[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.
* * * * * * *
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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.
* * * * * * *
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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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