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[Discussion Draft]
(Original Signature of Member)
[DISCUSSION DRAFT]
1.
Short title; table of contents
(a)
This Act may be cited as the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
.
(b)
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture.
Title I—Commodities
Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms
Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments.
Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments.
Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program.
Sec. 1104. Definitions.
Sec. 1105. Base acres.
Sec. 1106. Payment yields.
Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election.
Sec. 1108. Producer agreements.
Subtitle B—Marketing loans
Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities.
Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans.
Sec. 1203. Term of loans.
Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans.
Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments.
Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage.
Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton.
Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton.
Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton.
Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans.
Subtitle C—Sugar
Sec. 1301. Sugar program.
Subtitle D—Dairy
Part I—Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program
Sec. 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program.
Sec. 1402. Rulemaking.
Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions
Sec. 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs.
Sec. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program.
Sec. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program.
Sec. 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program.
Sec. 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program.
Sec. 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission.
Part III—Effective date
Sec. 1421. Effective date.
Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.
Sec. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan.
Subtitle F—Administration
Sec. 1601. Administration generally.
Sec. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1603. Payment limitations.
Sec. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers.
Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies.
Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs.
Sec. 1608. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments.
Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits.
Sec. 1611. Signature authority.
Sec. 1612. Implementation.
Sec. 1613. Protection of producer information.
Title II—Conservation
Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program
Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program.
Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators.
Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2005. Payments.
Sec. 2006. Contract requirements.
Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses.
Sec. 2008. Effective date.
Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program
Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program.
Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Sec. 2201. Purposes.
Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications.
Sec. 2204. Duties of producers.
Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Sec. 2207. Effective date.
Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program.
Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program.
Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs
Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program.
Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program.
Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program.
Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program.
Sec. 2507. Emergency watershed protection program.
Subtitle G—Funding and Administration
Sec. 2601. Funding.
Sec. 2602. Technical assistance.
Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access.
Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance.
Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards.
Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs.
Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees.
Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority.
Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation.
Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report.
Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments
Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program.
Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program.
Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program.
Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program.
Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program.
Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program.
Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program.
Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program.
Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative.
Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program.
Sec. 2712. Technical amendments.
Title III—Trade
Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act
Sec. 3001. General authority.
Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided.
Sec. 3003. Food aid quality.
Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group.
Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods.
Sec. 3008. General provisions.
Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance.
Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program.
Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program.
Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program.
Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws
Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.
Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops.
Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services.
Sec. 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin.
Title IV—Credit
Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans
Sec. 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans.
Sec. 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 4003. Down payment loan program.
Sec. 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement.
Subtitle B—Operating loans
Sec. 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans.
Sec. 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth.
Sec. 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control.
Sec. 4104. Microloans.
Subtitle C—Emergency loans
Sec. 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans.
Subtitle D—Administrative provisions
Sec. 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program.
Sec. 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 4303. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 4304. Priority for participation loans.
Sec. 4305. Loan fund set-asides.
Sec. 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes.
Subtitle E—State agricultural mediation programs
Sec. 4401. State agricultural mediation programs.
Subtitle F—Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land
Sec. 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land.
Title V—Rural development
Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
Sec. 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 5002. Rural business opportunity grants.
Sec. 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds.
Sec. 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities.
Sec. 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities.
Sec. 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training.
Sec. 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program.
Sec. 5009. Household water well systems.
Sec. 5010. Rural business and industry loan program.
Sec. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Sec. 5013. Intermediary relending program.
Sec. 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy.
Sec. 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure.
Sec. 5016. Simplified applications.
Sec. 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 5019. Delta Regional Authority.
Sec. 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority.
Sec. 5021. Rural business investment program.
Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936
Sec. 5101. Relending for certain purposes.
Sec. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees.
Sec. 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority.
Sec. 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes.
Sec. 5105. Expansion of 911 access.
Sec. 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas.
Subtitle C—Miscellaneous
Sec. 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine.
Sec. 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants.
Sec. 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
Sec. 5204. Program metrics.
Sec. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues.
Sec. 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major.
Sec. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas.
Sec. 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development.
Title VI—Research, Extension, and Related Matters
Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
Sec. 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture.
Sec. 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 6103. Specialty crop committee.
Sec. 6104. Veterinary services grant program.
Sec. 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education.
Sec. 6106. Policy research centers.
Sec. 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program.
Sec. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research.
Sec. 6109. Nutrition education program.
Sec. 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems.
Sec. 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University.
Sec. 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
Sec. 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers.
Sec. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth.
Sec. 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs.
Sec. 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants.
Sec. 6119. University research.
Sec. 6120. Extension service.
Sec. 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements.
Sec. 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops.
Sec. 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 6125. Rangeland research programs.
Sec. 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education.
Sec. 6128. Matching funds requirement.
Sec. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions.
Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
Sec. 6201. Best utilization of biological applications.
Sec. 6202. Integrated management systems.
Sec. 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program.
Sec. 6204. National training program.
Sec. 6205. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program.
Sec. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative.
Sec. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative.
Sec. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative.
Sec. 6213. Farm business management.
Sec. 6214. Centers of excellence.
Sec. 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center.
Sec. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse.
Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998
Sec. 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department.
Sec. 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program.
Sec. 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations.
Sec. 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants.
Sec. 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program.
Sec. 6306. Grants for youth organizations.
Sec. 6307. Specialty crop research initiative.
Sec. 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program.
Sec. 6309. Repeal of national swine research center.
Sec. 6310. Office of pest management policy.
Sec. 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education.
Subtitle D—Other Laws
Sec. 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
Sec. 6402. Equity in Educational Land-grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 6403. Research Facilities Act.
Sec. 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research.
Sec. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act.
Sec. 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data.
Sec. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.
Sec. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program.
Sec. 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.
Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Part 1—Agricultural Security
Sec. 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
Sec. 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
Sec. 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
Sec. 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.
Part 2—Miscellaneous
Sec. 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program.
Sec. 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory.
Sec. 6513. Budget submission and funding.
Sec. 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Sec. 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network.
Sec. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution.
Sec. 6517. Natural products research program.
Sec. 6518. Sun grant program.
Sec. 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts.
Sec. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education.
Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions
Sec. 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum.
Sec. 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report.
Sec. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service.
Sec. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections.
Sec. 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research.
Title VII—Forestry
Subtitle A—Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs
Sec. 7001. Forest land enhancement program.
Sec. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program.
Sec. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program.
Sec. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program.
Sec. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program.
Sec. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process.
Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs
Sec. 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources.
Sec. 7102. Forest Legacy Program.
Sec. 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program.
Subtitle C—Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws
Sec. 7201. Rural revitalization technologies.
Sec. 7202. Office of International Forestry.
Sec. 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program.
Sec. 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority.
Subtitle D—National Forest Critical Area Response
Sec. 7301. Definitions.
Sec. 7302. Designation of critical areas.
Sec. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas.
Sec. 7304. Good neighbor authority.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis.
Sec. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program.
Sec. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978.
Sec. 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976.
Sec. 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires.
Sec. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials.
Sec. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads.
Sec. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program.
Sec. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia.
Sec. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies.
Title VIII—Energy
Sec. 8001. Definition of renewable energy system.
Sec. 8002. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 8003. Biorefinery assistance.
Sec. 8004. Repowering assistance program.
Sec. 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
Sec. 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
Sec. 8007. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 8008. Biomass Research and Development.
Sec. 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers.
Sec. 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Sec. 8011. Community wood energy program.
Sec. 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study.
Sec. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study.
Sec. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities.
Title IX—Horticulture
Sec. 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops.
Sec. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program.
Sec. 9004. Organic agriculture.
Sec. 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.
Sec. 9006. Food safety education initiatives.
Sec. 9007. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions.
Sec. 9009. Report on honey.
Sec. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada.
Sec. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs.
Sec. 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion.
Sec. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides.
Sec. 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation.
Sec. 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order.
Sec. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride.
Sec. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation.
Sec. 9018. Annual report on invasive species.
Title X—Crop Insurance
Sec. 10001. Information sharing.
Sec. 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments.
Sec. 10003. Supplemental coverage option.
Sec. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection.
Sec. 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount.
Sec. 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy.
Sec. 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops.
Sec. 10008. Data collection.
Sec. 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields.
Sec. 10010. Submission and review of policies.
Sec. 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies.
Sec. 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement.
Sec. 10013. Crop production on native sod.
Sec. 10014. Coverage levels by practice.
Sec. 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions.
Sec. 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton.
Sec. 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance.
Sec. 10018. Authority to correct errors.
Sec. 10019. Implementation.
Sec. 10020. Research and development priorities.
Sec. 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements.
Sec. 10022. Program compliance partnerships.
Sec. 10023. Pilot programs.
Sec. 10024. Technical amendments.
Sec. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes.
Title XI—Miscellaneous
Subtitle A—Livestock
Sec. 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
Sec. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921.
Sec. 11103. Trichinae certification program.
Sec. 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
Sec. 11105. Country of origin labeling.
Sec. 11106. National animal health laboratory network.
Sec. 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program.
Sec. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program.
Sec. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas.
Sec. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood.
Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers
Sec. 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach.
Sec. 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center.
Sec. 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies.
Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions
Sec. 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force.
Sec. 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study.
Sec. 11303. Office of Tribal Relations.
Sec. 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
Sec. 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight.
Sec. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program.
Sec. 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information.
Sec. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency.
Sec. 11309. Acer access and development program.
Sec. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Sec. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture.
Sec. 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States.
Sec. 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin.
Sec. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region.
Sec. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators.
Sec. 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States.
Sec. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination.
Sec. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses.
Sec. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs.
Sec. 11320. Report on water sharing.
Sec. 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
Sec. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business.
Sec. 11323. Silvicultural activities.
Sec. 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule.
Sec. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure.
Sec. 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy.
Sec. 11327. Sunsetting of programs.
Subtitle D—Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery
Sec. 11401. Short title.
Sec. 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget.
Sec. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management.
Sec. 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Sec. 11405. Definitions.
2.
Definition of Secretary of Agriculture
In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
I
A
1101.
Repeal of direct payments
(a)
Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713, 8753) are repealed.
(b)
Continued application for 2013 crop year
Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713, 8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)) and peanuts on a farm.
(c)
Continued application for 2014 and 2015 crop years
Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections 1603 and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607 and 1611 of this Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)), except that, in applying such section 1103, the term payment acres means the following:
(1)
For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made.
(2)
For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made.
1102.
Repeal of counter-cyclical payments
(a)
Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714, 8754) are repealed.
(b)
Continued application for 2013 crop year
Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714, 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)) and peanuts on a farm.
1103.
Repeal of average crop revenue election program
(a)
Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8715) is repealed.
(b)
Continued application for 2013 crop year
Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8715), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act.
1104.
In this subtitle and subtitle B:
(1)
The term actual county revenue, with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year.
(2)
The term base acres, with respect to a covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of acres established under sections 1101 and 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911, 7952) or sections 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1107, base acres are reduced by the payment acres calculated in section 1101(c).
(3)
County revenue loss coverage trigger
The term county revenue loss coverage trigger, with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year.
(4)
The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts.
(5)
The term effective price, with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year.
(6)
The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that—
(A)
is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and
(B)
is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes.
(7)
The term farm base acres means the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and subject to any adjustment under section 1105.
(8)
The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice.
(9)
The term midseason price means the applicable national average market price received by producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as determined by the Secretary.
(10)
The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary.
(11)
(A)
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term payment acres, with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means—
(i)
85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm; and
(ii)
30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm.
(B)
The total quantity of payment acres determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the farm base acres.
(C)
If the sum of all payment acres for a farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each crop proportionately.
(D)
The term payment acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary.
(12)
The term payment yield means the yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7912, 7952), section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712), as in effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity.
(13)
The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(b).
(14)
(A)
The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced.
(B)
In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall—
(i)
not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and
(ii)
ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title.
(15)
The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
(16)
The term reference price, with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following:
(A)
Wheat, $5.50 per bushel.
(B)
Corn, $3.70 per bushel.
(C)
Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel.
(D)
Barley, $4.95 per bushel.
(E)
Oats, $2.40 per bushel.
(F)
Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
(G)
Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
(H)
Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel.
(I)
Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight.
(J)
Peanuts $535.00 per ton.
(K)
Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight.
(L)
Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight.
(M)
Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight.
(N)
Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight.
(17)
The term revenue loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(c).
(18)
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(19)
The term State means—
(A)
a State;
(B)
the District of Columbia;
(C)
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(D)
any other territory or possession of the United States.
(20)
The term temperate japonica rice means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary.
(21)
The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)).
(22)
The term United States, when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States.
(23)
United States premium factor
The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 11/8-inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 13/32-inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities.
1105.
(a)
(1)
The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs:
(A)
A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated.
(B)
Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary.
(C)
The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D)).
(2)
Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules
For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both.
(b)
Prevention of excess base acres
(1)
If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2) exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm.
(2)
For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following:
(A)
Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq.).
(B)
Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage.
(C)
If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (a)(1)(C).
(3)
The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made.
(4)
Exception for double-cropped acreage
In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary.
(c)
(1)
Reduction at option of owner
(A)
The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for the farm.
(B)
A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.
(2)
Required action by Secretary
(A)
The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land—
(i)
remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or
(ii)
is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use.
(B)
The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A).
1106.
(a)
Establishment and purpose
For the purpose of making payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712) in accordance with this section.
(b)
Payment yields for designated oilseeds
(1)
Determination of average yield
In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero.
(2)
Adjustment for payment yield
(A)
The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following:
(i)
The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1).
(ii)
The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops.
(B)
No national average yield information available
To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section.
(3)
Use of county average yield
If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1).
(4)
No historic yield data available
In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary.
(c)
Effect of lack of payment yield
(1)
Establishment by secretary
If no payment yield is otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2).
(2)
Use of similarly situated farms
To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law.
(d)
Single opportunity to update yields used to determine price loss coverage payments
(1)
At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the farm.
(2)
The election under paragraph (1) shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary.
(3)
Method of updating yields
If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero.
(4)
Use of county average yield
If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3).
(5)
Effect of lack of payment yield
(A)
Establishment by secretary
For purposes of this subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B).
(B)
Use of similarly situated farms
To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law.
1107.
Farm risk management election
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section.
(2)
Prohibition on payments; exceptions
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary, unless the producer is—
(A)
a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))); or
(B)
a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary.
(b)
(1)
For the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary determines that—
(A)
the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than
(B)
the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year.
(2)
The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of—
(A)
the midseason price; or
(B)
the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B.
(3)
The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between—
(A)
the reference price for the covered commodity; and
(B)
the effective price determined under paragraph (2) for the covered commodity.
(4)
If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this subsection for the 2014 crop year or any succeding crop year for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
(A)
the payment rate for the covered commodity under paragraph (3);
(B)
the payment yield for the covered commodity; and
(C)
the payment acres for the covered commodity.
(5)
If the Secretary determines under this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity.
(6)
In determining the effective price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price.
(7)
Special rule for temperate japonica rice
The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 1104(16) in order to reflect price premiums.
(c)
(1)
Available as an alternative
As an alternative to receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the election available under this paragraph.
(2)
In the case of owners of a farm that make the election described in paragraph (1) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments available under this subsection for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year if the Secretary determines that—
(A)
the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than
(B)
the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop year for the covered commodity.
(3)
If the Secretary determines under this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity.
(4)
The amount of the actual county revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
(A)
the actual county yield, as determined by the Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity; and
(B)
the higher of—
(i)
the midseason price; or
(ii)
the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B.
(5)
County revenue loss coverage trigger
(A)
The county revenue loss coverage trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county revenue.
(B)
(i)
The benchmark county revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying—
(I)
subject to clause (ii), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and
(II)
subject to clause (iii), the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices.
(ii)
If the historical county yield in clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I) shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield.
(iii)
If the national marketing year average price in clause (i)(II) for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II).
(6)
The payment rate shall be equal to the lesser of—
(A)
the difference between—
(i)
the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity; and
(ii)
the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; or
(B)
10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity.
(7)
If revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection are required to be provided for the 2014 crop year or any succeeding crop year of a covered commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
(A)
the payment rate under paragraph (6); and
(B)
the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm.
(8)
In providing revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary—
(A)
shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the election made under paragraph (1);
(B)
to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage payments;
(C)
to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities;
(D)
shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if—
(i)
the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or
(ii)
the yield determined under paragraph (5) is an unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined by the Secretary); and
(E)
to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought.
(d)
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 annually containing an evaluation of the impact of price loss coverage and revenue loss coverage—
(1)
on the planting, production, price, and export of covered commodities; and
(2)
on the cost of each commodity program.
(e)
Cap on total obligations and expenditures
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the total amount of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments made under this section during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2020 shall not exceed $16,956,500,000. Producer agreements required by section 1108 shall specifically state that payments made under this section shall be reduced as necessary to comply with this subsection.
1108.
(a)
Compliance with certain requirements
(1)
Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments—
(A)
to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.);
(B)
to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.); and
(C)
to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary.
(2)
The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3)
At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary.
(b)
Transfer or change of interest in farm
(1)
(A)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a).
(B)
The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary.
(2)
If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary.
(c)
As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm.
(d)
Tenants and sharecroppers
In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers.
(e)
The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis.
B
1201.
Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities
(a)
Definition of loan commodity
In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
(b)
Nonrecourse loans available
(1)
For the 2014 crops and each succeeding annual crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm.
(2)
The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity.
(c)
The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm.
(d)
Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements
As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.) during the term of the loan.
(e)
Special rules for peanuts
(1)
This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts.
(2)
Options for obtaining loan
A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through—
(A)
a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or
(B)
the Farm Service Agency.
(3)
As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree—
(A)
to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and
(B)
to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section.
(4)
Storage, handling, and associated costs
(A)
To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary.
(B)
Redemption and forfeiture
The Secretary shall—
(i)
require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and
(ii)
pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section.
(5)
A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality.
(6)
Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses
The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities.
1202.
Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans
(a)
For purposes of the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following:
(1)
In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel.
(2)
In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel.
(3)
In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel.
(4)
In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel.
(5)
In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel.
(6)
In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound.
(7)
In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound.
(8)
In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight.
(9)
In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight.
(10)
In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel.
(11)
In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds:
(A)
Sunflower seed.
(B)
Rapeseed.
(C)
Canola.
(D)
Safflower.
(E)
Flaxseed.
(F)
Mustard seed.
(G)
Crambe.
(H)
Sesame seed.
(I)
Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary.
(12)
In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight.
(13)
In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight.
(14)
In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight.
(15)
In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight.
(16)
In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound.
(17)
In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound.
(18)
In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound.
(19)
In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound.
(20)
In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton.
(b)
Single county loan rate for other oilseeds
The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11).
1203.
(a)
In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made.
(b)
The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity.
1204.
(a)
The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of—
(1)
the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283));
(2)
a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that—
(A)
is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and
(B)
will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or
(3)
a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will—
(A)
minimize potential loan forfeitures;
(B)
minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government;
(C)
minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity;
(D)
allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and
(E)
minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries.
(b)
Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice
The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of—
(1)
the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
(2)
the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section.
(c)
Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton
Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)).
(d)
Prevailing world market price
For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation—
(1)
a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and
(2)
a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices.
(e)
Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice
(1)
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)
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) 13/32-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, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary—
(i)
to minimize potential loan forfeitures;
(ii)
to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government;
(iii)
to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and
(iv)
to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if—
(I)
there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and
(II)
the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available.
(3)
Guidelines for additional adjustments
In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market.
(f)
Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds
The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of—
(1)
the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
(2)
the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed.
(g)
Payment of cotton storage costs
Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent.
(h)
Repayment rate for peanuts
The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of—
(1)
the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), 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)
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)
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.
1205.
(a)
Availability of loan deficiency payments
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section.
(2)
Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage
(A)
Marketing assistance loans
Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201.
(B)
Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity.
(b)
A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
(1)
the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by
(2)
the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201.
(c)
(1)
In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—
(A)
the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds
(B)
the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.
(2)
In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—
(A)
the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds
(B)
the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204.
(3)
In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—
(A)
the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds
(B)
the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.
(d)
Exception for extra long staple cotton
This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton.
(e)
Effective date for payment rate determination
The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment.
1206.
Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage
(a)
(1)
Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage.
(2)
Grazing of triticale acreage
Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage.
(b)
(1)
The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying—
(A)
the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by
(B)
the payment quantity determined by multiplying—
(i)
the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and
(ii)
(I)
the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or
(II)
in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act.
(2)
Grazing of triticale acreage
The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying—
(A)
the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by
(B)
the payment quantity determined by multiplying—
(i)
the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and
(ii)
(I)
the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or
(II)
in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act.
(c)
Time, manner, and availability of payment
(1)
A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205.
(2)
(A)
The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section.
(B)
In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle.
(d)
Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance
A 2014 crop or succeeding annual crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333).
1207.
Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton
(a)
(1)
Definition of special import quota
In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota.
(2)
(A)
The President shall carry out an import quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in this subsection.
(B)
Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 13/32-inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota.
(3)
The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary.
(4)
The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary’s announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date.
(5)
A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b).
(6)
Preferential tariff treatment
The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of—
(A)
section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (19 U.S.C. 2703(d));
(B)
section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act (19 U.S.C. 3203);
(C)
section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)); and
(D)
General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
(7)
The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 weeks’ consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year.
(b)
Limited global import quota for upland cotton
(1)
In this subsection:
(A)
The term demand means—
(i)
the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary; and
(ii)
the larger of—
(I)
average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or
(II)
cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established.
(B)
Limited global import quota
The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota.
(C)
The term supply means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture—
(i)
the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established;
(ii)
production of the current crop; and
(iii)
imports to the latest date available during the marketing year.
(2)
The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions:
(A)
The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary.
(B)
If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand.
(C)
Preferential tariff treatment
The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of—
(i)
section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (19 U.S.C. 2703(d));
(ii)
section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act (19 U.S.C. 3203);
(iii)
section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2463(d)); and
(iv)
General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
(D)
When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary.
(3)
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a).
(c)
Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton.
(2)
Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per pound.
(3)
Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery.
(4)
The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection.
(5)
Improper use of assistance
If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be—
(A)
liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary.
1208.
Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall carry out a program—
(1)
to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States;
(2)
to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and
(3)
to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets.
(b)
Payments under program; trigger
Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever—
(1)
for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and
(2)
the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton.
(c)
The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section.
(d)
Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period.
1209.
Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton
(a)
High moisture feed grains
(1)
Definition of high moisture state
In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201.
(2)
For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that—
(A)
normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state;
(B)
present—
(i)
certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or
(ii)
field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation;
(C)
certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and
(D)
comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary.
(3)
Eligibility of acquired feed grains
A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying—
(A)
the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by
(B)
the lower of the farm program payment yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained.
(b)
Recourse loans available for seed cotton
For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production.
(c)
Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)).
1210.
(a)
Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors.
(b)
The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C.
(c)
Adjustment on county basis
(1)
The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays.
(2)
Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year.
(d)
Adjustment in loan rate for cotton
(1)
The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors.
(2)
Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include—
(A)
the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection;
(B)
adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and
(C)
such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3).
(3)
Consultation with private sector
(A)
In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry.
(B)
Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection.
(4)
The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2).
(e)
The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields).
C
1301.
(a)
Continuation of current program and loan rates
(1)
Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5)) is amended by striking the 2012 crop year
and inserting the 2012 crop year and each succeeding crop year
.
(2)
Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2)) is amended by striking each of the 2009 through 2012 crop years
and inserting the 2009 crop year and each succeeding crop year
.
(3)
Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(i)) is repealed.
(b)
Flexible marketing allotments for sugar
(1)
Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1)) is amended by striking each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years
and inserting the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year
.
(2)
Section 359i(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ii(a)) is amended by striking only for the 2008 through 2012 crop years
and inserting for the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year
.
D
I
Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program
1401.
Dairy producer margin insurance program
Subtitle E of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8771 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
1511.
Dairy producer margin insurance program
(a)
In this section:
(1)
Actual dairy producer margin
The term actual dairy producer margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under subsection (b)(2).
(2)
The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
(3)
The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under subsection (b)(1) using the sum of the following:
(A)
The product determined by multiplying—
(i)
1.0728; by
(ii)
the price of corn per bushel.
(B)
The product determined by multiplying—
(i)
0.00735; by
(ii)
the price of soybean meal per ton.
(C)
The product determined by multiplying—
(i)
0.0137; by
(ii)
the price of alfalfa hay per ton.
(4)
Consecutive 2-month period
The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively.
(5)
The term dairy producer means an individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as determined by the Secretary)—
(A)
shares in the risk of producing milk; and
(B)
makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the operation.
(6)
The term margin insurance program means the dairy producer margin insurance program required by this section.
(7)
Participating dairy producer
The term participating dairy producer means a dairy producer that registers under subsection (d)(2) to participate in the margin insurance program.
(8)
The term production history means the quantity of annual milk marketings determined for a dairy producer under subsection (e)(1).
(9)
The term United States, in a geographical sense, means the 50 States.
(b)
Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins
(1)
Calculation of average feed cost
The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data:
(A)
The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary.
(B)
The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary.
(C)
The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary.
(2)
Calculation of actual dairy producer margins
The Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting—
(A)
the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with paragraph (1); from
(B)
the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period.
(c)
Establishment of dairy producer margin insurance program
The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin insurance program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than the threshold levels for the payments.
(d)
Eligibility and registration of dairy producers for margin insurance program
(1)
All dairy producers in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the margin insurance program.
(2)
(A)
(i)
On an annual basis, the Secretary shall register all interested dairy producers in the margin insurance program.
(ii)
The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a dairy producer shall register for the margin insurance program.
(B)
Treatment of multi-producer operations
If a dairy operation consists of more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single dairy producer for purposes of—
(i)
purchasing margin insurance; and
(ii)
payment of producer premiums under subsection (f)(4).
(C)
Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations
If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate registration to participate and purchase margin insurance.
(3)
(A)
During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, a dairy producer that is actively engaged in a dairy operation as of that date may register with the Secretary to participate in the margin insurance program.
(B)
A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of enactment of this section, but that, after that date, establishes a new dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially to participate in the margin insurance program.
(4)
(A)
Notice of availability of retroactive protection
Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive margin insurance, subject to the condition that interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice) to participate in the margin insurance program.
(B)
Retroactive margin insurance
(i)
If a dairy producer files a notice of intent under subparagraph (A) to participate in the margin insurance program before the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin insurance program and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, the producer shall receive margin insurance retroactive to the effective date of this section.
(ii)
Retroactive margin insurance under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this section until the date on which the producer signs up for the margin insurance program.
(C)
Notice of intent and obligation to participate
In no way does filing a notice of intent under this paragraph obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin insurance program once the program rules are final, but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, that dairy producer is obligated to pay premiums for any retroactive margin insurance selected in the notice of intent.
(5)
The Secretary shall ensure that a dairy producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for the sole purpose of purchasing margin insurance.
(e)
Production history of participating dairy producers
(1)
Determination of production history
(A)
The Secretary shall determine the production history of the dairy operation of each participating dairy producer in the margin insurance program.
(B)
Except as provided in subparagraphs (C) and (D), the production history of a participating dairy producer shall be equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any 1 of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the registration of the dairy producer for participation in the margin insurance program.
(C)
Updating production history
So long as a participating producer remains registered, the production history of the participating producer shall be annually updated based on the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the 3 immediately preceding calendar years.
(D)
If a dairy producer has been in operation for less than 1 year, the Secretary shall determine the initial production history of the dairy producer under subparagraph (B) by extrapolating the actual milk marketings for the months that the dairy producer has been in operation to a yearly amount.
(2)
A participating dairy producer shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish the production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer.
(3)
Transfer of production history
(A)
(i)
If an existing dairy producer sells an entire dairy operation to another party, the seller and purchaser may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the purchaser the interest of the seller in the production history of the dairy operation.
(ii)
If the Secretary determines that the seller has sold the entire dairy operation to the purchaser, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the seller shall have no interest in the production history of the sold dairy operation.
(B)
(i)
If an existing dairy producer leases an entire dairy operation to another party, the lessor and lessee may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the lessee for the duration of the term of the lease the interest of the lessor in the production history of the dairy operation.
(ii)
If the Secretary determines that the lessor has leased the entire dairy operation to the lessee, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the lessor shall have no interest for the duration of the term of the lease in the production history of the leased dairy operation.
(C)
A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a production history under this paragraph may not obtain a different level of margin insurance coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained.
(D)
The Secretary may not transfer the production history determined for a dairy producer described in subsection (d)(3)(B) to another person.
(4)
Movement and transfer of production history
(A)
Movement and transfer authorized
Subject to subparagraph (B), if a dairy producer moves from 1 location to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the production history associated with the operation.
(B)
A dairy producer shall notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under subparagraph (A).
(C)
Subsequent occupation of vacated location
A party subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as described in subparagraph (A) shall have no interest in the production history previously associated with the operation at that location.
(f)
(1)
At the time of the registration of a dairy producer in the margin insurance program under subsection (d) and annually thereafter during the duration of the margin insurance program, an eligible dairy producer may purchase margin insurance.
(2)
Selection of payment threshold
A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a coverage level in any increment of $0.50, with a minimum of $4.00 and a maximum of $8.00.
(3)
Selection of coverage percentage
A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a percentage of coverage, equal to not more than 80 percent nor less than 25 percent, of the production history of the dairy operation of the participating dairy producer.
(4)
(A)
A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
(i)
the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3);
(ii)
the production history applicable to the dairy producer; and
(iii)
the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under subparagraph (B) or (C).
(B)
Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production
For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows:
Coverage Level
Premium per Cwt.
$4.00
$0.00
$4.50
$0.01
$5.00
$0.02
$5.50
$0.035
$6.00
$0.045
$6.50
$0.09
$7.00
$0.18
$7.50
$0.60
$8.00
$0.95
(C)
Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds
For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows:
Coverage Level
Premium per Cwt.
$4.00
$0.030
$4.50
$0.045
$5.00
$0.066
$5.50
$0.11
$6.00
$0.185
$6.50
$0.29
$7.00
$0.38
$7.50
$0.83
$8.00
$1.06
(D)
(i)
As soon as practicable after a dairy producer registers to participate in the margin insurance program and purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall pay the premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for the first calendar year of the margin insurance.
(ii)
(I)
When the dairy producer first purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall also elect the method by which the dairy producer will pay premiums under this subsection for subsequent years in accordance with 1 of the schedules described in subclauses (II) and (III).
(II)
The participating dairy producer may elect to pay 100 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year.
(III)
The participating dairy producer may elect to pay—
-
(aa)
50 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year; and
-
(bb)
the remaining 50 percent of the premium by not later than June 15 of the calendar year.
(5)
Producer premium obligations
(A)
Pro-ration of first year premium
A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance after initial registration in the margin insurance program shall pay a pro-rated premium for the first calendar year based on the date on which the producer purchases the coverage.
(B)
Except as provided in subparagraph (A), the annual premium for a participating dairy producer shall be determined under paragraph (4) for each year in which the margin insurance program is in effect.
(C)
(i)
Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), a participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premiums for the entire period of the margin insurance program (as provided in the payment schedule elected under paragraph (4)(B)), and may not opt out of the margin insurance program.
(ii)
If the dairy producer dies, the estate of the deceased may cancel the margin insurance and shall not be responsible for any further premium payments.
(iii)
If the dairy producer retires, the producer may request that Secretary cancel the margin insurance if the producer has terminated the dairy operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the next 7 years.
(6)
A participating dairy producer with margin insurance shall receive a margin insurance payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2).
(7)
Margin insurance payments
(A)
The Secretary shall make a margin insurance protection payment to each participating dairy producer whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2).
(B)
The margin insurance payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall be determined as follows:
(i)
The Secretary shall calculate the difference between—
(I)
the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2); and
(II)
the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive 2-month period.
(ii)
The amount determined under clause (i) shall be multiplied by—
(I)
the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); and
(II)
the lesser of—
-
(aa)
the quotient obtained by dividing—
(AA)
the production history applicable to the producer under subsection (e)(1); by
(BB)
6; and
-
(bb)
the actual quantity of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive 2-month period.
(g)
Effect of failure to pay premiums
(1)
A participating dairy producer that is in arrears on premium payments for margin insurance—
(A)
remains legally obligated to pay the premiums; and
(B)
may not receive margin insurance until the premiums are fully paid.
(2)
The Secretary may take such action as is necessary to collect premium payments for margin insurance.
(h)
Use of Commodity Credit Corporation
The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section.
(i)
The Secretary shall conduct the margin insurance program beginning on October 1, 2013.
.
1402.
(a)
The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of the margin insurance program, and for administration of the margin insurance program, shall be made—
(1)
without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act);
(2)
without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and
(3)
subject to subsection (b), pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
(b)
Special rulemaking requirements
(1)
With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary may promulgate interim rules under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code, if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed. Any such interim rules for the margin insurance program shall be effective on publication.
(2)
With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary shall promulgate final rules, with an opportunity for public notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c)
Inclusion of additional order
Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection.
.
II
Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions
1411.
Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs
(a)
Repeal of dairy product price support program
Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8771) is repealed.
(b)
Repeal of milk income loss contract program
Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8773) is repealed.
1412.
Repeal of dairy export incentive program
(a)
Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 713a–14) is repealed.
(b)
Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7201(2)) is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2)
by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.
1413.
Extension of dairy forward pricing program
Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2015
and inserting 2021
.
1414.
Extension of dairy indemnity program
Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 (7 U.S.C. 450l) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
1415.
Extension of dairy promotion and research program
Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
1416.
Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission
Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed.
III
1421.
This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
E
Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
1501.
Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance
(a)
In this section:
(1)
Eligible producer on a farm
(A)
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)
An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is—
(i)
a citizen of the United States;
(ii)
a resident alien;
(iii)
a partnership of citizens of the United States; or
(iv)
a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law.
(2)
The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment.
(3)
The term livestock includes—
(A)
cattle (including dairy cattle);
(B)
bison;
(C)
poultry;
(D)
sheep;
(E)
swine;
(F)
horses; and
(G)
other livestock, as determined by the Secretary.
(4)
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(b)
Livestock indemnity payments
(1)
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, as determined by the Secretary, due to—
(A)
attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or
(B)
adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold.
(2)
Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary.
(3)
Special rule for payments made due to disease
The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8306(d)).
(c)
Livestock forage disaster program
(1)
In this subsection:
(A)
(i)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
(i)
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)
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)
(i)
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)
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)
(i)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
(I)
An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B).
(II)
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)
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)
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)
(i)
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)
An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year.
(5)
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)
For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c).
(2)
Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary.
(3)
Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
(e)
(1)
In this subsection:
(A)
The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes.
(B)
The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary.
(C)
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)
The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine.
(2)
(A)
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—
(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)
An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality).
(3)
Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of—
(A)
(i)
reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or
(ii)
at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and
(B)
reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality).
(4)
Limitations on assistance
(A)
Definitions of legal entity and person
In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)).
(B)
The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings.
(C)
The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres.
(f)
(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)
The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year.
(3)
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.
1502.
National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan
(a)
In this section:
(1)
The term Council means the National Drought Council established by this section.
(2)
The term drought means a natural disaster that is caused by a deficiency in precipitation—
(A)
that may lead to a deficiency in surface and subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and
(B)
that causes or may cause—
(i)
substantial economic or social impacts; or
(ii)
physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or the environment.
(3)
The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
(4)
The term member, with respect to the National Drought Council, means a member of the Council specified or appointed under this section or, in the absence of the member, the member’s designee.
(5)
The term mitigation means a short- or long-term action, program, or policy that is implemented in advance of or during a drought to minimize any risks and impacts of drought.
(6)
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(7)
The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
(8)
The term trigger means the thresholds or criteria that must be satisfied before mitigation or emergency assistance may be provided to an area—
(A)
in which drought is emerging; or
(B)
that is experiencing a drought.
(9)
The term watershed means a region or area with common hydrology, an area drained by a waterway that drains into a lake or reservoir, the total area above a given point on a stream that contributes water to the flow at that point, or the topographic dividing line from which surface streams flow in two different directions. In no case shall a watershed be larger than a river basin.
(10)
The term watershed group means a group of individuals, formally recognized by the appropriate State or States, who represent the broad scope of relevant interests within a watershed and who work together in a collaborative manner to jointly plan the management of the natural resources contained within the watershed.
(b)
This section does not affect—
(1)
the authority of a State to allocate quantities of water under the jurisdiction of the State; or
(2)
any State water rights established as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(c)
(1)
There is established in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture a council to be known as the National Drought Council
.
(2)
(A)
The Council shall be composed of—
(i)
the Secretary (or the designee of the Secretary);
(ii)
the Secretary of Commerce (or the designee of the Secretary of Commerce);
(iii)
the Secretary of the Army (or the designee of the Secretary of the Army);
(iv)
the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee of the Secretary of the Interior);
(v)
the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or the designee of the Director);
(vi)
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the designee of the Administrator);
(vii)
4 members appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Governors Association, each of whom shall be the Governor of a State (or the designee of the Governor) and who collectively shall represent the geographic diversity of the Nation;
(viii)
1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Counties;
(ix)
1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Conference of Mayors;
(x)
1 member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with Indian tribes, to represent the interests of tribal governments; and
(xi)
1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Conservation Districts, to represent local soil and water conservation districts.
(B)
The appointment of each member of the Council shall be made not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(3)
(A)
A non-Federal member of the Council appointed under paragraph (2) shall be appointed for a term of two years.
(B)
A vacancy on the Council—
(i)
shall not affect the powers of the Council; and
(ii)
shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
(C)
Terms of members filling vacancies
Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term.
(4)
(A)
The Council shall meet at the call of the co-chairs.
(B)
The Council shall meet at least semiannually.
(5)
A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings or conduct other business.
(6)
(A)
There shall be a Federal co-chair and non-Federal co-chair of the Council.
(B)
(i)
The Secretary shall be the Federal co-chair.
(ii)
The non-Federal members of the Council shall elect, on a biannual basis, a non-Federal co-chair of the Council from among the members appointed under paragraph (2).
(d)
(1)
The Council shall—
(A)
not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan that—
(i)
(I)
delineates and integrates responsibilities for activities relating to drought (including drought preparedness, mitigation, research, risk management, training, and emergency relief) among Federal agencies; and
(II)
ensures that those activities are coordinated with the activities of the States, local governments, Indian tribes, and neighboring countries;
(ii)
is consistent with—
(I)
this Act and other applicable Federal laws; and
(II)
the laws and policies of the States for water management;
(iii)
is integrated with drought management programs of the States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and private entities; and
(iv)
avoids duplicating Federal, State, tribal, local, watershed, and private drought preparedness and monitoring programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act;
(B)
evaluate Federal drought-related programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act and make recommendations to Congress and the President on means of eliminating—
(i)
discrepancies between the goals of the programs and actual service delivery;
(ii)
duplication among programs; and
(iii)
any other circumstances that interfere with the effective operation of the programs;
(C)
make recommendations to the President, Congress, and appropriate Federal agencies on—
(i)
the establishment of common interagency triggers for authorizing Federal drought mitigation programs; and
(ii)
improving the consistency and fairness of assistance among Federal drought relief programs;
(D)
encourage and facilitate the development of drought preparedness plans under subtitle C, including establishing the guidelines under this section;
(E)
based on a review of drought preparedness plans, develop and make available to the public drought planning models to reduce water resource conflicts relating to water conservation and droughts;
(F)
develop and coordinate public awareness activities to provide the public with access to understandable and informative materials on drought, including—
(i)
explanations of the causes of drought, the impacts of drought, and the damages from drought;
(ii)
descriptions of the value and benefits of land stewardship to reduce the impacts of drought and to protect the environment;
(iii)
clear instructions for appropriate responses to drought, including water conservation, water reuse, and detection and elimination of water leaks;
(iv)
information on State and local laws applicable to drought; and
(v)
opportunities for assistance to resource-dependent businesses and industries in times of drought; and
(G)
establish operating procedures for the Council.
(2)
In carrying out this subsection, the Council shall consult with groups affected by drought emergencies.
(3)
(A)
(i)
Not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, and annually thereafter, the Council shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section.
(ii)
(I)
The annual report shall include a summary of drought preparedness plans.
(II)
The initial report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include any recommendations of the Council.
(B)
Not later than seven years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to Congress a report that recommends—
(i)
amendments to this section; and
(ii)
whether the Council should continue.
(e)
(1)
The Council may hold hearings, meet and act at any time and place, take any testimony and receive any evidence that the Council considers advisable to carry out this section.
(2)
Information from Federal agencies
(A)
The Council may obtain directly from any Federal agency any information that the Council considers necessary to carry out this section.
(B)
(i)
Except as provided in clause (ii), on request of the Secretary or the non-Federal co-chair of the Council, the head of a Federal agency may provide information to the Council.
(ii)
The head of a Federal agency shall not provide any information to the Council that the Federal agency head determines the disclosure of which may cause harm to national security interests.
(3)
The Council may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government.
(4)
The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.
(f)
Council personnel matters
(1)
(A)
A member of the Council who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation.
(B)
A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(2)
A member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses 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 Council.
(g)
The Council shall terminate at the end of the eighth fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
F
1601.
(a)
Use of Commodity Credit Corporation
The Secretary of Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title.
(b)
Determinations by Secretary
A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive.
(c)
(1)
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)
The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 10003 and 10016 of this Act shall be made—
(A)
pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act;
(B)
without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act
); and
(C)
without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking.
(d)
Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance
(1)
Required determination; adjustment
If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501)) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels.
(2)
Congressional notification
Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made.
1602.
Repeal of permanent price support authority
(a)
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938
(1)
The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 are repealed:
(A)
Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III (7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq.).
(B)
Subtitle D of title III (7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq.).
(C)
Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
(2)
Inapplicability to upland cotton
Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1377) is amended by striking was not fully planted
and inserting was not fully planted: Provided further, That effective on the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, this section shall not apply to upland cotton
.
(b)
The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed:
(1)
Section 101 (7 U.S.C. 1441).
(2)
Section 103(a) (7 U.S.C. 1444(a)).
(3)
Section 105 (7 U.S.C. 1444b).
(4)
Section 107 (7 U.S.C. 1445a).
(5)
Section 110 (7 U.S.C. 1445e).
(6)
Section 112 (7 U.S.C. 1445g).
(7)
Section 115 (7 U.S.C. 1445k).
(8)
Section 201 (7 U.S.C. 1446).
(9)
Title III (7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq.).
(10)
Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 (7 U.S.C. 1424, 1429, and 1431).
(11)
Title V (7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.).
(12)
Title VI (7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.).
(c)
Suspension of certain quota provisions
The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended
, approved May 26, 1941 (7 U.S.C. 1330, 1340), is repealed.
1603.
(a)
Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
(3)
(A)
The term legal entity means—
(i)
an organization that (subject to the requirements of this section and section 1001A) is eligible to receive a payment under a provision of law referred to in subsection (b), (c), or (d);
(ii)
a corporation, joint stock company, association, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, charitable organization, estate, irrevocable trust, grantor of a revocable trust, or other similar entity (as determined by the Secretary); and
(iii)
an organization that is participating in a farming operation as a partner in a general partnership or as a participant in a joint venture.
(B)
The term legal entity does not include a general partnership or joint venture.
;
(2)
by striking subsections (b) through (d) and inserting the following:
(b)
Limitation on payments for covered commodities and peanuts
The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity for any crop year for 1 or more covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 may not exceed $125,000, of which—
(1)
not more than $75,000 may consist of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013; and
(2)
not more than $50,000 may consist of any other payments made for covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
(c)
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection (b), except as provided in paragraph (2), if a person and the spouse of the person are covered by paragraph (2) and receive, directly or indirectly, any payment or gain covered by this section, the total amount of payments or gains (as applicable) covered by this section that the person and spouse may jointly receive during any crop year may not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in subsection (b).
(2)
(A)
Separate farming operations
In the case of a married couple in which each spouse, before the marriage, was separately engaged in an unrelated farming operation, each spouse shall be treated as a separate person with respect to a farming operation brought into the marriage by a spouse, subject to the condition that the farming operation shall remain a separate farming operation, as determined by the Secretary.
(B)
Election to receive separate payments
A married couple may elect to receive payments separately in the name of each spouse if the total amount of payments and benefits described in subsection (b) that the married couple receives, directly or indirectly, does not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in those subsections.
;
(3)
in paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
(iii)
In promulgating regulations to define the term legal entity as the term applies to irrevocable trusts, the Secretary shall ensure that irrevocable trusts are legitimate entities that have not been created for the purpose of avoiding a payment limitation.
; and
(4)
in subsection (h), in the second sentence, by striking or other entity
and inserting or legal entity
.
(b)
(1)
Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (e), by striking subsections (b) and (c)
each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (3)(B) and inserting subsection (b)
;
(B)
in subsection (f)—
(i)
in paragraph (2), by striking Subsections (b) and (c)
and inserting Subsection (b)
;
(ii)
in paragraph (4)(B), by striking subsection (b) or (c)
and inserting subsection (b)
;
(iii)
in paragraph (5)—
(I)
in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d)
; and
(II)
in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b), (c), or (d)
and inserting subsection (b)
; and
(iv)
in paragraph (6)—
(I)
in subparagraph (A), by striking Notwithstanding subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g)
and inserting Except as provided in subsection (f)
; and
(II)
in subparagraph (B), by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d)
and inserting subsection (b)
;
(C)
in subsection (g)—
(i)
in paragraph (1)—
(I)
by striking subsection (f)(6)(A)
and inserting subsection (e)(6)(A)
; and
(II)
by striking subsection (b) or (c)
and inserting subsection (b)
; and
(ii)
in paragraph (2)(A), by striking subsections (b) and (c)
and inserting subsection (b)
; and
(D)
by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively.
(2)
Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–1) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001
and inserting section 1001(b)
; and
(B)
in subsection (b)(1), by striking subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001
and inserting section 1001(b)
.
(3)
Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–2(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001
and inserting section 1001(b)
.
(c)
The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year.
1603A.
Payments limited to active farmers
Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–1) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
by striking or active personal management
each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and
(B)
in subparagraph (C), by striking , as applied to the legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor or active personal management
and inserting are met by partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor, those partners or members
; and
(2)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
(A)
the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary;
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(C)
the share of the payments received by the landowner is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received as rent.
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(A), by striking active personal management or
;
(C)
in paragraph (5)—
(i)
by striking (5)
and all that follows through (A) In general.—A person
and inserting the following:
(5)
A person
;
(ii)
by inserting under usual and customary terms
after services
; and
(iii)
by striking subparagraph (B); and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(7)
A person who otherwise meets the requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II) shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming operation, including a farming operation that is a sole proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation or limited partnership, if the person—
(A)
makes a significant contribution of management to the farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking into account—
(i)
the size and complexity of the farming operation; and
(ii)
the management requirements normally and customarily required by similar farming operations;
(B)
(i)
is the only person in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming by using the farm manager special class designation under this paragraph; and
(ii)
together with any other persons in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming under subsection (b)(2) or as part of a special class under this subsection, does not collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b);
(C)
does not use the management contribution under this paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1 farming operation; and
(D)
manages a farm operation that does not substantially share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal entities that with the person collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b).
.
1604.
Adjusted gross income limitation
(a)
Limitations and covered benefits
Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by striking Limitations
and inserting Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs
;
(2)
by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
(1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000.
(2)
Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I, or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333).
.
(b)
Elimination of unused definitions
Paragraph (1) of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)) is amended to read as follows:
(1)
Average adjusted gross income
In this section, the term average adjusted gross income, with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary.
.
(c)
Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (c); and
(2)
by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.
(d)
Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2)—
(A)
by striking subparagraph (A) or (B) of
; and
(B)
by striking , the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income
;
(2)
in subsection (a)(3), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income
both places it appears;
(3)
in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income
both places it appears; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b)
and inserting subsection (b)(2)
; and
(4)
in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)—
(A)
by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b)
and inserting subsection (b)(2)
; and
(B)
by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income
.
(e)
Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is repealed.
(f)
Limitation on applicability
Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
.
(g)
Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day).
1605.
Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8792(d)) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012
and inserting fiscal year 2009 and each succeeding fiscal year
.
1606.
Personal liability of producers for deficiencies
Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7284) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
.
1607.
Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs
(a)
At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are alive.
(b)
The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments.
1608.
(a)
Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B)) is amended by adding a period at the end.
(b)
Erroneous cross reference
(1)
Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a)
each place it appears and inserting 1603(a)
.
(2)
This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1651).
(c)
Continued applicability of appropriations general provision
Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108–7 (7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107–171
and inserting subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
; and
(B)
by striking such section 1102
and inserting such subtitle
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection:
(b)
This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year.
.
1609.
(a)
The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(g)), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title.
(b)
The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section.
1610.
As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles.
1611.
(a)
In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature.
(b)
(1)
Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a).
(2)
A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers—
(A)
relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and
(B)
substantively complied with all program requirements.
1612.
(a)
In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(1)
seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements;
(2)
improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
(3)
take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers.
(b)
Maintenance of base acres and payment yields
(1)
The Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under—
(A)
(i)
in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911, 7912); and
(ii)
in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 7952); and
(B)
(i)
in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8712); and
(ii)
in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8752).
(2)
Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice
(A)
The Secretary shall maintain separate base acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice.
(B)
In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8718), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105.
(c)
The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000.
1613.
Protection of producer information
(a)
Prohibition of public disclosure of protected information
Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture, any contractor or cooperator of the Department, and any officer or employee of another Federal agency shall not disclose—
(1)
information submitted by a producer or owner of agricultural land to the Federal Government pursuant to title I or II of this Act; or
(2)
other information provided by a producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself in order to participate in programs of the Department of Agriculture or other Federal agencies.
(b)
Information described in subsection (a) may be disclosed if—
(1)
the information is required to be made publicly available under any other provision of Federal law;
(2)
the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information has lawfully publicly disclosed the information;
(3)
the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information consents to the disclosure; or
(4)
the information is disclosed to the Attorney General, to the extent necessary, to ensure compliance and law enforcement.
(c)
Any disclosure of information pursuant to an exception provided in subsection (b) shall be reported to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate within 24 hours after the disclosure.
(d)
In this section, the term producer has the meaning given that term in section 1104(14) of this Act.
II
A
Conservation Reserve Program
2001.
Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program
(a)
Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
and inserting the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
;
(2)
by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
(3)
by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new paragraph:
(3)
grasslands that—
(A)
contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use;
(B)
are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and
(C)
could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition;
;
(4)
in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs
and inserting filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses
; and
(5)
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(5)
the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which—
(A)
more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and
(B)
the remainder of the field is—
(i)
infeasible to farm; and
(ii)
enrolled at regular rental rates.
.
(c)
Planting Status of Certain Land
Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(c)) is amended by striking if
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use.
.
(d)
Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
(1)
The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during—
(A)
fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres;
(B)
fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres;
(C)
fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres;
(D)
fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and
(E)
fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres.
(2)
(A)
For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years.
(B)
In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts.
(C)
In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods.
.
(e)
Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(e)) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(2)
Special rule for certain land
In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract.
.
(f)
Conservation priority areas
Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking watersheds.—Watersheds
and inserting areas.—Areas
; and
(3)
in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation—
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities.
.
2002.
(a)
Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1)) is amended—
(1)
by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
by striking a program
and inserting a farmable wetland program
.
(b)
Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system
and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production
.
(c)
Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B)) is amended by striking 1,000,000
and inserting 750,000
.
(d)
The heading of section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b) is amended to read as follows: Farmable wetland program.
.
2003.
Duties of owners and operators
(a)
Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage
Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8)) is amended by striking except that
and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233;
.
(b)
Conservation plan requirements
Subsection (b) of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832) is amended to read as follows:
(b)
The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth—
(1)
the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and
(2)
the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term.
.
(c)
Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832) is amended by striking subsection (d).
2004.
Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833) is amended to read as follows:
1233.
(a)
Cost-share and rental payments
In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall—
(1)
share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and
(2)
for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for—
(A)
the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use;
(B)
the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and
(C)
the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife.
(b)
Specified activities permitted
The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary, as follows:
(1)
Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate.
(2)
Consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity—
(A)
managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee—
(i)
shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and
(ii)
shall identify periods during which managed harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every three years;
(B)
routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee—
(i)
shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and
(ii)
shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every two years, taking into consideration regional differences such as—
(I)
climate, soil type, and natural resources;
(II)
the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and
(III)
how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and
(C)
the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account—
(i)
the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land;
(ii)
the extent to which the land contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; and
(iii)
the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter.
(3)
The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover.
(c)
Authorized activities on grasslands
For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities:
(1)
Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality.
(2)
Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for critical bird species in the area.
(3)
Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks.
(4)
Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering.
(d)
(1)
Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract.
(2)
The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan.
(3)
Land improved under paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract.
.
2005.
(a)
Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors
Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A)) is amended—
(1)
in clause (i), by inserting and
after the semicolon;
(2)
by striking clause (ii); and
(3)
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).
(b)
Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by inserting or other eligible lands
after highly erodible cropland
both places it appears; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(2)
(A)
The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through—
(i)
the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or
(ii)
such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate.
(B)
In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract.
.
(c)
Subsection (d) of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract.
(2)
Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance.
.
(d)
Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities,
;
(2)
by striking paragraph (3); and
(3)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).
2006.
(a)
Early termination by owner or operator
Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(A)—
(A)
by striking The Secretary
and inserting During fiscal year 2014, the Secretary
; and
(B)
by striking before January 1, 1995,
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
(C)
Land devoted to hardwood trees.
(D)
Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat.
(E)
Farmable wetland and restored wetland.
(F)
Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures.
(G)
Land located within a federally-designated wellhead protection area.
(H)
Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program.
(I)
Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body.
; and
(3)
in paragraph (3), by striking 60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C)
and inserting upon approval by the Secretary
.
(b)
Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers
Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties
and all that follows through a beginning farmer
and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher.—In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting , including preparing to plant an agricultural crop
after improvements
;
(C)
in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher
and inserting the covered farmer or rancher
; and
(D)
in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B)
and inserting section 1001
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B)
and inserting option pursuant to section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii)
.
(c)
Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
(g)
The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if—
(1)
during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and
(2)
the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter.
(h)
Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program
The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H.
.
2007.
Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses
Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835a) is repealed.
2008.
(a)
The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b)
Effect on existing contracts
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
Updating of existing contracts
The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
B
Conservation Stewardship Program
2101.
Conservation stewardship program
(a)
Revision of current program
Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
B
Conservation stewardship program
1238D.
In this subchapter:
(1)
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)
(A)
The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures.
(B)
The term conservation activities includes—
(i)
structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii)
planning needed to address a priority resource concern.
(3)
Conservation stewardship plan
The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that—
(A)
identifies and inventories priority resource concerns;
(B)
establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives;
(C)
describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and
(D)
includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities.
(4)
(A)
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)
The term eligible land includes—
(i)
cropland;
(ii)
grassland;
(iii)
rangeland;
(iv)
pasture land;
(v)
nonindustrial private forest land; and
(vi)
other agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of being used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary.
(5)
Priority resource concern
The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that—
(A)
is identified at the national, State, or local level as a priority for a particular area of a State;
(B)
represents a significant concern in a State or region; and
(C)
is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program.
(6)
The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter.
(7)
The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource.
1238E.
Conservation stewardship program
(a)
Establishment and purpose
During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive manner—
(1)
by undertaking additional conservation activities; and
(2)
by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.
(b)
(1)
Land enrolled in other conservation programs
Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program:
(A)
Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless—
(i)
the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and
(ii)
conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease before the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter.
(B)
Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the agricultural conservation easement program.
(C)
Land enrolled in the conservation security program.
(2)
Eligible land used for crop production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet the requirement because—
(A)
the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program;
(B)
the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or
(C)
the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary.
1238F.
(a)
Submission of contract offers
To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that—
(1)
demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and
(2)
would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by—
(A)
installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and
(B)
improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary.
(b)
Evaluation of contract offers
(1)
In evaluating contract offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications based on—
(A)
the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application;
(B)
the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance;
(C)
the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract;
(D)
the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period;
(E)
the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and
(F)
the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production.
(2)
The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive.
(3)
The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed.
(c)
After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract.
(d)
(1)
A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years.
(2)
The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall—
(A)
state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d);
(B)
require the producer—
(i)
to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities;
(ii)
to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and
(iii)
not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program;
(C)
permit all economic uses of the eligible land that—
(i)
maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and
(ii)
are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract;
(D)
include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary;
(E)
include provisions requiring that upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land—
(i)
if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract—
(I)
the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and
(II)
the producer shall refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or
(ii)
if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate;
(F)
include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and
(G)
include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program.
(3)
Change of interest in land subject to a contract
(A)
At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land.
(B)
Transfer of duties and rights
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if—
(i)
within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred;
(ii)
the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and
(iii)
the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract.
(4)
Modification and termination of contracts
(A)
Voluntary modification or termination
The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if—
(i)
the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and
(ii)
the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest.
(B)
The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract.
(5)
If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program—
(A)
allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or
(B)
require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages.
(e)
At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer—
(1)
demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial contract;
(2)
agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation, as determined by the Secretary; and
(3)
agrees, by the end of the contract period—
(A)
to meet the stewardship threshold of at least two additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation; or
(B)
to exceed the stewardship threshold of two existing priority resource concerns that are specified by the Secretary in the initial contract.
1238G.
(a)
To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall—
(1)
make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year;
(2)
identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and
(3)
establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2).
(b)
The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based—
(1)
primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and
(2)
also on consideration of—
(A)
the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State;
(B)
the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and
(C)
other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary.
(c)
Acreage enrollment limitation
During the period beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(1)
enroll in the program an additional 8,695,000 acres for each fiscal year; and
(2)
manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program.
(d)
Conservation stewardship payments
(1)
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)
The amount of the conservation stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors:
(A)
Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training.
(B)
Income forgone by the producer.
(C)
Expected conservation benefits.
(D)
The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation.
(E)
The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract.
(F)
The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract.
(G)
Such other factors as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(3)
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)
In making payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable—
(A)
prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year; and
(B)
make payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year.
(e)
Supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations
(1)
The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers.
(2)
Beneficial crop rotations
The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits.
(3)
To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract.
(4)
Resource-conserving crop rotation
In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that—
(A)
includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary);
(B)
reduces erosion;
(C)
improves soil fertility and tilth;
(D)
interrupts pest cycles; and
(E)
in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation.
(f)
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 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity.
(g)
Specialty crop and organic producers
The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program.
(h)
Coordination with organic certification
The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) while participating in a contract under the program.
(i)
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that—
(1)
prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and
(2)
otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program.
.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
(c)
Effect on existing contracts
(1)
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
Conservation stewardship program
Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this title) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.
C
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
2201.
Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and
after the semicolon; and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:
(B)
developing and improving wildlife habitat; and
;
(2)
in paragraph (4), by striking ; and
and inserting a period; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (5).
2202.
Establishment and administration
Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking 2014
and inserting 2018
;
(2)
in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(2)
A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years.
;
(3)
in subsection (d)(4)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))),
before or a beginning farmer or rancher
; and
(B)
by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:
(B)
(i)
Not more than 50 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting.
(ii)
If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary.
;
(4)
by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection:
(f)
(1)
For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production.
(2)
For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, 7.5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat.
;
(5)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking Federally Recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations
and inserting Indian Tribes
;
(B)
by striking federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (including their affiliated membership organizations)
and inserting Indian tribes
; and
(C)
by striking or Native Corporation
; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following:
(j)
Wildlife habitat incentive practice
The Secretary shall provide payments to producers under the program for practices, including recurring practices for the term of the contract, that support the restoration, development, protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including—
(1)
upland wildlife habitat;
(2)
wetland wildlife habitat;
(3)
habitat for threatened and endangered species;
(4)
fish habitat;
(5)
habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and
(6)
other types of wildlife habitat, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(k)
Funding for community irrigation associations
(1)
The Secretary may enter into an alternative funding arrangement with an eligible irrigation association if the Secretary determines that—
(A)
the purposes of the program will be met by such an arrangement; and
(B)
statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of the irrigation association.
(2)
Eligible irrigation associations
In this subsection, the term eligible irrigation association means an irrigation association that is—
(A)
comprised of producers; and
(B)
a local government entity, but does not have the authority to impose taxes or levies.
.
2203.
Evaluation of applications
Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking environmental
and inserting conservation
; and
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1)
and inserting purposes of the program
.
2204.
Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2)) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest
and inserting enrolled
.
2205.
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7) is amended to read as follows:
1240G.
A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity.
.
2206.
Conservation innovation grants and payments
Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
(E)
facilitate on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities; and
(F)
facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices.
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection:
(b)
Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including—
(1)
funding awarded;
(2)
project results; and
(3)
incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary.
.
2207.
(a)
The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
(b)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
D
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
2301.
Agricultural conservation easement program
(a)
Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:
H
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
1265.
Establishment and purposes
(a)
The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land.
(b)
The purposes of the program are to—
(1)
combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on September 30, 2013;
(2)
restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land;
(3)
protect the agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and
(4)
protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land.
1265A.
In this subtitle:
(1)
Agricultural land easement
The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that—
(A)
is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and
(B)
permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary.
(2)
The term eligible entity means—
(A)
an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource council established under State law); or
(B)
an organization that is—
(i)
organized for, and at all times since the formation of the organization has been operated principally for, 1 or more of the conservation purposes specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(ii)
an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; or
(iii)
described in—
(I)
paragraph (1) or (2) of section 509(a) of that Code; or
(II)
section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code.
(3)
The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is—
(A)
in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch—
(i)
that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity;
(ii)
that—
(I)
has prime, unique, or other productive soil;
(II)
contains historical or archaeological resources; or
(III)
the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(iii)
that is—
(I)
cropland;
(II)
rangeland;
(III)
grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominate use;
(IV)
pastureland; or
(V)
nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development;
(B)
in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or related area, including—
(i)
farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it—
(I)
is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and
(II)
will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level;
(ii)
cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of—
(I)
a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; and
(II)
a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it;
(iii)
farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that—
(I)
are enrolled in the conservation reserve program;
(II)
have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and
(III)
are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program;
(iv)
riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or
(v)
other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or
(C)
in the case of either an agricultural land easement or wetland easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of the easements under this program.
(4)
The term program means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subtitle.
(5)
The term wetland easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that—
(A)
is defined and delineated in a deed; and
(B)
stipulates—
(i)
the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and
(ii)
the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner.
1265B.
Agricultural land easements
(a)
Availability of assistance
The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for—
(1)
the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements and other interests in eligible land; and
(2)
technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan.
(b)
(1)
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)
An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement or other interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using—
(i)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
(ii)
an area-wide market analysis or survey; or
(iii)
another industry-approved method.
(B)
(i)
Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary.
(ii)
An eligible entity may include as part of its share a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary.
(C)
In the case of grassland of special environmental significance, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may provide an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.
(3)
Evaluation and ranking of applications
(A)
The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program.
(B)
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)
If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program.
(4)
Agreements with eligible entities
(A)
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)
An agreement shall be for a term that is—
(i)
in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and
(ii)
for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years.
(C)
Minimum terms and conditions
An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions—
(i)
are consistent with the purposes of the program;
(ii)
permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements;
(iii)
include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement;
(iv)
subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that—
(I)
describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired;
(II)
requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and
(III)
includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and
(v)
include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted.
(D)
Substitution of qualified projects
An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution.
(E)
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)
The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may—
(i)
directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria;
(ii)
enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and
(iii)
accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements.
(B)
In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement—
(i)
a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of this subtitle;
(ii)
the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and
(iii)
policies and procedures to ensure—
(I)
the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land;
(II)
timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and
(III)
timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program.
(C)
(i)
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)
If the Secretary finds that the certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may—
(I)
allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and
(II)
revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria.
(c)
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)
The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in—
(1)
compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and
(2)
implementation of an agricultural land easement plan.
1265C.
(a)
Availability of assistance
The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through—
(1)
wetland easements and related wetland easement plans; and
(2)
technical assistance.
(b)
(1)
The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of—
(A)
30-year easements;
(B)
permanent easements;
(C)
easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or
(D)
as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year easements for the purposes of this subtitle).
(2)
(A)
The Secretary may not acquire easements on—
(i)
land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program; and
(ii)
farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985.
(B)
No wetland easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless—
(i)
the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner;
(ii)
(I)
the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and
(II)
immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or
(iii)
the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program.
(3)
Evaluation and ranking of offers
(A)
The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program.
(B)
When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider—
(i)
the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production;
(ii)
the cost-effectiveness of each wetland easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended;
(iii)
whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland easement to leverage Federal funds; and
(iv)
such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program.
(C)
The Secretary shall place priority on acquiring wetland easements based on the value of the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
(4)
To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to—
(A)
grant an easement on such land to the Secretary;
(B)
authorize the implementation of a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f);
(C)
create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to;
(D)
provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land;
(E)
comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and
(F)
permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained.
(5)
Terms and conditions of easement
(A)
A wetland easement shall include terms and conditions that—
(i)
permit—
(I)
repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and
(II)
owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring;
(ii)
prohibit—
(I)
the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary;
(II)
the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary—
-
(aa)
to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws;
-
(bb)
to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or
-
(cc)
to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species;
(III)
any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and
(IV)
the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary;
(iii)
provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wildlife functions and values; and
(iv)
include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof.
(B)
On the violation of the terms or conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, together with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(C)
Land subject to a wetland easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established.
(D)
Reservation of grazing rights
The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if—
(i)
the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights—
(I)
is compatible with the land subject to the easement;
(II)
is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and
(III)
complies with the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f); and
(ii)
the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary.
(6)
(A)
(i)
The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of—
(I)
the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an area-wide market analysis or survey;
(II)
the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or
(III)
the offer made by the landowner.
(ii)
Compensation for a 30-year wetland easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland easement.
(B)
Compensation for a wetland easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A).
(C)
(i)
Easements valued at $500,000 or less
For wetland easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual payments.
(ii)
Easements valued at more than $500,000
For wetland easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement.
(c)
(1)
The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f).
(2)
The Secretary shall—
(A)
in the case of a permanent wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary.
(d)
(1)
The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements.
(2)
The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.
(e)
Wetland enhancement option
The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program.
(f)
(1)
The Secretary shall develop a wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland easement, which shall include practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled lands.
(2)
Delegation of easement administration
The Secretary may delegate—
(A)
any of the easement management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities; and
(B)
any of the easement management responsibilities of the Secretary to other conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate expertise and resources.
(3)
(A)
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)
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.
1265D.
(a)
The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on—
(1)
lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes;
(2)
lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government;
(3)
land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or
(4)
lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
(b)
In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and—
(1)
in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and
(2)
in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program.
(c)
Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination
(1)
The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that—
(A)
it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in land;
(B)
the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action—
(i)
will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; or
(ii)
such action will further the practical administration of the program; and
(C)
the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States.
(2)
The Secretary shall work with the owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the interest, or portion of such interest, in land.
(3)
At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
(d)
Land enrolled in conservation reserve program
The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program.
(e)
Allocation of funds for agricultural land easements
Of the funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use for agricultural land easements—
(1)
no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and
(2)
no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018.
.
(b)
Compliance with certain requirements
Before an eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and in exchange for the assistance—
(1)
to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.); and
(2)
to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.).
(c)
Cross reference; calculation
Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by inserting and
at the end of subparagraph (A);
(ii)
by striking and
at the end of subparagraph (B); and
(iii)
by striking subparagraph (C);
(B)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(C)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
(2)
the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H; and
; and
(2)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D
and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland easements under section 1265C
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking an easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D
and inserting a wetland easement under section 1265C
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
In calculating the percentages described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2013, and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1).
.
(d)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
E
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
2401.
Regional conservation partnership program
(a)
Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the following new subtitle:
I
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
1271.
Establishment and purposes
(a)
The Secretary shall establish a regional conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on eligible land through—
(1)
partnership agreements with eligible partners; and
(2)
contracts with producers.
(b)
The purposes of the program are as follows:
(1)
To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and functions similar to those of the following programs, as in effect on September 30, 2013:
(A)
The agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I.
(B)
The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q.
(C)
The cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243.
(D)
The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P.
(2)
To further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale.
(3)
To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with producers in—
(A)
meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land; and
(B)
implementing projects that will result in the carrying out of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multistate basis.
1271A.
In this subtitle:
(1)
The term covered program means the following:
(A)
The agricultural conservation easement program.
(B)
The environmental quality incentives program.
(C)
The conservation stewardship program.
(D)
The healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571).
(2)
The term eligible activity means any of the following conservation activities:
(A)
Water quality or quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including—
(i)
the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or
(ii)
irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement.
(B)
Drought mitigation.
(C)
Flood prevention.
(D)
Water retention.
(E)
Air quality improvement.
(F)
Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement.
(G)
Erosion control and sediment reduction.
(H)
Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits.
(3)
The term eligible land means land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced, including—
(A)
cropland;
(B)
grassland;
(C)
rangeland;
(D)
pastureland;
(E)
nonindustrial private forest land; and
(F)
other land incidental to agricultural production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which significant natural resource issues could be addressed under the program.
(4)
The term eligible partner means any of the following:
(A)
An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers.
(B)
A State or unit of local government.
(C)
An Indian tribe.
(D)
A farmer cooperative.
(E)
A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land.
(F)
An institution of higher education.
(G)
An organization 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.
(5)
The term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner.
(6)
The term program means the regional conservation partnership program established by this subtitle.
1271B.
Regional conservation partnerships
(a)
Partnership agreements authorized
The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land.
(b)
A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program.
(c)
(1)
Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall—
(A)
define the scope of a project, including—
(i)
the eligible activities to be implemented;
(ii)
the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land operations affected;
(iii)
the local, State, multistate, or other geographic area covered; and
(iv)
the planning, outreach, implementation, and assessment to be conducted;
(B)
conduct outreach to producers for potential participation in the project;
(C)
at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C;
(D)
leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives;
(E)
conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and
(F)
at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged.
(2)
An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary.
(d)
(1)
The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group.
(2)
In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications.
(3)
An application to the Secretary shall include a description of—
(A)
the scope of the project, as described in subsection (c)(1)(A);
(B)
the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made toward achieving the project’s objectives;
(C)
the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary;
(D)
eligible partners collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and
(E)
any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program.
(4)
Priority to certain applications
The Secretary may give a higher priority to applications that—
(A)
assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement;
(B)
have a high percentage of eligible producers in the area to be covered by the agreement;
(C)
significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, or national efforts;
(D)
deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or regional, State, or national conservation initiatives;
(E)
provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or
(F)
meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary.
1271C.
(a)
The Secretary shall enter into contracts with producers to provide financial and technical assistance to—
(1)
producers participating in a project with an eligible partner, as described in section 1271B; or
(2)
producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of a partner.
(b)
(1)
Consistency with program rules
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the project, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C).
(2)
Except with respect to statutory program requirements governing appeals, payment limitations, and conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the discretionary program rules of a covered program—
(A)
to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and
(B)
to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the program.
(c)
(1)
In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program.
(2)
Payments to producers in States with water quantity concerns
The Secretary may provide payments to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland farming.
(3)
To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program.
1271D.
(a)
The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program.
(b)
Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
(c)
Additional funding and acres
(1)
In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program.
(2)
Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program.
(d)
Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall allocate—
(1)
25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee established under subtitle G;
(2)
50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and
(3)
25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F.
(e)
Limitation on administrative expenses
None of the funds made available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners.
1271E.
(a)
In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1).
(b)
Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the status of projects funded under the program, including—
(1)
the number and types of eligible partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected;
(2)
the number of producers receiving assistance; and
(3)
total funding committed to projects, including from Federal and non-Federal resources.
1271F.
Critical conservation areas
(a)
In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under this section.
(b)
Critical conservation area designations
(1)
In designating critical conservation areas under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to geographical areas based on the degree to which the geographical area—
(A)
includes multiple States with significant agricultural production;
(B)
is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority;
(C)
would benefit from water quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance;
(D)
would benefit from water quantity improvement, including improvement relating to—
(i)
groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or
(ii)
a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; or
(E)
contains producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement that could have a negative economic impact on agricultural operations within the area.
(2)
The Secretary may not designate more than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this section.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program.
(2)
Relationship to existing activity
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies.
(3)
For a critical conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), other than section 14 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1012), to carry out projects for the purposes of this section.
.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
F
Other Conservation Programs
2501.
Conservation of private grazing land
Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
2502.
Grassroots source water protection program
Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2) is amended to read as follows:
(b)
(1)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018.
(2)
In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.
.
2503.
Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program
(a)
Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
(b)
Report on program effectiveness
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5), including—
(1)
identifying cooperating agencies;
(2)
identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by each State and tribal government;
(3)
evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and
(4)
any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such committees.
2504.
Agriculture conservation experienced services program
(a)
Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) is amended to read as follows:
(c)
(1)
The Secretary may carry out the ACES program using funds made available to carry out each program under this title.
(2)
Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program.
.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2505.
Small watershed rehabilitation program
(a)
Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (E), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon;
(3)
in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(H)
$250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended.
.
(b)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
2506.
Agricultural management assistance program
(a)
Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(2)) is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or resource conservation practices
; and
(B)
by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively.
(b)
Commodity Credit Corporation
(1)
Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
(B)
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this subsection not less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.
.
(2)
Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C)) is amended—
(A)
in clause (i)—
(i)
by striking 50
and inserting 30
; and
(ii)
by striking (A), (B), and (C)
and inserting (A) and (B)
; and
(B)
in clause (iii), by striking 40
and inserting 60
.
2507.
Emergency watershed protection program
Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: In evaluating requests for assistance under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that address runoff retardation and soil-erosion preventive measures needed to mitigate the risks and remediate the effects of catastrophic wildfire on land that is the source of drinking water for landowners and land users.
.
G
Funding and Administration
2601.
(a)
Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended to read as follows:
(a)
For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance):
(1)
The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
(2)
The agriculture conservation easement program under subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable—
(A)
$425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014;
(B)
$450,000,000 in fiscal year 2015;
(C)
$475,000,000 in fiscal year 2016;
(D)
$500,000,000 in fiscal year 2017; and
(E)
$200,000,000 in fiscal year 2018.
(3)
The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008.
(4)
The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D.
(5)
The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
(b)
Regional equity; guaranteed availability of funds
Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (d);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
(b)
Amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining unobligated.
.
(c)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2602.
(a)
Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841), as redesignated by section 2601(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
(c)
(1)
Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)—
(A)
shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; and
(B)
shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available.
(2)
Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report—
(A)
detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and
(B)
any other data relating to this subsection that would be helpful to such committees.
.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2603.
Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access
(a)
Subsection (g) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1) by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(4)
In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1).
.
(b)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2604.
Annual report on program enrollments and assistance
(a)
Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program
and inserting agricultural conservation easement program
;
(2)
by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
(3)
in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking agricultural water enhancement program
and inserting regional conservation partnership program
; and
(B)
by striking 1240I(g)
and inserting 1271C(c)(3)
.
(b)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2605.
Review of conservation practice standards
Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
and inserting the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
.
2606.
Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs
(a)
Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(E)
Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).
;
(2)
in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I
before the period at the end;
(3)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country
and inserting county
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4)
and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2)
;
(4)
in subsection (h)(2), by inserting , including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees
after pollinators
; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
(j)
Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness
In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(1)
seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and
(2)
take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
(k)
Relation to other payments
Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following:
(1)
This Act.
(2)
The Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.).
(3)
The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
(4)
Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
.
(b)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2607.
Standards for State technical committees
Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(b)) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop
and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary
.
2608.
Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
1246.
(a)
The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f).
(b)
The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title—
(1)
shall be carried out without regard to—
(A)
the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and
(B)
chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and
(2)
shall be made pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
.
2609.
Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)(D), by striking 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
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(E)—
(i)
by inserting not
before greater than
; and
(ii)
by striking 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
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (g).
2610.
Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report
(a)
Not later than 90 days 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 containing the results of a review and analysis of each of the programs administered by the Secretary that pertain to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program, the environmental quality incentives program, the wildlife habitat incentive program, and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative.
(b)
The Secretary shall include in the report required by this section, at a minimum—
(1)
with respect to each program described in subsection (a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, findings regarding—
(A)
the cost of the program to the Federal Government, impacted State governments, and the private sector;
(B)
the conservation effectiveness of the program; and
(C)
the cost-effectiveness of the program; and
(2)
a ranking of the programs described in subsection (a) based on their relative cost-effectiveness.
H
Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments
2701.
Comprehensive conservation enhancement program
(a)
Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830) is repealed.
(b)
The heading of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: Conservation Reserve
.
2702.
Emergency forestry conservation reserve program
(a)
Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2703.
(a)
Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2704.
Farmland protection program and farm viability program
(a)
Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) is repealed.
(b)
The heading of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq.) is amended by striking and Farmland Protection
.
(c)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendments made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(d)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2705.
Grassland reserve program
(a)
Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2706.
Agricultural water enhancement program
(a)
Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2707.
Wildlife habitat incentive program
(a)
Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2708.
Great Lakes basin program
(a)
Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3) is repealed.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2709.
Chesapeake Bay watershed program
(a)
Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2710.
Cooperative conservation partnership initiative
(a)
Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Effect on existing contracts
The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2)
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
2711.
Environmental easement program
Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq.) is repealed.
2712.
(a)
Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E
and inserting I
.
(b)
Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811(a)) is amended by striking predominate
each place it appears and inserting predominant
.
(c)
Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(i)) is amended in the header by striking Speciality
and inserting Specialty
.
III
A
3001.
Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (to be implemented by the Administrator)
after under this title
; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and inserting the following new paragraph:
(7)
build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid.
.
3002.
Support for organizations through which assistance is provided
Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1)) is amended by striking 13 percent
and inserting 11 percent
.
3003.
Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by striking The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2009
and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2013
; and
(ii)
by inserting to establish a mechanism
after this title
;
(B)
by striking and
at the end of subparagraph (B); and
(C)
by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
(C)
to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current and new agricultural commodities and products thereof in different program settings and for particular recipient groups, including the testing of prototypes;
(D)
to establish and implement appropriate protocols for quality assurance of food products procured by the Secretary for food aid programs; and
(E)
to periodically update program guidelines on the recommended use of agricultural commodities and food products in food aid programs to reflect findings from the implementation of this subsection and other relevant information.
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking The Administrator
and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator
; and
(3)
in paragraph (3), by striking section 207(f)
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:
section 207(f)—
(A)
for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, not more than $4,500,000 may be used to carry out this subsection; and
(B)
for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, not more than $1,000,000 may be used to carry out this subsection.
.
3004.
Minimum levels of assistance
Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3005.
Food Aid Consultative Group
(a)
Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(b)) is amended—
(1)
by striking and
at the end of paragraph (6);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
(7)
representatives from the United States agricultural processing sector involved in providing agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; and
.
(b)
Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(d)) is amended—
(1)
by striking the first sentence and inserting the following:
(1)
Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines
Not later than 45 days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and comment.
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts
The Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group on the implementation of section 202(h).
.
(c)
Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(f)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3006.
Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation
(a)
Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c)) is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by inserting and Guidance
after Regulations
;
(2)
in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, the Administrator shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to this title by such Act.
; and
(3)
in paragraph (2), by inserting and guidance
after develop regulations
.
(b)
Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by inserting and
at the end of subparagraph (D);
(B)
by striking ; and
at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting the period; and
(C)
by striking subparagraph (F);
(2)
by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
(3)
by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(4)
in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking 2012
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 2013, and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(c)
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing—
(1)
the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c));
(2)
the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) by an eligible organization that is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in section 402 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1732)); and
(3)
the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program or other multilateral organization.
3007.
Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods
Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3008.
(a)
Impact on Local Farmers and Economy
Section 403(b) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the recipient country.
.
(b)
Prevention of price disruptions
Section 403(e) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking reasonable market price
and inserting fair market value
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
Coordination on assessments
The Secretary and the Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used by implementing agencies for determining the fair market value described in paragraph (2).
.
(c)
Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(m)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report—
(1)
specifying the amount of funds (including funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal transportation, storage and handling, and associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; and
(2)
describing how those funds were used by the eligible organization.
.
3009.
Prepositioning of agricultural commodities
Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(B)
by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds
and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds
; and
(2)
by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:
(B)
Additional prepositioning sites
The Administrator may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign countries or change the location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and based on the results of, assessments of need, the availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage, feasibility, and cost.
.
3010.
Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities
Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in the paragraph heading, by striking agricultural trade
and inserting food aid
;
(2)
in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and the total number of beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out through such project
; and
(3)
in subparagraph (B)(iii)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting , and the total number of beneficiaries in,
after commodities made available to
;
(B)
by striking and
at the end of subclause (I);
(C)
by inserting and
at the end of subclause (II); and
(D)
by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause:
(III)
the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1);
.
3011.
Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance
Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3012.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 412(a)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1)) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,500,000,000
and inserting $2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
(b)
Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance
Paragraph (1) of section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(e)) is amended to read as follows:
(1)
For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under such title.
.
3013.
Micronutrient fortification programs
(a)
Elimination of obsolete reference to study
Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking , using recommendations
and all that follows through quality enhancements
.
(b)
Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3014.
John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program
Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2012
and inserting 2013, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018,
; and
(2)
in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
B
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
3101.
Funding for export credit guarantee program
Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641(b)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3102.
Funding for market access program
Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3103.
Foreign market development cooperator program
Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5723(a)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
C
Other Agricultural Trade Laws
3201.
Food for Progress Act of 1985
(a)
The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
;
(2)
in subsection (g), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
;
(3)
in subsection (k), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(4)
in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Repeal of completed project
Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended by striking paragraph (6).
3202.
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 2012
both places it appears and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
in subsection (h), by striking 2012
both places it appears and inserting 2018
.
3203.
Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets
(a)
Direct credits or export credit guarantees
Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Development of agricultural systems
Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
3204.
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program
(a)
Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d)) is amended by striking to
in the matter preceding paragraph (1).
3205.
Technical assistance for specialty crops
(a)
Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5680(b)) is amended by striking related barriers to trade
and inserting technical barriers to trade
.
(b)
Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2)) is amended—
(1)
by inserting and
at the end of subparagraph (C); and
(2)
by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph:
(D)
$9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018.
.
(c)
U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish study
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish.
3206.
Global Crop Diversity Trust
Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking section
and all that follows through the period and inserting the following:
section—
(1)
$60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
(2)
$50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
3207.
Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services
(a)
Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 225 (7 U.S.C. 6931) the following new section:
225A.
Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services
(a)
The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services.
(b)
If the Secretary establishes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(c)
Functions of under secretary
(1)
Upon establishment, the Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to foreign agricultural services.
(2)
The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary.
(d)
Any official who is serving as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the new position, with 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession).
.
(b)
Section 225 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6931) is amended—
(1)
by striking Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
each place it appears and inserting Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services
; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(1), by striking and foreign agricultural
.
(c)
Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (6)(C), by striking or
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(8)
the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section 225A;
.
3208.
Department of Agriculture certificates of origin
The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to ensure that Department of Agriculture certificates of origin are accepted by any country with respect to which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement providing for preferential duty treatment.
IV
A
4001.
Eligibility for farm ownership loans
(a)
Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended—
(1)
by striking (a) In general.—The
and inserting the following:
(a)
(1)
The
;
(2)
in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies
the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,
;
(3)
in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively;
(4)
in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies
each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities
;
(5)
in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3)
and (4)
and inserting (C)
and (D)
, respectively; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
(A)
Eligibility of certain operating-only entities
An entity that is or will become only the operator of a family farm is deemed to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity.
(B)
Eligibility of certain embedded entities
An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm.
.
(b)
Direct farm ownership experience requirement
Section 302(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1)) is amended by inserting or has other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary,
after 3 years
.
(c)
(1)
Section 304(c)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2)) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a)
and inserting clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1)
.
(2)
Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended—
(A)
by inserting after partnership
the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,
; and
(B)
by striking or partners
each place it appears and inserting partners, or owners
.
4002.
Conservation loan and loan guarantee program
(a)
Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)) is amended by inserting after limited liability companies
the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,
.
(b)
Limitation on loan guarantee amount
Section 304(e) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(e)) is amended by striking 75 percent
and inserting 90 percent
.
(c)
Section 304(h) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(h)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
4003.
Down payment loan program
(a)
Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C)) is amended by striking $500,000
and inserting $667,000
.
(b)
Section 310E(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2).
4004.
Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement
Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1927) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
B
4101.
Eligibility for farm operating loans
Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended—
(1)
by striking (a) In general.—The
and inserting the following:
(a)
(1)
The
;
(2)
in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies
the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,
;
(3)
in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively;
(4)
in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies
each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities
;
(5)
in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3)
and (4)
and inserting (C)
and (D)
, respectively; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
An entity that is an operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm.
.
4102.
Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth
Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1)) is amended by striking who are rural residents
.
4103.
Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control
Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(5)
The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if any default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower.
.
4104.
(a)
Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(c)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans.
(2)
The Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that exceeds $35,000 or that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed $70,000.
(3)
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection.
(4)
Cooperative lending projects
(A)
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may contract with community-based and nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other intermediaries, as the Secretary determines appropriate—
(i)
to make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection; and
(ii)
to provide business, financial, marketing, and credit management services to borrowers.
(B)
Before contracting with an entity described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary—
(i)
shall review and approve—
(I)
the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established by the entity; and
(II)
the underwriting standards for microloans of the entity; and
(ii)
establish such other requirements for contracting with the entity as the Secretary determines necessary.
.
(b)
Exceptions for direct loans
Section 311(c)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(c)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
(2)
In this subsection, the term direct operating loan shall not include—
(A)
a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or
(B)
a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or 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)).
.
(c)
Section 312(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1942(a)) is amended by inserting (including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary)
after A direct loan
.
(d)
Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is amended by inserting a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or 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
after The interest rate on
.
C
4201.
Eligibility for emergency loans
Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)) is amended—
(1)
by striking owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B)
each place it appears and inserting (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators
;
(2)
by inserting after limited liability companies
the 1st place it appears the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate
;
(3)
by inserting after limited liability companies
the 2nd place it appears the following: , or other legal entities
;
(4)
by striking and limited liability companies,
and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities
;
(5)
by striking ownership and operator
and inserting ownership or operator
; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following: An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm.
.
D
Administrative provisions
4301.
Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program
Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
4302.
Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers
(a)
Conforming amendments relating to changes in eligibility rules
Section 343(a)(11) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)) is amended—
(1)
by inserting after joint operation,
the 1st place it appears the following: or such other legal entity as the Secretary deems appropriate,
;
(2)
by striking or joint operators
each place it appears and inserting joint operators, or owners
; and
(3)
by inserting after joint operation,
the 2nd and 3rd place it appears the following: or such other legal entity,
.
(b)
Modification of acreage ownership limitation
Section 343(a)(11)(F) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F)) is amended by striking median acreage
and inserting average acreage
.
4303.
Loan authorization levels
Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
4304.
Priority for participation loans
Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(III)
In order to maximize the number of borrowers served under this clause, the Secretary—
-
(aa)
shall give priority to applicants who apply under the down payment loan program under section 310E or joint financing arrangements under section 307(a)(3)(D); and
-
(bb)
may offer other financing options under this subtitle to applicants only if the Secretary determines that down payment or other participation loan options are not a viable approach for the applicants.
.
4305.
Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended—
(1)
by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
by striking of the total amount
.
4306.
Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes
Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2)) is amended by striking section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2)
and inserting section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B)
.
E
State agricultural mediation programs
4401.
State agricultural mediation programs
Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking 2015
and inserting 2018
.
F
Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land
4501.
Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land
The first section of Public Law 91–229 (25 U.S.C. 488) is amended in subsection (b)(1) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act (25 U.S.C. 2204(c))
and inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land
.
V
A
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
5001.
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 2008 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
.
5002.
Rural business opportunity grants
Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D)) is amended by striking $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5003.
Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds
Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C).
5004.
Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities
Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(C)
Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities
The Secretary shall consider the benefits to communities that result from using loan guarantees in the Community Facilities Program and to the maximum extent possible utilize guarantees to enhance community involvement.
.
5005.
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)
The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that—
(i)
is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii)
receives funding from the Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service.
(B)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter.
.
5006.
Tribal college and university essential community facilities
Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5007.
Essential community facilities technical assistance and training
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(26)
Essential community facilities technical assistance and training
(A)
The Secretary may make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling them to provide to associations described in this subsection technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs authorized under this subsection, to—
(i)
assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs;
(ii)
identify public and private resources to finance community facilities needs;
(iii)
prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities;
(iv)
prepare applications for financial assistance;
(v)
improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or
(vi)
assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary.
(B)
In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.
(C)
Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs as authorized under this subsection for any fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph.
.
5008.
Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program
Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)) is amended by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5009.
Household water well systems
Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926e(d)) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5010.
Rural business and industry loan program
(a)
Flexibility for the business and loan program
Section 310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting including working capital
after employment
.
(b)
Greater flexibility for adequate collateral through accounts receivable
Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take account receivables as security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and a borrower may use account receivables as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection.
.
(c)
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section.
5011.
Rural cooperative development grants
Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12)) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5012.
Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products
Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I)) is amended—
(1)
by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
by inserting and not more than 7 percent
after 5 percent
.
5013.
Intermediary relending program
(a)
Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922–1936a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
310H.
Intermediary relending program
(a)
The Secretary shall make loans to the entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9812(a)).
(b)
Limitations on authorization of appropriations
For loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
(b)
Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–198; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by adding and
at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and
and inserting a period; and
(3)
by striking subparagraph (C).
5014.
Rural college coordinated strategy
Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(d)
Rural college coordinated strategy
The Secretary shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve the specific, local needs of rural communities when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges through other current authorities. During the development of a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall consult with groups representing rural-serving community colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges involved in workforce training. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide a priority for funding within current authorities. The Secretary shall use the coordinated strategy and information developed for the strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with respect to investments in community colleges and technical colleges.
.
5015.
Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure
Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended—
(1)
by striking require
;
(2)
in paragraph (1), by inserting require
after (1)
;
(3)
in paragraph (2), by inserting , require
after 314
;
(4)
in paragraph (3), by inserting require
after loans,
;
(5)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
by inserting require
after (4)
; and
(B)
by striking and
after the semicolon;
(6)
in paragraph (5)—
(A)
by inserting require
after (5)
; and
(B)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(7)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
with respect to water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by—
(A)
maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the population exceeds 5,500;
(B)
maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the impact on rate payers will be material when compared to financing with a loan guarantee;
(C)
establishing and applying a materiality standard when determining the difference in impact on rate payers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee;
(D)
in the case of projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such projects initially seek such financing from private or cooperative lenders; and
(E)
determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct loan.
.
5016.
(a)
Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(h)
Simplified application forms
Except as provided in subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a single page application where possible, for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E.
.
(b)
Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a).
5017.
Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters
Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
5018.
Rural microentrepreneur assistance program
Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2)) is amended by striking $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012
and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5019.
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a)) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
(b)
Section 382N of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
5020.
Northern Great Plains Regional Authority
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 383N(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb–12(a)) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
(b)
Section 383O of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
5021.
Rural business investment program
Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
B
Rural Electrification Act of 1936
5101.
Relending for certain purposes
(a)
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 2(a), by inserting (including relending for this purpose as provided in section 4)
after efficiency
;
(2)
in section 4(a), by inserting (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated in the proviso in this section)
after efficiency
; and
(3)
in section 313(b)(2)(B)—
(A)
by inserting (acting through the Rural Utilities Service)
after Secretary
; and
(B)
by inserting energy efficiency (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose),
after promoting
.
(b)
The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other relending authority of the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.) or any other law.
(c)
The Secretary (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c) in the same manner as on the day before enactment of this Act until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully implemented.
5102.
Fees for certain loan guarantees
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following:
5.
Fees for certain loan guarantees
(a)
For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee.
(b)
The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C))).
(c)
Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government.
.
5103.
Rural utilities service contracting authority
Section 18(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 918(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking Rural Electrification Administration
each place it appears and inserting Rural Utilities Service
; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by inserting cooperative
before agreements
; and
(B)
by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: A contract funded by a borrower that is to be paid for out of the general funds of the borrower is not a public contract within the meaning of title 41, United States Code.
.
5104.
Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes
Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
5105.
Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940e(d)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
5106.
Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas
Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2)
In making or guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give—
(A)
the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households that, prior to the provision of the broadband service, had no incumbent service provider; and
(B)
priority to applicants that offer in their applications to provide broadband service not predominantly for business service, but where at least 25 percent of customers in the proposed service territory are commercial interests.
;
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (5)—
(i)
by striking and
at the end of subparagraph (B);
(ii)
by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(D)
the amount and type of support requested; and
(E)
a list of the census block groups or tracts proposed to be so served.
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(8)
The Secretary shall establish a process under which an incumbent service provider which, as of the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5) with respect to an application submitted by the provider, is providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, information regarding the broadband services that the provider offers in the proposed service territory, so that the Secretary may assess whether the application meets the requirements of this section with respect to eligible projects.
;
(3)
in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
(3)
In considering the technology needs of customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary shall take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for the construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment in the territory.
; and
(4)
in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
C
5201.
Distance learning and telemedicine
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5) is amended by striking $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012
and inserting $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
(b)
Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
5202.
Value-added agricultural market development program grants
Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
by striking 2008
and inserting 2013
; and
(B)
by striking $15,000,000
and inserting $50,000,000
; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
5203.
Agriculture innovation center demonstration program
Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(i)) is amended by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
and inserting $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018
.
5204.
(a)
The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short and long term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106–224), section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107), section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2)), or section 306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11), 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, or 2009 through 2009m).
(b)
The data collected under subsection (a) shall include information collected from recipients both during the award period and after the period as determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 years after the award period ends.
(c)
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains the data described in subsection (a). The report shall include detailed information regarding—
(1)
actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data;
(2)
the number of jobs, including self-employment and the value of salaries and wages;
(3)
how the provision of funds from the grant or loan involved affected the local economy;
(4)
any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer base; and
(5)
such other information as the Secretary deems appropriate.
5205.
Study of rural transportation issues
(a)
The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (b)).
(b)
Section 6206(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1971) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in the United States and the impact of such infrastructure on the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety, efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through upgrades and repairs to locks and dams.
.
(c)
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Congress the updated version of the study required by subsection (a).
5206.
Certain Federal actions not to be considered major
In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in the rural development mission area of the Department of Agriculture, an action of the Secretary before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act that does not involve the provision by the Department of Agriculture of Federal dollars or a Federal loan guarantee, including—
(1)
the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded activity;
(2)
a lien accommodation or subordination;
(3)
a debt settlement or restructuring; or
(4)
the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower,
shall not be considered a major Federal action.
5207.
Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas
Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d)) is amended—
(1)
by striking and
at the end of paragraph (12); and
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14) and inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
(13)
whether the applicant for assistance is located in a designated health professional shortage area (within the meaning of section 332 of the Public Health Service Act)
.
5208.
Regional economic and infrastructure development
Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking Not more than
and inserting the following:
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply.
.
VI
Research, Extension, and Related Matters
A
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
6101.
Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture
Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(5)
Cooperating forestry school
(A)
The term cooperating forestry school means an institution—
(i)
that is eligible to receive funds under the Act of October 10, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962; and
(ii)
with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school.
(B)
Termination of declaration
A declaration of the intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018.
; and
(2)
in paragraph (10)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that
;
(ii)
in clause (i)—
(I)
by inserting that
before qualify
; and
(II)
by striking and
at the end;
(iii)
in clause (ii)—
(I)
by inserting that
before offer
; and
(II)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following new clause:
(iii)
with respect to which the Secretary has not received a statement of the declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university.
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
Termination of declaration of intent
A declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018.
.
6102.
National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
(a)
Extension of termination date
Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(h)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation.
.
6103.
Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking Measures
and inserting Programs
;
(2)
by striking paragraph (2);
(3)
by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
(4)
in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Programs that would
and inserting Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would
;
(B)
in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops
before the semicolon; and
(C)
in subparagraph (G), by inserting the remote sensing and the
before mechanization
.
6104.
Veterinary services grant program
The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A (7 U.S.C. 3151a) the following new section:
1415B.
Veterinary services grant program
(a)
In this section:
(1)
The term qualified entity means—
(A)
a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that, or an individual who, operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services—
(i)
in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)); and
(ii)
in a veterinarian shortage situation;
(B)
a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
(C)
a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
(D)
a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation;
(E)
a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education;
(F)
a State agricultural experiment station; or
(G)
a State, local, or tribal government agency.
(2)
Veterinarian shortage situation
The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A.
(b)
(1)
The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services.
(2)
A qualified entity shall be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will—
(A)
substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations;
(B)
support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or
(C)
support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are providing or have completed providing services under an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2).
(c)
Award processes and preferences
(1)
Application, evaluation, and input processes
In administering the grant program established under this section, the Secretary shall—
(A)
use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
seek the input of interested persons.
(2)
In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose.
(3)
Consideration of available funds
In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used.
(4)
A grant awarded under this section shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or education grant.
(d)
Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for any of the following purposes:
(A)
To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology.
(B)
To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine.
(C)
To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine.
(D)
To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety.
(E)
To provide technical assistance for the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or section 1415A.
(2)
Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics
A qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to establish or expand veterinary practices, including—
(A)
equipping veterinary offices;
(B)
sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or
(C)
establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs.
(e)
Special requirements for certain grants
(1)
Terms of service requirements
(A)
Funds provided through a grant made under this section to a qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and such entity that includes a required term of service for such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an individual), as prospectively established by the Secretary.
(B)
In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only—
(i)
the amount of the grant awarded; and
(ii)
the specific purpose of the grant.
(2)
(A)
An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest.
(B)
The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need.
(C)
Treatment of amounts recovered
Funds recovered under this paragraph shall—
(i)
be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and
(ii)
remain available until expended without further appropriation.
(f)
Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction
Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under this section may not be used—
(1)
to construct a new building or facility; or
(2)
to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees.
(g)
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section.
(h)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended.
.
6105.
Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education
Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)) is amended by striking section $60,000,000
and all that follows and inserting the following:
section—
(1)
$60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and
(2)
$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6106.
Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food
before policy
;
(2)
in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking Secretary may
and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist,
;
(B)
by striking make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with,
and inserting make competitive grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with,
; and
(C)
by inserting with a history of providing unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress
after subsection (b)
;
(3)
in subsection (b), by striking other research institutions
and all that follows through shall be eligible
and inserting and other public research institutions and organizations shall be eligible
;
(4)
by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively;
(5)
by inserting after subsection (b), the following new subsection:
(c)
In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels.
; and
(6)
by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection:
(e)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and
(2)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6107.
Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174) is repealed.
6108.
Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174a) is repealed.
6109.
Nutrition education program
Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(f)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6110.
Continuing animal health and disease research programs
Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is amended by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the following:
1433.
Appropriations for continuing animal health and disease research programs
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
(1)
There are authorized to be appropriated to support continuing animal health and disease research programs at eligible institutions—
(A)
$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and
(B)
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
(2)
Funds made available under this section shall be used—
(A)
to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. 331);
(B)
for administrative planning and direction; and
(C)
to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting the research described in subparagraph (A).
.
6111.
Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems
(a)
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1434 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196) is repealed.
(b)
(1)
Section 1438 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3200) is amended in the first sentence by striking , exclusive of the funds provided for research on specific national or regional animal health and disease problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this title,
.
(2)
Authorization of appropriations for existing and certain new agricultural research programs
Section 1463(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311(c)) is amended by striking sections 1433 and 1434
and inserting section 1433
.
6112.
Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University
Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6113.
Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions
(a)
Supporting tropical and subtropical agricultural research
(1)
Section 1447B(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(a)) is amended to read as follows:
(a)
It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to—
(1)
acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and
(2)
support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research.
.
(2)
Section 1447B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–2) is amended in the heading—
(A)
by inserting and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research
after equipment
; and
(B)
by striking institutions
and inserting colleges and universities
.
(b)
Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6114.
Repeal of national research and training virtual centers
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) is repealed.
6115.
Hispanic-serving institutions
Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6116.
Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth
Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3243(e)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
(1)
The Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program—
(A)
to fund fundamental and applied research and extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and
(B)
to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to provide for training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences.
.
6117.
Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs
Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b(c)) is amended to read as follows:
(c)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and
(2)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6118.
Repeal of research equipment grants
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a) is repealed.
6119.
Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended in both of subsections (a) and (b) by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6120.
Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6121.
Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements
Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by adding and
at the end;
(B)
by striking paragraph (3); and
(C)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections:
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs for the administration of those programs authorized under this Act or any other Act.
(2)
The limitation on administrative expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel expenses under subsection (d) or any other provision of law related to the administration of agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs that contains a limitation on administrative expenses that is less than the limitation under paragraph (1).
(c)
Agreements with non-Federal entities
(1)
Former agricultural research facilities of the Department
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, including supporting research and those activities through co-locating scientists and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture agricultural research facilities.
(2)
Agreements with agricultural research organizations
The Secretary, for purposes of receiving from a non-Federal agricultural research organization support for agricultural research, including staffing, laboratory and field equipment, or direct financial assistance, may enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with a non-Federal agricultural research organization, the operation of which is consistent with the research mission and programs of an agricultural research facility of the Department of Agriculture.
.
6122.
Supplemental and alternative crops
(a)
Authorization of appropriations and termination
Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e)
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
(2)
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
(b)
Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1)) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines,
and inserting make competitive grants
.
6123.
Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions
Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6124.
Aquaculture assistance programs
(a)
Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3322(b)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting competitive
before grants
.
(b)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324) is amended to read as follows:
1477.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle—
(1)
$7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and
(2)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
(b)
Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building.
.
6125.
Rangeland research programs
Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) is amended by striking subtitle
and all that follows and inserting the following:
subtitle—
(1)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and
(2)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6126.
Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response
Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a)) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary
and all that follows and inserting the following:
response—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and
(2)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6127.
Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education
(a)
Distance education grants for insular areas
(1)
Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(a)) is amended by striking or noncompetitive
.
(2)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)) is amended by striking section
and all that follows and inserting the following:
section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and
(2)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
(b)
Resident instruction grants for insular areas
Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary
and all that follows and inserting the following:
to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and
(2)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6128.
Matching funds requirement
(a)
The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:
P
1492.
Matching funds requirement
(a)
The recipient of a competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such grant.
(b)
The matching funds requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded—
(1)
to a research agency of the Department of Agriculture; or
(2)
to an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C))), including a partner of such entity.
(c)
In this section, the term covered law means each of the following provisions of law:
(1)
This title.
(2)
Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.).
(3)
The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.).
(4)
Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq.).
(5)
The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i).
.
(b)
Paragraph (9) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (B);
(2)
in the heading, by inserting for equipment grants
after funds
;
(3)
by striking (A) Equipment grants.—
; and
(4)
by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the left.
(c)
Application to amendments
(1)
Section 1492 of the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described in such section awarded after October 1, 2013, unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds requirement under such section.
(2)
A matching funds requirement in effect on or before October 1, 2013, under a covered law shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision of law on or before that date.
6129.
Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions
It is the sense of the Congress that—
(1)
institutions of higher education designated under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known, and referred to in this section, as the Second Morrill Act
; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) have played an integral role in the education and advancement of agriculture and mechanic arts for over a century;
(2)
in addition to those institutions, a number of colleges and universities have fulfilled similar and parallel missions in successfully training and graduating generations of students who have gone on to be leaders in their field;
(3)
the colleges and universities, both with and without designation under the Second Morrill Act, fulfill a vital role to the future of industry, opportunities for increased job creation, and the strength of agriculture in the United States;
(4)
Congress must ensure that the United States’ higher education framework and policies meet the needs of young individuals in the United States, and that students from across the country are able to choose from a variety of institutions and programs that will equip them with the skills and training necessary to achieve their individual goals; and
(5)
as Congress and the agricultural community generally consider policies and approaches to improve research, extension, and education in the agricultural sciences, expansion of the land grant program under the Second Morrill Act to include enhanced funding and additional institutions should be considered.
B
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
6201.
Best utilization of biological applications
Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5814) is amended in the first sentence—
(1)
by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year
; and
(2)
by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018
after chapter
.
6202.
Integrated management systems
Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018.
.
6203.
Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program
Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)) is amended to read as follows:
(f)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
(2)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6204.
National training program
Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended to read as follows:
(i)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018.
.
6205.
National Genetics Resources Program
Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)) is amended—
(1)
by striking such funds as may be necessary
; and
(2)
by striking subtitle
and all that follows and inserting the following:
subtitle—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and
(2)
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6206.
Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System
Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) is repealed.
6207.
Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5923) is repealed.
6208.
Repeal of agricultural genome initiative
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is repealed.
6209.
High-priority research and extension initiatives
Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended—
(1)
in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i)
and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g)
;
(2)
in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking subsections (e) through (i)
and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g)
;
(3)
by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i);
(4)
by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively;
(5)
in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))—
(A)
by striking 2012
each place it appears in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 2018
; and
(B)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting and honey bee health disorders
after collapse
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting , including best management practices
after strategies
;
(6)
by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) the following new subsection:
(g)
Coffee plant health initiative
(1)
The Secretary shall establish a coffee plant health initiative to address the critical needs of the coffee industry by—
(A)
developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei); and
(B)
establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer.
(2)
The Secretary may carry out the coffee plant health initiative through—
(A)
Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture;
(B)
National Laboratories;
(C)
institutions of higher education;
(D)
research institutions or organizations;
(E)
private organizations or corporations;
(F)
State agricultural experiment stations;
(G)
individuals; or
(H)
groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G).
(3)
Project grants and cooperative agreements
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall—
(A)
enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, as appropriate; and
(B)
award grants on a competitive basis.
(4)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
; and
(7)
in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6210.
Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925a) is repealed.
6211.
Organic agriculture research and extension initiative
Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following new subsection:
(e)
Farm business management encouraged
Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary shall give a priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section 1672D(b).
; and
(2)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
at the end;
(iii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2009 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
; and
(ii)
by striking 2009 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
.
6212.
Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative
(a)
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925e) is repealed.
(b)
Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)) is amended—
(1)
by striking clause (xi); and
(2)
by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively.
6213.
Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
and inserting the following:
to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
(2)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6214.
The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D (7 U.S.C. 5925f) the following new section:
1673.
(a)
The Secretary shall prioritize centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension program administered by the Secretary.
(b)
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)
The criteria for consideration to be recognized 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)
Where practicable, the criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions).
.
6215.
Repeal of red meat safety research center
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5929) is repealed.
6216.
Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities
Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)) is amended—
(1)
by striking is
and inserting are
; and
(2)
by striking section
and all that follows and inserting the following:
section—
(A)
$6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and
(B)
$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6217.
National rural information center clearinghouse
Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
C
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998
6301.
Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department
Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in the heading by striking Merit review of extension
and inserting Relevance and merit review of research, extension,
;
(2)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
by inserting relevance and
before merit
; and
(B)
by striking extension or education
and inserting research, extension, or education
; and
(3)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting on a continuous basis
after procedures
.
6302.
Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program
Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(f)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6303.
Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations
(a)
Effective October 1, 2013, section 407 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7627) is repealed.
(b)
Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)), as amended by section 6212(b), is further amended—
(1)
by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)); and
(2)
by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)) as clause (xi).
6304.
Fusarium Graminearum grants
Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)) is amended to read as follows:
(e)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and
(2)
$7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6305.
Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program
Effective October 1, 2013, section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7629) is repealed.
6306.
Grants for youth organizations
Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary
and all that follows and inserting the following:
section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
(2)
$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6307.
Specialty crop research initiative
Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking and genomics
and inserting genomics, and other methods
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by inserting handling and processing,
after production efficiency,
;
(2)
by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection:
(d)
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of—
(1)
an initial scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and
(2)
a final funding determination made by the Secretary based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives for the specific specialty crop.
; and
(3)
in subsection (h)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.—Of the funds
and inserting the following:
(1)
(A)
Fiscal years 2008 through 2012
Of the funds
; and
(ii)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(B)
Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section—
(i)
$50,000,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015;
(ii)
$55,000,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and
(iii)
$65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter.
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in the heading, by striking 2008 Through 2012
and inserting 2014 Through 2018
; and
(ii)
by striking 2008 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
.
6308.
Food animal residue avoidance database program
Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6309.
Repeal of national swine research center
Effective October 1, 2013, section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–185; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed.
6310.
Office of pest management policy
Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is amended—
(1)
by striking such sums as are necessary
; and
(2)
by striking section
and all that follows and inserting the following:
section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and
(2)
$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6311.
Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education
Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.) is repealed.
D
6401.
Critical Agricultural Materials Act
Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)) is amended—
(1)
by striking such sums as are necessary
; and
(2)
by striking Act
and all that follows and inserting the following:
Act—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and
(2)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6402.
Equity in Educational Land-grant Status Act of 1994
(a)
Definition of 1994 institutions
Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (8), by striking Memorial
;
(2)
in paragraph (26), by striking Community
;
(3)
by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27);
(4)
by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9), (5), (10), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (23), (24), (25), (32), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (33), (34), (35), and (14), respectively, and transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
(5)
by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph:
(1)
Aaniih Nakoda College.
;
(6)
by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph:
(6)
College of the Muscogee Nation.
;
(7)
by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph:
(16)
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.
; and
(8)
by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph:
(21)
Navajo Technical College.
.
(b)
Endowment for 1994 institutions
Section 533(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(c)
Institutional Capacity Building Grants
Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended by striking 2012
each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018
.
(d)
(1)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(2)
Research grant requirements
Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university
and all that follows and inserting the following:
with—
(1)
the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or
(2)
at least 1—
(A)
other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution);
(B)
non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); or
(C)
cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section).
.
6403.
Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6404.
Repeal of carbon cycle research
Effective October 1, 2013, section 221 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 6711) is repealed.
6405.
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act
(a)
Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A)) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
in clause (vi), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new clause:
(viii)
plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern (as determined by the Secretary).
;
(2)
in subparagraph (B)—
(A)
in clause (vii), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new clauses:
(ix)
the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (especially zoonotic diseases) in wildlife reservoirs presenting a potential concern to public health or domestic livestock and pests and diseases in minor species (including deer, elk, and bison); and
(x)
the identification of animal drug needs and the generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species and minor uses of such drugs in major species.
;
(3)
in subparagraph (C)—
(A)
in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon , including the effects of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern on diet and health
;
(B)
in clause (iii), by inserting before the semicolon , including plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern
;
(C)
in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon , including postharvest practices conducted with respect to plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern
; and
(D)
in clause (v), by inserting before the period , including improving the functionality of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern
;
(4)
in subparagraph (D)—
(A)
by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause:
(iv)
the effectiveness of conservation practices and technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve water quality;
; and
(5)
in subparagraph (F)—
(A)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting economics,
after trade,
;
(B)
by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and
(C)
by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause:
(v)
the economic costs, benefits, and viability of producers adopting conservation practices and technologies designed to improve water quality;
.
(c)
Subsection (b)(4) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (D), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(F)
establish procedures under which a commodity board established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401(a))) or a State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to the Secretary proposals for requests for applications to specifically address particular issues related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2).
.
(d)
Subsection (b)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (C), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(E)
to eligible entities to carry out the specific research proposals submitted under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F).
.
(e)
Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G)) is amended by striking or corporations
and inserting , foundations, or corporations
.
(f)
Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4
Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking minor use pesticides
and inserting pesticides for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note)),
; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting and for use on specialty crops
after minor agricultural use
;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G); and
(D)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs:
(C)
prioritize potential pest management technology for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops;
(D)
conduct research to develop the data necessary to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and associated tolerances;
(E)
assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for use on domestically grown specialty crops;
(F)
assist in the registration and reregistration of pest management technologies for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; and
.
(g)
Emphasis on sustainable agriculture
The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended by striking subsection (k).
6406.
Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6407.
National Aquaculture Act of 1980
Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) is amended by striking 2012
each place it appears and inserting 2018
.
6408.
Repeal of use of remote sensing data
Effective October 1, 2013, section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 5935) is repealed.
6409.
Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(a)
Repeal of report on producers and handlers for organic products
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107–171) is repealed.
(b)
Repeal of report on genetically modified pest-Protected plants
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–171; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed.
(c)
Repeal of study on nutrient banking
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107–171) is repealed.
6410.
Beginning farmer and rancher development program
Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
(A)
basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices;
(B)
innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies;
(C)
entrepreneurship and business training;
(D)
financial and risk management training (including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit);
(E)
natural resource management and planning;
(F)
diversification and marketing strategies;
(G)
curriculum development;
(H)
mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;
(I)
resources and referral;
(J)
farm financial benchmarking;
(K)
assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers;
(L)
agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans; and
(M)
other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers.
;
(B)
in paragraph (7), by striking and community-based organizations
and inserting , community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations
;
(C)
by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(8)
Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers
(A)
Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers.
(B)
A recipient of a grant under this section using the grant as described in subparagraph (A) may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) in addressing the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(11)
Limitation on indirect costs
A recipient of a grant under this section may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1).
;
(2)
in subsection (h)(1)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended.
; and
(3)
in subsection (h)(2)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking 2008 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
; and
(B)
by striking 2008 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
.
6411.
Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act
Section 8 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a–7) is amended by striking and Guam
and inserting Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
.
E
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
1
6501.
Agricultural biosecurity communication center
Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912(c)) is amended to read as follows:
(c)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
(2)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6502.
Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response
Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8913) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2)—
(A)
by striking such sums as may be necessary
; and
(B)
by striking subsection
and all that follows and inserting the following:
subsection—
(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 2018.
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
and all that follows and inserting the following:
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—
(A)
$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
(B)
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6503.
Research and development of agricultural countermeasures
Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8921(b)) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
and all that follows and inserting the following:
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
(2)
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6504.
Agricultural biosecurity grant program
Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8922(e)) is amended—
(1)
by striking sums as are necessary
; and
(2)
by striking section
and all that follows and inserting the following:
section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and
(2)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended.
.
2
6511.
Enhanced use lease authority pilot program
Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking 5 years
and inserting 10 years
; and
(2)
in subsection (d)(2), by striking 1, 3, and 5 years
and inserting 6, 8, and 10 years
.
6512.
Grazinglands research laboratory
Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking 5-year period
and inserting 10-year period
.
6513.
Budget submission and funding
Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7614c) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection:
(a)
In this section:
(1)
The term covered program means—
(A)
each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and
(B)
each competitive program carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President.
(2)
The term request for awards means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities.
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
(e)
Additional Presidential budget submission requirement
(1)
Each year, the President shall submit to Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered program.
(2)
The information described in this paragraph includes—
(A)
baseline information, including with respect to each covered program—
(i)
the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year the annual budget submission of the President is submitted;
(ii)
the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and
(iii)
an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii);
(B)
with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program;
(C)
the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for awards to be published under or associated with—
(i)
each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2));
(ii)
each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5811(a));
(iii)
each grant to be awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b(a));
(iv)
each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(d)); and
(v)
each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1)); or
(D)
any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs.
(3)
Unless the President submits the information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal year that is authorized under—
(A)
subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b));
(B)
section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5811);
(C)
section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b);
(D)
section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632); or
(E)
section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
(f)
Report of the Secretary of Agriculture
Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including—
(1)
a review of the extent to which those activities—
(A)
are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or
(B)
are similar to activities carried out by—
(i)
other Federal agencies;
(ii)
the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or possessions of the United States);
(iii)
institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); or
(iv)
the private sector; and
(2)
for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account domestic needs.
.
6514.
Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Section 7521(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 3202(c)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
6515.
Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936) is repealed.
6516.
Repeal of seed distribution
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 415–1) is repealed.
6517.
Natural products research program
Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5937(e)) is amended to read as follows:
(e)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
6518.
(a)
Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy
and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary)
;
(2)
in subsection (c)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate
and all that follows through the period and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation.
;
(B)
by striking subparagraph (C); and
(C)
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
(3)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking in accordance with paragraph (2)
;
(ii)
by striking gasification
and inserting bioproducts
; and
(iii)
by striking the Department of Energy
and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies
;
(B)
by striking paragraph (2); and
(C)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
(4)
in subsection (g), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
(b)
Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1)) is amended by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i)
and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i)
.
6519.
Repeal of study and report on food deserts
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed.
6520.
Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5938) is repealed.
F
6601.
Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum
Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196), is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(1)
negotiate agreements for the National Arboretum with nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the interests of which are complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of the organizations from the agreements shall be used exclusively for research and educational work for the benefit of the National Arboretum and the operation and maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum, including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and conservation;
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(d)
A non-profit organization that entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary. In considering whether to approve such recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed under Federal law in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection.
.
6602.
Cotton Disease Research Report
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as FOV Race 4
) and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including—
(1)
an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton industry in the United States;
(2)
the status and progress of Federal research initiatives to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and
(3)
a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that establishes—
(A)
detection and identification goals;
(B)
containment goals;
(C)
eradication goals; and
(D)
a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness.
6603.
Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service
(a)
Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize a non-Federal entity to construct, at no cost and without obligation to the Federal Government, a facility for use by the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2), upon the completion of the construction of the facility by the non-Federal entity under subsection (a), the Secretary shall accept the facility as a gift in accordance with Public Law 95–442 (7 U.S.C. 2269).
(2)
The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall certify in advance that the acceptance under paragraph (1) complies with the limitations specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c).
(c)
(1)
The Secretary may not accept a facility as a gift under this section if the fair market value of the facility is more than $5,000,000.
(2)
The Secretary shall not enter into any acquisitions, demonstrations, exchanges, grants, contracts, incentives, leases, procurements, sales, or other transaction authorities or arrangements that would obligate future appropriations with respect to the facility constructed under subsection (a).
(d)
No facility may be accepted by the Secretary for use by the Agricultural Research Service under this section after September 30, 2018.
6604.
Miscellaneous technical corrections
Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
and inserting Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
.
6605.
Legitimacy of industrial hemp research
(a)
Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), or any other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if—
(1)
the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes of agricultural research or other academic research; and
(2)
the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution of higher education is located and such research occurs.
(b)
In this section, the term industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
VII
A
Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs
7001.
Forest land enhancement program
(a)
Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103) is repealed.
(b)
Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–171; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a).
(c)
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
7002.
Watershed forestry assistance program
(a)
Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103b) is repealed.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
7003.
Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program
Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2112) is repealed.
7004.
Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program
(a)
Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (16 U.S.C. 1649a) is repealed.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
7005.
Tribal watershed forestry assistance program
(a)
Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6542) is repealed.
(b)
The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
7006.
Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process
Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Public Law 102–381; 16 U.S.C. 1612 note) is repealed. Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–74; 125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
B
Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs
7101.
State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources
Section 2A(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (4), by striking and
;
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph:
(5)
as feasible, appropriate military installations where the voluntary participation and management of private or State-owned or other public forestland is able to support, promote, and contribute to the missions of such installations; and
.
7102.
Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103c) is amended to read as follows:
(m)
Authorization of appropriations
To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
(2)
$55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
7103.
Community forest and open space conservation program
Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103d) is amended to read as follows:
(g)
Authorization of appropriations
To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
(2)
$1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
C
Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws
7201.
Rural revitalization technologies
Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
7202.
Office of International Forestry
Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6704) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
Authorization of appropriations
To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and
(2)
$6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
7203.
Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program
Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6578) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking In general
and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013
;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections:
(b)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
(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.
.
7204.
Stewardship end result contracting project authority
Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section 101(e) of division A of Public Law 105–277; 16 U.S.C. 2104 note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking 2013
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
(6)
Contract for sale of property
At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, a contract entered into by the Forest Service under this section may 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.
(7)
Fire liability provisions
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Chief and the Director 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).
.
D
National Forest Critical Area Response
7301.
In this title:
(1)
The term critical area means an area of the National Forest System designated by the Secretary under section 7302.
(2)
The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
(3)
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
7302.
Designation of critical areas
(a)
The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate critical areas within the National Forest System for the purposes of addressing—
(1)
deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and
(2)
the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments.
(b)
In considering National Forest System land for designation as a critical area, the Secretary shall use—
(1)
for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and defoliation; and
(2)
for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect and Disease Risk Map.
(c)
Time for initial designations
The first critical areas shall be designated by the Secretary not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d)
The designation of a critical area shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of the designation.
7303.
Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas
(a)
Subject to subsections (b) through (e), title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) (including the environmental analysis requirements of section 104 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6514), the special administrative review process under section 105 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6515), and the judicial review process under section 106 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6516)), shall apply to all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in a critical area.
(b)
Section 322 of Public Law 102–381 (16 U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply to projects conducted in accordance with this section.
(c)
In applying title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) to Forest Service projects and activities in a critical area, the Secretary shall make the following modifications:
(1)
The authority shall apply to the entire critical area, including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6512(a)).
(2)
All projects and activities of the Forest Service, including necessary connected actions (as described in section 1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be considered to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of applying the title.
(d)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be—
(A)
considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and
(B)
exempt from the special administrative review process under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515).
(2)
Exclusion of certain areas
Paragraph (1) does not apply to—
(A)
a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System;
(B)
any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited;
(C)
a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or
(D)
an area in which activities under paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan.
(e)
All projects and activities carried out in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle shall be consistent with the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the critical area.
7304.
(a)
In this section:
(1)
The term eligible State means a State that contains National Forest System land.
(2)
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(3)
The term State forester means the head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry programs in an eligible State.
(b)
Cooperative agreements and contracts
(1)
The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with a State forester to authorize the State forester to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services described in paragraph (2) on National Forest System land in the eligible State.
(2)
The forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services referred to in paragraph (1) include the conduct of—
(A)
activities to treat insect infected forests;
(B)
activities to reduce hazardous fuels;
(C)
activities involving commercial harvesting or other mechanical vegetative treatments; or
(D)
any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat.
(3)
Except as provided in paragraph (6), a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for the Secretary in providing the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under that paragraph.
(4)
In accordance with applicable contract procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1).
(5)
Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1).
(6)
Retention of NEPA responsibilities
Any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to any restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section by a State forester on National Forest System land shall not be delegated to a State forester or any other officer or employee of the eligible State.
(7)
The restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section shall be carried out on a project-to-project basis under existing authorities of the Forest Service.
E
7401.
Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis
(a)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b).
(b)
Elements of revised strategic plan
In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following:
(1)
Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska.
(2)
Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases.
(3)
Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type.
(4)
Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need.
(5)
Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database.
(6)
Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis.
(7)
Promote availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management.
(8)
Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program.
(9)
Understand and report on changes in land cover and use.
(10)
Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship.
(11)
Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level.
(c)
Submission of revised strategic plan
The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
7402.
Forest Service participation in ACES Program
The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System lands.
7403.
Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978
(a)
Additional Forestry and Rangeland Research and Education High Priority
Section 3(d)(2) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(F)
Science and technology transfer, through the Forest Products Laboratory, to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products.
.
(b)
Research facilities and cooperation
Section 4 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1643) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e)
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report describing, for the period covered by the report—
(1)
the research conducted in furtherance of the research and education priority specified in section 3(d)(2)(F);
(2)
the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and
(3)
the investments made by the Forest Service in green building wood promotion.
.
7404.
Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976
Subsection (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) is amended to read as follows:
(g)
Designation, including but not limited to, marking when necessary, designation by description, or designation by prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees, portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such persons shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of such products and shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser thereof. Designation by prescription and designation by prescription shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
.
7405.
Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires
(a)
In this section, the term State includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b)
If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to subsections (c) and (d)—
(1)
may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and
(2)
shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement.
(c)
Mutual assistance agreement
As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services.
(d)
The Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b).
(e)
Effect on prior reimbursements
Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section.
7406.
Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report containing—
(1)
an assessment of the raw material needs of wood producing facilities located within the boundaries of each unit of the National Forest System or located outside of the unit, but within 100 miles of such boundaries;
(2)
the volume of timber which would be available if the unit of the National Forest System annually sold its Allowable Sale Quantity in the current Forest Plan;
(3)
the volume of timber actually sold and harvested from each unit of the National Forest System for the previous decade;
(4)
a comparison of the volume actually sold and harvested from the previous decade to the Allowable Sale Quantity calculated in that decade by preceding or current forest plans; and
(5)
an assessment of the ability of each unit of National Forest System to meet the needs of these facilities for raw materials.
7407.
Report on the National Forest System roads
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the following:
(1)
The total mileage of National Forest System roads and trails not meeting forest plan standards and guidelines.
(2)
The total amount, in dollars, of Capital Improvement & Maintenance deferred maintenance needs for National Forest System roads, including a five-year analysis in the trend in total deferred maintenance costs.
(3)
The sources of funds used for capital improvement & maintenance roads, including appropriated funds, mandatory funds, and receipts from activities on National Forest System lands.
(4)
The impact of road closures on recreational activities and timber harvesting.
(5)
The impact on land acquisitions, whether through fee acquisition, donation, or easement, on the maintenance backlog.
7408.
Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program
(a)
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section.
(b)
In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet the criteria—
(1)
described in the Forest Service document entitled Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy
and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers; and
(2)
determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets.
(c)
The term of any individual lease agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section shall be—
(1)
up to five years, inclusive of any options to renew or extend the initial lease term; and
(2)
in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code.
(d)
No lease entered into under this section shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service.
7409.
Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia
(a)
Upon payment by the Association of the consideration under subsection (b) and the costs under subsection (d), the Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70 acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally depicted on the map.
(b)
(1)
As consideration for the land conveyed under subsection (a), the Association shall pay to the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716).
(2)
The consideration received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of deficit reduction.
(c)
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
(d)
The Association shall pay to the Secretary at closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal, and any administrative and environmental analyses required by law.
(e)
In this section:
(1)
The term Association means the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia.
(2)
The term map means the map titled Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery
dated March 1, 2013.
(3)
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(f)
Additional terms and conditions
The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
7410.
Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies
In the case of National Forest System land damaged by a natural disaster regarding which the President declares a disaster or emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), any forest project carried out to clean up or restore the damaged National Forest System land during the two-year period beginning on the date of the declaration shall be categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
VIII
8001.
Definition of renewable energy system
Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101) is amended by—
(1)
striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(4)
(A)
The term biobased product means a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is—
(i)
composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials and forestry materials; or
(ii)
an intermediate ingredient or feedstock.
(B)
The term biobased product, with respect to forestry materials, includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging.
;
(2)
redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (16);
(3)
inserting after paragraph (8), the following new paragraph:
(9)
(A)
The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber.
(B)
The term forest product includes—
(i)
pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other wood products; and
(ii)
any recycled products derived from forest materials.
; and
(4)
inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph:
(15)
(A)
Subject to subparagraph (B), the term renewable energy system means a system that—
(i)
produces usable energy from a renewable energy source; and
(ii)
may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial point of sale.
(B)
A system described in subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at retail.
.
8002.
Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102(h)) is amended by—
(1)
striking (h) Funding.—
and all that follows through to carry out this section, there
and inserting (h) Funding.—There
; and
(2)
striking 2013
and inserting 2018
.
8003.
(a)
Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c), by striking to eligible entities
and all that follows through guarantees for loans
and inserting to eligible entities guarantees for loans
;
(2)
by striking subsection (d);
(3)
by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and
(4)
in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking subsection (c)(2)
each place it appears and inserting subsection (c)
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(C), by striking subsection (h)
and inserting subsection (g)
.
(b)
Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection (a)(3), is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding
and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013
; and
(B)
by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there
and inserting There
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8004.
Repowering assistance program
Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8104(d)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding
and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013
; and
(B)
by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there
and inserting There
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8005.
Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels
Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(c)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding
and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013
; and
(B)
by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there
and inserting There
; and
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8006.
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106(d)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in the heading of paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking Authorization of appropriations
and inserting Fiscal year 2013
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8007.
Rural Energy for America Program
(a)
Tiered application process
Section 9007(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(c)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
(2)
Tiered application process
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies based on the cost of the proposed project with the process most simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A), more comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (B), and most comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (C). The three tiers for such process shall be as follows:
(A)
Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000.
(B)
Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is more than $80,000 but less than $200,000.
(C)
Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is $200,000 or more.
.
(b)
Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(g)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraphs (1) and (2);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding
and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013
; and
(B)
by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there
and inserting There
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8008.
Biomass Research and Development
Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108(h)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding
and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013
; and
(B)
by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there
and inserting There
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8009.
Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers
Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013
and inserting 2018
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013
and inserting 2018
.
8010.
Biomass Crop Assistance Program
Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (6); and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking Program to
and all that follows through support the establishment
and inserting Program to support the establishment
;
(B)
by striking ; and
and inserting a period; and
(C)
by striking paragraph (2);
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)(B)—
(i)
in clause (viii), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
(ii)
by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and
(iii)
by inserting after clause (viii) the following new clause:
(ix)
existing project areas that have received funding under this section and the continuation of funding of such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and
; and
(B)
in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)—
(i)
by striking subclause (III); and
(ii)
by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively;
(4)
by striking subsection (d);
(5)
by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
(6)
in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1);
(B)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(C)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(i)
by striking Fiscal year 2013
and all that follows through There is authorized
and inserting Fiscal year 2013.—There is authorized
; and
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (3) and moving the margin of such paragraph (as so redesignated) two ems to the left;
(D)
by inserting after paragraph (1), the following new paragraph:
(2)
Fiscal years 2014 through 2018
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
; and
(E)
in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)(ii) of this paragraph), by striking this paragraph
and inserting this subsection
.
8011.
Community wood energy program
Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113(e)) is amended by striking carry out this section
and all that follows and inserting the following:
carry out this section—
(1)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and
(2)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
8012.
Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study
Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed.
8013.
Repeal of renewable fertilizer study
Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed.
8014.
Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities
(a)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on energy use and energy efficiency projects at Department of Agriculture facilities.
(b)
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
An analysis of energy use by Department of Agriculture facilities.
(2)
A list of energy audits that have been conducted at such facilities.
(3)
A list of energy efficiency projects that have been conducted at such facilities.
(4)
A list of energy savings projects that could be achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading mechanical insulation at such facilities.
IX
9001.
Specialty crops market news allocation
Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
9002.
Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops
Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1622c) is repealed.
9003.
Farmers market and local food promotion program
Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005) is amended—
(1)
in the heading of such section, by inserting and Local Food
after Farmers’ Market
;
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by inserting and Local Food
after Farmers’ Market
;
(B)
by striking farmers’ markets and to promote
; and
(C)
by striking the period and inserting and assist in the development of local food business enterprises.
;
(3)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection:
(b)
The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of—
(1)
domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and
(2)
local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally produced food products.
;
(4)
in subsection (c)(1)—
(A)
by inserting or other agricultural business entity
after cooperative
; and
(B)
by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association
after association
;
(5)
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
(6)
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
(e)
Funds requirements for eligible entities
(1)
An entity receiving a grant under this section for a project to carry out a purpose described in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of such project.
(2)
Limitation on use of funds
An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure.
; and
(7)
in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(D)
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
;
(B)
by striking paragraphs (3) and (5);
(C)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and
(D)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraphs:
(3)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
(4)
Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(5)
Limitation on administrative expenses
Not more than 3 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses.
.
9004.
(a)
Organic production and market data initiatives
Section 7407(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2008 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
; and
(2)
by striking 2008 through 2012
and inserting 2014 through 2018
.
(b)
Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program
Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(c)
Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program
The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program.
.
(c)
Authorization of appropriations for national organic program
Effective October 1, 2013, section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6)) is amended to read as follows:
(6)
$11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
(d)
National organic certification cost-Share program
Effective October 1, 2013, section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) is repealed.
(e)
Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments
Subsection (e) of section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401) is amended to read as follows:
(e)
Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments
(1)
Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic
or 100 percent organic
(as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation).
(2)
The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified organic
or ‘100 percent organic’ (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed.
(3)
The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
(4)
Termination of effectiveness
This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f).
(5)
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1).
.
(f)
Organic commodity promotion order
Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
Organic commodity promotion order
(1)
In this subsection:
(A)
The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502).
(B)
The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity.
(C)
Dual-covered agricultural commodity
The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that—
(i)
is produced on a certified organic farm; and
(ii)
is covered under both—
(I)
an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant to paragraph (2); and
(II)
any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under section 514.
(2)
The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that—
(A)
is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)) and that is certified to be sold or labeled as organic
or 100 percent organic
(as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation)); or
(B)
is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in such part).
(3)
If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order.
(4)
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1).
.
(g)
Definition of agricultural commodity
Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7412(1)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph:
(E)
products, as a class, that are produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)) and that are certified to be sold or labeled as organic
or 100 percent organic
(as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation);
.
9005.
Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122 (7 U.S.C. 6521) the following new section:
2122A.
Investigation and enforcement
(a)
Expedited administrative hearing
The Secretary shall establish an expedited administrative hearing procedure under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent in accordance with subsection (d). Such a hearing may be conducted in addition to a hearing conducted pursuant to section 2120.
(b)
(1)
The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out this title—
(A)
to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and
(B)
to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or information required under this title, whether a person covered by this title has committed a violation of this title.
(2)
The Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records required to be maintained under section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation.
(c)
It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title—
(1)
to refuse to provide information required by the Secretary under this title; or
(2)
to violate—
(A)
a suspension or revocation of the organic certification of a producer or handler; or
(B)
a suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a certifying agent.
(d)
(1)
(A)
The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, suspend the organic certification of a producer, handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent if—
(i)
the Secretary, during such expedited administrative hearing, proved that—
(I)
in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler—
-
(aa)
has recklessly committed a violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or
-
(bb)
has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or
(II)
in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or
(ii)
the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing.
(B)
A suspension issued under this paragraph shall be issued not later than five days after the date on which—
(i)
the expedited administrative hearing referred to in clause (i) of subparagraph (A) concludes; or
(ii)
the Secretary receives notice of the waiver referred to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph.
(C)
The period of a suspension issued under this paragraph shall be not more than 90 days, beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the suspension.
(D)
(i)
The Secretary may not issue a suspension of a certification or accreditation under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension—
(I)
before the date on which the suspension would otherwise have been issued, cures, or corrects the deficiency giving rise to, the violation for which the certification or accreditation would have been suspended; or
(II)
within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by the Secretary), enters into a settlement with the Secretary regarding a deficiency referred to in subclause (I).
(ii)
The Secretary shall terminate the suspension of an organic certification or accreditation issued under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension cures the violation for which the certification or accreditation was suspended under this paragraph before the date on which the period of the suspension ends.
(2)
(A)
The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing under this section and an expedited administrative appeal under section 2121, revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler, or the accreditation of a certifying agent if—
(i)
the Secretary, during such hearing, proved that—
(I)
in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler—
-
(aa)
has knowingly committed an egregious violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or
-
(bb)
has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or
(II)
in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or
(ii)
the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing and such an expedited administrative appeal.
(B)
Initiation of revocation proceedings
(i)
If the Secretary finds, during an investigation or during the period of a suspension under paragraph (1), that a producer, handler, or certifying agent has knowingly committed an egregious violation of this title, the Secretary shall initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation not later than 30 days after the date on which the producer, handler, or certifying agent receives notice of such finding in accordance with clause (ii). The Secretary may not initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation after the date on which that 30-day period ends.
(ii)
Not later than five days after the date on which the Secretary makes the finding described in clause (i), the Secretary shall provide to the producer, handler, or certifying agent notice of such finding.
(e)
(1)
(A)
The suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such suspension receives notice of the suspension.
(B)
Suspension final and conclusive
A suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive—
(i)
in the case of a suspension that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such suspension is complete; or
(ii)
in the case of a suspension that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends.
(2)
(A)
The revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such revocation receives notice of the revocation.
(B)
Revocation final and conclusive
A revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive—
(i)
in the case of a revocation that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such revocation is complete; or
(ii)
in the case of a revocation that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends.
(3)
Standards for review of suspensions and revocations
A suspension or revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d) shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards of review specified in section 706(2) of title 5, United States Code.
(f)
(1)
If a person covered by this title fails to obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) after such revocation has become final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of such revocation.
(2)
If the court determines that the revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the revocation.
(3)
If the court finds that the person violated the revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2), the person shall be subject to one or more of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120.
(g)
Violation of this title defined
In this section, the term violation of this title means a violation specified in section 2120.
.
9006.
Food safety education initiatives
Section 10105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7655) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , including farm workers
after industry
;
(B)
in paragraph (1), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
practices that prevent bacterial contamination of food, how to identify sources of food contamination, and other means of decreasing food contamination.
; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
9007.
Specialty crop block grants
Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking subsection (j)
and inserting subsection (l)
; and
(B)
by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
;
(2)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection:
(b)
Grants based on value and acreage
Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant for such fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for such fiscal year as—
(1)
the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to
(2)
the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data.
;
(3)
in subsection (d)—
(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 new paragraph:
(4)
an assurance that any grant funds received under this section that are used for equipment or capital-related research costs determined to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops—
(A)
shall be supplemented by the expenditure of State funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of such costs during the fiscal year in which such costs were incurred; and
(B)
shall be completely replaced by State funds on the day after the date on which such fiscal year ends.
;
(4)
by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l);
(5)
by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsections:
(j)
Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving—
(1)
food safety;
(2)
plant pests and disease;
(3)
research;
(4)
crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and
(5)
any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary.
(k)
(1)
The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
(2)
A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
; and
(6)
in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))—
(A)
by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right;
(B)
by striking Of the funds
and inserting the following:
(1)
Of the funds
;
(C)
in paragraph (1) (as so designated)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
(D)
$72,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and
(E)
$85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection (j), to remain available until expended—
(A)
$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(B)
$2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(C)
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(D)
$4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(E)
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
.
9008.
Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of such commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider—
(1)
the perishable nature of such commodities;
(2)
the impact of such restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations; and
(3)
the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note).
9009.
(a)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with persons affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture.
(b)
In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update such petition.
9010.
Bulk shipments of apples to Canada
(a)
Bulk shipment of apples to Canada
Section 4 of the Export Apple Act (7 U.S.C. 584) is amended—
(1)
by striking Apples in
and inserting (a) Apples in
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(b)
Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without complying with the provisions of this Act.
.
(b)
Section 9 of the Export Apple Act (7 U.S.C. 589) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
The term bulk bin means a bin that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds.
.
(c)
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section.
9011.
Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs
(a)
Relocation of legislative language relating to national clean plant network
Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
(e)
National clean plant network
(1)
The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network
(referred to in this subsection as the Program
).
(2)
Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services—
(A)
to produce clean propagative plant material; and
(B)
to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States.
(3)
Availability of clean plant source material
Clean plant source material may be made available to—
(A)
a State for a certified plant program of the State; and
(B)
private nurseries and producers.
(4)
Consultation and collaboration
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall—
(A)
consult with—
(i)
State departments of agriculture; and
(ii)
land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
(B)
to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers.
(5)
Funding for fiscal year 2013
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
.
(b)
Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) (as so redesignated) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter.
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
(5)
$62,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and
(6)
$75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
.
(c)
Repeal of existing provision
Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7761) is repealed.
(d)
Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance
Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(g)
Relationship to other law
The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i).
.
(e)
Use of funds for clean plant network
Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721), as amended by subsections (a) and (d), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(h)
Use of funds for clean plant network
Of the funds made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out the national clean plant network under subsection (e).
.
9012.
Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion
(a)
Except in the case of a voluntary request from a pesticide registrant to amend a registration under section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a), a registration of a pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on the basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of the study referred to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2015, whichever is earlier, only if—
(1)
the modification, cancellation, or suspension is undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136d); and
(2)
the Biological Opinion complies with the recommendations contained in the study referred to in subsection (b).
(b)
National Academy of Sciences Study
The study commissioned by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on March 10, 2011, shall include, at a minimum, each of the following:
(1)
A formal, independent, and external peer review, consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a).
(2)
Assessment of economic impacts of measures or alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion.
(3)
An examination of the specific scientific and procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic feasibility contained in the June 23, 2011, letter sent to the Administrator (and other Federal officials) by the Chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations, of the House of Representatives.
9013.
Use and discharges of authorized pesticides
(a)
This section may be cited as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013
.
(b)
Use of authorized pesticides
Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(5)
Use of authorized pesticides
Except as provided in section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Administrator or a State may not require a permit under such Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide.
.
(c)
Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(s)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide.
(2)
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue:
(A)
A discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant to protecting water quality, if—
(i)
the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation; or
(ii)
the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation.
(B)
Stormwater discharges subject to regulation under subsection (p).
(C)
The following discharges subject to regulation under this section:
(i)
Manufacturing or industrial effluent.
(ii)
Treatment works effluent.
(iii)
Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a discharge resulting from ballasting operations or vessel biofouling prevention.
.
9014.
Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation
Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136o(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: Solely for purposes of notifications of arrival upon importation, for purposes of this subsection, seed, including treated seed, shall not be considered a pesticide or device. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as precluding or limiting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the importation or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds, under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) or the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq.).
.
9015.
Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall lift the administrative stay that was imposed by the rule entitled Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Stay of Regulations
and published by the Department of Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the regulations in subpart A of part 214 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees.
9016.
Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride
Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the potential economic and public health effects that would result from finalization of the proposed order published in the January 19, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 3422) pertaining to the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, including the anticipated impacts of such finalization on the production of an adequate, wholesome, and economical food supply and on farmers and related agricultural sectors.
9017.
Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation
(a)
The Secretary of Agriculture shall—
(1)
collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products;
(2)
facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems; and
(3)
monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems.
(b)
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall—
(1)
collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products;
(2)
conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, and retail sales of, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) on, locally or regionally produced agricultural food products;
(3)
evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including—
(A)
the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development;
(B)
the level of participation in the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds;
(C)
the ability for participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and
(D)
any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems;
(4)
expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and
(5)
seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems.
(c)
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2018, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs related to developing local and regional food systems.
9018.
Annual report on invasive species
(a)
(1)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on invasive species.
(2)
The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
A list of each invasive species that is in the United States as of the date of the report.
(B)
For each invasive species listed under subparagraph (A)—
(i)
the country from which the species originated;
(ii)
the means in which the species entered the United States;
(iii)
the year in which the species entered the United States;
(iv)
the rate by which the entry of the species is increasing or decreasing;
(v)
cost estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the cost of such species to the public and private sectors;
(vi)
if cost estimates cannot be conducted under clause (v), a detailed explanation of why;
(vii)
environmental impact estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the environmental impact of the species;
(viii)
if environmental impact estimates cannot be conducted under clause (vii), a detailed explanation of why;
(ix)
recommendations as to what steps are needed to combat the species;
(x)
a description of the ongoing research occurring to combat the species; and
(xi)
a description of any legal recourse available to people affected by the species.
(C)
Any other matter the Secretary determines appropriate.
(3)
The report under paragraph (1) shall cover the period beginning in 1980 and ending on the date on which the report is submitted.
(b)
Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the report under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary shall submit annually to Congress an updated report, including an update to each of the matters described in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(c)
The Secretary shall make each report under this section available to the public.
X
10001.
(a)
Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(4)
(A)
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under this subtitle.
(B)
Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that receives the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1).
(C)
Nothing in this section prohibits the sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance provider of the producer.
.
(b)
Disclosure of crop insurance premium subsidies made on behalf of Members of Congress and certain other individuals and entities
Section 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (D) and (E) respectively; and
(2)
by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) the following:
(A)
Disclosure in the public interest
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an annual basis make available to the public—
(i)
(I)
the name of each individual or entity specified in subparagraph (C) who obtained a federally subsidized crop insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance during the previous fiscal year;
(II)
the amount of premium subsidy received by that individual or entity from the Corporation; and
(III)
the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities paid in the event of a loss during that fiscal year for each policy associated with that individual or entity; and
(ii)
for each private insurance provider, by name—
(I)
the underwriting gains earned through participation in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and
(II)
the amount paid under this subtitle for—
-
(aa)
administrative and operating expenses;
-
(bb)
any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance; and
-
(cc)
any other purpose.
(B)
The Secretary shall not disclose information pertaining to individuals and entities covered by a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section 508(b).
(C)
Covered individuals and entities
Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to the following:
(i)
Members of Congress and their immediate families.
(ii)
Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families.
(iii)
Entities of which any individual described in clause (i) or (ii), or combination of such individuals, is a majority shareholder.
.
10002.
Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments
Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
Publication of violations
(i)
Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that the information may serve as effective guidance to approved insurance providers, agents, and producers.
(ii)
In providing information under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and entities committing the violations in order to protect their privacy.
.
10003.
Supplemental coverage option
(a)
Availability of supplemental coverage option
Paragraph (3) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)) is amended to read as follows:
(3)
Yield and loss basis options
A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on—
(A)
(i)
an individual yield and loss basis; or
(ii)
an area yield and loss basis;
(B)
an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C); or
(C)
a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B).
.
(b)
Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)) is amended to read as follows:
(4)
(A)
Dollar denomination and percentage of yield
Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage—
(i)
shall be dollar denominated; and
(ii)
may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation).
(B)
The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph).
(C)
Supplemental coverage option
(i)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance—
(I)
at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or
(II)
in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage.
(ii)
Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 10 percent of normal levels (as determined by the Corporation).
(iii)
Subject to the trigger described in clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between—
(I)
90 percent; and
(II)
the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance.
(iv)
Ineligible crops and acres
Crops for which the producer has elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 to receive revenue loss coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible for supplemental coverage under this subparagraph.
(v)
Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall—
(I)
be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and
(II)
include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F).
.
(c)
Payment of portion of premium by Corporation
Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(H)
In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of—
(i)
65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and
(ii)
the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses.
.
(d)
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the 2014 crop year.
10004.
Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection
Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
(A)
In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve.
.
10005.
Repeal of performance-based discount
(a)
Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (3); and
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
(b)
Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B)) is amended—
(1)
by inserting or
at the end of clause (i);
(2)
by striking clause (ii); and
(3)
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).
10006.
Permanent enterprise unit subsidy
Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
(A)
The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2).
.
10007.
Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops
Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(D)
Beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties.
.
10008.
Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(E)
To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation—
(i)
shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or
(ii)
if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary.
.
10009.
Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields
Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B)) is amended by striking 60
each place it appears and inserting 70
.
10010.
Submission and review of policies
(a)
Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(B)
by striking (1) In general.—In addition
and inserting the following:
(1)
(A)
In addition
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(B)
Review and submission by Corporation
The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program—
(i)
will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection;
(ii)
would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and
(iii)
adequately protects the interests of producers.
; and
(2)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
by striking A policy
and inserting the following:
(A)
A policy
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(B)
Specified review and approval priorities
In reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board under this subsection for approval, the Board—
(i)
shall make the development and approval of a revenue policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2014 crop year;
(ii)
shall make the development and approval of a margin coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time for the 2014 crop year; and
(iii)
may approve a submission that is made pursuant to this subsection that would, beginning with the 2014 crop year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of crops in counties.
.
(b)
Section 522(b)(2)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2)(E)) is amended by striking 50 percent
and inserting 75 percent
.
10011.
Equitable relief for specialty crop policies
Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
(iii)
Equitable relief for specialty crop policies
(I)
For each of the 2011 through 2015 reinsurance years, in addition to the total amount of funding for reimbursement of administrative and operating costs that is otherwise required to be made available in each such reinsurance year pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use $41,000,000 to provide additional reimbursement with respect to eligible insurance contracts for any agricultural commodity that is not eligible for a benefit under subtitles A, B or C of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
(II)
Additional reimbursements made under this clause shall be included as part of the base level of administrative and operating expense reimbursement to which any limit on compensation to persons involved in the direct sale and service of any eligible crop insurance contract required under an agreement entered into by the Corporation is applied.
(III)
Nothing in this clause shall be construed as statutory assent to the limit described in subclause (II).
.
10012.
Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement
Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(F)
(i)
The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement—
(I)
to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget neutral; and
(II)
in no event, may significantly depart from budget neutrality.
(ii)
To the extent that any budget savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used to increase the obligations of the Corporation under subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523.
.
10013.
Crop production on native sod
(a)
Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(o)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled,
after tilled
;
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for
and inserting Reduction in
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (A), by striking for benefits under—
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
for—
(i)
a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3);
(ii)
benefits under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333); and
(iii)
payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308).
; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
(3)
(A)
During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in paragraph (2)—
(i)
paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and
(ii)
the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply.
(B)
During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage.
(4)
This subsection shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area.
.
(b)
Noninsured crop disaster assistance
Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4)) is amended—
(1)
in the paragraph heading, by striking ineligibility
and inserting benefit reduction
;
(2)
in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled,
after tilled
;
(3)
in subparagraph (B)—
(A)
in the subparagraph heading, by striking Ineligibility
and inserting Reduction in
; and
(B)
in clause (i), by striking for benefits under—
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
for—
(I)
benefits under this section;
(II)
a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) in accordance with subparagraph (C); and
(III)
payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308).
; and
(4)
by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
(C)
(i)
During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in subparagraph (B)—
(I)
subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and
(II)
the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply.
(ii)
During the period native sod acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage.
(D)
This paragraph shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area.
.
(c)
(1)
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available.
(2)
Not later than January 1, 2015, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—
(A)
the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State as of the date of submission of the report; and
(B)
the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State.
10014.
Coverage levels by practice
Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(p)
Coverage levels by practice
Beginning with the 2015 crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each production practice.
.
10015.
Beginning farmer and rancher provisions
(a)
Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
(3)
Beginning farmer or rancher
The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary.
.
(b)
Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers
after limited resource farmers
;
(2)
in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(8)
Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher.
; and
(3)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)(B)—
(i)
in clause (i), by striking or
at the end;
(ii)
in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(iii)
if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of—
(I)
the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or
(II)
a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i).
; and
(B)
in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 10009)—
(i)
by inserting (I)
after (ii)
;
(ii)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(II)
in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield.
.
10016.
Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton
(a)
Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton
The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A (7 U.S.C. 1508a) the following new section:
508B.
Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton
(a)
Beginning not later than the 2014 crop of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan
), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year.
(b)
The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements:
(1)
Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue.
(2)
Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production—
(A)
at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or
(B)
in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage.
(3)
Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage.
(4)
Establish coverage based on—
(A)
the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and
(B)
an expected county yield that is the higher of—
(i)
the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or
(ii)
the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary.
(5)
Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor
) of not less than the higher of the level established on a program wide basis or 120 percent.
(6)
Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1).
(7)
In all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-irrigated practices.
(c)
Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall—
(1)
be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and
(2)
include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F).
(d)
Payment of portion of premium by Corporation
Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be—
(1)
80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and
(2)
the amount determined under subsection (c)(2), subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover administrative and operating expenses.
(e)
Relation to other coverages
The Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton.
.
(b)
Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F)) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B
after of this subparagraph
.
10017.
Peanut revenue crop insurance
The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B, as added by the previous section, the following new section:
508C.
Peanut revenue crop insurance
(a)
Effective beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts.
(b)
Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States.
(c)
(1)
The effective price for peanuts established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions.
(2)
If an adjustment is made under paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall—
(A)
make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and
(B)
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the reasons for the adjustment.
.
10018.
Authority to correct errors
Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(c)) is amended—
(1)
in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary
and inserting the following:
(1)
The Secretary
;
(2)
in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with
and inserting the following:
(2)
Beginning with
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
(A)
In addition to the corrections permitted by the Corporation as of the date of enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, the Corporation shall allow an agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to subparagraph (B)—
(i)
within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date, to correct unintentional errors in information that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is correct;
(ii)
within a reasonable amount of time following—
(I)
the acreage reporting date, to correct unintentional errors in factual information that is provided by a producer after the sales closing date to reconcile the information with the information reported by the producer to the Farm Service Agency; or
(II)
the date of any subsequent correction of data by the Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of information; and
(iii)
at any time, to correct unintentional errors that were made by the Farm Service Agency or an agent or approved insurance provider in transmitting the information provided by the producer to the approved insurance provider or the Corporation.
(B)
In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, correction to the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if the corrections do not allow the producer—
(i)
to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance;
(ii)
to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance guarantee or indemnity, or avoid premium owed, if a cause of loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been made; or
(iii)
to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law.
(C)
Exception to late filing sanctions
Any corrections made pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation.
.
10019.
Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(1)
Systems maintenance and upgrades
(A)
The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle.
(B)
(i)
In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section.
(ii)
Acreage report streamlining initiative project
As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department.
; and
(2)
in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(1)
(A)
For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than—
(i)
(I)
for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and
(II)
for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $10,000,000; or
(ii)
if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2015, not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
(B)
The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2015.
.
10020.
Research and development priorities
(a)
Authority to conduct research and development, priorities
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading by striking contracting
;
(2)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to
and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to
;
(3)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or
after The Corporation may
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting conducting research and development or
after Before
;
(4)
in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e)
after approved by the Board
; and
(5)
in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program
and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, and specialty crops
.
(b)
Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking (A) Authority.—
and inserting (A) Conducting and contracting for research and development.—
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development and
after the Corporation may use to
; and
(C)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and
after for the fiscal year to
;
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments
; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (4).
10021.
Additional research and development contracting requirements
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new paragraphs:
(17)
Margin coverage for catfish
(A)
The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish.
(B)
Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments.
(C)
The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy—
(i)
will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection;
(ii)
would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form;
(iii)
adequately protects the interests of producers; and
(iv)
the proposed policy meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board.
(18)
Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies
(A)
The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding—
(i)
a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and
(ii)
a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i).
(B)
Research and development with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that—
(i)
are based on market prices and yields;
(ii)
to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interest of crop producers; and
(iii)
provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both.
(19)
Study on swine catastrophic disease program
(A)
The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event.
(B)
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A).
(20)
Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan
(A)
The Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,250,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation.
(B)
The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle.
(C)
The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple crops or that may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm.
(D)
The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field.
(E)
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results and feasibility of the research and development conducted under this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse market distortions.
(21)
Study on poultry catastrophic disease program
(A)
The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event.
(B)
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A).
(22)
Poultry business interruption insurance policy
(A)
The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a university or other legal entity to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy.
(B)
As part of the research and development conducted pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A), the entity shall—
(i)
evaluate the market place for business interruption insurance that is available to poultry growers;
(ii)
determine what statutory authority would be necessary to implement a business interruption insurance through the Corporation;
(iii)
assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against losses due to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and
(iv)
analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry growers.
(C)
In this paragraph, the terms poultry and poultry grower have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 182(a)).
(D)
Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement
Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall enter into the contract or cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (A).
(E)
Deadline for completion of research and development
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the research and development conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A).
(23)
Study of food safety insurance
(A)
The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers.
(B)
The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern.
(C)
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).
.
10022.
Program compliance partnerships
Paragraph (1) of section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(d)) is amended to read as follows:
(1)
The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of either—
(A)
increasing the availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk management tools for producers, with a priority given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7333), specialty crops, and underserved agricultural commodities; or
(B)
improving analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies.
.
10023.
Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation,
after may
; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (5).
10024.
(a)
Eligibility for department programs
Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (7); and
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively.
(b)
Exclusions to assistance for losses due to drought conditions
(1)
Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A)) is amended—
(A)
by striking (A) Eligible losses.—
and all that follows through An eligible
in clause (i) and inserting the following:
(A)
An eligible
;
(B)
by striking clause (ii); and
(C)
by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately.
(2)
Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A)) is amended—
(A)
by striking (A) Eligible losses.—
and all that follows through An eligible
in clause (i) and inserting the following:
(A)
An eligible
;
(B)
by striking clause (ii); and
(C)
by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately.
10025.
Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes
Section 505(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1505(e)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7); respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5):
(5)
Advance notice of modification before implementation
(A)
Any modification to be made in the terms or conditions of any policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle shall not take effect for a crop year unless the Secretary publishes the modification in the Federal Register and on the website of the Corporation and provides for a subsequent period of public comment—
(i)
with respect to fall-planted crops, not later than 60 days before June 30 during the preceding crop year; and
(ii)
with respect to spring-planted crops, not later than 60 days before November 30 during the preceding crop year.
(B)
The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) in an emergency situation declared by the Secretary upon notice to Congress of the nature of the emergency and the need for immediate implementation of the policy or plan modification referred to in such subparagraph.
.
XI
A
11101.
Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
Effective October 1, 2013, section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008j) is repealed.
11102.
Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921
(a)
Repeal of certain regulation requirement
Section 11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2120) is repealed.
(b)
Repeal of certain existing regulation
Subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, is repealed.
(c)
Prohibition on enforcement of certain regulations or issuance of similar regulations
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not—
(1)
enforce subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations;
(2)
finalize or implement sections 201.2(l), 201.2(t), 201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added by the proposed rule entitled Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act
published by the Department of Agriculture on June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338); or
(3)
issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the provisions—
(A)
referred to in paragraph (1) or (2); or
(B)
rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to section 742 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113–6).
11103.
Trichinae certification program
(a)
Alternative certification process
The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8304(a)) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae.
(b)
Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection.
(c)
Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1)) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012
each place it appears and inserting 2018
.
11104.
National Aquatic Animal Health Plan
Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8322(d)) is amended by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
.
11105.
Country of origin labeling
(a)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the proposed rule entitled Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts
published by the Department of Agriculture on March 12, 2013 (76 Fed. Reg. 15645).
(b)
The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of—
(1)
the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq.); and
(2)
the proposed rule referred to in subsection (a).
11106.
National animal health laboratory network
Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section 10409 (7 U.S.C. 8308) the following new section:
10409A.
National animal health laboratory network
(a)
The Secretary shall enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes:
(1)
To enhance the capability of the Secretary to detect, and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing threats to animal health and to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy of the United States.
(2)
To provide the capacity and capability for standardized—
(A)
test procedures, reference materials, and equipment;
(B)
laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels;
(C)
quality management system requirements;
(D)
interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and
(E)
evaluation for emergency preparedness.
(3)
To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach.
(b)
An eligible laboratory under this section is a diagnostic laboratory meeting specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials and State and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
(c)
To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal, State, and university facilities.
(d)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
11107.
Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program
(a)
Effective on the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.), section 11016 of such Act (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130) and the amendments made by such section are repealed.
(b)
The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) shall be applied and administered as if section 11016 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.) and the amendments made by such section had not been enacted.
11108.
National Poultry Improvement Program
The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain—
(1)
the operations of the General Conference Committee—
(A)
in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B)
with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and
(2)
the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan.
11109.
Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas
Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Texas. The report shall cover the period beginning on January 1, 1997, and ending on December 31, 2013.
11110.
Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood
(a)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress a report on the economic implications for consumers, fishermen, and aquaculturists of fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood.
(b)
The report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood, an analysis of the impact on consumers and producers in the United States of—
(1)
sales of imported seafood that is misrepresented as domestic product;
(2)
country of origin labeling that allows seafood harvested outside the United States to be labeled as a product of the United States;
(3)
the lack of seafood product traceability through the supply chain; and
(4)
the inadequate use of DNA testing and other technology to address seafood safety and fraud, including traceability.
B
Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers
11201.
Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers
(a)
Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers
Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers
after ranchers
;
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers
after ranchers
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers
after ranchers
; and
(C)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in the heading of such subparagraph, by striking 2012
and inserting 2018
;
(II)
in clause (i), by striking and
at the end;
(III)
in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(IV)
by adding at the end the following new clause:
(iii)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
; and
(ii)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(E)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
;
(3)
in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers
after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
;
(4)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and
before members
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and
before members
; and
(5)
in subsection (e)(5)(A)—
(A)
in clause (i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers
after ranchers
; and
(B)
in clause (ii), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers
after ranchers
.
(b)
Definition of veteran farmer or rancher
Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(7)
Veteran farmer or rancher
The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable.
.
11202.
Office of Advocacy and Outreach
Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)) is amended to read as follows:
(3)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—
(A)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and
(B)
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
11203.
Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center
Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279), as amended by section 11201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(i)
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.
.
11204.
Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies
Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e)) is amended by striking and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt
.
C
Other miscellaneous provisions
11301.
Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force
Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2008q–1) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1)
such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
(2)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
.
11302.
Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study
Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking this Act or an amendment made by this Act
and inserting this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
.
11303.
Office of Tribal Relations
(a)
Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354) the following new section:
309.
Office of Tribal Relations
The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes.
.
(b)
Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (8), as added by section 3207, the following new paragraph:
(9)
the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in accordance with section 309; and
.
11304.
Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
(a)
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7 U.S.C. 6918) the following new section:
219.
Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
(a)
The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
(b)
The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall—
(1)
provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career;
(2)
provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;
(3)
serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and
(4)
advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department.
.
(b)
Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (9), as added by section 11303, the following new paragraph:
(10)
the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219.
.
11305.
Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight
Effective immediately, a Federal employee of a State office of the Farm Service Agency in the field and non-Federal employees of county and area committees established under section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5)) shall keep leased interagency motor pool vehicles at a location listed on the General Services Administration inventory of owned and leased properties or a location owned or leased by the Department of Agriculture overnight unless the employee assigned the vehicle is on overnight, approved travel status involving per diem.
11306.
Noninsured crop assistance program
Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333), as amended by section 10013(b), is further amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
(1)
(A)
In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to—
(i)
catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)); or
(ii)
additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does not exceed 65 percent.
(B)
The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency
).
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in clause (i), by striking and
after the semicolon at the end;
(II)
by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
(III)
by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:
(ii)
for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is not available; and
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum,
before and industrial crops
;
(2)
in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary
and inserting Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(l)
Payment equivalent to additional coverage
(1)
The Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does not exceed 65 percent of the established yield for the eligible crop on the farm, computed by multiplying—
(A)
the quantity that is not greater than 65 percent of the established yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent;
(B)
100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and
(C)
a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects—
(i)
in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable—
(I)
harvested;
(II)
planted but not harvested; or
(III)
prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or
(ii)
in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary.
(2)
To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay—
(A)
the service fee required by subsection (k); and
(B)
a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
(i)
the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop;
(ii)
the established yield for the eligible crop, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e);
(iii)
the coverage level elected by the producer;
(iv)
the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and
(v)
.0525.
(3)
Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers
The additional coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2).
(4)
Premium Payment and Application Deadline
(A)
A producer electing additional coverage under this subsection shall pay the premium amount owed for the additional coverage by September 30 of the crop year for which the additional coverage is purchased.
(B)
The latest date on which additional coverage under this subsection may be elected shall be the application closing date described in subsection (b)(1).
(5)
Additional coverage under this subsection shall be available beginning with the 2015 crop.
.
11307.
Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information
(a)
Requirement for final guidelines
Not later than January 1, 2014, each Federal agency shall have in effect guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information relied upon by such agency.
(b)
The guidelines described in subsection (a), with respect to a Federal agency, shall ensure that—
(1)
when scientific information is considered by the agency in policy decisions—
(A)
the information is subject to well-established scientific processes, including peer review where appropriate;
(B)
the agency appropriately applies the scientific information to the policy decision;
(C)
except for information that is protected from disclosure by law or administrative practice, the agency makes available to the public the scientific information considered by the agency;
(D)
the agency gives greatest weight to information that is based on experimental, empirical, quantifiable, and reproducible data that is developed in accordance with well-established scientific processes; and
(E)
with respect to any proposed rule issued by the agency, such agency follows procedures that include, to the extent feasible and permitted by law, an opportunity for public comment on all relevant scientific findings;
(2)
the agency has procedures in place to make policy decisions only on the basis of the best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical, economic, and other evidence and information concerning the need for, consequences of, and alternatives to the decision; and
(3)
the agency has in place procedures to identify and address instances in which the integrity of scientific information considered by the agency may have been compromised, including instances in which such information may have been the product of a scientific process that was compromised.
(c)
Approval needed for policy decisions To take effect
No policy decision issued after January 1, 2014, by an agency subject to this section may take effect prior to such date that the agency has in effect guidelines under subsection (a) that have been approved by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(d)
Policy decisions not in compliance
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2), a policy decision of an agency that does not comply with guidelines approved under subsection (c) shall be deemed to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise not in accordance with law.
(2)
This subsection shall not apply to policy decisions that are deemed to be necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or because of another emergency.
(e)
For purposes of this section:
(1)
The term agency has the meaning given such term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(2)
The term policy decision means, with respect to an agency, an agency action as defined in section 551(13) of title 5, United States Code, (other than an adjudication, as defined in section 551(7) of such title), and includes—
(A)
the listing, labeling, or other identification of a substance, product, or activity as hazardous or creating risk to human health, safety, or the environment; and
(B)
agency guidance.
(3)
The term agency guidance means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or on an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue.
11308.
Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency
(a)
Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume
Section 14212 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 6932a) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection:
(a)
Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume
The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in a State if the Secretary determines, after conducting the evaluation required under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume compared with other county offices in the State.
.
(b)
Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses two ems to the right;
(2)
by striking the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum extent practicable
and inserting
the Farm Service Agency—
(A)
to the maximum extent practicable
;
(3)
in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))—
(A)
by inserting as of the date of the enactment of this Act
after employees
; and
(B)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(B)
conduct and complete an evaluation of all workload assessments for Farm Service Agency county offices that were open and operational as of January 1, 2012, during the period that begins on a date that is not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 and ends on the date that is 18 months after such date of enactment.
.
(c)
Section 14212(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture may not close a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency unless—
and inserting After carrying out each of the activities required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before closing a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency—
;
(2)
in subparagraph (A), by striking the Secretary holds
and inserting hold
; and
(3)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the Secretary notifies
and inserting notify
.
(d)
Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1)) is amended by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary
and inserting The Secretary
.
11309.
Acer access and development program
(a)
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)
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)
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)
The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
(f)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
11310.
Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture
(a)
Review of regulatory agenda
The Secretary of Agriculture shall review publications that may give notice that the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing or plans to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, including—
(1)
any regulatory agenda of the Environmental Protection Agency published pursuant to section 602 of title 5, United States Code;
(2)
any regulatory plan or agenda published by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to an Executive order, including Executive Order 12866; and
(3)
any other publication issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget that may reasonably be foreseen to contain notice of plans by the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities.
(b)
For a publication item reviewed under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, the Secretary shall—
(1)
solicit from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency any information the Administrator may provide to facilitate a review of the publication item;
(2)
utilize the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture to produce an economic impact statement for the publication item that contains a detailed estimate of potential costs to agricultural entities;
(3)
identify individuals representative of potentially affected agricultural entities for the purpose of obtaining advice and recommendations from such individuals about the potential impacts of the publication item; and
(4)
convene a review panel for analysis of the publication item that includes the Secretary, any full-time Federal employee of the Department of Agriculture appointed to the panel by the Secretary, and any employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget that accepts an invitation from the Secretary to participate in the panel.
(c)
Duties of the review panel
A review panel convened for a publication item under subsection (b)(4) shall—
(1)
review any information or material obtained by the Secretary and prepared in connection with the publication item, including any draft proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect;
(2)
collect advice and recommendations from agricultural entity representatives identified by the Administrator after consultation with the Secretary;
(3)
compile and analyze such advice and recommendations; and
(4)
make recommendations to the Secretary based on the information gathered by the review panel or provided by agricultural entity representatives.
(d)
(1)
Not later than 60 days after the date the Secretary convenes a review panel pursuant to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Administrator comments on the planned or proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect for consideration and inclusion in any related administrative record, including—
(A)
a report by the Secretary on the concerns of agricultural entities;
(B)
the findings of the review panel;
(C)
the findings of the Secretary, including any adopted findings of the review panel; and
(D)
recommendations of the Secretary.
(2)
The Secretary shall publish the comments in the Federal Register and make the comments available to the public on the public Internet website of the Department of Agriculture.
(e)
The Secretary may waive initiation of the review panel under subsection (b)(4) as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(f)
Definition of agricultural entity
In this section, the term agricultural entity means any entity involved in or related to agricultural enterprise, including enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries.
11311.
Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture
Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156(a)(1)) is amended by striking the period and inserting or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture.
.
11312.
Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States
(a)
Consistent with Article I, section 8, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States, the government of a State or locality therein shall not impose a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of any agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if—
(1)
such production or manufacture occurs in another State; and
(2)
the standard or condition is in addition to the standards and conditions applicable to such production or manufacture pursuant to—
(A)
Federal law; and
(B)
the laws of the State and locality in which such production or manufacture occurs.
(b)
Agricultural product defined
In this section, the term agricultural product has the meaning given such term in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1626).
11313.
Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin
(a)
Congress finds the following:
(1)
Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin during 2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of the upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain snowpack.
(2)
Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month period of March through July totaled an estimated 48.4 million acre-feet (referred to in this section as MAF
). This runoff volume was more than 20 percent greater than the design storm for the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System (referred to in this section as the System
), which was based on the 1881 runoff of 40.0 MAF during the same 5-month period.
(3)
During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61 million acre-feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far surpassing the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was set during the flood of 1997.
(4)
Given the incredible amount of water entering the System, the summer months were spent working to evacuate as much water from the System as possible, ultimately leading to record high water releases from Gavins Point Dam of 160,000 cubic feet per second, a rate that more than doubled the previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet per second set in 1997.
(5)
For nearly four months, those extremely high releases from Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and sustained flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska as well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri inundated by a flooding river three to five feet deep, up to 11 miles wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to 11 miles per hour.
(6)
Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was done to roads and other public infrastructure.
(7)
In addition to the homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacted by the flooding, hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland were affected.
(8)
The Department of Agriculture has estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop land in the world was flooded in 2011.
(9)
Local Farm Services Agency representatives have estimated that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to damaged or lost crops and unplanted acres.
(10)
Not only did the flooding eliminate the 2011 crop, but it is highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put that land back into production at any point in the near future.
(11)
Producers will have to contend with large piles of sand, silt, and other debris that have been deposited in their fields, meaning the impact of the 2011 flood will be felt in the agricultural communities up and down the Missouri River for many years to come.
(12)
Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the System that is set aside for flood control is based upon the vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, because prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the high water mark
.
(13)
Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011, it is clear that year’s flooding now represents a new high water mark
, surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood.
(14)
It is important that the flood control related functions of the System management be adjusted to reflect the reality of the 2011 flood as the new worst case scenario
for flooding along the Missouri River.
(15)
System management may begin to be adjusted to account for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of storage space within the System that is allocated to flood control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the greatest flood experienced—the flood of 2011.
(16)
As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States received disaster declarations from the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the damage done by the high water.
(17)
Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the agriculture community with the resources to put their land back into production any time soon.
(18)
Without the protection that will come from a fundamental change in the System’s flood control storage allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests who may be in a position to restart their operations will find it difficult to justify doing so, given the fact that they will not be protected from similar flooding in the future.
(b)
Updated management of the Missouri river To protect agricultural interests
In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Missouri River basin, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri River basin by working within its jurisdiction to support efforts—
(1)
to recalculate the amount of space within the System that is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011 flood as the model; and
(2)
to increase the Missouri River’s channel capacity between the reservoirs and below Gavins Point.
11314.
Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region
In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Black Dirt region, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests around the Wallkill River and in the Black Dirt region.
11315.
Protection of honey bees and other pollinators
(a)
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out such activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect and ensure the long-term viability of populations of honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial insects of agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and other plants, including—
(1)
providing technical expertise relating to proposed agency actions that may threaten pollinator health or jeopardize the long-term viability of populations of pollinators;
(2)
providing formal guidance on national policies relating to—
(A)
permitting managed honey bees to forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; and
(B)
planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities;
(3)
making use of the best available peer-reviewed science regarding environmental and chemical stressors on pollinator health; and
(4)
regularly monitoring and reporting on the health and population status of managed and native pollinators including bees, birds, bats, and other species.
(b)
Task force on bee health and commercial beekeeping
(1)
The Secretary shall establish a task force—
(A)
to coordinate Federal efforts carried out on or after the date of enactment of this Act to address the serious worldwide decline in bee health, especially honey bees and declining native bees; and
(B)
to assess Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry.
(2)
The task force established under this subsection shall seek ongoing consultation from any Federal agency carrying out activities important to bee health and commercial beekeeping, including officials from—
(A)
the Department of Agriculture;
(B)
the Department of the Interior;
(C)
the Environmental Protection Agency;
(D)
the Food and Drug Administration;
(E)
the Department of Commerce; and
(F)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
(3)
The task force established under this subsection shall consult with beekeeper, conservation, scientist, and agricultural stakeholders.
(c)
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the task force established under subsection (b) shall submit to Congress a report that—
(1)
summarizes Federal activities carried out pursuant to subsection (f) of section of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) (as redesignated by section 7209) or any other provision of law (including regulations) to address bee decline;
(2)
summarizes international efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; and
(3)
provides recommendations to Congress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators.
(d)
Pollinator research lab feasibility study
(1)
The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, may conduct feasibility studies regarding—
(A)
re-locating existing honey bee and native pollinator research from Federal laboratories to a cooperator-run facility in a location most geographically appropriate for pollinator research; and
(B)
modernizing existing honey bee research laboratories identified by the Agricultural Research Service in the capital investment strategy document dated 2012.
(2)
In conducting the feasibility studies under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with—
(A)
beekeeper, native bee, agricultural, research institution, and bee conservation stakeholders regarding new research laboratory needs under paragraph (1)(A); and
(B)
commercial beekeepers regarding the modernizing of existing honey bee laboratories under paragraph (1)(B).
11316.
Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States
(a)
Technical assistance to CBP
The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States.
(b)
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 produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States.
11317.
Urban agriculture coordination
The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate opportunities for urban agriculture, by—
(1)
compiling a list of all programs administered by the Secretary or by the head of any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States to which urban farmers can apply for assistance or participation;
(2)
examining and implementing opportunities to adjust the regulations governing the programs to enable urban farmers to participate in more of the programs;
(3)
developing a process for streamlining the process by which urban farmers may apply for assistance from, or for participation in, the programs, including through the use of a single, harmonized application for multiple programs; and
(4)
such other methods as the Secretary deems appropriate.
11318.
Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses
It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should increase the number of contracts the Federal Government awards to black farmers, businesses owned and controlled by women, businesses owned and controlled by minorities, and small business concerns.
11319.
Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
agricultural nutrients and other agricultural chemicals are essential to ensuring the most efficient production of food, fuel, and fiber;
(2)
these products must be properly stored, handled, transported, and used to ensure that they are not misused or cause harm either accidentally or intentionally;
(3)
the Department of Agriculture is the Federal agency with the staffing and technical expertise to understand the important role these products play in agriculture;
(4)
other Federal departments and agencies have been given lead responsibility to develop and implement security programs affecting the availability, storage, transportation, and use of a variety of chemicals and products used in agriculture;
(5)
it is critical that the Department of Agriculture participates fully in the development of any such security programs to ensure that they do not unnecessarily restrict the availability of the most efficient and beneficial products needed to sustain agriculture in the United States;
(6)
the Secretary of Agriculture should review staffing at the Department to ensure that the agency has senior employees within the Department at the Senior Executive Service level or higher, who have responsibility for coordinating with other Federal, State, and international agencies in the development of regulations, guidance, and procedures for the secure handling of agricultural chemicals; and
(7)
such employees shall—
(A)
work with manufacturers, retailers, and the general farm community to review existing and proposed Federal, State, and international agricultural chemical security regulations;
(B)
coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and farmers to evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations, including systems to track the sale, transportation, delivery, and use of agricultural products, can be designed to minimize any adverse impact on agricultural productivity;
(C)
evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations will affect the ability of agricultural producers to have timely access to nutrients, chemicals, and other products that are affordable and best suited to the producers’ operations;
(D)
develop recommendations on best practices, policies, and regulatory mechanisms relating to existing and proposed security programs to ensure that there is minimal adverse impact on agricultural productivity; and
(E)
engage with Federal agencies with responsibility for establishing security programs to ensure that they have the information needed to develop procedures for effective security administration and enforcement that minimize any adverse impact on domestic or international agricultural productivity.
11320.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on—
(1)
efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944); and
(2)
the benefits to the United States of the Interim International Cooperative Measures in the Colorado River Basin through 2017 and Extension of Minute 318 Cooperative Measures to Address the Continued Effects of the April 2010 Earthquake in the Mexicali Valley, Baja, California (done at Coronado, California, November 20, 2012; commonly referred to as Minute No. 319
).
11321.
Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
(a)
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary
) may not enforce any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (Public Law 111–353) until the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register the following:
(1)
An analysis of the scientific information used in the final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on—
(A)
agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes;
(B)
regional differences of agriculture production, processing, marketing, and value added production;
(C)
agricultural businesses that are diverse livestock and produce producers; and
(D)
what, if any, negative impact on the agricultural businesses would be created, or exacerbated, by implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
(2)
An analysis of the economic impact of the proposed final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on—
(A)
agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; and
(B)
small and mid-sized value added food processors.
(3)
A plan to systematically evaluate the regulations by surveying farmers and processors and developing an ongoing process to evaluate and address business concerns.
(b)
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the impact of implementation of the regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
11322.
Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business
The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete procedures consistent with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 609 of title 5, United States Code, whenever the Department of Agriculture promulgates any rule which will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
11323.
Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342(l)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(3)
(A)
NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities
The Administrator shall not require a permit or otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance.
(B)
Permits for dredged or fill material
Nothing in this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting requirement under section 404.
.
11324.
Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule
(a)
The Administrator, in implementing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to any farm, shall—
(1)
require certification of compliance with such rule by—
(A)
a professional engineer for a farm with—
(i)
an individual tank with an aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons;
(ii)
an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons; or
(iii)
a history that includes a spill, as determined by the Administrator; or
(B)
the owner or operator of the farm (via self-certification) for a farm with—
(i)
an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and
(ii)
no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator; and
(2)
exempt from all requirements of such rule any farm—
(A)
with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and
(B)
no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator.
(b)
Calculation of aggregate aboveground storage capacity
For the purposes of subsection (a), the aggregate aboveground storage capacity of a farm excludes—
(1)
all containers on separate parcels that have a capacity that is less than 1,320 gallons; and
(2)
all storage containers holding animal feed ingredients approved for use in livestock feed by the Food and Drug Administration.
(c)
In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2)
The term farm has the meaning given such term in section 112.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)
The term gallon refers to a United States liquid gallon.
(4)
The term history of spills has the meaning used to describe the term reportable discharge history in section 112.7(k)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(5)
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule
The term Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule means the regulation promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency under part 112 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
11325.
Agricultural producer information disclosure
(a)
In this section:
(1)
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2)
The term Agency means the Environmental Protection Agency.
(3)
The term agricultural operation includes any operation where an agricultural commodity crop is raised, including livestock operations.
(4)
The term livestock operation includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing of livestock or poultry.
(b)
Disclosure of information
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or any contractor of the Agency, shall not make public the information of any owner, operator, or employee of an agricultural operation provided to the Agency by a farmer, rancher, or livestock producer or a State agency that has been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or any other law, including—
(A)
names;
(B)
telephone numbers;
(C)
email addresses;
(D)
physical addresses;
(E)
Global Positioning System coordinates; or
(F)
other identifying location information.
(2)
Nothing in paragraph (1) affects—
(A)
the disclosure of information described in paragraph (1) if—
(i)
the information has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any information that identifies the agricultural operation or agricultural producer; or
(ii)
the producer consents to the disclosure; or
(B)
the authority of any State agency to collect information on livestock operations.
(3)
Condition of permit or other programs
The approval of any permit, practice, or program administered by the Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the agricultural producer or livestock producer under paragraph (2)(A)(ii).
11326.
Report on National Ocean Policy
(a)
Congress finds the following:
(1)
Executive Order 13547, issued on July 19, 2010, established the national policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and requires—
(A)
Federal implementation of ecosystem-based management
to achieve a fundamental shift
in how the United States manages ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and
(B)
the establishment of nine new governmental Regional Planning Bodies
and Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans
in every region of the United States.
(2)
Executive Order 13547 created a 54-member National Ocean Council led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Science and Technology Policy that includes 54 principal and deputy-level representatives from Federal entities, including the Department of Agriculture.
(3)
Executive Order 13547 requires National Ocean Council members, including the Department of Agriculture, to take action to implement the Policy and participate in coastal and marine spatial planning to the maximum extent possible.
(4)
The Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that were adopted by Executive Order 13547 state that effective
implementation of the National Ocean Policy will require clear and easily understood requirements and regulations, where appropriate, that include enforcement as a critical component
.
(5)
Despite repeated Congressional requests, the National Ocean Council, which is charged with overseeing implementation of the policy, has still not provided a complete accounting of Federal activities under the policy and resources expended and allocated in furtherance of implementation of the policy.
(6)
The continued economic and budgetary challenges of the United States underscore the necessity for sound, transparent, and practical Federal policies.
(b)
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report detailing—
(1)
all activities engaged in and resources expended in furtherance of Executive Order 13547 since July 19, 2010; and
(2)
any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of implementation of Executive Order 13547.
11327.
(a)
Subject to subsection (b), each fiscal year the Secretary of Agriculture may not carry out any program—
(1)
for which an authorization of appropriations is established or extended under this Act; and
(2)
that is funded by discretionary appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c))).
(b)
Subsection (a) shall take effect with respect to a program referred to in such subsection on the date on which the authorization of appropriations under this Act for such program expires.
(c)
Subsection (a) does not affect the ability of the Secretary to carry out responsibilities with regard to loans, grants, or other obligations made or in existence before an applicable effective date under subsection (b).
D
Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery
11401.
This subtitle may be cited as the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013
.
11402.
Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget
(a)
The Director, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, shall submit to Congress a financial report containing—
(1)
an interagency crosscut budget that displays—
(A)
the proposed funding for any Federal restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration activities;
(B)
to the extent that information is available, the estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year;
(C)
all expenditures for Federal restoration activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and
(D)
all expenditures, to the extent that information is available, for State restoration activities during the equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C);
(2)
a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the identification of funds which were transferred to a Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities;
(3)
to the extent that information is available, a detailed accounting from each State of all funds received and obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years; and
(4)
a description of each of the proposed Federal and State restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the—
(A)
project description;
(B)
current status of the project;
(C)
Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority, programs, or responsible agencies;
(D)
authorization level for appropriations;
(E)
project timeline, including benchmarks;
(F)
references to project documents;
(G)
descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project implementation;
(H)
adaptive management actions or framework;
(I)
coordinating entities;
(J)
funding history;
(K)
cost sharing; and
(L)
alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities.
(b)
The Director shall only describe restoration activities in the report required under subsection (a) that—
(1)
for Federal restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and
(2)
for State restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $50,000.
(c)
The Director shall submit to Congress the report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the submission by the President of the President’s annual budget to Congress.
(d)
Copies of the financial report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(e)
This section shall apply beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act for which the President submits a budget to Congress.
11403.
Restoration through adaptive management
(a)
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal and State agencies, and with the participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States to employ adaptive management in carrying out restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
(b)
The plan referred to in subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay States;
(2)
a process for stakeholder participation;
(3)
monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation technical assistance requested by Chesapeake Bay States;
(4)
identification of State restoration activities planned by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1);
(5)
identification of Federal restoration activities that could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1);
(6)
recommendations for a process for modification of State and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set forth under paragraph (1); and
(7)
recommendations for a process for integrating and prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management can be applied.
(c)
In addition to carrying out Federal restoration activities under existing authorities and funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available for such purposes that are identified by the Director under section 11402.
(d)
The Administrator shall update the plan developed under subsection (a) every 2 years.
(e)
(1)
Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an annual report on the implementation of the plan required under this section for such fiscal year.
(2)
The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain information about the application of adaptive management to restoration activities and programs, including level changes implemented through the process of adaptive management.
(3)
Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act.
(f)
Inclusion of plan in annual action plan and annual progress report
The Administrator shall ensure that the Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by section 205 of Executive Order 13508 includes the adaptive management plan outlined in subsection (a).
11404.
Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program
(a)
There shall be an Independent Evaluator for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in restoration activities, including on such related topics as are suggested by the Chesapeake Executive Council.
(b)
(1)
The Independent Evaluator shall be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council.
(2)
The Chesapeake Executive Council may submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator.
(c)
The Independent Evaluator shall submit a report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and recommendations of reviews under this section.
(d)
Chesapeake Executive Council
In this section, the term Chesapeake Executive Council has the meaning given that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–567; 15 U.S.C. 1511d).
11405.
In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
(1)
The term adaptive management means a type of natural resource management in which project and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration activities that are based on scientific findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration activities.
(2)
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(3)
The term Chesapeake Bay State or State means the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
(4)
The term Chesapeake Bay watershed means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of 36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States, through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay.
(5)
The term chief executive means, in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
(6)
The term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(7)
State restoration activities
The term State restoration activities means any State programs or projects carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows:
(A)
Physical restoration.
(B)
Planning.
(C)
Feasibility studies.
(D)
Scientific research.
(E)
Monitoring.
(F)
Education.
(G)
Infrastructure development.
(8)
Federal restoration activities
The term Federal restoration activities means any Federal programs or projects carried out under existing Federal authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that provide financial and technical assistance to promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows:
(A)
Physical restoration.
(B)
Planning.
(C)
Feasibility studies.
(D)
Scientific research.
(E)
Monitoring.
(F)
Education.
(G)
Infrastructure development.