Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend: (1) the conservation reserve and related programs, (2) the pilot program for enrollment of wetland and buffer acreage in the conservation reserve program, (3) the environmental quality incentives program, (4) activities to address air quality concerns from agricultural operations, and (5) the conservation access program.
Permits conservation reserve contract modification to facilitate transfers from retiring owners to limited resource farmers or ranchers.
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) reduce the number of operating years required for a beginning farmer or rancher to qualify for a direct real estate loan, (2) authorize micro loans for beginning farmers or ranchers who are between 19 and 35 years old, (3) extend real estate and operating loan authority at increased levels, (4) revise private source transition provisions, (5) make the direct operating loan set-aside for beginning farmers and ranchers permanent, (6) permit loans and grants for entrepreneurial farm and farm-related enterprises, and (7) extend the beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program.
Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to extend the value-added agricultural product market development grant program.
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the beginning farmer and rancher development program. Provides assistance for agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans.
Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to extend the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Provides priority assistance for new farming opportunities, including young, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and immigrant issues, as well as farm entry, transition, and transfer issues.
Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to express the sense of Congress that the Department of Agriculture (USDA) should remove barriers and ensure effective access to crop and revenue insurance by beginning farmers and ranchers.
Extends authority for reimbursement of research, development, and maintenance costs.
Provides for risk management programs targeted at beginning, socially disadvantaged, transitioning, or legal immigrant farmers and ranchers.
Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to direct the Small Farms and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Group (within the Office of Advocacy and Outreach) to designate a state small and beginning farmer and rancher coordinator from among the state office employees of the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Risk Management Agency, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.
Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish in USDA the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3236 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3236
To expand and improve opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 14, 2011
Mr. Walz of Minnesota (for himself and Mr. Fortenberry) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and
in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To expand and improve opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Beginning Farmer
and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program
Sec. 101. Extension of conservation reserve program.
Sec. 102. Contracts.
Subtitle B--Farmland Protection Program
Sec. 111. Farmland protection program.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Sec. 121. Establishment and administration of environmental quality
incentives program.
Sec. 122. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Subtitle D--Funding and Administration
Sec. 131. Funding of conservation programs under Food Security Act of
1985.
Sec. 132. Assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation
access.
Sec. 133. Comprehensive conservation planning.
TITLE II--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans
Sec. 201. Direct farm ownership experience requirement.
Sec. 202. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 203. Loan terms for down payment loan program.
Sec. 204. Definition of qualified beginning farmer or rancher.
Subtitle B--Operating Loans
Sec. 211. Young beginning farmer or rancher microloans.
Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions
Sec. 221. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
pilot program.
Sec. 222. Transition to private commercial or other sources of credit.
Sec. 223. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 224. Direct loans for beginning farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 225. Borrower training.
TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 301. Value-added producer grants.
Sec. 302. Use of loans and grants for entrepreneurial farm enterprises.
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION
Sec. 401. Beginning farmer and rancher development program.
Sec. 402. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
TITLE V--CROP INSURANCE
Sec. 501. Sense of Congress on beginning farmer and rancher access to
crop and revenue insurance.
Sec. 502. Risk management partnership programs.
TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 601. Small and beginning farmer and rancher coordinators.
Sec. 602. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
Sec. 603. Budgetary effects.
Sec. 604. Effective date.
TITLE I--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program
SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2017''.
(b) Land Eligible for Enrollment in Conservation Reserve.--Section
1231(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3831(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008'' and inserting ``Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity
Act of 2011''.
(c) Maximum Enrollment of Acreage in Conservation Reserve.--Section
1231(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)) is
amended--
(1) by striking the first sentence; and
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``2010, 2011, and
2012'' and inserting ``2010 through 2017''.
(d) Pilot Program for Enrollment of Wetland and Buffer Acreage in
Conservation Reserve.--Section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3831b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2017''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(C), by striking ``2002 through
2007'' and inserting ``2008 through 2012''.
SEC. 102. CONTRACTS.
Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking clause (iii) and
inserting the following:
``(iii) to facilitate a transition of land
subject to the contract from a retired or
retiring owner or operator to a beginning
farmer or rancher, socially disadvantaged
farmer or rancher, or limited resource farmer
or rancher who is or will be actively engaged
in farming or ranching with respect to the land
transferred under this subsection for the
purpose of returning some or all of the land
into production using sustainable grazing or
crop production methods that meet or exceed the
resource management system quality criteria for
erosion, soil quality, water quality, and fish
and wildlife; or''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``or socially disadvantaged farmer or
rancher'' and inserting ``socially disadvantaged farmer
or rancher, or limited resource farmer or rancher who
is or will be actively engaged in farming or ranching
with respect to the land transferred under this
subsection''; and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) and
inserting the following:
``(C) require the covered farmer or rancher to
develop and implement a comprehensive conservation plan
that addresses all resource concerns and meets such
sustainability criteria as the Secretary may establish;
``(D) provide to the covered farmer or rancher an
opportunity to enroll in the conservation stewardship
program or the environmental quality incentives program
at any time beginning on the date that is 1 year before
the date of termination of the contract, including
technical and financial assistance in the development
of a comprehensive conservation plan;
``(E) if the land transferred under this subsection
remains in grass cover, provide to the covered farmer
or rancher an opportunity to enroll in a long-term or
permanent easement under the grassland reserve program
or farmland protection program at any time beginning on
the date that is 1 year before the date of termination
of the contact; and
``(F) continue to make annual payments to the
retired or retiring owner or operator for not more than
an additional 2 years after the date of termination of
the contract, except that, in the case of a retired or
retiring owner or operator who is a family member (as
defined in section 1001) of the covered farmer or
rancher, the additional payments shall be made only if
title to the land is sold or transferred to the covered
farmer or rancher on termination of the contract.''.
Subtitle B--Farmland Protection Program
SEC. 111. FARMLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM.
Section 1238I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838i) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``to promote farm
viability for future generations'' before the period at the
end; and
(2) in subsection (g)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) provide a funding priority, to the maximum
extent practicable, for--
``(i) eligible land for which there exists
a farm or ranch succession plan or similar plan
established to create opportunities for
beginning farmers and ranchers and encourage
farm viability for future generations;
``(ii) easements that exercise an option to
purchase at a price that is equal to the
agricultural use value;
``(iii) qualified beginning farmers or
ranchers with contracts to purchase the land to
be protected;
``(iv) land owned by a nongovernmental
organization that will be sold to a qualified
beginning farmer or rancher;
``(v) contemporaneous farm transfers of
eligible land to qualified beginning farmers
and ranchers that may not occur without the
financial assistance of the program; and
``(vi) other similar mechanisms to maintain
the affordability of farm and ranch land for
successive generations of farmers and ranchers;
and''.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
SEC. 121. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
INCENTIVES PROGRAM.
Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2017'';
(2) in subsection (d)(4)(B), by striking ``30 percent'' and
inserting ``50 percent''; and
(3) in subsection (f), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2017''.
SEC. 122. 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 at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) provide environmental and resource
conservation benefits through increased participation
by beginning farmers and ranchers and socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2017''.
Subtitle D--Funding and Administration
SEC. 131. FUNDING OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS UNDER FOOD SECURITY ACT OF
1985.
(a) In General.--Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017''.
(b) Conservation Reserve Program.--Section 1241(a)(1) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(1)) is amended by striking
``2012'' each place it appears and inserting ``2017''.
(c) Environmental Quality Incentives Program.--Section
1241(a)(6)(E) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841(a)(6)(E)) is amended by striking ``fiscal year 2012'' and
inserting ``each of fiscal years 2012 through 2017''.
SEC. 132. ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN FARMERS OR RANCHERS FOR CONSERVATION
ACCESS.
Section 1241(g) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017'';
and
(B) by striking ``5 percent'' each place it appears
and inserting ``10 percent'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``(but not earlier than
120 days after the date that funding for the fiscal year is
allocated to the States)'' after ``Secretary'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``(but not earlier than
120 days after the date that acres for the fiscal year are
allocated to the States)'' after ``Secretary''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Participation by beginning and socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers.--Nothing in this subsection prohibits
beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers from
participating in programs and receiving funding available under
this title that is not reserved under paragraph (1).
``(5) Technical assistance.--Within the funds reserved
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall allocate to the
Natural Resources Conservation Service funding for technical
assistance at a rate that is not more than 10 percent higher
than the rate that would otherwise apply to allow the Service
to provide additional technical assistance to beginning farmers
or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers to
establish conservation plans.''.
SEC. 133. COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLANNING.
Section 1244(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3844(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Comprehensive conservation planning.--In carrying out
this subsection, the Secretary shall provide technical and
financial assistance using resources available under the
environmental quality incentives program, conservation
stewardship program, or such other programs as the Secretary
may determine to covered persons who request the assistance to
develop a comprehensive conservation plan for the farming or
ranching operation of the covered person.''.
TITLE II--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans
SEC. 201. DIRECT FARM OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT.
Section 302(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended by striking ``3 years'' and inserting
``2 years''.
SEC. 202. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1924) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) by striking ``shall meet'' and inserting
``shall--
``(A) meet'';
(B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) be the owner or operator of not larger than a
family farm.'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``The portion'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
portion''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers.--In the case of beginning farmers or ranchers and
socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, the portion of the
loan the Secretary may guarantee under this section shall be 95
percent of the principal amount of the loan.''; and
(3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
``(h) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make or guarantee
loans under this section for not more than $250,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017, of which, for each
fiscal year, not more than \1/2\ shall be used for direct loans
and not more than \1/2\ shall be used for guaranteed loans.
``(2) Qualified beginning farmers and ranchers.--
``(A) Direct loans.--Of the amount made available
for direct loans for a fiscal year under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall reserve for qualified beginning
farmers and ranchers until April 1 of the fiscal year
not less than 50 percent of the amount.
``(B) Guaranteed loans.--Of the amount made
available for guaranteed loans for a fiscal year under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve for
qualified beginning farmers and ranchers until April 1
of the fiscal year not less than 50 percent of the
amount.''.
SEC. 203. LOAN TERMS FOR DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.
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''.
SEC. 204. DEFINITION OF QUALIFIED BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER.
Section 343(a)(11)(F) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F)) is amended by striking
``median'' and inserting ``average''.
Subtitle B--Operating Loans
SEC. 211. YOUNG BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER MICROLOANS.
Section 311 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1941) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Young Beginning Farmer or Rancher Microloans.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make microloans under
this subtitle to beginning farmers or ranchers who are not less
than 19 and not more than 35 years of age to enable the
beginning farmers or ranchers to obtain flexible capital to
finance operations.
``(2) Liability.--In the case of a microloan under this
subsection, the Secretary may accept the personal liability of
a cosigner of the promissory note in addition to the personal
liability of the borrower.
``(3) Principal balance.--The principal balance for a
microloan made under this subsection shall not exceed $35,000.
``(4) Term.--Loan repayment under this subsection shall be
required in not less than 1 and not more than 7 years.
``(5) Interest rate.--The interest rate on a loan made
under this subsection shall not exceed the maximum interest
rate that may be charged low income, limited resource borrowers
under section 316(a)(2).
``(6) Borrower training.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), to
be eligible for a microloan under this subsection, the
borrower shall have successfully completed, or will
complete within 1 year, borrower training described in
section 359.
``(B) Waivers.--In carrying out subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall not grant a waiver described in
section 359(f) except in the case of a borrower who
successfully completed, or will complete within 1 year,
an equivalent training program, including programs
established under section 7405 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f), as
determined by the Secretary.''.
Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions
SEC. 221. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS
PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 333B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1983b) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the
following:
``(h) Funding.--On October 1, 2012, and on each October 1
thereafter through October 1, 2016, of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section
$5,000,000, to remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 222. TRANSITION TO PRIVATE COMMERCIAL OR OTHER SOURCES OF CREDIT.
(a) Conditions for Direct Loans.--Section 311(c) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(c)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking the semicolon
at the end and inserting ``; and'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' at
the end and inserting a period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Term limits.--Subject to paragraph (4), if a farmer
or rancher has received a direct operating loan pursuant to
this section in each of 9 consecutive years, the farmer or
rancher may not receive a direct operating loan from the
Secretary under this section for the next year.
``(4) Waivers for farm and ranch operations on tribal
land.--The Secretary shall waive the limitation under paragraph
(3) for a direct loan made under this subtitle to a farmer or
rancher whose farm or ranch land is subject to the jurisdiction
of an Indian tribe and whose loan is secured by 1 or more
security instruments that are subject to the jurisdiction of an
Indian tribe if the Secretary determines that commercial credit
is not generally available for the farm or ranch operations.''.
(b) Limitation on Period Borrowers Are Eligible for Guaranteed
Assistance.--Section 319 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1949) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting
the following:
``(b) Limitation on Period Borrowers Are Eligible for Guaranteed
Assistance.--If a borrower has received a guaranteed loan under this
subtitle in each of 15 consecutive years, the borrower may not receive
a loan guaranteed by the Secretary for the next year.''.
SEC. 223. LOAN AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.
Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``$4,226,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012''
and inserting ``$5,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2017'' ;
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``$1,200,000,000'' and inserting ``$2,000,000,000'';
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``$350,000,000'' and
inserting ``$750,000,000''; and
(C) in clause (ii), by striking ``$850,000,000''
and inserting ``$1,250,000,000''; and
(3) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``$3,026,000,000'' and inserting ``$3,000,000,000'';
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``$1,000,000,000''
and inserting ``$1,500,000,000''; and
(C) in clause (ii), by striking ``$2,026,000,000''
and inserting ``$1,500,000,000''.
SEC. 224. DIRECT LOANS FOR BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
Section 346(b)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by adding at the end the following:
``(III) Priority.--In order to
maximize the number of borrowers served
under this clause, the Secretary--
``(aa) shall give priority
to borrowers 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 only if the
Secretary determines that down
payment or other participation
loan options are not a viable
approach for a particular
borrower.''; and
(2) in clause (ii)(III), by striking ``each of fiscal years
2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2008 and each
fiscal year thereafter''.
SEC. 225. BORROWER TRAINING.
Section 359 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 2006a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate the borrower
training program under this section with the beginning farmer and
rancher development program established under section 7405 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) to ensure,
to the maximum extent practicable, that financial management training
programs funded under the beginning farmer and rancher development
program are designed in such a way that the financial management
training programs will--
``(1) meet borrower training requirements under this
section; and
``(2) qualify as beginning farmer and rancher development
program projects covered by contracts under subsection (b).''.
TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 301. VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS.
Section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7
U.S.C. 1632a(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following:
``(6) Priority.--
``(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this
subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to
projects that--
``(i) contribute to increasing
opportunities for operators of small- and
medium-sized farms and ranches that are
structured as a family farm; or
``(ii) have applicants at least \1/4\ of
whom are beginning farmers or ranchers or
socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
``(B) Ranking.--In evaluating and ranking proposals
under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide very
substantial weight to the priorities described in
subparagraph (A).''; and
(2) in paragraph (7)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``October 1, 2008'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2012, and each October 1
thereafter through October 1, 2016''; and
(ii) by striking ``$15,000,000'' and
inserting ``$30,000,000'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2017''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``benefit''
and inserting ``have applicants at least \1/4\
of whom are''; and
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``June 30
of the fiscal year'' and inserting ``the close
of the annual proposal review process''.
SEC. 302. USE OF LOANS AND GRANTS FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL FARM ENTERPRISES.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 365 (7 U.S.C. 2008) the following:
``SEC. 366. USE OF LOANS AND GRANTS FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL FARM
ENTERPRISES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall approve grants and loans
under any rural development program established under this title to
support farm and farm-related business enterprises that--
``(1) create new entrepreneurial employment opportunities
for beginning farmers and ranchers;
``(2) have the effect of--
``(A) creating new small- and medium-size family
farms;
``(B) enhancing local and regional food systems;
``(C) increasing value-added production and new
markets;
``(D) preserving farmland and rural heritage; and
``(E) developing strong rural economies; and
``(3) are consistent with the purposes of the program.
``(b) Limitation.--Loans or grants made under this section shall
not be available for annual agricultural production purposes.''.
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION
SEC. 401. 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)--
(i) in subparagraph (Q), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (R) as
subparagraph (S); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (Q)
the following:
``(R) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational
training for veterans; and'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``To be eligible'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), to be eligible''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Exceptions.--The Secretary may waive or
modify the matching requirement in subparagraph (A) if
the Secretary determines a waiver or modification is
necessary to effectively reach an underserved area or
population.'';
(C) in paragraph (8)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon 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:
``(D) military veteran beginning farmers and
ranchers.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Indirect costs.--To help facilitate participation in
the program under this subsection by nongovernmental and
community-based nonprofit organizations, the Secretary shall
provide for an optional 10 percent indirect cost option in lieu
of a higher negotiated rate.''; and
(2) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section--'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2017.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2008 through
2012'' and inserting ``2013 through 2017''.
SEC. 402. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
Subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(F)--
(A) by redesignating clauses (iii) through (vi) as
clauses (iv) through (vii), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
``(iii) new farming opportunities,
including young, beginning, socially
disadvantaged, and immigrant issues and farm
transition, farm transfer, farm entry, and
beginning farmer profitability issues;'';
(2) in paragraph (7), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``projects (including integrated projects)''
after ``education''; and
(3) in paragraph (11)(A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``2013 through
2017''; and
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``pursuant to'' and
inserting ``under''.
TITLE V--CROP INSURANCE
SEC. 501. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER ACCESS TO
CROP AND REVENUE INSURANCE.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture
should, to the maximum extent practicable, remove barriers and ensure
effective access to crop and revenue insurance by beginning farmers and
ranchers on terms that are fair and assist in the goal of increasing
the number of new farming and ranching opportunities.
SEC. 502. RISK MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS.
Section 522 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``priority given to risk''
and inserting ``priority given to--
``(A) risk'';
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) underserved producers, including beginning
farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers
and ranchers.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``options for producers''
and inserting ``options for--
``(A) producers'';
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) underserved producers, including beginning
farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers
and ranchers.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Requirements.--In carrying out the programs
established under paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary shall
place special emphasis on risk management techniques, tools,
and programs that are specifically targeted at--
``(A) beginning farmers or ranchers;
``(B) legal immigrant farmers or ranchers that are
attempting to become established agricultural producers
in the United States;
``(C) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
``(D) farmers or ranchers that--
``(i) are preparing to retire; and
``(ii) are using transition strategies to
help new farmers or ranchers get started; and
``(E) new or established farmers or ranchers that
are converting production and marketing systems to
pursue new markets.''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(2)(A), by striking ``$12,500,000 for
fiscal year 2008'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 for fiscal year
2013''.
TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 601. SMALL AND BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER COORDINATORS.
Section 226B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(4), by inserting before the semicolon
at the end the following: ``, including review of rulemakings
to provide an assessment and make recommendations regarding the
impact of rules on small farms and ranches, beginning and
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and related
matters relevant to the structure of agriculture'';
(2) in subsection (e)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following:
``(D) State small and beginning farmer and rancher
coordinator.--
``(i) In general.--The Small Farms and
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Group shall
designate a State small and beginning farmer
and rancher coordinator from among the State
office employees of the Farm Service Agency,
the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the
Risk Management Agency, the Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities
Service.
``(ii) Training.--The Small Farms and
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Group shall
coordinate the development of a training plan
so that each State coordinator shall receive
sufficient training to have a general working
knowledge of the programs and services
available from each agency of the Department to
assist small and beginning farmers and
ranchers.
``(iii) Duties.--The coordinator shall--
``(I) coordinate technical
assistance at the State level to help
small and beginning farmers and
ranchers gain access to programs of the
Department;
``(II) develop and submit a State
plan for approval by the Small Farms
and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
Group to provide coordination to ensure
adequate services to small and
beginning farmers and ranchers at all
county and area offices throughout the
State;
``(III) oversee implementation of
the approved State plan; and
``(IV) work with outreach
coordinators in the State offices of
the Farm Service Agency, the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, the
Risk Management Agency, the Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, and the
Rural Utilities Service to ensure
appropriate information about technical
assistance is available at outreach
events and activities.''; and
(3) in subsection (f), by striking paragraph (3); and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.
SEC. 602. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7
U.S.C. 6918) the following:
``SEC. 219. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
``(b) Duties.--The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall--
``(1) provide information to returning veterans about, and
connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and
agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate
to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including
assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational
benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or
ranching career;
``(2) provide information to veterans concerning the
availability of and eligibility requirements for participation
in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning
farmer and rancher programs;
``(3) serving as a resource for assisting veteran farmers
and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying
for participation in agricultural programs; and
``(4) advocating on behalf of veterans in interactions with
employees of the Department.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 296(b) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural
Liaison in accordance with section 219.''.
SEC. 603. BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that
such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
SEC. 604. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act take effect on October
1, 2012.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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