 1 year after the
            date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026, and periodically thereafter, the
            Secretary shall make publicly available information
            on--
                      (A) funds obligated to third-party providers
                    through--
                              (i) contracts entered into between
                            eligible participants and individual
                            third-party providers; and
                              (ii) agreements with public and
                            private sector entities to secure
                            third-party technical assistance;
                      (B) the certification process under this
                    section, including--
                              (i) the number of third-party
                            providers certified by the Secretary;
                              (ii) the number of non-Federal
                            certifying entities approved by the
                            Secretary;
                              (iii) the number of third-party
                            providers certified by non-Federal
                            certifying entities (other than State
                            agencies and Indian Tribes);
                              (iv) the number of third-party
                            providers certified by Indian Tribes;
                              (v) the number of third-party
                            providers certified by State agencies;
                            and
                              (vi) the number of third-party
                            providers certified through the
                            streamlined certification process
                            described in subsection (e)(7);
                      (C) how third-party providers contribute to
                    the quality and effectiveness of conservation
                    practices implemented and adopted through
                    conservation programs administered by the
                    Secretary, and what improvements are needed;
                    and
                      (D) the target rate of utilization of third-
                    party providers set under paragraph (3)(D) and
                    how actual rate of utilization compares to the
                    target rate.
              (7) Soil health planning.--The Secretary shall
            emphasize the use of third-party providers in providing
            technical assistance for soil health planning,
            including planning related to the use of cover crops,
            precision agriculture practices, comprehensive nutrient
            management planning, and other innovative plans.
      (g) Availability of Technical Services.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out the programs under
            this title and the agricultural management assistance
            program under section 524 of the Federal Crop Insurance
            Act (7 U.S.C. 1524), the Secretary shall make technical
            services available to all eligible participants who are
            installing an eligible practice.
              (2) Technical service contracts.--In any case in
            which financial assistance is not provided under a
            program referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary may
            enter into a technical service contract with the
            eligible participant for the purposes of assisting in
            the planning, design, or installation of an eligible
            practice.
      (h)  [Review] Establishment and Review of Conservation
    Practice Standards.--
              (1) Review required.--The Secretary shall--
                      [(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
                    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
                    2018, complete a review of each conservation
                    practice standard, including engineering design
                    specifications, in effect on the day before the
                    date of enactment of that Act;]
                      (A) not later than 1 year after the date of
                    enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
                    Security Act of 2026, and at least every 5
                    years thereafter, complete a review of each
                    conservation practice standard, including
                    engineering design specifications;
                      (B) ensure, to the maximum extent
                    practicable, the completeness and relevance of
                    the standards to local agricultural, forestry,
                    and natural resource needs, including specialty
                    crops, native and managed pollinators,
                    bioenergy crop production, forestry, and such
                    other needs as are determined by the Secretary;
                      (C) ensure that the standards provide for the
                    optimal balance between meeting site-specific
                    conservation needs and minimizing risks of
                    design failure and associated costs of
                    construction and installation; [and]
                      [(D) evaluate opportunities to increase
                    flexibility in conservation practice standards
                    in a manner that ensures equivalent natural
                    resource benefits.]
                      (D) evaluate opportunities to increase
                    flexibility in conservation practice standards
                    in a manner that integrates new and innovative
                    technologies that provide equivalent or
                    improved natural resource benefits compared to
                    the standards in effect at the time of the
                    review;
                      (E) provide a process for public input on
                    each conservation practice standard under such
                    review, including a process for consideration
                    of State and local input;
                      (F) publicly post a summary of any input
                    received under subparagraph (E) and any
                    decisions made relating to such input; and
                      (G) revise any conservation practice standard
                    based on the results of such review, as
                    determined appropriate by the Secretary, and
                    publish any such revised standard.
              (2) Consultation.--In conducting the review under
            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with
            eligible participants, State technical committees
            established under section 1261(a), crop consultants,
            cooperative extension and land grant universities,
            nongovernmental organizations, and other qualified
            entities.
              [(3) Expedited revision of standards.--Not later than
            1 year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall develop
            for the programs under this title an administrative
            process for--
                      [(A) expediting the establishment and
                    revision of conservation practice standards;
                      [(B) considering conservation innovations and
                    scientific and technological advancements with
                    respect to any establishment or revision under
                    subparagraph (A);
                      [(C) allowing local flexibility in the
                    creation of--
                              [(i) interim practice standards and
                            supplements to existing practice
                            standards to address the considerations
                            described in subparagraph (B); and
                              [(ii) partnership-led proposals for
                            new and innovative techniques to
                            facilitate implementing agreements and
                            grants under this title; and
                      [(D) soliciting regular input from State
                    technical committees established under section
                    1261(a) for recommendations that identify
                    innovations or advancements described in
                    subparagraph (B).]
              (3) Process for establishment of interim and new
            conservation practice standards.--
                      (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after
                    the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and
                    National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary
                    shall develop a streamlined process under which
                    the Secretary shall establish interim
                    conservation practice standards and new
                    conservation practice standards.
                      (B) Development.--In developing the
                    streamlined process under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary shall--
                              (i) ensure that the public can engage
                            with the Department of Agriculture,
                            including by recommending interim
                            conservation practice standards; and
                              (ii) establish--
                                      (I) the types of data,
                                    metrics, and other relevant
                                    information that are necessary
                                    for the establishment of
                                    interim conservation practice
                                    standards and new conservation
                                    practice standards;
                                      (II) the process by which an
                                    interim conservation practice
                                    standard may become a new
                                    conservation practice standard;
                                    and
                                      (III) specific requirements
                                    for an expedited review of a
                                    new conservation practice for
                                    the purpose of establishing a
                                    new conservation practice
                                    standard for such practice.
                      (C) Considerations.--In establishing an
                    interim conservation practice standard or a new
                    conservation practice standard under this
                    subsection, the Secretary shall consider--
                              (i) input from State technical
                            committees on recommendations that
                            identify innovations or advancements in
                            conservation practices;
                              (ii) technological advancements,
                            including advancements from projects
                            developed under section 1240H;
                              (iii) State and local input in the
                            form of--
                                      (I) recommendations for
                                    interim conservation practice
                                    standards; and
                                      (II) partnership-led
                                    proposals for new and
                                    innovative techniques to
                                    facilitate implementing
                                    agreements and grants under
                                    this title; and
                              (iv) input from native entities in
                            the form of information relating to
                            native traditional ecological knowledge
                            that can inform conservation practice
                            standards.
                      (D) Innovative technology priority.--In
                    reviewing conservation practice standards under
                    this subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize
                    the review of interim conservation practice
                    standards and new conservation practice
                    standards that integrate innovative
                    technologies, including--
                              (i) precision agriculture
                            technologies;
                              (ii) biological fertilizers,
                            biostimulants, enhanced efficiency
                            fertilizers, and other tools determined
                            by the Secretary to reduce nutrient
                            loss;
                              (iii) animal feed additives;
                              (iv) perennial production systems,
                            including agroforestry and perennial
                            forages and grain crops; and
                              (v) any other innovative technology,
                            as determined by the Secretary.
                      (E) Transparency.--The Secretary shall make
                    available on a public website a detailed
                    description of the process for recommending,
                    reviewing, and establishing interim
                    conservation practice standards and new
                    conservation practice standards under this
                    paragraph.
              (4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of the [Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018]
            Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and
            every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to
            Congress [a report on] a report detailing--
                      (A) the [administrative] streamlined process
                    developed under paragraph (3);
                      (B) conservation practice standards that were
                    established or revised under that process;
                    [and]
                      (C) conservation innovations that were
                    considered under that process[.]; and
                      (D) any other information the Secretary
                    determines useful to improve such streamlined
                    process for reviewing and establishing
                    conservation practice standards.
              (5) Office of conservation innovation.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
                    establish within the Office of the Chief of the
                    Natural Resources Conservation Service an
                    Office of Conservation Innovation (referred to
                    in this paragraph as the ``Office'') which
                    shall be under the direct supervision of the
                    Chief.
                      (B) Duties.--The Office shall--
                              (i) provide support to the Chief in
                            meeting the requirements of this
                            subsection; and
                              (ii) encourage innovation in
                            conservation practices through--
                                      (I) revisions of existing
                                    conservation practice
                                    standards;
                                      (II) recommendations of
                                    interim conservation practice
                                    standards; and
                                      (III) recommendations of new
                                    conservation practice
                                    standards.
                      (C) Staff.--The Chief shall detail to the
                    Office not more than 6 employees of the
                    Department of Agriculture who are technical
                    specialists that possess an understanding of
                    conventional, organic, and other production
                    techniques, representing--
                              (i) agronomy and agroecology
                            (including soil health, biological
                            nutrient sources, and compatible cover
                            cropping systems);
                              (ii) grazing lands ecology (including
                            rangeland, pastureland, and grazed
                            forest land);
                              (iii) animal husbandry (including
                            animal nutrition and feed management);
                              (iv) water conservation, drainage
                            water management, and irrigation
                            engineering technology;
                              (v) agricultural engineering
                            (including animal waste management,
                            energy, and structural measures); and
                              (vi) forest ecology and agroforestry.
              (6) Funding.--The Secretary shall use funding from
            the annual appropriations for conservation operations
            of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry
            out this subsection.
      (i) Addressing Concerns of Specialty Crop, Organic, and
    Precision Agriculture Producers.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) to the maximum extent practicable, fully
                    incorporate specialty crop production, organic
                    crop production, and precision agriculture into
                    the conservation practice standards; and
                      (B) provide for the appropriate range of
                    conservation practices and resource mitigation
                    measures available to producers involved with
                    organic or specialty crop production or
                    precision agriculture.
              (2) Availability of adequate technical assistance.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure
                    that adequate technical assistance is available
                    for the implementation of conservation
                    practices by producers involved with organic,
                    specialty crop production, or precision
                    agriculture through Federal conservation
                    programs.
                      (B) Requirements.--In carrying out
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall develop--
                              (i) programs that meet specific needs
                            of producers involved with organic,
                            specialty crop production or precision
                            agriculture through cooperative
                            agreements with other agencies and
                            nongovernmental organizations; and
                              (ii) program specifications that
                            allow for innovative approaches to
                            engage local resources in providing
                            technical assistance for planning and
                            implementation of conservation
                            practices.
      (j) NRCS Direct Hire Authority.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary may appoint, without
            regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33
            of title 5, United States Code (other than sections
            3303 and 3328 of such title), qualified candidates, as
            described in paragraph (2), directly to positions
            within the Natural Resources Conservation Service that
            provide technical assistance under conservation
            programs administered by the Natural Resources
            Conservation Service.
              (2) Qualifications.--Paragraph (1) applies to a
            candidate who--
                      (A) is qualified to provide the technical
                    assistance described in paragraph (1), as
                    determined by the Secretary; and
                      (B) meets qualification standards established
                    by the Office of Personnel Management.
      (k) Addressing Barriers to Wildlife Habitat Connectivity.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) to the maximum extent practicable, fully
                    incorporate nonstructural methods to control
                    livestock distribution, such as virtual
                    fencing, into the conservation practice
                    standards; and
                      (B) provide for the appropriate range of
                    conservation practices and resource mitigation
                    measures available to landowners using
                    nonstructural methods described in subparagraph
                    (A).
              (2) Availability of adequate technical assistance.--
            The Secretary shall ensure that adequate technical
            assistance is available for the implementation of--
                      (A) nonstructural methods described in
                    paragraph (1)(A); and
                      (B) other practices that support wildlife
                    habitat connectivity through Federal
                    conservation programs.

    SEC. 1244. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

      (a) Incentives for Certain Farmers and Ranchers and Indian
    Tribes.--
              (1) Incentives authorized.--In carrying out any
            conservation program administered by the Secretary, the
            Secretary may provide to a person or entity specified
            in paragraph (2) incentives to participate in the
            conservation program--
                      (A) to foster new farming and ranching
                    opportunities; and
                      (B) to enhance long-term environmental goals.
              (2) Covered persons.--Incentives authorized by
            paragraph (1) may be provided to the following:
                      (A) Beginning farmers or ranchers.
                      (B) Socially disadvantaged farmers or
                    ranchers.
                      (C) Limited resource farmers or ranchers.
                      (D) Indian tribes.
                      (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))).
      (b) Privacy of Personal Information Relating to Natural
    Resources Conservation Programs.--
              (1) Information received for technical and financial
            assistance.--
                      (A) In general.--In accordance with section
                    552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code,
                    except as provided in subparagraph (C) and
                    paragraph (2), information described in
                    subparagraph (B)--
                              (i) shall not be considered to be
                            public information; and
                              (ii) shall not be released to any
                            person or Federal, State, local agency
                            or Indian tribe (as defined by the
                            Secretary) outside the Department of
                            Agriculture.
                      (B) Information.--The information referred to
                    in subparagraph (A) is information--
                              (i) provided to the Secretary or a
                            contractor of the Secretary (including
                            information provided under subtitle D)
                            for the purpose of providing technical
                            or financial assistance to an owner,
                            operator, or producer with respect to
                            any natural resources conservation
                            program administered by the Natural
                            Resources Conservation Service or the
                            Farm Service Agency; and
                              (ii) that is proprietary (within the
                            meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title
                            5, United States Code) to the
                            agricultural operation or land that is
                            a part of an agricultural operation of
                            the owner, operator, or producer.
                      (C) Exception.--Nothing in this section
                    affects the availability of payment information
                    (including payment amounts and the names and
                    addresses of recipients of payments) under
                    section 552 of title 5, United States Code.
              (2) Exceptions.--
                      (A) Release and disclosure for enforcement.--
                    The Secretary may release or disclose to the
                    Attorney General information covered by
                    paragraph (1) to the extent necessary to
                    enforce the natural resources conservation
                    programs referred to in paragraph (1)(B)(i).
                      (B) Disclosure to cooperating persons and
                    agencies.--
                              (i) In general.--The Secretary may
                            release or disclose information covered
                            by paragraph (1) to a person or
                            Federal, State, local, or tribal agency
                            working in cooperation with the
                            Secretary in providing technical and
                            financial assistance described in
                            paragraph (1)(B)(i) or collecting
                            information from data gathering sites.
                              (ii) Use of information.--The person
                            or Federal, State, local, or tribal
                            agency that receives information
                            described in clause (i) may release the
                            information only for the purpose of
                            assisting the Secretary--
                                      (I) in providing the
                                    requested technical or
                                    financial assistance; or
                                      (II) in collecting
                                    information from data gathering
                                    sites.
                      (C) Statistical and aggregate information.--
                    Information covered by paragraph (1) may be
                    disclosed to the public if the information has
                    been transformed into a statistical or
                    aggregate form without naming any--
                              (i) individual owner, operator, or
                            producer; or
                              (ii) specific data gathering site.
                      (D) Consent of owner, operator, or
                    producer.--
                              (i) In general.--An owner, operator,
                            or producer may consent to the
                            disclosure of information described in
                            paragraph (1).
                              (ii) Condition of other programs.--
                            The participation of the owner,
                            operator, or producer in, and the
                            receipt of any benefit by the owner,
                            operator, or producer under, this title
                            or any other program administered by
                            the Secretary may not be conditioned on
                            the owner, operator, or producer
                            providing consent under this paragraph.
              (3) Violations; penalties.--Section 1770(c) shall
            apply with respect to the release of information
            collected in any manner or for any purpose prohibited
            by this subsection.
              (4) Data collection, disclosure, and review.--Nothing
            in this subsection--
                      (A) affects any procedure for data collection
                    or disclosure through the National Resources
                    Inventory; or
                      (B) limits the authority of Congress or the
                    Government Accountability Office to review
                    information collected or disclosed under this
                    subsection.
      (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;
              (2) the agricultural conservation easement program
            established under subtitle H; and
              (3) the environmental quality incentives program
            established under subchapter A of 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.] J.
      (e) Provision of Technical Assistance by Other Sources.--In
    the preparation and application of a conservation compliance
    plan under subtitle B or similar plan required as a condition
    for assistance from the Department of Agriculture, the
    Secretary shall permit persons to secure technical assistance
    from approved sources, as determined by the Secretary, other
    than the Natural Resources Conservation Service. If the
    Secretary rejects a technical determination made by such a
    source, the basis of the Secretary's determination must be
    supported by documented evidence.
      (f) Acreage Limitations.--
              [(1) Limitations.--
                      [(A) Enrollments.--The Secretary shall not
                    enroll more than 25 percent of the cropland in
                    any county in the conservation reserve program
                    established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
                    subtitle D and wetland reserve easements under
                    section 1265C.
                      [(B) Easements.--Not more than 15 percent of
                    the cropland in a county may be subject to a
                    wetland reserve easement under section 1265C.]
              (1) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not enroll more
            than 25 percent of the cropland in any county in the
            conservation reserve program established under
            subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland
            reserve easements under section 1265C.
              (2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may exceed the
            limitation in [paragraph (1)(A)] paragraph (1), if the
            Secretary determines that--
                      (A) the action would not adversely affect the
                    local economy of a county; [and] or
                      (B) operators in the county are having
                    difficulties complying with conservation plans
                    implemented under section 1212.
              (3) Waiver to exclude certain acreage.--The Secretary
            may grant a waiver to exclude acreage enrolled under
            section 1231A from the limitations in [paragraph
            (1)(A)] paragraph (1) with the concurrence of the
            county government of the county involved.
              (4) Exclusions.--
                      (A) Shelterbelts and windbreaks.--The
                    limitations established under paragraph (1)
                    shall not apply to cropland that is subject to
                    an easement under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
                    subtitle D that is used for the establishment
                    of shelterbelts and windbreaks.
                      (B) Wet and saturated soils.--For the
                    purposes of enrolling land in a wetland reserve
                    easement under section 1265C, the limitations
                    established under paragraph (1) shall not apply
                    to cropland designated by the Secretary with
                    subclass w in the land capability [classes IV]
                    classes III through VIII because of severe use
                    limitations due to soil saturation or
                    inundation.
              (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
            the day before the date of enactment of the Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018, and that remains enrolled when
            the calculation is made after that date under paragraph
            (1).
      (g) Compliance and Performance.--For each conservation
    program under subtitle D, the Secretary shall develop
    procedures--
              (1) to monitor compliance with program requirements;
              (2) to measure program performance;
              (3) to demonstrate whether the long-term conservation
            benefits of the program are being achieved;
              (4) to track participation by crop and livestock
            types; and
              (5) to coordinate activities described in this
            subsection with the national conservation program
            authorized under section 5 of the Soil and Water
            Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (16 U.S.C. 2004).
      (h) Encouragement of Pollinator Habitat Development and
    Protection.--In carrying out any conservation program
    administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may, as
    appropriate, encourage--
              (1) the development of habitat for native and managed
            pollinators; and
              (2) the use of conservation practices that benefit
            native and managed pollinators, including, to the
            extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits
            for honey bees.
      (i) Streamlined Application Process.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out each conservation
            program under this title, the Secretary shall ensure
            that the application process used by producers and
            landowners is streamlined to minimize complexity and
            eliminate redundancy.
              (2) Review and streamlining.--
                      (A) Review.--The Secretary shall carry out a
                    review of the application forms and processes
                    for each conservation program covered by this
                    subsection.
                      (B) Streamlining.--On completion of the
                    review the Secretary shall revise application
                    forms and processes, as necessary, to ensure
                    that--
                              (i) all required application
                            information is essential for the
                            efficient, effective, and accountable
                            implementation of conservation
                            programs;
                              (ii) conservation program applicants
                            are not required to provide information
                            that is readily available to the
                            Secretary through existing information
                            systems of the Department of
                            Agriculture;
                              (iii) information provided by the
                            applicant is managed and delivered
                            efficiently for use in all stages of
                            the application process, or for
                            multiple applications; and
                              (iv) information technology is used
                            effectively to minimize data and
                            information input requirements.
              (3) Implementation and notification.--Not later than
            1 year after the date of enactment of the Food,
            Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary
            shall submit to Congress a written notification of
            completion of the requirements of this subsection.
      (j) Review and Guidance for Practice Costs and Payment
    Rates.--
              (1) In general.--[Not later than 1 year after the
            date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
            2018, and not later than October 1 of each year
            thereafter, the Secretary shall] The Secretary shall
            establish a process under which the Secretary shall
            annually--
                      [(A) review the estimates for practice costs
                    and rates of payments made to producers for
                    practices on eligible land under this title;
                    and]
                      (A) review, with respect to each State, the
                    actual practice costs and rates of payments
                    (or, where actual practice costs and rates of
                    payments are not available, estimates of such
                    practice costs and rates) made to producers
                    pursuant to programs under this title for
                    practices on eligible land; and
                      (B) evaluate whether those costs and rates
                    reflect a payment that--
                              (i) encourages participation in a
                            conservation program administered by
                            the Secretary;
                              (ii) encourages implementation of the
                            most effective practices to address
                            local natural resource concerns on
                            eligible land; [and]
                              (iii) accounts for the variability in
                            costs of implementing practices on
                            eligible land under this title; and
                              [(iii)] (iv) accounts for [regional,
                            State, and] State and local variability
                            relating to the complexity,
                            implementation, and adoption of
                            practices on eligible land.
              (2) Guidance; review.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) issue guidance to States to annually
                    review and adjust the [estimates for] practice
                    costs and rates of payments made to producers
                    to reflect the evaluation factors described in
                    paragraph (1)(B); and
                      (B) determine the appropriate practice costs
                    and rates of payments for each State by--
                              (i) annually reviewing each
                            conservation program payment schedule
                            and payment rate used in the State;
                            [and]
                              (ii) monitoring for and identifying
                            significant variability in practice
                            costs in each year; and
                              [(ii)] (iii) consulting with the
                            State technical committee established
                            under section 1261(a) in that State
                            and, when appropriate, adopting any
                            recommendations made by such State
                            technical committee.
              (3) Effect on existing contracts.--In order to
            provide rates of payments that are commensurate with
            the costs of implementing practices pursuant to
            programs under this title, the Secretary shall
            establish processes and procedures for updating rates
            of payments under a contract or agreement in effect
            under this title to reflect the appropriate practice
            costs and rates of payments determined under paragraph
            (2)(B) for the year in which the practice is
            implemented.
      (k) 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.
      (l) 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 Agricultural Act of 2014.
              (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in
            paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
      (m) Funding for Indian Tribes.--In carrying out the
    conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter
    4 of subtitle D and the environmental quality incentives
    program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D, the
    Secretary shall enter into alternative funding arrangements
    with Indian tribes if the Secretary determines that--
              (1) the goals and objectives of the programs will be
            met by such arrangements;
              (2) a sufficient number of eligible participants will
            be aggregated under the alternative funding arrangement
            to accomplish the underlying purposes and objectives of
            the applicable program; and
              (3) statutory limitations regarding contracts with
            individual producers will not be exceeded by any tribal
            member, except that the Secretarymay approve a waiver
            if the Secretary is authorized to approvea waiver under
            the statutory authority of the applicable program.
      (n) Source Water Protection Through Targeting of Agricultural
    Practices.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out any conservation
            program administered by the Secretary, the Secretary
            shall encourage practices that relate to water quality
            and water quantity that protect source water for
            drinking water (including protecting against public
            health threats) while also benefitting agricultural
            producers.
              (2) Collaboration with water systems and increased
            incentives.--
                      (A) In general.--In encouraging practices
                    under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
                              (i) work collaboratively with
                            community water systems and State
                            technical committees established under
                            section 1261(a) to identify, in each
                            State, local priority areas for the
                            protection of source waters for
                            drinking water; [and]
                              (ii) identify in each State a source
                            water protection coordinator who shall
                            be responsible for coordinating such
                            collaboration with community water
                            systems under this subsection; and
                              [(ii)] (iii) subject to subparagraph
                            (B), for practices described in
                            paragraph (1), offer to producers
                            increased incentives and higher payment
                            rates than are otherwise statutorily
                            authorized by the applicable
                            conservation program administered by
                            the Secretary.
                      (B) Limitation.--An increased payment [under
                    subparagraph (A)(ii)] under subparagraph
                    (A)(iii) shall not exceed 90 percent of
                    practice costs associated with planning,
                    design, materials, equipment, installation,
                    labor, management, maintenance, or training.
              (3) Reservation of funds.--
                      (A) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2019
                    through 2031, the Secretary shall use to carry
                    out this subsection not less than 10 percent of
                    any funds available for conservation programs
                    administered by the Secretary under this title
                    (other than the conservation reserve program
                    established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
                    subtitle D).
                      (B) Limitation.--Funds available for a
                    specific conservation program shall not be
                    transferred to fund a different conservation
                    program under this title.
              (4) Publicly available information.--Beginning on the
            date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026, the Secretary, acting through the
            Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
            shall make publicly available--
                      (A) an annual report that details--
                              (i) for each local priority area
                            identified under paragraph (2)(A)(i)--
                                      (I) the conservation programs
                                    under which assistance is
                                    provided pursuant to paragraph
                                    (1);
                                      (II) the practices
                                    implemented pursuant to
                                    paragraph (1); and
                                      (III) the number of contracts
                                    and acres devoted to such
                                    practices;
                              (ii) for each conservation program
                            administered by the Secretary--
                                      (I) the amount of funds
                                    obligated and expended for
                                    practices implemented pursuant
                                    to paragraph (1); and
                                      (II) information regarding
                                    the status of compliance with
                                    paragraph (3); and
                              (iii) the practices, by State, that
                            are receiving increased incentives and
                            higher payment rates under paragraph
                            (2)(A)(iii); and
                      (B) through an interactive map, aggregated
                    data detailed under subparagraph (A).
      (o) Environmental Services Market.--The Secretary may not
    prohibit, through a contract, easement, or agreement under this
    title, a participant in a conservation program administered by
    the Secretary under this title from participating in, and
    receiving compensation from, an environmental services market
    if 1 of the purposes of the market is the facilitation of
    additional conservation benefits that are consistent with the
    purposes of the conservation program administered by the
    Secretary.
      (p) Regulatory Certainty.--
              (1) In general.--In addition to technical and
            programmatic information that the Secretary is
            otherwise authorized to provide, on request of a
            Federal agency, a State, an Indian tribe, or a unit of
            local government, the Secretary may provide technical
            and programmatic information--
                      (A) subject to paragraph (2), to the Federal
                    agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local
                    government to support specifically the
                    development of mechanisms that would provide
                    regulatory certainty, regulatory
                    predictability, safe harbor protection, or
                    other similar regulatory assurances to a
                    farmer, rancher, or private nonindustrial
                    forest landowner under a regulatory
                    requirement--
                              (i) that relates to soil, water, or
                            wildlife; and
                              (ii) over which that Federal agency,
                            State, Indian tribe, or unit of local
                            government has authority; and
                      (B) relating to conservation practices or
                    activities that could be implemented by a
                    farmer, rancher, or private nonindustrial
                    forest landowner to address a targeted soil,
                    water, or wildlife resource concern that is the
                    direct subject of a regulatory requirement
                    enforced by that Federal agency, State, Indian
                    tribe, or unit of local government, as
                    applicable.
              (2) Mechanisms.--The Secretary shall only provide
            additional technical and programmatic information under
            paragraph (1) if the mechanisms to be developed by the
            Federal agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local
            government, as applicable, under paragraph (1)(A) are
            anticipated to include, at a minimum--
                      (A) the implementation of 1 or more
                    conservation practices or activities that
                    effectively addresses the soil, water, or
                    wildlife resource concern identified under
                    paragraph (1);
                      (B) the on-site confirmation that the
                    applicable conservation practices or activities
                    identified under subparagraph (A) have been
                    implemented;
                      (C) a plan for a periodic audit, as
                    appropriate, of the continued implementation or
                    maintenance of each of the conservation
                    practices or activities identified under
                    subparagraph (A); and
                      (D) notification to a farmer, rancher, or
                    private nonindustrial forest landowner of, and
                    an opportunity to correct, any noncompliance
                    with a requirement to obtain regulatory
                    certainty, regulatory predictability, safe
                    harbor protection, or other similar regulatory
                    assurance.
              (3) Continuing current collaboration on soil, water,
            or wildlife conservation practices.--The Secretary
            shall--
                      (A) continue collaboration with Federal
                    agencies, States, Indian tribes, or local units
                    of government on existing regulatory certainty,
                    regulatory predictability, safe harbor
                    protection, or other similar regulatory
                    assurances in accordance with paragraph (2);
                    and
                      (B) continue collaboration with the Secretary
                    of the Interior on consultation under section
                    7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
                    (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or conference under
                    section 7(a)(4) of that Act (16 U.S.C.
                    1536(a)(4)), as applicable, for wildlife
                    conservation efforts, including the Working
                    Lands for Wildlife model of conservation on
                    working landscapes, as implemented on the day
                    before the date of enactment of the Agriculture
                    Improvement Act of 2018, in accordance with--
                              (i) the document entitled
                            ``Partnership Agreement Between the
                            United States Department of Agriculture
                            Natural Resources Conservation Service
                            and the United States Department of the
                            Interior Fish and Wildlife Service'',
                            numbered A-3A75-16-937, and formalized
                            by the Chief of the Natural Resources
                            Conservation Service on September 15,
                            2016, and by the Director of the United
                            States Fish and Wildlife Service on
                            August 4, 2016, as in effect on
                            September 15, 2016; and
                              (ii) United States Fish and Wildlife
                            Service Director's Order No. 217, dated
                            August 9, 2016, as in effect on August
                            9, 2016.
              (4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection--
                      (A) preempts, displaces, or supplants any
                    authority or right of a Federal agency, a
                    State, an Indian tribe, or a unit of local
                    government;
                      (B) modifies or otherwise affects, preempts,
                    or displaces--
                              (i) any cause of action; or
                              (ii) a provision of Federal or State
                            law establishing a remedy for a civil
                            or criminal cause of action; or
                      (C) applies to a case in which the Department
                    of Agriculture is the originating agency
                    requesting a consultation or other technical
                    and programmatic information or assistance from
                    another Federal agency in assisting farmers,
                    ranchers, or nonindustrial private forest
                    landowners participating in a conservation
                    program administered by the Secretary.
      (q) Encouragement of Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife
    Corridors.--In carrying out any conservation program
    administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may, as
    appropriate, encourage the use of conservation practices that
    support the development, restoration, and maintenance of
    habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle H--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    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.
              [(2) Buy-protect-sell transaction.--
                      [(A) In general.--The term ``buy-protect-sell
                    transaction'' means a legal arrangement--
                              [(i) between an eligible entity and
                            the Secretary relating to land that an
                            eligible entity owns or is going to
                            purchase prior to acquisition of an
                            agricultural land easement;
                              [(ii) under which the eligible entity
                            certifies to the Secretary that the
                            eligible entity shall--
                                      [(I)(aa) hold an agricultural
                                    land easement on that land, but
                                    transfer ownership of the land
                                    to a farmer or rancher that is
                                    not an eligible entity prior to
                                    or on acquisition of the
                                    agricultural land easement; or
                                      [(bb) hold an agricultural
                                    land easement on that land, but
                                    transfer ownership of the land
                                    to a farmer or rancher that is
                                    not an eligible entity in a
                                    timely manner and, subject to
                                    subparagraph (B), not later
                                    than 3 years after the date of
                                    acquisition of the agricultural
                                    land easement; and
                                      [(II) make an initial sale of
                                    the land subject to the
                                    agricultural land easement to a
                                    farmer or rancher at not more
                                    than agricultural value, plus
                                    any reasonable holding and
                                    transaction costs incurred by
                                    the eligible entity, as
                                    determined by the Secretary;
                                    and
                              [(iii) under which the Secretary
                            shall be reimbursed for the entirety of
                            the Federal share of the cost of the
                            agricultural land easement by the
                            eligible entity if the eligible entity
                            fails to transfer ownership under item
                            (aa) or (bb), as applicable, of clause
                            (ii)(I).
                      [(B) Time extension.--Under subparagraph
                    (A)(ii)(I)(bb), an eligible entity may transfer
                    land later than 3 years after the date of
                    acquisition of the agricultural land easement
                    if the Secretary determines an extension of
                    time is justified.]
              [(3)] (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.
              [(4)] (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--
                                      [(I) a pending offer for
                                    purchase of an agricultural
                                    land easement from an eligible
                                    entity; or
                                      [ (II) a buy-protect-sell
                                    transaction;]
                              (i) that is subject to a pending
                            offer for purchase of an agricultural
                            land easement from an eligible entity;
                              (ii)(I) that has prime, unique, or
                            other productive soil;
                              (II) that contains historical or
                            archaeological resources;
                              (III) the enrollment of which would
                            protect grazing uses and related
                            conservation values by restoring and
                            conserving land; or
                              (IV) 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
                                    predominant use;
                                      (IV) located in an area that
                                    has been historically dominated
                                    by grassland, forbs, or shrubs
                                    and could provide habitat for
                                    animal or plant populations of
                                    significant ecological value;
                                      (V) pastureland; or
                                      (VI) 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 reserve
                    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;
                              (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; or
                                      (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 reserve
                            easement would significantly add to the
                            functional value of the easement; or
                      (C) in the case of either an agricultural
                    land easement or a wetland reserve 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 an easement under
                    the program.
              [(5)] (4) Monitoring report.--The term ``monitoring
            report'' means a report, the contents of which are
            formulated and prepared by the holder of an
            agricultural land easement, that accurately documents
            whether the land subject to the agricultural land
            easement is in compliance with the terms and conditions
            of the agricultural land easement.
              [(6)] (5) Program.--The term ``program'' means the
            agricultural conservation easement program established
            by this subtitle.
              [(7)] (6) Wetland reserve easement.--The term
            ``wetland reserve 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 [in eligible land;] on eligible land;
            and
              (2) technical assistance to implement the program,
            including technical assistance for the development of a
            conservation plan under subsection (b)(4)(C)[(iv);
            and](iii).
              [(3) buy-protect-sell transactions.]
      (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, as
                    determined by the Secretary using--
                              [(i) the Uniform Standards of
                            Professional Appraisal Practice;
                              [(ii) an areawide market analysis or
                            survey; or
                              [(iii) another industry-approved
                            method.]
                      (A) Federal share.--
                              (i) In general.--An agreement
                            described in paragraph (4) shall
                            provide for a Federal share determined
                            by the Secretary of an amount not to
                            exceed 65 percent of the fair market
                            value of the agricultural land
                            easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary using--
                                      (I) the Uniform Standards of
                                    Professional Appraisal
                                    Practice;
                                      (II) an areawide market
                                    analysis or survey; or
                                      (III) another industry-
                                    approved method.
                              (ii) Socially disadvantaged farmers
                            and ranchers exception.--In the case of
                            eligible land with respect to which a
                            socially disadvantaged farmer or
                            rancher holds an ownership interest of
                            not less than 50 percent, the Secretary
                            may provide an amount not to exceed 90
                            percent of the fair market value of the
                            agricultural land easement.
                              (iii) Grasslands 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.
                      (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) Grasslands 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.]
                              (i) In general.--Under the agreement,
                            the eligible entity shall provide a
                            non-Federal share that is equivalent to
                            the remainder of the fair market value
                            of the agricultural land easement not
                            provided by the Secretary under
                            subparagraph (A).
                              [(iii)] (ii) Permissible forms.--The
                            non-Federal share provided by an
                            eligible entity under this
                            [subparagraph] paragraph may comprise--
                                      (I) cash resources;
                                      (II) a charitable donation or
                                    qualified conservation
                                    contribution (as defined in
                                    section 170(h) of the Internal
                                    Revenue Code of 1986) from the
                                    private landowner from which
                                    the agricultural land easement
                                    will be purchased;
                                      (III) costs associated with
                                    securing a deed to the
                                    agricultural land easement,
                                    including the cost of
                                    appraisal, survey, inspection,
                                    and title; and
                                      (IV) other costs, as
                                    determined by the Secretary.
                      (C) Lower cost-share option.--
                              (i) In general.--Notwithstanding
                            paragraph (4)(C)(v), an eligible entity
                            may elect to enter into an agreement
                            under paragraph (4) in which the terms
                            and conditions of an agricultural land
                            easement funded under the agreement do
                            not include a right of enforcement for
                            the Secretary if the eligible entity
                            agrees to a Federal share that does not
                            exceed 25 percent of the fair market
                            value of the agricultural land
                            easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary under subparagraph (A).
                              (ii) Minimum terms and conditions.--
                            Under an agreement described in clause
                            (i), 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; and
                                      (II) permit effective
                                    enforcement of the conservation
                                    purposes of such easements.
                              (iii) Entity enforcement.--Under an
                            agreement described in clause (i), the
                            Secretary shall require the terms and
                            conditions for the agricultural land
                            easement to include a right of
                            enforcement for the eligible entity.
                              (iv) Cash contribution.--Under an
                            agreement described in clause (i), the
                            eligible entity shall provide cash
                            resources in an amount that is not less
                            than 50 percent of the fair market
                            value of the agricultural land
                            easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary under subparagraph (A).
              (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) Accounting for geographic differences.--
                    The Secretary may adjust the criteria
                    established under subparagraph (A) to account
                    for geographic differences, if the
                    adjustments--
                              (i) meet the purposes of the program;
                            and
                              (ii) continue to maximize the benefit
                            of the Federal investment under the
                            program.
                      (D) Priority.--In evaluating applications
                    under the program, the Secretary may give
                    priority to an application for the purchase of
                    an agricultural land easement that, as
                    determined by the Secretary, maintains
                    agricultural viability.
                      (E) 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.
                      (F) Pooling of applications.--The Secretary
                    may evaluate and rank applications submitted by
                    eligible entities for the purchase of
                    agricultural land easements from landowners who
                    are socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers
                    separately from applications submitted for the
                    purchase of agricultural land easements from
                    other landowners.
              (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--
                                      [(I) may be used only if the
                                    terms and conditions of the
                                    easement are not enforced by
                                    the eligible entity; and
                                      [(II) does not extend to a
                                    right of inspection unless--
                                              [(aa)(AA) the holder
                                            of the easement fails
                                            to provide monitoring
                                            reports in a timely
                                            manner; or
                                              [(BB) the Secretary
                                            has a reasonable and
                                            articulable belief that
                                            the terms and
                                            conditions of the
                                            easement have been
                                            violated; and
                                              [(bb) prior to the
                                            inspection, the
                                            Secretary notifies the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner of the
                                            inspection and provides
                                            a reasonable
                                            opportunity for the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner to
                                            participate in the
                                            inspection;]
                              [(iv)] (iii) include a conservation
                            plan only for any portion of the land
                            subject to the agricultural land
                            easement that is highly erodible
                            cropland; [and]
                              [(v)] (iv) include a limit on the
                            impervious surfaces to be allowed that
                            is consistent with the agricultural
                            activities to be conducted[.];
                              (v) include a right of enforcement
                            for the Secretary that--
                                      (I) may be used only if the
                                    terms and conditions of the
                                    easement are not enforced by
                                    the eligible entity; and
                                      (II) does not extend to a
                                    right of inspection unless--
                                              (aa)(AA) the holder
                                            of the easement fails
                                            to provide monitoring
                                            reports in a timely
                                            manner; or
                                              (BB) the Secretary
                                            has a reasonable and
                                            articulable belief that
                                            the terms and
                                            conditions of the
                                            easement have been
                                            violated; and
                                              (bb) prior to the
                                            inspection, the
                                            Secretary notifies the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner of the
                                            inspection and provides
                                            a reasonable
                                            opportunity for the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner to
                                            participate in the
                                            inspection; and
                              (vi) include a right of the Secretary
                            to require the transfer of the easement
                            to a different eligible entity if the
                            eligible entity that holds the easement
                            ceases to exist or is no longer
                            eligible to participate in the program,
                            as determined by the Secretary.
                      (D) Additional permitted terms and
                    conditions.--An eligible entity may include
                    terms and conditions for an agricultural land
                    easement that--
                              (i) are intended to keep the land
                            subject to the agricultural land
                            easement under the ownership of a
                            farmer or rancher, as determined by the
                            Secretary;
                              (ii) allow subsurface mineral
                            development on the land subject to the
                            agricultural land easement and in
                            accordance with applicable State law
                            if, as determined by the Secretary--
                                      (I) the subsurface mineral
                                    development--
                                              (aa) has a limited
                                            and localized impact;
                                              (bb) does not harm
                                            the agricultural use
                                            and conservation values
                                            of the land subject to
                                            the easement;
                                              (cc) does not
                                            materially alter or
                                            affect the existing
                                            topography;
                                              (dd) shall comply
                                            with a subsurface
                                            mineral development
                                            plan that--
                                                      (AA) includes
                                                    a plan for the
                                                    remediation of
                                                    impacts to the
                                                    agricultural
                                                    use and
                                                    conservation
                                                    values of the
                                                    land subject to
                                                    the easement;
                                                    and
                                                      (BB) is
                                                    approved by the
                                                    Secretary prior
                                                    to the
                                                    initiation of
                                                    mineral
                                                    development
                                                    activity;
                                              (ee) is not
                                            accomplished by any
                                            surface mining method;
                                              (ff) is within the
                                            impervious surface
                                            limits of the easement
                                            under subparagraph
                                            (C)[(v)](iv); and
                                              (gg) uses practices
                                            and technologies that
                                            minimize the duration
                                            and intensity of
                                            impacts to the
                                            agricultural use and
                                            conservation values of
                                            the land subject to the
                                            easement; and
                                      (II) each area impacted by
                                    the subsurface mineral
                                    development shall be reclaimed
                                    and restored by the holder of
                                    the mineral rights at cessation
                                    of operation; [and]
                              (iii) include other relevant
                            activities relating to the agricultural
                            land easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary[.]; and
                              (iv) do not conflict with any minimum
                            terms or conditions under subparagraph
                            (C) that may be required.
                      (E) 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.
                      (F) 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], to minimize administrative
                    burdens on the Secretary and recognize the
                    ability of experienced eligible entities to
                    administer easements with minimal oversight by
                    the Secretary, under which the Secretary
                    shall--
                              (i) directly certify eligible
                            entities that meet established
                            criteria;
                              (ii) enter into long-term agreements
                            with certified eligible entities;
                              (iii) accept proposals for cost-share
                            assistance for the purchase of
                            agricultural land easements throughout
                            the duration of such agreements; and
                              (iv) allow a certified eligible
                            entity to use, and modify, its own
                            terms and conditions, notwithstanding
                            paragraph (4)(C), as long as the terms
                            and conditions are consistent with the
                            purposes of the program.
                      (B) Certification criteria.--In order to be
                    certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate
                    to the Secretary that the eligible entity--
                              (i) will maintain, at a minimum, for
                            the duration of the agreement--
                                      (I) a plan for administering
                                    easements that is consistent
                                    with the purpose of the
                                    program;
                                      (II) the capacity and
                                    resources to monitor and
                                    enforce agricultural land
                                    easements; and
                                      (III) policies and procedures
                                    to ensure--
                                              (aa) the long-term
                                            integrity of
                                            agricultural land
                                            easements on eligible
                                            land;
                                              (bb) timely
                                            completion of
                                            acquisitions of such
                                            easements; and
                                              (cc) timely and
                                            complete evaluation and
                                            reporting to the
                                            Secretary on the use of
                                            funds provided under
                                            the program;
                              (ii) has--
                                      (I) been accredited by the
                                    Land Trust Accreditation
                                    Commission, or by an equivalent
                                    accrediting body, as determined
                                    by the Secretary;
                                      (II) acquired not fewer than
                                    [10] 5 agricultural land
                                    easements under the program or
                                    any predecessor program; and
                                      (III) successfully met the
                                    responsibilities of the
                                    eligible entity under the
                                    applicable agreements with the
                                    Secretary, as determined by the
                                    Secretary, relating to
                                    agricultural land easements
                                    that the eligible entity has
                                    acquired under the program or
                                    any predecessor program; [or]
                              (iii) is a State department of
                            agriculture or other State agency with
                            statutory authority for farm and
                            ranchland protection that has--
                                      (I) acquired not fewer than
                                    [10] 5 agricultural land
                                    easements under the program or
                                    any predecessor program; and
                                      (II) successfully met the
                                    responsibilities of the
                                    eligible entity under the
                                    applicable agreements with the
                                    Secretary, as determined by the
                                    Secretary, relating to
                                    agricultural land easements
                                    that the eligible entity has
                                    acquired under the program or
                                    any predecessor program[.]; or
                              (iv) is an eligible entity not
                            described in clause (ii) or (iii) that
                            has--
                                      (I) acquired not fewer than
                                    10 agricultural land easements
                                    under the program or any
                                    predecessor program; and
                                      (II) successfully met the
                                    responsibilities of the
                                    eligible entity under the
                                    applicable agreements with the
                                    Secretary, as determined by the
                                    Secretary, relating to
                                    agricultural land easements
                                    that the eligible entity has
                                    acquired under the program or
                                    any predecessor program.
                      (C)  [Review and revision] Review and
                    revocation.--
                              (i)  [Review] Certified entity
                            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 a 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.
                              (iii) Easement review.--The Secretary
                            shall establish and conduct an annual
                            quality review process to--
                                      (I) review a sample set of
                                    easements acquired by certified
                                    eligible entities;
                                      (II) ensure the integrity of
                                    the easement acquisition
                                    process under this section;
                                      (III) establish and enforce a
                                    process for corrective actions;
                                    and
                                      (IV) provide for a waiver of
                                    successive easement reviews
                                    based on demonstrated
                                    compliance.
      (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 compliance
    with the terms and conditions of easements.

    SEC. 1265C. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS.

      (a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
    assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and
    enhance wetlands through--
              (1) wetland reserve easements and related wetland
            reserve 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] Tribes
                    and landowners who are socially disadvantaged
                    farmers or ranchers only, 30-year contracts.
              (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 this section; and
                              (ii) farmed wetlands or converted
                            wetlands where the conversion was not
                            commenced prior to December 23, 1985.
                      (B) Changes in ownership.--No wetland reserve
                    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 for offers from
                    landowners under this section 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 reserve easement,
                            including the potential environmental
                            benefits if the land was removed from
                            agricultural production;
                              (ii) the cost effectiveness of each
                            wetland reserve 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 reserve 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 give
                    priority to acquiring wetland reserve easements
                    based on the value of the wetland reserve
                    easement for protecting and enhancing habitat
                    for migratory birds and other wildlife or
                    improving water quality.
                      (D) Pooling of applications.--The Secretary
                    may evaluate and rank offers from landowners
                    who are socially disadvantaged farmers or
                    ranchers separately from offers from other
                    landowners.
              (4) Agreement.--To be eligible to place eligible land
            into the program through a wetland reserve 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
                    reserve 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 reserve 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 wetland
                            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 a term or
                    condition of a wetland reserve easement, the
                    wetland reserve 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, with interest on
                    the payments as determined appropriate by the
                    Secretary.
                      (C) Compatible uses.--
                              (i) In general.--Land subject to a
                            wetland reserve easement may be used
                            for compatible economic uses, including
                            such activities as hunting and fishing,
                            managed timber harvest, water
                            management, or periodic haying or
                            grazing, if such use is specifically
                            permitted by the wetland reserve
                            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.
                              (ii) Compatible use authorization.--
                            In evaluating and authorizing a
                            compatible economic use under clause
                            (i), the Secretary shall--
                                      (I) request and consider the
                                    advice of the applicable State
                                    technical committee established
                                    under section 1261(a) about the
                                    1 or more types of uses that
                                    may be authorized to be
                                    conducted on land subject to a
                                    wetland reserve easement,
                                    including the frequency,
                                    timing, and intensity of those
                                    uses;
                                      (II) consider the ability of
                                    an authorized use to facilitate
                                    the practical administration
                                    and management of that land;
                                    and
                                      (III) ensure that an
                                    authorized use furthers the
                                    functions and values for which
                                    the wetland reserve easement
                                    was established.
                      (D) Reservation of grazing rights.--The
                    Secretary may include in the terms and
                    conditions of a wetland reserve 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 reserve easement plan
                                    developed for the land under
                                    subsection (f) or a grazing
                                    management plan that is
                                    consistent with the wetland
                                    reserve easement plan and has
                                    been reviewed, and modified as
                                    necessary, at least every 5
                                    years; 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 reserve 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
                                    areawide 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) Other.--Compensation for a 30-
                            year contract or 30-year wetland
                            reserve 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 reserve
                            easement.
                      (B) Form of payment.--Compensation for a
                    wetland reserve 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 reserve easements
                            valued at $500,000 or less, the
                            Secretary may provide payments in not
                            more than 10 annual payments.
                              (ii) Easements valued at more than
                            $500,000.--For wetland reserve
                            easements valued at more than $500,000,
                            the Secretary may provide 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 reserve easement plan developed for
            the eligible land under [subsection (f)] subsection
            (g).
              (2) Payments.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) in the case of a permanent wetland
                    reserve 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 contract or 30-
                    year wetland reserve 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) Easement Stewardship.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
            financial assistance to owners of eligible land
            enrolled under this section for the repair, necessary
            maintenance, and enhancement activities described in
            the wetland reserve easement plan developed for the
            eligible land under subsection (g)(1).
              (2) Evaluation of stewardship need.--The Secretary
            shall--
                      (A) regularly assess land enrolled under this
                    section to identify maintenance and management
                    needs, including any needed repair or
                    enhancement of existing structural practices,
                    in accordance with the applicable wetland
                    reserve easement plan;
                      (B) consistent with the purposes of the
                    program, create, execute, and update as
                    necessary based on the assessments carried out
                    under subparagraph (A), a stewardship strategy
                    for--
                              (i) prioritizing and addressing the
                            needs identified under subparagraph
                            (A); and
                              (ii) projecting the amount of annual
                            funding needed for financial and
                            technical assistance to address such
                            needs; and
                      (C) establish a 5-year schedule to address
                    such needs.
              (3) Payments.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall make payments in an amount that is not
            more than 100 percent of the eligible costs, as
            determined by the Secretary.
              (4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
            of 2026, 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 includes--
                      (A) an inventory of the existing stewardship
                    needs of all wetland reserve easements, based
                    on the assessments carried out under paragraph
                    (2);
                      (B) the stewardship strategy created under
                    paragraph (2)(B);
                      (C) the amounts the Secretary plans to
                    allocate to address such stewardship needs,
                    based on projections made pursuant to paragraph
                    (2)(B)(ii); and
                      (D) the planned use of compatible uses under
                    subsection (b)(5)(C), contracts or agreements
                    under subsection (e)(2), or wetland reserve
                    easement plans under subsection (g)(1) to
                    ensure that each such stewardship need is
                    addressed.
      [(d) Technical Assistance.--] (e) Assistance._
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners in
            complying with the terms and conditions of a wetland
            reserve easement.
              [(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may
            enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or
            agreements with a State, nongovernmental organization,
            or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration,
            enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland reserve
            easement if the Secretary determines that the contract
            or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.]
              (2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter
            into 1 or more contracts or agreements with a Federal,
            State, or local agency, a nongovernmental organization,
            an Indian Tribe, or a private entity to carry out
            necessary restoration, enhancement, maintenance,
            repair, assessment, or monitoring of a wetland reserve
            easement if the Secretary determines that the contract
            or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.
      [(e)] (f) Wetland Reserve Enhancement Option.--[The
    Secretary]
              (1) In general._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 reserve enhancement option that the Secretary
            determines would advance the purposes of program.
              (2) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry
            out this section, the Secretary shall reserve not less
            than 15 percent to carry out this subsection.
      [(f)] (g) Administration.--
              (1) Wetland reserve easement plan.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop
                    a wetland reserve easement plan--
                              (i) for any eligible land subject to
                            a wetland reserve easement; and
                              (ii) that restores, protects,
                            enhances, manages, maintains, and
                            monitors the eligible land subject to
                            the wetland reserve easements acquired
                            under this section.
                      (B) Practices and activities.--A wetland
                    reserve easement plan under subparagraph (A)
                    shall include practices and activities,
                    including repair or replacement, that are
                    necessary to restore and maintain the enrolled
                    land and the functions and values of the
                    wetland subject to a wetland reserve easement.
              (2) Alternative plant communities.--The Secretary, in
            coordination with State technical committees
            established under section 1261(a) and pursuant to
            State-specific criteria and guidelines, may authorize
            the establishment or restoration of a hydrologically
            appropriate native community or alternative naturalized
            vegetative community as part of a wetland reserve
            easement plan on land subject to a wetland reserve
            easement if that hydrologically appropriate native or
            alternative naturalized vegetative community shall--
                      (A) substantially support or benefit
                    migratory waterfowl or other wetland wildlife;
                    or
                      (B) meet local resource concerns or needs
                    (including as an element of a regional, State,
                    or local wildlife initiative or plan).
              (3) Delegation of easement administration.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary may delegate
                    any of the management, monitoring, and
                    enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary
                    under this section to other Federal or State
                    agencies that have the appropriate authority,
                    expertise, and resources necessary to carry out
                    such delegated responsibilities, or to
                    conservation organizations if the Secretary
                    determines the organization has similar
                    expertise and resources.
                      (B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not
                    delegate any of the monitoring or enforcement
                    responsibilities under this section to
                    conservation organizations.
              (4) 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.
      [(g)] (h) Application.--The relevant provisions of this
    section shall also apply to a 30-year contract.

    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, permitted 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 reserve easement, is a
            wetland or related area with the highest wetland
            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) Subordination.--The Secretary may subordinate any
            interest in land, or portion of such interest,
            administered by the Secretary (including for the
            purposes of utilities and energy transmission services)
            either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit
            Corporation under the program if the Secretary
            determines that the subordination--
                      (A) increases conservation values or has a
                    limited negative effect on conservation values;
                      (B) minimally affects the acreage subject to
                    the interest in land; and
                      (C) is in the public interest or furthers the
                    practical administration of the program.
              [(2) Modification and exchange.--
                      [(A) Authority.--The Secretary may approve a
                    modification or exchange of 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--
                              [(i) no reasonable alternative exists
                            and the effect on the interest in land
                            is avoided or minimized to the extent
                            practicable; and
                              [(ii) the modification or exchange--
                                      [(I) results in equal or
                                    increased conservation values;
                                      [(II) results in equal or
                                    greater economic value to the
                                    United States;
                                      [(III) is consistent with the
                                    original intent of the
                                    easement;
                                      [(IV) is consistent with the
                                    purposes of the program; and
                                      [(V) is in the public
                                    interest or furthers the
                                    practical administration of the
                                    program.
                      [(B) Limitation.--In modifying or exchanging
                    an interest in land, or portion of such
                    interest, under this paragraph, the Secretary
                    may not increase any payment to an eligible
                    entity.]
              (2) Modification and exchange of interest in land.--
                      (A) Modification.--
                              (i) Authority.--The Secretary may
                            approve a modification of 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 the
                            modification--
                                      (I) will support the long-
                                    term agricultural viability of
                                    the applicable farm or ranch
                                    operation and the conservation
                                    values of the applicable
                                    easement;
                                      (II) will result in equal or
                                    increased conservation values;
                                      (III) is consistent with the
                                    original intent of the
                                    easement;
                                      (IV) is consistent with the
                                    purposes of the program; and
                                      (V) is in the public interest
                                    or furthers the practical
                                    administration of the program,
                                    including correcting errors,
                                    exercising reserved rights, and
                                    increasing flexibility to
                                    recognize changes in water
                                    availability or administration.
                              (ii) Limitation.--In modifying an
                            interest in land, or portion of such
                            interest, under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretary may not, except in the case
                            of a modification that includes a
                            change to an easement to add acreage,
                            increase any payment to an eligible
                            entity.
                              (iii) NEPA compliance.--An action
                            taken pursuant to this subparagraph may
                            not be considered a major Federal
                            action under section 102(2)(C) of the
                            National Environmental Policy Act of
                            1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
                      (B) Exchange.--
                              (i) Authority.--The Secretary may
                            approve an exchange of 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--
                                      (I) no reasonable alternative
                                    exists and the effect on the
                                    interest in land is avoided or
                                    minimized to the extent
                                    practicable; and
                                      (II) the exchange--
                                              (aa) results in equal
                                            or increased
                                            conservation values;
                                              (bb) results in equal
                                            or greater economic
                                            value to the United
                                            States;
                                              (cc) is consistent
                                            with the original
                                            intent of the easement;
                                              (dd) is consistent
                                            with the purposes of
                                            the program; and
                                              (ee) is in the public
                                            interest or furthers
                                            the practical
                                            administration of the
                                            program.
                              (ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an
                            interest in land, or portion of such
                            interest, under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretary may not increase any payment
                            to an eligible entity.
              (3) Termination.--The Secretary may approve a
            termination of any interest in land, or portion of such
            interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on
            behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the
            program if the Secretary determines that--
                      (A) termination is in the interest of the
                    Federal Government;
                      (B) the United States will be fully
                    compensated for--
                              (i) the fair market value of the
                            interest in land;
                              (ii) any costs relating to the
                            termination; and
                              (iii) any damages determined
                            appropriate by the Secretary; and
                      (C) the termination will--
                              (i) address a compelling public need
                            for which there is no practicable
                            alternative even with avoidance and
                            minimization; and
                              (ii) further the practical
                            administration of the program.
              (4) Consent.--The Secretary shall obtain consent from
            the landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for
            any subordination, exchange, modification, or
            termination of interest in land, or portion of such
            interest, under this subsection.
              (5) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking any
            termination action described in paragraph (3), 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.
              (6) De minimis adjustments.--
                      (A) In general.--An eligible entity may make
                    de minimis adjustments to any interest in land,
                    or a portion of such interest, administered by
                    the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the
                    Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program
                    if the adjustment--
                              (i) furthers the practical
                            administration of the program; and
                              (ii) is not a subordination,
                            modification, exchange, or termination,
                            as determined by the Secretary.
                      (B) Types of de minimis adjustments.--De
                    minimis adjustments made under this paragraph
                    may include title corrections and other minor
                    adjustments, including--
                              (i) typographical error corrections;
                              (ii) minor changes in legal
                            descriptions as a result of survey or
                            mapping errors;
                              (iii) the transfer of an interest of
                            an eligible entity to another eligible
                            entity;
                              (iv) changes to a building envelope
                            boundary;
                              (v) relocation of easement access;
                              (vi) authorization of temporary work
                            areas not associated with other
                            easement administration actions; and
                              (vii) other adjustments determined
                            appropriate by the Secretary.
              (7) Modification of eligible entity terms and
            conditions.--An eligible entity shall be authorized to
            modify a term or condition of an agricultural land
            easement that is the subject of an agreement entered
            into under section 1265B(b)(4)(A) if such modification
            does not conflict with any minimum term or condition
            required by the Secretary under such section.
      (d) Land Enrolled in Other Programs.--
              (1) 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 enrolled in an easement under section
            1265C(b).
              (2) Other.--In accordance with the provisions of
            subtitle H of title II of the Agricultural Act of 2014,
            land enrolled in the wetlands reserve program,
            grassland reserve program, or farmland protection
            program on the day before the date of enactment of the
            Agricultural Act of 2014 shall be considered enrolled
            in the program.
              (3) Agricultural land easements.--A farmer or rancher
            who owns eligible land subject to an agricultural land
            easement may enter into a contract under subchapter B
            of chapter 1 of subtitle D.
      (e) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--The Secretary may
    not provide assistance under this subtitle to an eligible
    entity or owner of eligible land unless the eligible entity or
    owner agrees, during the crop year for which the assistance is
    provided--
              (1) to comply with applicable conservation
            requirements under subtitle B; and
              (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection
            requirements under subtitle C.
      (f) Adjusted Gross Income Exemption.--The adjusted gross
    income limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not
    apply to any payment or other assistance under this subtitle.

                Subtitle I--Forest Conservation Easement Program

    SEC. 1267. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

      (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a forest
    conservation easement program for the conservation and
    restoration of eligible land and natural resources through the
    acquisition of conservation easements or other interests in
    land.
      (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are--
              (1) to protect the viability and sustainability of
            working forest land, and related conservation values of
            eligible land, by limiting the negative effects of
            nonforest land uses of such land;
              (2) to protect and enhance forest ecosystem and
            landscape functions and values;
              (3) to promote the restoration, protection, and
            improvement of habitat of species that are threatened,
            endangered, or otherwise at risk; and
              (4) to carry out the purposes and functions of the
            healthy forests reserve program established under title
            V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
            U.S.C. 6571 et seq.), as in effect on the day before
            the date of enactment of this section.

    SEC. 1267A. DEFINITIONS.

      In this subtitle:
              (1) Acreage owned by an indian tribe.--The term
            ``acreage owned by an Indian Tribe'' means--
                      (A) land that is held in trust by the United
                    States for Indian Tribes or individual Indians;
                      (B) land, the title to which is held by
                    Indian Tribes or individual Indians subject to
                    Federal restrictions against alienation or
                    encumbrance;
                      (C) land that is subject to rights of use,
                    occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian
                    Tribes;
                      (D) land that is held in fee title by an
                    Indian Tribe;
                      (E) land that is owned by a native
                    corporation formed under--
                              (i) section 17 of the Act of June 18,
                            1934 (commonly known as the ``Indian
                            Reorganization Act'') (25 U.S.C. 5124);
                            or
                              (ii) section 8 of the Alaska Native
                            Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607);
                            and
                      (F) a combination of 1 or more types of land
                    described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
              (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
            means--
                      (A) an agency of State or local government or
                    an Indian Tribe (including a 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 land or acreage owned by an Indian Tribe--
                      (A) that is--
                              (i) forest land; or
                              (ii) being restored to forest land;
                      (B) in the case of a forest land easement--
                              (i) the enrollment of which would
                            protect working forests and related
                            conservation values by conserving land;
                            or
                              (ii) the protection of which will
                            further a State or local policy
                            consistent with the purposes of the
                            program; and
                      (C) in the case of a forest reserve easement,
                    the enrollment of which will maintain, restore,
                    enhance, or otherwise measurably--
                              (i) increase the likelihood of
                            recovery of a species that is listed as
                            endangered or threatened under section
                            4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
                            (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
                              (ii) improve the well-being of a
                            species that is--
                                      (I) not listed as endangered
                                    or threatened under that
                                    section; and
                                      (II)(aa) a candidate for that
                                    listing, a State-listed
                                    species, or a special concern
                                    species; or
                                      (bb) designated as a species
                                    of greatest conservation need
                                    by a State wildlife action
                                    plan.
              (4) Forest land easement.--The term ``forest land
            easement'' means an easement or other interest in
            eligible land that--
                      (A) is conveyed to an eligible entity for the
                    purpose of protecting natural resources and the
                    forest nature of the eligible land; and
                      (B) permits the landowner the right to
                    continue working forest production and related
                    uses, consistent with an applicable forest
                    management plan.
              (5) Forest management plan.--The term ``forest
            management plan'' means--
                      (A) a forest stewardship plan described in
                    section 5(f) of the Cooperative Forestry
                    Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a(f));
                      (B) another plan approved by the applicable
                    State forester or State forestry agency;
                      (C) a plan developed under a third-party
                    certification system determined appropriate by
                    the Secretary; or
                      (D) another plan determined appropriate by
                    the Secretary.
              (6) Forest reserve easement.--The term ``forest
            reserve easement'' means an easement or other interest
            in eligible land that--
                      (A) is conveyed to the Secretary for the
                    purpose of protecting natural resources and the
                    forest nature of the eligible land; and
                      (B) permits the landowner the right to
                    continue working forest production and related
                    uses consistent with the applicable forest
                    reserve easement plan developed under section
                    1267C(c)(1)(A).
              (7) Program.--The term ``program'' means the forest
            conservation easement program established under this
            subtitle.
              (8) Socially disadvantaged forest landowner.--The
            term ``socially disadvantaged forest landowner'' means
            a forest landowner who is a member of a socially
            disadvantaged group (as defined in section 2501(a) of
            the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
            1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).

    SEC. 1267B. FOREST LAND EASEMENTS.

      (a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall
    facilitate and provide funding for--
              (1) the purchase by eligible entities of forest land
            easements on eligible land;
              (2) the development of a forest management plan; and
              (3) technical assistance to implement this section.
      (b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect working
            forests, and related conservation values of eligible
            land, through cost-share assistance to eligible
            entities for purchasing forest land easements.
              (2) Scope of assistance available.--
                      (A) Federal share.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii), an agreement described
                            in paragraph (4) shall provide for a
                            Federal share of 50 percent of the fair
                            market value of the forest land
                            easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                              (ii) Exception.--An agreement
                            described in paragraph (4) may provide
                            for a Federal share of not more than 75
                            percent of the fair market value of a
                            forest land easement in the case of
                            eligible land that is--
                                      (I) a forest of special
                                    environmental significance, as
                                    determined by the Secretary; or
                                      (II) owned by a socially
                                    disadvantaged forest landowner.
                      (B) Non-federal share.--
                              (i) In general.--Under an agreement
                            described in paragraph (4), the
                            eligible entity shall provide a non-
                            Federal share that is equivalent to the
                            remainder of the fair market value of
                            the forest land easement not provided
                            by the Secretary under subparagraph
                            (A).
                              (ii) Permissible forms.--The non-
                            Federal share provided by an eligible
                            entity under this paragraph may
                            comprise--
                                      (I) cash resources;
                                      (II) a charitable donation or
                                    qualified conservation
                                    contribution (as defined in
                                    section 170(h) of the Internal
                                    Revenue Code of 1986) from the
                                    private forest landowner from
                                    which the forest land easement
                                    will be purchased;
                                      (III) costs associated with
                                    securing a deed to the forest
                                    land easement, including the
                                    cost of appraisal, survey,
                                    inspection, and title; and
                                      (IV) other costs, as
                                    determined by the Secretary.
                      (C) Determination of fair market value.--For
                    purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall
                    determine the fair market value of a forest
                    land easement using--
                              (i) the Uniform Standards of
                            Professional Appraisal Practice;
                              (ii) an areawide market analysis or
                            survey; or
                              (iii) another industry-approved
                            method.
              (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) Priority.--In evaluating applications
                    under the program, the Secretary shall give
                    priority to an application for the purchase of
                    a forest land easement--
                              (i) that maintains the viability of a
                            working forest, as determined by the
                            Secretary; and
                              (ii) on eligible land for which a
                            forest management plan has been
                            developed at the time of application.
                      (C) Considerations.--In establishing the
                    criteria under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
                    shall emphasize support for--
                              (i) protecting working forests and
                            related conservation values of eligible
                            land;
                              (ii) reducing fragmentation of forest
                            land; and
                              (iii) maximizing the areas protected
                            from conversion to nonforest uses.
              (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 under
                    subparagraph (A) shall be for a term that is
                    not less than 3, but not more than 5, years,
                    unless the Secretary determines that a longer
                    term is justified.
                      (C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An
                    eligible entity shall be authorized to use its
                    own terms and conditions for forest land
                    easements so long as the Secretary determines
                    such terms and conditions--
                              (i) are consistent with--
                                      (I) the purposes of the
                                    program; and
                                      (II) the forestry activities
                                    to be conducted on the eligible
                                    land;
                              (ii) permit effective enforcement of
                            the conservation purposes of the forest
                            land easements;
                              (iii) include a requirement to
                            implement a forest management plan on
                            eligible land subject to a forest land
                            easement;
                              (iv) include a limit on the
                            impervious surfaces to be allowed that
                            is consistent with the forestry
                            activities to be conducted; and
                              (v) include a right of enforcement
                            for the Secretary that--
                                      (I) may be used only if the
                                    terms and conditions of the
                                    forest land easement are not
                                    enforced by the eligible
                                    entity; and
                                      (II) does not extend to a
                                    right of inspection unless--
                                              (aa)(AA) the holder
                                            of the forest land
                                            easement fails to
                                            provide monitoring
                                            reports in a timely
                                            manner; or
                                              (BB) the Secretary
                                            has a reasonable and
                                            articulable belief that
                                            the terms and
                                            conditions of the
                                            forest land easement
                                            have been violated; and
                                              (bb) prior to the
                                            inspection, the
                                            Secretary notifies the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner of the
                                            inspection and provides
                                            a reasonable
                                            opportunity for the
                                            eligible entity and the
                                            landowner to
                                            participate in the
                                            inspection.
                      (D) Additional permitted terms and
                    conditions.--An eligible entity may include
                    terms and conditions for a forest land easement
                    that--
                              (i) are intended to keep the eligible
                            land subject to the forest land
                            easement in active forest management,
                            as determined by the Secretary;
                              (ii) allow subsurface mineral
                            development on the eligible land
                            subject to the forest land easement and
                            in accordance with applicable State law
                            if, as determined by the Secretary--
                                      (I) the subsurface mineral
                                    development--
                                              (aa) has a limited
                                            and localized impact;
                                              (bb) does not harm
                                            the forest use and
                                            conservation values of
                                            the eligible land
                                            subject to the forest
                                            land easement;
                                              (cc) does not
                                            materially alter or
                                            affect the existing
                                            topography;
                                              (dd) complies with a
                                            subsurface mineral
                                            development plan that--
                                                      (AA) includes
                                                    a plan for the
                                                    remediation of
                                                    impacts to the
                                                    forest use and
                                                    conservation
                                                    values of the
                                                    eligible land
                                                    subject to the
                                                    forest land
                                                    easement; and
                                                      (BB) is
                                                    approved by the
                                                    Secretary prior
                                                    to the
                                                    initiation of
                                                    mineral
                                                    development
                                                    activity;
                                              (ee) is not
                                            accomplished by any
                                            surface mining method;
                                              (ff) is within the
                                            impervious surface
                                            limits of the forest
                                            land easement under
                                            subparagraph (C)(iv);
                                            and
                                              (gg) uses practices
                                            and technologies that
                                            minimize the duration
                                            and intensity of
                                            impacts to the forest
                                            use and conservation
                                            values of the eligible
                                            land subject to the
                                            forest land easement;
                                            and
                                      (II) each area impacted by
                                    the subsurface mineral
                                    development is reclaimed and
                                    restored by the holder of the
                                    mineral rights at cessation of
                                    operation; and
                              (iii) include other relevant
                            activities relating to the forest land
                            easement, as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                      (E) Substitution of qualified projects.--An
                    agreement under subparagraph (A) shall allow,
                    upon mutual agreement of the parties,
                    substitution of qualified projects that are
                    identified at the time of the proposed
                    substitution.
                      (F) Effect of violation.--If a violation of a
                    term or condition of an agreement under
                    subparagraph (A) occurs--
                              (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
                            eligible entity under the program, with
                            interest on the payments as determined
                            appropriate by the Secretary.
              (5) Forest management plan.--
                      (A) In general.--If the eligible land does
                    not have a forest management plan at the time
                    of application, prior to the acquisition of the
                    forest land easement the landowner shall
                    develop, in partnership with the eligible
                    entity, a forest management plan for the land
                    subject to the forest land easement.
                      (B) Reimbursement.--The Secretary may
                    reimburse the landowner for the cost of the
                    development of a forest management plan for
                    eligible land enrolled under this section.
      (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, on request, to assist in compliance with
    the terms and conditions of forest land easements.

    SEC. 1267C. FOREST RESERVE EASEMENTS.

      (a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
    assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and
    enhance eligible land through--
              (1) forest reserve easements and related forest
            reserve easement plans; and
              (2) technical assistance to implement this section.
      (b) Easements.--
              (1) Method of enrollment.--
                      (A) Authorized methods.--The Secretary shall
                    enroll eligible land under this section--
                              (i) through the use of--
                                      (I) permanent easements;
                                      (II) 30-year easements; and
                                      (III) easements for the
                                    maximum duration allowed under
                                    applicable State laws; and
                              (ii) in the case of acreage owned by
                            an Indian Tribe, through the use of--
                                      (I) 30-year contracts (the
                                    compensation for which shall be
                                    equivalent to the compensation
                                    for 30-year easements); or
                                      (II) permanent easements.
                      (B) Limitation.--Not more than 10 percent of
                    amounts made available to carry out this
                    section in a fiscal year may be used for 30-
                    year easements under this section.
              (2) Evaluation and ranking of offers.--
                      (A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish
                    evaluation and ranking criteria for offers from
                    landowners under this section.
                      (B) Priority.--The Secretary shall give
                    priority to the enrollment of eligible land
                    under this section that provides the greatest
                    conservation benefit to--
                              (i) primarily, species listed as
                            endangered or threatened under section
                            4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
                            (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
                              (ii) secondarily, species that are--
                                      (I) not listed as endangered
                                    or threatened under that
                                    section; and
                                      (II)(aa) candidates for that
                                    listing, State-listed species,
                                    or special concern species; or
                                      (bb) designated as species of
                                    greatest conservation need by a
                                    State wildlife action plan.
                      (C) Other considerations.--The Secretary may
                    give additional consideration to eligible land
                    the enrollment under this section of which
                    will--
                              (i) improve biological diversity;
                              (ii) restore native forest
                            ecosystems;
                              (iii) conserve forest land that
                            provides habitat for species described
                            in subparagraph (B);
                              (iv) reduce fragmentation of forest
                            land; and
                              (v) increase carbon sequestration.
              (3) Terms and conditions of easements.--
                      (A) In general.--A forest reserve easement
                    shall include terms and conditions that--
                              (i) are consistent with the purposes
                            of the program and the forestry
                            activities to be conducted on the
                            eligible land;
                              (ii) are consistent with the
                            management objectives of the owner of
                            the eligible land and the
                            implementation of the forest reserve
                            easement plan developed under
                            subsection (c)(1)(A);
                              (iii) permit effective enforcement of
                            the conservation purposes of the forest
                            reserve easements;
                              (iv) provide for the efficient and
                            effective establishment or enhancement
                            of forest ecosystem functions and
                            values; and
                              (v) include such additional
                            provisions as the Secretary determines
                            are desirable to carry out the program
                            or facilitate the practical
                            administration of the program.
                      (B) Requested terms and conditions.--An owner
                    of eligible land may request that a term or
                    condition be included in a forest reserve
                    easement, and the Secretary may include such
                    term or condition, if it--
                              (i) is consistent with the management
                            objectives of the owner of the eligible
                            land and the implementation of the
                            forest reserve easement plan developed
                            under subsection (c)(1)(A); and
                              (ii) does not conflict with any terms
                            or conditions included under
                            subparagraph (A).
              (4) Compensation.--
                      (A) Permanent easements.--In the case of
                    eligible land enrolled in a permanent easement
                    under this section, the Secretary shall pay the
                    owner of the eligible land an amount equal to
                    the difference between, as determined by the
                    Secretary--
                              (i) the fair market value of the
                            eligible land before the enrollment in
                            the permanent easement; and
                              (ii) the fair market value of the
                            eligible land as encumbered by the
                            permanent easement.
                      (B) Other.--The Secretary shall pay the owner
                    of eligible land enrolled under this section in
                    a 30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an
                    easement for the maximum duration allowed under
                    applicable State laws, not less than 50
                    percent, and not more than 75 percent, of the
                    compensation that would be paid under
                    subparagraph (A) if the land were being
                    enrolled in a permanent easement.
                      (C) Determination of fair market value.--The
                    Secretary shall determine the fair market value
                    of eligible land for purposes of this paragraph
                    using the Uniform Standards of Professional
                    Appraisal Practice or another industry-approved
                    method.
      (c) Easement Restoration and Management.--
              (1) Forest reserve easement plan.--
                      (A) In general.--Land enrolled in a forest
                    reserve easement shall be subject to a forest
                    reserve easement plan, to be developed jointly
                    by the landowner and the Secretary, that
                    describes such activities to be carried out on
                    the land as are necessary to restore, maintain,
                    and enhance habitat for species described in
                    subsection (b)(2)(B).
                      (B) Practices and measures.--A forest reserve
                    easement plan developed under subparagraph (A)
                    shall require implementation of such practices
                    and measures as are necessary to accomplish the
                    activities described in the plan under such
                    subparagraph, which may include--
                              (i) vegetative management and
                            silviculture practices;
                              (ii) structural practices and
                            measures;
                              (iii) practices to increase carbon
                            sequestration;
                              (iv) practices to improve biological
                            diversity; and
                              (v) other practices and measures, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
              (2) Financial assistance.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
                    financial assistance to owners of eligible land
                    to carry out the activities, practices, and
                    measures described in the forest reserve
                    easement plan developed for the eligible land
                    under paragraph (1).
                      (B) Payments.--With respect to financial
                    assistance provided under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary shall pay--
                              (i) in the case of a forest reserve
                            easement plan for eligible land
                            enrolled in a permanent easement, an
                            amount that is not more than 100
                            percent of the eligible costs described
                            in subparagraph (C), as determined by
                            the Secretary; and
                              (ii) in the case of a forest reserve
                            easement plan for eligible land
                            enrolled in a 30-year contract, a 30-
                            year easement, or an easement for the
                            maximum duration allowed under
                            applicable State laws, an amount that
                            is not less than 50 percent, and not
                            more than 75 percent, of the eligible
                            costs described in subparagraph (C), as
                            determined by the Secretary.
                      (C) Eligible costs.--Costs eligible for
                    payments under this paragraph are the costs of
                    activities, practices, and measures referred to
                    in subparagraph (A) that are associated with
                    the restoration or enhancement of the habitat
                    conditions specified for the applicable species
                    in the forest reserve easement plan.
                      (D) Timing of payments.--Payments under this
                    paragraph shall be made--
                              (i) only on a determination by the
                            Secretary that an activity, practice,
                            or measure described in subparagraph
                            (C) has been established in compliance
                            with appropriate standards and
                            specifications, which determination
                            shall be made as soon as practicable
                            after establishment; and
                              (ii) as soon as possible after such
                            determination is made.
                      (E) Limitations.--Financial assistance
                    provided by the Secretary under this paragraph
                    to an owner of eligible land may not exceed
                    $500,000 per easement or contract.
      (d) Technical Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to
            owners of eligible land technical assistance to assist
            the owners in--
                      (A) developing a forest reserve easement
                    plan; and
                      (B) complying with the terms and conditions
                    of a forest reserve easement, including the
                    implementation of a forest reserve easement
                    plan.
              (2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter
            into 1 or more contracts with private entities or
            agreements with a State, nongovernmental organization,
            or Indian Tribe to provide technical assistance
            described in paragraph (1), if the Secretary determines
            that the contract or agreement will advance the
            purposes of the program.
      (e) Protections and Measures.--
              (1) Protections.--In the case of a landowner who
            enrolls eligible land in a forest reserve easement, and
            whose conservation activities under the forest reserve
            easement plan developed for such land result in a net
            conservation benefit for a species described in
            subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary shall make
            available to the landowner safe harbor or similar
            assurances and protection under--
                      (A) section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered Species
                    Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or
                      (B) section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 U.S.C.
                    1539(a)(1)).
              (2) Measures.--If protection under paragraph (1)
            requires the taking of measures that are in addition to
            the measures covered by the forest reserve easement
            plan developed for the eligible land, the cost of the
            additional measures, and the cost of any permit, shall
            be considered costs eligible for payments under
            subsection (c)(2).
      (f) Administration.--
              (1) Delegation of easement administration.--
                      (A) Federal and state agencies.--The
                    Secretary may delegate any of the management,
                    monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of
                    the Secretary under this section to other
                    Federal or State agencies that have the
                    appropriate authority, expertise, and resources
                    necessary to carry out those delegated
                    responsibilities.
                      (B) Conservation organizations.--The
                    Secretary may delegate any of the management
                    responsibilities of the Secretary under this
                    section to a nonprofit conservation
                    organization if the Secretary determines the
                    organization has the appropriate expertise and
                    resources necessary to carry out those
                    delegated responsibilities.
              (2) Involvement by other agencies and
            organizations.--In carrying out this section, the
            Secretary may consult with--
                      (A) private forest landowners;
                      (B) other Federal agencies;
                      (C) State forestry agencies;
                      (D) State fish and wildlife agencies;
                      (E) State environmental quality agencies;
                      (F) other State conservation agencies; and
                      (G) nonprofit conservation organizations.

    SEC. 1267D. ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary shall not use amounts
    made available to carry out the program for the purposes of
    acquiring an easement on--
              (1) land owned by a Federal agency, other than such
            land that is acreage owned by an Indian Tribe;
              (2) land 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
            that, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar
            protection as would be provided by enrollment in the
            program; or
              (4) land the enrollment in the program of which would
            undermine the purposes of the program due to on-site or
            off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous
            substances, permitted or existing rights of way,
            infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
      (b) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
              (1) Subordination.--The Secretary may subordinate any
            interest in eligible land, or portion of such an
            interest, administered by the Secretary (including for
            the purposes of utilities and energy transmission
            services) directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit
            Corporation under the program if the Secretary
            determines that the subordination--
                      (A) increases conservation values or has a
                    limited negative effect on conservation values;
                      (B) minimally affects the acreage subject to
                    the interest in eligible land; and
                      (C) is in the public interest or furthers the
                    practical administration of the program.
              (2) Modification and exchange of interest in land.--
                      (A) Modification.--
                              (i) Authority.--The Secretary may
                            approve a modification of 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 the
                            modification--
                                      (I) will support the
                                    viability and sustainability of
                                    working forests and the
                                    conservation values of the
                                    applicable easement;
                                      (II) will result in equal or
                                    increased conservation values;
                                      (III) is consistent with the
                                    original intent of the
                                    easement;
                                      (IV) is consistent with the
                                    purposes of the program; and
                                      (V) is in the public interest
                                    or furthers the practical
                                    administration of the program,
                                    including correcting errors and
                                    exercising reserved rights.
                              (ii) Limitation.--In modifying an
                            interest in land, or portion of such
                            interest, under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretary may not, except in the case
                            of a modification that includes a
                            change to an easement to add acreage,
                            increase any payment to an eligible
                            entity.
                      (B) Exchange.--
                              (i) Authority.--The Secretary may
                            approve an exchange of 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--
                                      (I) no reasonable alternative
                                    exists and the effect on the
                                    interest in land is avoided or
                                    minimized to the extent
                                    practicable; and
                                      (II) the exchange--
                                              (aa) results in equal
                                            or increased
                                            conservation values;
                                              (bb) results in equal
                                            or greater economic
                                            value to the United
                                            States;
                                              (cc) is consistent
                                            with the original
                                            intent of the easement;
                                              (dd) is consistent
                                            with the purposes of
                                            the program; and
                                              (ee) is in the public
                                            interest or furthers
                                            the practical
                                            administration of the
                                            program.
                              (ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an
                            interest in land, or portion of such
                            interest, under this subparagraph, the
                            Secretary may not increase any payment
                            to an eligible entity.
              (3) Termination.--The Secretary may approve a
            termination of any interest in eligible land, or
            portion of such an interest, administered by the
            Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary
            determines that--
                      (A) termination is in the interest of the
                    Federal Government;
                      (B) the United States will be fully
                    compensated for--
                              (i) the value of the interest in the
                            land, as determined by the Secretary;
                              (ii) any costs relating to the
                            termination; and
                              (iii) any damages determined
                            appropriate by the Secretary; and
                      (C) the termination will--
                              (i) address a compelling public need
                            for which there is no practicable
                            alternative even with avoidance and
                            minimization; and
                              (ii) further the practical
                            administration of the program.
              (4) Consent.--The Secretary shall obtain consent from
            the landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for
            any subordination, exchange, modification, or
            termination of an interest in eligible land, or portion
            of such an interest, under this subsection.
              (5) Notice.--Not fewer than 90 days before taking any
            termination action described in paragraph (3), the
            Secretary shall provide written notice of that action
            to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
            Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
            Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
      (c) Land Enrolled in Other Programs.--In accordance with the
    provisions of section 2702 of the Farm, Food, and National
    Security Act of 2026, land enrolled in the healthy forests
    reserve program established under title V of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) on the
    day before the date of enactment of this section shall be
    considered enrolled in the program.

           Subtitle [I] J--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, including partnership
            agreements funded through alternative funding
            arrangements or grant agreements under section
            1271C(d), with eligible partners; and
              (2) program contracts with producers.
      (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are as follows:
              (1) To carry out eligible activities to accomplish
            purposes and functions similar to those of the
            following programs, as in effect on the day before the
            date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014:
                      (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, protection,
            restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water
            (including sources of drinking water and groundwater),
            wildlife, agricultural land, and related natural
            resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed
            scale.]
              (2) To address natural resource concerns on eligible
            land on a regional or watershed scale, including
            through--
                      (A) the conservation, protection,
                    restoration, and sustainable use of soil;
                      (B) the conservation and protection of water,
                    including sources of drinking water and
                    groundwater;
                      (C) the prevention and mitigation of the
                    effects of flooding and drought, and the
                    improvement or expansion of flood resiliency;
                    and
                      (D) the conservation of wildlife,
                    agricultural land, and related natural
                    resources.
              (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, including through alignment
                    of partnership projects with other national,
                    State, and local agencies and programs
                    addressing similar natural resource or
                    environmental concerns; and
                      (B) implementing projects that will result in
                    the adoption, installation, and maintenance of
                    eligible activities that affect multiple
                    agricultural or nonindustrial private forest
                    operations on a local, regional, State, or
                    multistate basis.
              (4) To encourage the flexible and streamlined
            delivery of conservation assistance to producers
            through partnership agreements.
              (5) To engage producers and eligible partners in
            conservation projects to achieve greater conservation
            outcomes and benefits for producers than would
            otherwise be achieved.

    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, not
                    including the grassland conservation initiative
                    under section 1240L-1.
                      [(D) The healthy forests reserve program
                    established under section 501 of the Healthy
                    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
                    6571).]
                      (D) The forest conservation easement program
                    established under subtitle I.
                      (E) The conservation reserve program
                    established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
                    subtitle D.
                      (F) The programs established by the Secretary
                    to carry out the Watershed Protection and Flood
                    Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), except
                    for any program established by the Secretary to
                    carry out section 14 (16 U.S.C. 1012) of that
                    Act.
              (2) Eligible activity.--The term ``eligible
            activity'' means a practice, activity, agreement,
            easement, or related conservation measure that is
            available under the statutory authority for a covered
            program.
              (3) Eligible land.--The term ``eligible land'' means
            any agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land
            or associated land on which the Secretary determines an
            eligible activity would help achieve conservation
            benefits.
              (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,
                    acequia, rural water district or association,
                    or other organization with specific water
                    delivery authority to producers on agricultural
                    land.
                      (F) A municipal water or wastewater treatment
                    entity.
                      (G) An institution of higher education.
                      (H) An organization or entity 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.
                      (I) An organization described in section
                    1265A(3)(B).
                      (J) A conservation district.
              (5) Partnership agreement.--The term ``partnership
            agreement'' means the programmatic agreement entered
            into between the Secretary and an eligible partner,
            subject to the terms and conditions under section
            1271B.
              (6) Program.--The term ``program'' means the regional
            conservation partnership program established by this
            subtitle.
              (7) Program contract.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``program
                    contract'' means the contract between the
                    Secretary and a producer entered into under
                    this subtitle.
                      (B) Exclusion.--The term ``program contract''
                    does not include a contract under a covered
                    program.

    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.]
      (a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--
              (1) In general.--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.
              (2) Streamlining required.--The Secretary shall
            ensure that a partnership agreement under paragraph
            (1)--
                      (A) is entered into not later than 180 days
                    after the date on which an application is
                    selected under subsection (e); and
                      (B) contains only--
                              (i) the information, described under
                            subsection (e)(3), necessary to fund
                            and initiate the project to be
                            implemented under the partnership
                            agreement; and
                              (ii) any adjustments to the
                            requirements of a covered program
                            determined necessary by the Secretary
                            under paragraph (2) of section
                            1271E(f), and any waiver provided under
                            paragraph (3) of such section.
              (3) Process for requesting waivers and adjustments.--
            The Secretary shall make available information on the
            process for requesting a waiver or an adjustment to the
            requirements of a covered program pursuant to section
            1271E(f).
      (b) Length.--
              (1) In general.--A partnership agreement shall be--
                      (A) for a period not to exceed 5 years; or
                      (B) for a period that is longer than 5 years,
                    if the longer period is necessary to meet the
                    objectives of the program, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
              (2) Renewal.--A partnership agreement may be renewed
            under subsection (e)(5) for a period not to exceed 5
            years.
              (3) Extension.--A partnership agreement, or any
            renewal of a partnership agreement, may each be
            extended 1 time for a period not longer than 12 months,
            as determined by the Secretary.
      (c) Duties of Partners.--
              (1) In general.--Under a partnership agreement, the
            eligible partner shall--
                      (A) define the scope of a project,
                    including--
                              (i) 1 or more conservation benefits
                            that the project shall achieve;
                              (ii) the eligible activities on
                            eligible land to be conducted under the
                            project to achieve conservation
                            benefits;
                              (iii) the implementation timeline for
                            carrying out the project, including any
                            interim milestones;
                              (iv) the local, State, multistate, or
                            other geographic area covered; and
                              (v) the planning, outreach,
                            implementation, and assessment to be
                            conducted;
                      (B) conduct outreach and education 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 contributions to help achieve the
                    project objectives;
                      (E) conduct an assessment of--
                              (i) the progress made by the project
                            in achieving each conservation benefit
                            defined in the partnership agreement,
                            including in a quantified form to the
                            extent practicable; and
                              (ii) as appropriate, other outcomes
                            of the project; and
                      (F) at the conclusion of the project, report
                    to the Secretary on its results and funds
                    leveraged.
              (2) Contribution.--
                      (A) In general.--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.
                      (B) Form.--A contribution of an eligible
                    partner under this paragraph may be in the form
                    of--
                              (i) direct funding;
                              (ii) in-kind support; or
                              (iii) a combination of direct funding
                            and in-kind support.
                      (C) Treatment.--Any amounts expended during
                    the period beginning on the date on which the
                    Secretary announces the approval of an
                    application under subsection (e) and ending on
                    the day before the effective date of the
                    partnership agreement by an eligible partner
                    for staff salaries or development of the
                    partnership agreement may be considered to be a
                    part of the contribution of the eligible
                    partner under this paragraph.
      (d) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary shall--
              (1) establish a timeline for carrying out the duties
            of the Secretary under a partnership agreement,
            including--
                      (A) entering into program contracts with
                    producers;
                      (B) providing financial assistance to
                    producers; and
                      (C) in the case of a partnership agreement
                    that is funded through an alternative funding
                    arrangement or grant agreement under section
                    1271C(d), providing the payments to the
                    eligible partner for carrying out eligible
                    activities;
              (2) identify in each State a program coordinator for
            the State, who shall be responsible for providing
            assistance to eligible partners under the program;
              (3) establish guidance to assist eligible partners
            with carrying out the assessment required under
            subsection (c)(1)(E);
              (4) provide to each eligible partner that has entered
            into a partnership agreement that is not funded through
            an alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement
            under section 1271C(d)--
                      (A) a semiannual report describing the status
                    of each pending and obligated contract under
                    the project of the eligible partner; and
                      (B) an annual report describing [how the
                    Secretary used amounts reserved by the
                    Secretary for that year for technical
                    assistance under section 1271D(f); and] the use
                    of funds for technical assistance under section
                    1271D(c);
              (5) ensure that any eligible activity effectively
            achieves the conservation benefits identified in the
            partnership agreement under subsection (c)(1)(A)(i)[.];
            and
              (6) ensure payments to eligible partners under a
            partnership agreement are made not later than 30 days
            after the date on which the eligible partner submits to
            the Secretary a request for payment.
      (e) Applications.--
              (1) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall conduct
            a simplified 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) Contents.--The Secretary shall develop a
            simplified application that includes 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 toward achieving the
                    project's objectives;
                      (C) the program resources requested for the
                    project and estimated funding needed from the
                    Secretary;
                      (D) each eligible partner collaborating to
                    achieve project objectives, including their
                    roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and
                    contribution; [and]
                      (E) any requests by an eligible partner for a
                    waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of
                    a covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f);
                    and
                      [(E)] (F) 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 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) build new partnerships with local, State,
                    and private entities to include a diversity of
                    stakeholders in the project;
                      (E) deliver a high percentage of applied
                    conservation--
                              (i) to achieve conservation benefits;
                            or
                              (ii) in the case of a project in a
                            critical conservation area under
                            section 1271F, to address the priority
                            resource concern for that critical
                            conservation area;
                      (F) implement the project consistent with
                    existing watershed, habitat, or other area
                    restoration plans;
                      (G) provide innovation in conservation
                    methods and delivery, including outcome-based
                    performance measures and methods; or
                      (H) meet other factors that are important for
                    achieving the purposes of the program, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
              (5) Renewals.--If the Secretary determines that a
            project that is the subject of a partnership agreement
            has met or exceeded the objectives of the project, the
            Secretary may renew the partnership agreement through
            an expedited noncompetitive process if the 1 or more
            eligible partners that are parties to the partnership
            agreement request the renewal in order--
                      (A) to continue to implement the project
                    under a renewal of the partnership agreement;
                    or
                      (B) to expand the scope of the project under
                    a renewal of the partnership agreement, as long
                    as the expansion is within the objectives and
                    purposes of the original partnership agreement.
      (f) Nonapplicability of Adjusted Gross Income Limitation.--
    The adjusted gross income limitation described in section
    1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to an eligible partner under the
    program.

    SEC. 1271C. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.

      (a) In General.--A producer may receive financial or
    technical assistance to conduct eligible activities on eligible
    land through a program contract entered into with the
    Secretary.
      (b) Program Contracts.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
            program contract to be entered into with a producer to
            conduct eligible activities on eligible land, subject
            to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may
            establish.
              (2) Application bundles.--
                      (A) In general.--An eligible partner may
                    submit to the Secretary, on behalf of
                    producers, a bundle of applications for
                    assistance under the program through program
                    contracts to address a substantial portion of
                    the conservation benefits to be achieved by the
                    project, as defined in the partnership
                    agreement.
                      (B) Priority.--The Secretary may give
                    priority to applications described in
                    subparagraph (A).
      (c) Payments.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to section 1271D, 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 certain producers.--The Secretary may
            provide payments for a period of 5 years--
                      (A) to producers participating in a project
                    that addresses water quantity concerns and in
                    an amount sufficient to encourage conversion
                    from irrigated to dryland farming; and
                      (B) to producers participating in a project
                    that addresses water quality concerns and in an
                    amount sufficient to encourage adoption of
                    conservation practices and systems that improve
                    nutrient management.
              (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 producers if the Secretary
            determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the
            objectives of the program.
      (d) Funding Through Alternative Funding Arrangements or Grant
    Agreements.--
              (1) In general.--A partnership agreement entered into
            with an eligible partner may be funded through an
            alternative funding arrangement or grant in accordance
            with this subsection.
              (2) Duties of the secretary.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) under a funding agreement under paragraph
                    (1)--
                              (i) use funding made available to
                            carry out this subtitle to provide
                            funding directly to the eligible
                            partner; and
                              (ii) provide technical and
                            administrative assistance, as mutually
                            agreed by the parties; and
                      (B) enter into not more than 15 alternative
                    funding arrangements or grant agreements with 1
                    or more eligible partners each fiscal year.
              (3) Duties of eligible partners.--Under a funding
            agreement under paragraph (1), the eligible partner
            shall--
                      (A) carry out eligible activities on eligible
                    land in agreement with producers to achieve
                    conservation benefits on a regional or
                    watershed scale, such as--
                              (i) infrastructure investments
                            relating to agricultural or
                            nonindustrial private forest production
                            that would--
                                      (I) benefit multiple
                                    producers; and
                                      (II) address natural resource
                                    concerns such as drought,
                                    wildfire, or water quality
                                    impairment on the land covered
                                    by the project;
                              (ii) projects addressing natural
                            resources concerns in coordination with
                            producers, including the development
                            and implementation of watershed,
                            habitat, or other area restoration
                            plans;
                              (iii) projects that use innovative
                            approaches to leveraging the Federal
                            investment in conservation with private
                            financial mechanisms, in conjunction
                            with agricultural production or forest
                            resource management, such as--
                                      (I) the provision of
                                    performance-based payments to
                                    producers; and
                                      (II) support for an
                                    environmental market; or
                              (iv) other projects for which the
                            Secretary determines that the goals and
                            objectives of the program would be
                            easier to achieve through the funding
                            agreement under paragraph (1); [and]
                      (B) provide, under section 1271B(c)(2), not
                    less than 50 percent of the overall costs of
                    the scope of the project that is the subject of
                    a partnership agreement funded pursuant to
                    paragraph (1) in direct funding; and
                      [(B)] (C) submit to the Secretary, in
                    addition to any information that the Secretary
                    requires to prepare the report under section
                    1271E(b), an annual report that describes the
                    status of the project, including a description
                    of--
                              (i) the use of the funds awarded
                            under paragraph (1);
                              (ii) any subcontracts awarded;
                              (iii) the producers receiving funding
                            through the funding agreement under
                            paragraph (1);
                              (iv)(I) the progress made by the
                            project in addressing each natural
                            resource concern defined in the funding
                            agreement under paragraph (1),
                            including in a quantified form to the
                            extent practicable; and
                              (II) as appropriate, other outcomes
                            of the project; and
                              (v) any other reporting data the
                            Secretary determines are necessary to
                            ensure compliance with the program
                            rules.

    SEC. 1271D. FUNDING.

      [(a) Availability of Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out the
    program, to the maximum extent practicable--
              [(1) $425,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
              [(2) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
              [(3) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
              [(4) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
              [(5) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
              [(6) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
      [(b) Duration of Availability.--Funds made available under
    subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.]
      [(c)] (a) Allocation of Funding.--Of the funds made available
    for the program under [subsection (a)] section 1241(a)(6), the
    Secretary shall allocate--
              (1) 50 percent of the funds to projects based on a
            State or multistate competitive process administered by
            the Secretary at the local level with the advice of the
            applicable State technical committees established under
            subtitle G; and
              (2) 50 percent of the funds to projects for critical
            conservation areas designated under section 1271F.
      [(d) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--
              [(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph
            (2), none of the funds made available for the program,
            including for a partnership agreement funded through an
            alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement
            under section 1271C(d), may be used to pay for the
            administrative expenses of eligible partners.
              [(2) Project development and outreach.--Under a
            partnership agreement that is not funded through an
            alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement
            under section 1271C(d), the Secretary may advance
            reasonable amounts of funding for not longer than 90
            days for technical assistance to eligible partners to
            conduct project development and outreach activities in
            a project area, including--
                      [(A) providing outreach and education to
                    producers for potential participation in the
                    project;
                      [(B) establishing baseline metrics to support
                    the development of the assessment required
                    under section 1271B(c)(1)(E); or
                      [(C) providing technical assistance to
                    producers.
      [(e) Technical Assistance.--
              [(1) In general.--At the time of project selection,
            the Secretary shall identify and make publicly
            available the amount that the Secretary shall use to
            provide technical assistance under the terms of the
            partnership agreement.
              [(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall limit costs of
            the Secretary for technical assistance to costs
            specific and necessary to carry out the objectives of
            the program.
              [(3) Third-party providers.--The Secretary shall
            develop and implement strategies to encourage third-
            party technical service providers to provide technical
            assistance to eligible partners pursuant to a
            partnership agreement.]
      (b) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--
              (1) In general.--Of the funds made available to
            implement a project under a partnership agreement, the
            Secretary may use not more than ten percent to
            reimburse the eligible partner for administrative
            expenses relating to the project.
              (2) Consideration.--Any amounts expended by an
            eligible partner for administrative expenses that are
            not reimbursed under paragraph (1) may be considered to
            be a part of the contribution of the eligible partner
            under section 1271B(c)(2).
      (c) Technical Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall, through a
            partnership agreement, identify--
                      (A) the total amount of funds that will be
                    used for technical assistance; and
                      (B) the share of such funds that will be
                    provided to eligible partners under paragraph
                    (2).
              (2) Provision of assistance.--
                      (A) Reimbursement.--Under a partnership
                    agreement that is not funded through an
                    alternative funding arrangement or grant
                    agreement under section 1271C(d), the Secretary
                    may reimburse eligible partners for the costs
                    of technical assistance provided through such
                    partnership agreement, including--
                              (i) the costs of technical assistance
                            needed to facilitate the maximum
                            conservation benefit of the applicable
                            project;
                              (ii) the costs of providing outreach
                            and education to producers for
                            potential participation in the
                            applicable project;
                              (iii) the costs of establishing
                            baseline metrics to support the
                            development of the assessment required
                            under section 1271B(c)(1)(E); and
                              (iv) other costs necessary to support
                            the implementation of eligible
                            activities, as determined by the
                            Secretary.
                      (B) Advancement of funds.--The Secretary may
                    advance to eligible partners reasonable amounts
                    of funds for costs that may be reimbursed under
                    subparagraph (A), as determined by the
                    Secretary.
              (3) Limitation.--The Secretary shall limit costs of
            the Secretary for technical assistance to costs
            necessary to carry out the objectives of the program.
              (4) Reduction of administrative barriers.--The
            Secretary shall provide a single, simplified process
            for reimbursements or advancements to eligible partners
            for the costs of technical assistance under this
            subsection.
              (5) Third-party providers.--The Secretary shall
            develop and implement strategies to encourage third-
            party technical service providers to provide technical
            assistance to eligible partners pursuant to a
            partnership agreement.

    SEC. 1271E. ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Disclosure.--In addition to the criteria used in
    evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(e)(2),
    the Secretary shall make publicly available information on
    projects selected through the competitive process described in
    section 1271B(e)(1).
      (b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2019, and every
    two years thereafter, the Secretary shall make publicly
    available 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 status of
    projects funded under the program, including--
              (1) a summary of--
                      (A) the progress made towards achieving the
                    conservation benefits defined for the projects;
                    and
                      (B) any other related outcomes of the
                    projects;
              (2) the number and types of eligible partners and
            producers participating in the partnership agreements
            selected;
              (3) the number of producers receiving assistance;
              (4) total funding committed to projects, including
            from Federal and non-Federal resources;
              (5) a description of how the funds under section
            1271C(d) are being administered, including--
                      (A) any oversight mechanisms that the
                    Secretary has implemented;
                      (B) the process through which the Secretary
                    is resolving appeals by program participants;
                    and
                      (C) the means by which the Secretary is
                    tracking adherence to any applicable provisions
                    for payment eligibility; and
              (6) in the case of a project within a critical
            conservation area under section 1271F, the status of
            each priority resource concern for each designated
            critical conservation area, including--
                      (A) the priority resource concerns for which
                    each critical conservation area is designated;
                      (B) conservation goals and outcomes
                    sufficient to demonstrate that progress is
                    being made to address the priority resource
                    concerns;
                      (C) the partnership agreements selected to
                    address each conservation goal and outcome; and
                      (D) the extent to which each conservation
                    goal and outcome is being addressed by the
                    partnership agreements.
      (c) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--The Secretary may
    not provide assistance under the program to a producer unless
    the producer agrees, during the program year for which the
    assistance is provided--
              (1) to comply with applicable conservation
            requirements under subtitle B; and
              (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection
            requirements under subtitle C.
      (d) Historically Underserved Producers.--To the maximum
    extent practicable, in carrying out the program, the Secretary
    and eligible partners shall conduct outreach to beginning
    farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, socially
    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and limited resource
    farmers and ranchers to encourage participation by those
    producers in a project subject to a partnership agreement or
    funding agreement under 1271C(d).
      (e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations to
    carry out the program.
      (f) Consistency With Covered Program Requirements.--
              (1) In general.--Except as provided in this
            subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that the terms
            and conditions of a program contract are consistent
            with the requirements of the applicable covered program
            to be used as part of the applicable partnership
            agreement.
              (2) Adjustments.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary may, if the
                    Secretary determines necessary, adjust a
                    regulatory requirement of a covered program to
                    be used as a part of a partnership agreement,
                    or related guidance, as it applies to an
                    eligible activity carried out under a program
                    contract entered into pursuant to the
                    partnership agreement--
                              (i) to provide a simplified process;
                            or
                              (ii) to better reflect unique local
                            circumstances.
                      (B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not
                    adjust the application of statutory
                    requirements for a covered program to be used
                    as a part of a partnership agreement, including
                    requirements governing appeals, payment limits,
                    and conservation compliance.
              (3) Waiver.--With respect to a program contract for
            an eligible activity under the agricultural
            conservation easement program, the Secretary may, in
            the applicable partnership agreement, waive the
            application of clauses (ii) or (iii)(III) of section
            1265A(4)(A) for purposes of determining the eligibility
            of land.
              (4) Certification applicability.--With respect to a
            partnership agreement entered into for acquisition of
            easements, the Secretary shall apply the authorities
            applicable to the eligible partner under section
            1265B(b)(5)(A) if the eligible partner is an eligible
            entity certified under such section.
              (5) Exemption.--With respect to a program contract
            that includes an eligible activity under the
            environmental quality incentives program to be
            installed and maintained in a State in which irrigation
            has not been used significantly for agricultural
            purposes, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary
            may not consider prior irrigation history when
            determining the eligibility of land.
              (6) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
            partnership agreements funded pursuant to section
            1271C(d).

    SEC. 1271F. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Critical conservation area.--The term ``critical
            conservation area'' means a geographical area that
            contains a critical conservation condition that can be
            addressed through the program.
              (2) Priority resource concern.--The term ``priority
            resource concern'' means a natural resource concern
            located in a critical conservation area that can be
            addressed through--
                      (A) 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;
                      (B) water quantity improvement, including
                    improvement relating to--
                              (i) drought;
                              (ii) groundwater, surface water,
                            aquifer, or other water sources; or
                              (iii) water retention and flood
                            prevention;
                      (C) wildlife habitat restoration to address
                    species of concern at a Federal, State, or
                    local level, including restoration and
                    enhancement of wildlife habitat connectivity
                    and wildlife migration corridors; and
                      (D) other natural resource improvements, as
                    determined by the Secretary, within the
                    critical conservation area.
      (b) Applications.--In administering [funds under section
    1271D(d)(2)] funds allocated under section 1271D(a)(2), the
    Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements
    and program contracts within critical conservation areas
    designated under this section that address 1 or more priority
    resource concerns for which the critical conservation area is
    designated.
      (c) Critical Conservation Area Designations.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall identify 1 or
            more priority resource concerns that apply to each
            critical conservation area designated under this
            section after the date of enactment of the Agricultural
            Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 649),
            including the conservation goals and outcomes
            sufficient to demonstrate that progress is being made
            to address the priority resource concern.
              (2) 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) contains 1 or more priority resource
                    concerns; or
                      (D) contains producers that need assistance
                    in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural
                    resource regulatory requirement that could have
                    a negative impact on the economic scope of the
                    agricultural operations within the area.
              (3) Review and withdrawal.--The Secretary may--
                      (A) review designations of critical
                    conservation areas under this section not more
                    frequently than once every 5 years; and
                      (B) withdraw designation of a critical
                    conservation area only if the Secretary
                    determines that the area is no longer a
                    critical conservation area.
              (4) Limitation.--The Secretary may not designate more
            than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation
            areas under this section.
      (d) Outreach to Eligible Partners and Producers.--The
    Secretary shall provide outreach and education to eligible
    partners and producers in critical conservation areas
    designated under this section to encourage the development of
    projects to address each priority resource concern identified
    by the Secretary for that critical conservation area.
      (e) Administration.--
              (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
            the Secretary shall administer any partnership
            agreement or program 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.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                   FOOD, CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    TITLE I--COMMODITY PROGRAMS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                               Subtitle E--Dairy

    SEC. 1502. DAIRY FORWARD PRICING PROGRAM.

      (a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall establish a
    program under which milk producers and cooperative associations
    of producers are authorized to voluntarily enter into forward
    price contracts with milk handlers.
      (b) Minimum Milk Price Requirements.--Payments made by milk
    handlers to milk producers and cooperative associations of
    producers, and prices received by milk producers and
    cooperative associations, in accordance with the terms of a
    forward price contract authorized by subsection (a), shall be
    treated as satisfying--
              (1) all uniform and minimum milk price requirements
            of subparagraphs (B) and (F) of paragraph (5) of
            section 8c of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C.
            608c), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural
            Marketing Agreement Act of 1937; and
              (2) the total payment requirement of subparagraph (C)
            of that paragraph.
      (c) Milk Covered by Program.--
              (1) Covered milk.--The program shall apply only with
            respect to the marketing of federally regulated milk
            that--
                      (A) is not classified as Class I milk or
                    otherwise intended for fluid use; and
                      (B) is in the current of interstate or
                    foreign commerce or directly burdens,
                    obstructs, or affects interstate or foreign
                    commerce in federally regulated milk.
              (2) Relation to class i milk.--To assist milk
            handlers in complying with paragraph (1)(A) without
            having to segregate or otherwise individually track the
            source and disposition of milk, a milk handler may
            allocate milk receipts from producers, cooperatives,
            and other sources that are not subject to a forward
            contract to satisfy the obligations of the handler with
            regard to Class I milk usage.
      (d) Voluntary Program.--
              (1) In general.--A milk handler may not require
            participation in a forward pricing contract as a
            condition of the handler receiving milk from a producer
            or cooperative association of producers.
              (2) Pricing.--A producer or cooperative association
            described in paragraph (1) may continue to have their
            milk priced in accordance with the minimum payment
            provisions of the Federal milk marketing order.
              (3) Complaints.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
                    investigate complaints made by producers or
                    cooperative associations of coercion by
                    handlers to enter into forward contracts.
                      (B) Action.--If the Secretary finds evidence
                    of coercion, the Secretary shall take
                    appropriate action.
      [(e) Duration.--
              [(1) New contracts.--No forward price contract may be
            entered into under the program established under this
            section after September 30, 2023.
              [(2) Application.--No forward contract entered into
            under the program may extend beyond September 30,
            2029.]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle F--Administration

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1614. STORAGE FACILITY LOANS.

      (a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a storage
    facility loan program to provide [funds for producers] funds
    for--
              (1) producers  of grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, hay,
            renewable biomass, and other storable commodities
            (other than sugar), as determined by the Secretary, to
            construct or upgrade storage and handling facilities
            for the commodities[.]; and
              (2) producers to construct or upgrade storage
            facilities for propane that is primarily used for
            agricultural production (as such term is defined in
            section 4279.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations
            (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this
            paragraph)).
      (b) Eligible Producers.--A storage facility loan under this
    section shall be made available to any producer described in
    subsection (a) that, as determined by the Secretary--
              (1) has a satisfactory credit history;
              (2) has a need for increased storage capacity; and
              (3) demonstrates an ability to repay the loan.
      (c) Term of Loans.--A storage facility loan under this
    section shall have a maximum term of 12 years.
      (d) Loan Amount.--The maximum principal amount of a storage
    facility loan under this section shall be $500,000.
      (e) Loan Disbursements.--The Secretary shall provide for 1
    partial disbursement of loan principal and 1 final disbursement
    of loan principal, as determined to be appropriate and subject
    to acceptable documentation, to facilitate the purchase and
    construction of eligible facilities.
      (f) Loan Security.--Approval of a storage facility loan under
    this section shall--
              (1) require the borrower to provide loan security to
            the Secretary, in the form of--
                      (A) a lien on the real estate parcel on which
                    the storage facility is located; or
                      (B) such other security as is acceptable to
                    the Secretary;
              (2) under such rules and regulations as the Secretary
            may prescribe, not require a severance agreement from
            the holder of any prior lien on the real estate parcel
            on which the storage facility is located, if the
            borrower--
                      (A) agrees to increase the down payment on
                    the storage facility by an amount determined
                    appropriate by the Secretary; or
                      (B) provides other security acceptable to the
                    Secretary; and
              (3) allow a borrower, upon the approval of the
            Secretary, to define a subparcel of real estate as
            security for the storage facility loan if the subparcel
            is--
                      (A) of adequate size and value to adequately
                    secure the loan; and
                      (B) not subject to any other liens or
                    mortgages that are superior to the lien
                    interest of the Commodity Credit Corporation.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE III--TRADE

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 3202. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

      (a) Contribution.--The Administrator of the United States
    Agency for International Development shall contribute funds to
    endow the Global Crop Diversity Trust (referred to in this
    section as the ``Trust'') to assist in the conservation of
    genetic diversity in food crops through the collection and
    storage of the germplasm of food crops in a manner that
    provides for--
              (1) the maintenance and storage of seed collections;
              (2) the documentation and cataloguing of the genetics
            and characteristics of conserved seeds to ensure
            efficient reference for researchers, plant breeders,
            and the public;
              (3) building the capacity of seed collection in
            developing countries;
              (4) making information regarding crop genetic data
            publicly available for researchers, plant breeders, and
            the public (including through the provision of an
            accessible Internet website);
              (5) the operation and maintenance of a back-up
            facility in which are stored duplicate samples of
            seeds, in the case of natural or man-made disasters;
            and
              (6) oversight designed to ensure international
            coordination of those actions and efficient, public
            accessibility to that diversity through a cost-
            effective system.
      (b) United States Contribution Limit.--
              [(1) In general.--The aggregate contributions of
            funds of the Federal Government provided to the Trust
            shall not exceed--
                      [(A) for the period of fiscal years 2014
                    through 2018, 25 percent of the total amount of
                    funds contributed to the Trust from all
                    sources; and
                      [(B) subject to paragraph (2), effective
                    beginning with fiscal year 2019, 33 percent of
                    the total amount of funds contributed to the
                    Trust from all sources.]
              (1) In general.--For the period of fiscal years 2027
            through 2031, the aggregate contributions of funds of
            the Federal Government provided to the Trust under this
            section shall not exceed 33 percent of the total amount
            of funds contributed to the Trust from all sources and
            for all purposes.
              (2) Annual limitation.--The contributions of funds of
            the Federal Government provided to the Trust under this
            section shall not exceed $5,500,000 for each of fiscal
            years 2019 through [2023] 2031.
      (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section $60,000,000 for the
    period of [fiscal years 2014 through 2023] fiscal years 2023
    through 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 3206. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCUREMENT PROJECTS.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means
            the Administrator of the Agency for International
            Development.
              (2) Appropriate committee of congress.--The term
            ``appropriate committee of Congress'' means--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
                    and Forestry of the Senate;
                      (B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House
                    of Representatives; and
                      (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
                    House of Representatives.
              (3) Eligible commodity.--The term ``eligible
            commodity'' means an agricultural commodity (or the
            product of an agricultural commodity) that--
                      (A) is produced in, and procured from, a
                    developing country; and
                      (B) at a minimum, meets each nutritional,
                    quality, and labeling standard of the country
                    that receives the agricultural commodity, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
              (4) Eligible organization.--The term ``eligible
            organization'' means an organization that is--
                      (A) described in section 202(d) of the Food
                    for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(d)); and
                      (B) with respect to nongovernmental
                    organizations, subject to regulations
                    promulgated or guidelines issued to carry out
                    this section, including United States audit
                    requirements that are applicable to
                    nongovernmental organizations.
      (b) Field-Based Projects.--
              (1) In general.--In accordance with paragraph (2),
            the Secretary shall provide grants to, or enter into
            cooperative agreements with, eligible organizations to
            carry out field-based projects that consist of local or
            regional procurements of eligible commodities to
            respond to food crises and disasters in accordance with
            this section.
              (2) Consultation with administrator.--In carrying out
            the development and implementation of field-based
            projects under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
            consult with the Administrator.
      (c) Procurement.--
              (1) In general.--Any eligible commodity that is
            procured for a field-based project carried out under
            subsection (b) shall be procured through any approach
            or methodology that the Secretary considers to be an
            effective approach or methodology to provide adequate
            information regarding the manner by which to expedite,
            to the maximum extent practicable, the provision of
            food aid to affected populations without significantly
            increasing commodity costs for low-income consumers who
            procure commodities sourced from the same markets at
            which the eligible commodity is procured.
              (2) Requirements.--
                      (A) Impact on local farmers and countries.--
                    The Secretary shall ensure that the local or
                    regional procurement of any eligible commodity
                    under this section will not have a disruptive
                    impact on farmers located in, or the economy
                    of--
                              (i) the recipient country of the
                            eligible commodity; or
                              (ii) any country in the region in
                            which the eligible commodity may be
                            procured.
                      (B) Transshipment.--The Secretary shall, in
                    accordance with such terms and conditions as
                    the Secretary considers to be appropriate,
                    require from each eligible organization
                    commitments designed to prevent or restrict--
                              (i) the resale or transshipment of
                            any eligible commodity procured under
                            this section to any country other than
                            the recipient country; and
                              (ii) the use of the eligible
                            commodity for any purpose other than
                            food aid.
                      (C) World prices.--
                              (i) In general.--In carrying out this
                            section, the Secretary shall take any
                            precaution that the Secretary considers
                            to be reasonable to ensure that the
                            procurement of eligible commodities
                            will not unduly disrupt--
                                      (I) world prices for
                                    agricultural commodities; or
                                      (II) normal patterns of
                                    commercial trade with foreign
                                    countries.
                              (ii) Procurement price.--The
                            procurement of any eligible commodity
                            shall be made at a reasonable market
                            price with respect to the economy of
                            the country in which the eligible
                            commodity is procured, as determined by
                            the Secretary.
      (d) Field-Based Project Grants or Cooperative Agreements.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to,
            or enter into cooperative agreements with, eligible
            organizations to carry out field-based projects.
              (2) Requirements of eligible organizations.--
                      (A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a
                    grant from, or enter into a cooperative
                    agreement with, the Secretary under this
                    subsection, an eligible organization shall
                    submit to the Secretary an application by such
                    date, in such manner, and containing such
                    information as the Secretary may require.
                      (B) Other applicable requirements.--Any other
                    applicable requirement relating to the
                    submission of proposals for consideration shall
                    apply to the submission of an application
                    required under subparagraph (A), as determined
                    by the Secretary.
              (3) Requirements of secretary.--
                      (A) Project diversity.--
                              (i) In general.--Subject to clause
                            (ii) and subparagraph (B), in selecting
                            proposals for field-based projects to
                            fund under this section, the Secretary
                            shall select a diversity of projects,
                            including projects located in--
                                      (I) food surplus regions;
                                      (II) food deficit regions
                                    (that are carried out using
                                    regional procurement methods);
                                    and
                                      (III) multiple geographical
                                    regions.
                              (ii) Priority.--In selecting
                            proposals for field-based projects
                            under clause (i), the Secretary shall
                            ensure that the majority of selected
                            proposals are for field-based projects
                            that--
                                      (I) are located in Africa;
                                    and
                                      (II) procure eligible
                                    commodities that are produced
                                    in Africa.
                      (B) Development assistance.--A portion of the
                    funds provided under this subsection shall be
                    made available for field-based projects that
                    provide development assistance for a period of
                    not less than 1 year.
      (e) Funding.--
              (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
            out this section $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years
            2019 through [2023] 2031.
              (2) Preference.--In carrying out this section, the
            Secretary may give a preference to eligible
            organizations that have, or are working toward,
            projects under the McGovern-Dole International Food for
            Education and Child Nutrition Program established under
            section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
            Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1).
              (3) Reporting.--Each year, the Secretary shall submit
            to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that
            describes the use of funds under this section,
            including--
                      (A) the impact of procurements and projects
                    on--
                              (i) local and regional agricultural
                            producers; and
                              (ii) markets and consumers, including
                            low-income consumers; and
                      (B) implementation time frames and costs.

    TITLE IV--NUTRITION

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 4405. THE GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
            means a governmental agency or nonprofit organization.
              (2) Emergency feeding organization.--The term
            ``emergency feeding organization'' has the meaning
            given the term in section 201A of the Emergency Food
            Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501).
              (3) Supplemental nutrition assistance program.--The
            term ``supplemental nutrition assistance
            program''means--
                      (A) the supplemental nutrition assistance
                    program established under the Food and
                    Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
                    and
                      (B) the programs for nutrition assistance
                    under section 19 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2028).
              (4) Healthcare partner.--The term ``healthcare
            partner'' means a healthcare provider, including--
                      (A) a hospital;
                      (B) a Federally-qualified health center (as
                    defined in section 1905(l) of the Social
                    Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)));
                      (C) a hospital or clinic operated by the
                    Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
                      (D) a healthcare provider group.
              (5) Member.--The term ``member'' means, as determined
            by the applicable eligible entity or healthcare partner
            carrying out a project under subsection (c) in
            accordance with procedures established by the
            Secretary--
                      (A) an individual eligible for--
                              (i) benefits under the Food and
                            Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et
                            seq.); or
                              (ii) medical assistance under a State
                            plan or a waiver of such a plan under
                            title XIX of the Social Security Act
                            (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and enrolled
                            under such plan or waiver; and
                      (B) a member of a low-income household that
                    suffers from, or is at risk of developing, a
                    diet-related health condition.
      (b) Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grants.--
              (1) Authorization.--
                      (A) In general.--In each of the years
                    specified in subsection (c), the Secretary
                    shall make grants to eligible entities in
                    accordance with paragraph (2).
                      (B) Partners and collaborators.--An eligible
                    entity that receives a grant under this
                    subsection may partner with, or make subgrants
                    to, public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit
                    entities, including--
                              (i) an emergency feeding
                            organization;
                              (ii) an agricultural cooperative;
                              (iii) a producer network or
                            association;
                              (iv) a community health organization;
                              (v) a public benefit corporation;
                              (vi) an economic development
                            corporation;
                              (vii) a farmers' market;
                              (viii) a community-supported
                            agriculture program;
                              (ix) a buying club;
                              (x) a retail food store participating
                            in the supplemental nutrition
                            assistance program;
                              (xi) a State, local, or tribal
                            agency;
                              (xii) another eligible entity that
                            receives a grant under this subsection;
                            and
                              (xiii) any other entity the Secretary
                            designates.
                      [(C) Federal share.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (D)(iii), the Federal share of the
                    cost of carrying out an activity under this
                    subsection shall not exceed 50 percent of the
                    total cost of the activity.]
                      (C) Federal share.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii) and subparagraph
                            (D)(iii), the Federal share of the cost
                            of carrying out an activity under this
                            subsection shall not exceed 50 percent
                            of the total cost of the activity.
                              (ii) Waiver for persistent poverty
                            areas.--The Secretary may waive the
                            application of clause (i) in the case
                            of an activity carried out--
                                      (I) in a county that, during
                                    the preceding 30-year period
                                    has had a population of which
                                    greater than or equal to 20
                                    percent of such population are
                                    living in poverty (as measured
                                    by the most recent decennial
                                    censuses and most recent Small
                                    Area Income and Poverty
                                    Estimates of the Bureau of the
                                    Census); or
                                      (II) in a census tract with a
                                    poverty rate of at least 20
                                    percent during the preceding
                                    30-year period, as measured by
                                    the most recent 5-year data
                                    series available from the
                                    American Community Survey of
                                    the Bureau of the Census.
                      (D) Non-Federal share.--
                              (i) In general.--The non-Federal
                            share of the cost of an activity under
                            this subsection may be provided--
                                      (I) in cash or in-kind
                                    contributions as determined by
                                    the Secretary, including
                                    facilities, equipment, or
                                    services; and
                                      (II) by a State or local
                                    government or a private source.
                              (ii) Limitation.--In the case of a
                            for-profit entity, the non-Federal
                            share described in clause (i) shall not
                            include services of an employee,
                            including salaries paid or expenses
                            covered by the employer.
                              (iii) Tribal agencies.--The Secretary
                            may allow a Tribal agency to use funds
                            provided to the Indian Tribe of the
                            Tribal agency through a Federal agency
                            (including the Indian Health Service)
                            or other Federal benefit to satisfy all
                            or part of the non-Federal share
                            described in clause (i) if such use is
                            otherwise consistent with the purpose
                            of such funds.
              (2) Criteria.--
                      (A) In general.--To receive a grant under
                    this subsection, an eligible entity shall--
                              (i) meet the application criteria set
                            forth by the Secretary; and
                              (ii) propose a project that, at a
                            minimum--
                                      (I) has the support of the
                                    State agency administering the
                                    supplemental nutrition
                                    assistance program;
                                      (II) would increase the
                                    purchase of fruits and
                                    vegetables by low-income
                                    households participating in the
                                    supplemental nutrition
                                    assistance program by providing
                                    an incentive for the purchase
                                    of fruits and vegetables at the
                                    point of purchase to a
                                    household purchasing food with
                                    supplemental nutrition
                                    assistance program benefits;
                                      (III) except in the case of
                                    projects receiving $100,000 or
                                    less over 1 year, would measure
                                    the purchase of fruits and
                                    vegetables by low-income
                                    households participating in the
                                    supplemental nutrition
                                    assistance program;
                                      (IV) ensures that the same
                                    terms and conditions apply to
                                    purchases made by individuals
                                    with benefits issued under the
                                    Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
                                    and incentives provided for in
                                    this subsection as apply to
                                    purchases made by individuals
                                    who are not members of
                                    households receiving benefits,
                                    such as provided for in section
                                    278.2(b) of title 7, Code of
                                    Federal Regulations (or a
                                    successor regulation);
                                      (V) has adequate plans to
                                    collect data for reporting and
                                    agrees to provide that
                                    information for the report
                                    described in subsection
                                    (e)(2)(B)(iii); and
                                      (VI) would share information
                                    with the Nutrition Incentive
                                    Program Training, Technical
                                    Assistance, Evaluation, and
                                    Information Centers established
                                    under subsection (e).
                      (B) Priority.--In awarding grants under this
                    section, the Secretary shall give priority to
                    projects that--
                              (i) maximize the share of funds used
                            for direct incentives to participants;
                              (ii) use direct-to-consumer sales
                            marketing;
                              (iii) demonstrate a track record of
                            designing and implementing successful
                            nutrition incentive programs that
                            connect low-income consumers and
                            agricultural producers;
                              (iv) provide locally or regionally
                            produced fruits and vegetables;
                              (v) include a project design--
                                      (I) that provides incentives
                                    when fruits or vegetables are
                                    purchased using supplemental
                                    nutrition assistance program
                                    benefits; and
                                      (II) in which the incentives
                                    earned may be used only to
                                    purchase fruits or vegetables;
                              (vi) have demonstrated the ability to
                            provide services to underserved
                            communities;
                              (vii) include coordination with
                            multiple stakeholders, such as farm
                            organizations, nutrition education
                            programs, cooperative extension
                            services, public health departments,
                            health providers, private and public
                            health insurance agencies, cooperative
                            grocers, grocery associations, and
                            community-based and nongovernmental
                            organizations;
                              (viii) offer supplemental services in
                            high-need communities, including online
                            ordering, transportation between home
                            and store, and delivery services;
                              (ix) increase year-round availability
                            of incentives by offering all forms of
                            fruits or vegetables;
                              [(ix)] (x) include food retailers
                            that are open--
                                      (I) for extended hours; and
                                      (II) most or all days of the
                                    year; or
                              [(x)] (xi) address other criteria as
                            established by the Secretary.
      (c) Produce Prescription Program.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
            grant program under which the Secretary shall award
            grants to eligible entities to conduct projects that
            demonstrate and evaluate the impact of the projects
            on--
                      (A) the improvement of dietary health through
                    increased consumption of fruits and vegetables;
                      (B) the reduction of individual and household
                    food insecurity; and
                      (C) the reduction in healthcare use and
                    associated costs.
              (2) Healthcare partners.--In carrying out a project
            using a grant received under paragraph (1), an eligible
            entity shall partner with 1 or more healthcare
            partners.
              (3) Grant applications.--
                      (A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a
                    grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity--
                              (i) shall--
                                      (I) prescribe [fresh fruits
                                    and vegetables] all forms of
                                    fruits, vegetables, and legumes
                                    to members;
                                      (II) submit to the Secretary
                                    an application containing such
                                    information as the Secretary
                                    may require, including the
                                    information described in
                                    subparagraph (B); and
                              (ii) may--
                                      (I) provide financial or non-
                                    financial incentives for
                                    members to purchase or procure
                                    [fresh fruits and vegetables]
                                    all forms of fruits,
                                    vegetables, and legumes;
                                      (II) provide educational
                                    resources on nutrition to
                                    members; and
                                      (III) establish additional
                                    accessible locations for
                                    members to procure [fresh
                                    fruits and vegetables] all
                                    forms of fruits, vegetables,
                                    and legumes.
                      (B) Application.--An application shall--
                              (i) identify the 1 or more healthcare
                            partners with which the eligible entity
                            is partnering under paragraph (2); and
                              (ii) include--
                                      (I) a description of the
                                    methods by which an eligible
                                    entity shall--
                                              (aa) screen and
                                            verify eligibility for
                                            members for
                                            participation in a
                                            produce prescription
                                            project, in accordance
                                            with procedures
                                            established under
                                            subsection (a)(5);
                                              (bb) implement an
                                            effective produce
                                            prescription project,
                                            including the role of
                                            each healthcare partner
                                            in implementing the
                                            produce prescription
                                            project;
                                              (cc) evaluate members
                                            participating in a
                                            produce prescription
                                            project with respect to
                                            the matters described
                                            in subparagraphs (A)
                                            through (C) of
                                            paragraph (1);
                                              (dd) provide
                                            educational
                                            opportunities relating
                                            to nutrition to members
                                            participating in a
                                            produce prescription
                                            project; and
                                              (ee) inform members
                                            of the availability of
                                            the produce
                                            prescription project,
                                            including locations at
                                            which produce
                                            prescriptions may be
                                            redeemed;
                                      (II) a description of any
                                    additional nonprofit or
                                    emergency feeding organizations
                                    that shall be involved in the
                                    project and the role of each
                                    additional nonprofit or
                                    emergency feeding organization
                                    in implementing and evaluating
                                    an effective produce
                                    prescription project;
                                      (III) documentation of a
                                    partnership agreement with a
                                    relevant State Medicaid agency
                                    or other appropriate entity, as
                                    determined by the Secretary, to
                                    evaluate the effectiveness of
                                    the produce prescription
                                    project in reducing healthcare
                                    use and associated costs;
                                      (IV) adequate plans to
                                    collect data for reporting and
                                    agreement to provide that
                                    information for the report
                                    described in subsection
                                    (e)(2)(B)(iii); and
                                      (V) agreement to share
                                    information with the Nutrition
                                    Incentive Program Training,
                                    Technical Assistance,
                                    Evaluation, and Information
                                    Centers established under
                                    subsection (e).
              (4) Coordination.--In carrying out the grant program
            established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
            coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human
            Services and the heads of other appropriate Federal
            agencies that carry out activities relating to
            healthcare partners.
              (5) Partnerships.--
                      (A) In general.--In carrying out the grant
                    program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may
                    enter into 1 or more memoranda of understanding
                    with a Federal agency, a State, or a private
                    entity to ensure the effective implementation
                    and evaluation of each project.
                      (B) Memorandum of understanding.--A
                    memorandum of understanding entered into under
                    subparagraph (A) shall include--
                              (i) a description of a plan to
                            provide educational opportunities
                            relating to nutrition to members
                            participating in produce prescription
                            projects;
                              (ii) a description of the role of the
                            Federal agency, State, or private
                            entity, as applicable, in implementing
                            and evaluating an effective produce
                            prescription project; and
                              (iii) documentation of a partnership
                            agreement with a relevant State
                            Medicaid agency or other appropriate
                            entity, as determined by the Secretary.
      (d) Applicability.--
              (1) In general.--The value of any benefit provided to
            a participant in any activity funded under subsections
            (b) or (c) shall be treated as supplemental nutrition
            benefits under section 8(b) of the Food and Nutrition
            Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2017(b)).
              (2) Prohibition on collection of sales taxes.--Each
            State shall ensure that no State or local tax is
            collected on a purchase of food with assistance
            provided under subsections (b) and (c).
              (3) No limitation on benefits.--Grants made available
            under subsections (b) and (c) shall not be used to
            carry out any project that limits the use of benefits
            under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011
            et seq.) or any other Federal nutrition law.
              (4) Household allotment.--Assistance provided under
            subsections (b) and (c) to households receiving
            benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance
            program shall not--
                      (A) be considered part of the supplemental
                    nutrition assistance program benefits of the
                    household; or
                      (B) be used in the collection or disposition
                    of claims under section 13 of the Food and
                    Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2022).
      (e) Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical
    Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) establish 1 or more Nutrition Incentive
                    Program Training, Technical Assistance,
                    Evaluation, and Information Centers, in
                    consultation with the Director of the National
                    Institute of Food and Agriculture; and
                      (B) to the extent practicable, consult on the
                    design and scope of such Centers with grocers,
                    farmers, health professionals, researchers,
                    incentive program managers, and employees of
                    the Department of Agriculture with direct
                    experience with implementation of existing
                    incentive programs or projects.
              (2) Establishment.--The Centers shall be capable of
            providing services related to grants under subsections
            (b) and (c), including--
                      (A) offering incentive program training and
                    technical assistance to applicants and grantees
                    to the extent practicable, including--
                              (i) collecting and providing
                            information on best practices that may
                            include communications, signage,
                            record-keeping, incentive instruments,
                            development and integration of point of
                            sale systems, and reporting;
                              (ii) disseminating information and
                            assisting with collaboration among
                            grantee projects, applicable State
                            agencies, and nutrition education
                            programs;
                              (iii) facilitating communication
                            between grantees and the Department of
                            Agriculture and applicable State
                            agencies; and
                              (iv) providing support for the
                            development of best practices for
                            produce prescription projects and the
                            sharing of information among eligible
                            entities and healthcare providers that
                            participate in a produce prescription
                            project under subsection (c); and
                              (v) other services identified by the
                            Secretary; and
                      (B) creating a system to collect and compile
                    core data sets from eligible entities that--
                              (i) uses standard metrics with
                            consideration of outcome measures for
                            existing projects;
                              (ii) includes to the extent
                            practicable grocers, farmers, health
                            professionals, researchers, incentive
                            program managers, and employees of the
                            Department of Agriculture with direct
                            experience with implementation of
                            existing incentive programs in the
                            design of the instrument through which
                            data will be collected and the
                            mechanism for reporting;
                              (iii) compiles project data from
                            grantees, and beginning in fiscal year
                            2020 generates an annual report to
                            Congress on grant outcomes, including--
                                      (I) the results of the
                                    project; and
                                      (II) the amount of grant
                                    funds used for the project; and
                              (iv) creates and maintains a publicly
                            accessible online site that makes
                            annual reports and incentive program
                            information available in an anonymized
                            format that protects confidential,
                            personal, or other sensitive data.
              (3) Cooperative agreement.--
                      (A) In general.--To carry out paragraph (1),
                    the Secretary may, on a competitive basis,
                    enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements
                    with 1 or more organizations with expertise in
                    developing outcome-based reporting, at least 1
                    of which has expertise in the food insecurity
                    nutrition incentive program and at least 1 of
                    which has expertise in produce prescription
                    projects.
                      (B) Inclusion.--The organizations referred to
                    in subparagraph (A) may include--
                              (i) nongovernmental organizations;
                              (ii) State cooperative extension
                            services;
                              (iii) regional food system centers;
                              (iv) Federal, State, or Tribal
                            agencies;
                              (v) institutions of higher education
                            (as defined in section 101(a) of the
                            Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
                            1001(a))); or
                              (vi) other appropriate entities as
                            determined by the Secretary.
      (f) Funding.--
              (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
            $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through [2023]
            2031.
              (2) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
            out this section--
                      (A) $35,000,000 for the period of fiscal
                    years 2014 and 2015;
                      (B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
                    and 2017;
                      (C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
                      (C) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
                      (D) $48,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
                      (E) $48,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
                      (F) $53,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
                      (G) $56,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
                    fiscal year thereafter.
              (3) Use of funds.--With respect to funds made
            available under this section for fiscal years 2019
            through [2023] 2031--
                      (A) for each fiscal year the Secretary shall
                    use not more than 10 percent of such funds
                    available for such fiscal year for the produce
                    prescription program described in subsection
                    (c);
                      (B) for each fiscal year not more than 8
                    percent of such funds available for such fiscal
                    year shall be used by the National Institute of
                    Food and Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition
                    Service for administration; and
                      (C) the Secretary shall use for the Nutrition
                    Incentive Program Training, Technical
                    Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers
                    established under subsection (e) not more
                    than--
                              (i) $17,000,000 in the aggregate for
                            fiscal years 2019 and 2020; and
                              (ii) $7,000,000 for each of the
                            fiscal years 2021 through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE VII--RESEARCH AND RELATED MATTERS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                           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 period beginning on the date of the
    enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2026],
    beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                   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 eligible entities described in subsection (c) 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--
              (1) to initiate, expand, or sustain programs that
            provide professional agricultural behavioral health
            counseling and referral for other forms of assistance
            as necessary through--
                      (A) farm telephone helplines and websites,
                    including crisis hotlines;
                      (B) training, including training programs and
                    workshops, for--
                              (i) advocates for individuals who are
                            engaged in farming, ranching, and other
                            occupations relating to agriculture;
                            and
                              (ii) other individuals and entities
                            that may assist individuals who--
                                      (I) are engaged in farming,
                                    ranching, and other occupations
                                    relating to agriculture; and
                                      (II) are in crisis;
                      (C) support groups; and
                      (D) outreach services and activities,
                    including the dissemination of information and
                    materials; or
              (2) to enter into contracts, on a multiyear basis,
            with community-based, direct-service organizations to
            initiate, expand, or sustain programs described in
            paragraph (1) and subsection (a).
      (c) Eligible Recipients.--The Secretary may award a grant
    under this section to--
              (1) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
            Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
            (25 U.S.C. 5304));
              (2) a State department of agriculture;
              (3) a State cooperative extension service;
              (4) a qualified nonprofit organization, as determined
            by the Secretary;
              (5) an entity providing appropriate services, as
            determined by the Secretary, in 1 or more States; or
              (6) a partnership carried out by 2 or more entities
            described in paragraphs (1) through (5).
      (d) 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 2019 through [2023] 2031.
      (e) Report to Congress.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date
            of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in
            coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human
            Services, shall submit to Congress and any other
            relevant Federal department or agency, and make
            publicly available, a report describing the state of
            behavioral and mental health of individuals who are
            engaged in farming, ranching, and other occupations
            relating to agriculture.
              (2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
            include--
                      (A) an inventory and assessment of efforts to
                    support the behavioral and mental health of
                    individuals who are engaged in farming,
                    ranching, and other occupations relating to
                    agriculture by--
                              (i) the Federal Government, States,
                            and units of local government;
                              (ii) communities comprised of those
                            individuals;
                              (iii) health care providers;
                              (iv) State cooperative extension
                            services; and
                              (v) other appropriate entities, as
                            determined by the Secretary;
                      (B) a description of the challenges faced by
                    individuals who are engaged in farming,
                    ranching, and other occupations relating to
                    agriculture that may impact the behavioral and
                    mental health of farmers and ranchers;
                      (C) a description of how the Department of
                    Agriculture can improve coordination and
                    cooperation with Federal health departments and
                    agencies, including the Department of Health
                    and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and
                    Mental Health Services Administration, the
                    Health Resources and Services Administration,
                    the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
                    and the National Institutes of Health, to best
                    address the behavioral and mental health of
                    individuals who are engaged in farming,
                    ranching, and other occupations relating to
                    agriculture;
                      (D) a long-term strategy for responding to
                    the challenges described under subparagraph (B)
                    and recommendations based on best practices for
                    further action to be carried out by appropriate
                    Federal departments or agencies to improve
                    Federal Government response and seek to prevent
                    suicide among individuals who are engaged in
                    farming, ranching, and other occupations
                    relating to agriculture; and
                      (E) an evaluation of the impact that
                    behavioral and mental health challenges and
                    outcomes (including suicide) among individuals
                    who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other
                    agriculture related occupations have on--
                              (i) the agricultural workforce;
                              (ii) agricultural production;
                              (iii) rural families and communities;
                            and
                              (iv) succession planning.
      (f) Referrals to Providers.--As part of the efforts of the
    recipient of a grant under subsection (a) to connect
    individuals to behavioral health counseling and wellness
    support and to ensure individuals have access to a
    comprehensive scope of mental health and substance use
    treatments and supports, when applicable, the grant recipient
    may establish referral relationships with--
              (1) certified community behavioral health clinics
            described in section 223 of the Protecting Access to
            Medicare Act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. 1396a note; Public Law
            113-93);
              (2) health centers (as defined in section 330(a) of
            the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(a)));
              (3) rural health clinics (as defined in section
            1861(aa) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
            1395x(aa)));
              (4) Federally qualified health centers (as defined in
            that section); and
              (5) critical access hospitals (as defined in section
            1861(mm) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
            1395x(mm))).
      [(f)] (g) State Defined.--For purposes of this section, the
    term ``State'' has the meaning given such term in section 1404
    of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [SEC. 7525. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.

      [(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish within the
    Department a natural products research program.
      [(b) Duties.--In carrying out the program established under
    subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate research
    relating to natural products, including--
              [(1) research to improve human health and
            agricultural productivity through the discovery,
            development, and commercialization of products and
            agrichemicals from bioactive natural products,
            including products from plant, marine, and microbial
            sources;
              [(2) research to characterize the botanical sources,
            production, chemistry, and biological properties of
            plant-derived natural products; and
              [(3) other research priorities identified by the
            Secretary.
      [(c) Peer and Merit Review.--The Secretary shall--
              [(1) determine the relevance and merit of research
            under this section through a system of peer review
            established by the Secretary pursuant to section 103 of
            the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
            Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613); and
              [(2) approve funding for research on the basis of
            merit, quality, and relevance to advancing the purposes
            of this section.
      [(d) Buildings and Facilities.--Funds made available under
    this section shall not be used for the construction of a new
    building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling,
    or alteration of an existing building or facility (including
    site grading and improvement and architect fees).
      [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.]

    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) to enhance national energy security through the
            development, distribution, and implementation of
            biobased energy and bioproduct technologies;
              (2) to promote diversification in, and the
            environmental sustainability of, agricultural
            production in the United States through biobased energy
            and [product] bioproduct technologies;
              (3) to promote economic diversification in rural
            areas of the United States through biobased energy and
            [product] bioproduct technologies; and
              (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) other appropriate Federal agencies (as
                    determined by the Secretary); and
                      (C) land-grant colleges and universities.
      (b) Grants.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall use amounts made
            available under subsection (g) to provide grants to
            each of the following:
                      (A) North-central center.--A north-central
                    sun grant center for the region composed of the
                    States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota,
                    Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota,
                    Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
                      (B) Southeastern center.--A southeastern sun
                    grant center for the region composed of--
                              (i) the States of Alabama, Florida,
                            Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North
                            Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,
                            and Virginia;
                              (ii) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
                            and
                              (iii) the United States Virgin
                            Islands.
                      (C) South-central center.--A south-central
                    sun grant center for the region composed of the
                    States of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas,
                    Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and
                    Texas.
                      (D) Western center.--A western sun grant
                    center for the region composed of--
                              (i) the States of Alaska, Arizona,
                            California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada,
                            Oregon, Utah, and Washington; and
                              (ii) insular areas (as defined in
                            section 1404 of the National
                            Agricultural Research, Extension, and
                            Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
                            3103 (other than the insular areas
                            referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii)
                            of subparagraph (B))).
                      (E) Northeastern center.--A northeastern sun
                    grant center for the region composed of the
                    States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts,
                    Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New
                    Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode
                    Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.
                      (F) Western insular pacific subcenter.--A
                    western insular Pacific sun grant subcenter for
                    the region of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, American
                    Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
                    Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia,
                    the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the
                    Republic of Palau.
              (2) Manner of distribution.--
                      (A) Centers.--In providing any funds made
                    available under subsection (g), the Secretary
                    shall distribute the grants in equal amounts to
                    the sun grant centers described in
                    subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1).
                      (B) Subcenter.--The sun grant center
                    described in paragraph (1)(D) shall allocate a
                    portion of the funds received under paragraph
                    (1) to the subcenter described in paragraph
                    (1)(F) pursuant to guidance issued by the
                    Secretary.
              (3) Failure to comply with requirements.--If the
            Secretary finds on the basis of a review of the annual
            report required under subsection (f) or on the basis of
            an audit of a sun grant center or subcenter conducted
            by the Secretary that the center or subcenter has not
            complied with the requirements of this section, the sun
            grant center or subcenter shall be ineligible to
            receive further grants under this section for such
            period of time as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
      (c) Use of Funds.--
              (1) Competitive grants.--
                      (A) In general.--A sun grant center or
                    subcenter shall use 75 percent of the funds
                    described in subsection (b) to provide
                    competitive grants to entities that are--
                              (i) eligible to receive grants under
                            subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive,
                            Special, and Facilities Research Grant
                            Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)); and
                              (ii) located in the region covered by
                            the sun grant center or subcenter.
                      (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 integrated, multistate
                    research, extension, and education programs on
                    technology development and technology
                    implementation.
                      (C) Administration.--
                              (i) Peer and merit review.--In making
                            grants under this paragraph, a sun
                            grant center or subcenter shall--
                                      (I) seek and accept proposals
                                    for grants;
                                      (II) determine the relevance
                                    and merit of proposals through
                                    a system of peer review similar
                                    to that established by the
                                    Secretary pursuant to section
                                    103 of the Agricultural
                                    Research, Extension, and
                                    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
                                    U.S.C. 7613); and
                                      (III) award grants on the
                                    basis of merit, quality, and
                                    relevance to advancing the
                                    purposes of this section.
                              (ii) Priority.--A sun grant center or
                            subcenter shall give a higher priority
                            to programs that are consistent with
                            the plan approved by the Secretary
                            under subsection (d).
                              (iii) Term.--A grant awarded by a sun
                            grant center or subcenter shall have a
                            term that does not exceed 5 years.
                              (iv) Matching funds required.--
                                      (I) In general.--Except as
                                    provided in subclauses (II) and
                                    (III), as a condition of
                                    receiving a grant under this
                                    paragraph, the sun grant center
                                    or subcenter shall require that
                                    not less than 20 percent of the
                                    cost of an activity described
                                    in subparagraph (B) be matched
                                    with funds, including in-kind
                                    contributions, from a non-
                                    Federal source.
                                      (II) Exclusion.--Subclause
                                    (I) shall not apply to
                                    fundamental research (as
                                    defined in subsection (f)(1) of
                                    section 251 of the Department
                                    of Agriculture Reorganization
                                    Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) (as
                                    added by section 7511(a)(4)).
                                      (III) Reduction.--The sun
                                    grant center or subcenter may
                                    reduce or eliminate the
                                    requirement for non-Federal
                                    funds under subclause (I) for
                                    applied research (as defined in
                                    subsection (f)(1) of section
                                    251 of the Department of
                                    Agriculture Reorganization Act
                                    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) (as
                                    added by section 7511(a)(4)) if
                                    the sun grant center or
                                    subcenter determines that the
                                    reduction is necessary and
                                    appropriate pursuant to
                                    guidance issued by the
                                    Secretary.
                              (v) Buildings and facilities.--Funds
                            made available for grants shall not be
                            used for the construction of a new
                            building or facility or the
                            acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or
                            alteration of an existing building or
                            facility (including site grading and
                            improvement and architect fees).
                              (vi) Limitation on indirect costs.--A
                            sun grant center or subcenter may not
                            recover the indirect costs of making
                            grants under subparagraph (A).
              (2) Administrative expenses.--A sun grant center or
            subcenter may use up to [4 percent] 30 percent of the
            funds described in subsection (b) to pay administrative
            expenses incurred in carrying out paragraph (1).
              (3) Research, extension and educational activities.--
            The sun grant centers and subcenter shall use the
            remainder of the funds described in subsection (b) to
            conduct, in a manner consistent with the purposes
            described in subsection (a), multi-institutional and
            multistate--
                      (A) research, extension, and educational
                    programs on technology development; and
                      (B) integrated research, extension, and
                    educational programs on technology
                    implementation.
      (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,
            the sun grant centers and subcenter shall jointly
            develop and submit to the Secretary for approval a plan
            for addressing the bioenergy, biomass, and bioproducts
            research priorities of the Department of Agriculture
            and other appropriate Federal agencies at the State and
            regional levels.
              (2) Funding.--Funds described in subsection (c)(2)
            shall be available to carry out planning coordination
            under paragraph (1).
              (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).
      (e) Grant Information Analysis Center.--The sun grant centers
    and subcenter shall maintain a Sun Grant Information Analysis
    Center at the sun grant center specified in subsection
    (b)(1)(A) to provide the sun grant centers and subcenter with
    analysis and data management support.
      (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)(C)(i); and
              (2) a description of progress made in facilitating
            the priorities described in subsection (d)(1).
      (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 [2023] 2031, of which not more
    than $4,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be made available to
    carry out subsection (e).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE X--HORTICULTURE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle A--Horticulture Marketing and Information

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 10107. SPECIALTY CROPS MARKET NEWS ALLOCATION.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
              (1) carry out market news activities to provide
            timely price and shipment information of specialty
            crops in the United States; and
              (2) use funds made available under subsection (b) to
            increase the reporting levels for specialty crops in
            effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
      (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 [2023] 2031, to remain available until expended.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE XIV--MISCELLANEOUS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle B--Agricultural Security

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                       [CHAPTER 1--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY

    [SEC. 14112. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.

      [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
    communication center within the Department to--
              [(1) collect and disseminate information and prepare
            for an agricultural disease emergency, agroterrorist
            act, or other threat to agricultural biosecurity; and
              [(2) coordinate activities described in paragraph (1)
            among agencies and offices within the Department.
      [(b) Relation to Existing DHS Communication Systems.--
              [(1) Consistency and coordination.--The communication
            center established under subsection (a) shall, to the
            maximum extent practicable, share and coordinate the
            dissemination of timely information with the Department
            of Homeland Security and other communication systems of
            appropriate Federal departments and agencies.
              [(2) Avoiding redundancies.--Paragraph (1) shall not
            be construed to impede, conflict with, or duplicate the
            communications activities performed by the Secretary of
            Homeland Security under any provision of law.
      [(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 2013; and
              [(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
            2023.

    [SEC. 14113. ASSISTANCE TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY IN AGRICULTURAL
                        BIOSECURITY PLANNING, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE.

      [(a) Advanced Training Programs.--
              [(1) Grant assistance.--The Secretary shall establish
            a competitive grant program to support the development
            and expansion of advanced training programs in
            agricultural biosecurity planning and response for food
            science professionals and veterinarians.
              [(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
            authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
            out this subsection--
                      [(A) such sums as are necessary for each of
                    fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
                      [(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2014 through 2023.
      [(b) Assessment of Response Capability.--
              [(1) Grant and loan assistance.--The Secretary shall
            establish a competitive grant and low-interest loan
            assistance program to assist States in assessing
            agricultural disease response capability.
              [(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
            subsection--
                      [(A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2008 through 2013; and
                      [(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2014 through 2023.

                          [CHAPTER 2--OTHER PROVISIONS

    [SEC. 14121. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COUNTERMEASURES.

      [(a) Grant Program.--
              [(1) Competitive grant program.--The Secretary shall
            establish a competitive grant program to encourage
            basic and applied research and the development of
            qualified agricultural countermeasures.
              [(2) Waiver in emergencies.--The Secretary may waive
            the requirement under paragraph (1) that a grant be
            provided on a competitive basis if--
                      [(A) the Secretary has declared a plant or
                    animal disease emergency under the Plant
                    Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) or the
                    Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et
                    seq.); and
                      [(B) waiving the requirement would lead to
                    the rapid development of a qualified
                    agricultural countermeasure, as determined by
                    the Secretary.
      [(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section--
              [(1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008
            through 2013; and
              [(2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
            through 2023.

    [SEC. 14122. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.

      [(a) Competitive Grant Program.--The Secretary shall
    establish a competitive grant program to promote the
    development of teaching programs in agriculture, veterinary
    medicine, and disciplines closely allied to the food and
    agriculture system to increase the number of trained
    individuals with an expertise in agricultural biosecurity.
      [(b) Eligibility.--The Secretary may award a grant under this
    section only to an entity that is--
              [(1) an accredited school of veterinary medicine; or
              [(2) a department of an institution of higher
            education with a primary focus on--
                      [(A) comparative medicine;
                      [(B) veterinary science; or
                      [(C) agricultural biosecurity.
      [(c) Preference.--The Secretary shall give preference in
    awarding grants based on the ability of an applicant--
              [(1) to increase the number of veterinarians or
            individuals with advanced degrees in food and
            agriculture disciplines who are trained in agricultural
            biosecurity practice areas;
              [(2) to increase research capacity in areas of
            agricultural biosecurity; or
              [(3) to fill critical agricultural biosecurity
            shortage situations outside of the Federal Government.
      [(d) Use of Funds..--
              [(1) In general.--Amounts received under this section
            shall be used by a grantee to pay--
                      [(A) costs associated with the acquisition of
                    equipment and other capital costs relating to
                    the expansion of food, agriculture, and
                    veterinary medicine teaching programs in
                    agricultural biosecurity;
                      [(B) capital costs associated with the
                    expansion of academic programs that offer
                    postgraduate training for veterinarians or
                    concurrent training for veterinary students in
                    specific areas of specialization; or
                      [(C) other capacity and infrastructure
                    program costs that the Secretary considers
                    appropriate.
              [(2) Limitation.--Funds received under this section
            may not be used for the construction, renovation, or
            rehabilitation of a building or facility.
      [(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 2008 through 2013, to remain available until
            expended; and
              [(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
            2023, to remain available until expended. ]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                               PUBLIC LAW 90-484

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
      Sec. 3. The authority granted under this Act shall expire on
    September 30, [2023] 2031.
                                  ----------

                   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) The order shall provide for the establishment and
    administration of appropriate plans or projects for
    advertisement and promotion of the sale and consumption of
    dairy products, for research projects related thereto, for
    nutrition education projects, and for the disbursement of
    necessary funds for such purposes. Any such plan or project
    shall be directed toward the sale and marketing or use of dairy
    products to the end that the marketing and use of dairy
    products may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more
    acceptable. No such advertising or sales promotion program
    shall make use of unfair or deceptive acts or practices with
    respect to the quality, value, or use of any competing product.
      (b) National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.--
              (1) The order shall provide for the establishment and
            appointment by the Secretary of a National Dairy
            Promotion and Research Board that shall consist of not
            less than thirty-six members.
              (2) Except as provided in paragraph (6), the members
            of the Board shall be milk producers appointed by the
            Secretary from nominations submitted by eligible
            organizations certified under section 114 of this
            subtitle, or, if the Secretary determines that a
            substantial number of milk producers are not members
            of, or their interests are not represented by, any such
            eligible organization, then from nominations made by
            such milk producers in the manner authorized by the
            Secretary.
              (3) In making such appointments, the Secretary shall
            take into account, to the extent practicable, the
            geographical distribution of milk production volume
            throughout the United States.
              (4) In determining geographic representation, whole
            States shall be considered as a unit.
              (5) A region may be represented by more than one
            director and a region may be made up of more than one
            State.
              (6) Importers.--
                      (A) Initial representation.--In making
                    initial appointments to the Board of importer
                    representatives, the Secretary shall appoint 2
                    members who represent importers of dairy
                    products and are subject to assessments under
                    the order.
                      (B) Subsequent representation.--At least once
                    every 3 years after the initial appointment of
                    importer representatives under subparagraph
                    (A), the Secretary shall review the average
                    volume of domestic production of dairy products
                    compared to the average volume of imports of
                    dairy products into the United States during
                    the previous 3 years and, on the basis of that
                    review, shall reapportion importer
                    representation on the Board to reflect the
                    proportional share of the United States market
                    by domestic production and imported dairy
                    products.
                      (C) Additional members; nominations.--The
                    members appointed under this paragraph--
                              (i) shall be in addition to the total
                            number of members appointed under
                            paragraph (2); and
                              (ii) shall be appointed from
                            nominations submitted by importers
                            under such procedures as the Secretary
                            determines to be appropriate.
              (7) The term of appointment to the Board shall be for
            three years with no member serving more than two
            consecutive terms, except that initial appointments
            shall be proportionately for one-year, two-year, and
            three-year terms.
              (8) The Board shall appoint from its members an
            executive committee whose membership shall equally
            reflect each of the different regions in the United
            States in which milk is produced as well as importers
            of dairy products.
              (9) The executive committee shall have such duties
            and powers as are conferred upon it by the Board.
    Board members shall serve without compensation, but shall be
    reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in performing
    their duties as members of the Board including a per diem
    allowance as recommended by the Board and approved by the
    Secretary.
      (c) The order shall define the powers and duties of the Board
    that shall include only the powers enumerated in this section.
    These shall include, in addition to the powers set forth
    elsewhere in this section, the powers to (1) receive and
    evaluate, or on its own initiative develop, and budget for
    plans or projects to promote the use of fluid milk and dairy
    products as well as projects for research and nutrition
    education and to make recommendations to the Secretary
    regarding such proposals, (2) administer the order in
    accordance with its terms and provisions, (3) make rules and
    regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of the
    order, (4) receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary
    complaints of violations of the order, and (5) recommend to the
    Secretary amendments to the order. The Board shall solicit,
    among others, research proposals that would increase the use of
    fluid milk and dairy products by the military and by persons in
    developing nations, and that would demonstrate the feasibility
    of converting surplus nonfat dry milk to casein for domestic
    and export use.
      (d) The order shall provide that the Board shall develop and
    submit to the Secretary for approval any promotion, research,
    or nutrition education plan or project and that any such plan
    or project must be approved by the Secretary before becoming
    effective.
      (e) Budgets.--
              (1) Preparation and submission.--The order shall
            require the Board to submit to the Secretary for
            approval budgets on a fiscal period basis of its
            anticipated expenses and disbursements in the
            administration of the order, including projected costs
            of dairy products promotion and research projects.
              (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 [2023] 2031 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.
      (f) The order shall provide that the Board, with the approval
    of the Secretary, may enter into agreements for the
    development, and conduct of the activities authorized under the
    order as specified in subsection (a) and for the payment of the
    cost thereof with funds collected through assessments under the
    order. Any such agreement shall provide that (1) the
    contracting party shall develop and submit to the Board a plan
    or project together with a budget or budgets that shall show
    estimated costs to be incurred for such plan or project, (2)
    the plan or project shall become effective upon the approval of
    the Secretary, and (3) the contracting party shall keep
    accurate records of all of its transactions, account for funds
    received and expended, and made periodic reports to the Board
    of activities conducted, and such other reports as the
    Secretary or the Board may require.
      (g) Assessments.--
              (1) The order shall provide that each person making
            payment to a producer for milk produced in the United
            States and purchased from the producer shall, in the
            manner as prescribed by the order, collect an
            assessment based upon the number of hundredweights of
            milk for commercial use handled for the account of the
            producer and remit the assessment to the Board.
              (2) The assessment shall be used for payment of the
            expenses in administering the order, with provision for
            a reasonable reserve, and shall include those
            administrative costs incurred by the Department after
            an order has been promulgated under this subtitle.
              (3) Rate.--
                      (A) In general.--The rate of assessment for
                    milk produced in the United States prescribed
                    by the order shall be 15 cents per
                    hundredweight of milk for commercial use or the
                    equivalent thereof, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
                      (B) Imported dairy products.--The rate of
                    assessment for imported dairy products
                    prescribed by the order shall be 7.5 cents per
                    hundredweight of milk for commercial use or the
                    equivalent thereof, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
              (4) A milk producer or the producer's cooperative who
            can establish that the producer is participating in
            active, ongoing qualified State or regional dairy
            product promotion or nutrition education programs
            intended to increase consumption of milk and dairy
            products generally shall receive credit in determining
            the assessment due from such producer for contributions
            to such programs of up to 10 cents per hundredweight of
            milk marketed or, for the period ending six months
            after the date of enactment of this Act, up to the
            aggregate rate in effect on the date of enactment of
            this Act of such contributions to such programs (but
            not to exceed 15 cents per hundredweight of milk
            marketed) if such aggregate rate exceeds 10 cents per
            hundredweight of milk marketed.
              (5) Any person marketing milk of that person's own
            production directly to consumers shall remit the
            assessment directly to the Board in the manner
            prescribed by the order.
              (6) Importers.--
                      (A) In general.--The order shall provide that
                    each importer of imported dairy products shall
                    pay an assessment to the Board in the manner
                    prescribed by the order.
                      (B) Use of assessments on imported dairy
                    products.--Assessments collected on imported
                    dairy products shall not be used for foreign
                    market promotion.
              (7) Refund of assessments on certain imported
            products.--
                      (A) In general.--An importer shall be
                    entitled to a refund of any assessment paid
                    under this subsection on imported dairy
                    products imported under a contract entered into
                    prior to the date of enactment of the Food,
                    Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
                      (B) Expiration.--Refunds under subparagraph
                    (A) shall expire 1 year after the date of
                    enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
                    Act of 2008.
      (h) The order shall require the Board to (1) maintain such
    books and records (which shall be available to the Secretary
    for inspection and audit) as the Secretary may prescribe, (2)
    prepare and submit to the Secretary, from time to time, such
    reports as the Secretary may prescribe, and (3) account for the
    receipt and disbursement of all funds entrusted to it.
      (i) The order shall provide that the Board, with the approval
    of the Secretary, may invest, pending disbursement under a plan
    or project, funds collected through assessments authorized
    under this subtitle only in obligations of the United States or
    any agency thereof, in general obligations of any State or any
    political subdivision thereof, in any interest-bearing account
    or certificate of deposit of a bank that is a member of the
    Federal Reserve System, or in obligations fully guaranteed as
    to principal and interest by the United States.
      (j) The order shall prohibit any funds collected by the Board
    under the order from being used in any manner for the purpose
    of influencing governmental policy or action except as provided
    by subsection (c)(5).
      (k) The order shall require that each importer of imported
    dairy products, each person receiving milk from farmers for
    commercial use, and any person marketing milk of that person's
    own production directly to consumers, maintain and make
    available for inspection such books and records as may be
    required by the order and file reports at the time, in the
    manner, and having the content prescribed by the order. Such
    information shall be made available to the Secretary as is
    appropriate to the administration or enforcement of this
    subtitle, or any order or regulation issued under this
    subtitle. All information so obtained shall be kept
    confidential by all officers and employees of the Department,
    and only such information so obtained as the Secretary deems
    relevant may be disclosed by them and then only in a suit or
    administrative hearing brought at the request of the Secretary,
    or to which the Secretary or any officer of the United States
    is a party, and involving the order with reference to which the
    information to be disclosed was obtained. Nothing in this
    subsection may be deemed to prohibit (1) the issuance of
    general statements, based upon the reports, of the number of
    persons subject to an order or statistical data collected
    therefrom, which statements do not identify the information
    furnished by any person, or (2) the publication, by direction
    of the Secretary, of the name of any person violating any
    order, together with a statement of the particular provisions
    of the order violated by such person. No information obtained
    under the authority of this subtitle may be made available to
    any agency or officer of the Federal Government for any purpose
    other than the implementation of this subtitle and any
    investigatory or enforcement action necessary for the
    implementation of this subtitle. Any person violating the
    provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be
    subject to a fine of not more than $1,000, or to imprisonment
    for not more than one year, or both, and, if an officer or
    employee of the Board or the Department, shall be removed from
    office.
      (l) The order shall provide terms and conditions, not
    inconsistent with the provisions of this subtitle, as necessary
    to effectuate the provisions of the order.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                 TITLE III--DAIRY REPORTS AND OTHER PROVISIONS

      Sec. 301. The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the
    House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry the following reports:
              (1) Not later than July 1, 1984, a report on the
            effect of standards, applying, nationally, standards
            similar to the current California standards for fluid
            milk products in their final consumer form, as they
            would relate to--
                      (A) consumer acceptance, overall consumer
                    consumption trends, and total per capita
                    consumption;
                      (B) nutritional augmentation, particularly
                    for young and older Americans;
                      (C) implementing improved interagency
                    enforcement of minimum standards to prevent
                    consumer fraud and deception;
                      (D) multiple component pricing for producer
                    milk;
                      (E) reduced Commodity Credit Corporation
                    purchases;
                      (F) consistency of product quality throughout
                    the year and between marketing regions of the
                    United States; and
                      (G) consumer prices.
              (2) Not later than December 31, 1984, a report on (A)
            recommendations for changes in the application of the
            parity formula to milk so as to make the formula more
            consistent with modern production methods and with
            special attention to the cost of producing milk as a
            result of changes in productivity, and (B) the
            feasibility of imposing a limitation on the total
            amount of payments and other assistance a producer of
            milk may receive during a year under section 201(d) of
            the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1446(d)).
              (3) Not later than April 15, 1985, a report on the
            effectiveness of the paid diversion program carried out
            under section 201(d) of the Agricultural Act of 1949.
              (4) [Not later than July 1, 1985, and July 1 of each
            year after the date of enactment of this title, an
            annual report] With respect to each calendar year
            beginning after the date of the enactment of the Farm,
            Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a report
            (which shall be submitted not later than 18 months
            after the last day of such calendar year) describing
            activities conducted under the dairy products promotion
            and research order issued under subtitle B of title I
            of this Act, and accounting for the receipt and
            disbursement of all funds received by the National
            Dairy Promotion and Research Board under such order
            including an independent analysis of the effectiveness
            of the program.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                       AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    TITLE II

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle A--General Provisions

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 210A. LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET PROGRAM.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term
            ``beginning farmer or rancher'' has the meaning given
            the term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
            Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
              (2) Direct producer-to-consumer marketing.--The term
            ``direct producer-to-consumer marketing'' has the
            meaning given the term ``direct marketing from farmers
            to consumers'' in section 3 of the Farmer-to-Consumer
            Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3002).
              (3) Family farm.--The term ``family farm'' has the
            meaning given the term in section 231(a) of the
            Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C.
            1632a(a)).
              (4) Food council.--The term ``food council'' means a
            food policy council or food and farm system network, as
            determined by the Secretary, that--
                      (A) represents--
                              (i) multiple organizations involved
                            in the production, processing, and
                            consumption of food; and
                              (ii) local, Tribal, or State
                            governments; and
                      (B) addresses food and farm-related issues
                    and needs within city, county, State, Tribal
                    region, multicounty region, or other region
                    designated by the food council or food system
                    network.
              (5) Food hub.--The term ``food hub'' means a business
            or organization that actively manages the aggregation,
            distribution, and marketing of source-identified food
            products to multiple buyers from multiple producers,
            who are primarily local and regional producers, to
            strengthen the ability of such producers to satisfy
            local and regional wholesale, retail, and institutional
            demands.
              [(5)] (6) Majority-controlled producer-based business
            venture.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``majority-
                    controlled producer-based business venture''
                    means a venture greater than 50 percent of the
                    ownership and control of which is held by--
                              (i) 1 or more producers; or
                              (ii) 1 or more entities, 100 percent
                            of the ownership and control of which
                            is held by 1 or more producers.
                      (B) Entity described.--For purposes of
                    subparagraph (A), the term ``entity'' means--
                              (i) a partnership;
                              (ii) a limited liability corporation;
                              (iii) a limited liability
                            partnership; and
                              (iv) a corporation.
              [(6)] (7) Mid-tier value chain.--The term ``mid-tier
            value chain'' means a local or regional supply network
            that links independent producers with businesses and
            cooperatives that market value-added agricultural
            products in a manner that--
                      (A) targets and strengthens the profitability
                    and competitiveness of small and medium-sized
                    farms and ranches that are structured as a
                    family farm; and
                      (B) obtains agreement from an eligible
                    agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher
                    cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-
                    based business venture that is engaged in the
                    value chain on a marketing strategy.
              [(7)] (8) Partnership.--The term ``partnership''
            means a partnership entered into under an agreement
            between--
                      (A) 1 or more eligible partners (as defined
                    in subsection (e)(1)); and
                      (B) 1 or more eligible entities (as defined
                    in subsection (e)(1)).
              [(8)] (9) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the
            Local Agriculture Market Program established under
            subsection (b).
              [(9)] (10) Regional food chain coordination.--The
            term ``regional food chain coordination'' means
            coordination and collaboration along the supply chain
            to increase connections between producers and markets.
              [(10)] (11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means
            the Secretary of Agriculture.
              [(11)] (12) Socially disadvantaged farmer or
            rancher.--The term ``socially disadvantaged farmer or
            rancher'' has the meaning given the term in section
            355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
            Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).
              [(12)] (13) Value-added agricultural product.--The
            term ``value-added agricultural product'' means any
            agricultural commodity or product that--
                      (A)(i) has undergone a change in physical
                    state;
                      (ii) was produced in a manner that enhances
                    the value of the agricultural commodity or
                    product, as demonstrated through a business
                    plan that shows the enhanced value, as
                    determined by the Secretary;
                      (iii) is physically segregated in a manner
                    that results in the enhancement of the value of
                    the agricultural commodity or product;
                      (iv) is a source of farm- or ranch-based
                    renewable energy, including E-85 fuel; or
                      (v) is aggregated and marketed as a locally
                    produced agricultural food product; and
                      (B) as a result of the change in physical
                    state or the manner in which the agricultural
                    commodity or product was produced, marketed, or
                    segregated--
                              (i) the customer base for the
                            agricultural commodity or product is
                            expanded; and
                              (ii) a greater portion of the revenue
                            derived from the marketing, processing,
                            or physical segregation of the
                            agricultural commodity or product is
                            available to the producer of the
                            commodity or product.
              [(13)] (14) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term
            ``veteran farmer or rancher'' has the meaning given the
            term in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture,
            Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).
      (b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall establish
    a program, to be known as the ``Local Agriculture Market
    Program'', that--
              (1) supports the development, coordination, and
            expansion of--
                      (A) direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
                      (B) local and regional food markets and
                    enterprises; and
                      (C) value-added agricultural products;
              (2) connects and cultivates regional food economies
            through public-private partnerships;
              (3) supports the development of business plans,
            feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added
            agricultural production and local and regional food
            system infrastructure;
              (4) strengthens capacity and regional food system
            development through community collaboration, regional
            food chain coordination, and expansion of mid-tier
            value chains;
              (5) improves income and economic opportunities for
            producers and food businesses through job creation; and
              (6) simplifies the application processes and the
            reporting processes for the Program.
      (c) Administration.--In administering the Program, the
    Secretary shall--
              (1) streamline the Program to better support the
            activities carried out by the recipient of a grant
            under the Program;
              (2) connect producers with local food markets and
            value-added agricultural product opportunities;
              (3) partner with cooperative extension services, as
            appropriate, to provide Program technical assistance
            and outreach to Program stakeholders; and
              (4) ensure that the Rural Business-Cooperative
            Service and Agricultural Marketing Service provide
            Program technical assistance and outreach to Program
            [stakeholders] stakeholders before and after providing
            grants under the program.
      (d) Grants.--
              (1) In general.--Under the Program, the Secretary
            may, using funds made available under subsection (i),
            provide grants for each of fiscal years 2019 through
            [2023] 2031, in accordance with the purposes of the
            Program described in subsection (b), for the conduct of
            activities described in paragraph (2).
              (2) Eligible activities.--The recipient of a grant
            may use a grant provided under paragraph (1)--
                      (A) to support and promote--
                              (i) domestic direct producer-to-
                            consumer marketing;
                              (ii) farmers' markets;
                              (iii) roadside stands;
                              (iv) agritourism activities,
                              (v) community-supported agriculture
                            programs; or
                              (vi) online sales;
                      (B) to support local and regional food
                    business enterprises that engage as
                    intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer
                    marketing;
                      (C) to support the processing, aggregation,
                    distribution, and storage of--
                              (i) local and regional food products
                            that are marketed locally or
                            regionally; and
                              (ii) value-added agricultural
                            products;
                      (D) to encourage the development of value-
                    added agricultural products;
                      (E) to assist with business development plans
                    and feasibility studies;
                      (F) to develop marketing strategies for
                    producers of local food products and value-
                    added agricultural products in new and existing
                    markets;
                      (G) to facilitate regional food chain
                    coordination and mid-tier value chain
                    development;
                      (H) to promote new business opportunities and
                    marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food
                    waste;
                      (I) to respond to changing technology needs
                    in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; [or]
                      (J) to cover expenses relating to costs
                    incurred in--
                              (i) obtaining food safety
                            certification; and
                              (ii) making changes and upgrades to
                            practices and equipment to improve food
                            safety[.]; or
                      (K) to support the purchase of special
                    purpose equipment.
              (3) Criteria and guidelines.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
                    establish criteria and guidelines for the
                    submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed
                    projects under paragraph (1) as the Secretary
                    determines are appropriate.
                      (B) Producer or food business benefits.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii), an application
                            submitted for a grant under paragraph
                            (1) shall include a description of the
                            direct or indirect producer or food
                            business benefits intended by the
                            applicant to result from the proposed
                            project within a reasonable period of
                            time after the receipt of the grant.
                              (ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not
                            apply to a planning or feasibility
                            project.
              (4) Amount.--Unless otherwise determined by the
            Secretary, the amount of a grant under this subsection
            shall be not more than $500,000.
              (5) Value-added producer grants.--In the case of a
            grant provided under paragraph (1) to an eligible
            entity described in subparagraph (B), the following
            shall apply:
                      (A) Administration.--The Secretary shall
                    carry out this subsection through the
                    Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative
                    Service, in coordination with the Administrator
                    of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
                      (B) Eligible entities.--An entity shall be
                    eligible for a grant under this paragraph if
                    the entity is--
                              (i) an independent producer (as
                            determined by the Secretary) of a
                            value-added agricultural product; or
                              (ii) an agricultural producer group,
                            farmer or rancher cooperative, or
                            majority-controlled producer-based
                            business venture (as determined by the
                            Secretary).
                      (C) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give
                    priority to applications--
                              (i) in the case of an application
                            submitted by a producer, that are
                            submitted by, or serve--
                                      (I) beginning farmers or
                                    ranchers;
                                      (II) socially disadvantaged
                                    farmers or ranchers;
                                      (III) operators of small or
                                    medium sized farms or ranches
                                    that are structured as family
                                    farms; or
                                      (IV) veteran farmers or
                                    ranchers; and
                              (ii) in the case of an application
                            submitted by an eligible entity
                            described in subparagraph (B)(ii), that
                            provide the greatest contribution to
                            creating or increasing marketing
                            opportunities for producers described
                            in subclauses (I) through (IV) of
                            clause (i).
                      (D) Limitation on use of funds.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii), an eligible entity
                            described in subparagraph (B) may not
                            use a grant for the purchase or
                            construction of a building, general
                            purpose equipment, or structure.
                              (ii) Exception.--An eligible entity
                            described in subparagraph (B) may use
                            not more than $6,500 of the amount of a
                            grant for an eligible activity
                            described in paragraph (2)(J) to
                            purchase or upgrade equipment to
                            improve food safety.
                      (E) Matching funds.--An eligible entity
                    described in subparagraph (B) receiving a grant
                    shall contribute an amount of non-Federal funds
                    that is at least equal to the amount of Federal
                    funds received.
              (6) Farmers' markets and local food promotion
            program.--In the case of a grant provided under
            paragraph (1) to an eligible entity described in
            subparagraph (B), the following shall apply:
                      (A) Administration.--The Secretary shall
                    carry out this subsection through the
                    Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing
                    Service, in coordination with the Administrator
                    of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
                      (B) Eligible entities.--An entity shall be
                    eligible to receive a grant under this
                    paragraph if the entity is--
                              (i) an agricultural cooperative or
                            other agricultural business entity or a
                            producer network or association,
                            including a community-supported
                            agriculture network or association;
                              (ii) a local or Tribal government;
                              (iii) a nonprofit corporation;
                              (iv) a public benefit corporation;
                              (v) an economic development
                            corporation;
                              (vi) a regional farmers' market
                            authority;
                              (vii) a food hub;
                              [(vii)] (viii) a food council; or
                              [(viii)] (ix) such other entity as
                            the Secretary may designate.
                      (C) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give
                    priority to [applications that] applications,
                    outreach, and technical assistance that would--
                              (i) benefit underserved communities,
                            including communities that are located
                            in areas of concentrated poverty with
                            limited access to fresh locally or
                            regionally grown food; [or]
                              (ii) provide greater geographic
                            balance relative to the benefits of the
                            Program; or
                              [(ii)] (iii) [are used] be used to
                            carry out eligible activities under a
                            partnership agreement under subsection
                            (e) and have not received benefits from
                            the Program in the recent past.
                      (D) Simplified applications.--
                              (i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            establish a simplified application form
                            for eligible entities described in
                            subparagraph (B) that--
                                      (I) request less than
                                    $100,000; and
                                      (II) choose from the project
                                    categories described in clause
                                    (ii), which shall include a
                                    specific, limited set of key
                                    activities with predefined
                                    requirements established by the
                                    Secretary.
                              (ii) Project categories.--The
                            Secretary shall establish a simplified
                            application form for the following
                            project categories but may include
                            additional project categories as
                            necessary:
                                      (I) Direct-to-consumer
                                    projects.--In the case of a
                                    direct-to-consumer project, an
                                    application form described in
                                    clause (i) may be available for
                                    the following categories of
                                    projects:
                                              (aa) An outreach and
                                            promotion project.
                                              (bb) A project to
                                            provide funding for
                                            farmers market manager
                                            staff time.
                                              (cc) A project to
                                            provide vendor
                                            training.
                                              (dd) A planning and
                                            design project.
                                              (ee) A data
                                            collection and
                                            evaluation project.
                                      (II) Local and regional food
                                    markets and enterprise
                                    projects.--In the case of a
                                    local and regional food market
                                    and enterprise project, an
                                    application form described in
                                    clause (i) may be available for
                                    the following categories of
                                    projects:
                                              (aa) A food hub
                                            feasibility study
                                            project.
                                              (bb) A project to
                                            provide funding for
                                            regional food chain
                                            coordination staff
                                            time.
                                              (cc) A project to
                                            provide technical
                                            assistance.
                                              (dd) A data
                                            collection and
                                            evaluation project.
                                              (ee) A project to
                                            support the purchase of
                                            special purpose
                                            equipment.
                      [(D)] (E) Limitation on use of funds.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii), an eligible entity
                            described in subparagraph (B) may not
                            use a grant for the purchase or
                            construction of a building, general
                            purpose equipment, or structure.
                              (ii) Exception.--An eligible entity
                            described in subparagraph (B) may use
                            not more than $6,500 of the amount of a
                            grant for an eligible activity
                            described in paragraph (2)(J) to
                            purchase or upgrade equipment to
                            improve food safety.
                      [(E)] (F) Matching funds.--An eligible entity
                    described in subparagraph (B) receiving a grant
                    shall provide matching funds in the form of
                    cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount
                    that is equal to 25 percent of the total amount
                    of the Federal portion of the grant.
      (e) Partnerships.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible
                    entity'' means--
                              (i) a producer;
                              (ii) a producer network or
                            association;
                              (iii) a farmer or rancher
                            cooperative;
                              (iv) a majority-controlled producer-
                            based business venture;
                              (v) a food council;
                              (vi) a local or Tribal government;
                              (vii) a nonprofit corporation;
                              (viii) an economic development
                            corporation;
                              (ix) a public benefit corporation;
                              (x) a community-supported agriculture
                            network or association; and
                              (xi) a regional farmers' market
                            authority.
                      (B) Eligible partner.--The term ``eligible
                    partner'' means--
                              (i) a State agency or regional
                            authority;
                              (ii) a philanthropic organization;
                              (iii) a private corporation;
                              (iv) an institution of higher
                            education;
                              (v) a commercial, Federal, or Farm
                            Credit System lending institution; and
                              (vi) another entity, as determined by
                            the Secretary.
              (2) Grants to support partnerships.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting
                    through the Administrator of the Agricultural
                    Marketing Service, in accordance with the
                    purposes of the Program described in subsection
                    (b), shall, using funds made available under
                    subsection (i), provide grants for each of
                    fiscal years [2019 through 2023 to support
                    partnerships to plan and develop a local or
                    regional food system.] 2026 through 2031 to
                    support partnerships--
                              (i) to plan a local or regional food
                            system;
                              (ii) to implement a local or regional
                            food system plan;
                              (iii) to develop and implement a
                            regional food chain coordination
                            project; and
                              (iv) to develop and implement a
                            regional outreach, technical
                            assistance, and evaluation project.
                      (B) Geographical diversity.--To the maximum
                    extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure
                    geographical diversity in selecting
                    partnerships to receive grants under
                    subparagraph (A).
              (3) Authorities of partnerships.--A partnership
            receiving a grant under paragraph (2) may--
                      (A) determine the scope of the regional food
                    system to be developed, including goals,
                    outreach objectives, and eligible activities to
                    be carried out;
                      (B) determine the local, regional, State,
                    multi-State, or other geographic area covered;
                      (C) create and conduct a feasibility study,
                    implementation plan, and assessment of eligible
                    activities under the partnership agreement;
                      (D) conduct outreach and education to other
                    eligible entities and eligible partners for
                    potential participation in the partnership
                    agreement and eligible activities;
                      (E) describe measures to be taken through the
                    partnership agreement to obtain funding for the
                    eligible activities to be carried out under the
                    partnership agreement;
                      (F) at the request of a producer or eligible
                    entity desiring to participate in eligible
                    activities under the partnership agreement, act
                    on behalf of the producer or eligible entity in
                    applying for a grant under subsection (d);
                      (G) monitor, evaluate, and periodically
                    report to the Secretary on progress made toward
                    achieving the objectives of eligible activities
                    under the partnership agreement; or
                      (H) at the conclusion of the partnership
                    agreement, submit to the Secretary a report
                    describing--
                              (i) the results and effects of the
                            partnership agreement; and
                              (ii) funds provided under paragraph
                            (4).
              (4) Contribution.--A partnership receiving a grant
            under paragraph (2) shall provide funding in an amount
            equal to not less than 25 percent of the total amount
            of the Federal portion of the grant.
              (5) Applications.--
                      (A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a
                    grant under paragraph (2), a partnership shall
                    submit to the Secretary an application at such
                    time, in such manner, and containing such
                    information as the Secretary considers
                    necessary to evaluate and select applications.
                      (B) Competitive process.--The Secretary--
                              (i) shall conduct a competitive
                            process to select applications
                            submitted under subparagraph (A);
                              (ii) may assess and rank applications
                            with similar purposes as a group; and
                              (iii) shall make public the criteria
                            to be used in evaluating applications
                            prior to accepting applications.
                      (C) Priority to certain applications.--The
                    Secretary may give priority to applications
                    submitted under subparagraph (A) that--
                              (i)(I) leverage significant non-
                            Federal financial and technical
                            resources; and
                              (II) coordinate with other local,
                            State, Tribal, or national efforts;
                              (ii) cover an area that includes
                            distressed low-income rural or urban
                            communities, including areas with
                            persistent poverty; or
                              (iii) have multiple entities and
                            partners in a partnership.
                      (D) Producer or food business benefits.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii), an application
                            submitted under subparagraph (A) shall
                            include a description of the direct or
                            indirect producer or food business
                            benefits intended by the eligible
                            entity to result from the proposed
                            project within a reasonable period of
                            time after the receipt of a grant.
                              (ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not
                            apply to a planning or feasibility
                            project.
              (6) Technical assistance.--On request of an eligible
            entity, an eligible partner, or a partnership, the
            Secretary may provide technical assistance in carrying
            out a partnership agreement.
      (f) Simplification of Application and Reporting Processes.--
              (1) Applications.--The Secretary shall establish a
            simplified application form for eligible entities
            that--
                      (A) request less than $50,000 under
                    [subsection (d); or] subsection (d)(5);
                      (B) are eligible to submit an application in
                    accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D); or
                      [(B)] (C) apply for grants under subsection
                    (d) under a single application through
                    partnership agreements under subsection (e).
              (2) Reporting.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) streamline and simplify the reporting
                    process for eligible entities; and
                      (B) obtain from eligible entities and
                    maintain such information as the Secretary
                    determines is necessary to administer and
                    evaluate the Program.
      (g) Interdepartmental Coordination.--In carrying out the
    Program, to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
    ensure coordination among Federal agencies.
      (h) Evaluation.--
              (1) In general.--Using amounts made available under
            subsection (i)(3)(E), the Secretary shall conduct an
            evaluation of the Program that--
                      (A) measures the economic impact of the
                    Program on new and existing market outcomes;
                      (B) measures the effectiveness of the Program
                    in improving and expanding--
                              (i) the regional food economy through
                            public and private partnerships;
                              (ii) the production of value-added
                            agricultural products;
                              (iii) producer-to-consumer marketing,
                            including direct producer-to-consumer
                            marketing;
                              (iv) local and regional food systems,
                            including regional food chain
                            coordination and business development;
                              (v) new business opportunities and
                            marketing strategies to reduce on-farm
                            food waste;
                              (vi) the use of new technologies in
                            producer-to-consumer marketing,
                            including direct producer-to-consumer
                            marketing; and
                              (vii) the workforce and capacity of
                            regional food systems; and
                      (C) provides a description of--
                              (i) each partnership agreement; and
                              (ii) each grant provided under
                            subsection (d).
              (2) Report.--Not later than 4 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 evaluation conducted under paragraph
            (1), including a thorough analysis of the outcomes of
            the evaluation.
      (i) Funding.--
              (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
            out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and
            each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until
            expended.
              (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
            $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year
            thereafter, to remain available until expended.
              (3) Allocation of funds.--
                      (A) Value-added producer grants.--
                              (i) In general.--Subject to clause
                            (ii), of the funds made available to
                            carry out this section for a fiscal
                            year, 35 percent shall be used for
                            grants under subsection (d)(5).
                              (ii) Reservation of funds.--
                                      (I) Majority-controlled
                                    producer-based business
                                    ventures.--The total amount of
                                    grants under subsection (d)(5)
                                    provided to majority-controlled
                                    producer-based business
                                    ventures for a fiscal year
                                    shall not exceed 10 percent of
                                    the amount allocated under
                                    clause (i).
                                      (II) Beginning, veteran, and
                                    socially disadvantaged farmers
                                    and ranchers.--Of the funds
                                    made available for grants under
                                    subsection (d)(5), 10 percent
                                    shall be reserved for grants
                                    provided to beginning, veteran,
                                    and socially disadvantaged
                                    farmers or ranchers.
                                      (III) Mid-tier value
                                    chains.--Of the funds made
                                    available for grants under
                                    subsection (d)(5), 10 percent
                                    shall be reserved for grants to
                                    develop mid-tier value chains.
                                      (IV) Food safety
                                    assistance.--Of the funds made
                                    available for grants under
                                    subsection (d)(5), not more
                                    than 25 percent shall be
                                    reserved for grants for
                                    eligible activities described
                                    in subsection (d)(2)(J).
                      (B) Farmers' market and local food promotion
                    grants.--[Of the funds]
                              (i) In general._Of the funds  made
                            available to carry out this section for
                            a fiscal year, 47 percent shall be used
                            for grants under subsection (d)(6).
                              (ii) Simplified applications.--Of the
                            funds made available for grants under
                            subsection (d)(6) for a fiscal year,
                            not less than 10 percent, and not more
                            than 50 percent, shall be used to
                            provide grants to eligible entities
                            that submit an application in
                            accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D).
                      (C) Regional partnerships.--Of the funds made
                    available to carry out this section for a
                    fiscal year, 10 percent shall be used to
                    provide grants to support partnerships under
                    subsection (e).
                      (D) Unobligated funds.--Any funds under
                    subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) that are not
                    obligated for the uses described in that
                    subparagraph, as applicable, by September 30 of
                    the fiscal year for which the funds were made
                    available--
                              (i) shall be available to the agency
                            carrying out the Program with the
                            unobligated funds to carry out any
                            function of the Program, as determined
                            by the Secretary; and
                              (ii) may carry over to the next
                            fiscal year.
                      (E) Administrative expenses.--Not greater
                    than 8 percent of amounts made available to
                    provide grants under subsections (d) and (e)
                    for a fiscal year may be used for
                    administrative expenses.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 273. MANDATORY REPORTING FOR DAIRY PRODUCTS.

      (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program
    of mandatory dairy product information reporting that will--
              (1) provide timely, accurate, and reliable market
            information;
              (2) facilitate more informed marketing decisions; and
              (3) promote competition in the dairy product
            manufacturing industry.
      (b) Requirements.--
              (1) In general.--In establishing the program, the
            Secretary shall only--
                      (A)(i) subject to the conditions described in
                    paragraph (2), require each manufacturer to
                    report to the Secretary information concerning
                    the price, quantity, and moisture content of
                    dairy products sold by the manufacturer; and
                      (ii) modify the format used to provide the
                    information on the day before the date of
                    enactment of this subtitle to ensure that the
                    information can be readily understood by market
                    participants; [and]
                      (B) require each manufacturer and other
                    person storing dairy products to report to the
                    Secretary, at a periodic interval determined by
                    the Secretary, information on the quantity of
                    dairy products stored[.]; and
                      (C) for each manufacturer required to report
                    under subparagraph (A) for any product, require
                    that manufacturer to report production cost and
                    product yield information, as determined by the
                    Secretary, for all products processed in the
                    same facility or facilities.
              (2) Conditions.--The conditions referred to in
            paragraph (1)(A)(i) are that--
                      (A) the information referred to in paragraph
                    (1)(A)(i) is required only with respect to
                    those products and package sizes actually used
                    to establish minimum prices for Class III or
                    Class IV milk under a Federal milk marketing
                    order;
                      (B) the information referred to in paragraph
                    (1)(A)(i) is required only to the extent that
                    the information is actually used to establish
                    minimum prices for Class III or Class IV milk
                    under a Federal milk marketing order;
                      (C) the frequency of the required reporting
                    under paragraph (1)(A)(i) does not exceed the
                    frequency used to establish minimum prices for
                    Class III or Class IV milk under a Federal milk
                    marketing order; and
                      (D) the Secretary may exempt from all
                    reporting requirements any manufacturer that
                    processes and markets less than 1,000,000
                    pounds of dairy products per year.
      (c) Administration.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall promulgate such
            regulations as are necessary to ensure compliance with,
            and otherwise carry out, this subtitle.
              (2) Confidentiality.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as otherwise directed
                    by the Secretary or the Attorney General for
                    enforcement purposes, no officer, employee, or
                    agent of the United States shall make available
                    to the public information, statistics, or
                    documents obtained from or submitted by any
                    person under this subtitle other than in a
                    manner that ensures that confidentiality is
                    preserved regarding the identity of persons,
                    including parties to a contract, and
                    proprietary business information.
                      (B) Relation to other requirements.--
                    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no
                    facts or information obtained under this
                    subtitle shall be disclosed in accordance with
                    section 552 of title 5, United States Code.
              (3) Verification.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall take
                    such actions as the Secretary considers
                    necessary to verify the accuracy of the
                    information submitted or reported under this
                    subtitle.
                      (B) Quarterly audits.--The Secretary shall
                    quarterly conduct an audit of information,
                    subject to subsection (b)(1), submitted or
                    reported under this subtitle and compare such
                    information with other related dairy market
                    statistics.
              (4) Enforcement.--
                      (A) Unlawful act.--It shall be unlawful and a
                    violation of this subtitle for any person
                    subject to this subtitle to willfully fail or
                    refuse to provide, or delay the timely
                    reporting of, accurate information to the
                    Secretary in accordance with this subtitle.
                      (B) Order.--After providing notice and an
                    opportunity for a hearing to affected persons,
                    the Secretary may issue an order against any
                    person to cease and desist from continuing any
                    violation of this subtitle.
                      (C) Appeal.--
                              (i) In general.--The order of the
                            Secretary under subparagraph (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.
                              (ii) Findings.--A finding of the
                            Secretary under this paragraph shall be
                            set aside only if the finding is found
                            to be unsupported by substantial
                            evidence.
                      (D) Noncompliance with order.--
                              (i) In general.--If a person subject
                            to this subtitle fails to obey an order
                            issued under this paragraph 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.
                              (ii) Enforcement.--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.
                              (iii) Civil penalty.--If the court
                            finds that the person violated the
                            order, the person shall be subject to a
                            civil penalty of not more than $10,000
                            for each offense.
              (5) Fees.--The Secretary shall not charge or assess a
            user fee, transaction fee, service charge, assessment,
            reimbursement fee, or any other fee under this subtitle
            for--
                      (A) the submission or reporting of
                    information;
                      (B) the receipt or availability of, or access
                    to, published reports or information; or
                      (C) any other activity required under this
                    subtitle.
              (6) Recordkeeping.--Each person required to report
            information to the Secretary under this subtitle shall
            maintain, and make available to the Secretary, on
            request, original contracts, agreements, receipts, and
            other records associated with the sale or storage of
            any dairy products during the 2-year period beginning
            on the date of the creation of the records.
      (d)  [Electronic Reporting] Reporting.--
              (1)  [Electronic reporting] Reporting system
            required.--The Secretary shall establish an electronic
            reporting system to carry out [this section]
            subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1).
              (2) Publication.--Not later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern
            Time on the Wednesday of each week, the Secretary shall
            publish a report containing the information obtained
            under [this section] subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
            subsection (b)(1) for the preceding week.
              (3) Dairy product processing costs.--Not later than 2
            years after the date of enactment of this paragraph,
            and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall
            publish a report containing the information obtained
            under subparagraph (C) of subsection (b)(1), subject to
            the conditions described in subsection (b)(2).
      (e) Regulation.--Any actions taken by the Secretary under
    this section shall not be subject to review under Executive
    Order 12866 (58 Fed. Reg. 51735) or any successor order.
      [(e)] (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
    authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to
    carry out this section.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle G--Hemp Production

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 297B. STATE AND TRIBAL PLANS.

      (a) Submission.--
              (1) In general.--A State or Indian tribe desiring to
            have primary regulatory authority over the production
            of hemp in the State or territory of the Indian tribe
            shall submit to the Secretary, through the State
            department of agriculture (in consultation with the
            Governor and chief law enforcement officer of the
            State) or the Tribal government, as applicable, a plan
            under which the State or Indian tribe monitors and
            regulates that production as described in paragraph
            (2).
              (2) Contents.--A State or Tribal plan referred to in
            paragraph (1)--
                      (A) shall only be required to include--
                              (i) a practice to maintain relevant
                            information regarding land on which
                            hemp is produced in the State or
                            territory of the Indian tribe,
                            including a legal description of the
                            land, for a period of not less than 3
                            calendar years;
                              (ii) a procedure under which a hemp
                            producer shall be required to designate
                            the type of production of the hemp
                            producer as--
                                      (I) only industrial hemp; or
                                      (II) hemp grown for any
                                    purpose other than industrial
                                    hemp;
                              [(ii)] (iii) except as provided in
                            subparagraph (B)(i), a procedure for
                            testing, using post-decarboxylation or
                            other similarly reliable methods,
                            [delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
                            concentration] total
                            tetrahydrocannabinol concentration
                            (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
                            levels of hemp produced in the State or
                            territory of the Indian tribe;
                              [(iii)] (iv) a procedure for the
                            effective disposal of--
                                      (I) plants, whether growing
                                    or not, that are produced in
                                    violation of this subtitle; and
                                      (II) products derived from
                                    those plants;
                              [(iv)] (v) a procedure to comply with
                            the enforcement procedures under
                            subsection (e);
                              [(v)] (vi) a procedure for conducting
                            annual inspections of, at a minimum, a
                            random sample of hemp producers to
                            verify that hemp is not produced in
                            violation of this subtitle;
                              [(vi)] (vii) a procedure for
                            submitting the information described in
                            section 297C(d)(2), as applicable, to
                            the Secretary not more than 30 days
                            after the date on which the information
                            is received; and
                              [(vii)] (viii) a certification that
                            the State or Indian tribe has the
                            resources and personnel to carry out
                            the practices and procedures described
                            in clauses (i) through (vi); and
                      (B) may [include any other practice]
                    include--
                              (i) notwithstanding subparagraph
                            (A)(iii), a procedure for the use of
                            visual inspections, performance-based
                            sampling methodologies, certified seed,
                            or a similar procedure when developing
                            sampling plans for any producer who
                            elects to be designated as a producer
                            of only industrial hemp under
                            subparagraph (A)(ii)(I);
                              (ii) notwithstanding subsection
                            (e)(3)(B)(i), a procedure for
                            eliminating the 10-year period of
                            ineligibility following the date of
                            conviction for a felony related to a
                            controlled substance for producers who
                            elect to be designated as producers of
                            only industrial hemp under subparagraph
                            (A)(ii); and
                              (iii) any other practice  or
                            procedure established by a State or
                            Indian tribe, as applicable, to the
                            extent that the practice or procedure
                            is consistent with this subtitle.
              (3) Relation to state and tribal law.--
                      (A) No preemption.--Nothing in this
                    subsection preempts or limits any law of a
                    State or Indian tribe that--
                              (i) regulates the production of hemp;
                            and
                              (ii) is more stringent than this
                            subtitle.
                      (B) References in plans.--A State or Tribal
                    plan referred to in paragraph (1) may include a
                    reference to a law of the State or Indian tribe
                    regulating the production of hemp, to the
                    extent that law is consistent with this
                    subtitle.
              (4) Inspection of industrial hemp producers.--
                      (A) In general.--If a State or Tribal plan
                    referred to in paragraph (1) includes
                    procedures for reducing or eliminating sampling
                    or testing requirements under paragraph
                    (2)(B)(i) for a producer of industrial hemp,
                    the State or Indian tribe shall require the
                    producer to provide documentation that
                    demonstrates a clear intent to produce, and use
                    in-field practices consistent with production
                    of, only industrial hemp, such as a seed tag,
                    sales contract, Farm Service Agency report,
                    harvest technique, or harvest inspection.
                      (B) Testing.--If a producer fails to provide
                    the documentation required under subparagraph
                    (A), the State or Indian tribe involved shall
                    require the producer to conduct the testing
                    described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii).
      (b) Approval.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receipt
            of a State or Tribal plan under subsection (a), the
            Secretary shall--
                      (A) approve the State or Tribal plan if the
                    State or Tribal plan complies with subsection
                    (a); or
                      (B) disapprove the State or Tribal plan only
                    if the State or Tribal plan does not comply
                    with subsection (a).
              (2) Amended plans.--If the Secretary disapproves a
            State or Tribal plan under paragraph (1)(B), the State,
            through the State department of agriculture (in
            consultation with the Governor and chief law
            enforcement officer of the State) or the Tribal
            government, as applicable, may submit to the Secretary
            an amended State or Tribal plan that complies with
            subsection (a).
              (3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
            the Attorney General in carrying out this subsection.
      (c) Audit of State Compliance.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary may conduct an audit
            of the compliance of a State or Indian tribe with a
            State or Tribal plan approved under subsection (b).
              (2) Noncompliance.--If the Secretary determines under
            an audit conducted under paragraph (1) that a State or
            Indian tribe is not materially in compliance with a
            State or Tribal plan--
                      (A) the Secretary shall collaborate with the
                    State or Indian tribe to develop a corrective
                    action plan in the case of a first instance of
                    noncompliance; and
                      (B) the Secretary may revoke approval of the
                    State or Tribal plan in the case of a second or
                    subsequent instance of noncompliance.
      (d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide
    technical assistance to a State or Indian tribe in the
    development of a State or Tribal plan under subsection (a).
      (e) Violations.--
              (1) In general.--A violation of a State or Tribal
            plan approved under subsection (b) shall be subject to
            enforcement solely in accordance with this subsection.
              (2) Negligent violation.--
                      (A) In general.--A hemp producer in a State
                    or the territory of an Indian tribe for which a
                    State or Tribal plan is approved under
                    subsection (b) shall be subject to subparagraph
                    (B) of this paragraph if the State department
                    of agriculture or Tribal government, as
                    applicable, determines that the hemp producer
                    has negligently violated the State or Tribal
                    plan, including by negligently--
                              (i) failing to provide a legal
                            description of land on which the
                            producer produces hemp;
                              (ii) failing to obtain a license or
                            other required authorization from the
                            State department of agriculture or
                            Tribal government, as applicable; or
                              (iii) producing Cannabis sativa L.
                            with a [delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
                            concentration of more than 0.3 percent]
                            total tetrahydrocannabinol
                            concentration (including
                            tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) of not
                            more than 0.3 percent in the plant on a
                            dry weight basis.
                      (B) Corrective action plan.--A hemp producer
                    described in subparagraph (A) shall comply with
                    a plan established by the State department of
                    agriculture or Tribal government, as
                    applicable, to correct the negligent violation,
                    including--
                              (i) a reasonable date by which the
                            hemp producer shall correct the
                            negligent violation; and
                              (ii) a requirement that the hemp
                            producer shall periodically report to
                            the State department of agriculture or
                            Tribal government, as applicable, on
                            the compliance of the hemp producer
                            with the State or Tribal plan for a
                            period of not less than the next 2
                            calendar years.
                      (C) Result of negligent violation.--A hemp
                    producer that negligently violates a State or
                    Tribal plan under subparagraph (A) shall not as
                    a result of that violation be subject to any
                    criminal enforcement action by the Federal
                    Government or any State government, Tribal
                    government, or local government.
                      (D) Repeat violations.--A hemp producer that
                    negligently violates a State or Tribal plan
                    under subparagraph (A) 3 times in a 5-year
                    period shall be ineligible to produce hemp for
                    a period of 5 years beginning on the date of
                    the third violation.
              (3) Other violations.--
                      [(A) In general.--If the State department of
                    agriculture or Tribal government in a State or
                    the territory of an Indian tribe for which a
                    State or Tribal plan is approved under
                    subsection (b), as applicable, determines that
                    a hemp producer in the State or territory has
                    violated the State or Tribal plan with a
                    culpable mental state greater than negligence--
                              [(i) the State department of
                            agriculture or Tribal government, as
                            applicable, shall immediately report
                            the hemp producer to--
                                      [(I) the Attorney General;
                                    and
                                      [(II) the chief law
                                    enforcement officer of the
                                    State or Indian tribe, as
                                    applicable; and
                              [(ii) paragraph (1) of this
                            subsection shall not apply to the
                            violation.]
                      (A) Reporting.--
                              (i) In general.--In the case of a
                            State department of agriculture or a
                            Tribal Government with respect to which
                            a State or Tribal plan is approved
                            under subsection (b), such State
                            department of agriculture or Tribal
                            Government (as applicable) shall
                            immediately report a hemp producer to
                            the Attorney General, and, as
                            applicable, the chief law enforcement
                            officer of the State or Indian tribe,
                            if the State department of agriculture
                            or Tribal Government (as applicable)
                            determines that the hemp producer has--
                                      (I) violated the State or
                                    Tribal plan with a culpable
                                    mental state greater than
                                    negligence; or
                                      (II) violated the State or
                                    Tribal plan by producing a crop
                                    that is inconsistent with the
                                    designation of only industrial
                                    hemp under subsection
                                    (a)(2)(A)(ii).
                              (ii) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall
                            not apply with respect to--
                                      (I) a violation described in
                                    subclause (I) of clause (i); or
                                      (II) the production of a crop
                                    inconsistent with its
                                    designation, as described in
                                    subclause (II) of such clause.
                      (B) Felony.--
                              (i) In general.--Except as provided
                            in clause (ii), any person convicted of
                            a felony relating to a controlled
                            substance under State or Federal law
                            before, on, or after the date of
                            enactment of this subtitle shall be
                            ineligible, during the 10-year period
                            following the date of the conviction--
                                      (I) to participate in the
                                    program established under this
                                    section or section 297C; and
                                      (II) to produce hemp under
                                    any regulations or guidelines
                                    issued under section 297D(a).
                              [(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall
                            not apply to any person growing hemp
                            lawfully with a license, registration,
                            or authorization under a pilot program
                            authorized by section 7606 of the
                            Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
                            5940) before the date of enactment of
                            this subtitle.]
                              (ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not
                            apply to any person growing hemp that
                            designates the type of production as
                            only industrial hemp under subsection
                            (a)(2)(A)(ii) if--
                                      (I) the State or Tribal plan
                                    approved under subsection (b)
                                    includes a procedure described
                                    in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii); or
                                      (II) the plan established by
                                    the Secretary under section
                                    297C includes a procedure
                                    described in subsection
                                    (a)(2)(B)(ii) of such section.
                      (C) False statement.--Any person who
                    materially falsifies any information contained
                    in an application to participate in the program
                    established under this section shall be
                    ineligible to participate in that program.
                      (D) Production inconsistent with industrial
                    hemp designation.--Any person who knowingly
                    produces a crop that is inconsistent with the
                    designation of only industrial hemp under
                    subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) shall be ineligible to
                    participate in the program established under
                    this section for a period of 5 years beginning
                    on the date of the violation.
      (f) Effect.--Nothing in this section prohibits the production
    of hemp in a State or the territory of an Indian tribe--
              (1) for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved
            under this section, if the production of hemp is in
            accordance with section 297C or other Federal laws
            (including regulations); and
              (2) if the production of hemp is not otherwise
            prohibited by the State or Indian tribe.

    SEC. 297C. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

      (a) Department of Agriculture Plan.--
              (1) In general.--In the case of a State or Indian
            tribe for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved
            under section 297B, the production of hemp in that
            State or the territory of that Indian tribe shall be
            subject to a plan established by the Secretary to
            monitor and regulate that production in accordance with
            paragraph (2).
              (2) Content.--A plan established by the Secretary
            under [paragraph (1) shall include--]
                      [(A)] [a practice to maintain] paragraph
                    (1)--
                      (A) shall include--
                              (i) a practice to maintain  relevant
                            information regarding land on which
                            hemp is produced in the State or
                            territory of the Indian tribe,
                            including a legal description of the
                            land, for a period of not less than 3
                            calendar years;
                              (ii) a procedure under which the
                            Secretary shall require a hemp producer
                            to designate the type of production of
                            the hemp producer as--
                                      (I) only industrial hemp; or
                                      (II) hemp grown for any
                                    purpose other than industrial
                                    hemp;
                              [(B)] (iii) except as provided in
                            subparagraph (B)(i), a procedure for
                            testing, using post-decarboxylation or
                            other similarly reliable methods,
                            [delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
                            concentration] total
                            tetrahydrocannabinol concentration
                            (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
                            levels of hemp produced in the State or
                            territory of the Indian tribe;
                              [(C)] (iv) a procedure for the
                            effective disposal of--
                                      [(i)] (I) plants, whether
                                    growing or not, that are
                                    produced in violation of this
                                    subtitle; and
                                      [(ii)] (II) products derived
                                    from those plants;
                              [(D)] (v) a procedure to comply with
                            the enforcement procedures under
                            subsection (c)(2); and
                              [(E)] (vi) a procedure for conducting
                            annual inspections of, at a minimum, a
                            random sample of hemp producers to
                            verify that hemp is not produced in
                            violation of this subtitle; and
                      [(F) such other practices or procedures as
                    the Secretary considers to be appropriate, to
                    the extent that the practice or procedure is
                    consistent with this subtitle.]
                      (B) may include--
                              (i) notwithstanding subparagraph
                            (A)(iii), a procedure for the use of
                            visual inspections, performance-based
                            sampling methodologies, certified seed,
                            or a similar procedure when developing
                            sampling plans for any producer who
                            elects to be designated as a producer
                            of only industrial hemp under
                            subparagraph (A)(ii);
                              (ii) notwithstanding section
                            297B(e)(3)(B)(i), a procedure for
                            eliminating the 10-year period of
                            ineligibility following the date of
                            conviction for a felony related to a
                            controlled substance for producers who
                            elect to be designated as producers of
                            only industrial hemp under subparagraph
                            (A)(ii); and
                              (iii) such other practices or
                            procedures as the Secretary considers
                            to be appropriate, to the extent that
                            the practice or procedure is consistent
                            with this subtitle.
              (3) Inspections of industrial hemp producers.--
                      (A) In general.--If a plan referred to in
                    paragraph (1) includes procedures for reducing
                    or eliminating sampling or testing requirements
                    under paragraph (2)(B)(i) for a producer of
                    only industrial hemp, the Secretary shall
                    require the producer to provide documentation
                    that demonstrates a clear intent to produce,
                    and use in-field practices consistent with
                    production of, industrial hemp, such as a seed
                    tag, sales contract, Farm Service Agency
                    report, harvest technique, or harvest
                    inspection.
                      (B) Testing.--If a producer fails to provide
                    the appropriate documentation required under
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall require
                    the producer to conduct the testing described
                    in paragraph (2)(A)(iii).
      (b) Licensing.--The Secretary shall establish a procedure to
    issue licenses to hemp producers in accordance with a plan
    established under subsection (a).
      (c) Violations.--
              (1) In general.--In the case of a State or Indian
            tribe for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved
            under section 297B, it shall be unlawful to produce
            hemp in that State or the territory of that Indian
            tribe without a license issued by the Secretary under
            subsection (b).
              (2) Negligent and other violations.--A violation of a
            plan established under subsection (a) shall be subject
            to enforcement in accordance with paragraphs (2) and
            (3) of section 297B(e), except that the Secretary shall
            carry out that enforcement instead of a State
            department of agriculture or Tribal government.
              (3) Reporting to attorney general.--In the case of a
            State or Indian tribe covered by paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall report the production of hemp without a
            license issued by the Secretary under subsection (b) to
            the Attorney General.
      (d) Information Sharing for Law Enforcement.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) collect the information described in
                    paragraph (2); and
                      (B) make the information collected under
                    subparagraph (A) accessible in real time to
                    Federal, State, territorial, and local law
                    enforcement.
              (2) Content.--The information collected by the
            Secretary under paragraph (1) shall include--
                      (A) contact information for each hemp
                    producer in a State or the territory of an
                    Indian tribe for which--
                              (i) a State or Tribal plan is
                            approved under section 297B(b); or
                              (ii) a plan is established by the
                            Secretary under this section;
                      (B) a legal description of the land on which
                    hemp is grown by each hemp producer described
                    in subparagraph (A); [and]
                      (C) for each hemp producer described in
                    subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) the designation of the type of
                            production of the hemp producers under
                            section 297B(a)(2)(A)(ii) or under
                            subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) of this
                            section;
                              [(i)] (ii) the status of--
                                      (I) a license or other
                                    required authorization from the
                                    State department of agriculture
                                    or Tribal government, as
                                    applicable; or
                                      (II) a license from the
                                    Secretary; and
                              [(ii)] (iii) any changes to the
                            status[.]; and
                      (D) the laboratory certificate of analysis
                    for hemp disposed of under section
                    297B(a)(2)(A)(iv) or subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv)
                    of this section.

    SEC. 297D. [REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES]  ADMINISTRATION, REGULATIONS,
                        AND GUIDELINES; EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.

      (a)  [Promulgation of Regulations and Guidelines]
    Administration, Regulations, and Guidelines; Report.--
              (1) Regulations and guidelines.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
                    promulgate regulations and guidelines to
                    implement this subtitle as expeditiously as
                    practicable.
                      (B) Consultation with attorney general.--The
                    Secretary shall consult with the Attorney
                    General on the promulgation of regulations and
                    guidelines under subparagraph (A).
              (2) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to
            the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
            Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
            Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
            containing updates on the implementation of this
            subtitle.
              (3) Laboratory accreditation.--The Secretary, in
            consultation with the Administrator of the Drug
            Enforcement Administration, shall establish a process
            by which the Department of Agriculture can issue
            certificates of accreditation to laboratories for the
            purposes of testing hemp in accordance with this
            subtitle.
      (b) Authority.--Subject to subsection (c)(3)(B), the
    Secretary shall have sole authority to promulgate Federal
    regulations and guidelines that relate to the production of
    hemp, including Federal regulations and guidelines that relate
    to the implementation of sections 297B and 297C.
      (c) Effect on Other Law.--Nothing in this subtitle shall
    affect or modify--
              (1) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
            U.S.C. 301 et seq.);
              (2) section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42
            U.S.C. 262); or
              (3) the authority of the Commissioner of Food and
            Drugs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services--
                      (A) under--
                              (i) the Federal Food, Drug, and
                            Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.);
                            or
                              (ii) section 351 of the Public Health
                            Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262); or
                      (B) to promulgate Federal regulations and
                    guidelines that relate to the production of
                    hemp under the Act described in subparagraph
                    (A)(i) or the section described in subparagraph
                    (A)(ii).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                    COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION CHARTER ACT

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
      Sec. 5. Specific Powers.--In the fulfillment of its purposes
    and in carrying out its annual budget programs submitted to and
    approved by the Congress pursuant to Chapter 91 of Title 31,
    the Corporation is authorized to use its general powers only
    to--
      (a) Support the prices of agricultural commodities [(other
    than tobacco)] through loans, purchases, payments, and other
    operations.
      (b) Make available materials and facilities required in
    connection with the production and marketing of agricultural
    commodities [(other than tobacco)].
      (c) Procure agricultural commodities [(other than tobacco)]
    for sale to other Government agencies, foreign governments, and
    domestic, foreign, or international relief or rehabilitation
    agencies, and to meet domestic requirements.
      (d) Remove and dispose of or aid in the removal or
    disposition of surplus agricultural commodities [(other than
    tobacco)].
      (e) Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural
    commodities [(other than tobacco)] by expanding or aiding in
    the expansion of domestic markets or by developing or aiding in
    the development of new and additional markets, marketing
    facilities, and uses for such commodities.
      (f) Export or cause to be exported, or aid in the development
    of foreign markets for, agricultural commodities [(other than
    tobacco)] (including fish and fish products, without regard to
    whether such fish are harvested in aquacultural operations).
      (g) Carry out conservation or environmental programs
    authorized by law.
      (h) Carry out such other operations as the Congress may
    specifically authorize or provide for.
      In the Corporation's purchasing and selling operations with
    respect to agricultural commodities [(other than tobacco)]
    (except sales to other Government agencies), and in the
    warehousing, transporting, processing, or handling of
    agricultural commodities [(other than tobacco)], the
    Corporation shall, to the maximum extent practicable consistent
    with the fulfillment of the Corporations purposes and the
    effective and efficient conduct of its business, utilize the
    usual and customary channels, facilities, and arrangements of
    trade and commerce (including, at the option of the
    Corporation, the use of private sector entities).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                      AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

      (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018''.
      (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is
    as follows:

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

                             TITLE II--CONSERVATION

         * * * * * * *

                     Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs

         * * * * * * *
    [Sec. 2408. Feral swine eradication and control pilot program.]
         * * * * * * *

                     Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

    Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation.
    Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance.
    Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
    Sec. 2504. Temporary administration of conservation programs.

             Subtitle F--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    Sec. 2601. Establishment and purposes.
    Sec. 2602. Definitions.
    Sec. 2603. Agricultural land easements.
    Sec. 2604. Wetland reserve easements.
    Sec. 2605. Administration.

              Subtitle G--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

    Sec. 2701. Establishment and purposes.
    Sec. 2702. Definitions.
    Sec. 2703. Regional conservation partnerships.
    Sec. 2704. Assistance to producers.
    Sec. 2705. Funding.
    Sec. 2706. Administration.
    Sec. 2707. Critical conservation areas.

                  Subtitle H--Repeals and Technical Amendments

                                 PART I--Repeals

    Sec. 2811. Repeal of Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program.
    Sec. 2812. Repeal of cranberry acreage reserve program.
    Sec. 2813. Repeal of National Natural Resources Foundation.
    Sec. 2814. Repeal of flood risk reduction.
    Sec. 2815. Repeal of study of land use for expiring contracts and
              extension of authority.
    Sec. 2816. Repeal of Integrated Farm Management Program Option.
    Sec. 2817. Repeal of clarification of definition of agricultural lands.

                          PART II--Technical Amendments

    Sec. 2821. Technical amendments.
    Sec. 2822. State technical committees.

                                TITLE III--TRADE

         * * * * * * *

                    Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

         * * * * * * *
    Sec. 3313. International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange
              Program.
         * * * * * * *

                               TITLE IV--NUTRITION

         * * * * * * *

                            Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

         * * * * * * *
    Sec. 4208. [Healthy fluid milk] Dairy nutrition incentives projects.
         * * * * * * *

                              TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

         * * * * * * *

                            Subtitle G--Other Matters

         * * * * * * *
    Sec. 8703. Tribal forest management [demonstration project] program.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE II--CONSERVATION

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [SEC. 2408. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PILOT PROGRAM.

      [(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a feral swine
    eradication and control pilot program to respond to the threat
    feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human
    and animal health.
      [(b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the pilot
    program, the Secretary shall--
              [(1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage
            to the pilot areas caused by feral swine;
              [(2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral
            swine in the pilot areas;
              [(3) develop methods to restore damage caused by
            feral swine; and
              [(4) provide financial assistance to agricultural
            producers in pilot areas.
      [(c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial
    assistance to agricultural producers under the pilot program to
    implement methods to--
              [(1) eradicate or control feral swine in the pilot
            areas; and
              [(2) restore damage caused by feral swine.
      [(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant
    Health Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this
    section through State technical committees established under
    section 1261(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3861(a)).
      [(e) Pilot Areas.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
    program in areas of States in which feral swine have been
    identified as a threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, or
    human or animal health, as determined by the Secretary.
      [(f) Cost Sharing.--
              [(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs
            of activities under the pilot program may not exceed 75
            percent of the total costs of such activities.
              [(2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of
            the costs of activities under the pilot program may be
            provided in the form of in-kind contributions of
            materials or services.
      [(g) Funding.--
              [(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the
            Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use
            to carry out this section $75,000,000 for the period of
            fiscal years 2019 through 2023, $15,000,000 for fiscal
            year 2024, and $105,000,000 for the period of fiscal
            years 2025 through 2031.
              [(2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made
            available under paragraph (1)--
                      [(A) 50 percent shall be allocated to the
                    Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry
                    out the pilot program, including the provision
                    of financial assistance to producers for on-
                    farm trapping and technology related to
                    capturing and confining feral swine; and
                      [(B) 50 percent shall be allocated to the
                    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to
                    carry out the pilot program, including the use
                    of established, and testing of innovative,
                    population reduction methods.
              [(3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more
            than 10 percent of funds made available under this
            section may be used for administrative expenses of the
            pilot program.]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE III--TRADE

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 3307. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

      (a) Fellowship Program Establishment.--The Secretary shall
    establish a fellowship program to be known as the International
    Agricultural Education Fellowship Program to provide
    fellowships to citizens of the United States to assist eligible
    countries in developing school-based agricultural education and
    youth extension programs.
      (b) Eligible Country Described.--For purposes of this
    section, an eligible country is a developing country, as
    determined by the Secretary using a gross national income per
    capita test selected by the Secretary.
      (c) Purpose of Fellowships.--The goals of providing a
    fellowship under this section are to--
              (1) develop globally minded United States
            agriculturists with experience living abroad;
              (2) focus on meeting the food and fiber needs of the
            domestic population of eligible countries; and
              (3) strengthen and enhance trade linkages between
            eligible countries and the United States agricultural
            industry.
      (d) Eligible Candidates.--The Secretary may provide
    fellowships to citizens of the United States who--
              (1) hold at least a bachelors degree in an
            agricultural related field of study; and
              (2) have an understanding of United States school-
            based agricultural education and youth extension
            programs, as determined by the Secretary.
      (e) Candidate Identification.--The Secretary shall consult
    with the National FFA Organization, the National 4-H Council,
    and other entities as the Secretary determines are appropriate
    to identify candidates for fellowships.
      (f) Program Implementation.--The Secretary shall provide for
    the management, coordination, evaluation, and monitoring of the
    Fellowship Program, except that the Secretary may contract out
    the management of the fellowship program to an outside
    organization with experience in implementing fellowship
    programs focused on building capacity for school-based
    agricultural education and youth extension programs in
    developing countries.
      (g) Program Continuity.--To assist eligible countries in the
    long-term development of enduring, school-based agricultural
    education and youth extension programs, the Secretary shall, to
    the maximum extent practicable--
              (1) implement the fellowship program in each
            participating host country for not fewer than 3
            consecutive years; and
              (2) ensure that contracts awarded to outside
            organizations are multi-year.
      [(g)] (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
              (1) In general.--There are authorized to be
            appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this section for
            each of fiscal years [2019 through 2023] 2027 through
            2031.
              (2) Duration.--Any funds made available under this
            subsection shall remain available until expended.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 3313. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE
                        PROGRAM.

      (a) Definition.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible candidate.--The term ``eligible
            candidate'' means an individual that--
                      (A) is between the ages of 19 and 30 years;
                      (B) has demonstrated experience in
                    agricultural sciences, food systems, and food
                    and nutrition education;
                      (C) is prepared to live in 1 or more host
                    countries for at least 2 months or up to 6
                    months; and
                      (D) is a resident of the United States.
              (2) Eligible country.--The term ``eligible country''
            means a country that has agricultural trade relations
            with the United States, as recognized by the Foreign
            Agriculture Service.
              (3) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the
            International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and
            Exchange Program established under subsection (b).
              (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
      (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
    international cultural immersion and exchange program, to be
    known as the ``International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and
    Exchange Program'', under which the Secretary shall--
              (1) provide eligible candidates with international
            cultural exchange and immersion experiences focused on
            agricultural sciences, food systems, and food and
            nutrition education through placement with host
            families in eligible countries; and
              (2) place in the United States with host families
            individuals that meet the requirement of subsection
            (a)(1)(A) and are residents of eligible countries to
            experience United States agriculture, trade relations,
            and culture.
      (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
              (1) to develop globally minded citizens of the United
            States; and
              (2) to strengthen and enhance trade between eligible
            countries and the United States in agricultural, food,
            nutrition, and environmental industries.
      (d) Cooperative Agreement.--
              (1) In general.--To administer the Program, the
            Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with
            a nonprofit organization that has experience in
            implementing international cultural exchange programs
            focused on agricultural sciences, food and nutrition
            education, and cultural understanding through placement
            with host families.
              (2) Priority.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
            Secretary shall give priority to a nonprofit
            organization with which the Secretary has a memorandum
            of understanding dated not earlier than January 1,
            2019.
              (3) Matching funds.--As a condition of entering into
            a cooperative agreement under this subsection, a
            nonprofit organization shall provide equal matching
            funds from non-Federal sources.
      (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
    through 2031 to carry out this section.

    TITLE IV--NUTRITION

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 4208. [HEALTHY FLUID MILK]  DAIRY NUTRITION INCENTIVES PROJECTS.

      [(a) Definition of Fluid Milk.--In this section the term
    ``fluid milk'' means all varieties of pasteurized cow's milk
    that--
              [(1) is without flavoring or sweeteners,
              [(2) is consistent with the most recent dietary
            recommendations,
              [(3) is packaged in liquid form, and
              [(4) contains vitamins A and D at levels consistent
            with the Food and Drug Administration, State, and local
            standards for fluid milk.]
      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Covered dairy products.--The term ``covered dairy
            products'' means--
                      (A) cheese (including nonstandardized cheese)
                    that is--
                              (i) made from pasteurized cow's milk;
                              (ii) a good source of protein, as
                            determined by the Secretary; and
                              (iii) sold as a block, chunk, shred,
                            slice, stick, string or in snack-size
                            form; and
                      (B) yogurt (or other cultured dairy product)
                    that--
                              (i) is made from pasteurized cow's
                            milk;
                              (ii) is a good source of protein, as
                            determined by the Secretary; and
                              (iii) contains limited amounts of
                            added sugars.
              (2) Fluid milk.--The term ``fluid milk'' means all
            varieties of pasteurized cow's milk that--
                      (A) is packaged in liquid form; and
                      (B) contains vitamins A and D at levels
                    consistent with the Food and Drug
                    Administration, State, and local standards for
                    fluid milk.
      (b) Projects.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out,
    under such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to
    be appropriate, [healthy fluid milk] dairy nutrition incentive
    projects to develop and test methods to increase the purchase
    and consumption of fluid milk and covered dairy products by
    members of households that receive supplemental nutrition
    assistance program benefits by providing an incentive for the
    purchase of fluid milk and covered dairy products at the point
    of purchase to members of households purchasing food with
    supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
      (c) Grants or Cooperative Agreements.--
              (1) In general.--To carry out this section, the
            Secretary, on a competitive basis, shall enter into
            cooperative agreements with, or provide grants to,
            governmental entities or nonprofit organizations for
            projects that meet the purpose and selection criteria
            specified in this subsection.
              (2) Application.--To be eligible to enter into a
            cooperative agreement or receive a grant under this
            subsection, a government entity or nonprofit
            organization shall submit to the Secretary an
            application containing such information as the
            Secretary may require.
              (3) Selection criteria.--Projects proposed in
            applications shall be evaluated against publicly
            disseminated criteria that shall incorporate a
            scientifically based strategy that is designed to
            improve diet quality and nutritional outcomes through
            the increased purchase of fluid milk and covered dairy
            products by members of households that participate in
            the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
              (4) Use of funds.--Funds made available to carry out
            this section shall not be used for any project that
            limits the use of benefits provided under the Food and
            Nutrition Act of 2008.
      (d) Evaluation and Reporting.--
              (1) Evaluation.--
                      (A) Independent evaluation.--
                              (i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            provide for an independent evaluation
                            of projects selected under this section
                            that measures, to the maximum extent
                            practicable, the impact on health and
                            nutrition.
                              (ii) Requirement.--The independent
                            evaluation under this subparagraph
                            shall use rigorous methodologies,
                            particularly random assignment or other
                            methods that are capable of producing
                            scientifically valid information
                            regarding which activities are
                            effective.
                      (B) Costs.--The Secretary may use funds not
                    to exceed 7 percent of the funding provided to
                    carry out this section to pay costs associated
                    with evaluating the outcomes of the [healthy
                    fluid milk] dairy nutrition incentive projects.
              (2) Reporting.--Not later than December 31 of 2020,
            and biennially 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
            includes a description of--
                      (A) the status of each [healthy fluid milk]
                    dairy nutrition incentives project, and
                      (B) the results of any completed evaluation
                    that--
                              (i) include, to the maximum extent
                            practicable, the impact of the [healthy
                            fluid milk] dairy nutrition incentive
                            projects on health and nutrition
                            outcomes among households participating
                            in such projects, and
                              (ii) have not been submitted in a
                            previous report under this paragraph.
              (3) Public dissemination.--In addition to the
            reporting requirements under paragraph (2), evaluation
            results shall be shared publicly to promote wide use of
            successful strategies.
      (e) Funding.--
              (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated [$20,000,000] $50,000,000
            to carry out and evaluate the outcomes of projects
            under this section, to remain available until expended.
              (2) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds
            appropriated under paragraph (1) in advance
            specifically to carry out this section shall be
            available to carry out this section.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                          TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

             Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

    SEC. 6101. COMBATING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN RURAL AMERICA;
                        PRIORITIZATIONS.

      (a) Combating Substance Use Disorder in Rural America.--
              (1) Prioritizations.--The Secretary shall make the
            following prioritizations and set asides for fiscal
            years 2019 through [2025] 2027:
                      (A) Distance learning and telemedicine.--
                              (i)  [Substance use disorder set-
                            aside] Set-aside.--Subject to clause
                            (ii), the Secretary shall make
                            available not less than 20 percent of
                            amounts made available under section
                            2335A of the Food, Agriculture,
                            Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
                            U.S.C. 950aaa-2) for financial
                            assistance under chapter 1 of subtitle
                            D of title XXIII of such Act for
                            telemedicine projects at rural health
                            facilities that provide substance use
                            disorder, mental health, behavioral
                            health, or maternal health treatment
                            services.
                              (ii) Exception.--In the case of a
                            fiscal year for which the Secretary
                            determines that there are not
                            sufficient qualified applicants to
                            receive financial assistance for
                            projects providing mental health,
                            behavioral health, maternal health, or
                            substance use disorder treatment
                            services to reach the 20-percent
                            requirement under clause (i), the
                            Secretary may make available less than
                            20 percent of amounts made available
                            under such section 2335A for those
                            services.
                      (B) Community facilities direct loans and
                    grants.--
                              (i)  [Substance use disorder
                            selection] Selection priority.--In
                            selecting recipients of direct loans or
                            grants for the development of essential
                            community facilities under section
                            306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
                            Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
                            1926(a)), the Secretary shall give
                            priority to entities eligible for those
                            direct loans or grants--
                                      (I) to develop facilities to
                                    provide mental health,
                                    behavioral health, maternal
                                    health, or substance use
                                    disorder (including opioid
                                    substance use disorder)--
                                              (aa) prevention
                                            services;
                                              (bb) treatment
                                            services;
                                              (cc) recovery
                                            services; or
                                              (dd) any combination
                                            of those services; and
                                      (II) that employ staff that
                                    have appropriate expertise and
                                    training in how to identify and
                                    treat individuals with mental
                                    health concerns, behavioral
                                    health concerns, maternal
                                    health concerns, or substance
                                    use disorders.
                              (ii) Use of funds.--An eligible
                            entity described in clause (i) that
                            receives a direct loan or grant
                            described in that clause may use the
                            direct loan or grant funds for the
                            development of telehealth facilities
                            and systems to provide telehealth
                            services for substance use disorder
                            treatment, behavioral health treatment,
                            mental health treatment, or maternal
                            health, respectively.
                      (C) Rural health and safety education
                    programs; substance use disorder selection
                    priority.--In making grants under section
                    502(i) of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7
                    U.S.C. 2662(i)), the Secretary shall give
                    priority to an applicant that will use the
                    grant for behavioral health, mental health,
                    maternal health, or substance use disorder
                    education and treatment and the prevention of
                    substance use disorder.
              (2) Limitation on other reprioritizations.--For
            fiscal years 2019 through [2025] 2027, the Secretary
            shall not make any national reprioritizations within
            the Rural Health and Safety Education Programs, the
            Community Facilities direct loan and grant programs, or
            the Distance Learning and Telemedicine programs under
            section 608 of the Rural Development Act of 1972.
              (3) Technical amendments.--Title V of the Rural
            Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.) is
            amended--
                      (A) in section 502, in the matter preceding
                    subsection (a), by inserting ``(referred to in
                    this title as the `Secretary')'' after
                    ``Agriculture''; and
                      (B) by striking ``Secretary of Agriculture''
                    each place it appears (other than in section
                    502 in the matter preceding subsection (a)) and
                    inserting ``Secretary''.
      (b) Temporary Prioritization of Rural Health Assistance.--
    [Omitted--Amends another Act]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

              TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 7116. REPORTS ON DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
                        AND EXTENSION AT 1862 AND 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES,
                        INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

       [Not later than] (a)  In General._Not later than  September
    30, 2019, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall
    annually submit to Congress a report describing the allocations
    made to, and matching funds received by, 1890 Institutions and
    1862 Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 2 of
    the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
    of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601) for each of the agricultural research,
    extension, education, and related programs established under--
              (1) section 1444 of the National Agricultural
            Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
            U.S.C. 3221);
              (2) section 1445 of the National Agricultural
            Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
            U.S.C. 3222);
              (3) subsections (b) and (c) of section 3 of the
            Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343); and
              (4) the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.).
      (b) Outreach.--Not later than February 1 of each fiscal year,
    the Secretary shall provide information relating to each
    matching requirement applicable to the State under the programs
    referred to in subsection (a) to the Governor and legislature
    of each State in which an 1862 Institution or 1890 Institution
    (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
    7601)) is located.
      (c) Attestations.--
              (1) In general.--Not less frequently than once each
            calendar year, the Governor of each State described in
            subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an
            attestation that describes if the State is able to
            fulfill each matching requirement with respect to which
            information is provided by the Secretary under such
            subsection for such State and calendar year.
              (2) Reports.--Not later than December 31 of each
            calendar year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress,
            and make publicly available on the website of the
            Department of Agriculture, an annual report describing
            the attestations received under paragraph (1) during
            that calendar year.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle F--Forest Management

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    PART II--MISCELLANEOUS FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 8623. AUTHORIZATION FOR LEASE OF FOREST SERVICE SITES.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Administrative site.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``administrative
                    site'' means--
                              (i) any facility or improvement,
                            including curtilage, that was acquired
                            or is used specifically for purposes of
                            administration of the National Forest
                            System;
                              (ii) any Federal land that--
                                      (I) is associated with a
                                    facility or improvement
                                    described in clause (i) that
                                    was acquired or is used
                                    specifically for purposes of
                                    administration of Forest
                                    Service activities; and
                                      (II) underlies or abuts the
                                    facility or improvement; and
                              (iii) for each fiscal year, not more
                            than 10 isolated, undeveloped parcels
                            of not more than 40 acres each.
                      (B) Exclusions.--The term ``administrative
                    site'' does not include--
                              (i) any land within a unit of the
                            National Forest System that is
                            exclusively designated for natural area
                            or recreational purposes;
                              (ii) any land within--
                                      (I) a component of the
                                    National Wilderness
                                    Preservation System;
                                      (II) a component of the
                                    National Wild and Scenic Rivers
                                    System; or
                                      (III) a National Monument; or
                              (iii) any Federal land that the
                            Secretary determines--
                                      (I) is needed for resource
                                    management purposes or to
                                    provide access to other land or
                                    water; or
                                      (II) would be in the public
                                    interest not to lease.
              (2) Facility or improvement.--The term ``facility or
            improvement'' includes--
                      (A) a forest headquarters;
                      (B) a ranger station;
                      (C) a research station or laboratory;
                      (D) a dwelling;
                      (E) a warehouse;
                      (F) a scaling station;
                      (G) a fire-retardant mixing station;
                      (H) a fire-lookout station;
                      (I) a guard station;
                      (J) a storage facility;
                      (K) a telecommunication facility; and
                      (L) any other administrative installation for
                    conducting Forest Service activities.
              (3) Market analysis.--The term ``market analysis''
            means the identification and study of the market for a
            particular economic good or service.
      (b) Authorization.--The Secretary may lease an administrative
    site that is under the jurisdiction of the Secretary in
    accordance with this section.
      (c) Identification of Eligible Sites.--A regional forester,
    in consultation with forest supervisors in the region, may
    submit to the Secretary a recommendation for administrative
    sites in the region that the regional forester considers
    eligible for leasing under this section.
      (d) Consultation With Local Government and Public Notice.--
    Before making an administrative site available for lease under
    this section, the Secretary shall--
              (1) consult with government officials of the
            community and of the State in which the administrative
            site is located; and
              (2) provide public notice of the proposed lease.
      (e) Lease Requirements.--
              (1) Size.--An administrative site or compound of
            administrative sites under a single lease under this
            section may not exceed 40 acres.
              (2) Configuration of administrative sites.--
                      (A) In general.--To facilitate the lease of
                    an administrative site under this section, the
                    Secretary may configure the administrative
                    site--
                              (i) to maximize the marketability of
                            the administrative site; and
                              (ii) to achieve management
                            objectives.
                      (B) Separate treatment of facility or
                    improvement.--A facility or improvement on an
                    administrative site to be leased under this
                    section may be severed from the land and leased
                    under a separate lease under this section.
              (3) Consideration.--
                      (A) In general.--A person to which a lease of
                    an administrative site is made under this
                    section shall provide to the Secretary
                    consideration described in subparagraph (B) in
                    an amount that is not less than the market
                    value of the administrative site, as determined
                    in accordance with subparagraph (C).
                      (B) Form of consideration.--The consideration
                    referred to in subparagraph (A) may be--
                              (i) cash;
                              (ii) in-kind, including--
                                      (I) the construction of new
                                    facilities or improvements, the
                                    title to which shall be
                                    transferred by the lessee to
                                    the Secretary;
                                      (II) the maintenance, repair,
                                    improvement, or restoration of
                                    existing facilities or
                                    improvements; and
                                      (III) other services relating
                                    to activities that occur on the
                                    administrative site, as
                                    determined by the Secretary; or
                              (iii) any combination of the
                            consideration described in clauses (i)
                            and (ii).
                      (C) Determination of market value.--
                              (i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            determine the market value of an
                            administrative site to be leased under
                            this section--
                                      (I) by conducting an
                                    appraisal in accordance with--
                                              (aa) the Uniform
                                            Appraisal Standards for
                                            Federal Land
                                            Acquisitions
                                            established in
                                            accordance with the
                                            Uniform Relocation
                                            Assistance and Real
                                            Property Acquisition
                                            Policies Act of 1970
                                            (42 U.S.C. 4601 et
                                            seq.); and
                                              (bb) the Uniform
                                            Standards of
                                            Professional Appraisal
                                            Practice; or
                                      (II) by competitive lease.
                              (ii) In-kind consideration.--The
                            Secretary shall determine the market
                            value of any in-kind consideration
                            under subparagraph (B)(ii).
              (4) Conditions.--The lease of an administrative site
            under this section shall be subject to such conditions,
            including bonding, as the Secretary determines to be
            appropriate.
              (5) Right of first refusal.--Subject to terms and
            conditions that the Secretary determines to be
            necessary, the Secretary shall offer to lease an
            administrative site to the municipality or county in
            which the administrative site is located before seeking
            to lease the administrative site to any other person.
      (f) Relation to Other Laws.--
              (1) Federal property disposal.--Chapter 5 of title
            40, United States Code, shall not apply to the lease of
            an administrative site under this section.
              (2) Lead-based paint and asbestos abatement.--
                      (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any
                    provision of law relating to the mitigation or
                    abatement of lead-based paint or asbestos-
                    containing building materials, the Secretary
                    shall not be required to mitigate or abate
                    lead-based paint or asbestos-containing
                    building materials with respect to an
                    administrative site to be leased under this
                    section.
                      (B) Procedures.--With respect to an
                    administrative site to be leased under this
                    section that has lead-based paint or asbestos-
                    containing building materials, the Secretary
                    shall--
                              (i) provide notice to the person to
                            which the administrative site will be
                            leased of the presence of the lead-
                            based paint or asbestos-containing
                            building material; and
                              (ii) obtain written assurance from
                            that person that the person will comply
                            with applicable Federal, State, and
                            local laws relating to the management
                            of lead-based paint and asbestos-
                            containing building materials.
              (3) Environmental review.--The National Environmental
            Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall apply
            to the lease of an administrative site under this
            section, except that, in any environmental review or
            analysis required under that Act for the lease of an
            administrative site under this section, the Secretary
            shall be required only--
                      (A) to analyze the most reasonably
                    foreseeable use of the administrative site, as
                    determined through a market analysis;
                      (B) to determine whether to include any
                    conditions under subsection (e)(4); and
                      (C) to evaluate the alternative of not
                    leasing the administrative site in accordance
                    with the National Environmental Policy Act of
                    1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
              (4) Compliance with local laws.--A person that leases
            an administrative site under this section shall comply
            with all applicable State and local zoning laws,
            building codes, and permit requirements for any
            construction activities that occur on the
            administrative site.
      (g) Prohibition.--No agency of the Federal Government shall
    make any cash payments to a leaseholder relating to the use or
    occupancy of any administrative site or facility that has been
    improved under this section.
      (h) Congressional Notifications.--
              (1) Anticipated use of authority.--As part of the
            annual budget justification documents provided to the
            Committee on Appropriations of the House of
            Representatives and the Committee on Appropriations of
            the Senate, the Secretary shall include--
                      (A) a list of the anticipated leases to be
                    made, including the anticipated revenue that
                    may be obtained, under this section;
                      (B) a description of the intended use of any
                    revenue obtained under a lease under this
                    section, including a list of any projects that
                    cost more than $500,000; and
                      (C) a description of accomplishments during
                    previous years using the authority of the
                    Secretary under this section.
              (2) Changes to lease list.--If the Secretary desires
            to lease an administrative site under this section that
            is not included on a list provided under paragraph
            (1)(A), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional
            committees described in paragraph (3) a notice of the
            proposed lease, including the anticipated revenue that
            may be obtained from the lease.
              (3) Use of authority.--Not less frequently than once
            each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
            on Agriculture, the Committee on Appropriations, and
            the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
            Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
            Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on
            Appropriations, and the Committee on Energy and Natural
            Resources of the Senate a report describing each lease
            made by the Secretary under this section during the
            period covered by the report.
      (i) Expiration of Authority.--
              (1) In general.--The authority of the Secretary to
            make a lease of an administrative site under this
            section expires on October 1, [2023] 2031.
              (2) Effect on lease agreement.--Paragraph (1) shall
            not affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out
            this section in the case of any lease agreement that
            was entered into by the Secretary before October 1,
            [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 8632. REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGIES.

      The Chief of the Forest Service shall--
              (1) continue to find efficiencies in the operations
            of the forest inventory and analysis program under
            section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
            Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e))
            through the improved use and integration of advanced
            remote sensing [technologies] technologies, such as
            microwave, LiDAR, hyperspectral, and high-resolution
            remote sensing data, and advanced computing
            technologies for improved modeling to provide tabular
            statistical estimates and geospatial products, to
            provide estimates for State- and national-level
            inventories, where appropriate; and
              (2) partner with States and other interested
            stakeholders to carry out the program described in
            paragraph (1).

    PART III--TIMBER INNOVATION

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 8643. WOOD INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
            means--
                      (A) an individual;
                      (B) a public or private entity (including a
                    center of excellence that consists of 1 or more
                    partnerships between forestry, engineering,
                    architecture, or business schools at 1 or more
                    institutions of higher education); or
                      (C) a State, local, or Tribal government.
              (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
            Service.
      (b) Grant Program.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary, in carrying out the
            wood innovation grant program of the Secretary
            described in the notice of the Secretary entitled
            ``Request for Proposals: 2016 Wood Innovations Funding
            Opportunity'' (80 Fed. Reg. 63498 (October 20, 2015)),
            may make a wood innovation grant to 1 or more eligible
            entities each year for the purpose of advancing the use
            of innovative wood products, including the construction
            of new facilities that advance the purposes of the
            program and for the hauling of material removed to
            reduce hazardous fuels to locations where that material
            can be utilized.
              (2) Proposals.--To be eligible to receive a grant
            under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit
            to the Secretary a proposal at such time, in such
            manner, and containing such information as the
            Secretary may require.
      [(c) Incentivizing Use of Existing Milling Capacity.--In
    selecting among proposals of eligible entities under subsection
    (b)(2), the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that
    include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill
    facilities located in counties in which the average annual
    unemployment rate exceeded the national average unemployment
    rate by more than 1 percent in the previous calendar year.]
      (c) Targeting To Support Economic Development, Enhanced
    Building Design, and Impact Assessment.--In selecting among
    proposals of eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the
    Secretary may give priority to proposals for projects that--
              (1) include the use or retrofitting (or both) of
            existing sawmill facilities located in counties in
            which the average annual unemployment rate exceeded the
            national average unemployment rate by more than 1
            percent in the previous calendar year;
              (2) recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies
            in building design and interior wood products,
            including forest impacts, which can be improved by
            North American manufacturing; or
              (3) include in the proposal of the entity an analysis
            of the benefits that forest management under the
            proposal will have on the resilience and economy of the
            community, including benefits associated with--
                      (A) wood products from anticipated wood
                    supply areas;
                      (B) wildfire risk reduction;
                      (C) increased fiber flow;
                      (D) the increase of forest or mill jobs; and
                      (E) support for forested communities.
      (d) Matching Requirement.--As a condition of receiving a
    grant under subsection (b), an eligible entity shall provide
    funds equal to 50 percent of the amount received by the
    eligible entity under the grant, to be derived from non-Federal
    sources.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle G--Other Matters

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 8703. TRIBAL FOREST MANAGEMENT [DEMONSTRATION PROJECT]  PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior and the
    Secretary may carry out [demonstration projects by] a program
    under which federally recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal
    organizations may contract to perform administrative,
    management, and other functions of programs of the Tribal
    Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq.) through
    contracts entered into under the Indian Self-Determination and
    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304 et seq.).
      (b) Requirements.--With respect to any contract or project
    carried out under subsection (a)--
              (1) on National Forest System land, the Secretary
            shall carry out all functions delegated to the
            Secretary of the Interior under the Indian Self-
            Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
            5304 et seq.);
              (2) the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior,
            as applicable, shall make any decisions required to be
            made under--
                      (A) the National Environmental Policy Act of
                    1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
                      (B) the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004
                    (25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq.); and
              (3) the contract or project shall be entered into
            under, and in accordance with, section 403(b)(2) of the
            Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
            (25 U.S.C. 5363(b)(2)).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 10109. MULTIPLE CROP AND PESTICIDE USE SURVEY.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director
    of the Office of Pest Management Policy, shall conduct a
    multiple crop and pesticide use survey of farmers to collect
    data for risk assessment modeling and mitigation for an active
    ingredient.
      [(b) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the
    Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and make
    publicly available the survey described in subsection (a).]
      (b) Administration.--
              (1) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the
            Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
            and make publicly available, the survey described in
            subsection (a).
              (2) Commercial data.--The Secretary, acting through
            the Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy,
            shall obtain commercial data on pesticide use to inform
            the conduct of, and enhance the results of, the survey
            described in subsection (a).
              (3) Rulemaking procedure.--The administration of this
            section shall be made without regard to chapter 35 of
            title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the
            Paperwork Reduction Act).
      (c) Funding.--
              (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
            out this section $500,000 for fiscal year 2019 and
            $100,000 for fiscal year 2024, to remain available
            until expended.
              (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
            $2,500,000, to remain available until expended.
              (3) Further mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the
            Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use
            to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year
            2026, to remain available until expended.
      (d) Confidentiality of Information.--Section 1770 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276) is amended--
              (1) in subsection (a)--
                      (A) by striking ``(a) In the case'' and
                    inserting the following:
      ``(a) In General.--In the case''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (3), by striking
                    ``subsection (d)(12)'' and inserting
                    ``paragraph (12) or (13) of subsection (d)'';
                    and
              (2) in subsection (d)--
                      (A) by striking ``(d) For purposes'' and
                    inserting the following:
      ``(d) Provisions of Law References.--For purposes'';
                      (B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at
                    the end;
                      (C) in paragraph (12), by striking the period
                    at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                      (D) by adding at the end the following:
              ``(13) section 10109 of the Agriculture Improvement
            Act of 2018.''.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle B--Agriculture and Food Defense

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12203. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEFENSE.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Animal.--The term ``animal'' has the meaning
            given the term in section 10403 of the Animal Health
            Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8302).
              (2) Disease or pest of concern.--The term ``disease
            or pest of concern'' means a plant or animal disease or
            pest that--
                      (A) is--
                              (i) a transboundary disease; or
                              (ii) an established disease; and
                      (B) is likely to pose a significant risk to
                    the food and agriculture critical
                    infrastructure sector that warrants efforts at
                    prevention, protection, mitigation, response,
                    and recovery.
              (3) Established disease.--The term ``established
            disease'' means a plant or animal disease or pest
            that--
                      (A)(i) if it becomes established, poses an
                    imminent threat to agriculture in the United
                    States; or
                      (ii) has become established, as defined by
                    the Secretary, within the United States; and
                      (B) requires management.
              (4) High-consequence plant transboundary disease.--
            The term ``high-consequence plant transboundary
            disease'' means a transboundary disease that is--
                      (A)(i) a plant disease; or
                      (ii) a plant pest; and
                      (B) of high consequence, as determined by the
                    Secretary.
              (5) Pest.--The term ``pest''--
                      (A) with respect to a plant, has the meaning
                    given the term ``plant pest'' in section 403 of
                    the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702); and
                      (B) with respect to an animal, has the
                    meaning given the term in section 10403 of the
                    Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8302).
              (6) Plant.--The term ``plant'' has the meaning given
            the term in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7
            U.S.C. 7702).
              (7) Plant health management strategy.--The term
            ``plant health management strategy'' means a strategy
            to timely control and eradicate a plant disease or
            plant pest outbreak, including through mitigation (such
            as chemical control), surveillance, the use of
            diagnostic products and procedures, and the use of
            existing resistant seed stock.
              (8) Transboundary disease.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``transboundary
                    disease'' means a plant or animal disease or
                    pest that is within 1 or more countries outside
                    of the United States.
                      (B) Inclusion.--The term ``transboundary
                    disease'' includes a plant or animal disease or
                    pest described in subparagraph (A) that--
                              (i) has emerged within the United
                            States; or
                              (ii) has been introduced within the
                            United States.
              (9) Veterinary countermeasure.--The term ``veterinary
            countermeasure'' has the meaning given such term in
            section 10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7
            U.S.C. 8302).
      (b) Disease or Pest of Concern Response Planning.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                      (A) establish a list of diseases or pests of
                    concern by--
                              (i) developing a process to solicit
                            and receive expert opinion and evidence
                            relating to the diseases or pests of
                            concern entered on the list; and
                              (ii) reviewing all available evidence
                            relating to the diseases or pests of
                            concern entered on the list, including
                            classified information; and
                      (B) periodically update the list established
                    under subparagraph (A).
              (2) Response plans.--
                      (A) Comprehensive strategic response plan or
                    plans.--The Secretary shall develop, in
                    collaboration with appropriate Federal, State,
                    regional, and local officials, a comprehensive
                    strategic response plan or plans, as
                    appropriate, for the diseases or pests of
                    concern that are entered on the list
                    established under paragraph (1).
                      (B) State or region response plan or plans.--
                    The Secretary shall provide information to a
                    State or region to assist in producing a
                    response plan or plans that shall include a
                    concept of operations for a disease or pest of
                    concern or a platform concept of operations for
                    responses to similar diseases or pests of
                    concern that are determined to be a priority to
                    the State or region that shall, as
                    appropriate--
                              (i) describe the appropriate
                            interactions among, and roles of--
                                      (I) Federal, State, Tribal,
                                    and units of local government;
                                    and
                                      (II) plant or animal industry
                                    partners;
                              (ii) include a decision matrix or
                            dynamic decision modeling tools that,
                            as appropriate, include--
                                      (I) information and timing
                                    requirements necessary for the
                                    use of veterinary
                                    countermeasures;
                                      (II) plant health management
                                    strategies;
                                      (III) deployment of other key
                                    materials and resources; and
                                      (IV) parameters for
                                    transitioning from outbreak
                                    response to disease management;
                              (iii) identify key response
                            performance metrics to establish--
                                      (I) benchmarking to provide
                                    assessments of capabilities,
                                    capacity, and readiness to
                                    achieve response goals and
                                    objectives;
                                      (II) progressive exercise
                                    evaluation; and
                                      (III) continuing improvement
                                    of a response plan, including
                                    by providing for--
                                              (aa) ongoing
                                            exercises;
                                              (bb) improvement
                                            planning and the
                                            implementation of
                                            corrective actions to
                                            enhance a response plan
                                            over time; and
                                              (cc) strategic
                                            information to guide
                                            investment in any
                                            appropriate research to
                                            mitigate the risk of a
                                            disease or pest of
                                            concern; and
                              (iv) be updated periodically,
                            including in response to--
                                      (I) an exercise evaluation;
                                    or
                                      (II) new risk information
                                    becoming available regarding a
                                    disease or pest of concern.
              (3) Coordination of plans.--Pursuant to section
            221(d)(6) of the Department of Agriculture
            Reorganization Act of 1994, as added by section 12202,
            the Secretary shall, as appropriate, assist in
            coordinating with other appropriate Federal, State,
            regional, or local officials in the exercising of the
            plans developed under paragraph (2).
      (c) National Plant Diagnostic Network.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish in the
            Department of Agriculture a National Plant Diagnostic
            Network to monitor and surveil through diagnostics
            threats to plant health from diseases or pests of
            concern in the United States.
              (2) Requirements.--The National Plant Diagnostic
            Network established under paragraph (1) shall--
                      (A) provide for increased awareness,
                    surveillance, early identification, rapid
                    communication, warning, and diagnosis of a
                    threat to plant health from a disease or pest
                    of concern to protect natural and agricultural
                    plant resources;
                      (B) coordinate and collaborate with agencies
                    of the Department of Agriculture and State
                    agencies and authorities involved in plant
                    health;
                      (C) establish diagnostic laboratory
                    standards;
                      (D) establish regional hubs throughout the
                    United States that provide expertise,
                    leadership, and support to diagnostic labs
                    relating to the agricultural crops and plants
                    in the covered regions of those hubs; and
                      (E) establish a national repository for
                    records of endemic or emergent diseases and
                    pests of concern.
              (3) Head of network.--
                      (A) In general.--The Director of the National
                    Institute of Food and Agriculture shall serve
                    as the head of the National Plant Diagnostic
                    Network.
                      (B) Duties.--The head of the National Plant
                    Diagnostic Network shall--
                              (i) coordinate and collaborate with
                            land-grant colleges and universities
                            (as defined in section 1404 of the
                            National Agricultural Research,
                            Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
                            1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) in carrying out
                            the requirements under paragraph (2),
                            including through cooperative
                            agreements described in paragraph (4);
                              (ii) partner with the Administrator
                            of the Animal and Plant Health
                            Inspection Service for assistance with
                            plant health regulation and inspection;
                            and
                              (iii) coordinate with other Federal
                            agencies, as appropriate, in carrying
                            out activities relating to the National
                            Plant Diagnostic Network, including the
                            sharing of biosurveillance information.
              (4) Collaboration with land-grant colleges and
            universities.--The Secretary shall seek to establish
            cooperative agreements with land-grant colleges and
            universities (as defined in section 1404 of the
            National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
            Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) that have the
            appropriate level of skill, experience, and competence
            with plant diseases or pests of concern.
              (5) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
            the amount authorized to carry out this subtitle under
            section 12205, there is authorized to be appropriated
            to carry out this subsection $15,000,000 for each of
            fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031.
      (d) National Plant Disease Recovery System.--
              (1) Recovery system.--The Secretary shall establish
            in the Department of Agriculture a National Plant
            Disease Recovery System to engage in strategic long-
            range planning to recover from high-consequence plant
            transboundary diseases.
              (2) Requirements.--The National Plant Disease
            Recovery System established under paragraph (1) shall--
                      (A) coordinate with disease or pest of
                    concern concept of operations response plans;
                      (B) make long-range plans for the initiation
                    of future research projects relating to high-
                    consequence plant transboundary diseases;
                      (C) establish research plans for long-term
                    recovery;
                      (D) plan for the identification and use of
                    specific genotypes, cultivars, breeding lines,
                    and other disease-resistant materials necessary
                    for crop stabilization or improvement; and
                      (E) establish a watch list of high-
                    consequence plant transboundary diseases for
                    the purpose of making long-range plans under
                    subparagraph (B).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                   Subtitle E--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

    PART I--MISCELLANEOUS AGRICULTURE PROVISIONS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12502. PROTECTING ANIMALS WITH SHELTER.

      (a) Crimes Related to Domestic Violence and Stalking
    Targeting Pets.--
              (1) Interstate stalking.--Section 2261A of title 18,
            United States Code, is amended--
                      (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
                              (i) in clause (ii), by striking
                            ``or'' at the end; and
                              (ii) by inserting after clause (iii)
                            the following:
                              ``(iv) the pet, service animal,
                            emotional support animal, or horse of
                            that person; or''; and
                      (B) in paragraph (2)(A)--
                              (i) by inserting after ``to a
                            person'' the following: ``, a pet, a
                            service animal, an emotional support
                            animal, or a horse''; and
                              (ii) by striking ``or (iii)'' and
                            inserting ``(iii), or (iv)''.
              (2) Interstate violation of protection order.--
            Section 2262 of title 18, United States Code, is
            amended--
                      (A) in subsection (a)--
                              (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting
                            after ``another person'' the following:
                            ``or the pet, service animal, emotional
                            support animal, or horse of that
                            person''; and
                              (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting
                            after ``proximity to, another person''
                            the following ``or the pet, service
                            animal, emotional support animal, or
                            horse of that person''; and
                      (B) in subsection (b)(5), by inserting after
                    ``in any other case,'' the following:
                    ``including any case in which the offense is
                    committed against a pet, service animal,
                    emotional support animal, or horse,''.
              (3) Restitution to include veterinary services.--
            Section 2264 of title 18, United States Code, is
            amended in subsection (b)(3)--
                      (A) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as
                    subparagraph (G);
                      (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and''
                    at the end; and
                      (C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
                    following:
                      ``(F) veterinary services relating to
                    physical care for the victim's pet, service
                    animal, emotional support animal, or horse;
                    and''.
              (4) Definitions.--Section 2266 of title 18, United
            States Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph
            (10) the following:
              ``(11) Pet.--The term `pet' means a domesticated
            animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle,
            or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than
            for commercial purposes.
              ``(12) Emotional support animal.--The term `emotional
            support animal' means an animal that is covered by the
            exclusion specified in section 5.303 of title 24, Code
            of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), and
            that is not a service animal.
              ``(13) Service animal.--The term `service animal' has
            the meaning given the term in section 36.104 of title
            28, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
            regulation).''.
      (b) Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing
    Assistance Grant Program.--
              (1) Grant program.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting in
                    consultation with the Office of the Violence
                    Against Women of the Department of Justice, the
                    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and
                    the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
                    shall award grants under this subsection to
                    eligible entities to carry out programs to
                    provide the assistance described in paragraph
                    (3) with respect to victims of domestic
                    violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or
                    stalking and the pets, service animals,
                    emotional support animals, or horses of such
                    victims.
                      (B) Memorandum of understanding.--The
                    Secretary may enter into a memorandum of
                    understanding with the head of another
                    Department or agency, as appropriate, to carry
                    out any of the authorities provided to the
                    Secretary under this section.
              (2) Application.--
                      (A) In general.--An eligible entity seeking a
                    grant under this subsection shall submit an
                    application to the Secretary at such time, in
                    such manner, and containing such information as
                    the Secretary may reasonably require,
                    including--
                              (i) a description of the activities
                            for which a grant under this subsection
                            is sought;
                              (ii) such assurances as the Secretary
                            determines to be necessary to ensure
                            compliance by the entity with the
                            requirements of this subsection; and
                              (iii) a certification that the
                            entity, before engaging with any
                            individual domestic violence victim,
                            will disclose to the victim any
                            mandatory duty of the entity to report
                            instances of abuse and neglect
                            (including instances of abuse and
                            neglect of pets, service animals,
                            emotional support animals, or horses).
                      (B) Additional requirements.--In addition to
                    the requirements of subparagraph (A), each
                    application submitted by an eligible entity
                    under that subparagraph shall--
                              (i) not include proposals for any
                            activities that may compromise the
                            safety of a domestic violence victim,
                            including--
                                      (I) background checks of
                                    domestic violence victims; or
                                      (II) clinical evaluations to
                                    determine the eligibility of
                                    such a victim for support
                                    services;
                              (ii) not include proposals that would
                            require mandatory services for victims
                            or that a victim obtain a protective
                            order in order to receive proposed
                            services; and
                              (iii) reflect the eligible entity's
                            understanding of the dynamics of
                            domestic violence, dating violence,
                            sexual assault, or stalking.
                      (C) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this
                    paragraph shall be construed to require--
                              (i) domestic violence victims to
                            participate in the criminal justice
                            system in order to receive services; or
                              (ii) eligible entities receiving a
                            grant under this subsection to breach
                            client confidentiality.
              (3) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under this
            subsection may only be used for programs that provide--
                      (A) emergency and transitional shelter and
                    housing assistance for domestic violence
                    victims with pets, service animals, emotional
                    support animals, or horses, including
                    assistance with respect to any construction or
                    operating expenses of newly developed or
                    existing emergency and transitional pet,
                    service animal, emotional support animal, or
                    horse shelter and housing (regardless of
                    whether such shelter and housing is co-located
                    at a victim service provider or within the
                    community);
                      (B) short-term shelter and housing assistance
                    for domestic violence victims with pets,
                    service animals, emotional support animals, or
                    horses, including assistance with respect to
                    expenses incurred for the temporary shelter,
                    housing, boarding, or fostering of the pets,
                    service animals, emotional support animals, or
                    horses of domestic violence victims and other
                    expenses that are incidental to securing the
                    safety of such a pet, service animal, emotional
                    support animal, or horse during the sheltering,
                    housing, or relocation of such victims;
                      (C) support services designed to enable a
                    domestic violence victim who is fleeing a
                    situation of domestic violence, dating
                    violence, sexual assault, or stalking to--
                              (i) locate and secure--
                                      (I) safe housing with the
                                    victim's pet, service animal,
                                    emotional support animal, or
                                    horse; or
                                      (II) safe accommodations for
                                    the victim's pet, service
                                    animal, emotional support
                                    animal, or horse; or
                              (ii) provide the victim with pet,
                            service animal, emotional support
                            animal, or horse related services, such
                            as transportation, care services, and
                            other assistance; or
                      (D) for the training of relevant stakeholders
                    on--
                              (i) the link between domestic
                            violence, dating violence, sexual
                            assault, or stalking and the abuse and
                            neglect of pets, service animals,
                            emotional support animals, and horses;
                              (ii) the needs of domestic violence
                            victims;
                              (iii) best practices for providing
                            support services to such victims;
                              (iv) best practices for providing
                            such victims with referrals to victims'
                            services; and
                              (v) the importance of
                            confidentiality.
              (4) Grant conditions.--An eligible entity that
            receives a grant under this subsection shall, as a
            condition of such receipt, agree--
                      (A) to be bound by the nondisclosure of
                    confidential information requirements of
                    section 40002(b)(2) of the Violence Against
                    Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(2)); and
                      (B) that the entity shall not condition the
                    receipt of support, housing, or other benefits
                    provided pursuant to this subsection on the
                    participation of domestic violence victims in
                    any or all of the support services offered to
                    such victims through a program carried out by
                    the entity using grant funds.
              (5) Duration of assistance provided to victims.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
                    assistance provided with respect to a pet,
                    service animal, emotional support animal, or
                    horse of a domestic violence victim using grant
                    funds awarded under this subsection shall be
                    provided for a period of not more than 24
                    months.
                      (B) Extension.--An eligible entity that
                    receives a grant under this subsection may
                    extend the 24-month period referred to in
                    subparagraph (A) for a period of not more than
                    6 months in the case of a domestic violence
                    victim who--
                              (i) has made a good faith effort to
                            acquire permanent housing for the
                            victim and the victim's pet, service
                            animal, emotional support animal, or
                            horse during that 24-month period; and
                              (ii) has been unable to acquire such
                            permanent housing within that period.
              (6) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 1 year
            after the date on which an eligible entity receives a
            grant under this subsection and each year thereafter in
            which the grant funds are used, the entity shall submit
            to the Secretary a report that contains, with respect
            to assistance provided by the entity to domestic
            violence victims with pets, service animals, emotional
            support animals, or horses using grant funds received
            under this subsection, information on--
                      (A) the number of domestic violence victims
                    with pets, service animals, emotional support
                    animals, or horses provided such assistance;
                    and
                      (B) the purpose, amount, type of, and
                    duration of such assistance.
              (7) Report to congress.--
                      (A) Reporting requirement.--Not later than
                    November 1 of each even-numbered fiscal year,
                    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 a
                    compilation of the information contained in the
                    reports submitted under paragraph (6).
                      (B) Availability of report.--The Secretary
                    shall transmit a copy of the report submitted
                    under subparagraph (A) to--
                              (i) the Office on Violence Against
                            Women of the Department of Justice;
                              (ii) the Office of Community Planning
                            and Development of the Department of
                            Housing and Urban Development; and
                              (iii) the Administration for Children
                            and Families of the Department of
                            Health and Human Services.
              (8) Authorization of appropriations.--
                      (A) In general.--There is authorized to be
                    appropriated to carry out this subsection
                    $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
                    through [2023] 2031.
                      (B) Limitation.--Of the amount made available
                    under subparagraph (A) in any fiscal year, not
                    more than 5 percent may be used for evaluation,
                    monitoring, salaries, and administrative
                    expenses.
              (9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Domestic violence victim defined.--The
                    term ``domestic violence victim'' means a
                    victim of domestic violence, dating violence,
                    sexual assault, or stalking.
                      (B) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible
                    entity'' means--
                              (i) a State;
                              (ii) a unit of local government;
                              (iii) an Indian tribe; or
                              (iv) any other organization that has
                            a documented history of effective work
                            concerning domestic violence, dating
                            violence, sexual assault, or stalking
                            (as determined by the Secretary),
                            including--
                                      (I) a domestic violence and
                                    sexual assault victim service
                                    provider;
                                      (II) a domestic violence and
                                    sexual assault coalition;
                                      (III) a community-based and
                                    culturally specific
                                    organization;
                                      (IV) any other nonprofit,
                                    nongovernmental organization;
                                    and
                                      (V) any organization that
                                    works directly with pets,
                                    service animals, emotional
                                    support animals, or horses and
                                    collaborates with any
                                    organization referred to in
                                    clauses (i) through (iv),
                                    including--
                                              (aa) an animal
                                            shelter; and
                                              (bb) an animal
                                            welfare organization.
                      (C) Emotional support animal.--The term
                    ``emotional support animal'' means an animal
                    that is covered by the exclusion specified in
                    section 5.303 of title 24, Code of Federal
                    Regulations (or a successor regulation), and
                    that is not a service animal.
                      (D) Pet.--The term ``pet'' means a
                    domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird,
                    rodent, fish, turtle, or other animal that is
                    kept for pleasure rather than for commercial
                    purposes.
                      (E) Service animal.--The term ``service
                    animal'' has the meaning given the term in
                    section 36.104 of title 28, Code of Federal
                    Regulations (or a successor regulation).
                      (F) Other terms.--Except as otherwise
                    provided in this subsection, terms used in this
                    section shall have the meaning given such terms
                    in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against
                    Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
      (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
    States should encourage the inclusion of protections against
    violent or threatening acts against the pet, service animal,
    emotional support animal, or horse of a person in domestic
    violence protection orders.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12506. REPORT ON PERSONNEL.

      For the period of fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031, 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 biannual report
    describing the number of staff years and employees of each
    agency of the Department of Agriculture.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12512. IMPROVEMENTS TO UNITED STATES DROUGHT MONITOR.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate with the
    Director of the National Drought Mitigation Center and the
    Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration to enhance the collection of data to improve the
    accuracy of the United States Drought Monitor.
      (b) Utilization.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
    Secretary shall utilize a consistent source or sources of data
    for programs that are based on drought or precipitation
    indices, such as the livestock forage disaster program
    established under section 1501(c) of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(c)) or policies or plans of insurance
    established under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501
    et seq.).
      (c) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review
    of--
              (1) the types of data currently utilized by the
            United States Drought Monitor;
              (2) the geographic coverage and density of existing
            data collection sites; and
              (3) other meteorological or climatological data that
            is being collected by other Federal agencies, State and
            local governments, and non-Federal entities that could
            be utilized by the United States Drought Monitor.
      (d) Improvements.--
              (1) In general.--Upon the completion of the review
            prescribed in subsection (c), the Secretary shall--
                      (A) seek to expand the collection of relevant
                    data in States or geographic areas where
                    coverage is currently lacking as compared to
                    other States or geographic areas; and
                      (B) to the maximum extent practicable,
                    develop standards to allow the integration of
                    meteorological or climatological data into the
                    United States Drought Monitor derived from--
                              (i) in-situ soil moisture profile
                            measuring devices;
                              (ii) citizen science (as defined in
                            the Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science
                            Act (15 U.S.C. 3724)), including data
                            from the Cooperative Observer Program
                            of the National Weather Service; and
                              (iii) other Federal agencies, State
                            and local governments, and non-Federal
                            entities.
              (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is to be
            authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
            out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years
            2019 through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle F--General Provisions

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12607. REPORTS ON LAND ACCESS AND FARMLAND OWNERSHIP DATA
                        COLLECTION.

      (a) Land Access.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once every
    2 years thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture, in
    consultation with the Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress
    and make publicly available a report identifying--
              (1) the barriers that prevent or hinder the ability
            of beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in
            section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
            and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))) and socially
            disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (as defined in such
            section) to acquire or access farmland;
              (2) the extent to which Federal programs, including
            agricultural conservation easement programs, land
            transition programs, and financing programs, are
            improving--
                      (A) farmland access and tenure for beginning
                    farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged
                    farmers and ranchers; and
                      (B) farmland transition and succession; [and]
              (3) the regulatory, operational, or statutory changes
            that are necessary to improve--
                      (A) the ability of beginning farmers and
                    ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and
                    ranchers to acquire or access farmland;
                      (B) farmland tenure for beginning farmers and
                    ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and
                    ranchers; and
                      (C) farmland transition and succession[.];
                    and
              (4) a catalog of existing Federal, State, or private
            programs that facilitate access to land, capital, and
            markets, including programs providing assistance
            relating to--
                      (A) acquiring of real property (including air
                    rights, water rights, and other interests
                    therein), including closing costs;
                      (B) subsidizing interest rates and mortgage
                    principal amounts for intended beneficiaries;
                      (C) providing down payment assistance to
                    decrease farm mortgages;
                      (D) securing clear title on heirs' property
                    farmland;
                      (E) conducting surveys and assessments of
                    agricultural land;
                      (F) improving or remediating land, water, and
                    soil;
                      (G) constructing or repairing infrastructure;
                      (H) supporting land use planning;
                      (I) acquiring legal or financial planning
                    assistance;
                      (J) carrying out Tribal consultation;
                      (K) supporting acquisition of a Department of
                    Agriculture farm number; and
                      (L) any other activities as determined by the
                    Secretary.
      (b) Farmland Ownership.--The Secretary shall collect and, not
    less frequently than once every 3 years report, data and
    analysis on farmland ownership, tenure, transition, and entry
    of beginning farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged
    farmers and ranchers (as those terms are defined in section
    2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))). In carrying out this subsection,
    the Secretary shall, at a minimum--
              (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of
            trends in farmland ownership, tenure, transition,
            barriers to entry, profitability, and viability of
            beginning farmers and ranchers and socially
            disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
              (2) develop surveys and report statistical and
            economic analysis on farmland ownership, tenure,
            transition, barriers to entry, profitability, and
            viability of beginning farmers and ranchers, including
            a regular follow-on survey to each Census of
            Agriculture with results of the follow-on survey made
            public not later than 3 years after the previous Census
            of Agriculture; and
              (3) require the National Agricultural Statistics
            Service to include in the Tenure, Ownership, and
            Transition of Agricultural Land survey questions
            relating to--
                      (A) the extent to which non-farming
                    landowners are purchasing and holding onto
                    farmland for the sole purpose of real estate
                    investment;
                      (B) the impact of these farmland ownership
                    trends on the successful entry and viability of
                    beginning farmers and ranchers and socially
                    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
                      (C) the extent to which farm and ranch land
                    with undivided interests and no administrative
                    authority identified have farms or ranches
                    operating on that land; and
                      (D) the impact of land tenure patterns,
                    categorized by--
                              (i) race, gender, and ethnicity; and
                              (ii) region.
      (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each
    fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031, to remain available
    until expended.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 12609. COMMISSION ON FARM TRANSITIONS--NEEDS FOR 2050.

      (a) Establishment.--[There is established] Not later than 60
    days after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and
    National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish a
    commission to be known as the Commission on Farm Transitions-
    Needs for 2050 (referred to in this section as the
    ``Commission'').
      (b) Study And Recommendations.--The Commission shall conduct
    a study on, and make recommendations relating to, issues
    impacting the transition of agricultural operations from
    established farmers and ranchers to the next generation of
    farmers and ranchers, including--
              (1) access to, and availability of--
                      (A) quality land and necessary
                    infrastructure;
                      (B) affordable and timely credit;
                      (C) adequate risk management tools; and
                      [(D) apprenticeship and mentorship programs;]
                      (D) apprenticeships, mentoring programs,
                    business training, and technical assistance
                    programs;
              (2) agricultural asset transfer strategies in use as
            of the date of the enactment of this Act and
            improvements to such strategies;
              (3) incentives that may facilitate agricultural asset
            transfers to the next generation of farmers and
            ranchers, including an assessment of, and
            recommendations for, how [existing and new Federal tax
            policies] existing and new State and Federal policies,
            including tax policies--
                      (A) facilitate or impede lifetime and estate
                    transfers; and
                      (B) impact individuals seeking to farm who do
                    not have family farm lineage or access to
                    farmland;
              (4) the causes of the failures of such transitions,
            if any; [and]
              (5) the effectiveness of programs and incentives
            providing assistance with respect to such transitions
            in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and
            opportunities for the revision or improvement of such
            programs[.];
              (6) heirs' property and succession of agricultural
            land;
              (7) any unique barriers faced by historically
            underserved and women farmers and ranchers in the
            ability to transfer, inherit, or purchase agricultural
            assets, including land; and
              (8) leasing and ownership trends, including leasing
            and ownership trends by foreign persons or entities.
      (c) Membership.--
              (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of
            10 members, as follows:
                      (A) 3 members appointed by the Secretary.
                      (B) 3 members appointed by the Committee on
                    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
                    Senate.
                      (C) 3 members appointed by the Committee on
                    Agriculture of the House of Representatives.
                      (D) The Chief Economist of the Department of
                    Agriculture.
              (2) Federal government employment.--In addition to
            the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture,
            the membership of the Commission may include 1 or more
            employees of the Department of Agriculture or other
            Federal agencies.
              (3) Date of appointments.--The appointment of all
            members of the Commission shall be made not later than
            60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
              (4) Term; vacancies.--
                      (A) Term.--A member shall be appointed for
                    the life of the Commission.
                      (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
                              (i) shall not affect the powers of
                            the Commission; and
                              (ii) shall be filled in the same
                            manner as the original appointment was
                            made.
              (5) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after
            the date on which all members of the Commission have
            been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial
            meeting of the Commission.
      (d) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission
    shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but
    a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
      (e) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall appoint 1 of the
    members of the Commission to serve as Chairperson of the
    Commission.
      (f) Report.--Not later than [1 year after the date of
    enactment of this Act] 2 years after the date of enactment of
    the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the
    Commission shall submit to the President, the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee
    on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    containing the results of the study required by subsection (b),
    including such recommendations as the Commission considers
    appropriate.
      (g) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, meet
    and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and
    receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to
    carry out this section.
      (h) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may
    secure directly from a Federal agency such information as the
    Commission considers necessary to carry out this section. On
    request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the
    agency shall provide the information to the Commission.
      (i) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United
    States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as
    other agencies of the Federal Government.
      (j) Assistance From Secretary.--The Secretary may provide to
    the Commission appropriate office space and such reasonable
    administrative and support services as the Commission may
    request.
      (k) Compensation of Members.--
              (1) Non-federal employees.--A member of the
            Commission who is not an officer or employee of the
            Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal
            to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
            prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under
            section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each
            day (including travel time) during which the member is
            engaged in the performance of the duties of the
            Commission.
              (2) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission
            who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government
            shall serve without compensation in addition to the
            compensation received for the services of the member as
            an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
              (3) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission
            shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in
            lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an
            employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57
            of title 5, United States Code, while away from the
            home or regular place of business of the member in the
            performance of the duties of the Commission.
      [(l) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Sections 9 and 14 of
    the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not
    apply to the Commission or any proceeding of the Commission.]
      (l) Federal Advisory Committees.--Sections 1008 and 1013 of
    title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Commission
    or any proceeding of the Commission.
      (m) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on September
    30, [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                 WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION ACT

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

      (a) In General.--In order to assist local organizations in
    preparing and carrying out plans for works of improvement, the
    Secretary is authorized, upon application of local
    organizations if such application has been submitted to, and
    not disapproved within 45 days by, the State agency having
    supervisory responsibility over programs provided for in this
    Act, or by the Governor if there is no State agency having such
    responsibility--
              (1) to conduct such investigations and surveys as may
            be necessary to prepare plans for works of improvement;
              (2) to prepare plans and estimates required for
            adequate engineering evaluation;
              (3) to make allocations of costs to the various
            purposes to show the basis of such allocations and to
            determine whether benefits exceed costs;
              (4) to cooperate and enter into agreements with and
            to furnish financial and other assistance to local
            organizations: Provided, That, for the land-treatment
            measures, the Federal assistance shall not exceed the
            rate of assistance for similar practices under existing
            national programs;
              (5) to obtain the cooperation and assistance of other
            Federal agencies in carrying out the purposes of this
            section;
              (6) to provide technical and financial assistance for
            remedial actions in accordance with subsection (c); and
              [(6)] (7) to enter into agreements with landowners,
            operators, and occupiers, individually or collectively,
            based on conservation plans of such landowners,
            operators, and occupiers which are developed in
            cooperation with and approved by the soil and water
            conservation district in which the land described in
            the agreement is situated, to be carried out on such
            land during a period of not to exceed ten years,
            providing for changes in cropping systems and land uses
            and for the installation of soil and water conservation
            practices and measures needed to conserve and develop
            the soil, water, woodland, wildlife, energy, and
            recreation resources of and enhance the water quality
            of lands within the area included in plans for works of
            improvement, as provided for in such plans, including
            watershed or subwatershed work plans in connection with
            the eleven watershed improvement programs authorized by
            section 13 of the Act of December 22, 1944 (58 Stat.
            887), as amended and supplemented. Applications for
            assistance in developing such conservation plans shall
            be made in writing to the soil and water conservation
            district involved, and the proposed agreement shall be
            reviewed by such district. In return for such
            agreements by landowners, operators, and occupiers the
            Secretary shall agree to share the costs of carrying
            out those practices and measures set forth in the
            agreement for which he determines that cost sharing is
            appropriate and in the public interest. The portion of
            such costs, including labor, to be shared shall be that
            part which the Secretary determines is appropriate and
            in the public interest for the carrying out of the
            practices and measures set forth in the agreement,
            except that the Federal assistance shall not exceed the
            rate of assistance for similar practices and measures
            under existing national programs. The Secretary may
            terminate any agreement with a landowner, operator, or
            occupier by mutual agreement if the Secretary
            determines that such termination would be in the public
            interest, and may agree to such modifications of
            agreements, previously entered into hereunder, as he
            deems desirable to carry out the purposes of this
            paragraph or to facilitate the practical administration
            of the agreements provided for herein. Notwithstanding
            any other provision of law, the Secretary, to the
            extent he deems it desirable to carry out the purposes
            of this paragraph, may provide in any agreement
            hereunder for (1) preservation for a period not to
            exceed the period covered by the agreement and an equal
            period thereafter of the cropland, crop acreage, and
            allotment history applicable to land covered by the
            agreement for the purpose of any Federal program under
            which such history is used as a basis for an allotment
            or other limitation on the production of any crop; or
            (2) surrender of any such history and allotments.
      (b) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the watershed plan for
    works of improvement if the Secretary determines that--
              (1) the watershed plan is unnecessary or duplicative;
            and
              (2) the works of improvement are otherwise consistent
            with applicable requirements under section 4.
      (c) Assistance for Remedial Actions.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a)(6),
            the Secretary may provide technical and financial
            assistance to local organizations for remedial actions
            for a completed work of improvement installed under
            this Act with respect to which--
                      (A) deterioration of a structural component
                    of the work of improvement is occurring at an
                    abnormal rate, including situations in which
                    such deterioration is due to a design
                    deficiency or to site conditions that were
                    unknown at the time of installation of the work
                    of improvement;
                      (B) the planned service life of the work of
                    improvement exceeds the service life of a
                    structural component of such work of
                    improvement; or
                      (C) structural damage to such work of
                    improvement, or to a structural component of
                    such work of improvement, was caused by a storm
                    event that exceeded the maximum storm event for
                    which the work of improvement was designed.
              (2) Cost share.--Financial assistance provided under
            this subsection shall be provided in accordance with
            the cost-share rate established in the agreement with
            the local organization for the work of improvement.
      (d) Streamlining.--The Secretary shall, on an ongoing basis--
              (1) engage with relevant Federal agencies to reduce
            or eliminate regulatory, policy, or procedural barriers
            to timely provision of assistance under this Act;
              (2) provide for streamlined procedures relating to
            coordination with other Federal or State agencies for
            required reviews and permitting of projects pursuant to
            this Act, and ensure such procedures are commensurate
            with the size and scale of the projects;
              (3) conduct an assessment of internal Department of
            Agriculture planning, technical support, and approvals
            to determine best practices to be used for the purpose
            of maximizing the decisionmaking authority of State
            conservationists with respect to approvals required for
            projects under this Act; and
              (4) prioritize the use of agreements and contracting
            authorities under this Act to provide funding to local
            organizations for the planning, design, and
            construction of works of improvement.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [SEC. 13. DATA.

       [The Secretary shall collect and maintain data on a national
    and State by State basis concerning--
              [(1) expenditures for the individual flood control
            and conservation measures for which assistance is
            provided under this Act; and
              [(2) the expected flood control or environmental
            (including soil erosion) benefits that will result from
            the implementation of such measures.]

    SEC. 13. DATA.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall collect and maintain,
    and make publicly available--
              (1) data, on a national and State-by-State basis,
            concerning--
                      (A) expenditures for the individual flood
                    control and conservation measures for which
                    assistance is provided under this Act; and
                      (B) the expected flood control or
                    environmental (including soil erosion) benefits
                    that will result from the implementation of
                    such measures; and
              (2) data, with respect to each project for which
            assistance is provided under this Act, concerning--
                      (A) total allocated and expended funds for
                    planning, design, construction, remedial
                    actions, and rehabilitation; and
                      (B) contracts and agreements entered into by
                    the Secretary with a local organization to
                    provide services, including--
                              (i) the services provided through
                            such contracts and agreements;
                              (ii) the total funds allocated to
                            such contracts and agreements; and
                              (iii) any modifications or
                            adjustments made to such contracts and
                            agreements.
      (b) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not make publicly
    available under this section an agreement entered into with an
    individual landowner, operator, or occupier under this Act, or
    any disaggregated information that identifies such individual
    landowner, operator, or occupier.

    SEC. 14. REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURAL MEASURES NEAR, AT, OR PAST THEIR
                        EVALUATED LIFE EXPECTANCY.

      (a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
              (1) Rehabilitation.--The term ``rehabilitation'',
            with respect to a structural measure constructed as
            part of a covered water resource project, means the
            completion of all work necessary to extend the service
            life of the structural measure and meet applicable
            safety and performance standards. This may include: (A)
            protecting the integrity of the structural measure or
            prolonging the useful life of the structural measure
            beyond the original evaluated life expectancy; (B)
            correcting damage to the structural measure from a
            catastrophic event; (C) correcting the deterioration of
            structural components that are deteriorating at an
            abnormal rate; (D) upgrading the structural measure to
            meet changed land use conditions in the watershed
            served by the structural measure or changed safety
            criteria applicable to the structural measure; or (E)
            decommissioning the structure, if requested by the
            local organization.
              (2) Covered water resource project.--The term
            ``covered water resource project'' means a work of
            improvement carried out under any of the following:
                      (A) This Act.
                      (B) Section 13 of the Act of December 22,
                    1944 (Public Law 78-534; 58 Stat. 905).
                      (C) The pilot watershed program authorized
                    under the heading ``Flood Prevention'' of the
                    Department of Agriculture Appropriation Act,
                    1954 (Public Law 156; 67 Stat. 214).
                      (D) Subtitle H of title XV of the Agriculture
                    and Food Act of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3451 et seq.;
                    commonly known as the Resource Conservation and
                    Development Program).
              (3) Structural measure.--The term ``structural
            measure'' means a physical improvement that impounds
            water, commonly known as a dam, which was constructed
            as part of a covered water resource project, including
            the impoundment area and flood pool.
      (b) Cost Share Assistance for Rehabilitation.--
              (1) Assistance authorized.--The Secretary may provide
            financial assistance to a local organization to cover a
            portion of the total costs incurred for the
            rehabilitation of structural measures originally
            constructed as part of a covered water resource
            project. The total costs of rehabilitation include the
            costs associated with all components of the
            rehabilitation project, including acquisition of land,
            easements, and rights-of-ways, rehabilitation project
            administration, the provision of technical assistance,
            contracting, and construction costs, except that the
            local organization shall be responsible for securing
            all land, easements, or rights-of-ways necessary for
            the project.
              (2) Amount of assistance; limitations.--The amount of
            Federal funds that may be made available under this
            subsection to a local organization for construction of
            a particular rehabilitation project shall be equal to
            [65 percent] 90 percent of the total rehabilitation
            costs, but not to exceed 100 percent of actual
            construction costs incurred in the rehabilitation.
            However, the local organization shall be responsible
            for the costs of water, mineral, and other resource
            rights and all Federal, State, and local permits.
              (3) Relation to land use and development
            regulations.--As a condition on entering into an
            agreement to provide financial assistance under this
            subsection, the Secretary, working in concert with the
            affected unit or units of general purpose local
            government, may require that proper zoning or other
            developmental regulations are in place in the watershed
            in which the structural measures to be rehabilitated
            under the agreement are located so that--
                      (A) the completed rehabilitation project is
                    not quickly rendered inadequate by additional
                    development; and
                      (B) society can realize the full benefits of
                    the rehabilitation investment.
              (4) Relation to requirements of authorized
            projects.--A rehabilitation project for which
            assistance is provided under this section shall not be
            subject to--
                      (A) the requirement under section 2 that a
                    project contain benefits directly related to
                    agriculture, including rural communities, that
                    account for at least 20 percent of the total
                    benefits of the project; or
                      (B) section 4(5).
      (c) Technical Assistance for Watershed Project
    Rehabilitation.--The Secretary, acting through the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service, may provide technical
    assistance in planning, designing, and implementing
    rehabilitation projects should a local organization request
    such assistance. Such assistance may consist of specialists in
    such fields as engineering, geology, soils, agronomy, biology,
    hydraulics, hydrology, economics, water quality, and contract
    administration.
      (d) Prohibited Use.--
              (1) Performance of operation and maintenance.--
            Rehabilitation assistance provided under this section
            may not be used to perform operation and maintenance
            activities specified in the agreement for the covered
            water resource project entered into between the
            Secretary and the local organization responsible for
            the works of improvement. Such operation and
            maintenance activities shall remain the responsibility
            of the local organization, as provided in the project
            work plan.
              (2) Renegotiation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), as
            part of the provision of financial assistance under
            subsection (b), the Secretary may renegotiate the
            original agreement for the covered water resource
            project entered into between the Secretary and the
            local organization regarding responsibility for the
            operation and maintenance of the project when the
            rehabilitation is finished.
      (e) Application for Rehabilitation Assistance.--A local
    organization may apply to the Secretary for technical and
    financial assistance under this section if the application has
    also been submitted to and approved by the State agency having
    supervisory responsibility over the covered water resource
    project at issue or, if there is no State agency having such
    responsibility, by the Governor of the State. The Secretary
    shall request the State dam safety officer (or equivalent State
    official) to be involved in the application process if State
    permits or approvals are required. The rehabilitation of
    structural measures shall meet standards established by the
    Secretary and address other dam safety issues. At the request
    of the local organization, personnel of the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture may
    assist in preparing applications for assistance.
      (f) Ranking of Requests for Rehabilitation Assistance.--The
    Secretary shall establish such system of approving
    rehabilitation requests, recognizing that such requests will be
    received throughout the fiscal year and subject to the
    availability of funds to carry out this section, as is
    necessary for proper administration by the Department of
    Agriculture and equitable for all local organizations. The
    approval process shall be in writing, and made known to all
    local organizations and appropriate State agencies.
      (g) Prohibition on Certain Rehabilitation Assistance.--The
    Secretary may not approve a rehabilitation request if the need
    for rehabilitation of the structure is the result of a lack of
    adequate maintenance by the party responsible for the
    maintenance.
      (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) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
                      (B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
                      (C) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
                      (D) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
                      (E) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
                      (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 2014, 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) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
                      (B) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
                      (C) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
                      (D) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; and
                      (E) $85,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008
                    through [2023] 2031.
      (i) Assessment of Rehabilitation Needs.--The Secretary, in
    concert with the responsible State agencies, shall conduct an
    assessment of the rehabilitation needs of covered water
    resource projects in all States in which such projects are
    located.
      (j) Recordkeeping and Reports.--
              (1) Secretary.--The Secretary shall maintain a data
            base to track the benefits derived from rehabilitation
            projects supported under this section and the
            expenditures made under this section. On the basis of
            such data and the reports submitted under paragraph
            (2), the Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress
            an annual report providing the status of activities
            conducted under this section.
              (2) Grant recipients.--Not later than 90 days after
            the completion of a specific rehabilitation project for
            which assistance is provided under this section, the
            local organization that received the assistance shall
            make a report to the Secretary giving the status of any
            rehabilitation effort undertaken using financial
            assistance provided under this section.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

                        AGRICULTURAL CREDIT ACT OF 1978

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
                    TITLE IV--EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM

    SEC. 401. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred toin
    this title as the ``Secretary'') is authorized to make payments
    to agricultural producers who carry out emergency measures to
    control wind erosion on farmlands or to rehabilitate farmlands
    damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or
    other natural disasters when, as a result of the foregoing, new
    conservation problems have been created that (1) if not
    treated, will impair or endanger the land, (2) materially
    affect the productive capacity of the land, (3) represent
    damage that is unusual in character and, except for wind
    erosion, is not the type that would recur frequently in the
    same area, and (4) will be so costly to rehabilitate that
    Federal assistance is or will be required to return the land to
    productive agricultural use.
      (b) Repair or Replacement of Fencing and Other Emergency
    Conservation Measures.--
              [(1) In general.--With respect to a payment to an
            agricultural producer under subsection (a) for the
            repair or replacement of fencing, the Secretary shall
            give the agricultural producer the option of receiving
            not more than 25 percent of the payment, determined by
            the Secretary based on the applicable percentage of the
            fair market value of the cost of the repair or
            replacement, before the agricultural producer carries
            out the repair or replacement.]
              (1) In general.--With respect to a payment to an
            agricultural producer under subsection (a) for the
            repair or replacement of fencing, or for other
            emergency measures to rehabilitate farmland or to
            repair or replace a farmland or conservation structure,
            the Secretary shall give the agricultural producer the
            option of receiving--
                      (A) before carrying out such replacement or
                    rehabilitation, not more than 75 percent of the
                    payment for such replacement or rehabilitation,
                    which shall be based on the fair market value
                    of the replacement or rehabilitation, as
                    determined by the Secretary; and
                      (B) before carrying out such repair, not more
                    than 50 percent of the payment for such repair,
                    which shall be based on the fair market value
                    of the repair, as determined by the Secretary.
              (2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under
            paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 60-day
            period beginning on the date on which the agricultural
            producer receives those funds, the funds shall be
            returned within a reasonable timeframe, as determined
            by the Secretary.
              (3) New or emerging technologies.--Repair or
            replacement of fencing under this section may include
            updating of fencing to new or emerging technology if
            such updating does not increase the cost of the repair
            or replacement.
      (c) Wildfires.--A wildfire that causes damage with respect to
    which a payment may be made under subsection (a) includes any
    wildfire that is not caused naturally, including a wildfire
    that is caused by the Federal Government, if the damage is
    caused by the spread of the fire due to natural causes.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 403. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to undertake
    emergency watershed protection measures, including the purchase
    of floodplain easements, for runoff retardation and soil-
    erosion prevention, in cooperation with landowners and land
    users, as the Secretary deems necessary to safeguard lives and
    property from floods, drought, and the products of erosion on
    any watershed whenever fire, flood, or any other natural
    occurrence is causing or has caused a sudden impairment of that
    watershed.
      (b) Floodplain Easements.--
              (1) Easement restoration.--The Secretary is
            authorized to restore appropriate vegetative cover,
            hydrological functions, and other functions and values
            of the land subject to a floodplain easement acquired
            under subsection (a).
              (2) Easement maintenance.--The Secretary is
            authorized to monitor, maintain, and enhance
            appropriate vegetative cover, hydrological restoration
            measures, and other restoration measures on land
            subject to a floodplain easement acquired under
            subsection (a).
              (3) Contracts and agreements.--In carrying out
            paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary may--
                      (A) enter into contracts with landowners; and
                      (B) enter into agreements with States,
                    nongovernmental organizations, and Indian
                    Tribes.
              (4) Compatible use authority.--The Secretary may
            authorize a landowner to carry out activities on land
            subject to a floodplain easement acquired under
            subsection (a) that are--
                      (A) compatible uses necessary to carry out
                    paragraph (1) or (2); or
                      (B) compatible economic uses (including such
                    activities as hunting and fishing, managed
                    timber harvest, water management, or periodic
                    haying or grazing) if such uses are consistent
                    with the long-term protection of the floodplain
                    functions and values for which the easement was
                    acquired.
              [(1)] (5) Modification and termination.--The
            Secretary may modify or terminate a floodplain easement
            administered by the Secretary under this section if--
                      (A) the current owner agrees to the
                    modification or termination; and
                      (B) the Secretary determines that the
                    modification or termination--
                              (i) will address a compelling public
                            need for which there is no practicable
                            alternative; and
                              (ii) is in the public interest.
              [(2)] (6) Consideration.--
                      (A) Termination.--As consideration for
                    termination of an easement and associated
                    agreements under [paragraph (1)] paragraph (5),
                    the Secretary shall enter into compensatory
                    arrangements as determined to be appropriate by
                    the Secretary.
                      (B) Modification.--In the case of a
                    modification under [paragraph (1)] paragraph
                    (5)--
                              (i) as a condition of the
                            modification, the current owner shall
                            enter into a compensatory arrangement
                            (as determined to be appropriate by the
                            Secretary) to incur the costs of
                            modification; and
                              (ii) the Secretary shall ensure
                            that--
                                      (I) the modification will not
                                    adversely affect the floodplain
                                    functions and values for which
                                    the easement was acquired;
                                      (II) any adverse impacts will
                                    be mitigated by enrollment and
                                    restoration of other land that
                                    provides greater floodplain
                                    functions and values at no
                                    additional cost to the Federal
                                    Government; and
                                      (III) the modification will
                                    result in equal or greater
                                    environmental and economic
                                    values to the United States.
      (c) Level of Restoration.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary may undertake measures that increase the level of
    protection above that which would be necessary to address the
    immediate impairment of the watershed if the Secretary
    determines that such restoration is in the best interest of the
    long-term health of the watershed and the long-term protection
    of the watershed from repetitive impairments.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 407. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Emergency measures.--The term ``emergency
            measures'' means those measures that--
                      (A) are necessary to address damage caused by
                    a natural disaster to natural resources on
                    nonindustrial private forest land, and the
                    damage, if not treated--
                              (i) would impair or endanger the
                            natural resources on the land; and
                              (ii) would materially affect future
                            use of the land; and
                      (B) would restore forest health and forest-
                    related resources on the land.
              (2) Natural disaster.--The term ``natural disaster''
            includes wildfires, hurricanes or excessive winds,
            drought, ice storms or blizzards, floods, or other
            resource-impacting events, as determined by the
            Secretary.
              (3) Nonindustrial private forest land.--The term
            ``nonindustrial private forest land'' means rural land,
            as determined by the Secretary, that--
                      (A) has existing tree cover (or had tree
                    cover immediately before the natural disaster
                    and is suitable for growing trees); and
                      (B) is owned by any nonindustrial private
                    individual, group, association, corporation, or
                    other private legal entity, that has definitive
                    decision-making authority over the land.
      (b) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary may make
    payments to an owner of nonindustrial private forest land who
    carries out emergency measures to restore the land after the
    land is damaged by a natural disaster.
      (c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a payment under
    subsection (b), an owner must demonstrate to the satisfaction
    of the Secretary that the nonindustrial private forest land on
    which the emergency measures are carried out had tree cover
    immediately before the natural disaster.
      (d) Cost Share Requirement.--Payments made under subsection
    (b) shall not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the
    emergency measures carried out by an owner of nonindustrial
    private forest land.
      (e) Advance Payments.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall give an owner of
            nonindustrial private forest land the option of
            receiving, before the owner carries out emergency
            measures under this section, not more than 75 percent
            of the cost of the emergency measures, as determined by
            the Secretary based on the fair market value of the
            cost of the emergency measures using the estimated cost
            of the applicable practice published in the Field
            Office Technical Guide of each State by the Natural
            Resources Conservation Service.
              (2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under
            paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 180-
            day period beginning on the date on which the owner of
            nonindustrial private forest land receives those funds,
            the funds shall be returned to the Secretary within a
            reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Secretary.
      [(e)] (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
    authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such funds as
    may be necessary to carry out this section. Amounts so
    appropriated shall remain available until expended.
                                  ----------

                    HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

      (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003''.
      (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is
    as follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
         * * * * * * *

                    [TITLE V--HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM

    [Sec. 501. Establishment of healthy forests reserve program.
    [Sec. 502. Eligibility and enrollment of lands in program.
    [Sec. 503. Restoration plans.
    [Sec. 504. Financial assistance.
    [Sec. 505. Technical assistance.
    [Sec. 506. Protections and measures
    [Sec. 507. Involvement by other agencies and organizations.
    [Sec. 508. Authorization of appropriations.]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE I--HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION ON FEDERAL LAND

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 103. PRIORITIZATION.

      (a) In General.--In accordance with the Implementation Plan,
    the Secretary shall develop an annual program of work for
    Federal land that gives priority to authorized hazardous fuel
    reduction projects that provide for the protection of at-risk
    communities or watersheds or that implement community wildfire
    protection plans.
      (b) Collaboration.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall consider
            recommendations under subsection (a) that are made by
            at-risk communities that have developed community
            wildfire protection plans.
              (2) Exemption.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States
            Code, shall not apply to the planning process and
            recommendations concerning community wildfire
            protection plans.
      (c) Administration.--
              (1) In general.--Federal agency involvement in
            developing a community wildfire protection plan, or a
            recommendation made in a community wildfire protection
            plan, shall not be considered a Federal agency action
            under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
            U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
              (2) Compliance.--In implementing authorized hazardous
            fuel reduction projects on Federal land, the Secretary
            shall, in accordance with section 104, comply with the
            National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
            4321 et seq.).
      (d) Funding Allocation.--
              (1) Federal land.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
                    the Secretary shall use not less than 50
                    percent of the funds allocated for authorized
                    hazardous fuel reduction projects in the
                    wildland-urban interface.
                      (B) Applicability and allocation.--The
                    funding allocation in subparagraph (A) shall
                    apply at the national level. The Secretary may
                    allocate the proportion of funds differently
                    than is required under subparagraph (A) within
                    individual management units as appropriate, in
                    particular to conduct authorized hazardous fuel
                    reduction projects on land described in section
                    102(a)(4).
                      (C) Wildland-urban interface.--In the case of
                    an authorized hazardous fuel reduction project
                    for which a decision notice is issued during
                    the 1-year period beginning on the date of
                    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall use
                    existing definitions of the term ``wildland-
                    urban interface'' rather than the definition of
                    that term provided under section 101.
              (2) Non-federal land.--
                      (A) In general.--In providing financial
                    assistance under any provision of law for
                    hazardous fuel reduction projects on non-
                    Federal land, the Secretary shall consider
                    recommendations made by at-risk communities
                    that have developed community wildfire
                    protection plans.
                      (B) Priority.--In allocating funding under
                    this paragraph, the Secretary should, to the
                    maximum extent practicable, give priority to
                    communities that have adopted a community
                    wildfire protection plan or have taken
                    proactive measures to encourage willing
                    property owners to reduce fire risk on private
                    property.
      (e) Cross-boundary Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Hazardous fuel reduction project.--The
                    term ``hazardous fuel reduction project'' means
                    a hazardous fuel reduction project described in
                    paragraph (2).
                      (B) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal
                    land'' includes--
                              (i) State land;
                              (ii) county land;
                              (iii) Tribal land;
                              (iv) private land; and
                              (v) other non-Federal land.
              (2) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to State
            foresters to support hazardous fuel reduction projects
            that incorporate treatments in landscapes across
            ownership boundaries on Federal and non-Federal land,
            particularly in areas identified as priorities in
            applicable State-wide forest resource assessments or
            strategies under section 2A(a) of the Cooperative
            Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(a)),
            as mutually agreed to by the State forester and the
            Regional Forester.
              (3) Land treatments.--To conduct and fund treatments
            for hazardous fuel reduction projects carried out by
            State foresters using grants under paragraph (2), the
            Secretary may use the authorities of the Secretary
            relating to cooperation and technical and financial
            assistance, including the good neighbor authority
            under--
                      (A) section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of
                    2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); and
                      (B) section 331 of the Department of the
                    Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations
                    Act, 2001 (16 U.S.C. 1011 note; Public Law 106-
                    291).
              (4) Cooperation.--In carrying out a hazardous fuel
            reduction project using a grant under paragraph (2) on
            non-Federal land, the State forester, in consultation
            with the Secretary--
                      (A) shall consult with any applicable owners
                    of the non-Federal land; and
                      (B) shall not implement the hazardous fuel
                    reduction project on non-Federal land without
                    the consent of the owner of the non-Federal
                    land.
              (5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
            subsection $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
            through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 108. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated $660,000,000 for each
    of fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031 to carry out--
              (1) activities authorized by this title; and
              (2) other hazardous fuel reduction activities of the
            Secretary, including making grants to States, local
            governments, Indian tribes, and other eligible
            recipients for activities authorized by law.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE III--WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 303. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Adjacent land.--The term ``adjacent land'' means
            non-Federal land, including State, local, and private
            land, that is adjacent to, and within the same
            watershed as, National Forest System land on which a
            watershed protection and restoration project is carried
            out under this section.
              [(1)] (2) End water user.--The term ``end water
            user'' means a non-Federal entity, including--
                      (A) a State;
                      (B) a political subdivision of a State;
                      (C) an Indian tribe;
                      (D) a utility;
                      (E) a municipal water system;
                      (F) an irrigation district;
                      (G) an acequia association;
                      (H) a local, regional, or other public entity
                    that manages stormwater or wastewater resources
                    or other related water infrastructure;
                      (I) a land-grant mercedes;
                      (J) a local, regional, or other private
                    entity that has water delivery authority;
                      [(G)] (K) a nonprofit organization; and
                      [(H)] (L) a corporation.
              [(2)] (3) Forest management activity.--The term
            ``forest management activity'' means a project carried
            out by the Secretary on National Forest System land.
              [(3)] (4) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan''
            means a land management plan prepared by the Forest
            Service for a unit of the National Forest System
            pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland
            Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
            1604).
              [(4)] (5) Non-federal partner.--The term ``non-
            Federal partner'' means an end water user with whom the
            Secretary has entered into a partnership agreement
            under subsection (c)(1).
              [(5)] (6) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the
            Water Source Protection Program established under
            subsection (b).
              [(6)] (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means
            the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief
            of the Forest Service.
              [(7)] (8) Water source management plan.--The term
            ``water source management plan'' means the water source
            management plan developed under subsection (d)(1).
      (b) Establishment.--[The Secretary shall]
              (1) In general._The Secretary shall  establish and
            maintain a program, to be known as the ``Water Source
            Protection Program'', to carry out watershed protection
            and restoration projects on National Forest System
            land.
              (2) Requirements.--A watershed protection and
            restoration project under the Program shall be designed
            to--
                      (A) protect and restore watershed health,
                    water supply and quality, a municipal or
                    agricultural water supply system, and water-
                    related infrastructure;
                      (B) protect and restore forest health from
                    insect infestation and disease or wildfire; or
                      (C) advance any combination of the purposes
                    described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
              (3) Priorities.--In selecting watershed protection
            and restoration projects under the Program, the
            Secretary shall give priority to projects that--
                      (A) provide risk management benefits
                    associated with drought; wildfire; post-
                    wildfire conditions; extreme weather; flooding;
                    resilience to climate change; and watershed and
                    fire resilience, including minimizing risks to
                    watershed health, water supply and quality, and
                    water-related infrastructure, including
                    municipal and agricultural water supply
                    systems;
                      (B) support aquatic restoration and
                    conservation efforts that complement existing
                    or planned forest restoration or wildfire risk
                    reduction efforts; or
                      (C) provide quantifiable benefits to water
                    supply or quality and include the use of
                    nature-based solutions, such as restoring
                    wetland and riparian ecosystems.
              (4) Conditions for projects on adjacent land.--
                      (A) In general.--No project or activity may
                    be carried out under this section on adjacent
                    land unless the owner of the adjacent land
                    agrees in writing that the owner is a willing
                    and engaged partner in carrying out that
                    project or activity.
                      (B) Effect.--Nothing in this section shall be
                    construed to authorize any change in--
                              (i) the ownership of adjacent land on
                            which a project or activity is carried
                            out under this section; or
                              (ii) the management of adjacent land
                            on which a project or activity is
                            carried out under this section, except
                            during the carrying out of that project
                            or activity.
      (c) Water Source Investment Partnerships.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
            Secretary may enter into water source investment
            partnership agreements with end water users to protect
            and restore the condition of National Forest
            [watersheds that provide water to the end water users.]
            watersheds, and lands adjacent to any such watershed,
            that provide water--
                      (A) to the end water users subject to the
                    agreement; or
                      (B) for the benefit of another end water
                    user.
              (2) Form.--A partnership agreement described in
            paragraph (1) may take the form of--
                      (A) a memorandum of understanding;
                      (B) a cost-share or collection agreement;
                      (C) a long-term funding matching commitment;
                    [or]
                      (D) a good neighbor agreement entered into
                    under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of
                    2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); or
                      [(D)] (E) another appropriate instrument, as
                    determined by the Secretary.
              (3) Cooperation with non-federal partners.--The
            Secretary shall cooperate with non-Federal partners in
            carrying out assessments, planning, project design, and
            project implementation under this section.
      (d) Water Source Management Plan.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
            Secretary, in cooperation with the non-Federal partners
            and applicable State, local, and Tribal governments,
            may develop a water source management plan that
            describes the proposed implementation of watershed
            protection and restoration projects under the Program.
              [(2) Requirement.--A water source management plan
            shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the
            forest plan applicable to the National Forest System
            land on which the watershed protection and restoration
            project is carried out.]
              (2) Requirements.--A water source management plan
            shall be--
                      (A) designed to protect and restore
                    ecological integrity (as defined in section
                    219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations
                    (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
                    subparagraph));
                      (B) based on the best available scientific
                    information; and
                      (C) conducted in a manner consistent with the
                    forest plan applicable to the National Forest
                    System land on which the watershed protection
                    and restoration project is carried out.
              (3) Environmental analysis.--The Secretary may
            conduct a single environmental impact statement or
            similar analysis required under the National
            Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
            seq.)--
                      (A) for each watershed protection and
                    restoration project included in the water
                    source management plan; or
                      (B) as part of the development of, or after
                    the finalization of, the water source
                    management plan.
              (4) Reducing redundancy.--An existing watershed plan,
            such as a watershed protection and restoration action
            plan developed under section 304(a)(3), or other
            applicable watershed planning documents as approved by
            the Secretary may be used as the basis for a water
            source management plan under this subsection.
      (e) Forest Management Activities.--
              (1) In general.--To the extent that forest management
            activities are necessary to protect, maintain, or
            enhance water quality, and in accordance with paragraph
            (2), the Secretary shall carry out forest management
            activities as part of watershed protection and
            restoration projects carried out on National Forest
            System land, with the primary purpose of advancing any
            of the purposes described in subsection (b)(2).
            [primary purpose of--]
                      [(A) protecting a municipal water supply
                    system;
                      [(B) restoring forest health from insect
                    infestations and disease; or
                      [(C) any combination of the purposes
                    described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).]
              (2) Compliance.--The Secretary shall carry out forest
            management activities under paragraph (1) in accordance
            with--
                      (A) this Act;
                      (B) the applicable water source management
                    plan;
                      (C) the applicable forest plan; and
                      (D) other applicable laws.
      (f) Endangered Species Act of 1973.--In carrying out the
    Program, the Secretary may use the Manual on Adaptive
    Management of the Department of the Interior, including any
    associated guidance, to comply with the Endangered Species Act
    of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
      (g) Funds and Services.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
            Secretary may accept and use funding, services, and
            other forms of investment and assistance from non-
            Federal partners to implement the water source
            management plan.
              [(2) Matching funds required.--The Secretary shall
            require the contribution of funds or in-kind support
            from non-Federal partners to be in an amount that is at
            least equal to the amount of Federal funds.]
              (2) Matching funds required.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
                    the Secretary shall require the contribution of
                    funds or in-kind support from non-Federal
                    partners to be in an amount that is not less
                    than 50 percent of the amount of Federal funds.
                      (B) Waiver.--The requirement in subparagraph
                    (A) may be waived at the discretion of the
                    Secretary.
              (3) Manner of use.--The Secretary may accept and use
            investments described in paragraph (1) directly or
            indirectly through the National Forest Foundation.
              (4) Water source protection fund.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to the availability
                    of appropriations, the Secretary may establish
                    a Water Source Protection Fund to match funds
                    or in-kind support contributed by non-Federal
                    partners under paragraph (1).
                      (B) Use of appropriated funds.--There is
                    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
                    section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    [2019 through 2023] 2027 through 2031.
                      (C) Partnership agreements.--The Secretary
                    may make multiyear commitments, if necessary,
                    to implement 1 or more partnership agreements
                    under subsection (c).
                      (D) Set-aside for partner participation in
                    planning and technical assistance.--Of the
                    amounts made available under subparagraph (B)
                    to carry out this section for each fiscal year,
                    the Secretary may not use more than 10 percent
                    for non-Federal partner planning and technical
                    assistance efforts in developing or
                    implementing a water source management plan
                    under subsection (d).

    SEC. 304. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through
    the Chief of the Forest Service (referred to in this section as
    the ``Secretary''), may establish and maintain a Watershed
    Condition Framework for National Forest System land--
              (1) to evaluate and classify the condition of
            watersheds, taking into consideration--
                      (A) water quality and quantity;
                      (B) aquatic habitat and biota;
                      (C) riparian and wetland vegetation;
                      (D) the presence of roads and trails;
                      (E) soil type and condition;
                      (F) groundwater-dependent ecosystems;
                      (G) relevant terrestrial indicators, such as
                    fire regime, risk of catastrophic fire, forest
                    and rangeland vegetation, invasive species, and
                    insects and disease; and
                      (H) other significant factors, as determined
                    by the Secretary;
              (2) to identify for protection and restoration up to
            5 priority watersheds in each National Forest, and up
            to 2 priority watersheds in each national grassland,
            taking into consideration the impact of the condition
            of the watershed condition on--
                      (A) wildfire behavior;
                      (B) flood risk;
                      (C) fish and wildlife;
                      (D) drinking water supplies;
                      (E) irrigation water supplies;
                      (F) forest-dependent communities; and
                      (G) other significant impacts, as determined
                    by the Secretary;
              (3) to develop a watershed [protection and]
            restoration action plan for each priority watershed
            that--
                      (A) takes into account existing restoration
                    activities being implemented in the watershed;
                    and
                      (B) includes, at a minimum--
                              (i) the major stressors responsible
                            for the impaired condition of the
                            watershed;
                              (ii) a set of essential projects
                            that, once completed, will address the
                            identified stressors and improve
                            watershed conditions;
                              (iii) a proposed implementation
                            schedule;
                              (iv) potential partners and funding
                            sources; and
                              (v) a monitoring and evaluation
                            program;
              (4) to prioritize protection and restoration
            activities for each watershed restoration action plan;
              (5) to implement each watershed [protection and]
            restoration action plan; and
              (6) to monitor the effectiveness of protection and
            restoration actions and indicators of watershed health.
      (b) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
    Secretary shall--
              (1) coordinate with interested non-Federal landowners
            and State, Tribal, and local governments within the
            relevant watershed; and
              (2) provide for an active and ongoing public
            engagement process.
      (c) Emergency Designation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of
    subsection (a), the Secretary may identify a watershed as a
    priority for rehabilitation in the Watershed Condition
    Framework without using the process described in that
    subsection if a Forest Supervisor determines that--
              (1) a wildfire has significantly diminished the
            condition of the watershed; and
              (2) the emergency stabilization activities of the
            Burned Area Emergency Response Team are insufficient to
            return the watershed to proper function.

    TITLE IV--INSECT INFESTATIONS AND RELATED DISEASES

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 406. TERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS.

      The authority provided by this title terminates effective
    [October 1, 2023] October 1, 2031.

                   [TITLE V--HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM

    [SEC. 501. ESTABLISHMENT OF HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM.

      [(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
    establish the healthy forests reserve program for the purpose
    of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems--
              [(1) to promote the recovery of threatened and
            endangered species;
              [(2) to improve biodiversity;
              [(3) to conserve forest land that provides habitat
            for species described in section 502(b); and
              [(4) to enhance carbon sequestration.
      [(b) Coordination.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry
    out the healthy forests reserve program in coordination with
    the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce.

    [SEC. 502. ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT OF LANDS IN PROGRAM.

      [(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in
    coordination with the Secretary of the Interior and the
    Secretary of Commerce, shall describe and define forest
    ecosystems that are eligible for enrollment in the healthy
    forests reserve program.
      [(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for enrollment in the
    healthy forests reserve program, land shall be private forest
    land, or private land being restored to forest land, the
    enrollment of which will maintain, restore, enhance, or
    otherwise measurably--
              [(1) increase the likelihood of recovery of a species
            that is listed as endangered or threatened under
            section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
            U.S.C. 1533); or
              [(2) improve the well-being of a species that--
                      [(A) is--
                              [(i) not listed as endangered or
                            threatened under such section; and
                              [(ii) a candidate for such listing, a
                            State-listed species, or a special
                            concern species; or
                      [(B) is deemed a species of greatest
                    conservation need by a State wildlife action
                    plan.
      [(c) Other Considerations.--In enrolling land that satisfies
    the criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture
    shall give additional consideration to land the enrollment of
    which will--
              [(1) improve biological diversity;
              [(2) conserve forest land that provides habitat for
            species described in subsection (b); and
              [(3) increase carbon sequestration.
      [(d) Enrollment by Willing Owners.--The Secretary of
    Agriculture shall enroll land in the healthy forests reserve
    program only with the consent of the owner of the land.
      [(e) Methods of Enrollment.--
              [(1) Authorized methods.--Land may be enrolled in the
            healthy forests reserve program in accordance with--
                      [(A) a 10-year cost-share agreement;
                      [(B) a 30-year easement; or
                      [(C)(i) a permanent easement; or
                      [(ii) in a State that imposes a maximum
                    duration for easements, an easement for the
                    maximum duration allowed under State law.
              [(2) Acreage owned by indian tribes.--
                      [(A) Definition of acreage owned by Indian
                    tribes.--In this paragraph, the term ``acreage
                    owned by Indian tribes'' includes--
                              [(i) land that is held in trust by
                            the United States for Indian tribes or
                            individual Indians;
                              [(ii) land, the title to which is
                            held by Indian tribes or individual
                            Indians subject to Federal restrictions
                            against alienation or encumbrance;
                              [(iii) land that is subject to rights
                            of use, occupancy, and benefit of
                            certain Indian tribes;
                              [(iv) land that is held in fee title
                            by an Indian tribe; or
                              [(v) land that is owned by a native
                            corporation formed under section 17 of
                            the Act of June 18, 1934 (commonly
                            known as the ``Indian Reorganization
                            Act'') (25 U.S.C. 477) or section 8 of
                            the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
                            (43 U.S.C. 1607); or
                              [(vi) a combination of 1 or more
                            types of land described in clauses (i)
                            through (v).
                      [(B) Enrollment of acreage.--In the case of
                    acreage owned by an Indian tribe, the Secretary
                    may enroll acreage into the healthy forests
                    reserve program through the use of--
                              [(i) a 30-year contract (the value of
                            which shall be equivalent to the value
                            of a 30-year easement);
                              [(ii) a 10-year cost-share agreement;
                              [(iii) a permanent easement; or
                              [(iv) any combination of the options
                            described in clauses (i) through (iii).
      [(f) Enrollment Priority.--
              [(1) Species.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
            give priority to the enrollment of land that provides
            the greatest conservation benefit to--
                      [(A) primarily, species listed as endangered
                    or threatened under section 4 of the Endangered
                    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
                      [(B) secondarily, species that--
                              [(i) are not listed as endangered or
                            threatened under section 4 of the
                            Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
                            U.S.C. 1533); but
                              [(ii)(I) are candidates for such
                            listing, State-listed species, or
                            special concern species; or
                              [(II) are deemed a species of
                            greatest conservation need under a
                            State wildlife action plan.
              [(2) Cost-effectiveness.--The Secretary of
            Agriculture shall also consider the cost-effectiveness
            of each agreement or easement, and associated
            restoration plans, so as to maximize the environmental
            benefits per dollar expended.
      [(g) Easement Modification or Termination.--
              [(1) In general.--The Secretary may modify or
            terminate an easement or other interest in land
            administered by the Secretary under this title if--
                      [(A) the owner of the land agrees to the
                    modification or termination; and
                      [(B) the Secretary determines that the
                    modification or termination--
                              [(i) will address a compelling public
                            need for which there is no practicable
                            alternative; and
                              [(ii) is in the public interest.
              [(2) Consideration; conditions.--
                      [(A) Termination.--As consideration for
                    termination of an easement or other interest in
                    land under this subsection, the Secretary shall
                    enter into a compensatory arrangement, as the
                    Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                      [(B) Modification.--In the case of a
                    modification of an easement or other interest
                    in land under this subsection--
                              [(i) as a condition of the
                            modification, the owner of the land
                            shall enter into a compensatory
                            arrangement, as the Secretary
                            determines to be appropriate, to incur
                            the costs of modification; and
                              [(ii) the Secretary shall ensure
                            that--
                                      [(I) the modification will
                                    not adversely affect the forest
                                    ecosystem functions and values
                                    for which the easement or other
                                    interest in land was acquired;
                                      [(II) any adverse impacts
                                    will be mitigated by enrollment
                                    and restoration of other land
                                    that provides greater forest
                                    ecosystem functions and values
                                    at no additional cost to the
                                    Federal Government; and
                                      [(III) the modification will
                                    result in equal or greater
                                    environmental and economic
                                    values to the United States.

    [SEC. 503. RESTORATION PLANS.

      [(a) In General.--Land enrolled in the healthy forests
    reserve program shall be subject to a restoration plan, to be
    developed jointly by the landowner and the Secretary of
    Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of the
    Interior.
      [(b) Practices.--The restoration plan shall require such
    restoration practices and measures as are necessary to restore
    and enhance habitat for species described in section 502(b),
    including the following:
              [(1) Land management practices.
              [(2) Vegetative treatments.
              [(3) Structural practices and measures.
              [(4) Practices to increase carbon sequestration.
              [(5) Practices to improve biological diversity.
              [(6) Other practices and measures.

    [SEC. 504. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

      [(a) Permanent Easements.--In the case of land enrolled in
    the healthy forests reserve program using a permanent easement
    (or an easement described in section 502(f)(1)(C)(ii)), the
    Secretary of Agriculture shall pay the owner of the land an
    amount equal to not less than 75 percent, nor more than 100
    percent, of (as determined by the Secretary)--
              [(1) the fair market value of the enrolled land
            during the period the land is subject to the easement,
            less the fair market value of the land encumbered by
            the easement; and
              [(2) the actual costs of the approved conservation
            practices or the average cost of approved practices
            carried out on the land during the period in which the
            land is subject to the easement.
      [(b) Thirty-Year Easement.--In the case of land enrolled in
    the healthy forests reserve program using a 30-year easement,
    the Secretary of Agriculture shall pay the owner of the land an
    amount equal to not more than (as determined by the
    Secretary)--
              [(1) 75 percent of the fair market value of the land,
            less the fair market value of the land encumbered by
            the easement; and
              [(2) 75 percent of the actual costs of the approved
            conservation practices or 75 percent of the average
            cost of approved practices.
      [(c) Ten-Year Agreement.--In the case of land enrolled in the
    healthy forests reserve program using a 10-year cost-share
    agreement, the Secretary of Agriculture shall pay the owner of
    the land an amount equal to not more than (as determined by the
    Secretary)--
              [(1) fifty percent of the actual costs of the
            approved conservation practices; or
              [(2) fifty percent of the average cost of approved
            practices.
      [(d) Acceptance of Contributions.--The Secretary of
    Agriculture may accept and use contributions of non-Federal
    funds to make payments under this section.

    [SEC. 505. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

      [(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide
    landowners with technical assistance to assist the owners in
    complying with the terms of plans (as included in agreements or
    easements) under the healthy forests reserve program.
      [(b) Technical Service Providers.--The Secretary of
    Agriculture may request the services of, and enter into
    cooperative agreements with, individuals or entities certified
    as technical service providers under section 1242 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842), to assist the Secretary
    in providing technical assistance necessary to develop and
    implement the healthy forests reserve program.

    [SEC. 506. PROTECTIONS AND MEASURES.

      [(a) Protections.--In the case of a landowner that enrolls
    land in the program and whose conservation activities result in
    a net conservation benefit for listed, candidate, or other
    species, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to
    the landowner safe harbor or similar assurances and protection
    under--
              [(1) section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered Species Act of
            1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or
              [(2) section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 U.S.C.
            1539(a)(1)).
      [(b) Measures.--If protection under subsection (a) requires
    the taking of measures that are in addition to the measures
    covered by the applicable restoration plan agreed to under
    section 503, the cost of the additional measures, as well as
    the cost of any permit, shall be considered part of the
    restoration plan for purposes of financial assistance under
    section 504.

    [SEC. 507. INVOLVEMENT BY OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS.

       [In carrying out this title, the Secretary of Agriculture
    may consult with--
              [(1) nonindustrial private forest landowners;
              [(2) other Federal agencies;
              [(3) State fish and wildlife agencies;
              [(4) State forestry agencies;
              [(5) State environmental quality agencies;
              [(6) other State conservation agencies; and
              [(7) nonprofit conservation organizations.

    [SEC. 508. FUNDING.

      [(a) Fiscal Years 2009 through 2013.--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) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out
    this section $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
    2023.
      [(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.
      [(d) Duration of Availability.--The funds made available
    under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.]

    TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 602. DESIGNATION OF TREATMENT AREAS.

      (a) Definition of Declining Forest Health.--In this section,
    the term ``declining forest health'' means a forest that is
    experiencing--
              (1) substantially increased tree mortality due to
            insect or disease infestation; or
              (2) dieback due to infestation or defoliation by
            insects or disease.
      (b) Designation of Treatment Areas.--
              (1) Initial areas.--Not later than 60 days after the
            date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the
            Secretary shall, if requested by the Governor of the
            State, designate as part of an insect and disease
            treatment program 1 or more landscape-scale areas, such
            as subwatersheds (sixth-level hydrologic units,
            according to the System of Hydrologic Unit Codes of the
            United States Geological Survey), in at least 1
            national forest in each State that is experiencing an
            insect or disease epidemic.
              (2) Additional areas.--After the end of the 60-day
            period described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may
            designate additional landscape-scale areas under this
            section as needed to address insect or disease threats.
      (c) Requirements.--To be designated a landscape-scale area
    under subsection (b), the area shall be--
              (1) experiencing declining forest health, based on
            annual forest health surveys conducted by the
            Secretary;
              (2) at risk of experiencing substantially increased
            tree mortality over the next 15 years due to insect or
            disease infestation, based on the most recent National
            Insect and Disease Risk Map published by the Forest
            Service; or
              (3) in an area in which the risk of hazard trees
            poses an imminent risk to public infrastructure,
            health, or safety.
      (d) Treatment of Areas.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out priority
            projects on Federal land in the areas designated under
            subsection (b)--
                      (A) to reduce the risk or extent of, or
                    increase the resilience to, insect or disease
                    infestation; or
                      (B) to reduce hazardous fuels.
              (2) Authority.--Any project under paragraph (1) for
            which a public notice to initiate scoping is issued on
            or before September 30, [2023] 2031, may be carried out
            in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) of
            section 102, and sections 104, 105, and 106.
              (3) Effect.--Projects carried out under this
            subsection shall be considered authorized hazardous
            fuel reduction projects for purposes of the authorities
            described in paragraph (2).
              (4) Report.--
                      (A) In general.--In accordance with the
                    schedule described in subparagraph (B), the
                    Secretary shall issue 2 reports on actions
                    taken to carry out this subsection, including--
                              (i) an evaluation of the progress
                            towards project goals; and
                              (ii) recommendations for
                            modifications to the projects and
                            management treatments.
                      (B) Schedule.--The Secretary shall--
                              (i) not earlier than September 30,
                            2018, issue the initial report under
                            subparagraph (A); and
                              (ii) not earlier than September 30,
                            2024, issue the second report under
                            that subparagraph.
      (e) Tree Retention.--The Secretary shall carry out projects
    under subsection (d) in a manner that maximizes the retention
    of old-growth and large trees, as appropriate for the forest
    type, to the extent that the trees promote stands that are
    resilient to insects and disease.

    SEC. 603. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW.

      (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (d), a
    project described in subsection (b) that is conducted in
    accordance with section 602(d) may be--
              (1) considered an action categorically excluded from
            the requirements of Public Law 91-190 (42 U.S.C. 4321
            et seq.); and
              (2) exempt from the special administrative review
            process under section 105.
      (b) Collaborative Restoration Project.--
              (1) In general.--A project referred to in subsection
            (a) is a project to carry out forest restoration
            treatments that--
                      (A) maximizes the retention of old-growth and
                    large trees, as appropriate for the forest
                    type, to the extent that the trees promote
                    stands that are resilient to insects and
                    disease;
                      (B) considers the best available scientific
                    information to maintain or restore the
                    ecological integrity, including maintaining or
                    restoring structure, function, composition, and
                    connectivity; and
                      (C) is developed and implemented through a
                    collaborative process that--
                              (i) includes multiple interested
                            persons representing diverse interests;
                            and
                              (ii)(I) is transparent and
                            nonexclusive; or
                              (II) meets the requirements for a
                            resource advisory committee under
                            subsections (c) through (f) of section
                            205 of the Secure Rural Schools and
                            Community Self-Determination Act of
                            2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125).
              (2) Inclusion.--A project under this subsection may
            carry out part of a proposal that complies with the
            eligibility requirements of the Collaborative Forest
            Landscape Restoration Program under section 4003(b) of
            the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16
            U.S.C. 7303(b)).
      (c) Limitations.--
              (1) Project size.--A project under this section may
            not exceed [3000 acres] 10,000 acres.
              (2) Location.--A project under this section shall be
            limited to areas--
                      (A) in the wildland-urban interface; or
                      (B) Condition Classes 2 or 3 in Fire Regime
                    Groups I, II, or III, outside the wildland-
                    urban interface.
              (3) Roads.--
                      (A) Permanent roads.--
                              (i) Prohibition on establishment.--A
                            project under this section shall not
                            include the establishment of permanent
                            roads.
                              (ii) Existing roads.--The Secretary
                            may carry out necessary maintenance and
                            repairs on existing permanent roads for
                            the purposes of this section.
                      (B) Temporary roads.--The Secretary shall
                    decommission any temporary road constructed
                    under a project under this section not later
                    than 3 years after the date on which the
                    project is completed.
      (d) Exclusions.--This section does not apply to--
              (1) a component of the National Wilderness
            Preservation System;
              (2) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or
            Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
            restricted or prohibited;
              (3) a congressionally designated wilderness study
            area; or
              (4) an area in which activities under subsection (a)
            would be inconsistent with the applicable land and
            resource management plan.
      (e) Forest Management Plans.--All projects and activities
    carried out under this section 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 projects and activities.
      (f) Public Notice and Scoping.--The Secretary shall conduct
    public notice and scoping for any project or action proposed in
    accordance with this section.
      (g) Accountability.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall prepare an
            annual report on the use of categorical exclusions
            under this section that includes a description of all
            acres (or other appropriate unit) treated through
            projects carried out under this section.
              (2) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after the date
            of enactment of this section, and each year thereafter,
            the Secretary shall submit the reports required under
            paragraph (1) to--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
                    and Forestry of the Senate;
                      (B) the Committee on Environment and Public
                    Works of the Senate;
                      (C) the Committee on Agriculture of the House
                    of Representatives;
                      (D) the Committee on Natural Resources of the
                    House of Representatives; and
                      (E) the Government Accountability Office.

    SEC. 604. STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING PROJECTS.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Chief.--The term ``Chief'' means the Chief of the
            Forest Service.
              (2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
            Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
      (b) Projects.--The Chief and the Director, 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, including retaining and expanding
    existing forest products infrastructure necessary to carry out
    an agreement or contract under this subsection.
      (c) Land Management Goals.--The land management goals of a
    project under subsection (b) may include any of the following:
              (1) Road and trail maintenance or obliteration to
            restore or maintain water quality.
              (2) Soil productivity, habitat for wildlife and
            fisheries, or other resource values.
              (3) Setting of prescribed fires to improve the
            composition, structure, condition, and health of stands
            or to improve wildlife habitat.
              (4) Removing vegetation or other activities to
            promote healthy forest stands, reduce fire hazards, or
            achieve other land management objectives.
              (5) Watershed restoration and maintenance.
              (6) Restoration and maintenance of wildlife and fish.
              (7) Control of noxious and exotic weeds and
            reestablishing native plant species.
      (d) Agreements or Contracts.--
              (1) Procurement procedure.--A source for performance
            of an agreement or contract under subsection (b) shall
            be selected on a best-value basis, including
            consideration of source under other public and private
            agreements or contracts.
              (2) Contract for sale of property.--A contract
            entered into under this section may, at the discretion
            of the Secretary of Agriculture, be considered a
            contract for the sale of property under such terms as
            the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other
            provision of law.
              (3) Term.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), the Chief and the Director
                    may enter into a contract under subsection (b)
                    in accordance with section 3903 of title 41,
                    United States Code.
                      (B) Maximum.--The period of the contract
                    under subsection (b) may exceed 5 years but may
                    not exceed [10 years] 20 years.
              (4) Offsets.--
                      (A) In general.--The Chief and the Director
                    may apply the value of timber or other forest
                    products removed as an offset against the cost
                    of services received under the agreement or
                    contract described in subsection (b).
                      (B) Methods of appraisal.--The value of
                    timber or other forest products used as an
                    offset under subparagraph (A)--
                              (i) shall be determined using
                            appropriate methods of appraisal
                            commensurate with the quantity of
                            products to be removed; and
                              (ii) may--
                                      (I) be determined using a
                                    unit of measure appropriate to
                                    the contracts; and
                                      (II) may include valuing
                                    products on a per-acre basis.
              (5) Relation to other laws.--Notwithstanding
            subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National
            Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a), the
            Chief may enter into an agreement or contract under
            subsection (b). Notwithstanding the Materials Act of
            1947 (30 U.S.C. 602(a)),the Director may enter into an
            agreement or contract undersubsection (b).
              (6) Contracting officer.--Notwithstanding any other
            provision of law, the Secretary or the Secretary of the
            Interior may determine the appropriate contracting
            officer to enter into and administer an agreement or
            contract under subsection (b).
              (7) Fire liability provisions.--Not later than 90
            days after the date of enactment of this section, the
            Chief shall issue for use in all contracts and
            agreements under this section fire liability provisions
            that are in substantially the same form as the fire
            liability provisions contained in--
                      (A) integrated resource timber contracts, as
                    described in the Forest Service contract
                    numbered 2400-13, part H, section H.4; and
                      (B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant
                    to section 14 of the National Forest Management
                    Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a).
      (e) Receipts.--
              (1) In general.--The Chief and the Director may
            collect monies from an agreement or contract under
            subsection (b) if the collection is a secondary
            objective of negotiating the contract that will best
            achieve the purposes of this section.
              (2) Use.--Monies from an agreement or contract under
            subsection (b)--
                      (A) may be retained by the Chief and the
                    Director; and
                      (B) shall be available for expenditure
                    without further appropriation at the project
                    site from which the monies are collected or at
                    another project site.
              (3) Relation to other laws.--
                      (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
                    provision of law, the value of services
                    received by the Chief or the Director under a
                    stewardship contract project conducted under
                    this section, and any payments made or
                    resources provided by the contractor, Chief, or
                    Director shall not be considered monies
                    received from the National Forest System or the
                    public lands.
                      (B) Knutson-vanderberg Act.--The Act of June
                    9, 1930 (commonly known as the ``Knutson-
                    Vanderberg Act'') (16 U.S.C. 576 et seq.) shall
                    not apply to any agreement or contract under
                    subsection (b).
      (f) Costs of Removal.--Notwithstanding the fact that a
    contractor did not harvest the timber, the Chief may collect
    deposits from a contractor covering the costs of removal of
    timber or other forest products under--
              (1) the Act of August 11, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 490); and
              (2) the Act of June 30, 1914 (16 U.S.C. 498).
      (g) Performance and Payment Guarantees.--
              (1) In general.--The Chief and the Director may
            require performance and payment bonds under sections
            28.103-2 and 28.103-3 of the Federal Acquisition
            Regulation, in an amount that the contracting officer
            considers sufficient to protect the investment in
            receipts by the Federal Government generated by the
            contractor from the estimated value of the forest
            products to be removed under a contract under
            subsection (b).
              (2) Excess offset value.--If the offset value of the
            forest products exceeds the value of the resource
            improvement treatments, the Chief and the Director
            may--
                      (A) use the excess to satisfy any outstanding
                    liabilities for cancelled agreements or
                    contracts; or
                      (B) if there are no outstanding liabilities
                    described in subparagraph (A), apply the excess
                    to other authorized stewardship projects.
      (h) Cancellation Ceilings.--
              (1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 3903(b)(1)
            of title 41, United States Code, the Chief and the
            Director may obligate funds in stages that are
            economically or programmatically viable to cover any
            potential cancellation or termination costs for an
            agreement or contract under subsection (b).
              (2) Advance notice to congress of cancellation
            ceiling in excess of $25,000,000.--Not later than 30
            days before entering into a multiyear agreement or
            contract under subsection (b) that includes a
            cancellation ceiling in excess of $25,000,000, but does
            not include proposed funding for the costs of
            cancelling the agreement or contract up to that
            cancellation ceiling, the Chief or the Director, as
            applicable, shall submit to the Committee on Energy and
            Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture,
            Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee
            on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture
            of the House of Representatives a written notice that
            includes--
                      (A) a description of the cancellation ceiling
                    amounts proposed for each program year in the
                    agreement or contract;
                      (B) the reasons why the cancellation ceiling
                    amounts described under subparagraph (A) were
                    selected;
                      (C) a description of the extent to which the
                    costs of contract cancellation are not included
                    in the budget for the agreement or contract;
                    and
                      (D) an assessment of the financial risk of
                    not including budgeting for the costs of
                    agreement or contract cancellation.
              (3) Transmittal of notice to omb.--Not later than 14
            days after the date on which written notice is provided
            under paragraph (2), the Chief or the Director, as
            appropriate, shall transmit a copy of the notice to the
            Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
              (4) Special rule for long-term stewardship
            contracts.--
                      (A) Definition of multiyear contract.--In
                    this paragraph, the term ``multiyear contract''
                    means a contract entered into under subsection
                    (b) that--
                              (i) has a term of at least 5 years;
                            and
                              (ii) is entered into on or after the
                            date of enactment of this paragraph.
                      (B) Special rule.--A multiyear contract
                    entered into under subsection (b) by the Chief
                    or the Director with an entity shall provide
                    that, in the case of cancellation or
                    termination of the multiyear contract by the
                    Chief or the Director, the Chief or the
                    Director, as applicable, shall provide to the
                    entity a cancellation or termination payment
                    equal to the lesser of--
                              (i) an amount equal to 10 percent of
                            the multiyear contract; or
                              (ii) the amount of unrecovered costs
                            that would have been recouped through
                            amortization over the full term of the
                            contract (including the term canceled).
      (i) Monitoring and Evaluation.--
              (1) In general.--The Chief and the Director shall
            establish a multiparty monitoring and evaluation
            process that accesses the stewardship contracting
            projects conducted under this section.
              (2) Participants.--Other than the Chief and Director,
            participants in the process described in paragraph (1)
            may include--
                      (A) any cooperating governmental agencies,
                    including tribal governments; and
                      (B) any other interested groups or
                    individuals.
      (j) Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Chief
    and the Director shall submit to the congressional committees
    described in subsection (h)(2) a report on--
              (1) the status of development, execution, and
            administration of agreements or contracts under
            subsection (b);
              (2) the specific accomplishments that have resulted;
            and
              (3) the role of local communities in the development
            of agreements or contract plans.

    SEC. 605. WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROJECTS.

      (a) In General.--Hazardous fuels reduction projects, as
    defined in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6511(2)) may be--
              (1) carried out in accordance with subsections (b),
            (c), and (d) of section 102 and sections 104 and 105;
              (2) considered an action categorically excluded from
            the requirements of Public Law 91-190 (42 U.S.C. 4321
            et seq.); and
              (3) exempt from the special administrative review
            process under section 105.
      (b) Collaborative Restoration Project--
              (1) In general--A project referred to in subsection
            (a) is a project to carry out forest restoration
            treatments that--
                      (A) maximizes the retention of old-growth and
                    large trees, as appropriate for the forest
                    type, to the extent that the trees promote
                    stands that are resilient to insects and
                    disease, and reduce the risk or extent of, or
                    increase the resilience to, wildfires;
                      (B) considers the best available scientific
                    information to maintain or restore the
                    ecological integrity, including maintaining or
                    restoring structure, function, composition, and
                    connectivity; and
                      (C) is developed and implemented through a
                    collaborative process that--
                              (i) includes multiple interested
                            persons representing diverse interests;
                            and
                              (ii)(I) is transparent and
                            nonexclusive; or
                                      (II) meets the requirements
                                    for a resource advisory
                                    committee under subsections (c)
                                    through (f) of section 205 of
                                    the Secure Rural Schools and
                                    Community Self-Determination
                                    Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125).
              (2) Inclusion--A project under this subsection may
            carry out part of a proposal that complies with the
            eligibility requirements of the Collaborative Forest
            Landscape Restoration Program under section 4003(b) of
            the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16
            U.S.C. 7303(b)).
      (c) Limitations--
              (1) Project size--A project under this section may
            not exceed [3000 acres] 10,000 acres.
              (2) Location--A project under this section shall be--
                      (A) Prioritized within the wildland-urban
                    interface;
                      (B) If located outside the wildland-urban
                    interface, limited to areas within Condition
                    Classes 2 or 3 in Fire Regime Groups I, II, or
                    III that contain very high wildfire hazard
                    potential; and
                      (C) Limited to areas designated under section
                    602(b) as of the date of enactment of this Act.
              (3) Roads--
                      (A) Permanent roads--
                              (i) Prohibition on establishment--A
                            project under this section shall not
                            include the establishment of permanent
                            roads.
                              (ii) Existing roads--The Secretary
                            may carry out necessary maintenance and
                            repairs on existing permanent roads for
                            the purposes of this section.
                      (B) Temporary roads--The Secretary shall
                    decommission any temporary road constructed
                    under a project under this section not later
                    than 3 years after the date on which the
                    project is completed.
              (4) Extraordinary circumstances--The Secretary shall
            apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures under
            section 220.6 of title 36, code of Federal regulations
            (or successor regulations), when using the categorical
            exclusion under this section.
      (d) Exclusions--This section does not apply to--
              (1) a component of the National Wilderness
            Preservation System;
              (2) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or
            Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
            restricted or prohibited;
              (3) a congressionally designated wilderness study
            area; or
              (4) an area in which activities under subsection (a)
            would be inconsistent with the applicable land and
            resource management plan.
      (e) Forest Management Plans--All projects and activities
    carried out under this section 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 projects and activities.
      (f) Public Notice and Scoping--The Secretary shall conduct
    public notice and scoping for any project or action proposed in
    accordance with this section.
      (g) Accountability--
              (1) In general--The Secretary shall prepare an annual
            report on the use of categorical exclusions under this
            section that includes a description of all acres (or
            other appropriate unit) treated through projects
            carried out under this section.
              (2) Submission--Not later than 1 year after the date
            of enactment of this section, and each year thereafter,
            the Secretary shall submit the reports required under
            paragraph (1) to--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
                    and Forestry of the Senate;
                      (B) the Committee on Environment and Public
                    Works of the Senate;
                      (C) the Committee on Agriculture of the House
                    of Representatives;
                      (D) the Committee on Natural Resources of the
                    House of Representatives; and
                      (E) the Government Accountability Office.

    SEC. 606. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND MULE DEER
                        HABITAT.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Covered vegetation management activity.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``covered
                    vegetation management activity'' means any
                    activity described in subparagraph (B) that--
                              (i)(I) is carried out on National
                            Forest System land administered by the
                            Forest Service; or
                              (II) is carried out on public land
                            administered by the Bureau of Land
                            Management;
                              [(ii) with respect to public land,
                            meets the objectives of the order of
                            the Secretary of the Interior numbered
                            3336 and dated January 5, 2015;]
                              [(iii)] (ii) conforms to an
                            applicable forest plan or land use
                            plan;
                              [(iv)] (iii) protects, restores, or
                            improves greater sage-grouse or mule
                            deer habitat [in a sagebrush steppe
                            ecosystem] as described in--
                                      (I) Circular 1416 of the
                                    United States Geological Survey
                                    entitled ``Restoration Handbook
                                    for Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystems
                                    with Emphasis on Greater Sage-
                                    Grouse Habitat--Part 1.
                                    Concepts for Understanding and
                                    Applying Restoration'' (2015);
                                    or
                                      (II) the habitat guidelines
                                    for mule deer published by the
                                    Mule Deer Working Group of the
                                    Western Association of Fish and
                                    Wildlife Agencies;
                              [(v)] (iv) will not permanently
                            impair--
                                      (I) the natural state of the
                                    treated area;
                                      (II) outstanding
                                    opportunities for solitude;
                                      (III) outstanding
                                    opportunities for primitive,
                                    unconfined recreation;
                                      (IV) economic opportunities
                                    consistent with multiple-use
                                    management; or
                                      (V) the identified values of
                                    a unit of the National
                                    Landscape Conservation System;
                              [(vi)] (v)(I) restores native
                            vegetation following a natural
                            disturbance;
                              (II) prevents the expansion into
                            greater sage-grouse or mule deer
                            habitat of--
                                      (aa) juniper, pinyon pine, or
                                    other associated conifers; or
                                      (bb) nonnative or invasive
                                    vegetation;
                              (III) reduces the risk of loss of
                            greater sage-grouse or mule deer
                            habitat from wildfire or any other
                            natural disturbance; or
                              (IV) provides emergency stabilization
                            of soil resources after a natural
                            disturbance; and
                              [(vii)] (vi) provides for the conduct
                            of restoration treatments that--
                                      (I) maximize the retention of
                                    old-growth and large trees, as
                                    appropriate for the forest
                                    type;
                                      (II) consider the best
                                    available scientific
                                    information to maintain or
                                    restore the ecological
                                    integrity, including
                                    maintaining or restoring
                                    structure, function,
                                    composition, and connectivity;
                                      (III) are developed and
                                    implemented through a
                                    collaborative process that--
                                              (aa) includes
                                            multiple interested
                                            persons representing
                                            diverse interests; and
                                              (bb)(AA) is
                                            transparent and
                                            nonexclusive; or
                                              (BB) meets the
                                            requirements for a
                                            resource advisory
                                            committee under
                                            subsections (c) through
                                            (f) of section 205 of
                                            the Secure Rural
                                            Schools and Community
                                            Self-Determination Act
                                            of 2000 (16 U.S.C.
                                            7125); and
                                      (IV) may include the
                                    implementation of a proposal
                                    that complies with the
                                    eligibility requirements of the
                                    Collaborative Forest Landscape
                                    Restoration Program under
                                    section 4003(b) of the Omnibus
                                    Public Land Management Act of
                                    2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(b)).
                      (B) Description of activities.--An activity
                    referred to in subparagraph (A) is--
                              (i) manual cutting and removal of
                            juniper trees, pinyon pine trees, other
                            associated conifers, or other nonnative
                            or invasive vegetation;
                              (ii) mechanical mastication, cutting,
                            or mowing, mechanical piling and
                            burning, chaining, broadcast burning,
                            or yarding;
                              (iii) removal of cheat grass, medusa
                            head rye, or other nonnative, invasive
                            vegetation;
                              (iv) collection and seeding or
                            planting of native vegetation using a
                            manual, mechanical, or aerial method;
                              (v) seeding of nonnative,
                            noninvasive, ruderal vegetation only
                            for the purpose of emergency
                            stabilization;
                              (vi) targeted use of an herbicide,
                            subject to the condition that the use
                            shall be in accordance with applicable
                            legal requirements, Federal agency
                            procedures, and land use plans;
                              (vii) targeted livestock grazing to
                            mitigate hazardous fuels and control
                            noxious and invasive weeds;
                              (viii) temporary removal of wild
                            horses or burros in the area in which
                            the activity is being carried out to
                            ensure treatment objectives are met;
                              (ix) in coordination with the
                            affected permit holder, modification or
                            adjustment of permissible usage under
                            an annual plan of use of a grazing
                            permit issued by the Secretary
                            concerned to achieve restoration
                            treatment objectives;
                              (x) installation of new, or
                            modification of existing, fencing or
                            water sources intended to control use
                            or improve wildlife habitat; or
                              (xi) necessary maintenance of,
                            repairs to, rehabilitation of, or
                            reconstruction of an existing permanent
                            road or construction of temporary roads
                            to accomplish the activities described
                            in this subparagraph.
                      (C) Exclusions.--The term ``covered
                    vegetation management activity'' does not
                    include--
                              (i) any activity conducted in a
                            wilderness area or wilderness study
                            area;
                              (ii) any activity for the
                            construction of a permanent road or
                            permanent trail;
                              (iii) any activity conducted on
                            Federal land on which, by Act of
                            Congress or Presidential proclamation,
                            the removal of vegetation is restricted
                            or prohibited;
                              (iv) any activity conducted in an
                            area in which activities under
                            subparagraph (B) would be inconsistent
                            with the applicable land and resource
                            management plan; or
                              (v) any activity conducted in an
                            inventoried roadless area.
              (2) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary
            concerned'' means--
                      (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with
                    respect to National Forest System land; and
                      (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with
                    respect to public land.
              (3) Temporary road.--The term ``temporary road''
            means a road that is--
                      (A) authorized--
                              (i) by a contract, permit, lease,
                            other written authorization; or
                              (ii) pursuant to an emergency
                            operation;
                      (B) not intended to be part of the permanent
                    transportation system of a Federal department
                    or agency;
                      (C) not necessary for long-term resource
                    management;
                      (D) designed in accordance with standards
                    appropriate for the intended use of the road,
                    taking into consideration--
                              (i) safety;
                              (ii) the cost of transportation; and
                              (iii) impacts to land and resources;
                            and
                      (E) managed to minimize--
                              (i) erosion; and
                              (ii) the introduction or spread of
                            invasive species.
      (b) Categorical Exclusion.--
              (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date
            of enactment of this section, the Secretary concerned
            shall develop a categorical exclusion (as defined in
            section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations
            (or a successor regulation)) for covered vegetation
            management activities carried out to protect, restore,
            or improve habitat for greater sage-grouse or mule
            deer.
              (2) Administration.--In developing and administering
            the categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the
            Secretary concerned shall--
                      (A) comply with the National Environmental
                    Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
                      (B) with respect to National Forest System
                    land, apply the extraordinary circumstances
                    procedures under section 220.6 of title 36,
                    Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
                    regulations), in determining whether to use the
                    categorical exclusion;
                      (C) with respect to public land, apply the
                    extraordinary circumstances procedures under
                    section 46.215 of title 43, Code of Federal
                    Regulations (or successor regulations), in
                    determining whether to use the categorical
                    exclusion; and
                      (D) consider--
                              (i) the relative efficacy of
                            landscape-scale habitat projects;
                              (ii) the likelihood of continued
                            declines in the populations of greater
                            sage-grouse and mule deer in the
                            absence of landscape-scale vegetation
                            management; and
                              (iii) the need for habitat
                            restoration activities after wildfire
                            or other natural disturbances.
      (c) Implementation of Covered Vegetative Management
    Activities Within the Range of Greater Sage-grouse and Mule
    Deer.--If the categorical exclusion developed under subsection
    (b) is used to implement a covered vegetative management
    activity in an area within the range of both greater sage-
    grouse and mule deer, the covered vegetative management
    activity shall protect, restore, or improve habitat
    [concurrently for both greater sage-grouse and] for greater
    sage-grouse or mule deer.
      (d) Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance.--Before commencing
    any covered vegetation management activity that is covered by
    the categorical exclusion under subsection (b), the Secretary
    concerned shall develop a long-term monitoring and maintenance
    plan, covering at least the 20-year period beginning on the
    date of commencement, to ensure that management of the treated
    area does not degrade the habitat gains secured by the covered
    vegetation management activity.
      (e) Disposal of Vegetative Material.--Subject to applicable
    local restrictions, any vegetative material resulting from a
    covered vegetation management activity that is covered by the
    categorical exclusion under subsection (b) may be--
              (1) used for--
                      (A) fuel wood; or
                      (B) other products; or
              (2) piled or burned, or both.
      (f) Treatment for Temporary Roads.--
              (1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection
            (a)(1)(B)(xi), any temporary road constructed in
            carrying out a covered vegetation management activity
            that is covered by the categorical exclusion under
            subsection (b)--
                      (A) shall be used by the Secretary concerned
                    for the covered vegetation management activity
                    for not more than 2 years; and
                      (B) shall be decommissioned by the Secretary
                    concerned not later than 3 years after the
                    earlier of the date on which--
                              (i) the temporary road is no longer
                            needed; and
                              (ii) the project is completed.
              (2) Requirement.--A treatment under paragraph (1)
            shall include reestablishing native vegetative cover--
                      (A) as soon as practicable; but
                      (B) not later than 10 years after the date of
                    completion of the applicable covered vegetation
                    management activity.
      [(g) Limitations.--
              [(1) Project size.--A covered vegetation management
            activity that is covered by the categorical exclusion
            under subsection (b) may not exceed 4,500 acres.
              [(2) Location.--A covered vegetation management
            activity carried out on National Forest System land
            that is covered by the categorical exclusion under
            subsection (b) shall be limited to areas designated
            under section 602(b), as of the date of enactment of
            this section.]
      (g) Limitation.--A covered vegetation management activity
    that is covered by the categorical exclusion under subsection
    (b) may not exceed 4,500 acres in a forested ecosystem or 7,500
    acres in a rangeland ecosystem.
                                  ----------

                               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 be implemented
    by the Secretary) to provide agricultural commodities to
    foreign countries on behalf of the people of the United States
    to--
              (1) address famine and food crises, and respond to
            emergency food needs, arising from man-made and natural
            disasters;
              (2) combat malnutrition, especially in children and
            mothers;
              (3) carry out activities that attempt to alleviate
            the causes of hunger, mortality and morbidity;
              (4) promote economic and community development;
              (5) promote food security and support sound
            environmental practices;
              (6) carry out feeding programs; and
              (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food
            crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid.

    SEC. 202. PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.

      (a) Emergency Assistance.--Notwithstanding [any other
    provision of law] any other provision of this Act, the
    [Administrator] Secretary may provide agricultural commodities
    to meet emergency food needs under this title through
    governments and public or private agencies, including
    intergovernmental organizations such as the World Food Program
    and other multilateral organizations, in such manner and on
    such terms and conditions as the [Administrator] Secretary
    determines appropriate to respond to the emergency.
      (b) Nonemergency Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--The [Administrator] Secretary may
            provide assistance, including in the form of
            agricultural commodities for nonemergency assistance
            under this title through eligible organizations (as
            described in subsection (d)) that have entered into an
            agreement with the [Administrator] Secretary to use the
            commodities in accordance with this title.
              (2) Limitation.--The [Administrator] Secretary may
            not use as a sole rationale for denying a request for
            funds submitted under this subsection because the
            program for which the funds are requested--
                      (A) would be carried out by the eligible
                    organization in a foreign country in which the
                    [Agency for International Development]
                    Department of Agriculture does not have a
                    mission, office, or other presence; or
                      (B) is not part of a development plan for the
                    country prepared by the [Agency] Department.
              (3) Program diversity.--The [Administrator] Secretary
            shall--
                      (A) encourage eligible organizations to
                    propose and implement program plans to address
                    1 or more aspects of the program under section
                    201; and
                      (B) consider proposals that incorporate a
                    variety of program objectives and strategic
                    plans based on the identification by eligible
                    organizations of appropriate activities,
                    consistent with section 201, to assist
                    development of foreign countries.
      (c) Uses of Assistance.--Agricultural commodities provided
    under this title may be made available for direct distribution,
    sale, barter, or other appropriate disposition.
      (d) Eligible Organizations.--To be eligible to receive
    assistance under subsection (b) an organization shall be--
              (1) a private voluntary organization or cooperative
            that is, to the extent practicable, registered with the
            [Administrator] Secretary; [or]
              (2) an intergovernmental organization, such as the
            World Food Program[.]; or
              (3) a nongovernmental organization, as determined by
            the Secretary.
      (e) Support for Eligible Organizations.--
              (1) In general.--Of the funds made available in each
            fiscal year under this title to the [Administrator]
            Secretary, not less than 7.5 percent nor more than 20
            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) establishing and enhancing programs under
                    this title;
                      (B) meeting specific administrative,
                    management, personnel, transportation, storage,
                    and distribution costs for carrying out
                    programs in foreign countries under this title;
                      (C) implementing income-generating, community
                    development, health, nutrition, cooperative
                    development, agricultural, and other
                    developmental activities within 1 or more
                    recipient countries or within 1 or more
                    countries in the same region; and
                      (D) improving and implementing methodologies
                    for food aid programs, including needs
                    assessments (upon the request of the
                    [Administrator] Secretary), monitoring, and
                    evaluation.
              (2) Request for funds.--To receive funds made
            available under paragraph (1), an eligible organization
            described in subsection (d) shall submit a request for
            the funds that is subject to approval by the
            [Administrator] Secretary.
              (3) Assistance with respect to sale.--Upon the
            request of an eligible organization, the
            [Administrator] Secretary may provide assistance to the
            eligible organization with respect to the sale of
            agricultural commodities made available to it under
            this title.
              (4) Investment authority.--An eligible organization
            that receives funds made available under paragraph (1)
            may invest the funds pending the eligible
            organization's use of the funds. Any interest earned on
            such investment may be used for the purposes for which
            the assistance was provided to the eligible
            organization without further appropriation by Congress.
              (5) Limitation on diversion of funds.--Of the funds
            made available in each fiscal year under this title to
            the Secretary, not more than 50 percent may be made
            available for expenses other than the procurement of
            United States-grown agricultural commodities and ocean
            transportation of such commodities.
      (f) Effective Use of Commodities.--To ensure that
    agricultural commodities made available under this title are
    used effectively and in the areas of greatest need,
    organizations or cooperatives through which such commodities
    are distributed shall--
              (1) to the extent feasible, work with indigenous
            institutions and employ indigenous workers;
              (2) assess and take into account nutritional and
            other needs of beneficiary groups;
              (3) help such beneficiary groups design and carry out
            mutually acceptable projects;
              (4) recommend to the [Administrator] Secretary
            methods of making assistance available that are the
            most appropriate for each local setting;
              (5) supervise the distribution of commodities
            provided and the implementation of programs carried out
            under this title; and
              (6) periodically evaluate the effectiveness of
            projects undertaken under this title.
      (g) Labeling of Assistance.--Agricultural commodities and
    other assistance provided under this title shall, to the extent
    practicable, be clearly identified with appropriate markings on
    the package or container of such agricultural commodities or
    food procured outside of the United States, or on printed
    material that accompanies other assistance, in the language of
    the locality in which such commodities and other assistance are
    distributed, as being furnished by the people of the United
    States of America.
      (h) Food Aid Quality.--
              (1) In general.--The [Administrator] Secretary shall
            use funds made available for fiscal year 2014 and
            subsequent fiscal years to carry out this title--
                      (A) to assess the types and quality of
                    agricultural commodities and products donated
                    for food aid;
                      (B) to adjust products and formulations,
                    including potential introduction of new
                    fortificants and products, as necessary to
                    cost-effectively meet nutrient needs of target
                    populations;
                      (C) to test prototypes;
                      (D) to adopt new specifications or improve
                    existing specifications for micronutrient
                    fortified food aid products, based on the
                    latest developments in food and nutrition
                    science, and in coordination with other
                    international partners;
                      (E) to develop new program guidance to
                    facilitate improved matching of products to
                    purposes having nutritional intent, in
                    coordination with other international partners;
                      (F) to develop improved guidance for
                    implementing partners on how to address
                    nutritional deficiencies that emerge among
                    recipients for whom food assistance is the sole
                    source of diet in emergency programs that
                    extend beyond 1 year, in coordination with
                    other international partners; and
                      (G) to evaluate, in appropriate settings and
                    as necessary, the performance and cost-
                    effectiveness of new or modified specialized
                    food products and program approaches designed
                    to meet the nutritional needs of the most
                    vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and
                    lactating mothers, and children under the age
                    of 5.
              (2) Administration.--The [Administrator] Secretary--
                      (A) shall carry out this subsection in
                    consultation with and through independent
                    entities with proven expertise in food aid
                    commodity quality enhancements;
                      (B) may enter into contracts to obtain the
                    services of such entities; and
                      (C) shall consult with the Food Aid
                    Consultative Group on how to carry out this
                    subsection.
              (3) Funding limitation.--Of the funds made available
            under section 207(f), for fiscal years 2014 through
            [2023] 2031, not more than $4,500,000 may be used to
            carry out this subsection.

    SEC. 203. GENERATION AND USE OF CURRENCIES BY PRIVATE VOLUNTARY
                        ORGANIZATIONS AND COOPERATIVES.

      (a) Local Sale and Barter of Commodities.--An agreement
    entered into between the [Administrator] Secretary and a
    private voluntary organization or cooperative to provide food
    assistance through such organization or cooperative under this
    title may provide for the sale or barter in 1 or more recipient
    countries, or 1 or more countries in the same region, of the
    commodities to be provided under such agreement to generate
    proceeds to be used as provided in this section.
      (b) Description of Intended Uses.--A private voluntary
    organization or cooperative submitting a proposal to enter into
    a non-emergency food assistance agreement under this title
    shall include in such proposal a description of the intended
    uses of any proceeds that may be generated through the sale, in
    1 or more recipient countries, or in 1 or more countries in the
    same region, of any commodities provided under an agreement
    entered into between the [Administrator] Secretary and the
    organization or cooperative.
      (c) Use.--Proceeds generated from any partial or full sale or
    barter of commodities by a private voluntary organization or
    cooperative under a non-emergency food assistance agreement
    under this title may--
              (1) be used to transport, store, distribute, and
            otherwise enhance the effectiveness of the use of
            agricultural commodities provided under this title;
              (2) be used to implement income-generating, community
            development, health, nutrition, cooperative
            development, agricultural, and other developmental
            activities within 1 or more recipient countries or
            within 1 or more countries in the same region; or
              (3) be invested, and any interest earned on such
            investment may be used, for the purposes for which the
            assistance was provided to that organization, without
            further appropriation by Congress.

    [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 2023 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 2023 is not less than 1,875,000 metric
            tons.
              [(3) Exception.--The Administrator may waive the
            requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) for any fiscal
            year if the Administrator determines that such
            quantities of commodities cannot be used effectively to
            carry out this title or in order to meet an emergency.
            In making a waiver under this paragraph, the
            Administrator shall prepare and submit to the
            Committees on International Relations, Agriculture and
            Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the
            Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture,
            Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
            containing the reasons for the waiver. No waiver shall
            be made before the beginning of the applicable fiscal
            year.
      [(b) Use of Value-Added Commodities.--
              [(1) Minimum levels.--Except as provided in paragraph
            (2), in making agricultural commodities available under
            this title, the Administrator shall ensure that not
            less than 75 percent of the quantity of such
            commodities required to be distributed during each
            fiscal year under subsection (a)(2) be in the form of
            processed, fortified, or bagged commodities and that
            not less than 50 percent of the quantity of the bagged
            commodities that are whole grain commodities be bagged
            in the United States.
              [(2) Waiver of minimum.--The Administrator may waive
            the requirement of paragraph (1) for any fiscal year in
            which the Administrator determines that the
            requirements of the programs established under this
            title will not be best served by the enforcement of
            such requirement under such paragraph.]

    SEC. 205. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

      (a) Establishment.--There is established a Food Aid
    Consultative Group (hereinafter referred to in this section as
    the ``Group'') that shall meet regularly to review and address
    issues concerning the effectiveness of the regulations and
    procedures that govern food assistance programs established and
    implemented under this title, and the implementation of other
    provisions of this title that may involve eligible
    organizations described in section 202(d)(1).
      (b) Membership.--The Group shall be composed of--
              (1) the [Administrator] Secretary;
              [(2) the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and
            Foreign Agricultural Affairs;]
              [(3)] (2) the Inspector General of [the Agency for
            International Development] the Department of
            Agriculture;
              [(4)] (3) a representative of each private voluntary
            organization and cooperative participating in a program
            under this title, or receiving planning assistance
            funds from the [Agency] Secretary to establish programs
            under this title;
              [(5)] (4) representatives from African, Asian and
            Latin American indigenous non-governmental
            organizations determined appropriate by the
            [Administrator] Secretary;
              [(6)] (5) representatives from agricultural producer
            groups in the United States;
              [(7)] (6) representatives from the United States
            agricultural processing sector involved in providing
            agricultural commodities for programs under this Act;
            and
              [(8)] (7) representatives from the maritime
            transportation sector involved in transporting
            agricultural commodities overseas for programs under
            this Act.
      (c) Chairperson.--The [Administrator] Secretary shall be the
    chairperson of the Group.
      (d) Consultations.--
              (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of
            implementation regulations, handbooks, and
            guidelines.--Not later than 30 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] Secretary
            shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and
            comment. The [Administrator] Secretary 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] Secretary shall seek
            input from and consult with the Group on the
            implementation of section 202(h).
      (e) Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory Committee
    Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Group.
      (f) Termination.--The Group shall terminate on [December 31,
    2023] December 31, 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 207. ADMINISTRATION.

      (a) Proposals.--
              (1) Recipient countries.--A proposal to enter into a
            nonemergency food assistance agreement under this title
            shall identify the recipient country or countries that
            are the subject of the agreement.
              (2) Timing.--Not later than 120 days after the date
            of receipt by the [Administrator] Secretary of a
            proposal submitted by an eligible organization under
            this title, the [Administrator] Secretary shall
            determine whether to accept the proposal.
              (3) Denial.--If a proposal under paragraph (1) is
            denied, the response shall specify the reasons for
            denial.
      (b) Notice and Comment.--Not later than 30 days prior to the
    issuance of a final guideline or annual policy guidance to
    carry out this title, the [Administrator] Secretary shall--
              (1) provide notice of the existence of a proposed
            guideline or annual policy guidance, and that such
            guideline or annual policy guidance is available for
            review and comment, to eligible organizations that
            participate in programs under this title, and to other
            interested persons;
              (2) make the proposed guideline or annual policy
            guidance available, on request, to the eligible
            organizations and other persons referred to in
            paragraph (1); and
              (3) take any comments received into consideration
            prior to the issuance of the final guideline or annual
            policy guidance.
      (c) Regulations and Guidance.--
              (1) In general.--The [Administrator] Secretary 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 Agriculture
            Improvement Act of 2018] the Farm, Food, and National
            Security Act of 2026, the [Administrator] Secretary
            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] Secretary
            shall develop regulations and guidance with the intent
            of--
                      (A) simplifying procedures for participation
                    in the programs established under this title;
                      (B) reducing paperwork requirements under
                    such programs;
                      (C) establishing reasonable and realistic
                    accountability standards to be applied to
                    eligible organizations participating in the
                    programs established under this title, taking
                    into consideration the problems associated with
                    carrying out programs in developing countries;
                    and
                      (D) providing flexibility for carrying out
                    programs under this title.
      (d) Timely Provision of Commodities.--The [Administrator]
    Secretary [, in consultation with the Secretary,] shall develop
    procedures that ensure expedited processing of commodity call
    forwards in order to provide commodities overseas in a timely
    manner and to the extent feasible, according to planned
    delivery schedules.
      (e) Timely Approval.--The [Administrator] Secretary is
    encouraged to finalize program agreements and resource requests
    for programs under this section before the beginning of each
    fiscal year.
      (f) Program Oversight, Monitoring, and Evaluation.--
              (1) Duties of administrator.--The [Administrator]
            Secretary [, in consultation with the Secretary,] shall
            establish systems and carry out activities--
                      (A) to determine the need for assistance
                    provided under this title; and
                      (B) to improve, monitor, and evaluate the
                    effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance
                    provided under this title to maximize the
                    impact of the assistance.
              (2) Requirements of systems and activities.--The
            systems and activities described in paragraph (1) shall
            include--
                      (A) program monitors in countries that
                    receive assistance under this title;
                      (B) country and regional food aid impact
                    evaluations;
                      (C) the identification and implementation of
                    best practices for food aid programs;
                      (D) the evaluation of monetization programs;
                      (E) early warning assessments and systems to
                    help prevent famines; and
                      (F) maintenance of information technology
                    systems.
              (3) Contract authority.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B)
                    and (C), in carrying out administrative and
                    management activities relating to each activity
                    carried out by the [Administrator] Secretary
                    under paragraph (1), the [Administrator]
                    Secretary may enter into contracts with 1 or
                    more individuals for personal service to be
                    performed in recipient countries or neighboring
                    countries.
                      (B) Prohibition.--An individual who enters
                    into a contract with the [Administrator]
                    Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall not be
                    considered to be an employee of the Federal
                    Government for the purpose of any law
                    (including regulations) administered by the
                    Office of Personnel Management.
                      (C) Personal service.--Subparagraph (A) does
                    not limit the ability of the [Administrator]
                    Secretary to enter into a contract with any
                    individual for personal service under section
                    202(a).
              (4) Funding.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to section
                    202(h)(3), in addition to other funds made
                    available to the [Administrator] Secretary to
                    carry out the monitoring of emergency food
                    assistance, the [Administrator] Secretary may
                    implement this subsection using up to 1.5
                    percent, but not less than $17,000,000, of the
                    funds made available under this title for each
                    of fiscal years 2014 through [2023] 2031,
                    except for paragraph (2)(F), for which not more
                    than $500,000 shall be made available for each
                    of the fiscal years 2014 through [2023] 2031.
                      (B) Limitations.--
                              (i) In general.--Subject to clause
                            (ii), of the funds made available under
                            subparagraph (A), for each of fiscal
                            years 2009 through [2023] 2031, not
                            more than $8,000,000 may be used by the
                            [Administrator] Secretary to carry out
                            paragraph (2)(E).
                              (ii) Condition.--No funds shall be
                            made available under subparagraph (A),
                            in accordance with clause (i), unless
                            not less than $8,000,000 is made
                            available under the Foreign Assistance
                            Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.)
                            for such purposes for such fiscal year.
      (g) Project Reporting.--
              (1) In general.--In submitting project reports to the
            [Administrator] Secretary, a private voluntary
            organization or cooperative shall provide a copy of the
            report in such form as is necessary for the report to
            be displayed for public use on the website of the
            United States Agency for International Development.
              (2) Confidential information.--An organization or
            cooperative described in paragraph (1) may omit any
            confidential information from the copy of the report
            submitted for public display under that paragraph.

    SEC. 208. INTERNATIONAL FOOD RELIEF PARTNERSHIP.

      (a) In General.--The [Administrator] Secretary may provide
    grants to--
              (1) United States nonprofit organizations (described
            in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of
            1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the
            Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the preparation of
            shelf-stable prepackaged foods requested by eligible
            organizations and the establishment and maintenance of
            stockpiles of the foods in the United States; and
              (2) private voluntary organizations and international
            organizations for the rapid transportation, delivery,
            and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods
            described in paragraph (1) to needy individuals in
            foreign countries.
      (b) Grants for Establishment of Stockpiles.--
              (1) In general.--Not more than 70 percent of the
            amount made available to carry out this section shall
            be used to provide grants under subsection (a)(1).
              (2) Priority.--In providing grants under subsection
            (a)(1), the [Administrator] Secretary shall provide a
            preference to a United States nonprofit organization
            that agrees to provide--
                      (A) non-Federal funds in an amount equal to
                    50 percent of the amount of funds received
                    under a grant under subsection (a)(1);
                      (B) an in-kind contribution in an amount
                    equal to that percentage; or
                      (C) a combination of such funds and an in-
                    kind contribution,
            for the preparation of shelf-stable prepackaged foods
            and the establishment and maintenance of stockpiles of
            the foods in the United States in accordance with
            subsection (a)(1).
      (c) Grants for Rapid Transportation, Delivery, and
    Distribution.--Not less than 20 percent of the amount made
    available to carry out this section shall be used to provide
    grants under subsection (a)(2).
      (d) Administration.--Not more than 10 percent of the amount
    made available to carry out this section may be used by the
    [Administrator] Secretary for the administration of grants
    under subsection (a).
      (e) Regulations or Guidelines.--Not later than 180 days after
    the date of the enactment of this section, the [Administrator]
    Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary, shall issue such
    regulations or guidelines as the [Administrator] Secretary
    determines to be necessary to carry out this section, including
    regulations or guidelines that provide to United States
    nonprofit organizations eligible to receive grants under
    subsection (a)(1) guidance with respect to the requirements for
    qualified shelf-stable prepackaged foods and the quantity of
    the foods to be stockpiled by the organizations.
      [(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, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
    2023, to remain available until expended.]
      (f) Availability of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
    otherwise made available to carry out this section, of the
    funds made available in each fiscal year under this title to
    the Secretary, not less than $15,000,000 shall be made
    available in each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry
    out this section, to remain available until expended.

                        TITLE III--FOOD FOR DEVELOPMENT

    SEC. 301. BILATERAL GRANT PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The President shall establish a program
    under which agricultural commodities are donated in accordance
    with this title to least developed countries. The revenue
    generated by the sale of such commodities in the recipient
    country may be utilized for economic development activities.
    Such program shall be implemented by the [Administrator]
    Secretary.
      (b) General Authority.--To carry out the policies and
    accomplish the objectives described in section 2, the
    [Administrator] Secretary may negotiate and execute agreements
    with least developed countries to provide commodities to such
    countries on a grant basis.

    SEC. 302. ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES.

      (a) Least Developed Countries.--A country shall be considered
    to be a least developed country and eligible for the donation
    of agricultural commodities under this title if--
              (1) such country meets the poverty criteria
            established by the International Bank for
            Reconstruction and Development for Civil Works
            Preference for providing financial assistance; or
              (2) such country is a food deficit country and is
            characterized by high levels of malnutrition among
            significant numbers of its population, as determined by
            the [Administrator] Secretary under subsection (b).
      (b) Indicators of Food Deficit Countries.--To make a finding
    under subsection (a)(2) that a country is a food deficit
    country and is characterized by high levels of malnutrition,
    the [Administrator] Secretary must determine that the country
    meets all of the following indicators of national food deficit
    and malnutrition:
              (1) Calorie consumption.--That the daily per capita
            calorie consumption of the country is less than 2300
            calories.
              (2) Food security requirements.--That the country
            cannot meet its food security requirements through
            domestic production or imports due to a shortage of
            foreign exchange earnings.
              (3) Child mortality rate.--That the mortality rate of
            children under 5 years of age in the country is in
            excess of 100 per 1000 births.
      (c) Priority.--In determining whether and to what extent
    agricultural commodities shall be made available to least
    developed countries under this title, the [Administrator]
    Secretary shall give priority to countries that--
              (1) demonstrate the greatest need for food;
              (2) demonstrate the capacity to use food assistance
            effectively;
              (3) have demonstrated a commitment to policies to
            promote food security, including policies to reduce
            measurably hunger and malnutrition through efforts such
            as establishing and institutionalizing supplemental
            nutrition programs targeted to reach those who are
            nutritionally at risk; and
              (4) have a long-term plan for broad-based, equitable,
            and sustainable development.

    SEC. 303. GRANT PROGRAMS.

      To carry out the policies and accomplish the objectives
    described in section 2, the [Administrator] Secretary may
    negotiate and execute agreements with least developed countries
    to provide commodities to such countries on a grant basis
    either through the Commodity Credit Corporation or through
    private trade channels.

    SEC. 304. DIRECT USES OR SALES OF COMMODITIES.

       Agricultural commodities provided to a least developed
    country under this section--
              (1) may be used in such country for--
                      (A) direct feeding programs, including
                    programs that include activities that deal
                    directly with the special health needs of
                    children and mothers consistent with section
                    104(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
                    (22 U.S.C. 2151b(c)(2)), relating to the Child
                    Survival Fund; or
                      (B) the development of emergency food
                    reserves; or
              (2) may be sold in such country by the government of
            the country or the [Administrator] Secretary (or their
            designees) as provided in the agreement, and the
            proceeds of such sale used in accordance with this
            title.

    SEC. 305. LOCAL CURRENCY ACCOUNTS.

      (a) Retention of Proceeds.--To the extent determined to be
    appropriate by the [Administrator] Secretary, revenues
    generated from the sale, under section 304(2), of agricultural
    commodities provided under this title shall be deposited into a
    separate account (that may be interest bearing) in the
    recipient country to be disbursed for the benefit of such
    country in accordance with local currency agreements entered
    into between the recipient country and the [Administrator]
    Secretary. The [Administrator] Secretary may determine not to
    deposit such revenues in a separate account if--
              (1) local currencies are to be programmed for
            specific economic development purposes listed in
            section 306(a); and
              (2) the recipient country programs an equivalent
            amount of money for such purposes as specified in an
            agreement entered into by the [Administrator] Secretary
            and the recipient country.
      (b) Ownership and Programming of Accounts.--The proceeds of
    sales pursuant to section 304(2) shall be the property of the
    recipient country or the United States, as specified in the
    applicable agreement. Such proceeds shall be utilized for the
    benefit of the recipient country, shall be jointly programmed
    by the [Administrator] Secretary and the government of the
    recipient country, and shall be disbursed for the benefit of
    such country in accordance with local currency agreements
    between the [Administrator] Secretary and that government.
      (c) Overall Development Strategy.--The [Administrator]
    Secretary shall consider the local currency proceeds as an
    integral part of the overall development strategy of the Agency
    for International Development and the recipient country.

    SEC. 306. USE OF LOCAL CURRENCY PROCEEDS.

      (a) In General.--The local currency proceeds of sales
    pursuant to section 304(2) shall be used in the recipient
    country for specific economic development purposes, including--
              (1) the promotion of specific policy reforms to
            improve food security and agricultural development
            within the country and to promote broad-based,
            equitable, and sustainable development;
              (2) the establishment of development programs,
            projects, and activities that promote food security,
            alleviate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote family
            planning, maternal and child health care, oral
            rehydration therapy, and other child survival
            objectives consistent with section 104(c)(2) of the
            Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b(c)(2)),
            relating to the Child Survival Fund;
              (3) the promotion of increased access to food
            supplies through the encouragement of specific policies
            and programs designed to increase employment and
            incomes within the country;
              (4) the promotion of free and open markets through
            specific policies and programs;
              (5) support for United States private voluntary
            organizations and cooperatives and encouragement of the
            development and utilization of indigenous
            nongovernmental organizations;
              (6) the purchase of agricultural commodities
            (including transportation and processing costs)
            produced in the country--
                      (A) to meet urgent or extraordinary relief
                    requirements in the country or in neighboring
                    countries; or
                      (B) to develop emergency food reserves;
              (7) the purchase of goods and services (other than
            agricultural commodities and related services) to meet
            urgent or extraordinary relief requirements;
              (8) the payment, to the extent practicable, of the
            costs of carrying out the program authorized in title
            V;
              (9) private sector development activities designed to
            further the policies set forth in section 2, including
            loans to financial intermediaries for use in making
            loans to private individuals, cooperatives,
            corporations, or other entities;
              (10) activities of the Peace Corps that relate to
            agricultural production;
              (11) the development of rural infrastructure such as
            roads, irrigation systems, and electrification to
            enhance agricultural production;
              (12) research on malnutrition and its causes, as well
            as research relating to the identification and
            application of policies and strategies for targeting
            resources made available under this section to address
            the problem of malnutrition; and
              (13) support for research (including collaborative
            research which is mutually beneficial to the United
            States and the recipient country), education, and
            extension activities in agricultural sciences.
    Section 1306 of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply
    to the use under this subsection of local currency proceeds
    that are owned by the United States.
      (b) Support of Nongovernmental Organizations.--To the extent
    practicable, not less than 10 percent of the amounts contained
    in an account established for a recipient country under section
    305(a) shall be used by such country to support the development
    and utilization of nongovernmental organizations and
    cooperatives that are active in rural development, agricultural
    education, sustainable agricultural production, other measures
    to assist poor people, and environmental protection projects
    within such country.
      (c) Investment of Local Currencies by Nongovernmental
    Organizations.--A nongovernmental organization may invest local
    currencies that accrue to that organization as a result of
    assistance under subsection (a), and any interest earned on
    such investment may be used for the purpose for which the
    assistance was provided to that organization without further
    appropriation by the Congress.
      (d) Support for Certain Educational Institutions.--If the
    [Administrator] Secretary determines that local currencies
    deposited in a special account pursuant to this title are not
    needed for any of the activities prescribed in paragraphs (1)
    through (13) of subsection (a) or for any other specific
    economic development purpose in the recipient country, the
    [Administrator] Secretary may use those currencies to provide
    support for any institution (other than an institution whose
    primary purpose is to provide religious education) located in
    the recipient country that provides education in agricultural
    sciences or other disciplines for a significant number of
    United States nationals (who may include members of the United
    States Armed Forces or the Foreign Service or dependents of
    such members).

    TITLE IV--GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.

       As used in this Act:
              [(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means
            the Administrator of the Agency for International
            Development, unless otherwise specified in this Act.]
              [(2)] (1) Agricultural commodity.--The term
            ``agricultural commodity'', unless otherwise provided
            for in this Act, includes any agricultural commodity or
            the products thereof produced in the United States,
            including wood and processed wood products, fish, and
            livestock as well as value-added, fortified, or high-
            value agricultural products. Effective beginning on
            October 1, 1991, for purposes of title II, a product of
            an agricultural commodity shall not be considered to be
            produced in the United States if it contains any
            ingredient that is not produced in the United States,
            if that ingredient is produced and is commercially
            available in the United States at fair and reasonable
            prices.
              [(3)] (2) Appropriate committee of congress.--The
            term ``appropriate committee of Congress'' means--
                      (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
                    and Forestry of the Senate;
                      (B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House
                    of Representatives; and
                      (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
                    House of Representatives.
              [(4)] (3) Cooperative.--The term ``cooperative''
            means a private sector organization whose members own
            and control the organization and share in its services
            and its profits and that provides business services and
            outreach in cooperative development for its membership.
              [(5)] (4) Developing country.--The term ``developing
            country'' means a country that has a shortage of
            foreign exchange earnings and has difficulty meeting
            all of its food needs through commercial channels.
              [(6)] (5) Food security.--The term ``food security''
            means access by all people at all times to sufficient
            food and nutrition for a healthy and productive life.
              [(7)] (6) Nongovernmental organization.--The term
            ``nongovernmental organization'' means an organization
            that works at the local level to solve development
            problems in a foreign country in which the organization
            is located, except that the term does not include an
            organization that is primarily an agency or
            instrumentality of the government of the foreign
            country.
              [(8)] (7) Private voluntary organization.--The term
            ``private voluntary organization'' means a not-for-
            profit, nongovernmental organization (in the case of a
            United States organization, an organization that is
            exempt from Federal income taxes under section
            501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that
            receives funds from private sources, voluntary
            contributions of money, staff time, or in-kind support
            from the public, and that is engaged in or is planning
            to engage in voluntary, charitable, or development
            assistance activities (other than religious
            activities).
              [(9)] (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means
            the Secretary of Agriculture, unless otherwise
            specified in this Act.

    SEC. 403. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

      (a) Prohibition.--No agricultural commodity, food procured
    outside of the United States, food voucher, or cash transfer
    for food shall be made available under this Act unless it is
    determined that--
              (1) in the case of the provision of an agricultural
            commodity, adequate storage facilities will be
            available in the recipient country at the time of the
            arrival of the commodity to prevent the spoilage or
            waste of the commodity; and
              (2) the distribution of the agricultural commodity or
            use of the food procured outside of the United States,
            food voucher, or cash transfer for food in the
            recipient country will not result in a substantial
            disincentive to or interference with domestic
            production or marketing in that country.
      (b) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy.--The Secretary [or
    the Administrator, as appropriate,] shall ensure that the
    importation of United States agricultural commodities, the use
    of food procured outside of the United States, food vouchers,
    and cash transfers for food, 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 costs and
    benefits to the local economy within the recipient country.
      (c) Transshipment.--The Secretary [or the Administrator, as
    appropriate], shall, under such terms and conditions as are
    determined to be appropriate, require commitments designed to
    prevent or restrict the resale or transshipment to other
    countries, or use for other than domestic purposes, of
    agricultural commodities donated or purchased under this Act.
      (d) Private Trade Channels and Small Business.--Private trade
    channels shall be used under this Act to the maximum extent
    practicable in the United States and in the recipient countries
    with respect to--
              (1) sales from privately owned stocks;
              (2) sales from stocks owned by the Commodity Credit
            Corporation; and
              (3) donations.
    Small businesses shall be provided adequate and fair
    opportunity to participate in such sales.
      (e) World Prices.--
              (1) In general.--In carrying out this Act, reasonable
            precautions shall be taken to assure that sales or
            donations of agricultural commodities will not unduly
            disrupt world prices for agricultural commodities or
            normal patterns of commercial trade with foreign
            countries.
              (2) Sale price.--Sales of agricultural commodities
            described in paragraph (1) shall be made at a
            reasonable market price in the economy where the
            agricultural commodity is to be sold, as determined by
            the Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate.
      (f) Publicity.--Commitments shall be obtained from countries
    or private entities, as appropriate, receiving commodities
    under this Act that such countries or private entities will
    widely publicize, to the extent practicable, through the use of
    the public media and through other means, that such commodities
    are being provided through the friendship of the American
    people as food for peace.
      (g) Participation of Private Sector.--The Secretary [or the
    Administrator, as appropriate,] shall encourage the private
    sector of the United States and private importers in developing
    countries to participate in the programs established under this
    Act.
      (h) Safeguard Usual Marketings.--In carrying out this Act,
    reasonable precautions shall be taken to safeguard the usual
    marketings of the United States and to avoid displacing any
    sales of the United States agricultural commodities that the
    Secretary [or Administrator] determines would otherwise be
    made.
      (i) Military Distribution of Food Aid.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary [or the Administrator,
            as appropriate], shall attempt to ensure that
            agricultural commodities made available under this Act
            will be provided without regard to the political
            affiliation, geographic location, ethnic, tribal, or
            religious identity of the recipient or without regard
            to other extraneous factors.
              (2) Prohibition on handling of commodities by the
            military.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), the Secretary [or the
                    Administrator, as appropriate,] shall not enter
                    into an agreement under this Act to provide
                    agricultural commodities if such agreement
                    requires or permits the distribution, handling,
                    or allocation of such commodities by the
                    military forces of any government or insurgent
                    group.
                      (B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
                    (A), the Secretary [or the Administrator, as
                    appropriate,] may authorize the handling or
                    distribution of commodities by the military
                    forces of a country in exceptional
                    circumstances in which--
                              (i) nonmilitary channels are not
                            available for such handling or
                            distribution;
                              (ii) such action is consistent with
                            the requirements of paragraph (1); and
                              (iii) the Secretary [or the
                            Administrator, as appropriate,]
                            determines that such action is
                            necessary to meet the emergency health,
                            safety, or nutritional requirements of
                            the recipient population.
              (3) Encouragement of safe passage.--When entering
            into agreements under this Act that involve areas
            within recipient countries that are experiencing
            protracted warfare or civil strife, the Secretary [or
            the Administrator, as appropriate,] shall, to the
            extent practicable, encourage all parties to the
            conflict to permit safe passage of the commodities and
            other relief supplies and to establish safe zones for
            medical and humanitarian treatment and evacuation of
            injured persons.
      (j) Violations of Human Rights.--
              (1) Ineligible countries.--The Secretary [or the
            Administrator, as appropriate,] shall not enter into
            any agreement under this Act to provide agricultural
            commodities, or to finance the sale of agricultural
            commodities, to the government of any country
            determined by the President to engage in a consistent
            pattern of gross violations of internationally
            recognized human rights, including--
                      (A) the torture or cruel, inhuman, or
                    degrading treatment or punishment of
                    individuals;
                      (B) the prolonged detention of individuals
                    without charges;
                      (C) the responsibility for causing the
                    disappearance of individuals through the
                    abduction and clandestine detention of such
                    individuals; or
                      (D) other flagrant denials of the right to
                    life, liberty, and the security of persons.
              (2) Waiver.--Paragraph (1) shall not prohibit the
            provision of assistance to such a country if the
            assistance is targeted to the most needy people in such
            country and is made available in such country through
            channels other than the government.
      (k) Abortion Prohibition.--Local currencies that are made
    available for use under this Act may not be used to pay for the
    performance of abortions as a method of family planning or to
    motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions.
      (l) Sale Procedure.--
              (1) In general.--Subsections (b) and (h) shall apply
            to sales of commodities in recipient countries to
            generate proceeds to carry out projects under--
                      (A) titles I and II;
                      (B) section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of
                    1949 (7 U.S.C. 1431(b)); and
                      (C) the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7
                    U.S.C. 1736o).
              (2) Currency.--A sale described in paragraph (1) may
            be made in United States dollars or other currencies.

    SEC. 404. AGREEMENTS.

      (a) In General.--Before entering into agreements with foreign
    countries under titles I and III for the provision of
    commodities, the Secretary [or the Administrator, as
    appropriate,] shall consider the extent to which the recipient
    country is undertaking measures for economic development
    purposes in order to improve food security and agricultural
    development, alleviate poverty, and promote broad-based,
    equitable, and sustainable development.
      (b) Terms of Agreement.--An agreement entered into under this
    Act shall--
              (1) include an estimate of the annual value or volume
            of agricultural commodities proposed to be made
            available to the country or eligible organization under
            the agreement;
              (2) with respect to agreements entered into with
            foreign countries under titles I and III, include a
            statement of the manner in which the agricultural
            commodities provided under the agreement or the
            revenues generated by the sale of such commodities (if
            such commodities are sold), will be integrated into the
            overall development plans of the country to improve
            food security and agricultural development, alleviate
            poverty, and promote broad-based, equitable, and
            sustainable agriculture and broad-based economic
            growth;
              (3) with respect to agreements entered into under
            titles I and III, include a statement of the manner in
            which competitive private sector participation within
            the recipient country in the storage, marketing,
            transportation, and distribution of agricultural
            commodities made available under this Act will be
            encouraged;
              (4) include a statement that such agreement shall be
            subject to the availability, during each fiscal year to
            which the agreement applies, of the necessary
            appropriations and agricultural commodities; and
              (5) contain such other terms and conditions as the
            Secretary [or the Administrator, as appropriate,]
            determines to be necessary.
      (c) Multi-year Agreements.--
              (1) In general.--Agreements to provide assistance on
            a multi-year basis to recipient countries or to
            eligible organizations--
                      (A) may be made available under titles I and
                    III; and
                      (B) shall be made available under title II.
              (2) Exception.--The Secretary [or the Administrator,
            as appropriate,] may determine not to make assistance
            available on a multi-year basis with respect to a
            recipient country or an eligible organization if it is
            determined that assistance should be provided to such
            country or through such organization only on an annual
            basis because--
                      (A) the past performance of the country or
                    organization in meeting program objectives does
                    not warrant a multi-year agreement;
                      (B) it is anticipated that the need of the
                    country or organization for food aid does not
                    extend beyond 1 year; or
                      (C) other circumstances, as determined by the
                    Secretary [or the Administrator], as
                    appropriate, indicate there is only a need for
                    a 1 year agreement.
      (d) Review of Agreements.--The Secretary [or the
    Administrator, as appropriate,] may make a determination to
    terminate, or refuse to enter into, a multi-year agreement with
    respect to a recipient country if the Secretary [or the
    Administrator] determines that such country is not fulfilling
    the objectives or requirements of this Act. In making such a
    determination, the Secretary [or the Administrator, as
    appropriate,] may consider the extent to which the country is--
              (1) making significant economic development reforms;
              (2) promoting free and open markets for food and
            agricultural producers; and
              (3) fostering increased food security.

    [SEC. 405. CONSULTATION.

      [The Secretary and the Administrator shall cooperate and
    consult in the implementation of this Act.]

    SEC. 406. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

      (a) In General.--The Commodity Credit Corporation may acquire
    and make available such agricultural commodities as necessary
    to carry out agreements under this Act.
      [(b) Included Expenses.--With respect to commodities made
    available under titles II and III, the Commodity Credit
    Corporation may pay--
              [(1) the cost of acquiring such commodities;
              [(2) the costs associated with packaging, enrichment,
            preservation, and fortification of such commodities,
            including the costs of carrying out section 415;
              [(3) the processing, transportation, handling, and
            other incidental costs up to the time of the delivery
            of such commodities free on board vessels in United
            States ports;
              [(4) the vessel freight charges from United States
            ports or designated Canadian transshipment ports, as
            determined by the Secretary, to designated ports of
            entry abroad;
              [(5) the costs associated with transporting such
            commodities from United States ports to designated
            points of entry abroad in the case--
                      [(A) of landlocked countries;
                      [(B) of ports that cannot be used effectively
                    because of natural or other disturbances;
                      [(C) of the unavailability of carriers to a
                    specific country; or
                      [(D) of substantial savings in costs or time
                    that may be effected by the utilization of
                    points of entry other than ports;
              [(6) in the case of commodities for urgent and
            extraordinary relief requirements (including pre-
            positioned commodities) the transportation costs
            incurred in moving the commodities from designated
            points of entry or ports of entry abroad to storage and
            distribution sites and associated storage,
            distribution, and program implementation costs to use
            the commodities; and
              [(7) the charges for general average contributions
            arising out of the ocean transport of commodities
            transferred pursuant thereto.]
      (b) Included Expenses.--With respect to commodities made
    available under titles II and III, the Commodity Credit
    Corporation may pay all associated and incidental costs of such
    commodities.
      (c) Commodity Credit Corporation.--The funds, facilities, and
    authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation may be used to
    carry out this Act.
      (d) Availability of Funds.--Funds shall be available under
    this Act only to the extent provided in advance in
    appropriation Acts.

    SEC. 407. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

      (a) Title I Programs.--
              (1) Acquisitions.--The importing country or private
            entity that enters into an agreement under title I
            shall acquire the agricultural commodities to be
            financed under title I.
              (2) Invitation for bid.--No purchase of agricultural
            commodities from private stock or purchase of ocean
            transportation shall be financed under title I unless
            such purchases are made on the basis of an invitation
            for bid that is publicly advertised in the United
            States, and on the basis of bid offerings that shall
            conform to such invitation and be received and publicly
            opened in the United States. All awards in the purchase
            of commodities or ocean transportation financed under
            title I shall be consistent with open, competitive, and
            responsive bid procedures, as determined appropriate by
            the Secretary. Resulting contracts may contain such
            terms and conditions as the Secretary determines are
            necessary and appropriate.
      (b) Agents.--
              (1) Authority of the Secretary or Commodity Credit
            Corporation.--
                      (A) General rule.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), if it is determined
                    appropriate, the Secretary or the Commodity
                    Credit Corporation may serve as the purchasing
                    or shipping agent, or both, for the importer or
                    importing country in arranging the purchase or
                    shipping of commodities financed under title I.
                      (B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
                    (A), the Secretary or the Commodity Credit
                    Corporation may award, under a competitive
                    bidding process, contracts for establishing
                    freight agents who shall act on behalf of the
                    Secretary or the Corporation to handle the
                    shipping of commodities financed under this
                    Act.
                      (C) Avoidance of conflict of interest of
                    contractors.--Freight agents employed by the
                    Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation
                    under title I shall not represent any foreign
                    government during the period of their contract
                    with the United States Government.
              (2) Reasonable fees and commissions.--
                      (A) Fees.--Notwithstanding any other
                    provision of law, the Secretary or the
                    Commodity Credit Corporation may enter into an
                    agreement with the importer or importing
                    country that contains the terms and conditions
                    that will govern the provision of purchasing or
                    shipping agent services by the Secretary or the
                    Corporation, including the establishment of
                    fees for such services. Any such fees shall be
                    fair and reasonable in relation to the services
                    performed and shall be available as
                    reimbursement for costs incurred in providing
                    such services.
                      (B) Prohibition on commissions.--Commissions,
                    fees, or other payments to any selling agent or
                    to any agent of a purchaser shall be prohibited
                    in the purchase of agricultural commodities
                    that are financed under title I of this Act.
              (3) Limitations.--No commission, fees, or other
            payments to an agent, broker, consultant, or other
            representative of the importer or importing country for
            ocean transportation brokerage services in connection
            with the carriage of commodities provided under title I
            of this Act may--
                      (A) be paid in excess of an amount determined
                    appropriate by the Secretary; and
                      (B) be shared by such person with the
                    importer or importing country or any agent
                    thereof.
              (4) Avoidance of conflict of interest.--A person may
            not be an agent, broker, consultant, or other
            representative of the United States Government, an
            importer, or an importing country in connection with
            agricultural commodities provided under this Act during
            a fiscal year in which such person provides or acts as
            an agent, broker, consultant, or other representative
            of a person engaged in providing ocean transportation
            or ocean transportation-related services for such
            commodities. For the purpose of this paragraph, the
            term ``transportation-related services'' means
            lightening, stevedoring, bagging, or inland
            transportation to the destination point.
      (c) Title II and III Program.--
              [(1) Acquisition.--
                      [(A) In general.--The Administrator shall
                    transfer, arrange for the transportation, and
                    take other steps necessary to make available
                    agricultural commodities to be provided under
                    title II and title III.
              [(B) Certain commodities made available for
            nonemergency assistance.--In the case of agricultural
            commodities made available for nonemergency assistance
            under title II for least developed countries that meet
            the poverty and other eligibility criteria established
            by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
            Development for financing under the International
            Development Association, the Administrator may pay the
            transportation costs incurred in moving the
            agricultural commodities from designated points of
            entry or ports of entry abroad to storage and
            distribution sites and associated storage and
            distribution costs.]
              (1) Acquisition.--The Secretary shall transfer,
            arrange for the transportation, and take other steps
            necessary to make available agricultural commodities to
            be provided under title II and title III.
              (2) Freight procurement.--Notwithstanding the Federal
            Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40
            U.S.C. 471 et seq.) or other similar provisions of law
            relating to the making or performance of Federal
            Government contracts, ocean transportation under titles
            II and III may be procured on the basis of full and
            open competitive procedures. Resulting contracts may
            contain such terms and conditions as the
            [Administrator] Secretary determines are necessary and
            appropriate.
              (3) Avoidance of conflict of interest.--Freight
            agents employed by the [Agency for International
            Development] Secretary under titles II and III shall
            not represent any foreign government during the period
            of their contract with the United States Government.
              (4) Prepositioning.--
                      (A) In general.--Funds made available for
                    fiscal years 2001 through [2023] 2031 to carry
                    out titles II and III may be used by the
                    [Administrator] Secretary to procure,
                    transport, and store agricultural commodities
                    for prepositioning within the United States and
                    in foreign countries, except that for each of
                    fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than
                    $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of
                    fiscal years 2014 through [2023] 2031 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.--The
                    [Administrator] Secretary 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, the availability of
                    appropriate technology for long-term storage,
                    feasibility, and cost.
              (5) Nonemergency or multiyear agreements.--Annual
            resource requests for ongoing nonemergency or ongoing
            multiyear agreements under title II shall be finalized
            not later than October 1 of the fiscal year in which
            the agricultural commodities will be shipped under the
            agreement.
      (d) Timing of Shipments.--In determining the timing of the
    shipment of agricultural commodities to be provided under this
    Act, the Secretary [or the Administrator, as appropriate,]
    shall consider--
              (1) the time of harvest of any competing commodities
            in the recipient country; and
              (2) such other concerns determined to be appropriate.
      (e) Deadline for Agreements Under Titles I and III.--An
    agreement under titles I and III shall, to the extent
    practicable, be entered into not later than--
              (1) November 30 of the first fiscal year in which
            agricultural commodities are to be shipped under the
            agreement; or
              (2) 60 days after the date of enactment of the annual
            Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies
            Appropriations Act for the first fiscal year in which
            agricultural commodities are to be shipped under the
            agreement,
    whichever is later.
      (f) Annual Report Regarding Food Aid Programs and
    Activities.--
              [(1) Annual report.--Not later than April 1 of each
            fiscal year, the Administrator and the Secretary shall
            jointly, or each separately, prepare and submit to the
            appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding
            each program and activity carried out under this Act by
            the Administrator, the Secretary, or both, as
            applicable, during the prior fiscal year.]
              (1) Annual report.--Not later than April 1 of each
            fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the
            appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding
            each program and activity carried out under this Act
            during the prior fiscal year.
              (2) Contents.--An annual report described in
            paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the prior
            fiscal year, the following:
                      (A) A list that contains a description of
                    each country and organization that receives
                    food and other assistance under this Act
                    (including the quantity of food and assistance
                    provided to each country and organization).
                      (B) A general description of each project and
                    activity implemented under this Act (including
                    each activity funded through the use of local
                    currencies) and the total number of
                    beneficiaries of the project.
                      (C) A statement describing the quantity of
                    agricultural commodities made available to, and
                    the total number of beneficiaries in, each
                    country pursuant to--
                              (i) this Act;
                              (ii) section 416(b) of the
                            Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C.
                            1431(b));
                              (iii) the Food for Progress Act of
                            1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o); and
                              (iv) 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).
                      (D) An assessment of the progress made
                    through programs under this Act towards
                    reducing food insecurity in the populations
                    receiving food assistance from the United
                    States.
                      (E) An assessment of activities specifically
                    targeting women and girls and the impact of
                    those activities in addressing the unique needs
                    of women and girls.
                      [(E)] (F) A description of efforts undertaken
                    by the Food Aid Consultative Group under
                    section 205 to achieve an integrated and
                    effective food assistance program.
                      [(F)] (G) An assessment of--
                              (i) each program oversight,
                            monitoring, and evaluation system
                            implemented under section 207(f); and
                              (ii) the impact of each program
                            oversight, monitoring, and evaluation
                            system on the effectiveness and
                            efficiency of assistance provided under
                            this title.
                      [(G)] (H) An assessment of the progress made
                    by the Administrator in addressing issues
                    relating to quality with respect to the
                    provision of food assistance.
                      [(H) A statement of the amount of funds
                    (including funds for administrative costs,
                    indirect cost recovery, internal
                    transportation, storage and handling, and
                    associated distribution costs) provided to each
                    eligible organization that received assistance
                    under this Act, that further describes the
                    following:
                              [(i) How such funds were used by the
                            eligible organization.
                              [(ii) The actual rate of return for
                            each commodity made available under
                            this Act, including factors that
                            influenced the rate of return, and, for
                            the commodity, the costs of bagging or
                            further processing, ocean
                            transportation, inland transportation
                            in the recipient country, storage
                            costs, and any other information that
                            the Administrator and the Secretary
                            determine to be necessary.
                              [(iii) For each instance in which a
                            commodity was made available under this
                            Act at a rate of return less than 70
                            percent, the reasons for the rate of
                            return realized.]
                      (I) A statement of the amount of funds
                    provided to each eligible organization that
                    received assistance under this Act and the
                    manner in which those funds were used,
                    including whether such use was for commodity
                    transportation or administrative costs.
                      [(I) For funds expended for purposes of
                    section 202(e), 406(b)(6), and 407(c)(1)(B), a
                    detailed accounting of the expenditures and
                    purposes of such expenditures with respect to
                    each such section.]
              [(3) Rate of return described.--For purposes of
            applying subparagraph (H) of paragraph (2), the rate of
            return for a commodity shall be equal to the proportion
            that--
                      [(A) the proceeds the implementing partners
                    generate through monetization; bears to
                      [(B) the cost to the Federal Government to
                    procure and ship the commodity to a recipient
                    country for monetization.]

    SEC. 408. EXPIRATION DATE.

      No agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance
    under this Act shall be entered into after December 31, [2023]
    2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    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 to carry out the emergency
            and nonemergency food assistance programs under title
            II; and
              (2) such sums as are necessary--
                      (A) to carry out the concessional credit
                    sales program established under title I;
                      (B) to carry out the grant program
                    established under title III; and
                      (C) to make payments to the Commodity Credit
                    Corporation to the extent the Commodity Credit
                    Corporation is not reimbursed under the
                    programs under this Act for the actual costs
                    incurred or to be incurred by the Commodity
                    Credit Corporation in carrying out such
                    programs.
      (b) Transfer of Funds.--
              (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2)
            and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
            President may direct that up to 15 percent of the funds
            available for any fiscal year for carrying out any
            title of this Act be used to carry out any other title
            of this Act.
              (2) Title iii funds.--The President may direct that
            up to 50 percent of the funds available for any fiscal
            year for carrying out title III be used to carry out
            title II.
      (c) Budget.--In presenting the Budget of the United States,
    the President shall classify expenditures under this Act as
    expenditures for international affairs and finance rather than
    for agriculture and agricultural resources.
      (d) Value of Commodities.--Notwithstanding any other
    provision of law, in determining the reimbursement due the
    Commodity Credit Corporation for all expenses incurred under
    this Act, commodities from the inventory of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation that were acquired under dairy price support
    operations shall be valued at a price not greater than the
    export market price for such commodities, as determined by the
    Secretary, as of the time such commodity is made available
    under this Act.
      (e) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--
              (1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019
            through [2023] 2031, not less than $365,000,000 of the
            amounts made available to carry out emergency and
            nonemergency food assistance programs under title II,
            nor more than 30 percent of such amounts, shall be
            expended for nonemergency food assistance programs
            under such title.
              (2) Community development funds.--Funds appropriated
            each year to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance
            Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) that are made
            available through grants or cooperative agreements to
            strengthen food security in developing countries and
            that are consistent with section 202(e)(1)(C) may be
            considered amounts expended for nonemergency food
            assistance programs for purposes of paragraph (1).
              (3) Farmer-to-farmer program.--In determining the
            amount expended for a fiscal year for nonemergency food
            assistance programs under paragraph (1), amounts
            expended for that year to carry out programs under
            section 501 may be considered amounts expended for
            nonemergency food assistance programs.
      (f) Minimum Levels of Funding To Address Child Wasting.--
              (1) Minimum level.--For each of fiscal years 2027
            through 2031, in addition to amounts otherwise made
            available, not less than $200,000,000 of the amounts
            made available to carry out emergency food assistance
            programs under title II shall be expended for the
            procurement and distribution of ready-to-use
            therapeutic foods.
              (2) Applicability.--The minimum expenditure
            requirement under paragraph (1) shall only apply with
            respect to a fiscal year if--
                      (A) the most recent Joint Child Malnutrition
                    Estimates, published annually by the World
                    Health Organization, the World Bank, and the
                    United Nations Children's Fund, report a rate
                    of children under 5 years of age affected by
                    child wasting above 5 percent for the year
                    covered by such report; and
                      (B) the total amount made available to carry
                    out programs under title II in the fiscal year
                    is greater than $1,200,000,000.
              (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
            may be construed to limit on the authority of the
            Secretary to purchase or distribute ready-to-use
            therapeutic foods in a fiscal year.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 415. MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.

      (a) In General.--
              (1) Programs.--Not later than September 30, 2008, the
            [Administrator, in consultation with the] Secretary[,]
            shall establish micronutrient fortification programs.
              (2) Purpose.--The purpose of a program shall be to--
                      (A) assist developing countries in correcting
                    micronutrient dietary deficiencies among
                    segments of the populations of the countries;
                    and
                      (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.
      (b) Fortification.--Under a program, grains and other
    commodities made available to a developing country selected to
    participate in a program may be fortified with 1 or more
    micronutrients (such as vitamin A, iron, iodine, and folic
    acid) with respect to which a substantial portion of the
    population in the country is deficient. The commodity may be
    fortified in the United States or in the developing country.
      (c) Termination of Authority.--The authority to carry out
    programs established under this section shall terminate on
    September 30, [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                       TITLE V--FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM

    SEC. 501. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Caribbean basin country.--The term ``Caribbean
            Basin country'' means a country eligible for
            designation as a beneficiary country under section 212
            of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (19 U.S.C.
            2702).
              (2) Emerging market.--The term ``emerging market''
            means a country that the Secretary determines--
                      (A) is taking steps toward a market-oriented
                    economy through the food, agriculture, or rural
                    business sectors of the economy of the country;
                    and
                      (B) has the potential to provide a viable and
                    significant market for United States
                    agricultural commodities or products of United
                    States agricultural commodities.
              (3) Middle income country.--The term ``middle income
            country'' means a country that has developed
            economically to the point at which the country does not
            receive bilateral development assistance from the
            United States.
              (4) Sub-saharan african country.--The term ``sub-
            Saharan African country'' has the meaning given the
            term in section 107 of the Trade and Development Act of
            2000 (19 U.S.C. 3706).
      (b) Provision.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31,
    United States Code, or any other provision of law, to further
    assist developing countries, middle-income countries, emerging
    markets, sub-Saharan African countries, and Caribbean Basin
    countries to increase farm production and farmer incomes, the
    President may--
              (1) establish and administer a program, to be known
            as the ``John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-
            Farmer Program'', of farmer-to-farmer technical
            assistance between the United States and such countries
            to assist in--
                      (A) increasing food production and
                    distribution; and
                      (B) improving the effectiveness of the
                    farming and marketing operations of
                    agricultural producers in those countries;
              (2) use United States agricultural producers,
            agriculturalists, colleges and universities (including
            historically black colleges and universities, land
            grant colleges or universities, and foundations
            maintained by colleges or universities), private
            agribusinesses, private organizations (including
            grassroots organizations with an established and
            demonstrated capacity to carry out such a bilateral
            exchange program), private corporations, employees or
            staff of a State cooperative institution (as such term
            is defined in paragraph 18 of section 1404 of the
            National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
            Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103), except that
            subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of such paragraph shall
            not apply), and nonprofit farm organizations to work in
            conjunction with agricultural producers and farm
            organizations in those countries, on a voluntary
            basis--
                      (A) to improve agricultural and agribusiness
                    operations and agricultural systems in those
                    countries, including improving--
                              (i) animal care and health;
                              (ii) field crop cultivation;
                              (iii) fruit and vegetable growing;
                              (iv) livestock operations;
                              (v) food processing and packaging;
                              (vi) farm credit;
                              (vii) marketing;
                              (viii) inputs
                              (ix) agricultural education and
                            extension;
                              (x) selection of seed varieties and
                            plant stocks;
                              (xi) knowledge of insecticide and
                            sanitation procedures to prevent crop
                            destruction;
                              (xii) use and maintenance of
                            agricultural equipment and irrigation
                            systems; and
                              (xiii) selection of fertilizers and
                            methods of soils treatment; and
                      (B) to strengthen cooperatives and other
                    agricultural groups in those countries;
              (3) transfer the knowledge and expertise of United
            States agricultural producers and businesses, on an
            individual basis, to those countries while enhancing
            the democratic process by supporting private and public
            agriculturally related organizations that request and
            support technical assistance activities through cash
            and in-kind services;
              (4) to the maximum extent practicable, make grants to
            or enter into contracts or other cooperative agreements
            with private voluntary organizations, cooperatives,
            land grant universities, private agribusiness, or
            nonprofit farm organizations to carry out this section
            (except that any such contract or other agreement may
            obligate the United States to make outlays only to the
            extent that the budget authority for such outlays is
            available under subsection (d) or has otherwise been
            provided in advance in appropriation Acts);
              (5) coordinate programs established under this
            section with other foreign assistance programs and
            activities carried out by the United States; and
              (6) to the extent that local currencies can be used
            to meet the costs of a program established under this
            section, augment funds of the United States that are
            available for such a program through the use, within
            the country in which the program is being conducted,
            of--
                      (A) foreign currencies that accrue from the
                    sale of agricultural commodities and products
                    under this Act; and
                      (B) local currencies generated from other
                    types of foreign assistance activities.
      (c) Special Emphasis on Sub-Saharan African and Caribbean
    Basin Countries.--
              (1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
                      (A) agricultural producers in sub-Saharan
                    African and Caribbean Basin countries need
                    training in agricultural techniques that are
                    appropriate for the majority of eligible
                    agricultural producers in those countries,
                    including training in--
                              (i) standard growing practices;
                              (ii) insecticide and sanitation
                            procedures; and
                              (iii) other agricultural methods that
                            will produce increased yields of more
                            nutritious and healthful crops;
                      (B) agricultural producers in the United
                    States (including African-American agricultural
                    producers) and banking and insurance
                    professionals have agribusiness expertise that
                    would be invaluable for agricultural producers
                    in sub-Saharan African and Caribbean Basin
                    countries;
                      (C) a commitment by the United States is
                    appropriate to support the development of a
                    comprehensive agricultural skills training
                    program for those agricultural producers that
                    focuses on--
                              (i) improving knowledge of
                            insecticide and sanitation procedures
                            to prevent crop destruction;
                              (ii) teaching modern agricultural
                            techniques that would facilitate a
                            continual analysis of crop production,
                            including--
                                      (I) the identification and
                                    development of standard growing
                                    practices; and
                                      (II) the establishment of
                                    systems for recordkeeping;
                              (iii) the use and maintenance of
                            agricultural equipment that is
                            appropriate for the majority of
                            eligible agricultural producers in sub-
                            Saharan African or Caribbean Basin
                            countries;
                              (iv) the expansion of small
                            agricultural operations into
                            agribusiness enterprises by increasing
                            access to credit for agricultural
                            producers through--
                                      (I) the development and use
                                    of village banking systems; and
                                      (II) the use of agricultural
                                    risk insurance pilot products;
                                    and
                              (v) marketing crop yields to
                            prospective purchasers (including
                            businesses and individuals) for local
                            needs and export; and
                      (D) programs that promote the exchange of
                    agricultural knowledge and expertise through
                    the exchange of American and foreign
                    agricultural producers have been effective in
                    promoting improved agricultural techniques and
                    food security and the extension of additional
                    resources to such farmer-to-farmer exchanges is
                    warranted.
              (2) Goals for programs carried out in sub-saharan
            african and caribbean countries.--The goals of programs
            carried out under this section in sub-Saharan African
            and Caribbean Basin countries shall be--
                      (A) to expand small agricultural operations
                    in those countries into agribusiness
                    enterprises by increasing access to credit for
                    agricultural producers through--
                              (i) the development and use of
                            village banking systems; and
                              (ii) the use of agricultural risk
                            insurance pilot products;
                      (B) to provide training to agricultural
                    producers in those countries that will--
                              (i) enhance local food security; and
                              (ii) help mitigate and alleviate
                            hunger;
                      (C) to provide training to agricultural
                    producers in those countries in groups to
                    encourage participants to share and pass on to
                    other agricultural producers in the home
                    communities of the participants, the
                    information and skills obtained from the
                    training, rather than merely retaining the
                    information and skills for the personal
                    enrichment of the participants; and
                      (D) to maximize the number of beneficiaries
                    of the programs in sub-Saharan African and
                    Caribbean Basin countries.
      (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 2013, and not
    less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.6 percent of the
    amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through
    [2023] 2031, to carry out this Act shall be used to carry out
    programs under this section, with--
              (1) not less than 0.2 percent to be used for programs
            in developing countries; and
              (2) not less than 0.1 percent to be used for programs
            in sub-Saharan African and Caribbean Basin countries.
      (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
              (1) In general.--There are authorized to be
            appropriated for each of fiscal years 2008 through
            [2023] 2031 to carry out the programs under this
            section--
                      (A) $10,000,000 for sub-Saharan African and
                    Caribbean Basin countries; and
                      (B) $5,000,000 for other developing or
                    middle-income countries or emerging markets not
                    described in subparagraph (A).
              (2) Administrative costs.--Not more than 5 percent of
            the funds made available for a fiscal year under
            paragraph (1) may be used to pay administrative costs
            incurred in carrying out programs in sub-Saharan
            African and Caribbean Basin countries.
      (f) Grant Program to Create New Partners and Innovation.--
              (1) In general.--The [Administrator of the Agency for
            International Development] Secretary shall develop a
            grant program to be carried out in fiscal years 2019
            through [2023] 2031 to facilitate new and innovative
            partnerships and activities under this title.
              (2) Use of funds.--A grant recipient under this
            subsection shall use funds received under this
            subsection to--
                      (A) prioritize new implementing partners;
                      (B) develop innovative volunteer models;
                      (C) develop, improve, or maintain strategic
                    partnerships with other United States
                    development programs; and
                      (D) expand the footprint and impact of the
                    programs and activities under this title, and
                    diversity among program participants, including
                    land-grant colleges and universities and
                    cooperative extension services (as such terms
                    are defined in section 1404 of the National
                    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
                    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                         TITLE VII--TRANSFER PROVISIONS

    SEC. 701. TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM USAID TO SECRETARY OF
                        AGRICULTURE.

      On and after the date of the enactment of this title, the
    assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, permits, grants,
    loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, and licenses of the
    Administrator of the United States Agency for International
    Development, pursuant to any authority under this Act on or
    after January 1, 2026, shall be transferred to the Secretary of
    Agriculture.

    SEC. 702. TRANSFER OF OTHER AUTHORITIES.

      On and after the date of the enactment of this title, any
    authority or responsibility provided by any other provision of
    law that was or could have been used by the Administrator of
    the United States Agency for International Development, prior
    to such date of enactment to carry out any function, duty, or
    responsibility under this Act may be exercised by the Secretary
    of Agriculture. A reference to such Administrator or to such
    Agency in any provision of law or regulation relating to any
    authority or responsibility described in the preceding sentence
    shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of
    Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture, respectively.

    SEC. 703. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

      Beginning on the date of the enactment of this title, the
    Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate or amend such rules
    and regulations (including by issuing or re-issuing interim
    final rules) as the Secretary may determine appropriate,
    including by amending such rules and regulations issued by the
    Administrator of the United States Agency for International
    Development with respect to the authorities and
    responsibilities provided by this Act and as in effect on the
    day before such date of enactment, in order to effectuate and
    complete the transfer of all functions and duties previously
    carried out by that Administrator to the Secretary.

    SEC. 704. CONSULTATION.

      The Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary
    of State from time to time in carrying out the authorities
    under this Act.
                                  ----------

                         AGRICULTURAL TRADE ACT OF 1978

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.

        [As used in this Act--] In this Act:
              (1) Agricultural commodity.--The term ``agricultural
            commodity'' means any agricultural commodity, food,
            feed, fiber, or livestock (including livestock as it is
            defined in section 602(2) of the Agricultural Act of
            1949 (7 U.S.C. 1471(2)) and insects) and any product
            thereof.
              (2) Common name.--
                      (A) In general.--The term ``common name''
                    means a name that, as determined by the
                    Secretary--
                              (i) is ordinarily or customarily used
                            for an agricultural commodity or food
                            product;
                              (ii) is typically placed on the
                            packaging and product label of the
                            agricultural commodity or food product;
                              (iii) with respect to wine--
                                      (I) is--
                                              (aa) ordinarily or
                                            customarily used for a
                                            wine grape varietal
                                            name; or
                                              (bb) a traditional
                                            term or expression that
                                            is typically placed on
                                            the packaging and label
                                            of the wine; and
                                      (II) does not mean any
                                    appellation of origin for wine
                                    listed in subpart C of part 9
                                    of title 27, Code of Federal
                                    Regulations (or successor
                                    regulations); and
                              (iv) the use of which is consistent
                            with standards of the Codex
                            Alimentarius Commission.
                      (B) Examples.--The following names, among
                    others, shall be considered as common names as
                    such term is defined for purposes of carrying
                    out subparagraph (A):
                              (i) With respect to food products:
                            american, asiago, basmati, black forest
                            ham, blue, blue vein, bologna, bologne,
                            bratwurst, brie, burrata, camembert,
                            capicola and capocollo, cheddar,
                            chevre, chorizo, colby, cottage cheese,
                            coulommiers, cream cheese, danbo, edam,
                            emmental, feta, fontina, gorgonzola,
                            gouda, grana, gruyere, havarti,
                            kielbasa, limburger and limburgo,
                            mascarpone, monterey jack, mortadella,
                            munster and muenster, neufchatel,
                            parmesan, pancetta, pecorino, pepper
                            jack, prosciutto, provolone, ricotta,
                            romano, saint-paulin, salame, salami,
                            samso, and swiss, tilsiter, and tomme.
                              (ii) With respect to wine:
                                      (I) The list of grape
                                    varietal terms in section 4.91
                                    of title 27, Code of Federal
                                    Regulations (or a successor
                                    regulation).
                                      (II) The grape variety
                                    designations administratively
                                    approved by the Alcohol and
                                    Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
                                      (III) The following
                                    nonvarietal descriptors:
                                    chateau, classic, clos, cream,
                                    crusted and crusting, noble,
                                    ruby, sur lie, tawny, vintage,
                                    and vintage character.
                              (iii) With respect to beer: bitter,
                            pale ale, india pale ale, mild, porter,
                            stout, barleywine, dubbel, quadrupel,
                            witbier, saison, biere de garde, oud
                            red, altbier, weisse, gose, hefeweizen,
                            dunkel, helles, rauchbier, pilsener,
                            maerzen, schwarzbier, doppelbock, bock,
                            kellerbier, munchener and munich style,
                            oktoberfest, dortmunder, kolsch and
                            koelsch, cream, grodziskie, lager.
                      (C) Considerations.--In making a
                    determination under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary may take into account--
                              (i) competent sources, such as
                            dictionaries, newspapers, professional
                            journals and literature, and
                            information posted on websites that are
                            determined by the Secretary to be
                            reliable in reporting market
                            information;
                              (ii) the use of the common name in a
                            domestic, regional, or international
                            product standard, including a standard
                            promulgated by the Codex Alimentarius
                            Commission, for the agricultural
                            commodity or food product; and
                              (iii) the ordinary and customary use
                            of the common name in the production or
                            marketing of the agricultural commodity
                            or food product in the United States or
                            in other countries.
                      (D) Rule of construction.--The enumeration of
                    certain names under subparagraph (B) may not be
                    construed to limit or restrict the ability of
                    the Secretary to determine, consistent with
                    subparagraph (A), that any other name is a
                    common name for purposes of this section.
              [(2)] (3) Developing country.--The term ``developing
            country'' means a country that--
                      (A) has a shortage of foreign exchange
                    earnings and has difficulty accessing
                    sufficient commercial credit to meet all of its
                    food needs, as determined by the Secretary; and
                      (B) has the potential to become a commercial
                    market for agricultural commodities.
              [(8)] (4) Independent states of the former soviet
            union.--The term ``independent states of the former
            Soviet Union'' means the following: Armenia,
            Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
            Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and
            Uzbekistan.
                                         [(3)] (5) Secretary.--The term
                                           ``Secretary'' means the
                                           Secretary of Agriculture.
              [(4)] (6) Service.--The term ``Service'' means the
            Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of
            Agriculture.
              [(5)] (7) Unfair trade practice.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
                    the term ``unfair trade practice'' means any
                    act, policy, or practice of a foreign country
                    that--
                              (i) violates, or is inconsistent
                            with, the provisions of, or otherwise
                            denies benefits to the United States
                            under, any trade agreement to which the
                            United States is a party;
                              (ii) in the case of a monopolistic
                            state trading enterprise engaged in the
                            export sale of an agricultural
                            commodity, implements a pricing
                            practice that is inconsistent with
                            sound commercial practice;
                              (iii) provides a subsidy that--
                                      (I) decreases market
                                    opportunities for United States
                                    exports; or
                                      (II) unfairly distorts an
                                    agricultural market to the
                                    detriment of United States
                                    exporters;
                              (iv) imposes an unfair technical
                            barrier to trade, including--
                                      (I) a trade restriction or
                                    commercial requirement (such as
                                    a labeling requirement) that
                                    adversely affects a new
                                    technology (including
                                    biotechnology); and
                                      (II) an unjustified sanitary
                                    or phytosanitary restriction
                                    (including any restriction
                                    that, in violation of the
                                    Uruguay Round Agreements, is
                                    not based on scientific
                                    principles;
                              (v) imposes a rule that unfairly
                            restricts imports of United States
                            agricultural commodities in the
                            administration of tariff rate quotas[;
                            or]
                              (vi) fails to adhere to, or
                            circumvents any obligation under, any
                            provision of a trade agreement with the
                            United States[.]; or
                              (vii) prohibits or disallows the use
                            of a name determined or considered to
                            be a common name pursuant to paragraph
                            (2).
                      (B) Consistency with 1974 trade act.--Nothing
                    in this Act may be construed to authorize the
                    Secretary to make any determination regarding
                    an unfair trade practice that is inconsistent
                    with section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
                    U.S.C. 2411).
              [(6)] (8) United states.--The term ``United States''
            includes each of the States, the District of Columbia,
            Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the
            United States.
              [(7)] (9) United states agricultural commodity.--The
            term ``United States agricultural commodity'' means--
                      (A) an agricultural commodity or product
                    entirely produced in the United States; or
                      (B) a product of an agricultural commodity--
                              (i) 90 percent or more of the
                            agricultural components of which by
                            weight, excluding packaging and added
                            water, is entirely produced in the
                            United States; and
                              (ii) that the Secretary determines to
                            be a high value agricultural product.
            For purposes of this paragraph, fish entirely produced
            in the United States include fish harvested by a
            documented fishing vessel as defined in title 46,
            United States Code, in waters that are not waters
            (including the territorial sea) of a foreign country.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                     TITLE II--AGRICULTURAL EXPORT PROGRAMS

    Subtitle A--Programs

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 203. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FACILITATION.

      (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out activities
    under this section--
              (1) to access, develop, maintain, and expand markets
            for United States agricultural commodities; and
              (2) to promote cooperation and the exchange of
            information.
      (b) Market Access Program.--
              (1) Definition of eligible trade organization.--In
            this subsection, the term ``eligible trade
            organization'' means--
                      (A) a United States agricultural trade
                    organization or regional State-related
                    organization that promotes the export and sale
                    of United States agricultural commodities and
                    that does not stand to profit directly from
                    specific sales of United States agricultural
                    commodities;
                      (B) a cooperative organization or State
                    agency that promotes the sale of United States
                    agricultural commodities; or
                      (C) a private organization that promotes the
                    export and sale of United States agricultural
                    commodities if the Secretary determines that
                    such organization would significantly
                    contribute to United States export market
                    development.
              (2) In general.--The Commodity Credit Corporation
            shall establish and carry out a program, to be known as
            the ``Market Access Program'', to encourage the
            development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial
            export markets for United States agricultural
            commodities (including commodities that are organically
            produced (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic
            Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502))) through
            cost-share assistance to eligible trade organizations
            that implement a foreign market development program.
              (3) Participation requirements.--
                      (A) Marketing plan and other requirements.--
                    To be eligible for cost-share assistance under
                    this subsection, an eligible trade organization
                    shall--
                              (i) prepare and submit a marketing
                            plan to the Secretary that meets the
                            guidelines governing such a marketing
                            plan specified in this paragraph or
                            otherwise established by the Secretary;
                              (ii) meet any other requirements
                            established by the Secretary; and
                              (iii) enter into an agreement with
                            the Secretary.
                      (B) Purpose of marketing plan.--A marketing
                    plan submitted under this paragraph shall
                    describe the advertising or other market
                    oriented export promotion activities to be
                    carried out by the eligible trade organization
                    with respect to which assistance under this
                    subsection is being requested.
                      (C) Specific elements.--To be approved by the
                    Secretary, a marketing plan submitted under
                    this paragraph shall--
                              (i) specifically describe the manner
                            in which assistance received by the
                            eligible trade organization, in
                            conjunction with funds and services
                            provided by the eligible trade
                            organization, will be expended in
                            implementing the marketing plan;
                              (ii) establish specific market goals
                            to be achieved under the marketing
                            plan; and
                              (iii) contain whatever additional
                            requirements are determined by the
                            Secretary to be necessary.
                      (D) Branded promotion.--A marketing plan
                    approved by the Secretary may provide for the
                    use of branded advertising to promote the sale
                    of United States agricultural commodities in a
                    foreign country under such terms and conditions
                    as may be established by the Secretary.
                      (E) Amendments.--An approved marketing plan
                    may be amended by the eligible trade
                    organization at any time, subject to the
                    approval of the amendment by the Secretary.
              (4) Level of assistance and cost-share
            requirements.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall justify
                    in writing the level of assistance to be
                    provided to an eligible trade organization
                    under this subsection and the level of cost
                    sharing required of the organization.
                      (B) Limitation on branded promotion.--
                    Assistance provided under this subsection for
                    activities described in paragraph (3)(D) shall
                    not exceed 50 percent of the cost of
                    implementing the marketing plan, except that
                    the Secretary may determine not to apply such
                    limitation in the case of United States
                    agricultural commodities with respect to which
                    there has been a favorable decision by the
                    United States Trade Representative under
                    section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
                    2411). Criteria used by the Secretary for
                    determining that the limitation shall not apply
                    shall be consistent and documented.
              (5) Other terms and conditions.--
                      (A) Multiyear basis.--The Secretary may
                    provide assistance under this subsection on a
                    multiyear basis, subject to annual review by
                    the Secretary for compliance with the approved
                    marketing plan.
                      (B) Termination of assistance.--The Secretary
                    may terminate any assistance made, or to be
                    made, available under this subsection if the
                    Secretary determines that--
                              (i) the eligible trade organization
                            is not adhering to the terms and
                            conditions applicable to the provision
                            of the assistance;
                              (ii) the eligible trade organization
                            is not implementing the approved
                            marketing plan or is not adequately
                            meeting the established goals of the
                            plan;
                              (iii) the eligible trade organization
                            is not adequately contributing its own
                            resources to the implementation of the
                            plan; or
                              (iv) the Secretary determines that
                            termination of assistance in a
                            particular instance is in the best
                            interests of the Market Access Program.
                      (C) Evaluations.--Beginning not later than 15
                    months after the initial provision of
                    assistance under this subsection to an eligible
                    trade organization, the Secretary shall monitor
                    the expenditures by the eligible trade
                    organization of such assistance, including the
                    following:
                              (i) An evaluation of the
                            effectiveness of the marketing plan of
                            the eligible trade organization in
                            developing or maintaining markets for
                            United States agricultural commodities.
                              (ii) An evaluation of whether
                            assistance provided under this
                            subsection is necessary to maintain
                            such markets.
                              (iii) A thorough accounting of the
                            expenditure by the eligible trade
                            organization of the assistance provided
                            under this subsection.
              (6) Restrictions on use of funds.--Assistance
            provided under this subsection to an eligible trade
            organization may not be used--
                      (A) to provide direct assistance to any
                    foreign for-profit corporation for the
                    corporation's use in promoting foreign-produced
                    products; or
                      (B) to provide direct assistance to any for-
                    profit corporation that is not recognized as a
                    small business concern (as described in section
                    3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
                    632(a))), excluding--
                              (i) a cooperative;
                              (ii) an association described in the
                            first section of the Act entitled ``An
                            Act To authorize association of
                            producers of agricultural products'',
                            approved February 18, 1922 (7 U.S.C.
                            291); or
                              (iii) a nonprofit trade association.
              (7) Permissive use of funds.--Assistance provided
            under this subsection to a United States agricultural
            trade association, cooperative, or small business may
            be used for individual branded promotional activity
            related to a United States branded product, if the
            beneficiaries of the activity have provided funds for
            the activity in an amount that is at least equivalent
            to the amount of such assistance.
              (8) Priority.--In providing assistance for branded
            promotion, the Secretary should give priority to small-
            sized entities.
              (9) Contribution level.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary should require
                    a minimum contribution level of 10 percent from
                    an eligible trade organization that receives
                    assistance for nonbranded promotion.
                      (B) Increases in contribution level.--The
                    Secretary may increase the contribution level
                    in any subsequent year that an eligible trade
                    organization receives assistance for nonbranded
                    promotion.
              (10) Additionality.--The Secretary should require
            each participant in the Market Access Program to
            certify that any Federal funds received supplement, but
            do not supplant, private or third party participant
            funds or other contributions to Program activities.
              (11) Independent audits.--If as a result of an
            evaluation or audit of activities of a participant
            under the Market Access Program, the Secretary
            determines that a further review is justified in order
            to ensure compliance with the requirements of the
            Program, the Secretary should require the participant
            to contract for an independent audit of the Program
            activities, including activities of any subcontractor.
              (12) Tobacco.--No funds made available under the
            Market Access Program may be used for activities to
            develop, maintain, or expand foreign markets for
            tobacco.
      (c) Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.--
              (1) Definition of eligible trade organization.--In
            this subsection, the term ``eligible trade
            organization'' means a United States trade organization
            that--
                      (A) promotes the export of 1 or more United
                    States agricultural commodities; and
                      (B) does not have a business interest in or
                    receive remuneration from specific sales of
                    agricultural commodities.
              (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
            and, in cooperation with eligible trade organizations,
            carry out a program to be known as the ``Foreign Market
            Development Cooperator Program'' to maintain and
            develop foreign markets for United States agricultural
            commodities.
              (3) Use of funds.--Funds made available to carry out
            this subsection shall be used only to provide--
                      (A) cost-share assistance to an eligible
                    trade organization under a contract or
                    agreement with the eligible trade organization;
                    and
                      (B) assistance for other costs that are
                    appropriate to carry out the Foreign Market
                    Development Cooperator Program, including
                    contingent liabilities that are not otherwise
                    funded.
              (4) Technical assistance to improve infrastructure in
            foreign markets for united states agricultural
            commodities.--
                      (A) In general.--As part of the program
                    established under this subsection, the
                    Secretary shall enter into contracts or other
                    agreements, with eligible trade organizations
                    or with nonprofit organizations with expertise
                    in supply chain infrastructure, to provide
                    needs assessments, training, and other
                    technical assistance to enhance the
                    capabilities of infrastructure in new and
                    developing foreign markets, including
                    infrastructure relating to cold chain capacity,
                    port improvements, and other developments, to
                    ensure that United States agricultural
                    commodities are not damaged or lost due to
                    deficiencies of such infrastructure.
                      (B) Limitation.--Of the amounts made
                    available to carry out the program established
                    under this subsection, not more than $1,500,000
                    for fiscal year 2027 and not more than
                    $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal
                    year thereafter may be made available to carry
                    out this paragraph.
      (d) E (kika) De La Garza Emerging Markets Program.--
              (1) Definition of emerging market.--In this
            subsection, the term ``emerging market'' means any
            country, foreign territory, customs union, or other
            economic market that the Secretary determines--
                      (A) is taking steps toward a market-oriented
                    economy through the food, agriculture, or rural
                    business sectors of its economy; and
                      (B) has the potential to provide a viable and
                    significant market for United States
                    agricultural commodities.
              (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and
            carry out a program, to be known as the ``E (Kika) de
            la Garza Emerging Markets Program''--
                      (A) to develop agricultural markets in
                    emerging markets; and
                      (B) to promote cooperation and exchange of
                    information between agricultural institutions
                    and agribusinesses in the United States and
                    emerging markets.
              (3) Development of agricultural systems.--
                      (A) In general.--
                              (i) Implementation.--To develop,
                            maintain, or expand markets for exports
                            of United States agricultural
                            commodities, the Secretary shall make
                            available to emerging markets the
                            expertise of the United States--
                                      (I) to make assessments of
                                    food and rural business systems
                                    needs;
                                      (II) to make recommendations
                                    on measures necessary to
                                    enhance the effectiveness of
                                    the food and rural business
                                    systems described in subclause
                                    (I), including potential
                                    reductions in trade barriers;
                                    and
                                      (III) to identify and carry
                                    out specific opportunities and
                                    projects to enhance the
                                    effectiveness of the food and
                                    rural business systems
                                    described in subclause (I).
                              (ii) Extent of program.--The
                            Secretary shall implement this
                            subparagraph with respect to at least 3
                            emerging markets in each fiscal year.
                      (B) Experts from the united states.--The
                    Secretary may implement subparagraph (A) by
                    providing--
                              (i) assistance to teams (consisting
                            primarily of agricultural consultants,
                            agricultural producers, other persons
                            from the private sector, and government
                            officials expert in assessing the food
                            and rural business systems of other
                            countries) to enable those teams to
                            conduct the assessments, make the
                            recommendations, and identify the
                            opportunities and projects described in
                            subparagraph (A)(i) in emerging
                            markets;
                              (ii) for necessary subsistence and
                            transportation expenses of--
                                      (I) United States food and
                                    rural business system experts,
                                    including United States
                                    agricultural producers and
                                    other United States individuals
                                    knowledgeable in agricultural
                                    and agribusiness matters, to
                                    enable such United States food
                                    and rural business system
                                    experts to assist in
                                    transferring knowledge and
                                    expertise to entities from
                                    emerging markets; and
                                      (II) individuals designated
                                    by emerging markets to enable
                                    such designated individuals to
                                    consult with such United States
                                    experts to enhance food and
                                    rural business systems of such
                                    emerging markets and to
                                    transfer knowledge and
                                    expertise to such emerging
                                    markets.
                      (C) Cost-sharing.--The Secretary shall
                    encourage the nongovernmental experts described
                    in subparagraph (B) to share the costs of, and
                    otherwise assist in, the participation of those
                    experts in the E (Kika) de la Garza Emerging
                    Markets Program.
                      (D) Technical assistance.--The Secretary is
                    authorized to provide, or pay the necessary
                    costs for, technical assistance (including the
                    establishment of extension services) to enable
                    individuals or other entities to carry out
                    recommendations, projects, and opportunities in
                    emerging markets, including recommendations,
                    projects, and opportunities described in
                    subclauses (II) and (III) of subparagraph
                    (A)(i).
                      (E) Reports to secretary.--A team that
                    receives assistance under subparagraph (B)(i)
                    shall prepare and submit to the Secretary such
                    reports as the Secretary may require.
                      (F) Advisory committee.--To provide the
                    Secretary with information that may be useful
                    to the Secretary in carrying out this
                    subsection, the Secretary may establish an
                    advisory committee composed of representatives
                    of the various sectors of the food and rural
                    business systems of the United States.
                      (G) Effect.--The authority provided under
                    this subsection shall be in addition to and not
                    in place of any other authority of the
                    Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation.
      (e) Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops.--
              (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture
            shall establish an export assistance program, in this
            subsection referred to as the ``program'', to address
            existing or potential unique barriers that prohibit or
            threaten the export of United States specialty crops.
              (2) Purpose.--The program shall provide direct
            assistance through public and private sector projects
            and technical assistance, including through the program
            under section 2(e) of the Competitive, Special, and
            Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(e)), to
            remove, resolve, or mitigate existing or potential
            sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers to
            trade.
              (3) Priority.--The program shall address time
            sensitive and strategic market access projects based
            on--
                      (A) trade effect on market retention, market
                    access, and market expansion; and
                      (B) trade impact.
              (4) Multiyear projects.--The Secretary may provide
            assistance under the program to a project for longer
            than a 5-year period if the Secretary determines that
            further assistance would effectively support the
            purpose described in paragraph (2).
              (5) Outreach and technical assistance.--The Secretary
            shall--
                      (A) conduct outreach to inform eligible
                    organizations of the requirements of the
                    program and the process by which such
                    organizations may submit proposals for funding;
                      (B) provide technical assistance to eligible
                    organizations to assist in developing proposals
                    and complying with the requirements of the
                    program; and
                      (C) solicit input from eligible organizations
                    on improvements to streamline and facilitate
                    the provision of assistance under this
                    subsection.
              (6) Regulations and procedures.--
                      (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after
                    the date of enactment of the Agriculture
                    Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall
                    review program regulations, procedures, and
                    guidelines for assistance under this subsection
                    and make revisions to streamline, improve, and
                    clarify the application, approval and
                    compliance processes for such assistance,
                    including revisions to implement the
                    requirements of paragraph (5).
                      (B) Considerations.--In reviewing and making
                    revisions under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
                    shall consider--
                              (i) establishing accountability
                            standards that are appropriate for the
                            size and scope of a project; and
                              (ii) establishing streamlined
                            application and approval processes,
                            including for smaller-scale projects or
                            projects to address time-sensitive
                            trade barriers.
              [(7) Annual report.--Each year, the Secretary shall
            submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
            report that contains, for the period covered by the
            report, a description of--
                      [(A) each factor that affects the export of
                    specialty crops, including each factor relating
                    to any--
                              [(i) significant sanitary or
                            phytosanitary issue;
                              [(ii) trade barrier; or
                              [(iii) emerging sanitary or
                            phytosanitary issue or trade barrier;
                            and
                      [(B)(i) any funds provided under subsection
                    (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not obligated in a
                    fiscal year; and
                      [(ii) the reason such funds were not
                    obligated.]
              (7) Biennial report.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary, in
                    consultation with the United States Trade
                    Representative, shall submit every two years to
                    the appropriate congressional committees a
                    report detailing the competitiveness of United
                    States specialty crops.
                      (B) Elements.--The report required by
                    subparagraph (A) shall--
                              (i) identify and analyze acts,
                            policies, or practices of foreign
                            countries that constitute significant
                            barriers to, or distortions of, United
                            States exports of specialty crops,
                            including the imposition of--
                                      (I) tariffs (including
                                    retaliatory tariffs) or quotas
                                    (including tariff-rate quotas);
                                    and
                                      (II) nontariff barriers,
                                    including technical barriers to
                                    trade, sanitary and
                                    phytosanitary measures, import
                                    licensing procedures, and
                                    subsidies;
                              (ii) identify and analyze acts,
                            policies, or practices of foreign
                            countries that enhance the
                            competitiveness of imported specialty
                            crops with domestic specialty crop
                            producers, including--
                                      (I) the subsidization of
                                    exports from the producing
                                    country; and
                                      (II) the impact of any lack
                                    or circumvention of labor and
                                    environmental laws in the
                                    producing country;
                              (iii) identify and analyze any
                            differences in applicable food safety
                            regulations of foreign countries that
                            may result in imported specialty crops
                            posing a risk to United States
                            consumers;
                              (iv) make an estimate of the impacts
                            on the competitiveness of United States
                            specialty crops of any act, policy, or
                            practice identified under clauses (i)
                            and (ii);
                              (v) assess the extent to which each
                            act, policy, or practice identified
                            under clauses (i) and (ii) are subject
                            to international agreements to which
                            the United States is a party;
                              (vi) include information with respect
                            to any action taken by the executive or
                            legislative branches during the two
                            years preceding submission of the
                            report, or expected to be taken after
                            submission of the report, to eliminate
                            any act, policy, or practice identified
                            under clauses (i) and (ii), including--
                                      (I) any action under section
                                    301;
                                      (II) negotiations or
                                    consultations with foreign
                                    governments, which may include
                                    engagement through the standing
                                    committee on sanitary and
                                    phytosanitary matters
                                    established under a free trade
                                    agreement to which the United
                                    States is a party; and
                                      (III) action at the World
                                    Trade Organization, including
                                    dispute settlement actions,
                                    consultations, or negotiations;
                                    and
                              (vii) a description of--
                                      (I) any funds provided under
                                    subsection (f)(3)(A)(iv) that
                                    were not obligated in the
                                    fiscal year preceding
                                    submission of the report; and
                                      (II) the reason such funds
                                    were not obligated.
                      (C) Comment period.--In preparing the report
                    required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary, in
                    coordination with the United States Trade
                    Representative, shall seek and consider
                    comments from the public and from the
                    Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for
                    Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.
                      (D) Form of report.--The report required by
                    subparagraph (A) shall be made available to the
                    public in machine-readable format.
                      (E) Appropriate congressional committees
                    defined.--In this paragraph, the term
                    ``appropriate congressional committees''
                    means--
                              (i) the Committee on Agriculture and
                            the Committee on Ways and Means of the
                            House of Representatives; and
                              (ii) the Committee on Agriculture,
                            Nutrition, and Forestry and the
                            Committee on Finance of the Senate.
      (f) Funding and Administration.--
              (1) Commodity credit corporation.--The Secretary
            shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the
            Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section.
              [(2) Funding amount.--For each of fiscal years 2019
            through 2023, of the funds of, or an equal value of
            commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation,
            the Secretary shall use to carry out this section
            $255,000,000, to remain available until expended.]
              (2) Funding amount.--Of the funds of, or an equal
            value of commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit
            Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
            section the following amounts, to remain available
            until expended:
                      (A) For fiscal year 2026, $255,000,000.
                      (B) For fiscal year 2027, $500,000,000.
                      (C) For each of fiscal years 2028 through
                    2031, $533,000,000.
              (3) Allocation.--
                      (A) In general.--[For each of fiscal years
                    2019 through 2023, the Secretary] The Secretary
                    shall allocate funds to carry out this section
                    in accordance with the following:
                              (i) Market access program.--For
                            market access activities authorized
                            under subsection (b), of the funds of,
                            or an equal value of commodities owned
                            by, the Commodity Credit Corporation,
                            [not less than $200,000,000 for each
                            fiscal year.] not less than--
                                      (I) $200,000,000 for fiscal
                                    year 2026;
                                      (II) $400,000,000 for fiscal
                                    year 2027; and
                                      (III) $410,000,000 for each
                                    of fiscal years 2028 through
                                    2031.
                              (ii) Foreign market development
                            cooperator program.--To carry out
                            subsection (c), of the funds of, or an
                            equal value of commodities owned by,
                            the Commodity Credit Corporation, [not
                            less than $34,500,000 for each fiscal
                            year.] not less than--
                                      (I) $34,500,000 for fiscal
                                    year 2026;
                                      (II) $70,500,000 for fiscal
                                    year 2027; and
                                      (III) $82,000,000 for each of
                                    fiscal years 2028 through 2031.

                              (iii) E (kika) de la garza emerging
                            markets program.--To provide assistance
                            under subsection (d), of the funds of,
                            or an equal value of commodities owned
                            by, the Commodity Credit Corporation,
                            [not more than $8,000,000 for each
                            fiscal year.] not more than--
                                      (I) $8,000,000 for each of
                                    fiscal year 2026 and 2027; and
                                      (II) $16,000,000 for each of
                                    fiscal years 2028 through 2031.

                              (iv) Technical assistance for
                            specialty crops.--To carry out
                            subsection (e), of the funds of, or an
                            equal value of the commodities owned
                            by, the Commodity Credit [Corporation,
                            $9,000,000 for each fiscal year.]
                            Corporation--
                                      (I) $9,000,000 for fiscal
                                    year 2026; and
                                      (II) $18,000,000 for each of
                                    fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

                              (v) Priority trade fund.--
                                      (I) In general.--In addition
                                    to the amounts allocated under
                                    clauses (i) through (iv), and
                                    notwithstanding any limitations
                                    in those clauses, as determined
                                    by the Secretary, for 1 or more
                                    programs under this section for
                                    authorized activities to
                                    access, develop, maintain, and
                                    expand markets for United
                                    States agricultural
                                    [commodities, $3,500,000 for
                                    each fiscal year.] commodities,
                                    $3,500,000 for each of fiscal
                                    years 2026 and 2027 and
                                    $7,000,000 for each of fiscal
                                    years 2028 through 2031
                                      (II) Considerations.--In
                                    allocating funds made available
                                    under subclause (I), the
                                    Secretary may consider
                                    providing a greater allocation
                                    to 1 or more programs under
                                    this section for which the
                                    amounts requested under
                                    applications exceed available
                                    funding for the 1 or more
                                    programs.
                      (B) Reallocation.--Any funds allocated under
                    clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (A)
                    that remain unobligated one year after the end
                    of the fiscal year in which they are first made
                    available shall be reallocated to the priority
                    trade fund under subparagraph (A)(v). To the
                    maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
                    allocate such reallocated funds to support
                    exports of those types of United States
                    agricultural commodities eligible for
                    assistance under the program for which the
                    funds were originally allocated under
                    subparagraph (A).
              (4) Cuba.--Notwithstanding section 908 of the Trade
            Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22
            U.S.C. 7207) or any other provision of law, funds made
            available under this section may be used to carry out
            the programs authorized under subsections (b) and (c)
            in Cuba. Funds may not be used as described in the
            previous sentence in contravention with directives set
            forth under the National Security Presidential
            Memorandum entitled ``Strengthening the Policy of the
            United States Toward Cuba'' issued by the President on
            June 16, 2017, during the period in which that
            memorandum is in effect.
              (5) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
            any other amounts provided under this subsection, there
            are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are
            necessary to carry out the programs and authorities
            under paragraph (3)(A)(v) and subsections (b) through
            (e).

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE III--BARRIERS TO EXPORTS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 303. NEGOTIATIONS TO DEFEND THE USE OF COMMON NAMES.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate efforts with
    the United States Trade Representative to secure the right of
    United States agricultural producers, processors, and exporters
    to use common names for agricultural commodities or food
    products in foreign markets through the negotiation of
    bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral agreements, memoranda
    of understanding, or exchanges of letters that assure the
    current and future use of each common name identified by the
    Secretary in connection with United States agricultural
    commodities or food products.
      (b) Briefing.--The Secretary and the United States Trade
    Representative shall jointly provide to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives, the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the
    Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives,
    and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a briefing, twice
    annually, on efforts and successes in carrying out subsection
    (a).

    TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle B--Miscellaneous Provisions

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 418. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
                        WORKING GROUP.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary (acting through the Under
    Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural
    Affairs), the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary
    of Commerce, and the heads of other Federal agencies or
    entities as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary,
    shall jointly establish an interagency working group (referred
    to in this section as the ``working group'') composed of
    representatives from each agency to monitor and assess, on an
    ongoing basis, seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables
    trade data and related information.
      (b) Consultation.--The working group shall consult with the
    Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee, relevant seasonal or
    perishable agricultural producers, and other relevant trade
    associations to identify threats that imports pose to domestic
    producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.
      (c) Trade Actions and Investigations.--The working group
    shall coordinate as appropriate regarding potential additional
    trade actions and investigations with respect to any seasonal
    or perishable fruits and vegetables, as determined to be
    advisable by the working group.
      (d) Recommendations to the Secretary.--The working group
    shall recommend programs or assistance that the Secretary could
    provide to producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and
    vegetables to address market impacts.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

     SECTION 718 OF TITLE VII OF THE AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD
     AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

      [Sec. 718.  Hereafter, none of the funds made available in
    this Act may be used to provide assistance to, or to pay the
    salaries of personnel to carry out a market promotion/market
    access program pursuant to section 203 of the Agricultural
    Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623) that provides assistance to
    the United States Mink Export Development Council or any mink
    industry trade association.]
                                  ----------

                               PUBLIC LAW 119-21

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    TITLE I--COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle F--Additional Investments in Rural America

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [SEC. 10602. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM.

      [(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry
    out a program to encourage the accessibility, development,
    maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for
    United States agricultural commodities.
      [(b) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make available
    to carry out this section $285,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and
    each fiscal year thereafter.]

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                                  ----------

             FOOD, AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND TRADE ACT OF 1990

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *
    TITLE XII--STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle B--Research and Education

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    CHAPTER 2--SPECIALIZED RESEARCH

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1243. [SEMIARID AGROFORESTRY RESEARCH CENTER.] NATIONAL AND
                        REGIONAL AGROFORESTRY CENTERS.

      (a) Definition of Agroforestry.--In this section, the term
    ``agroforestry'' means a management system that intentionally
    integrates trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming
    systems to build more profitable and weather-resilient farms,
    ranches, and communities, address natural resource concerns and
    conservation needs, and establish productive and sustainable
    land use practices, including--
              (1) riparian forest buffers;
              (2) alley cropping;
              (3) silvopasture;
              (4) forest farming and multistory cropping; and
              (5) windbreaks, shelterbelts, hedgerows, and, where
            applicable, field borders, and living snow fences.
      [(a) Semiarid Agroforestry Research, Development, and
    Demonstration Center.--]
      (b) National Agroforestry Research, Development, and
    Demonstration Center._ The Secretary of Agriculture (referred
    to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall establish at the
    Forestry Sciences Laboratory of the United States Forest
    Service, in Lincoln, Nebraska, a [Semiarid Agroforestry
    Research, Development, and Demonstration Center (hereafter
    referred to in this section as the ``Center'')] National
    Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration Center
    and appoint a Director to manage and coordinate the program
    established [at the Center under subsection (b)] under
    subsection (d).
      (c) Regional Agroforestry Centers.--
              (1) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the
            Chief of the Forest Service and in cooperation with the
            Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall, subject
            to the availability of appropriations, establish 1 or
            more regional agroforestry centers to advance
            agroforestry research, outreach, technical assistance,
            and adoption.
              (2) Director.--The Secretary, acting through the
            Chief of the Forest Service and in cooperation with the
            Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall appoint a
            Director to manage and coordinate the 1 or more
            regional agroforestry centers established under
            paragraph (1).
              (3) Location.--In selecting the locations for the 1
            or more regional agroforestry centers under paragraph
            (1), the Secretary shall prioritize locations at which
            the Department of Agriculture has, on the date of
            enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
            of 2026, at least 1 employee providing coordination
            among a diverse group of research institutions and
            other partners.
              (4) Administration.--Regional agroforestry centers
            established under paragraph (1) shall by administered
            by the National Agroforestry Center.
      [(b)] (d) Program.--The Secretarv shall establish a program
    at [the Center] each of the centers established under
    subsections (b) and (c) (referred to in this section as the
    ``Centers'') and seek the participation of Federal or State
    governmental entities, land-grant colleges or universities,
    State agricultural experiment stations, State and private
    foresters, the National Arbor Day Foundation, and other
    nonprofit foundations and organizations in such program to
    conduct or assist research, investigations, studies,
    demonstration projects, and surveys to--
              (1) develop sustainable agroforestry systems [on
            semiarid lands that] that build soil health and
            minimize topsoil loss and water contamination and
            stabilize or enhance crop productivity, including
            agroforestry systems on semiarid land and other fragile
            agroecosystems where permanent woody perennial plant
            communities can enhance carbon sequestration and reduce
            greenhouse gas emissions;
              (2) adapt, demonstrate, document, and model the
            effectiveness of agroforestry systems under different
            farming systems and soil or climate conditions;
              (3) develop dual use agroforestry systems compatible
            with paragraphs (1) and (2) which would provide high-
            value [forestry products for commercial sale from
            semiarid land] agroforestry products for commercial
            sale;
              (4) develop and improve the drought and pest
            resistance characteristics of trees for conservation
            forestry and agroforestry applications [in semiarid
            regions], including the introduction and breeding of
            trees suited for [the Great Plains region] particular
            regions of the United States;
              (5) develop technical assistance, demonstration
            projects, and technology transfer programs that
            increase farmer and public acceptance of sustainable
            agroforestry systems;
              [(6) develop improved windbreak and shelterbelt
            technologies for drought preparedness, soil and water
            conservation, environmental quality, and biological
            diversity on semiarid lands;]
              (6) develop improved silvopasture, alley cropping,
            forest farming, multistory cropping, riparian buffer,
            windbreak and shelterbelt, and other perennial
            production and conservation systems and technologies to
            improve soil health, carbon sequestration, drought
            preparedness, soil and water conservation,
            environmental quality, and biological diversity;
              (7) address barriers to the adoption of agroforestry
            practices, including--
                      (A) insufficient access to plant material;
                      (B) insufficient infrastructure to contain
                    equipment and plant material;
                      (C) insufficient machinery to implement
                    agroforestry practices;
                      (D) insufficient technical service
                    assistance; and
                      (E) insufficient research related to
                    agroforestry systems, including silvopasture
                    and alley cropping;
              [(7)] (8) develop technical and economic concepts for
            sustainable agroforestry [on semiarid lands], including
            the conduct of economic analyses of the costs and
            benefits of agroforestry systems and the development of
            models to predict the economic benefits under soil or
            climate conditions;
              [(8)] (9) provide international leadership in the
            development and exchange of agroforestry practices [on
            semiarid lands worldwide]worldwide, including on
            semiarid land;
              [(9)] (10) support research on the effects of
            agroforestry systems [on semiarid lands] in mitigating
            nonpoint source water pollution and extreme weather;
              [(10)] (11) support research on the design,
            establishment, and maintenance of tree and shrub
            plantings to regulate the deposition of snow along
            roadways; and
              [(11)] (12) conduct sociological, demographic, and
            economic studies as needed to develop strategies for
            increasing the use of forestry conservation and
            agroforestry practices.
      [(c)] (e)  Information Collection and Dissemination.--The
    Secretary shall establish at [the Center] each of the Centers a
    program, to be known as the National Clearinghouse on
    Agroforestry Conservation and Promotion to--
              (1) collect, analyze, and disseminate information on
            agroforestry conservation technologies and practices;
            [and]
              (2) promote the use of such information by landowners
            and those organizations associated with [forestry]
            forestry, agroforestry, and tree promotion[.]; and
              (3) facilitate agroforestry adoption by disseminating
            comprehensive information on Federal, State, local, and
            Tribal programs that provide support for agroforestry.
      (f) Regional Support.--The Secretary shall provide targeted
    regional support for agroforestry projects, including
    demonstration sites.
      (g) Survey.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the
    enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
    and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a
    National Agroforestry Producers Survey.
      [(d)] (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--[There are] In
    addition to amounts otherwise available, there is authorized to
    be appropriated [$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023] $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
    2031 to carry out this section.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE XV--AGRICULTURAL TRADE

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1542. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS.

      (a) Funding.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make
    available for fiscal years 1996 through [2023] 2031 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.
      (b) Facilities and Services.--
              (1) In general.--A portion of such export credit
            guarantees shall be made available for--
                      (A) the establishment or improvement of
                    facilities, or
                      (B) the provision of services or United
                    States products goods,
    in emerging markets by United States persons to improve
    handling, marketing, processing, storage, or distribution of
    imported agricultural commodities and products thereof if the
    Secretary of Agriculture determines that such guarantees will
    primarily promote the export of United States agricultural
    commodities (as defined in section 102(7) of the Agricultural
    Trade Act of 1978).
              (2) Priority.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall
            give priority under this subsection to--
              (A) projects that encourage the privatization of the
            agricultural sector or that benefit private farms or
            cooperatives in emerging markets; and
              (B) projects for which nongovernmental persons agree
            to assume a relatively larger share of the costs.
              (3) Construction waiver.--The Secretary may waive any
            applicable requirements relating to the use of United
            States goods in the construction of a proposed
            facility, if the Secretary determines that--
                      (A) goods from the United States are not
                    available; or
                      (B) the use of goods from the United States
                    is not practicable.
              (4) Term of guarantee.--A facility payment guarantee
            under this subsection shall be for a term that is not
            more than the lesser of--
                      (A) the term of the depreciation schedule of
                    the facility assisted; or
                      (B) 20 years.
      (c) Consultations.--Before the authority under this section
    is exercised, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with
    exporters of United States agricultural commodities (as defined
    in section 102(7) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978),
    nongovernmental experts, and other Federal Government agencies
    in order to ensure that facilities in an emerging market for
    which financing is guaranteed under paragraph (1)(B) do not
    primarily benefit countries which are in close geographic
    proximity to that emerging democracy.
      (d) Foreign Debt Burdens.--In carrying out the program
    described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture shall
    ensure that the credits for which repayment is guaranteed under
    subsection (a) do not negatively affect the political and
    economic situation in emerging markets by excessively adding to
    the foreign debt burdens of such countries.
      (e) Emerging Market.--In this section and section 1543, the
    term ``emerging market'' means any country, foreign territory,
    customs union, or other economic market that the Secretary
    determines--
              (1) is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy
            through the food, agriculture, or rural business
            sectors of its economy; and
              (2) has the potential to provide a viable and
            significant market for United States agricultural
            commodities or products of United States agricultural
            commodities.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1543A. BIOTECHNOLOGY AND AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROGRAM.

      (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department
    the biotechnology and agricultural trade program.
      (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the program shall be to remove,
    resolve, or mitigate significant regulatory nontariff barriers
    to the export of United States agricultural commodities (as
    defined in section 102 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7
    U.S.C. 5602)) into foreign markets through public and private
    sector projects funded by grants that address--
              (1) quick response intervention regarding nontariff
            barriers to United States exports involving--
                      (A) United States agricultural commodities
                    produced through biotechnology or new
                    agricultural production technologies;
                      (B) food safety;
                      (C) disease; or
                      (D) other sanitary or phytosanitary concerns;
                    or
              (2) developing protocols as part of bilateral
            negotiations with other countries on issues such as
            animal health, grain quality, and genetically modified
            commodities.
      (c) Eligible Programs.--Depending on need, as determined by
    the Secretary, activities authorized under this section may be
    carried out through--
              (1) this section;
              (2) the emerging markets program under section 1542
            and section 203(d) of the Agricultural Trade Act of
            1978; or
              (3) the Cochran Fellowship Program under section
            1543.
      (d) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated
    $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031.

    SEC. 1543B. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

      (a) Definition of International Food Security.--In this
    section, the term ``international food security'' means access
    by any person at any time to food and nutrition that is
    sufficient for a healthy and productive life.
      (b) Collection of Information.--The Secretary of Agriculture
    (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall
    compile information from appropriate mission areas of the
    Department of Agriculture (including the Food, Nutrition, and
    Consumer Services mission area) relating to the improvement of
    international food security.
      (c) Public Availability.--To benefit programs for the
    improvement of international food security, the Secretary shall
    organize the information described in subsection (b) and make
    the information available in a format suitable for--
              (1) public education; and
              (2) use by--
                      (A) a Federal, State, or local agency;
                      (B) an agency or instrumentality of the
                    government of a foreign country;
                      (C) a domestic or international organization,
                    including a domestic or international
                    nongovernmental organization; and
                      (D) an intergovernmental organization.
      (d) Technical Assistance.--On request by an entity described
    in subsection (c)(2), the Secretary may provide technical
    assistance to the entity to implement a program for the
    improvement of international food security.
      (e) Program Priority.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall give priority to programs relating to the
    development of food and nutrition safety net systems with a
    focus on food insecure countries.
      (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each
    of fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    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 to carry out this
    chapter $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through
    [2023] 2031. 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) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a research
    and education program concerning integrated resource management
    and integrated crop management in order to enhance research
    related to farming operations, practices, and systems that
    optimize crop and livestock production potential and are
    environmentally sound. The purpose of the program shall be--
              (1) to encourage producers to adopt integrated crop
            and livestock management practices and systems that
            minimize or abate adverse environmental impacts, reduce
            soil erosion and loss of water and nutrients, enhance
            the efficient use of on-farm and off-farm inputs, and
            maintain or increase profitability and long-term
            productivity;
              (2) to develop knowledge and information on
            integrated crop and livestock management systems and
            practices to assist agricultural producers in the
            adoption of these systems and practices;
              (3) to accumulate and analyze information on
            agricultural production practices researched or
            developed under programs established under this
            subtitle, subtitle G of title XIV, and section 1650 and
            other appropriate programs of the Department of
            Agriculture to further the development of integrated
            crop and livestock management systems;
              (4) to facilitate the adoption of whole-farm
            integrated crop and livestock management systems
            through demonstration projects on individual farms,
            including small and limited resource farms, throughout
            the United States; and
              (5) to evaluate and recommend appropriate integrated
            crop and livestock management policies and programs.
      (b) Development and Adoption of Integrated Crop Management
    Practices.--The Secretary shall encourage agricultural
    producers to adopt and develop individual, site-specific
    integrated crop management practices. On a priority basis, the
    Secretary shall develop and disseminate information on
    integrated crop management systems for agricultural producers
    in specific localities or crop producing regions where the
    Secretary determines--
              (1) water quality is impaired as a result of local or
            regional agricultural production practices; or
              (2) the adoption of such practices may aid in the
            recovery of endangered or threatened species.
      (c) Development and Adoption of Integrated Resource
    Management Practices.--The Secretary shall, on a priority
    basis, develop programs to encourage livestock producers to
    develop and adopt individual, site-specific integrated resource
    management practices. These programs shall be designed to
    benefit producers and consumers through--
              (1) optimum use of available resources and improved
            production and financial efficiency for producers;
              (2) identifying and prioritizing the research and
            educational needs of the livestock industry relating to
            production and financial efficiency, competitiveness,
            environmental stability, and food safety; and
              (3) utilizing an interdisciplinary approach.
      (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 2013 through [2023] 2031.

    CHAPTER 3--SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER
                                    PROGRAM

    SEC. 1628. TECHNICAL GUIDES AND HANDBOOKS.

      (a) Development.--Not later than two years after the date of
    the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and make
    available handbooks and technical guides, and any other
    educational materials that are appropriate for describing
    sustainable agriculture production systems and practices, as
    researched and developed under this subtitle, subtitle G of
    title XIV, section 1650, and other appropriate research
    programs of the Department.
      (b) Consultation and Coordination.--The Secretary shall
    develop the handbooks, technical guides, and educational
    materials in consultation with the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service and any other appropriate entities
    designated by the Secretary. The Secretary shall coordinate
    activities conducted under this section with those conducted
    under section 1261 of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added
    by section 1446.
      (c) Topics of Handbooks and Guides.--The handbooks and
    guides, and other educational materials, shall include detailed
    information on the selection of crops and crop-plant varieties,
    rotation practices, soil building practices, tillage systems,
    nutrient management, integrated pest management practices,
    habitat protection, pest, weed, and disease management,
    livestock management, soil, water, and energy conservation, and
    any other practices in accordance with or in furtherance of the
    purpose of this subtitle.
      (d) Organization and Contents.--The handbooks and guides, and
    other educational materials, shall provide practical
    instructions and be organized in such a manner as to enable
    agricultural producers desiring to implement the practices and
    systems developed under this subtitle, subtitle G of title XIV,
    section 1650, and other appropriate research programs of the
    Department to address site-specific, environmental and resource
    management problems and to sustain farm profitability,
    including--
              (1) enhancing and maintaining the fertility,
            productivity, and conservation of farmland and ranch
            soils, ranges, pastures, and wildlife;
              (2) maximizing the efficient and effective use of
            agricultural inputs;
              (3) protecting or enhancing the quality of water
            resources; or
              (4) optimizing the use of on-farm and nonrenewable
            resources.
      (e) Availability.--The Secretary shall ensure that handbooks
    and technical guides, and other educational materials are made
    available to the agricultural community and the public through
    colleges and universities, the State Cooperative Extension
    Service, the Soil Conservation Service, other State and Federal
    agencies, and any other appropriate entities.
      (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section--
              (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013;
            and
              (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
            [2023] 2031.

    SEC. 1629. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a National
    Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture to provide
    education and training for Cooperative Extension Service agents
    and other professionals involved in the education and transfer
    of technical information concerning sustainable agriculture in
    order to develop their understanding, competence, and ability
    to teach and communicate the concepts of sustainable
    agriculture to Cooperative Extension Service agents and to
    farmers and urban residents who need information on sustainable
    agriculture.
      (b) Administration.--The National Training Program shall be
    organized and administered by the National Institute of Food
    and Agriculture, in coordination with other appropriate Federal
    agencies. The Secretary shall designate an individual from the
    Cooperative Extension Service in each State to coordinate the
    National Training Program within that State. The coordinators
    shall be responsible, in cooperation with appropriate Federal
    and State agencies, for developing and implementing a statewide
    training program for appropriate field office personnel.
      (c) Required Training.--
              (1) Agricultural agents.--The Secretary shall ensure
            that all agricultural agents of the Cooperative
            Extension Service have completed the National Training
            Program not later than the end of the five-year period
            beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Such
            training may occur at a college or university located
            within each State as designated by the coordinator
            designated under this section.
              (2) Proof of training.--Beginning three years after
            the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
            ensure that all new Cooperative Extension Service
            agents employed by such Service are able to
            demonstrate, not later than 18 months after the
            employment of such agents, that such agents have
            completed the training program established in
            subsection (a).
      (d) Regional Training Centers.--
              (1) Designation.--The Secretary shall designate not
            less than two regional training centers to coordinate
            and administer educational activities in sustainable
            agriculture as provided for in this section.
              (2) Training program.--Such centers shall offer
            intensive instructional programs involving classroom
            and field training work for extension specialists and
            other individuals who are required to transmit
            technical information.
              (3) Prohibition on construction.--Such centers shall
            be located at existing facilities, and no funds
            appropriated to carry out this chapter shall be used
            for facility construction.
              (4) Administration.--Such centers should be
            administered by entities that have a demonstrated
            capability relating to sustainable agriculture. The
            Secretary should consider utilizing existing entities
            with expertise in sustainable agriculture to assist in
            the design and implementation of the training program
            under paragraph (2).
              (5) Coordination of resources.--Such centers shall
            make use of information generated by the Department of
            Agriculture and the State agricultural experiment
            stations, and the practical experience of farmers,
            especially those cooperating in on-farm demonstrations
            and research projects, in carrying out the functions of
            such centers.
      (e) Competitive Grants.--
              (1) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a
            competitive grants program to award grants to
            organizations, including land-grant colleges and
            universities, to carry out sustainable agricultural
            training for county agents and other individuals that
            need basic information concerning sustainable
            agriculture practices.
              (2) Short courses.--The purpose of the grants made
            available under paragraph (1) shall be to establish, in
            various regions in the United States, training programs
            that consist of workshops and short courses designed to
            familiarize participants with the concepts and
            importance of sustainable agriculture.
      (f) Regional Specialists.--To assist county agents and
    farmers implement production practices developed under this
    subtitle, subtitle G of title XIV, and other appropriate
    research programs of the Department, regional sustainable
    agriculture specialists may be designated within each State who
    shall report to the State coordinator of that State. The
    specialists shall be responsible for developing and
    coordinating local dissemination of sustainable agriculture
    information in a manner that is useful to farmers in the
    region.
      (g) Information Availability.--The Cooperative Extension
    Service within each State shall transfer information developed
    under this subtitle, subtitle G of title XIV, and other
    appropriate research programs of the Department through a
    program that shall--
              (1) assist in developing farmer-to-farmer information
            exchange networks to enable farmers making transitions
            to more sustainable farming systems to share ideas and
            draw on the experiences of other farmers;
              (2) help coordinate and publicize a regular series of
            sustainable agriculture farm tours and field days
            within each State;
              (3) plan for extension programming, including
            extensive farmer input and feedback, in the design of
            new and ongoing research endeavors related to
            sustainable agriculture;
              (4) provide technical assistance to individual
            farmers in the design and implementation of farm
            management plans and strategies for making a transition
            to more sustainable agricultural systems;
              (5) consult and work closely with the Soil
            Conservation Service and the Agricultural Stabilization
            and Conservation Service in carrying out the
            information, technical assistance, and related
            programs;
              (6) develop, coordinate, and direct special education
            and outreach programs in areas highly susceptible to
            groundwater contamination, linking sustainable
            agriculture information with water quality improvement
            information;
              (7) develop information sources relating to crop
            diversification, alternative crops, on-farm food or
            commodity processing, and on-farm energy generation;
              (8) establish a well-water testing program designed
            to provide those persons dependent upon underground
            drinking water supplies with an understanding of the
            need for regular water testing, information on sources
            of testing, and an understanding of how to interpret
            test results and provide for the protection of
            underground water supplies;
              (9) provide specific information on water quality
            practices developed through the research programs in
            subtitle G of title XIV;
              (10) provide specific information on nutrient
            management practices developed through the research
            programs in subtitle G of title XIV; and
              (11) provide information concerning whole-farm
            management systems integrating research results under
            this subtitle, subtitle G of title XIV, and other
            appropriate research programs of the Department.
      (h) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term
    ``appropriate field office personnel'' includes employees of
    the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Soil
    Conservation Service, and other appropriate Department of
    Agriculture personnel, as determined by the Secretary, whose
    activities involve the provision of agricultural production and
    conservation information to agricultural producers.
      (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 2013 through [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    Subtitle C--National Genetic Resources Program

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1635. DEFINITIONS AND AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

      (a) Definitions.--For purposes of this subtitle:
              (1) The term ``program'' means the National Genetic
            Resources Program.
              (2) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
            Agriculture.
              (3) The term ``Director'' means the Director of the
            National Genetic Resources Program.
      (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this subtitle--
              (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal
            years 1991 through 2013; and
              (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
            [2023] 2031.

         [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 to carry out this subtitle $5,000,000 for
    each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and $1,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.]

    Subtitle H--Miscellaneous Research Provisions

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1671. AGRICULTURAL GENOME TO PHENOME INITIATIVE.

      (a) Goals.--The goals of this section are--
              (1) to expand knowledge concerning genomes and
            phenomes of crops and animals of importance to the
            agriculture sector of the United States;
              (2) to understand how variable weather, environments,
            and production systems impact the growth and
            productivity of specific varieties of crops and species
            of animals in order to provide greater accuracy in
            predicting crop and animal performance under variable
            conditions;
              (3) to support research that leverages plant and
            animal genomic information with phenotypic and
            environmental data through an interdisciplinary
            framework, leading to a novel understanding of plant
            and animal processes that affect growth, productivity,
            and the ability to predict performance, which will
            result in the deployment of superior varieties and
            species to producers and improved crop and animal
            management recommendations for farmers and ranchers;
              (4) to catalyze and coordinate research that links
            genomics and predictive phenomics at different sites
            across the United States to achieve advances in crops
            and animals that generate societal benefits;
              (5) to combine fields such as genetics, genomics,
            plant physiology, agronomy, climatology, and crop
            modeling with computation and informatics, statistics,
            and engineering;
              (6) to combine fields such as genetics, genomics,
            animal physiology, meat science, animal nutrition, and
            veterinary science with computation and informatics,
            statistics, and engineering;
              (7) to focus on crops and animals that will yield
            scientifically important results that will enhance the
            usefulness of many other crops and animals;
              (8) to build on genomic research, such as the Plant
            Genome Research Project and the National Animal Genome
            Research Program, to understand gene function in
            production environments that is expected to have
            considerable returns for crops and animals of
            importance to the agriculture of the United States;
              (9) to develop improved data analytics to enhance
            understanding of the biological function of genes;
              (10) 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
              (11) to encourage international partnerships with
            each partner country responsible for financing its own
            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 to Phenome Initiative'', for the purpose
    of--
              (1) studying agriculturally significant crops and
            animals in production environments to achieve
            sustainable and secure agricultural production;
              (2) ensuring that current gaps in existing knowledge
            of agricultural crop and animal genetics and phenomics
            are filled;
              (3) identifying and developing a functional
            understanding of relevant genes from animals and
            agronomically relevant genes from crops that are of
            importance to the agriculture sector of the United
            States;
              (4) ensuring future genetic improvement of crops and
            animals of importance to the agriculture sector of the
            United States;
              (5) studying the relevance of diverse germplasm as a
            source of unique genes that may be of importance in the
            future;
              (6) enhancing genetics to reduce the economic impact
            of pathogens on crops and animals of importance to the
            agriculture sector of the United States;
              (7) disseminating findings to relevant audiences; and
              (8) otherwise carrying out this section.
      (c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
              (1) Authority.--The Secretary, acting through the
            National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 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.
              (3) Consortia.--The Secretary shall encourage awards
            under this section to consortia of eligible entities.
      (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) 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 to Phenome
    Initiative.
      (f) Matching Funds Requirement.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), with
            respect to a grant or cooperative agreement under this
            section that provides a particular benefit to a
            specific agricultural commodity, the recipient of funds
            under the grant or cooperative agreement shall provide
            non-Federal matching funds (including funds from an
            agricultural commodity promotion, research, and
            information program) equal to not less than the amount
            provided under the grant or cooperative agreement.
              (2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds
            described in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
              (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching
            funds requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a
            research project if the Secretary determines that--
                      (A) the results of the project are of a
                    particular benefit to a specific agricultural
                    commodity, but those results are likely to be
                    applicable to agricultural commodities
                    generally; or
                      (B)(i) the project--
                              (I) involves a minor commodity; and
                              (II) deals with scientifically
                            important research; and
                      (ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
                    matching funds requirement.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section $40,000,000 for each
    of fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031.

    SEC. 1672. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

      (a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants
    Authorized.--
              (1) In general.--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 (d)
            through (g).
              (2) Matching funds requirement.--
                      (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C),
                    an entity receiving a grant under paragraph (1)
                    shall provide non-Federal matching funds
                    (including funds from an agricultural commodity
                    promotion, research, and information program)
                    equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
                      (B) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching
                    funds described in subparagraph (A) may include
                    in-kind support.
                      (C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
                    matching funds requirement under subparagraph
                    (A) with respect to a research project if the
                    Secretary determines that--
                              (i) the results of the project are of
                            a particular benefit to a specific
                            agricultural commodity, but those
                            results are likely to be applicable to
                            agricultural commodities generally; or
                              (ii)(I) the project--
                                      (aa) involves a minor
                                    commodity; and
                                      (bb) deals with
                                    scientifically important
                                    research; and
                              (II) the recipient is unable to
                            satisfy the matching funds requirement.
              (3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall make the
            grants in consultation with the National Agricultural
            Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory
            Board.
      (b) Administration.--
              (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
            section, 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 subsections
            (d) 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) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of a
    peer review process for grant proposals received under this
    section, the Secretary shall provide a priority to those grant
    proposals, found in the peer review process to be
    scientifically meritorious, that involve the cooperation of
    multiple entities.
      (d) High-Priority Research and Extension Areas.--
              (1) 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.
              (2) 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.
              (3) 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.
              (4) 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.
              [(5) 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.
              [(6) 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.]
              [(7)] (5) 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.
              [(8)] (6) Alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems
            research program.--Research and extension grants may be
            made under this section for the purpose of studying
            improvements in alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems
            yields, biomass and persistence, pest pressures, the
            bioenergy potential of alfalfa seed and other alfalfa
            forage systems to reduce losses during harvest and
            storage.
              [(9) Coffee plant health initiative.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of--
                      [(A) developing and disseminating science-
                    based tools and treatments to combat the coffee
                    berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei); and
                      [(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
                    management program in areas affected by, or
                    areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee
                    berry borer.
              [(10) Corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain
            byproducts research and extension.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purpose of carrying out or enhancing research to
            improve the digestibility, nutritional value, and
            efficiency of the use of corn, soybean meal, cereal
            grains, and grain byproducts for the poultry and food
            animal production industries.
              [(11) Macadamia tree health initiative.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of--
                      [(A) developing and disseminating science-
                    based tools and treatments to combat the
                    macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei);
                    and
                      [(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
                    management program in areas affected by, or
                    areas at risk of being affected by, the
                    macadamia felted coccid.]
              [(12)] (7) National turfgrass research initiative.--
            Research and extension grants may be made under this
            section for the purposes of--
                      (A) carrying out or enhancing research
                    related to turfgrass and sod issues;
                      (B) enhancing production and uses of
                    turfgrass for the general public;
                      (C) identifying new turfgrass varieties with
                    superior drought, heat, cold, and pest
                    tolerance to reduce water, fertilizer, and
                    pesticide use;
                      (D) selecting genetically superior
                    turfgrasses and developing improved
                    technologies for managing commercial,
                    residential, and recreational turfgrass areas;
                      (E) producing turfgrasses that--
                              (i) aid in mitigating soil erosion;
                              (ii) protect against pollutant runoff
                            into waterways; or
                              (iii) provide other environmental
                            benefits;
                      (F) investigating, preserving, and protecting
                    native plant species, including grasses not
                    currently utilized in turfgrass systems;
                      (G) creating systems for more economical and
                    viable turfgrass seed and sod production
                    throughout the United States; and
                      (H) investigating the turfgrass phytobiome
                    and developing biologic products to enhance
                    soil, enrich plants, and mitigate pests.
              [(13) Fertilizer management initiative.--
                      [(A) In general.--Research and extension
                    grants may be made under this section for the
                    purpose of carrying out research to improve
                    fertilizer use efficiency in crops--
                              [(i) to maximize crop yield; and
                              [(ii) to minimize nutrient losses to
                            surface and groundwater and the
                            atmosphere.
                      [(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give
                    priority to research examining the impact of
                    the source, rate, timing, and placement of
                    plant nutrients.]
              [(14)] (8) Cattle fever tick program.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section to
            study cattle fever ticks--
                      (A) to facilitate the understanding of the
                    role of wildlife in the persistence and spread
                    of cattle fever ticks;
                      (B) to develop advanced methods for
                    eradication of cattle fever ticks, including--
                              (i) alternative treatment methods for
                            cattle and other susceptible species;
                              (ii) field treatment for premises,
                            including corral pens and pasture
                            loafing areas;
                              (iii) methods for treatment and
                            control on infested wildlife;
                              (iv) biological control agents; and
                              (v) new and improved vaccines;
                      (C) to evaluate rangeland vegetation that
                    impacts the survival of cattle fever ticks;
                      (D) to improve management of diseases
                    relating to cattle fever ticks that are
                    associated with wildlife, livestock, and human
                    health;
                      (E) to improve diagnostic detection of tick-
                    infested or infected animals and pastures; and
                      (F) to conduct outreach to impacted ranchers,
                    hunters, and landowners to integrate tactics
                    and document sustainability of best practices.
              [(15)] (9) Laying hen and turkey research program.--
            Research grants may be made under this section for the
            purpose of improving the efficiency and sustainability
            of laying hen and turkey production through integrated,
            collaborative research and technology transfer.
            Emphasis may be placed on laying hen and turkey disease
            prevention, antimicrobial resistance, nutrition, gut
            health, and alternative housing systems under extreme
            seasonal weather conditions.
              [(16)] (10) Chronic wasting disease.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of supporting research projects at land-grant
            colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404
            of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
            Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) with
            established deer research programs for the purposes of
            treating, mitigating, or eliminating chronic wasting
            disease.
              [(17)] (11) Algae agriculture research program.--
            Research and extension grants may be made under this
            section for the development and testing of algae and
            algae systems (including micro- and macro-algae systems
            and harmful algal blooms).
              [(18) Nutrient management.--Research and extension
            grants may be made under this section for the purposes
            of examining nutrient management based on the source,
            rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients.]
              [(19)] (12) Dryland farming agricultural systems.--
            Research and extension grants may be made under this
            section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing
            research on the utilization of big data for more
            precise management of dryland farming agricultural
            systems.
              [(20)] (13) Hop plant health initiative.--Research
            and extension grants may be made under this section for
            the purposes of developing and disseminating science-
            based tools and treatments to combat diseases of hops
            caused by the plant pathogens Podosphaera macularis and
            Pseudoperonospora humuli.
              (14) Fertilizer and nutrient management initiative.--
            Research and extension grants may be made under this
            section for the purposes of carrying out research to
            improve fertilizer use efficiency in crops and
            examining nutrient management based on the source,
            rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients.
              (15) Tropical plant health initiative.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of--
                      (A) developing and disseminating science-
                    based tools and treatments to combat plant
                    pests and noxious weeds (as those terms are
                    defined in section 403 of the Plant Protection
                    Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact tropical
                    plants, including--
                              (i) coffee plants;
                              (ii) macadamia trees;
                              (iii) cacao trees;
                              (iv) plantains and bananas;
                              (v) mangos;
                              (vi) vanilla plants;
                              (vii) tropical floriculture and
                            nursery crops; and
                              (viii) any other tropical plant as
                            determined by the Secretary;
                      (B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
                    management program in areas affected by, or
                    areas at risk of being affected by, plant pests
                    or noxious weeds;
                      (C) surveying and collecting data on tropical
                    plant production and health;
                      (D) investigating tropical plant biology,
                    immunology, ecology, genomics, and
                    bioinformatics; and
                      (E) conducting research on various factors
                    that may contribute to, or be associated with,
                    tropical plant immune systems and other serious
                    threats to tropical plants.
              (16) Biochar research.--Research and extension grants
            may be made under this section for the purpose of
            testing the full range of biochar types across soil
            types, soil health and soil management conditions,
            application methods, and climatic and agronomic
            regions, including through the establishment of a
            national biochar research network, to--
                      (A) assess the soil carbon sequestration
                    potential of various biochars and management
                    systems integrating biochar use;
                      (B) understand how to use biochar
                    productively to contribute to climate
                    mitigation, crop production, resilience to
                    extreme weather events, ecosystem and soil
                    health, natural resource conservation, and farm
                    profitability; and
                      (C) deliver science-based, region-specific,
                    cost-effective, and practical information to
                    farmers, ranchers, foresters, land reclamation
                    managers, urban land managers, and other land
                    and natural resource managers and businesses on
                    sustainable biochar production and application.
              (17) Wildfire smoke exposure research.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of studying the impact of wildfire smoke
            exposure on specialty crops, including wine grapes,
            hops, stone fruit, and apples, by--
                      (A) conducting research--
                              (i) to identify the compounds
                            responsible for smoke exposure; and
                              (ii) to establish standard
                            methodologies for sampling and testing
                            smoke-exposed specialty crops and
                            smoke-affected products, including fast
                            and inexpensive screening methods;
                      (B) establishing a reliable database of
                    background levels of smoke exposure compounds
                    that occur naturally in specialty crops;
                      (C) developing risk assessment tools or
                    mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke
                    exposure; and
                      (D) studying compounds that can act as a
                    barrier between specialty crops and smoke
                    compounds.
              (18) Invasive species research.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of developing and disseminating science-based
            tools and treatments to manage or eradicate (including
            through methods of biocontrol and sterile insect
            techniques) invasive species of plants and animals,
            such as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula),
            navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and spotted
            wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).
              (19) Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl
            substances on farmland.--Research and extension grants
            may be made under this section for the purposes of
            carrying out or enhancing research on the agricultural
            impacts of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl
            substances, including structural firefighting foam, in
            land-applied biosolids or compost on farmland,
            including by--
                      (A) conducting surveys and collecting data on
                    concentration, particle size, and chemical
                    composition of such substances in land-applied
                    biosolids on farmland;
                      (B) the development or analysis of
                    techniques, including wastewater treatment and
                    composting, to filter out or biodegrade such
                    substances from biosolids intended to be used
                    for agricultural purposes;
                      (C) conducting an analysis of the impact on
                    agricultural crops and soil health of such
                    substances in land-applied biosolids on
                    farmland, including the uptake of such
                    substances by various crops or livestock;
                      (D) conducting research to better understand
                    how wastewater processing impacts such
                    substances;
                      (E) conducting research to better understand
                    the fate, residence time, and transport of such
                    substances on farmland; and
                      (F) conducting research on how to remediate
                    soil and water systems contaminated with such
                    substances.
              (20) Agricultural byproducts research.--Research and
            extension grants may be made under this section for the
            purposes of converting agricultural byproducts or
            forest residuals into valuable materials and products,
            including innovations in production processes for
            easily deployable refining facilities, developing
            alternatives to agricultural burning, and fostering
            energy production through recycling animal byproducts,
            wet waste, and plant-based waste.
              (21) Soil health research.--Research and extension
            grants may be made under this section for the purposes
            of--
                      (A) developing management practices that
                    improve soil health, including establishing
                    tools that aid soil preservation or improve
                    composition of soil organic compounds that are
                    beneficial to soil quality and the environment;
                    and
                      (B) disseminating such practices through
                    methods such as innovative coursework and work-
                    based learning.
              (22) White oak research.--Research and extension
            grants may be made under this section for the purposes
            of white oak research, including conducting research
            on--
                      (A) white oak genes with resistance and
                    stress tolerance;
                      (B) white oak trees that exhibit vigor for
                    the purpose of increasing survival and growth;
                      (C) establishing a diverse white oak seed
                    bank capable of responding to stressors;
                      (D) providing a sustainable supply of white
                    oak seedlings and genetic resources;
                      (E) reforestation of white oak through
                    natural and artificial regeneration; and
                      (F) the best methods for reforesting
                    abandoned mine land sites.
              (23) Alternative growing media research.--Research
            and extension grants may be made under this section for
            the purposes of developing and enhancing research on
            the characterization, utilization, and evaluation of
            alternative growing media, including science-based
            techniques that maximize functions in the growth of
            plants and harvest yields.
              (24) Rangeland research.--Research and extension
            grants may be made under this section for the purposes
            of carrying out or enhancing research on the
            development of forage production and improved grazing
            and range management, including the adoption of virtual
            fencing technology that simultaneously enhance wildlife
            habitat, protect watersheds, and reduce hazards of
            erosion and flooding.
              (25) Specialty crop mechanization and automation
            research.--Research and extension grants may be made
            under this section for the purpose of developing and
            evaluating mechanization and automation technologies
            for specialty crops.
      (e) Pulse Crop Health Initiative.--
              (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                      (A) Initiative.--The term ``Initiative''
                    means the pulse crop health initiative
                    established by paragraph (2).
                      (B) Pulse crop.--The term ``pulse crop''
                    means dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and
                    chickpeas.
              (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out a
            pulse crop health competitive research and extension
            initiative to address the critical needs of the pulse
            crop industry by developing and disseminating science-
            based tools and information, including--
                      (A) research conducted with respect to pulse
                    crops in the areas of health and nutrition,
                    such as--
                              (i) pulse crop diets and the ability
                            of such diets to reduce obesity and
                            associated chronic disease; and
                              (ii) the underlying mechanisms of the
                            health benefits of pulse crop
                            consumption;
                      (B) research related to the functionality of
                    pulse crops, such as--
                              (i) improving the functional
                            properties of pulse crops and pulse
                            crop fractions; and
                              (ii) developing new and innovative
                            technologies to improve pulse crops as
                            an ingredient in food products;
                      (C) research conducted with respect to pulse
                    crops for purposes of enhancing sustainability
                    and global food security, such as--
                              (i) improving pulse crop
                            productivity, nutrient density, and
                            phytonutrient content using plant
                            breeding, genetics, and genomics;
                              (ii) improving pest and disease
                            management, including resistance to
                            pests and diseases; and
                              (iii) improving nitrogen fixation and
                            water use efficiency to reduce the
                            carbon and energy footprint of
                            agriculture;
                      (D) the optimization of systems used in
                    producing pulse crops to reduce water usage;
                    and
                      (E) education and technical assistance
                    programs with respect to pulse crops, such as
                    programs--
                              (i) providing technical expertise to
                            help food companies include pulse crops
                            in innovative and healthy food; and
                              (ii) establishing an educational
                            program to encourage pulse crop
                            consumption in the United States.
              (3) 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(b))
            shall apply with respect to the making of a competitive
            grant under this subsection.
              (4) Priorities.--In making competitive grants under
            this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a higher
            priority to projects that--
                      (A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, and
                    multidisciplinary; and
                      (B) include explicit mechanisms to
                    communicate results to the pulse crop industry
                    and the public.
              (5) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
            subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
            through [2023] 2031.
      (f) Training Coordination for Food and Agriculture
    Protection.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make a
            competitive grant to, or enter into a contract or a
            cooperative agreement with, an eligible entity
            (described in paragraph (2)) for purposes of
            establishing an internationally integrated training
            system to enhance the protection of the food supply in
            the United States, to be known as the ``Comprehensive
            Food Safety Training Network'' (referred to in this
            subsection as the ``Network'').
              (2) Eligibility.--
                      (A) In general.--For purposes of this
                    subsection, an eligible entity is a
                    multiinstitutional consortium that includes--
                              (i) a nonprofit institution that
                            provides food safety protection
                            training; and
                              (ii) one or more training centers in
                            institutions of higher education (as
                            defined in section 101 of the Higher
                            Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001))
                            that have demonstrated expertise in
                            developing and delivering community-
                            based training in food supply and
                            agricultural safety and defense.
                      (B) Collective consideration.--The Secretary
                    may consider such consortium collectively and
                    not on an institution-by-institution basis.
              (3) Duties of eligible entity.--As a condition of
            receiving a competitive grant or entering into a
            contract or a cooperative agreement with the Secretary
            under this subsection, the eligible entity, in
            cooperation with the Secretary, shall establish and
            maintain the Network, including by--
                      (A) providing basic, technical, management,
                    and leadership training (including by
                    developing curricula) to regulatory and public
                    health officials, producers, processors, and
                    other agribusinesses;
                      (B) serving as the hub for the administration
                    of the Network;
                      (C) implementing a standardized national
                    curriculum to ensure the consistent delivery of
                    quality training throughout the United States;
                      (D) building and overseeing a nationally
                    recognized instructor cadre to ensure the
                    availability of highly qualified instructors;
                      (E) reviewing training proposed through the
                    National Institute of Food and Agriculture and
                    other relevant Federal agencies that report to
                    the Secretary on the quality and content of
                    proposed and existing courses;
                      (F) assisting Federal agencies in the
                    implementation of food safety protection
                    training requirements including requirements
                    under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
                    (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the Agricultural Act
                    of 2014, and any provision of law amended by
                    such Act; and
                      (G) performing evaluation and outcome-based
                    studies to provide to the Secretary information
                    on the effectiveness and impact of training and
                    metrics on jurisdictions and sectors within the
                    food safety system.
              (4) Membership.--An eligible entity may alter the
            consortium membership to meet specific training
            expertise needs.
              (5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
            subsection $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
            through [2023] 2031, to remain available until
            expended.
      (g) Pollinator Protection.--
              (1) Research and extension.--
                      (A) Grants.--Research and extension grants
                    may be made under this section--
                              (i) to survey and collect data on bee
                            colony production and health;
                              (ii) to investigate pollinator
                            biology, immunology, ecology, genomics,
                            and bioinformatics;
                              (iii) to conduct research on various
                            factors that may be contributing to or
                            associated with colony collapse
                            disorder, and other serious threats to
                            the health of honey bees and other
                            pollinators, including--
                                      (I) parasites and pathogens
                                    of pollinators; and
                                      (II) the sublethal effects of
                                    insecticides, herbicides, and
                                    fungicides on honey bees and
                                    native and managed pollinators;
                              (iv) to develop mitigative and
                            preventative measures to improve native
                            and managed pollinator health; and
                              (v) to promote the health of honey
                            bees and native pollinators through
                            habitat conservation and best
                            management practices.
                      (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 [2023] 2031.
              (2) Department of agriculture capacity and
            infrastructure.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall, to the
                    maximum extent practicable, increase the
                    capacity and infrastructure of the Department--
                              (i) to address colony collapse
                            disorder and other long-term threats to
                            pollinator health, including the hiring
                            of additional personnel; and
                              (ii) to conduct research on colony
                            collapse disorder and other pollinator
                            issues at the facilities of the
                            Department.
                      (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 [2023] 2031.
              (3) Honey bee surveillance.--There is authorized to
            be appropriated to conduct a nationwide honey bee pest,
            pathogen, health, and population status surveillance
            program $2,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2008
            through [2023] 2031.
              (4) Enhanced coordination of honeybee and pollinator
            research.--
                      (A) In general.--The Chief Scientist of the
                    Department of Agriculture shall coordinate
                    research, extension, education, and economic
                    activities in the Department of Agriculture
                    relating to native and managed pollinator
                    health and habitat.
                      (B) Duties.--In carrying out subparagraph
                    (A), the Chief Scientist shall--
                              (i) assign an individual to serve in
                            the Office of the Chief Scientist as a
                            Honeybee and Pollinator Research
                            Coordinator who shall be responsible
                            for leading the efforts of the Chief
                            Scientist in carrying out such
                            subparagraph;
                              (ii) implement and coordinate
                            pollinator health research efforts of
                            the Department, as recommended by the
                            Pollinator Health Task Force;
                              (iii) establish annual strategic
                            priorities and goals for the Department
                            for native and managed pollinator
                            research;
                              (iv) communicate such priorities and
                            goals to each agency or office of the
                            Department of Agriculture, the managed
                            pollinator industry, and relevant grant
                            recipients under programs administered
                            by the Secretary; and
                              (v) coordinate and identify all
                            research on native and managed
                            pollinator health needed and conducted
                            by the Department of Agriculture and
                            relevant grant recipients under
                            programs administered by the Secretary
                            to ensure consistency and reduce
                            unintended duplication of effort.
                      (C) Research.--In coordinating research
                    activities under subparagraph (A), the Chief
                    Scientist shall ensure that such research--
                              (i) identifies and addresses the
                            multiple stressors on pollinator
                            health, including pests and pathogens,
                            reduced habitat, lack of nutritional
                            resources, and exposure to pesticides;
                              (ii) evaluates stewardship and
                            management practices of managed
                            pollinators that would impact managed
                            pollinator health;
                              (iii) documents the prevalence of
                            major pests, such as varroa destructor
                            (commonly referred to as the varroa
                            mite), and diseases that are
                            transported between States through
                            practices involving managed
                            pollinators;
                              (iv) evaluates the impact of
                            overcrowding of colonies for
                            pollination services and the impact of
                            such overcrowding on pollinator health
                            status and pollinator health recovery;
                              (v) evaluates and reports on the
                            health differences of managed
                            pollinators in--
                                      (I) crops not requiring
                                    contract pollination;
                                      (II) crops requiring contract
                                    pollination; and
                                      (III) native habitat;
                              (vi) evaluates the impact of
                            horticultural and agricultural pest
                            management practices on native and
                            managed pollinator colonies in diverse
                            agroecosystems;
                              (vii) documents pesticide residues
                            that are--
                                      (I) found in native and
                                    managed pollinator colonies;
                                    and
                                      (II) associated with typical
                                    localized commercial crop pest
                                    management practices;
                              (viii) with respect to native and
                            managed pollinator colonies visiting
                            crops for crop pollination or honey
                            production purposes, documents--
                                      (I) the strength and health
                                    of such colonies;
                                      (II) the survival, growth,
                                    reproduction, and production of
                                    such colonies;
                                      (III) pests, pathogens, and
                                    viruses that affect such
                                    colonies;
                                      (IV) environmental conditions
                                    of such colonies;
                                      (V) beekeeper practices; and
                                      (VI) any other relevant
                                    information, as determined by
                                    the Chief Scientist;
                              (ix) documents, with respect to
                            healthy populations of managed
                            pollinators, best management practices
                            and other practices for managed
                            pollinators and crop managers;
                              (x) evaluates the effectiveness of--
                                      (I) conservation practices
                                    that target the specific needs
                                    of native and managed
                                    pollinator habitats;
                                      (II) incentives that allow
                                    for the expansion of native and
                                    managed pollinator forage
                                    acreage; and
                                      (III) managed pollinator
                                    breeding practices and efforts
                                    to, with respect to managed
                                    pollinators, avoid creating a
                                    genetic bottleneck and improve
                                    genetic diversity;
                              (xi) in the case of commercially
                            managed pollinator colonies, continues
                            to gather data--
                                      (I) on an annual basis with
                                    respect to losses of such
                                    colonies, splits of such
                                    colonies, and the total number
                                    of pollinator colonies;
                                      (II) on rising input costs;
                                    and
                                      (III) overall economic value
                                    to the food economy; and
                              (xii) addresses any other issue
                            relating to native and managed
                            pollinators, as determined by the Chief
                            Scientist, in consultation with
                            scientific experts.
                      (D) Publication.--The Chief Scientist, to the
                    maximum extent practicable, shall--
                              (i) make publicly available the
                            results of the research described in
                            subparagraph (C); and
                              (ii) in the case of the research
                            described in subparagraph (C)(vi),
                            publish any data or reports that were
                            produced by the Department of
                            Agriculture but not made publicly
                            available during the period beginning
                            on January 1, 2008, and ending on the
                            date of the enactment of the
                            Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
              (5) Consultation.--The Secretary, in consultation
            with the Secretary of the Interior and the
            Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
            shall publish guidance on enhancing pollinator health
            and the long-term viability of populations of
            pollinators, including recommendations related to--
                      (A) allowing for managed honey bees to forage
                    on National Forest System lands where
                    compatible with other natural resource
                    management priorities; and
                      (B) planting and maintaining managed honey
                    bee and native pollinator foraging on National
                    Forest System lands where compatible with other
                    natural resource management priorities.
              (6) 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--
                      (A) describing the progress made by the
                    Department of Agriculture in--
                              (i) investigating the cause or causes
                            of honey bee colony collapse and honey
                            bee health disorders;
                              (ii) finding appropriate strategies,
                            including best management practices to
                            reduce colony loss; and
                              (iii) addressing the decline of
                            managed honey bees and native
                            pollinators;
                      (B) assessing Federal efforts to mitigate
                    pollinator losses and threats to the United
                    States commercial beekeeping industry; and
                      (C) providing recommendations to Congress
                    regarding how to better coordinate Federal
                    agency efforts to address the decline of
                    managed honey bees and native pollinators.
      (h) Report.--Not later than February 1, 2028, and not less
    frequently than once every other 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 report describing how the
    Department carried out research and extension activities
    specified in subsections (d) through (f) for the previous two
    fiscal years, including the amount of funding allocated to each
    high-priority research and extension initiative, through--
              (1) amounts made available under appropriations Acts
            to the Agricultural Research Service;
              (2) amounts made available to the National Institute
            of Food and Agriculture under capacity and
            infrastructure programs (as defined in section 251 of
            the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
            1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971));
              (3) amounts made available to the National Institute
            of Food and Agriculture under competitive programs (as
            defined in such section); and
              (4) amounts made available through other agencies
            within the Department.
      [(h)] (i) 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
    [2023] 2031.

    SEC. 1672B. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

      (a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants
    Authorized.--In consultation with the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board,
    using funds made available under subsection (e), the Secretary
    of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the
    ``Secretary'') may make competitive grants in each of fiscal
    years 2019 through [2023] 2031 to support research, education,
    and extension activities regarding organically grown and
    processed agricultural commodities for the purposes of--
              (1) facilitating the development and improvement of
            organic agriculture production, breeding, and
            processing methods;
              (2) evaluating the potential economic benefits of
            organic agricultural production and methods to
            producers, processors, and rural communities;
              (3) exploring international trade opportunities for
            organically grown and processed agricultural
            commodities;
              (4) determining desirable traits for organic
            commodities;
              (5) identifying marketing and policy constraints on
            the expansion of organic agriculture;
              (6) conducting advanced on-farm research and
            development that emphasizes observation of,
            experimentation with, and innovation for working
            organic farms, including research relating to
            production, marketing, food safety, socioeconomic
            conditions, and farm business management;
              (7) examining optimal conservation, soil health, and
            environmental outcomes relating to organically produced
            agricultural products; and
              (8) developing new and improved seed varieties that
            are particularly suited for organic agriculture.
      (b) Grant Types and Process, Prohibition on Construction.--
    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) Matching Requirement.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), an entity
            receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall provide
            non-Federal matching funds (including funds from an
            agricultural commodity promotion, research, and
            information program) equal to not less than the amount
            of the grant.
              (2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds
            described in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
              (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching
            funds requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a
            research project if the Secretary determines that--
                      (A) the results of the project are of a
                    particular benefit to a specific agricultural
                    commodity, but those results are likely to be
                    applicable to agricultural commodities
                    generally; or
                      (B)(i) the project--
                              (I) involves a minor commodity; and
                              (II) deals with scientifically
                            important research; and
                      (ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
                    matching funds requirement.
      (d) 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 in the peer review process to be
    scientifically meritorious, that involve the cooperation of
    multiple entities.
      [(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.]
      [(f)] (e) Funding.--
              (1) Mandatory funding.--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;
                      (B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010
                    through 2012;
                      (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
                    through 2018; and
                      (D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
                    through 2020;
                      (E) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
                      (F) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
                      (G) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
                    fiscal year thereafter.
              (2) Discretionary 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 2014 through
            [2023] 2031.
              [(3) Fiscal year 2013.--There is authorized to be
            appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for
            fiscal year 2013.]

    SEC. 1672D. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

      (a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive research
    and extension grants for the purpose of improving the farm
    management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers by
    maintaining and expanding a national, publicly available farm
    financial management database to support improved farm
    management.
      (b) Selection Criteria.--In allocating funds made available
    to carry out this section, the Secretary may give priority to
    grants that--
              (1) demonstrate an ability to work directly with
            agricultural producers;
              (2) collaborate with farm management educational
            programs and associations;
              (3) address the farm management needs of a variety of
            crops and regions of the United States; and
              (4) contribute data to the national farm financial
            management database.
      (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(b)) shall apply with respect
    to the making of grants under this section.
      (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section--
              (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013;
            and
              (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
            [2023] 2031.

    SEC. 1672E. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
                        RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

      (a) Competitive Research and Extension Grants Authorized.--In
    consultation with [the Urban Agriculture and Innovative
    Production Advisory Committee established under section 222(b)
    of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994]
    the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory
    Committee and the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative
    Production established under section 222 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923), the
    Secretary may make competitive grants to support research,
    education, and extension activities for the purposes of
    facilitating the development of urban, indoor, and other
    [emerging agricultural production] emerging agricultural
    production practices (as described in subsection (a)(3) of such
    section), harvesting, transportation, aggregation, packaging,
    distribution, and markets, including by--
              (1) assessing and developing strategies to remediate
            contaminated sites;
              (2) determining and developing the best production
            management and integrated pest management practices;
              (3) identifying and promoting the horticultural,
            social, and economic factors that contribute to
            successful urban, indoor, and other [emerging
            agricultural production] emerging agricultural
            production practices;
              (4) analyzing the means by which new agricultural
            sites are determined, including an evaluation of soil
            quality, condition of a building, or local community
            needs;
              (5) exploring new technologies that minimize energy,
            lighting systems, water, and other inputs for increased
            food production;
              (6) examining building material efficiencies and
            structural upgrades for the purpose of optimizing
            growth of agricultural products;
              (7) developing new crop varieties and agricultural
            products to connect to new markets; [or]
              (8) examining the impacts of crop exposure to urban
            elements on environmental quality and food safety[.];
              (9) managing waste streams to improve the
            environmental footprint; or
              (10) advising land-grant colleges and universities
            (as defined in section 1404 of the National
            Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
            Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), minority-serving
            institutions (as described in section 371(a) of the
            Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a))),
            junior or community colleges (as defined in section
            312(f) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1058(f))), and vocational
            schools, with respect to career and technical
            education.
      (b) Grant Types and Process.--Subparagraphs (A) through (E)
    of paragraph (4), paragraph (7), and paragraph (11)(B) of
    subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities
    Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) shall apply with respect to
    the making of grants under this section.
      (c) Priority.--The Secretary may give priority to grant
    proposals that involve--
              (1) the cooperation of multiple entities; or
              (2) States or regions with a high concentration of or
            significant interest in urban farms, rooftop farms, and
            indoor production facilities.
      (d) Funding.--
              (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
            out this section--
                      (A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to
                    remain available until expended; and
                      (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
                    through 2031.
              (2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
            amounts made available under paragraph (1), there is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
            $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

    SEC. 1673. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

      [(a) Funding Priorities.--The Secretary shall prioritize
    centers of excellence established for purposes of carrying out
    research, extension, and education activities relating to the
    food and agricultural sciences (as defined in section 1404 of
    the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) for the receipt of funding
    for any competitive research or extension program administered
    by the Secretary.
      [(b) Composition.--A center of excellence is composed of 1 or
    more of the eligible entities specified in subsection (b)(7) of
    the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
    U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)) that provide financial or in-kind support to
    the center of excellence.
      [(c) Criteria for Centers of Excellence.--
              [(1) Required efforts.--The criteria for recognition
            as a 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; and
                      [(D) to increase the economic returns to
                    rural communities by identifying, attracting,
                    and directing funds to high-priority
                    agricultural issues.
              [(2) Additional efforts.--Where practicable, the
            criteria for recognition as a center of excellence
            shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and
            infrastructure at colleges and universities (including
            land-grant colleges and universities, cooperating
            forestry schools, 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 schools of veterinary
            medicine).]
      (a) Centers of Excellence.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
            establish at least one center of excellence for the
            purpose of carrying out research, extension, or
            education activities for each of the areas of focus
            described in paragraph (3).
              (2) Host institutions.--
                      (A) In general.--Institutions eligible to
                    host or co-host a center of excellence
                    established under this subsection include--
                              (i) 1862 Institutions, as defined in
                            section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
                            Extension, and Education Reform Act of
                            1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601);
                              (ii) 1890 Institutions, as defined in
                            section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
                            Extension, and Education Reform Act of
                            1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601);
                              (iii) 1994 Institutions, as defined
                            in section 532 of the Equity in
                            Educational Land-Grant Status Act of
                            1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note);
                              (iv) non-land-grant colleges of
                            agriculture, as defined in section 1404
                            of the National Agricultural Research,
                            Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
                            1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103);
                              (v) Hispanic-serving agricultural
                            colleges or universities, as defined in
                            section 1404 of the National
                            Agricultural Research, Extension, and
                            Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
                            3103); and
                              (vi) accredited schools of veterinary
                            medicine.
                      (B) Distribution.--To the maximum extent
                    practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the
                    geographic diversity of institutions selected
                    to host or co-host a center of excellence
                    established under this subsection.
                      (C) Limitation.--An institution may host or
                    co-host only one center of excellence under
                    this subsection at a time.
                      (D) Duties.--The institution or institutions
                    selected to host or co-host a center of
                    excellence established under this subsection
                    shall partner with the Agricultural Research
                    Service, other Federal agencies, State
                    governments, other institutions of higher
                    education (as defined in section 101 of the
                    Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)),
                    agricultural industry groups, or other relevant
                    entities to--
                              (i) reduce duplicative efforts and
                            focus on filling gaps across research,
                            extension, or education activities by
                            enhancing coordination and improving
                            cost-effectiveness;
                              (ii) leverage available resources by
                            using public-private partnerships;
                              (iii) implement training and
                            educational initiatives to increase
                            awareness and effectively disseminate
                            solutions to target audiences through
                            extension activities;
                              (iv) increase the economic returns to
                            rural communities by identifying,
                            attracting, and directing funds to
                            high-priority agricultural issues;
                              (v) rapidly respond to emerging
                            issues that threaten any sector of the
                            United States agricultural industry;
                              (vi) focus on workforce development
                            for employers to recruit and retain
                            high-quality employees in rural areas;
                            and
                              (vii) engage in assistance for
                            administrative management and education
                            regarding potentially valuable
                            intellectual property derived from
                            federally-supported research,
                            extension, or education activities.
              (3) Areas of focus.--
                      (A) Aquaculture.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities
                    focused on developing and applying aquaculture
                    methods, including through the propagation and
                    rearing of economically and ecologically
                    valuable aquatic and marine species.
                      (B) Beginning farmers and ranchers.--A center
                    of excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension or education
                    activities focused on training beginning
                    farmers and ranchers, including farm and
                    agribusiness management, mentoring and
                    technical assistance, and access to capital.
                      (C) Biosecurity and cybersecurity.--A center
                    of excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on agricultural biosecurity
                    and cybersecurity efforts to defend the United
                    States food supply from any attacks.
                      (D) Biosystems and agricultural
                    engineering.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities
                    focused on biosystems and agricultural
                    engineering, including precision agriculture
                    technologies and mechanization and automation
                    technologies for specialty crops.
                      (E) Biotechnology.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities
                    focused on development of animal and plant
                    biotechnologies that will increase agricultural
                    productivity.
                      (F) Crop production, protection, and
                    resilience.--A center of excellence established
                    under this subsection may engage in research,
                    extension, or education activities focused on
                    crop production and protection, including the
                    development, manufacture, and use of
                    fertilizer, crop protection tools, and
                    adjuvants in increasing productivity and
                    protecting crops from damaging pests and
                    diseases.
                      (G) Digital agriculture.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on developing, evaluating,
                    and deploying digital agriculture, including
                    artificial intelligence and remote sensing
                    systems.
                      (H) Farm business and financial management.--
                    A center of excellence established under this
                    subsection may engage in research, extension,
                    or education activities focused on farm
                    business and financial management activities,
                    including marketing plans, production
                    diversification, and cash forward contracting.
                      (I) Food quality.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities
                    focused on improving food quality, including
                    research on the uptake of per- and
                    polyfluoroalkyl substances in food, the
                    presence of microplastics in biosolids, and the
                    efficacy and feasibility of reducing levels of
                    inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, or mercury in
                    food.
                      (J) Foreign animal disease.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on foreign animal diseases,
                    including the ecology and etiology of emerging
                    diseases, control methods, and implementation
                    strategies to enhance preparedness and response
                    efforts to protect the livestock and poultry
                    industry.
                      (K) Forestry.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities
                    focused on forest productivity and forest
                    health, including invasive species control,
                    biochar and pyrolysis development and
                    commercialization, reforestation and
                    restoration of damaged landscapes, and new
                    wood-based materials.
                      (L) Invasive species.--A center of excellence
                    established under this subsection may engage in
                    research, extension, or education activities
                    focused on the control and eradication of
                    invasive species that pose a persistent and
                    growing threat to United States agricultural
                    production, forest resources, global food
                    security, and rural economies.
                      (M) Livestock and poultry.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on issues impacting
                    livestock (including equines) and poultry
                    production in the United States, including
                    economic research to understand policy
                    implications for producers.
                      (N) Veterinary medicine.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on developing additional
                    veterinarians, including large animal
                    veterinarians, to address the veterinarian
                    shortage in rural areas.
                      (O) Water quality and quantity.--A center of
                    excellence established under this subsection
                    may engage in research, extension, or education
                    activities focused on water quality and
                    quantity efforts, including drought, water
                    management, natural resource benefits, and the
                    health and resilience of the water supply in
                    the United States.
              (4) Terms.--
                      (A) Duration.--The term of an award under
                    this subsection shall be for a five-year
                    period, and may be renewed for not more than
                    one additional five-year period.
                      (B) Construction prohibited.--Funds made
                    available under this subsection shall not be
                    used for the construction of a new building or
                    facility or the acquisition, expansion,
                    remodeling, or alteration of an existing
                    building or facility (including site grading
                    and improvement, and architect fees).
              (5) Annual report.--Not later than one year after the
            date of enactment of this subsection, and every 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 report describing--
                      (A) the projects initiated by each center of
                    excellence established under this subsection in
                    the preceding year;
                      (B) the amount of funding for each such
                    project and the funding source;
                      (C) the institutions participating in each
                    such project and their shares of the overall
                    funding for each project;
                      (D) the level of cost sharing for each such
                    project;
                      (E) any technology transfer and intellectual
                    property management actions taken by each such
                    center of excellence, such as the number of
                    relevant invention disclosures, any provisional
                    patents filed, any non-provisional patents
                    filed and issued, the number of licenses
                    executed, and any start-up companies
                    registered; and
                      (F) any additional information deemed
                    necessary.
      [(d)] (b) Centers of Excellence at 1890s Institutions.--
              (1) Recognition.--[The Secretary] In addition to the
            centers of excellence established under subsection (a),
            the Secretary shall recognize [not less than 3 centers
            of excellence] not less than 8 centers of excellence,
            each led by an 1890 Institution (as defined in section
            2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
            Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), to focus
            on 1 or more of the areas described in paragraph (2).
              (2) Areas of focus.--
                      (A) Student success [and workforce
                    development], workforce development, and rural
                    studies.--A center of excellence established
                    under paragraph (1) may engage in activities to
                    ensure that students have the skills and
                    education needed to work in agriculture and
                    food industries, agriculture science,
                    technology, engineering, mathematics,
                    economics, psychology, rural sociology, data
                    sciences, and related fields of study.
                      (B) Nutrition, health, wellness, and quality
                    of life.--A center of excellence established
                    under paragraph (1) may carry out research,
                    education, and extension programs that increase
                    access to healthy food, improve nutrition,
                    mitigate preventive disease, and develop
                    strategies to assist limited resource
                    individuals in accessing health and nutrition
                    resources.
                      (C) Farming systems, rural prosperity, and
                    economic sustainability.--A center of
                    excellence established under paragraph (1) may
                    share best practices with farmers to improve
                    agricultural production, processing, and
                    marketing, reduce urban food deserts, examine
                    new uses for traditional and nontraditional
                    crops, animals, and natural resources, and
                    continue activities carried out by the Center
                    for Innovative and Sustainable Small Farms,
                    Ranches, and Forest Lands.
                      (D) Global food security and defense.--A
                    center of excellence established under
                    paragraph (1) may engage in international
                    partnerships that strengthen agricultural
                    development in developing countries, partner
                    with international researchers regarding new
                    and emerging animal and plant pests and
                    diseases, engage in agricultural disaster
                    recovery, and continue activities carried out
                    by the Center for International Engagement.
                      (E) Natural resources, energy, and
                    environment.--A center of excellence
                    established under paragraph (1) may focus on
                    protecting and managing domestic natural
                    resources for current and future production of
                    food and agricultural products and nature-based
                    solutions to improve the composition of soil
                    organic compounds, including carbon, that are
                    beneficial to soil quality and the environment.
                      (F) Emerging technologies.--A center of
                    excellence established under paragraph (1) may
                    focus on the development of emerging
                    technologies to increase agricultural
                    productivity, enhance small farm economic
                    viability, and improve rural communities by
                    developing genetic and sensor technologies for
                    food and agriculture and providing technology
                    training to farmers.
                      (G) Forest health and conservation.--A center
                    of excellence established under paragraph (1)
                    may focus on forest health, sustainable forest
                    management, agroforestry, enhancing forest
                    resilience to catastrophic wildfire, supporting
                    rural infrastructure, and urban and community
                    forestry programs to promote healthy forest
                    ecosystems and resilient communities.
                      (H) Food safety, bioprocessing, and value-
                    added agriculture.--A center of excellence
                    established under paragraph (1) may focus on
                    food safety, bioprocessing, value-added
                    agriculture enterprise development, and
                    innovative food and agriculture product
                    development.
              (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
            subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
            through [2023] 2031.
              (4) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
            enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
            and every 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 report
            describing--
                      (A) the resources invested in the centers of
                    excellence established under paragraph (1); and
                      (B) the work being done by those centers of
                    excellence.

    SEC. 1674. RESEARCHING THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC.

      (a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants
    Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this
    section as the ``Secretary''), in consultation with the
    National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
    Economics Advisory Board, may make competitive grants to
    support research, education, and extension activities relating
    to the transition of nonorganic production systems into organic
    agricultural production systems for the purposes of--
              (1) overcoming barriers to transitioning to organic
            agricultural production;
              (2) documenting and understanding the effects of
            organic practices on ecosystem services, including soil
            health and fertility, greenhouse gas mitigation and
            sequestration, water management, biodiversity-related
            services, and pest management; and
              (3) developing improved technologies, methods,
            models, and metrics to document, describe, and optimize
            ecosystem services of transitioning agricultural
            production into organic management.
      (b) Grant Administration.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and
    (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and
    Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) shall apply
    with respect to the making of grants under this section.
      (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000 for fiscal
    year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 1680. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES.

      (a) Special Demonstration Grants.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in
            consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies,
            shall make demonstration grants to support cooperative
            programs between State Cooperative Extension Service
            agencies and private nonprofit disability organizations
            to provide on-the-farm agricultural education and
            assistance directed at accommodating disability in farm
            operations for individuals with disabilities who are
            engaged in farming and farm-related occupations and
            their families.
              (2) Eligible services.--Grants awarded under
            paragraph (1) may be used to support programs serving
            individuals with disabilities, and their families, who
            are engaged in farming and farm-related occupations.
              (3) Eligible programs.--Grants awarded under
            paragraph (1) may be used to initiate, expand, or
            sustain programs that--
                      (A) provide direct education and assistance
                    to accommodate disability in farming to
                    individuals with disabilities who engage in
                    farming and farm-related occupations;
                      (B) provide on-the-farm technical advice
                    concerning the design, fabrication, and use of
                    agricultural and related equipment, machinery,
                    and tools, and assist in the modification of
                    farm worksites, operations, and living
                    arrangements to accommodate individuals with
                    disabilities who engage in farming, farm living
                    and farm-related tasks;
                      (C) involve community and health care
                    professionals, including Extension Service
                    agents and others, in the early identification
                    of farm and rural families that are in need of
                    services related to the disability of an
                    individual;
                      (D) provide specialized education programs to
                    enhance the professional competencies of rural
                    agricultural professionals, rehabilitation and
                    health care providers, vocational counselors,
                    and other providers of service to individuals
                    with disabilities, and their families, who
                    engage in farming or farm-related occupations;
                    [and]
                      (E) mobilize rural volunteer resources,
                    including peer counseling among farmers with
                    disabilities and rural ingenuity networks
                    promoting cost effective methods or
                    accommodating disabilities in farming and farm-
                    related activities[.]; and
                      (F) provide education and support to youth
                    and young adults with disabilities interested
                    in farming and farm-related occupations.
              (4) Extension service agencies.--Grants shall be
            awarded under this subsection directly to State
            Extension Service agencies to enable them to enter into
            contracts, on a multiyear basis, with private nonprofit
            community-based direct service organizations to
            initiate, expand, or sustain cooperative programs
            described under paragraphs (2) and (3).
              (5) Minimum amount.--A grant awarded under this
            subsection may not be less than $150,000.
              (6) Consideration for grants for new programs.--For
            each fiscal year that amounts are made available for
            grants under this subsection, the Secretary may make
            grants in a manner that ensures that eligible entities
            who apply for grants, but have not previously received
            a grant under this subsection, are given full
            consideration.
              (7) Clarification of application of provisions to
            veterans with disabilities.--This subsection shall
            apply with respect to veterans with disabilities, and
            their families, who--
                      (A) are engaged in farming or farm-related
                    occupations; or
                      (B) are pursuing new farming opportunities.
      (b) National Grant for Technical Assistance, Training and
    Dissemination.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall award a
    competitive grant to a national private nonprofit disability
    organization to enable such organization to provide technical
    assistance, training, information dissemination and other
    activities to support community-based direct service programs
    of on-site rural rehabilitation and assistive technology for
    individuals (including veterans) with disabilities, and their
    families, who are engaged in farming or farm-related
    occupations or, in the case of veterans with disabilities, who
    are pursuing new farming opportunities.
      (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
              (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), there are
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
            section--
                      (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999
                    through 2013; and
                      (B) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
                    through [2023] 2031.
              (2) National grant.--Not more than 15 percent of the
            amounts made available under paragraph (1) and
            subsection (d) for a fiscal year shall be used to carry
            out subsection (b).
      (d) Mandatory Funding.--Subject to subsection (c)(2), of the
    funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall
    use to carry out this section $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2026,
    to remain available until expended.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    TITLE XXIII--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                     Subtitle D--Enhancing Human Resources

    CHAPTER 1--TELEMEDICINE AND DISTANCE LEARNING SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    SEC. 2335A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

      There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
    chapter [$82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023] $82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,
    to remain available for 2 fiscal years after the fiscal year
    for which appropriated.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

               Subtitle G--Rural Revitalization Through Forestry

                    Chapter 1--Forestry Rural Revitalization

    SEC. 2371. FORESTRY RURAL REVITALIZATION.

      (a) Establishment of Economic Development and Global
    Marketing Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting
    through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the
    Cooperative Extension System, and in consultation with the
    Forest Service, shall establish and implement educational
    programs and provide technical assistance to assist businesses,
    industries, and policymakers to create jobs, raise incomes, and
    increase public revenues in manners consistent with
    environmental concerns.
      (b) Activities.--Each program established under subsection
    (a) shall--
              (1) transfer technologies to natural resource-based
            industries in the United States to make such industries
            more efficient, productive, and competitive;
              (2) assist businesses to identify global marketing
            opportunities, conduct business on an international
            basis, and market themselves more effectively; and
              (3) train local leaders in strategic community
            economic development.
      (c) Types of Programs.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
    establish specific programs under subsection (a) to--
              (1) delivery educational services focused on
            community economic analysis, economic diversification,
            economic impact analysis, retention and expansion of
            existing commodity and noncommodity industries, amenity
            resource and tourism development, and entrepreneurship
            focusing on forest lands and rural communities;
              (2) use Cooperative Extension System databases and
            analytical tools to help communities diversify their
            economic bases, add value locally to raw forest product
            materials, and retain revenues by helping to develop
            local businesses and industries to supply forest
            products locally; and
              (3) use the full resources of the Cooperative
            Extension System, including land-grant universities and
            county offices, to promote economic development that is
            sustainable and environmentally sound.
      (d) Rural Revitalization Technologies.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting
            through the Chief of the Forest Service, in
            consultation with the State and Private Forestry
            Technology Marketing Unit at the Forest Products
            Laboratory, and in collaboration with eligible
            institutions, may carry out a program--
                      (A) to accelerate adoption of technologies
                    using biomass and small-diameter materials;
                      (B) to create community-based enterprises
                    through marketing activities and demonstration
                    projects; and
                      (C) to establish small-scale business
                    enterprises to make use of biomass and small-
                    diameter materials.
              (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 [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                      Subtitle H--Miscellaneous Provisions

    SEC. 2381. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.

      (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, within the
    National Agricultural Library, in coordination with the
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a National Rural
    Information Center Clearinghouse (in this section referred to
    as the ``Clearinghouse'') to perform the functions specified in
    subsection (b).
      (b) Functions.--The Clearinghouse shall provide and
    distribute information and data to any industry, organization,
    or Federal, State, or local government entity, on request,
    about programs and services provided by Federal, State, and
    local agencies and private nonprofit organizations and
    institutions under which individuals residing in, or
    organizations and State and local government entities operating
    in, a rural area may be eligible for any kind of assistance,
    including job training, education, health care, and economic
    development assistance, and emotional and financial counseling.
    To the extent possible, the National Agricultural Library shall
    use telecommunications technology to disseminate information to
    rural areas.
      (c) Federal Agencies.--On request of the Secretary, the head
    of a Federal agency shall provide to the Clearinghouse such
    information as the Secretary may request to enable the
    Clearinghouse to carry out subsection (b).
      (d) State and Local Agencies and Nonprofit Organizations.--
    The Secretary shall request State and local governments and
    private nonprofit organizations and institutions to provide to
    the Clearinghouse such information as such agencies and
    organizations may have about any program or service of such
    agencies, organizations, and institutions under which
    individuals residing in a rural area may be eligible for any
    kind of assistance, including job training, educational, health
    care, and economic development assistance, and emotional and
    financial counseling.
      (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 [2023] 2031.

               *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                      TITLE XXV--OTHER RELATED PROVISIONS

    SEC. 2501. FARMING OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING AND OUTREACH.

      (a) Definitions.--In this section:
              (1) Agricultural programs.--The term ``agricultural
            programs'' are those established or authorized by--
                      (A) the Agricultural Act of 1949;
                      (B) the Consolidated Farm and Rural
                    Development Act;
                      (C) the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938;
                      (D) the Soil Conservation Act;
                      (E) the Domestic Allotment Assistance Act;
                      (F) the Food Security Act of 1985; and
                      (G) other such Acts as the Secretary deems
                    appropriate.
              (2) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term
            ``beginning farmer or rancher'' means a person that--
                      (A)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch; or
                      (ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not
                    more than 10 years; and
                      (B) meets such other criteria as the
                    Secretary may establish.
              (3) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
            Department of Agriculture.
              (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
            Secretary of Agriculture.
              (5) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.--The
            term ``socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher'' means
            a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially
            disadvantaged group.
              (6) Socially disadvantaged group.--The term
            ``socially disadvantaged group'' means a group whose
            members have been subjected to racial or ethnic
            prejudice because of their identity as members of a
            group without regard to their individual qualities.
              (7) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term ``veteran
            farmer or rancher'' means a farmer or rancher who has
            served in the Armed Forces (as defined in section
            101(10) of title 38 United States Code) and who--
                      (A) has not operated a farm or ranch;
                      (B) has operated a farm or ranch for not more
                    than 10 years; or
                      (C) is a veteran (as defined in section 101
                    of that title) who has first obtained status as
                    a veteran (as so defined) during the most
                    recent 10-year period.
      (b) Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach.--The
    Secretary shall carry out this section to encourage and assist
    socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers
    and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers in the
    ownership and operation of farms and ranches through--
              (1) education and training; and
              (2) equitable participation in all agricultural
            programs of the Department.
      (c)  Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and
    Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.--.--
              (1) Eligible entity.--In this subsection, 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 this
                            subsection; and
                              (iii) does not engage in activities
                            prohibited under section 501(c)(3) of
                            the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
                      (B) An 1890 institution or 1994 institution
                    (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural
                    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
                    of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), including West
                    Virginia State College.
                      (C) An Indian tribal community college or an
                    Alaska Native cooperative college.
                      (D) An Hispanic-serving institution (as
                    defined in section 1404 of the National
                    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
                    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
                      (E) Any other institution of higher education
                    (as defined in section 101 of the Higher
                    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that
                    has demonstrated experience in providing
                    agriculture education or other agriculturally
                    related services to socially disadvantaged
                    farmers and ranchers in a region.
                      (F) An Indian tribe (as defined in section 4
                    of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
                    Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) or a national
                    tribal organization that has demonstrated
                    experience in providing agriculture education
                    or other agriculturally related services to
                    socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in
                    a region.
                      (G) An organization or institution that
                    received funding under subsection (a) before
                    January 1, 1996, but only with respect to
                    projects that the Secretary considers are
                    similar to projects previously carried out by
                    the organization or institution under such
                    subsection.
              (2) Program.--Using funds made available under
            subsection(l), the [Secretary of Agriculture] Secretary
            of Agriculture, acting through the Director of the
            National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall, for
            theperiod of fiscal years 2019 through [2023] 2031,
            carry out an outreach and technical assistance program
            to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers
            and ranchers and veteran farmers or ranchers--
                      (A) in owning and operating farms and
                    ranches; and
                      (B) in participating equitably in the full
                    range of agricultural, forestry, and related
                    programs offered by the Department.
              (3) Requirements.--The outreach and technical
            assistance program under paragraph (2) shall be used
            exclusively--
                      (A) to enhance coordination of the outreach,
                    technical assistance, and education efforts
                    authorized under agriculture programs; and
                      (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
                              (ii) improving the participation of
                            those farmers and ranchers in
                            Department programs, as reported under
                            section 2501A.
              (4) Grants and contracts.--
                      (A) Outreach and technical assistance.--The
                    Secretary may make grants to, and enter into
                    contracts and other agreements with, an
                    eligible entity that has demonstrated an
                    ability to carry out the requirements described
                    in paragraph (3) to provide outreach and
                    technical assistance to socially
                    disadvantagedfarmers and ranchers and veteran
                    farmers andranchers under this subsection.
                      (B) Relationship to other law.--The authority
                    to carry out this section shall be in addition
                    to any other authority provided in this or any
                    other Act.
                      (C) Other projects.--Notwithstanding
                    paragraph (2), the Secretary may make grants
                    to, and enter into contracts and other
                    agreements with, an organization or institution
                    that received funding under this section before
                    January 1, 1996, to carry out a project that is
                    similar to a project for which the organization
                    or institution received such funding.
                      (D) 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, and make publicly available, an annual
                    report that includes a list of the following:
                              (i) The recipients of funds made
                            available under the program.
                              (ii) The activities undertaken and
                            services provided.
                              (iii) The number of current and
                            prospective socially disadvantaged
                            farmers or ranchers served and outcomes
                            of such service.
                              (iv) The problems and barriers
                            identified by entities in trying to
                            increase participation by current and
                            prospective socially disadvantaged
                            farmers or ranchers.
                              (v) The number of farms or ranches
                            started, maintained,or improved as a
                            result of funds made availableunder the
                            program.
                              (vi) Actions taken by the Secretary
                            in partnership with eligible entities
                            to enhance participation in
                            agricultural programs by veteran
                            farmers or ranchers and socially
                            disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
                              (vii) The effectiveness of the
                            actions described in clause (vi).
                      (E) Maximum term and amount of grant,
                    contract, or agreement.--A grant, contract, or
                    agreement entered into under subparagraph (A)
                    shall be--
                              (i) for a term of not longer than 3
                            years; and
                              (ii) in an amount that is not more
                            than $250,000 for each year of the
                            grant, contract, or agreement.
                      (F) Priority.--In making grants and entering
                    into contracts and other agreements under
                    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give
                    priority to nongovernmental and community-based
                    organizations with an expertise in working with
                    socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or
                    veteran farmers and ranchers and organizations
                    that provide training and technical assistance
                    in budgeting, business planning, and similar
                    financial and management skills that focus on
                    the ongoing economic viability of beginning
                    farm and ranch enterprises.
                      (G) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent
                    practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the
                    geographical diversity of eligible entities to
                    which grants are made and contracts and other
                    agreements are entered into under subparagraph
                    (A).
                      (H) Prohibition.--A grant, contract, or other
                    agreement under subparagraph (A) may not be
                    used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
                    acquisition, or construction of a building or
                    facility.
                      (I) Peer review.--The Secretary shall
                    establish a fair and efficient external peer
                    review process that--
                              (i) the Secretary shall use in making
                            grants and entering into contracts and
                            other agreements under subparagraph
                            (A); and
                              (ii) [shall include a broad
                            representation of peers of the eligible
                            entity] shall include a broad
                            representation of individuals with
                            demonstrated expertise in farm business
                            management.
                      (J) Input from eligible entities.--The
                    Secretary shall seek input from eligible
                    entities providing technical assistance under
                    this subsection not less than once each year to
                    ensure that the program is responsive [to the
                    eligible entities providing that technical
                    assistance] to the needs of farmers and
                    ranchers' ongoing economic viability.
              (5) Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
            Policy Research Center.--The Secretary shall award a
            grant to a college or university eligible to receive
            funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et
            seq.), including Tuskegee University, to establish a
            policy research center to be known as the ``Socially
            Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research
            Center'' for the purpose of developing policy
            recommendations for the protection and promotion of the
            interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and
            ranchers.
      (d) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant Program.--
              (1) In general.--Using funds made available under
            subsection (l), the Secretary, acting through the
            Director of the National Institute of Food and
            Agriculture, shall, for the period of fiscal years 2019
            through [2023] 2031, make competitive grants or enter
            into cooperative agreements to support new and
            established local and regional training, education,
            outreach, and technical assistance initiatives to
            increase opportunities for beginning farmers and
            ranchers.
              (2) Included programs and services.--Initiatives
            described in paragraph (1) may include programs or
            services, as appropriate, relating to--
                      (A) basic livestock, forest management, and
                    crop farming practices;
                      (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private,
                    nonindustrial forest land transfer and
                    succession strategies;
                      (C) entrepreneurship and business training;
                      (D) technical assistance to help beginning
                    farmers or ranchers acquire land from retiring
                    farmers and ranchers;
                      (E) financial and risk management training,
                    including the acquisition and management of
                    agricultural credit;
                      (F) natural resource management and planning;
                      (G) diversification and marketing strategies;
                      (H) curriculum development;
                      (I) mentoring, apprenticeships, and
                    internships;
                      [(J) resources and referral;]
                      [(K)] (J) farm financial benchmarking;
                      [(L)] (K) agricultural rehabilitation and
                    vocational training for veteran farmers and
                    ranchers;
                      [(M)] (L) farm safety and awareness;
                      [(N)] (M) food safety and recordkeeping; and
                      [(O)] (N) other similar subject areas of use
                    to beginning farmers and ranchers.
              (3) Eligibility.--
                      (A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a
                    grant or enter into a cooperative agreement
                    under this subsection, the recipient of the
                    grant or participant in the cooperative
                    agreement shall be a collaborative State,
                    Tribal, local, or regionally-based network or
                    partnership of public or private entities.
                      (B) Inclusions.--A recipient of a grant or a
                    participant that enters into a cooperative
                    agreement described in subparagraph (A) may
                    include--
                              (i) a State cooperative extension
                            service;
                              (ii) a Federal, State, municipal, or
                            Tribal agency;
                              (iii) a community-based or
                            nongovernmental organization;
                              (iv) a college or university
                            (including an institution awarding an
                            associate's degree) or foundation
                            maintained by a college or university;
                            or
                              (v) any other appropriate partner, as
                            determined by the Secretary.
              (4) Terms of grants or cooperative agreement.--A
            grant or cooperative agreement under this subsection
            shall--
                      (A) be for a term of not longer than 3 years;
                    and
                      (B) provide not more than $250,000 for each
                    year.
              (5) Matching requirement.--
                      (A) In general.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (B), to be eligible to receive a
                    grant or enter into a cooperative agreement
                    under this subsection, a recipient or
                    participant shall provide a match in the form
                    of cash or in-kind contributions in an amount
                    equal to 25 percent of the funds provided by
                    the grant or cooperative agreement.
                      (B) Exception.--The Secretary may waive or
                    reduce the matching requirement in subparagraph
                    (A) if the Secretary determines such a waiver
                    or modification is necessary to effectively
                    reach an underserved area or population.
              (6) Evaluation criteria.--In making grants or
            entering into cooperative agreements under this
            subsection, the Secretary shall evaluate, with respect
            to applications for the grants or cooperative
            agreements--
                      (A) relevancy;
                      (B) technical merit;
                      (C) achievability;
                      (D) the expertise and track record of 1 or
                    more applicants;
                      (E) the consultation of beginning farmers and
                    ranchers in design, implementation, and
                    decisionmaking relating to an initiative
                    described in paragraph (1);
                      (F) the adequacy of plans for--
                              (i) a participatory evaluation
                            process;
                              (ii) outcome-based reporting; and
                              (iii) the communication of findings
                            and results beyond the immediate target
                            audience; and
                      (G) other appropriate factors, as determined
                    by the Secretary.
              (7) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent
            practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the
            geographical diversity of recipients of grants or
            participants in cooperative agreements under this
            subsection.
              (8) Priority.--In making grants or entering into
            cooperative agreements under this subsection, the
            Secretary shall give priority [to partnerships and
            collaborations that are led by or include
            nongovernmental, community-based organizations and
            school-based educational organizations with expertise
            in new agricultural producer training and outreach] to
            programs that provide training and technical assistance
            in budgeting, business planning, and similar financial
            and management skills that focus on the ongoing
            economic viability of beginning farm and ranch
            enterprises.
              (9) Prohibition.--A grant made or cooperative
            agreement entered into under this subsection may not be
            used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
            acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
              (10) Coordination permitted.--A recipient of a grant
            or participant in a cooperative agreement under this
            subsection may coordinate with a recipient of a grant
            or cooperative agreement under section 1680 in
            addressing the needs of veteran farmers and ranchers
            with disabilities.
              (11) Consecutive awards.--A grant or cooperative
            agreement under this subsection may be made to a
            recipient or participant for consecutive years.
              (12) Peer review.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
                    establish a fair and efficient external peer
                    review process, which the Secretary shall use
                    in making grants or entering into cooperative
                    agreements under this subsection.
                      (B) Requirement.--The peer review process
                    under subparagraph (A) shall include a review
                    panel composed of [a broad representation of
                    peers of the applicant for the grant or
                    cooperative agreement] a broad representation
                    of the United States agriculture industry and
                    individuals with demonstrated expertise in farm
                    business management that are not applying for a
                    grant or cooperative agreement under this
                    subsection.
              (13) Participation by other farmers and ranchers.--
            Nothing in this subsection prohibits the Secretary from
            allowing a farmer or rancher who is not a beginning
            farmer or rancher (including an owner or operator that
            has ended, or expects to end within 5 years, active
            labor in a farming or ranching operation as a producer,
            retiring farmers, and non-farming landowners) from
            participating in a program or service under this
            subsection, to the extent that the Secretary determines
            that such participation--
                      (A) is appropriate; and
                      (B) will not detract from the primary purpose
                    of increasing opportunities for beginning
                    farmers and ranchers.
              (14) Education teams.--
                      (A) In general.--The Secretary shall
                    establish beginning farmer and rancher
                    education teams to develop curricula, conduct
                    educational programs and workshops for
                    beginning farmers and ranchers in diverse
                    geographical areas of the United States, or
                    provide training and technical assistance
                    initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers
                    or for trainers and service providers that work
                    with beginning farmers or ranchers.
                      (B) Curriculum.--In promoting the development
                    of curricula, educational programs and
                    workshops, or training and technical assistance
                    initiatives under subparagraph (A), the
                    Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
                    practicable, include content tailored to
                    specific audiences of beginning farmers and
                    ranchers, based on crop diversity or regional
                    diversity.
                      (C) Composition.--In establishing an
                    education team under subparagraph (A) for a
                    specific program or workshop, the Secretary
                    shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
                              (i) obtain the short-term services of
                            specialists with knowledge and
                            expertise in programs serving beginning
                            farmers and ranchers; and
                              (ii) use officers and employees of
                            the Department with direct experience
                            in programs of the Department that may
                            be taught as part of the curriculum for
                            the program or workshop.
                      (D) Cooperation.--
                              (i) In general.--In carrying out this
                            subsection, the Secretary shall
                            cooperate, to the maximum extent
                            practicable, with--
                                      (I) State cooperative
                                    extension services;
                                      (II) Federal, State, and
                                    Tribal agencies;
                                      (III) community-based and
                                    nongovernmental organizations;
                                      (IV) colleges and
                                    universities (including an
                                    institution awarding an
                                    associate's degree) or
                                    foundations maintained by a
                                    college or university; and
                                      (V) other appropriate
                                    partners, as determined by the
                                    Secretary.
                              (ii) Cooperative agreements.--The
                            Secretary may enter into a cooperative
                            agreement to reflect the terms of any
                            cooperation under subparagraph (A).
              (15) Curriculum and training clearinghouse.--The
            Secretary shall establish an online clearinghouse that
            makes available to beginning farmers and ranchers
            education curricula and training materials and
            programs, which may include online courses for direct
            use by beginning farmers and ranchers.
      (e) Application Requirements.--In making grants and entering
    into contracts and other agreements, as applicable, under
    subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary shall make available a
    simplified application process for an application for a grant
    that requests less than $50,000.
      (f) Stakeholder Input.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall seek stakeholder input from--
              (1) beginning farmers and ranchers;
              (2) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
              (3) veteran farmers and ranchers;
              (4) national, State, Tribal, and local organizations
            and other persons with expertise in operating programs
            for--
                      (A) beginning farmers and ranchers;
                      (B) socially disadvantaged farmers and
                    ranchers; or
                      (C) veteran farmers and ranchers;
              (5) the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and
            Ranchers established under section 5(b) of the
            Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (7 U.S.C.
            1929 note; Public Law 102-554);
              (6) the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers
            established under section 14008 of the Food,
            Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2279
            note; Public Law 110-246); and
              (7) the Tribal Advisory Committee established under
            subsection (b) of section 309 of the Federal Crop
            Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
            Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921).
      (g) Designation of Federal Personnel.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall designate from
            existing Federal personnel resources in the county or
            region a qualified person who shall, in cooperation
            with the State cooperative extension services,
            implement the policies and programs established or
            modified in accordance with this section.
              (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.
      (h) Affirmative Action, Appeals, and Contracting Review.--
              (1) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subsection to
            direct the Secretary to analyze within the Department
            the design and implementation of affirmative action
            programs and policies, the appeals process for
            complaints of discrimination, and contracting and
            purchasing practices employed by the Department.
              (2) Scope.--The study shall include--
                      (A) an assessment of the successes and
                    failures of these affirmative action programs
                    and policies;
                      (B) a review of the reasons for the successes
                    and failures described in subparagraph (A);
                      (C) a review of procurement, contracting, and
                    purchasing policies of the Department, the
                    level of participation of socially
                    disadvantaged businesses in such activities,
                    and the impact of those policies on the
                    participation of members of socially
                    disadvantaged groups in such contracting with
                    the Department;
                      (D) a review of the reasons for participation
                    or lack of participation of businesses owned by
                    members of socially disadvantaged groups in the
                    activities described in subparagraph (C); and
                      (E) a review of the appeals process for all
                    complaints or allegations regarding acts,
                    practices, or patterns of discrimination filed
                    with the Department by individuals or any other
                    entities that shall include--
                              (i) the number of complaints or
                            allegations regarding acts, practices,
                            or patterns of discrimination;
                              (ii) the manner in which the
                            complaints were investigated and
                            resolved by the Department; and
                              (iii) the longest, shortest, and
                            average periods of time taken to
                            investigate and resolve the complaints
                            or allegations regarding acts,
                            practices, or patterns of
                            discrimination.
              (3) Report.--Not later than November 28, 1991, and
            not later than March 1, 2020, 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 a
            report containing the information described in
            paragraph (2).
      (i) Reservations.--
              (1) Consolidated suboffice.--The Secretary shall
            require the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources
            Conservation Service, and such other offices and
            functions the Secretary may choose to include where
            there has been a need demonstrated, in each county that
            has a reservation within its borders, to establish a
            consolidated suboffice at the tribal headquarters of
            said reservation and to staff said suboffice as needed,
            using existing staff, but no less than one day a week
            or under such other arrangement agreed to by the tribe
            and the Department offices.
              (2) Cooperative agreements.--For those reservations
            that are located in more than one county, the
            Secretary, the relevant county offices and the tribe
            shall enter into a cooperative agreement to provide the
            services required by paragraph (1) that avoids
            duplication of effort.
      (j) Accurate Documentation.--The Secretary shall ensure, to
    the maximum extent practicable, that the Census of Agriculture
    and studies carried out by the Economic Research Service
    accurately document the number, location, and economic
    contributions of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers in
    agricultural production.
      (k) 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;
                      (B) the specific participation goals
                    established for each agricultural program;
                      (C) the results achieved for each
                    agricultural program; and
                      (D) the progress of the Department towards
                    meeting each of the purposes described in
                    paragraph (2)(C).
              (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;
                      (B) an analysis and explanation of the
                    reasons for the success or failure of the
                    Secretary to achieve the goals, and the overall
                    purposes of this section;
                      (C) a listing, on a State-by-State and
                    county-by-county basis, of--
                              (i) the amount of funds loaned to
                            members of socially disadvantaged
                            groups; and
                              (ii) the amount of funds used to
                            guarantee loans to members of socially
                            disadvantaged groups compared to the
                            total amount of such guarantees;
                      (D) a breakdown in allocation of crop base in
                    each program crop compared to the target
                    participation rates established pursuant to
                    sections 355(a)(1) and 355(c) of the
                    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
                    U.S.C. 2003(a)(1)), on a State-by-State and
                    county-by-county basis; and
                      (E) a review and analysis of participation by
                    members of socially disadvantaged groups,
                    compared to participation by all others, in
                    agricultural programs, on a State-by-State and
                    county-by-county basis, including a survey
                    representative of all farmers and ranchers,
                    including socially disadvantaged farmers and
                    ranchers, to identify reasons for participation
                    and nonparticipation in agricultural programs.
      (l) Funding.--
              (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
            Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
            out this section--
                      (A) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
                    and 2020;
                      (B) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
                      (C) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
                      (D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
                    fiscal year thereafter.
              (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
            authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
            $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
            [2023] 2031.
              (3) Reservation of funds.--Of the amounts made
            available to carry out this section--
                      (A) 50 percent shall be used to carry out
                    subsection (c); and
                      (B) 50 percent shall be used to carry out
                    subsection (d).
              (4) Allocation of funds.--
                      (A) In general.--Not less than 5 percent of
                    the amounts made available to carry out
                    subsection (d) for a fiscal year shall be used
                    to support programs and services that address
                    the needs of--
                              (i) limited resource beginning
                            farmers and ranchers, as defined by the
                            Secretary;
                              (ii) socially disadvantaged farmers
                            and ranchers that are beginning farmers
                            and ranchers; and
                              (iii) farmworkers desiring to become
                            farmers or ranchers.
                      (B) Veteran farmers and ranchers.--Not less
                    than 5 percent of the amounts made available to
                    carry out subsection (d) for a fiscal year
                    shall be used to support programs and services
                    that address the needs of veteran farmers and
                    ranchers.
              (5) Interagency funding.--Any agency of the
            Department may participate in any grant, contract, or
            agreement entered into under this section by
            contributing funds, if the contributing agency
            determines that the objectives of the grant, contract,
            or agreement will further the authorized programs of
            the contributing agency.
              (6) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 5 percent
            of the amounts made available to carry out this section
            for a fiscal year may be used for expenses relating to
            the administration of this section.
              (7) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a
            grant or a party to a contract or other agreement under
            subsection (c) or (d) may not use more than 10 percent
            of the funds received for the indirect costs of
            carrying out a grant, contract, or other agreement.

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