Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2011 - Provides for the inclusion of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products under specified agricultural, rural development, agricultural research, crop insurance, and nutrition programs.
Directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to offer a whole farm adjusted revenue risk management insurance plan that allows a producer to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85% of the producer's average gross farm revenue.
Prohibits the Corporation from requiring organic crop insurance premium surcharges.
Directs the Corporation to offer organic crop producers price elections that reflect actual retail or wholesale prices.
Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (formerly known as the Food Stamp Act of 1977) to require state agencies to treat wireless retailers in the same manner as wired program retail food stores for purposes of supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP, formerly food stamp) benefits. Defines "wireless retailer" to include: (1) a farmers market, (2) a farm stand, (3) a green cart, (4) a route vendor, (5) an entity operating a community-supported agriculture or fishery program, (6) a buying club, and (7) a farmer affiliated with such entities.
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a wireless retailer electronic benefit transfer pilot program for smartphone technology.
Extends: (1) the program of fresh fruit and vegetable purchases for distribution to schools and service institutions; (2) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (3) the seniors farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the rural business opportunity grant program; (5) the value-added agricultural product market development grant program; (6) the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative; (7) the specialty block grant program; and (8) the national organic certification cost-share program.
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to permit schools to use an amount equal to 15% of their commodity dollars for purchases of locally grown food.
Increases the annual fiscal year limit for community food project grants.
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to make and guarantee loans for the production of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to evaluate how the credit needs of young, beginning, and small farmers and local and regional farm and food systems are being met by the Farm Credit System, USDA, the Department of the Treasury, and any other federal agencies.
Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to direct: (1) the Secretary to distribute price reporting of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, and (2) the Under Secretary to establish a special initiative to coordinate USDA research relating to classical plant and animal breeding.
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary to increase technical assistance for sustainable local and regional food systems.
Amends the the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to establish the local marketing promotion program (in lieu of the farmers market promotion program) to promote producer-to-consumer marketing, including farmers markets and other local and regional food markets.
Directs the Secretary to establish in the Food Safety and Inspection Service technical assistance divisions to provide directly or through grants outreach, education, and training to very small or certain small meat and poultry processing plants.
Directs the Secretary to establish an electronic option for meat and poultry label preapproval.
Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to provide funding for the national food safety training, education, outreach, and technical assistance program.
[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3286 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3286
To promote local and regional farm and food systems, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 1, 2011
Ms. Pingree of Maine (for herself, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Courtney, Mr.
DeFazio, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Kucinich, Ms. Lee of California,
Mr. Markey, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Moran, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Olver, Ms.
Slaughter, Mr. Welch, Ms. Woolsey, Mr. Holt, Mr. Kind, Mr. Sablan, Ms.
Hahn, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Lujan, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Higgins, Ms. Moore,
Ms. Norton, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Cicilline, and Ms. Fudge)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce, 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 promote local and regional farm and food systems, 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 ``Local Farms, Food,
and Jobs Act of 2011''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary.
TITLE I--COMMODITY PROGRAMS AND CROP INSURANCE
Sec. 1001. Sense of Congress on removing barriers to domestic
production of fruit and vegetables.
Sec. 1002. Whole farm adjusted revenue risk management insurance plan.
Sec. 1003. Authority to conduct crop insurance-related research and
development in addition to contracting for
research and development.
Sec. 1004. Improved availability of crop insurance for producers of
organic crops.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Sec. 2001. Definition.
Sec. 2002. Duties of Secretary.
Sec. 2003. Farmland protection program.
Sec. 2004. Purposes.
Sec. 2005. Delivery of technical assistance.
Sec. 2006. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative.
Sec. 2007. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
TITLE III--NUTRITION
Sec. 3001. Electronic benefit transfers.
Sec. 3002. Appropriation to encourage exportation and domestic
consumption of agricultural products.
Sec. 3003. Section 32 funds for purchase of fruits, vegetables, and
nuts to support domestic nutrition
assistance programs.
Sec. 3004. Direct expenditures for agricultural commodities and other
foods.
Sec. 3005. Purchases of locally produced foods.
Sec. 3006. Farmers' market nutrition program.
Sec. 3007. Senior farmers' market nutrition program.
Sec. 3008. Assistance for community food projects.
Sec. 3009. Nutrition education and obesity prevention grant program.
Sec. 3010. Administration.
TITLE IV--CREDIT
Sec. 4001. Loans to local and regional food producers.
Sec. 4002. Clarification of the mission of the farm credit system to
recognize the economic benefits of
supporting young, beginning, and small
farmers and ranchers, and contributions of
local and regional farm and food systems.
Sec. 4003. Young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers and locally
or regionally produced agricultural
products.
Sec. 4004. Government accountability office study examining how well
federal agencies are assessing and meeting
the capital needs of young, beginning, and
small farmers and local and regional farm
and food systems.
TITLE V--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 5001. Support for local and regional farm and food systems.
Sec. 5002. Value-Added Producer grants.
TITLE VI--RESEARCH
Sec. 6001. Agriculture and food research initiative.
Sec. 6002. Local food production and market data initiatives.
Sec. 6003. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and
Economics.
Sec. 6004. Local and regional food system enterprise facilitation.
Sec. 6005. National genetics resources program.
TITLE VII--HORTICULTURE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Sec. 7001. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 7002. National organic certification cost-share program.
Sec. 7003. Availability of organic certification cost share assistance
and risk management education and community
outreach partnership assistance under the
Federal Crop Insurance Act.
Sec. 7004. Local Marketing Promotion Program.
TITLE VIII--POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK
Sec. 8001. Small and very small meat processing plants.
Sec. 8002. Small and very small poultry processing plants.
Sec. 8003. Searchable database of electronically submitted meat and
poultry labels.
Sec. 8004. Meat and poultry processing report.
TITLE IX--MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 9001. National food safety training, education, extension,
outreach, and technical assistance program.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITY PROGRAMS AND CROP INSURANCE
SEC. 1001. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON REMOVING BARRIERS TO DOMESTIC
PRODUCTION OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) Federal commodity and crop insurance programs should
not create barriers to the domestic production of fruit and
vegetables;
(2) planting flexibility under Federal commodity programs
should be maximized with the goals of--
(A) allowing producer choice regarding the planting
of agricultural commodities; and
(B) increasing the local and regional availability
of fresh and minimally processed produce, including to
schools and other institutions; and
(3) crop and revenue insurance products should be made
available that are tailored to the needs of diversified farming
operations that serve local and regional food markets.
SEC. 1002. WHOLE FARM ADJUSTED REVENUE RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE PLAN.
Section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Whole farm adjusted revenue risk management
insurance plan.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer a
whole farm adjusted revenue risk management insurance
plan (in this paragraph referred to as the `plan') that
allows a producer to qualify for an indemnity if actual
gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average
gross farm revenue of the producer.
``(B) Availability.--The Corporation shall offer
the plan in all States and counties, pending required
rating.
``(C) Eligible producers.--The Corporation shall
permit producers of any type of agricultural commodity
to participate in the plan. Eligible producers include
contract growers, direct-to-consumer marketers, and
producers servicing local and regional and farm
identity-preserved markets. Eligible commodities
include specialty crops, industrial crops, poultry,
livestock, and aquacultural products.
``(D) Diversification.--The Corporation may provide
diversification-based additional coverage payment
rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in
recognition of the risk management benefits of
diversification strategies regarding production of
eligible commodities.
``(E) Market readiness.--The Corporation shall
include coverage for the value of any packing,
packaging, or labeling, washing, grain drying, or any
other similar on-farm activities the Corporation
determines to be the minimum required in order to sell
an agricultural commodity.''.
SEC. 1003. AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT CROP INSURANCE-RELATED RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT IN ADDITION TO CONTRACTING FOR RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Conducting Research and Development.--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 paragraph
(A), by striking ``enter into contracts to carry out research
and development to'' and inserting ``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''; and
(4) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``after expert review in
accordance with section 505(e)'' after ``approved by the
Board''.
(b) Funding.--Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1522(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``Contracting'' and inserting ``Research and
development and partnerships'';
(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), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``to provide either reimbursement payments or
contract payments under this section for a fiscal year is not
needed for such purposes'' and inserting ``for a fiscal year is
not needed for the purposes for which the amount was made
available''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (4).
SEC. 1004. IMPROVED AVAILABILITY OF CROP INSURANCE FOR PRODUCERS OF
ORGANIC CROPS.
(a) Elimination of Organic Premium Surcharge.--Section 508(d) of
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)) is amended by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Elimination of organic premium surcharge.--Effective
beginning with the 2013 reinsurance year, the Corporation may
not require any producer to pay a premium surcharge for
insuring crops produced in compliance with standards issued by
the Department of Agriculture under the national organic
program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).''.
(b) Completion of Development of Organic Price Series.--Section
508(c)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(6)) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) Organic crops.--
``(i) In general.--As quickly as possible,
but in no event later than the 2015 reinsurance
year, the Corporation shall offer producers of
organic crops price elections for all organic
crops produced in compliance with standards
issued by the Department of Agriculture under
the national organic program established under
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) that reflect the actual
retail or wholesale prices, as appropriate,
received by producers for organic crops, as
determined by the Secretary using all relevant
sources of information.
``(ii) Annual report.--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 an annual report on progress made in
developing and improving Federal crop insurance
for organic crops, including--
``(I) the numbers and varieties of
organic crops insured;
``(II) the progress of implementing
the price elections required under this
subparagraph, including the rate at
which additional price elections are
adopted for organic crops;
``(III) the development of new
insurance approaches relevant to
organic producers; and
``(IV) any recommendations the
Corporation considers appropriate to
improve Federal crop insurance coverage
for organic crops.''.
(c) Repeal of Required Contracts for Organic Production Coverage
Improvements.--Section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1522(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (10).
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
SEC. 2001. DEFINITION.
Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3801(a)) is amended by redesignating paragraphs (18) through (27) as
paragraphs (19) through (28), respectively, and inserting after
paragraph (17) the following new paragraph:
``(18) Local and regional food.--The term `local and
regional food' means `locally or regionally produced
agricultural food product', as that term is defined in section
310B(g)(9) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)).''.
SEC. 2002. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.
Section 1238G(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3838g(c)) is amended as follows:
(1) In the header, by striking ``Specialty Crop and Organic
Producers'' and inserting ``Specialty Crop, Organic, and Local
and Regional Food Producers''.
(2) By striking ``specialty crop and organic producers''
and inserting ``specialty crop, organic, and local and regional
food producers''.
SEC. 2003. FARMLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM.
Section 1238I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838i) is
amended as follows:
(1) In subsection (b), by inserting ``to promote farm
viability for future generations and, to the maximum extent
practicable, enhance the viability of local and regional food
systems'' before the period.
(2) In subsection (g), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(6) Funding priority.--
``(A) In general.--An agreement under this
subsection shall require an eligible entity to 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) conservation easements that include
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) conservation easements the purchasing
of which occurs in conjunction with a transfer
of eligible land to a qualified beginning
farmer or rancher 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.
``(B) Definition.--For the purposes of this
paragraph, the term `qualified beginning farmer or
rancher' has the meaning given that term in section
343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).''.
SEC. 2004. PURPOSES.
Section 1240(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa(4)) is amended by inserting ``or local and regional food'' after
``related to organic''.
SEC. 2005. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3842(i)) is amended--
(1) in the header, by inserting ``Local and Regional
Food,'' after ``Organic,'';
(2) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``local and regional
food production,'' after ``organic crop production,'';
(3) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``organic or specialty
crop production'' and inserting ``organic, specialty crop, or
local and regional production'';
(4) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``or precision
agriculture through'' and inserting ``precision agriculture, or
local and regional food production, through''; and
(5) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``or precision
agriculture through'' and inserting ``precision agriculture, or
local and regional food production, through''.
SEC. 2006. COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE.
Section 1243(b)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3843(b)(4)) is amended by striking ``specialty crop and organic
production and precision agriculture producers'' and inserting
``specialty crop, organic, and local and regional food production, and
precision agriculture producers''.
SEC. 2007. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1244(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3844(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) Local and regional food producers.''.
TITLE III--NUTRITION
SEC. 3001. ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFERS.
Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2016(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D)
as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively;
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(A) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(i) Buying club.--The term `buying club'
means a group of consumers who join together to
purchase in bulk from agricultural producers or
food distributors.
``(ii) Community-supported agriculture
program.--The term `community-supported
agriculture program' or `CSA' means a farm
business or a group of agricultural producers
that form a partnership with consumers through
which consumers buy a subscription for farm
products in advance and the farm business or
group of agricultural producers commits to
supplying and delivering the products to a
common distribution point or directly to the
consumers.
``(iii) Community-supported fishery
program.--The term `community-supported fishery
program' or `CSF' means fishing business or a
group of fishermen that form a partnership with
consumers through which consumers buy a
subscription for seafood in advance and the
fishing business or group of fishermen commits
to supplying and delivering the seafood to a
common distribution point or directly to the
consumers.
``(iv) Farmers' market.--The term `farmers'
market' means a regularly scheduled assembly of
2 or more agricultural producers for the direct
sale of locally grown fresh fruits and
vegetables and other staple foods to consumers.
``(v) Farm stand; roadside stand.--
``(I) In general.--The terms `farm
stand' and `roadside stand' mean a
retail outlet for the direct sale of
locally grown fresh fruits and
vegetables and other staple foods in
rural or urban areas.
``(II) Inclusion.--The terms `farm
stand' and `roadside stand' may include
a single stall in a farmers' market.
``(vi) Green cart.--The term `green cart'
means a mobile retail food vendor who sells
fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis
from an unmotorized cart.
``(vii) Route vendor.--
``(I) In general.--The term `route
vendor' means a mobile retail food
vendor who sells unprepared food from a
vehicle directly to consumers along a
scheduled route or by arranged
delivery.
``(II) Inclusion.--The term `route
vendor' includes vendors who provide
food services in disaster or other
emergency situations.
``(viii) Wireless retailer.--The term
`wireless retailer' includes--
``(I) a farmers' market;
``(II) a farm stand;
``(III) a green cart;
``(IV) a route vendor;
``(V) a buying club;
``(VI) an entity operating a
community-supported agriculture
program;
``(VII) an entity operating a
community-supported fishery program;
and
``(VIII) an individual farmer
affiliated with an entity described in
any of subclauses (I) through (VII).'';
(C) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) by
striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (B)'';
(D) in clause (i) of subparagraph (E) (as so
redesignated), by inserting ``, including wireless
technology'' before the semicolon at the end; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) State flexibility for wireless electronic
benefit systems.--Subject to paragraph (2), a State
agency may--
``(i) procure and implement any wireless
electronic benefit transfer (referred to in
this subsection as `EBT') system that the State
agency considers to be appropriate and that
meets all industry security standards; and
``(ii) use appropriate wireless technology
available to the State agency in implementing
the wireless electronic benefit transfer
system, including smart phone technology and
other technologies, so long as the technologies
meet all industry security standards.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) a requirement that, for purposes of program
participation, State agencies and the Food and
Nutrition Service treat wireless retailers in the same
manner as retail food stores that use wired electronic
benefit transfer equipment by providing the retail food
stores with wireless electronic benefit transfer
equipment that ensures immediate benefit account
verification;
``(J) a system for wireless retail food stores to
receive funds in an amount not to exceed the cost of a
wireless point-of-sale terminal if alternative wireless
technology is used; and
``(K) the potential for entering into a contract or
memoranda of understanding with a statewide nonprofit
organization, such as a statewide farmers' market
association, to assist the State agency by providing
outreach, training, and administration in wireless
electronic benefit transfer equipment deployment at
multiple-vendor farmers' markets, particularly in cases
in which scrip (such as farmers' market tokens) is used
to simplify program participation by agricultural
producers and vendors.'';
(3) in paragraph (3)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) in the case of wireless retailers,
the wireless retailer makes wireless electronic
benefit and wireless EBT connection services
available to all customers.'';
(4) in paragraph (5), by inserting before the period at the
end ``, including wireless electronic benefit systems that
enable all wireless retailers to provide for improved access to
nutritious foods in areas lacking such access, and in disaster-
recovery situations'';
(5) by redesignating the second paragraph (12) (relating to
interchange fees) as paragraph (13); and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) Non-ebt transactions.--Wireless EBT equipment
provided to an authorized retailer may be used for non-EBT
transactions (such as credit and debit card transactions) only
if the retailer bears all costs associated with those non-EBT
transactions.
``(15) Wireless retailer ebt pilot program for smartphone
technology.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
a wireless retailer EBT pilot program that shall
operate in a minimum of 2 States for a minimum of 2
years in each State--
``(i) to explore EBT smartphone technology;
and
``(ii) to test the use of EBT technology in
accepting benefits for multiple nutrition
assistance programs.
``(B) Purposes.--The purposes of the EBT pilot
program are--
``(i) to evaluate the opportunities and
challenges faced by wireless retailers in using
smartphone technology to process EBT
transactions; and
``(ii) to develop technology, software, and
machinery that allows wireless retailers to
redeem EBT benefits for multiple nutrition
assistance programs including--
``(I) the supplemental nutrition
assistance program established under
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
``(II) the farmers' market
nutrition program established under
section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(m));
``(III) the seniors farmers' market
nutrition program established under
section 4402 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
3007);
``(IV) the special supplemental
nutrition program for women, infants,
and children established by section 17
of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42
U.S.C. 1786); and
``(V) other Federal nutrition
assistance programs for low-income
individuals that adopt an electronic
benefit transfer system.
``(C) Limitation on administrative expenses.--For
each fiscal year, not more than 10 percent of the
amounts made available to carry out this paragraph may
be used for administrative expenses.
``(D) Funding.--On October 1, 2012, of the funds of
the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall
make available to carry out this paragraph $2,000,000,
to remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 3002. APPROPRIATION TO ENCOURAGE EXPORTATION AND DOMESTIC
CONSUMPTION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) is amended
in the second sentence--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4)
support development of local and regional agricultural markets
in the United States by encouraging domestic consumption of
locally and regionally grown and raised commodities or products
in the manner described in paragraph (2).''.
SEC. 3003. SECTION 32 FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND
NUTS TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) Purchase of Locally and Regionally Produced Foods.--Section
4404 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 612c-
5) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Purchase of Locally and Regionally Produced Foods.--In
carrying out this section, the Secretary shall--
``(1) encourage the purchase of unprocessed or minimally
processed locally and regionally grown fruits, vegetables, and
nuts; and
``(2) allow the use of geographical preference for the
procurement of unprocessed or minimally processed locally and
regionally grown fruits, vegetables, and nuts.''.
(b) Purchase of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Distribution to
Schools and Service Institutions.--Section 10603(b) of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(1) In
general.--The Secretary'';
(2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking ``2008
through 2012'' and inserting ``2013 through 2017''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Department of defense program option.--A school or
service institution described in paragraph (1) may carry out
this section by--
``(A) electing to participate in the Department of
Defense fresh fruit and vegetable distribution program;
``(B) under such terms and conditions as the
Secretary shall establish, purchasing locally and
regionally grown fruits and vegetables with amounts
that would have been used by the school or service
institution to participate in the Department of Defense
fresh fruit and vegetable distribution program; or
``(C) carrying out a combination of the activities
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).''.
SEC. 3004. DIRECT EXPENDITURES FOR AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND OTHER
FOODS.
Section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1755) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Local Food Credit Program.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Local food credit.--The term `local food
credit' means cash, letters of credit, or another form
of assistance, as determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Participating school authority.--The term
`participating school authority' means a school food
authority that--
``(i) participates in the school lunch
program under this Act; and
``(ii) elects to participate in the local
food credit program under this subsection.
``(C) Participating state agency.--The term
`participating State agency' means a State agency
that--
``(i) participates in the school lunch
program under this Act; and
``(ii) elects to participate in the local
food credit program under this subsection.
``(2) Establishment.--Beginning for the 2013-2014 school
year and for each subsequent school year, the Secretary shall
provide a grant to each participating State agency to provide
each participating school food authority under the jurisdiction
of that State agency with local food credits in an amount equal
to not more than 15 percent of the total value of the commodity
assistance or cash payments the State authority is eligible to
receive under subsection (c)(2) for that school year in lieu of
the commodity assistance or cash payments.
``(3) Requirements.--As a condition of receiving a grant
under this subsection, each participating school food authority
shall--
``(A) use local food credits received under this
subsection to purchase unprocessed or minimally
processed locally grown and locally raised foods to be
served under the school lunch program in schools under
the jurisdiction of the authority;
``(B) keep records of any purchases made with the
assistance; and
``(C) provide the records to the Secretary in such
manner and such form as the Secretary determines to be
necessary.
``(4) Prepurchasing.--A participating school food authority
may use a local food credit received under this subsection in a
school year to purchase local foods to serve under the school
lunch program during the following school year.
``(5) Minimum commodity purchases.--The amount of a grant
made under this subsection for a school year shall count toward
the minimum commodity assistance requirements of subsection
(c)(2) for that school year.''.
SEC. 3005. PURCHASES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED FOODS.
Section 9(j) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1758(j)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and minimally
processed'' before ``agricultural products'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by inserting ``and the Agricultural Marketing
Service'' before ``, to use a'';
(B) by inserting ``and minimally processed'' before
``agricultural products''; and
(C) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) promulgate regulations to clarify that, when using a
geographical preference for the procurement of unprocessed and
minimally processed agricultural products under paragraph (3),
the Secretary and the institutions described in that paragraph
may, notwithstanding any other provision of law, select
agricultural products solely from among those agricultural
products that qualify for the geographical preference.''.
SEC. 3006. FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.
Section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C.
1786(m)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and through community-
supported agriculture programs'' after ``roadside stands'';
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by inserting ``,
roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture
programs'' after ``farmers' markets''; and
(B) in subparagraph (F)(ii), by inserting ``,
roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture
programs'' after ``farmers' markets'' each place it
appears;
(3) in paragraph (6)(C)(ii)(II), by inserting ``, roadside
stands, and community-supported agriculture programs'' after
``farmers' markets''; and
(4) in paragraph (9)(A), by striking ``2015'' and inserting
``2017''.
SEC. 3007. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.
Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 3007) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``$20,600,000'' and inserting
``$25,000,000'';
(B) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2013'';
and
(C) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2017'';
and
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``maple syrup,''
after ``honey,''.
SEC. 3008. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.
Section 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)--
(A) by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting
``$10,000,000''; and
(B) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2013'';
and
(2) in subsection (f)(2), by striking ``3'' and inserting
``5''.
SEC. 3009. NUTRITION EDUCATION AND OBESITY PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 28 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036a)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Consistent with'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--Consistent with''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Contents.--In carrying out a nutrition education and
obesity prevention program under this section, State agencies
are encouraged to use as venues direct marketing outlets,
including farmers' markets, community-supported agriculture
programs, community-supported fishery programs, and farm and
roadside stands.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(3)(A)--
(A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) financial incentives to low-income
groups to encourage consumption of healthy
foods.''.
SEC. 3010. ADMINISTRATION.
Section 11(e)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2020(e)(1)) is amended by inserting ``, which the State agency may
carry out through contracts with farmers' markets and farmers' market
organizations at 100 percent Federal cost, subject to the condition
that the contracted farmers' markets and farmers' market organizations
comply with the State plan under this subsection'' before the semicolon
at the end.
TITLE IV--CREDIT
SEC. 4001. LOANS TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD PRODUCERS.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1981-2008u) is amended by inserting after section 333C the
following:
``SEC. 333D. LOANS TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD PRODUCERS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall make and guarantee loans
under this title to eligible producers for the production of locally or
regionally produced agricultural food products (as defined in section
310B(g)(10) of this Act), including qualified producers engaged in
direct-to-consumer marketing, direct-to-institution marketing, or
direct-to-store marketing, businesses or activities that produce a
value-added agricultural product (as defined in section 231(a)(5) of
the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000), mid-tier value chains
(as defined in section 231(a)(3) of such Act of 2000), and other local
and regional market outlets.
``(b) Training.--The Secretary shall ensure that loan officers
receive appropriate training to serve borrowers and potential borrowers
engaged in local and regional food production.
``(c) Valuation.--The Secretary shall develop ways to determine
unit prices (or other appropriate forms of valuation) for crops whose
end use is intended to be in locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products (as so defined) to facilitate lending to
local and regional food producers. In addition, the Secretary shall
implement a mechanism for the producers to establish their price
history for the crops.
``(d) Outreach.--The Secretary shall develop and implement an
outreach strategy to engage and provide loan services to local and
regional food producers.''.
SEC. 4002. CLARIFICATION OF THE MISSION OF THE FARM CREDIT SYSTEM TO
RECOGNIZE THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SUPPORTING YOUNG,
BEGINNING, AND SMALL FARMERS AND RANCHERS, AND
CONTRIBUTIONS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL FARM AND FOOD
SYSTEMS.
Section 1.1 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Recognizing that the vitality of United States agriculture
and rural communities depends on the continued entry of young,
beginning, and small farmers and ranchers into agriculture, many of
whom will operate farms with local and regional food product
distribution, it is declared to be the policy of the Congress and an
objective of this Act that the Farm Credit System should endeavor to
serve the credit and related needs of these individuals and the
businesses on which they rely and that are necessary to the growth and
vitality of local and regional farm and food systems.''.
SEC. 4003. YOUNG, BEGINNING, AND SMALL FARMERS AND RANCHERS AND LOCALLY
OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
(a) Credit for Young, Beginning, and Small Farmers.--Section
4.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2207(a)) is amended--
(1) in the 1st sentence by inserting ``and for the
production of locally or regionally produced agricultural food
products (as defined in section 310B(g)(10)(A) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act)'' before the
period; and
(2) by inserting after the 2nd sentence the following:
``Each such program shall include initiatives and may include
grants to support current and future borrowers by helping to
organize, build, expand, or improve infrastructure and markets
for locally or regionally produced agricultural food products
(as so defined).''.
(b) Section 4.19 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2207(b)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(c) The Farm Credit Administration shall submit to the Committee
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report
that contains a summary and analysis of the operations and achievements
of the Farm Credit System as a whole in meeting the objectives of this
section. The Farm Credit Administration shall notify the Congress
whenever a program is out of compliance with this section, and indicate
in the notice the steps the Farm Credit Administration is taking in
response.''.
SEC. 4004. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY EXAMINING HOW WELL
FEDERAL AGENCIES ARE ASSESSING AND MEETING THE CAPITAL
NEEDS OF YOUNG, BEGINNING, AND SMALL FARMERS AND LOCAL
AND REGIONAL FARM AND FOOD SYSTEMS.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study evaluating how the needs of young, beginning, and small
farmers and local and regional farm and food systems, and how their
credit needs are being assessed and met by the Farm Credit System, the
Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Treasury, and any
other Federal agencies.
(b) Report to the Congress.--Within 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall prepare and
submit to the Congress a report containing the findings and conclusions
made in the study required by subsection (a). The report shall
address--
(1) the cost and availability of credit and other
assistance (including technical assistance) provided through
programs of the Farm Credit System, the Department of
Agriculture, and other Federal Government financial resources;
and
(2) programs, including those that serve historically
underserved populations including beginning and young farmers,
small and medium-sized farms and ranches, minorities and the
socially disadvantaged, producers or harvesters of aquatic
products, businesses, and other entities, that are necessary to
the growth and vitality of local and regional farm and food
systems, including aggregation, processing, storage,
distribution, and marketing.
TITLE V--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 5001. SUPPORT FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL FARM AND FOOD SYSTEMS.
(a) Rural Business Opportunity Grants.--Section 306(a)(11) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (v), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) to redevelop a local or regional
farm or food system, including a poultry or
livestock processing facility.'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service'' and inserting
``National Institute of Food and Agriculture''; and
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``2008 through 2012''
and inserting ``2013 through 2017''.
(b) Community Facilities Grants.--Section 306(a)(19) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Eligibility for local and regional food
system facilities.--The Secretary may make a grant
under this paragraph or paragraph (20) or (21) for a
community or nonprofit local and regional food system
facility, including a community kitchen, incubator,
farm store, farmers' market store, distribution center
or service, and a related facility.''.
(c) Loan Guarantees for Water, Wastewater, and Essential Community
Facilities Loans.--Section 306(a)(24) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)(24)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Eligibility for local and regional food
system facilities.--The Secretary may guarantee a loan
under this paragraph for a community or nonprofit local
and regional food system facility, including community
a kitchens, incubator, farm store, farmers' market
store, distribution center or service, and a related
facility.''.
(d) Business and Industry Local Food System Set-Aside.--
(1) Rural business enterprise grants.--Section
310B(c)(1)(B)(ii) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(1)(B)(ii)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(ii) Use of grant.--An eligible nonprofit
entity, or other tax exempt organization,
described in clause (i) may use assistance
provided under this paragraph to create,
expand, or operate--
``(I) value-added processing in an
area described in clause (i) in
connection with production agriculture;
or
``(II) a local or regional farm or
food-based enterprise, including a meat
or poultry processing facility.''.
(2) Business and industry direct and guaranteed loans.--
Section 310B(g) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as
paragraphs (6) through (10), respectively; and
inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) Timing of guaranteed loans.--The Secretary shall
approve a loan guarantee under this subsection before or at the
same time as the loan being guaranteed is made.'';
(B) in paragraph (10)(B) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v)
as clauses (vii) and (viii), respectively, and
inserting after clause (iii) the following:
``(iv) Guarantee percentage; authority to
waive guarantee fee.--The Secretary may provide
a 90 percent guarantee, and may waive or reduce
any guarantee loan fee that would otherwise be
imposed, under this subparagraph for a small-
scale project and for a project located in a
community with low or declining population, low
income levels, or low food access, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(v) Loan and loan guarantees in nonrural
areas.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary
may make or guarantee a business and
industry loan for a facility that is
not located in a rural area if the
primary purpose of the loan or loan
guarantee is for a facility to process,
distribute, aggregate, store, or market
locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products in a manner
that benefits agricultural producers
and provides employment for residents
of a rural area.
``(II) Retail.--The Secretary may
make or guarantee a business and
industry loan for a rural or nonrural
retail facility that provides access to
locally or regionally produced
agricultural products if the facility--
``(aa) operates under a
written policy that provides a
clear preference for the
products and demonstrates that
a substantial portion of its
business is or will be
marketing the products; and
``(bb) demonstrates that
the facility has written
agreements or will obtain
written agreements with
agricultural producers,
agricultural producer groups,
farmer or rancher cooperatives,
or majority-controlled
producer-based business
ventures on marketing
strategies that will increase
the profitability and
competitiveness of farmers and
ranchers growing for the local
or regional market.
``(vi) Outreach.--The Secretary shall
develop and implement an outreach plan to
publicize the availability of loans and loan
guarantees under this paragraph, working
closely with rural cooperative development
centers, credit unions, community development
financial institutions, regional economic
development authorities, and other financial
and economic development entities.'';
(C) in clause (vii) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by inserting ``, and publish on the
internet,'' after ``Senate''; and
(ii) by redesignating subclauses (I) and
(II) as subclauses (II) and (III),
respectively, and inserting before subclause
(II) (as so redesignated), the following:
``(I) summary information about all
projects;''; and
(D) in clause (viii) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by striking subclause (I) and inserting
the following:
``(I) In general.--For each of
fiscal years 2013 through 2017, the
Secretary shall reserve not less than
10 percent of the loan and loan
guarantee funds made available to carry
out this subsection, to carry out this
subparagraph.''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) Use of reserved funds.--The
Secretary may use a portion of the
funds reserved under subclause (I) for
technical assistance, which may include
market research and feasibility
studies.''.
SEC. 5002. VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS.
Section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7
U.S.C. 1632a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting ``, including those
that operate through centralized food distribution systems that
coordinate agricultural production and the aggregation,
storage, processing, distribution, and marketing of locally or
regionally produced agricultural products,'' after
``networks''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) 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; and
``(ii) have applicants at least \1/4\ of
whom are beginning farmers and ranchers or
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
``(B) Ranking.--In evaluating and ranking proposals
under this subsection, the Secretary shall give very
substantial weight to the priorities described in
subparagraph (A).'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8)
and inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Outreach and technical assistance.--The Secretary
shall develop and implement an outreach and technical
assistance strategy to help the program established by this
section reach and serve underserved States and communities.'';
and
(C) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) Mandatory funding.--On October 1, 2002, and
each October 1 thereafter through October 1, 2016, of
the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
Secretary shall make available to carry out this
subsection $30,000,000, to remain available until
expended.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``2013
through 2017''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking
``benefit'' and inserting ``have
applicants \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''.
TITLE VI--RESEARCH
SEC. 6001. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
Section 2(b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(F)--
(A) in clause (v), by striking ``and'';
(B) in clause (vi), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) new approaches to advance systems
that enhance markets and policy for locally or
regionally produced agricultural food products,
as defined in section 310B(g)(9)(A) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(A)).'';
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``teams;
and'' inserting ``teams to any eligible entity
listed under paragraph (7)''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) not less than 5 percent is made
available to make grants for research on
conventional plant and animal breeding as
described in paragraph (2); and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``to any
eligible entity listed under paragraph (7)'' before the
period at the end; 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 ``as described in''.
SEC. 6002. LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION AND MARKET DATA INITIATIVES.
(a) In General.--Section 251 of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(h) Local Food Production and Market Data Initiatives.--
``(1) Definition of locally or regionally produced
agricultural food product.--In this subsection, the term
`locally or regionally produced agricultural food product' has
the meaning given the term in section 310B(g)(9) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(g)(9)).
``(2) Initiatives.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) collect data on the production and marketing
of locally or regionally produced agricultural food
products; and
``(B) facilitate interagency collaboration and data
sharing on research on local and regional food systems.
``(3) Requirements.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Secretary shall, at a minimum--
``(A) collect and distribute comprehensive
reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products;
``(B) conduct surveys and analysis and publish
reports relating to the production, handling,
distribution, retail sales, and trend studies
(including consumer purchasing patterns) of or on
locally or regionally produced agricultural food
products;
``(C) form an interagency work group that includes
representatives from--
``(i) the Agricultural Marketing Service;
``(ii) the Agricultural Research Service;
``(iii) the Economic Research Service;
``(iv) the Food and Nutrition Service;
``(v) the Food Safety and Inspection
Service;
``(vi) the National Agricultural Statistics
Service;
``(vii) the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture; and
``(viii) other agencies that are involved
in data collection and research on locally or
regionally produced agricultural food products;
``(D) expand the Agricultural Resource Management
Surveys--
``(i) to include questions on locally or
regionally produced agricultural food products;
and
``(ii) sample a greater sector of
agricultural producers, including agricultural
producers engaged in the production of locally
or regionally produced agricultural food
products;
``(E) authorize the National Agricultural
Statistics Service to create and administer--
``(i) a followup survey to the Census of
Agriculture, in order to collect more detailed
data on producers who indicated on the Census
of Agriculture that the producers sell to
markets for locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products; and
``(ii) a survey for the purpose of
collecting market data, including sales by
product type and supply chain or sourcing data,
from all vendors, including retail and
wholesale vendors, of locally and regionally
produced agricultural food products; and
``(F) 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.
``(4) Funding.--
``(A) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry
out this section $5,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
``(B) Additional funding.--In addition to funds
made available under paragraph (1), there are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2017,
to remain available until expended.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--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 carry out local
food production and market data initiatives described in
section 251(h).''.
SEC. 6003. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND
ECONOMICS.
(a) In General.--Section 251(e) of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(e)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(6) Special coordination responsibilities.--
``(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall
establish a special initiative within the Research,
Education, and Extension Office to coordinate research
activities at the Department relating to classical
plant and animal breeding.
``(B) Working group.--In carrying out the special
initiative, the Under Secretary shall establish a
working group that reports to the Under Secretary, to
be comprised of individuals who are responsible for the
management or administration of public breeding
programs in the Department from--
``(i) the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture;
``(ii) the Agricultural Research Service;
``(iii) the Economic Research Service; and
``(iv) the National Agricultural Statistics
Service.
``(C) Duties of working group.--The working group
shall--
``(i) coordinate classical plant and animal
breeding research being conducted at or funded
by the agencies described in subparagraph
(B)(i);
``(ii) carry out ongoing analysis and
tracking activities for public grants to ensure
that a diverse range of crop and animal
breeding needs are being met in a timely and
transparent manner;
``(iii) coordinate and collaborate with the
National Genetics Resource Advisory Council;
``(iv) to maximize delivery of public
cultivars and breeds, ensure efficient
coordination of the activities the working
group and those of--
``(I) the Agricultural Research
Service;
``(II) National Institute of Food
and Agriculture;
``(III) the National Genetic
Resources Advisory Council;
``(IV) genetic resource
conservation centers;
``(V) land grant universities;
``(VI) nongovernmental
organizations with interests or
expertise in classical breeding; and
``(VII) public and private
classical plant and animal breeders;
and
``(v) evaluate classical public plant and
animal breeding activities and outcomes to make
recommendations to the Under Secretary on the
adequacy of human and financial resources
needed to ensure that the next generation of
public breeders and agricultural breeders are
prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
``(D) Advisory board.--The Under Secretary shall
establish an advisory board whose primary duty will be
to make recommendations to the working group on matters
related to the duties specified in subparagraph (C).
The advisory board shall be comprised of individuals
with expertise in classical plant and animal breeding
including representatives from--
``(i) the Agricultural Research Service;
``(ii) the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture;
``(iii) the Extension Service;
``(iv) private foundations and nonprofit
organizations that have expertise in classical
plant and animal breeding;
``(v) private agricultural research and
technology transfer firms; and
``(vi) the Land Grant University System.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) (as amended
by section 6002(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) the authority of the Secretary to establish a special
initiative under section 251(e).''.
SEC. 6004. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM ENTERPRISE FACILITATION.
Section 502 of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2662) in
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Local and Regional Food System Enterprise Facilitation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a local
and regional food system enterprise facilitation initiative to
increase technical assistance to help build sustainable local
and regional food systems.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Secretary shall, at a minimum--
``(A) authorize the establishment in the Extension
Service of the position of enterprise facilitator
(referred to in this subsection as an `enterprise
facilitator'); and
``(B) give priority to providing funding for
enterprise facilitators that are located in areas
that--
``(i) have high participation rates for the
supplemental nutrition assistance program
established under the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); and
``(ii) are predominantly rural areas.
``(3) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants on a
competitive basis to nongovernmental organizations and
institutions that have appropriate experience working on the
rural development initiatives in the targeted areas described
in paragraph (2)(B) to provide technical assistance to help
build sustainable local and regional food systems if the
Secretary determines that the Extension Service in a State or
locality is not able to provide the assistance.
``(4) Duties.--An enterprise facilitator shall, to the
maximum extent practicable--
``(A) identify and organize local food producers
and entrepreneurs into entities that are able to
deliver local and regional food into local markets,
including--
``(i) farmers markets;
``(ii) community kitchens;
``(iii) locally owned processing
facilities;
``(iv) aggregation centers;
``(v) transportation cooperatives; and
``(vi) collaborative production
cooperatives;
``(B) develop partnerships with local and regional
organizations and institutions to provide resources for
effective partnerships to train entrepreneurs and
facilitate new enterprises;
``(C) assist agricultural producers and processors
with marketing and distribution of local and regional
food products;
``(D) identify and work to remove barriers to the
movement of local and regional food products into the
marketplace;
``(E) encourage new agricultural producers to
produce foods for local and regional markets;
``(F) provide education programs to new
agricultural producers that emphasize local and
regional foods;
``(G) work with local expanded food and nutrition
education programs, schools and other local
institutions, and individuals to develop food
processing skills;
``(H) provide technical assistance in the
preparation of grant and loan applications to promote
the purposes of this subsection; and
``(I) work with private sources of funding and
other Federal and State agencies to acquire grants and
loans to promote the purposes of this subsection.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such
sums as are necessary.''.
SEC. 6005. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.
Section 1632(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5841(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) establish a national strategic germplasm assessment
and use plan to meet food security goals for the future; and''.
TITLE VII--HORTICULTURE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
SEC. 7001. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness
Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated by
paragraph (1) of this subsection, the following new paragraph:
``(1) The term `locally or regionally produced food' has
the meaning given the term `locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products' in section 310B(g)(9)(A)(i) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(g)(9)(A)(i)).''.
(b) Availability and Purposes of Grants.--Subsection (a) of section
101 of such Act is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``Purpose'' and inserting
``Purposes'';
(2) by striking ``2005 through 2012'' and inserting ``2013
through 2017''; and
(3) by striking ``solely to enhance'' and all that follows
and inserting ``to increase the consumption and availability of
specialty crops that are locally or regionally produced food
and to increase the profitability, ecological sustainability,
and competitiveness of specialty crop producers.''.
(c) Plan Requirements.--Subsection (e) of such section 101 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``The State plan shall identify the lead
agency'' and inserting ``The State plan shall--
``(1) identify the lead agency''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) ensure a balanced and equitable distribution of
grants across--
``(A) the full array of specialty crop agriculture,
including all types of farm enterprises, organic
farming systems, beginning and socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers, and small and mid-scale farms;
``(B) the full array of funding areas, including--
``(i) research and education;
``(ii) nutrition and public health;
``(iii) pest and plant health;
``(iv) conservation and the environment;
``(v) food safety;
``(vi) marketing and promotion; and
``(vii) production; and
``(C) the full range of activities inherent in
developing systems for locally or regionally produced
foods, including issues related to processing,
distributing, aggregating, storing, marketing, and
consumption.''.
(d) Review of Application.--Subsection (f) of such section 101 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``purpose'' and inserting ``purposes''; and
(2) by striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting
``subsection (a), and would represent a balanced and equitable
distribution of grant funds, as specified in subsection (e)''.
(e) Preference.--Such section 101 is further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), (i), and (j) as
subsections (i), (j), (k), and (n), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new
subsection:
``(g) Preference.--In using grant funds provided under this
section, the State receiving the grant shall give a preference to
marketing proposals that--
``(1) demonstrate ability to have direct positive impact
on--
``(A) farm profitability and sustainability;
``(B) improved distribution capacity for locally or
regionally produced foods; or
``(C) increased domestic consumption and
affordability of edible specialty crops, particularly
in low-income communities; and
``(2) in which final products are marketed so that the
total distance that products are transported for final sale is
less than 250 miles from the origin of the products.''.
(f) Transparency.--Such section 101 is further amended by inserting
after subsection (g), as added by subsection (e) of this section, the
following new subsection:
``(h) Transparency.--Each State receiving a grant under this
section shall, in a timely manner, publish on an Internet website
summary information about all grants received under this section and
reports on the implementation of projects funded by such grants.''.
(g) Use of Grant Funds.--Such section 101 is further amended by
inserting after subsection (k), as redesignated by subsection (e)(1) of
this section, the following new subsection:
``(l) Use of Grant Funds.--The Secretary shall consider expansion
of the grant program under this section to include traditional foods of
federally recognized Indian tribes and other minority communities and
may publish appropriate guidance to States receiving grants under this
section regarding any such expansion.''.
(h) Other Use of Funds.--Such section 101 is further amended by
inserting after subsection (l), as added by subsection (g) of this
section, the following new subsection:
``(m) Other Use of Funds.--
``(1) National research and evaluation.--Of the funds made
available under subsection (n), the Secretary shall use not
less than $5,000,000 for a nationally-coordinated and
regionally-balanced research and evaluation effort on the
redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems
conducted through a consortium of land grant universities, in
partnership with non-governmental organizations engaged in work
on locally or regionally produced food systems.
``(2) Locally or regionally produced food system
development.--Of the funds made available under subsection (n),
the Secretary shall use $30,000,000 during each fiscal year for
locally or regionally produced food system specialty crop
development, including development or enhancement of State and
regional local food marketing programs, local and regional food
enterprise development, farmer-to-consumer direct marketing,
direct-to-store and direct-to-institution marketing, regional
supply chains, regional food hubs, new farmer development, and
State food policy councils.''.
(i) Funding.--Subsection (n) of such section 101, as redesignated
by subsection (e)(1) of this section, is amended by striking ``shall
make grants'' and all that follows and inserting ``shall use
$90,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017 to carry out
this section.''.
(j) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2012.
SEC. 7002. NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE PROGRAM.
(a) Reauthorization.--Section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Of the funds'' and all
that follows through ``until expended, to'' and inserting ``The
Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Agricultural
Marketing Service) shall''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$750'' and
inserting ``$1,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2012.
SEC. 7003. AVAILABILITY OF ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST SHARE ASSISTANCE
AND RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
PARTNERSHIP ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE
ACT.
Subsection (b) of section 524 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1524) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Organic Certification Cost Share Assistance and Risk
Management Education and Community Outreach Partnership Assistance.--
``(1) Provision of assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
organic certification cost share assistance and risk management
education and community outreach partnership assistance asa
provided in paragraph (4).
``(2) Use of commodity credit corporation.--The Secretary
shall carry out this subsection through the Commodity Credit
Corporation.
``(3) Funding.--Subject to paragraph (4), the Commodity
Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this
subsection not less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.
``(4) Distribution of funds.--Of the amount made available
under paragraph (3) for a fiscal year--
``(A) 70 percent shall be used to provide organic
certification cost share assistance pursuant to section
10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 1524); and
``(B) 30 percent shall be used to conduct
activities to support risk management education and
community outreach partnerships pursuant to section
522(d).''.
SEC. 7004. LOCAL MARKETING PROMOTION PROGRAM.
Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7
U.S.C. 3005) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 6. LOCAL MARKETING PROMOTION PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out a program, to
be known as the `Local Marketing Promotion Program' (referred to in
this section as the `Program'), to make grants to eligible entities for
projects to establish, expand, and promote direct producer-to-consumer
marketing, including farmers' markets, and other local and regional
food markets.
``(b) Program Purposes.--
``(1) In general.--The purposes of the Program are to
increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and
regionally produced agricultural products by--
``(A) improving and expanding or assisting in the
improvement and expansion of--
``(i) domestic farmers' markets, farm and
roadside stands, community-supported
agriculture and community-supported fishery
programs, agritourism activities, green carts,
route vendors, buying clubs, and other direct
producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and
``(ii) local and regional food markets that
are not direct farmer-to-consumer markets, but
that may include the scaling up of such direct
markets, including processing, distributing,
aggregating, storing, and marketing;
``(B) developing or aiding in the development of--
``(i) new farmers' markets, roadside
stands, community-supported agriculture and
community-supported fishery programs,
agritourism activities, and other direct
producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities;
and
``(ii) local and regional food markets that
are not direct farmer-to-consumer markets, but
that may include the scaling up of such direct
markets, including processing, distributing,
aggregating, storing, and marketing.
``(2) Limitations.--An eligible entity may not use a grant
or other assistance provided under the Program for the
purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or
structure.
``(c) Eligible Entities.--An entity shall be eligible to receive a
grant under the Program if the entity is--
``(1) an agricultural or fishing cooperative or other
business entity or a producer or fisher network or association,
including community-supported agriculture or fishery networks
or associations;
``(2) a local government;
``(3) a nonprofit corporation;
``(4) a public benefit corporation;
``(5) an economic development corporation;
``(6) a regional farmers' market authority; or
``(7) such other entity as the Secretary may designate.
``(d) Criteria and Guidelines.--The Secretary shall establish
criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of
proposed projects under the Program.
``(e) Priorities.--
``(1) Preference for certain communities and operations.--
In providing grants under the Program, priority shall be given
to applications that include projects--
``(A) to benefit underserved communities; and
``(B) to develop market opportunities for small and
mid-sized farm and ranch operations.
``(2) Preference for producer-only farmers' markets.--In
providing grants under the direct marketing portion of the
Program, priority shall be given to producer-only farmers'
markets.
``(f) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall use $30,000,000 of
the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation each fiscal year
to carry out the Program.
``(2) Use of funds.--
``(A) Distribution between purposes.--Of the funds
made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year--
``(i) 50 percent shall be used for the
direct marketing portion of the Program in
subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B)(i) of subsection
(b)(1); and
``(ii) 50 percent shall be used for the
local and regional food portion of the Program
in subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (B)(ii) of
subsection (b)(1).
``(B) Direct marketing portion.--For each of the
following, not less than 10 percent of the funds
reserved for the direct marketing portion of the
Program in a fiscal year under paragraph (2)(A)(i)
shall be used--
``(i) to support outreach, education, and
operation of the use of electronic benefits
transfers for Federal nutrition programs at
farmers' markets and other direct marketing
outlets including farm and roadside stands,
community-supported agriculture and community-
supported fishery programs, green carts, route
vendors and buying clubs; and
``(ii) to provide general technical
assistance and organizational capacity building
grants to strengthen market development
networks and otherwise enhance the outcomes of
the Program.
``(C) Local and regional food portion.--Not less
than 10 percent of the funds reserved for the local and
regional food portion of the Program in a fiscal year
under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) shall be used to provide
technical assistance grants to strengthen the ability
of small and medium-sized agricultural producers, food
wholesalers and retailers, schools, and other
individuals, organizations, entities, and institutions
for processing, distributing, aggregating, storing, and
marketing locally and regionally produced agricultural
products. Funds reserved under such paragraph may be
used--
``(i) to carry out feasibility studies
related to the local and regional food portion
of the Program; and
``(ii) to assist enterprises that process,
distribute, aggregate, store, and market
locally and regionally produced foods.
``(3) Interdepartmental coordination.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary shall ensure coordination between the
various agencies to the maximum extent practicable.
``(4) Limitations.--
``(A) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 10
percent of the total amount made available under
paragraph (1) for a fiscal year may be used for
administrative expenses.
``(B) Project limitations.--Funds described in
paragraph (2)(B)(i)--
``(i) may not be used for the ongoing cost
of carrying out any project; and
``(ii) shall only be provided to eligible
entities that demonstrate a plan to continue to
provide EBT card access at 1 or more farmers'
markets or direct marketing outlets following
the receipt of the grant.''.
TITLE VIII--POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK
SEC. 8001. SMALL AND VERY SMALL MEAT PROCESSING PLANTS.
(a) Technical Assistance and Guidance.--The Federal Meat Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new title:
``TITLE VI--VERY SMALL AND CERTAIN SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS
``SEC. 601. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in the Food
Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture a
technical assistance division to coordinate the initiatives of any
other appropriate agency of the Department of Agriculture to provide--
``(1) outreach, education, and training to very small or
certain small establishments (as defined by the Secretary);
``(2) grants to appropriate State agencies, educational
institutions, non-governmental organizations with appropriate
expertise, or networks or partnerships of such agencies, such
institutions, and such organizations to provide outreach,
technical assistance, education, and training to very small or
certain small establishments; and
``(3) grants to appropriate State agencies to provide
outreach, technical assistance, education, and training to very
small or certain small establishments.
``(b) Personnel.--The technical assistance division shall be
comprised of individuals that, as determined by the Secretary--
``(1) are of a quantity sufficient to carry out the duties
of the technical assistance division; and
``(2) possess appropriate qualifications and expertise
relating to the duties of the technical assistance division.
``SEC. 602. GUIDANCE.
``(a) Purpose.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting through the Food
Safety and Inspection Service, shall issue guidance to allow very small
or certain small establishments (as defined by the Secretary under
section 601) to demonstrate compliance with required food safety and
sanitation standards upon a showing that the process controls for food
safety and sanitation are being applied.
``(b) Content.--The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall
address process controls, appropriate for the size and scale of a
facility, for--
``(1) slaughter and processing facilities that conduct
Federal inspections, State inspections, or custom slaughter or
processing at the facility;
``(2) leased slaughter and processing facilities;
``(3) on-farm slaughter and processing;
``(4) mobile slaughter and processing facilities; and
``(5) other facilities or circumstances determined by the
stakeholders group referred to in subsection (c) to be relevant
to very small or certain small establishments.
``(c) Stakeholder Group.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall convene a
stakeholders group with expertise on small scale processing
facilities, including mobile processing facilities, to prepare
proposed guidance on process controls for food safety and
sanitation for very small or certain small establishments.
``(2) Membership.--The stakeholders group convened under
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) small scale growers;
``(B) operators of small scale slaughtering and
processing facilities; and
``(C) representatives from appropriate Federal and
State agencies, educational institutions, non-
governmental organizations with appropriate expertise,
or networks or partnerships of such agencies, such
institutions, and such organizations.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2017 to carry out this title and section 32 of the Poultry
Products Inspection Act.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 683) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3)(B)(ii), by striking ``subsection
(j)'' and inserting ``subsection (i)'';
(2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection (j)''
and inserting ``subsection (i)'';
(3) by striking subsection (f); and
(4) by redesignating subsections (g) through (j) as
subsections (f) through (i), respectively.
SEC. 8002. SMALL AND VERY SMALL POULTRY PROCESSING PLANTS.
The Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 32. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE.
``(a) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in the
Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of
Agriculture a technical assistance division to coordinate the
initiatives of any other appropriate agency of the Department
of Agriculture to provide--
``(A) outreach, education, and training to very
small or certain small establishments (as defined by
the Secretary);
``(B) grants to appropriate State agencies,
educational institutions, non-governmental
organizations with appropriate expertise, or networks
or partnerships of such agencies, such institutions,
and such organizations to provide outreach, technical
assistance, education, and training to very small or
certain small establishments; and
``(C) grants to appropriate State agencies to
provide outreach, technical assistance, education, and
training to very small or certain small establishments.
``(2) Personnel.--The technical assistance division shall
be comprised of individuals that, as determined by the
Secretary--
``(A) are of a quantity sufficient to carry out the
duties of the technical assistance division; and
``(B) possess appropriate qualifications and
expertise relating to the duties of the technical
assistance division.
``(b) Guidance.--
``(1) Purpose.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting through
the Food Safety and Inspection Service, shall issue guidance to
allow very small or certain small establishments (as defined by
the Secretary under subsection (a)) to demonstrate compliance
with required food safety and sanitation standards upon a
showing that the process controls for food safety and
sanitation are being applied.
``(2) Content.--The guidance issued under paragraph (1)
shall address process controls, appropriate for the size and
scale of a facility, for--
``(A) slaughter and processing facilities that
conduct Federal inspections, State inspections, or
custom slaughter or processing at the facility;
``(B) leased slaughter and processing facilities;
``(C) on-farm slaughter and processing;
``(D) mobile slaughter and processing facilities;
and
``(E) other facilities or circumstances determined
by the stakeholders group referred to in paragraph (3)
to be relevant to very small or certain small
establishments.
``(3) Stakeholder group.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall convene a stakeholders group with expertise on
small scale processing facilities, including mobile
processing facilities, to prepare proposed guidance on
process controls for food safety and sanitation for
very small or certain small establishments.
``(B) Membership.--The stakeholders group convened
under subparagraph (A) shall include--
``(i) small scale growers;
``(ii) operators of small scale
slaughtering and processing facilities; and
``(iii) representatives from appropriate
Federal and State agencies, educational
institutions, non-governmental organizations
with appropriate expertise, or networks or
partnerships of such agencies, such
institutions, and such organizations.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--The authorization of
appropriations for this section appears in section 602 of the Federal
Meat Inspection Act.''.
SEC. 8003. SEARCHABLE DATABASE OF ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED MEAT AND
POULTRY LABELS.
(a) Electronic Option for Submission.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture
shall promulgate regulations under section 7 of the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 607) and section 8 of the Poultry Products
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 457) to establish an electronic option for
submitting meat and poultry labels for preapproval.
(b) Searchable Database of Electronically Submitted Labels.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a publicly accessible
searchable database of electronically submitted meat and poultry
labels.
SEC. 8004. MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation
with the stakeholders group referred to in section 602(c) of the
Federal Meat Inspection Act (as added by section 8001 of this Act) and
the stakeholders group referred to in section 32(b)(3) of the Poultry
Products Inspection Act (as added by section 8002 of this Act), shall
submit to Congress a report on steps that can be taken to better meet
the needs of very small and certain small establishments (as defined by
the Secretary under section 601 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (as
added by such section 8001) or section 32(a) of the Poultry Products
Inspection Act (as added by such section 8002)), including any
recommended changes to statutory and regulatory provisions of law.
(b) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall
include a proposal to allow participating States to enter into
memoranda of understanding with non-participating States to allow
covered products produced in a participating State to be sold in a non-
participating State.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered products.--The term ``covered products'' means
a meat or poultry product inspected in accordance with the
covered programs.
(2) Covered programs.--The term ``covered programs'' means
the cooperative meat and poultry inspection programs of the
Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of
Agriculture.
(3) Non-participating state.--The term ``non-participating
State'' means a State that does not participate in the covered
programs.
(4) Participating state.--The term ``participating State''
means a State that participates in the covered programs.
TITLE IX--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 9001. NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 405 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625) is amended by striking subsection
(j) and inserting the following:
``(j) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
``(2) Additional funding.--In addition to funds made
available under paragraph (1), for the purposes of making
grants under this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal
years 2011 through 2017.''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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 Education and the Workforce, 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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