Food and Farm Act
This bill reauthorizes and modifies several Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that address
The bill modifies agriculture and nutrition policies to
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1824 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1824
To reform the safety net for farmers and ranchers, enhance soil, water,
and habitat conservation, encourage beginning farmers and ranchers,
strengthen nutrition for Americans, support agriculture research and
innovation, reduce food waste, improve animal welfare, and invest in
regional food systems, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 28, 2023
Mr. Blumenauer introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and
Means, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, 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 reform the safety net for farmers and ranchers, enhance soil, water,
and habitat conservation, encourage beginning farmers and ranchers,
strengthen nutrition for Americans, support agriculture research and
innovation, reduce food waste, improve animal welfare, and invest in
regional 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 ``Food and Farm
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES AND CROP INSURANCE
Subtitle A--Cutting, Capping, and Clarifying Agriculture Subsidies
Sec. 101. Repealing excessive subsidy programs for commodity crops.
Sec. 102. Comprehensive cap on total agricultural subsidies an eligible
entity may receive.
Sec. 103. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Sec. 104. Elimination of separate payment limitation on peanut
subsidies.
Sec. 105. Strengthening prevented planting coverage.
Sec. 106. Eliminating the yield transfer loophole.
Sec. 107. Ensuring planting on suitable land.
Sec. 108. Report on diversity in crop insurance.
Subtitle B--Expansion of Whole Farm Crop Insurance
Sec. 121. Expansion of whole farm crop insurance option for farms that
grow multiple crops.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Strengthening Conservation Compliance
Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Covered cropland program ineligibility.
Sec. 203. Exemptions.
Sec. 204. Development and implementation of conservation plans and
conservation systems.
Sec. 205. Wetland program ineligibility.
Sec. 206. Delineation of wetlands; exemptions.
Subtitle B--Enhancing Environmental Quality Incentives
Sec. 211. Purposes.
Sec. 212. Definitions.
Sec. 213. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 214. Evaluation of applications.
Sec. 215. Environmental quality incentives program plan.
Sec. 216. Duties of the secretary.
Sec. 217. Limitation on payments.
Subtitle C--Reforming the Conservation Stewardship Program
Sec. 221. Definitions.
Sec. 222. Conservation stewardship program.
Sec. 223. Stewardship contracts.
Sec. 224. Duties of the Secretary.
Subtitle A--Building on the Regional Conservation Partnership
Sec. 231. Improvements to the regional conservation partnership
program.
Subtitle B--Establishing Innovative Grants for Conservation and Loans
for Structural Improvements
Sec. 241. Repeal and reestablishment of EQIP conservation innovation
grant program.
Sec. 242. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Subtitle C--Ensuring Greenhouse Gas Reporting for Agriculture
Sec. 251. Greenhouse gas reporting.
Sec. 252. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle D--Administration and Funding
Sec. 261. Commodity credit corporation.
TITLE III--FOOD ASSISTANCE
Sec. 301. Elimination of domestic procurement restriction for emergency
and private assistance programs under the
Food for Peace Act.
Sec. 302. Elimination of cap on support for eligible organizations for
certain purposes.
Sec. 303. Elimination of minimum level of local sales requirement under
the Food for Peace Act.
Sec. 304. Food for Peace Act extensions.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION
Subtitle A--Increasing Access to Healthy Foods
Sec. 401. Expanding healthy food financing initiative.
Sec. 402. Helping schools serve healthier meals.
Sec. 403. Strengthening the food and agriculture service learning
program.
Sec. 404. Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program.
Subtitle B--Improving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Sec. 411. Continuing the farmers' markets supplemental nutrition
assistance program support grant program.
Sec. 412. Expanding and increasing support for the food insecurity
nutrition incentives program.
Sec. 413. Closing the meal gap.
Sec. 414. Food as medicine.
TITLE V--FUTURE OF AMERICAN FARMERS
Subtitle A--Defining Beginning Farmer or Rancher
Sec. 501. Beginning farmer or rancher defined.
Subtitle B--Providing Resources for Beginning, Retiring, and Socially
Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Sec. 511. Reauthorization and increased funding for outreach and
assistance for socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers
and ranchers.
Sec. 512. Ensuring permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher
development program.
Sec. 513. Supporting beginning farmer participation in certain
conservation programs.
Sec. 514. Creating a priority for participation of beginning farmers
and ranchers in farmers' market and local
food promotion program.
Sec. 515. Supporting beginning farmers and ranchers through farm
service agency liaisons.
Sec. 516. Facilitating succession planning through the creation of farm
service agency regional planners.
Sec. 517. Ensuring a vibrant agricultural sector through the creation
of a land tenure commission.
Subtitle C--Creating Financial Incentives to Benefit Beginning Farmers
and Ranchers
Sec. 521. Removing barriers to farming through an eligible farmer tax
credit.
Sec. 522. Ensuring farm service facility loans can serve agricultural
cooperatives.
Sec. 523. Loans to cooperatives.
TITLE VI--FOOD WASTE
Sec. 601. Sense of congress regarding reducing food waste.
Sec. 602. Establishment of office of food waste.
Sec. 603. Establishment of food loss and waste reduction task force.
Sec. 604. Standardizing, aggregating, and publishing food waste data.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--Investing in Sustainable Agriculture
Sec. 701. Sustainable agriculture research, extension, and education
programs.
Sec. 702. National training program.
Subtitle B--Supporting Research to Help Farmers Adapt to a Disrupted
Climate
Sec. 711. Competitive, special, and facilities grants.
Sec. 712. Specialty crop research initiative.
TITLE VIII--ANIMAL WELFARE
Subtitle A--Ensuring Animal Welfare in Farming
Sec. 801. Definitions for humanely raised livestock and poultry
certification programs.
Sec. 802. Increasing market access for humanely raised livestock and
poultry certification programs.
Sec. 803. Animal welfare tax incentives.
Subtitle B--Reforming Animal Welfare in Agricultural Research Endeavors
Sec. 811. Animal welfare.
Sec. 812. Establishing a research and extension program for humanely
raised livestock and poultry
certifications.
TITLE IX--REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS
Subtitle A--Expanding Support for Local and Regional Food Systems
Sec. 901. Sense of the Congress.
Sec. 902. Expanding the food leveraging investment for network
coordination (LINC) program.
Sec. 903. Ensuring success of regional food projects under the business
and industry guaranteed loan program.
Sec. 904. Increasing support for the specialty crop block grant
program.
Subtitle B--Enhancing Regional Food Infrastructure
Sec. 911. Supporting regional food infrastructure assessment and
collaborative planning.
Sec. 912. Livestock, dairy, and poultry supply chain infrastructure
grants and loans.
Subtitle C--Expanding Accessibility of Federal Grant Programs
Sec. 921. Publishing information about funded farmers' market and local
food promotion program projects.
Sec. 922. Streamlining of local and regional food program application
procedures.
Subtitle D--Leveling the Playing Field for Small Farmers
Sec. 931. Ensuring fair practices in agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES AND CROP INSURANCE
Subtitle A--Cutting, Capping, and Clarifying Agriculture Subsidies
SEC. 101. REPEALING EXCESSIVE SUBSIDY PROGRAMS FOR COMMODITY CROPS.
(a) Repeal.--Part II of subtitle A of title I of the Agriculture
Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 9011 et seq.) is repealed.
(b) Continued Application for 2023 Crop Year.--Part II of subtitle
A of title I of the Agriculture Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011 et seq.), as
in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act,
shall continue to apply through the 2023 crop year with respect to each
covered commodity (as defined in section 1111(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
9011(6))) on a farm.
SEC. 102. COMPREHENSIVE CAP ON TOTAL AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES AN ELIGIBLE
ENTITY MAY RECEIVE.
Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as
subsections (f) through (i), respectively;
(2) in such subsections, by striking ``(b) and (c)'' and
``(b) or (c)'' each place it appears and inserting ``(b), (c),
and (e)'' and ``(b), (c), or (e)'', respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection (e):
``(e) Limitation on Total Payments.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the total amount of payments and benefits described
in section 1001D(b)(2) received, directly or indirectly, by a person or
legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) during a
crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, may not exceed $125,000.
This does not include ad-hoc disaster funding.''; and
(4) in paragraph (2), by striking ``first cousin, niece,
nephew,''.
SEC. 103. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.
Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-
3a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$900,000'' and
inserting ``$400,000 unless the 75 percent of the adjusted
gross income is derived from the farm''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(F) A crop insurance premium subsidy under
section 508(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1508(e)).''.
SEC. 104. ELIMINATION OF SEPARATE PAYMENT LIMITATION ON PEANUT
SUBSIDIES.
Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``(other
Than Peanuts)''; and
(B) in the text, by striking ``(other than for
peanuts)''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``Effective beginning with the 2025 crop year,
subsection (b), rather than this subsection, shall apply to
payments received as marketing loan gains or loan deficiency
payments under subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of
2014 for peanuts.''.
SEC. 105. STRENGTHENING PREVENTED PLANTING COVERAGE.
(a) Planting of Cover Crop.--Section 508A(c)(1)(A)(i) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508a(c)(1)(A)(i)) is amended by
inserting before the semicolon the following: ``, but, in that case,
the producer shall plant a cover crop on the same acreage for the same
crop year unless doing so would not constitute a good farming practice,
as determined by the Secretary''.
(b) Area Conditions Required for Payment.--Section 508A(c)(4) of
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508a(c)(4)) is amended by
striking ``, in the area where'' and inserting ``in the same county, in
an adjoining county, or operating within 100 miles of the affected
producers, whichever area is greater,''.
(c) Additional Conditions.--Section 508A(c) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508a) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraphs:
``(6) Successful planting.--In order to qualify for
prevented planting coverage, the land to be covered must have
been planted in at least one of the preceding 3 crop years.
``(7) Irrigation guidance.--The Corporation shall develop
guidance on the efficient conservative use of irrigation water
when a crop is clearly lost to ensure the program does not
contribute to the inefficient use of water resources.
``(8) Coverage levels.--Prevented planting coverage levels
shall not exceed the coverage factors as determined by the
Corporation.''.
(d) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study on good farming practices related
to cover crops.
(2) Findings.--The Secretary shall use the findings of the
study required under paragraph (1) to evaluate and make
appropriate changes to the regulations of the Department.
SEC. 106. ELIMINATING THE YIELD TRANSFER LOOPHOLE.
Section 508(g) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(g))
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Yield transfer prohibited.--The Corporation shall not
allow a producer's actual production records from one parcel of
land to be used to establish actual production history on a
separate parcel of land.''.
SEC. 107. ENSURING PLANTING ON SUITABLE LAND.
Section 508(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e))
is amended by adding at the end the following paragraph:
``(9) Prohibition of subsidies on unsuitable land.--The
Corporation shall ensure that no premium benefits are provided
on lands, other than for pasture, forage, or rangeland policy
benefits, that are classified as generally unsuitable for
cultivation by the land capability classification system, as
determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 108. REPORT ON DIVERSITY IN CROP INSURANCE.
Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(k)(8)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(G) Annual diversity report.--Each Standard
Reinsurance Agreement shall include a requirement for
all approved insurance providers to submit to the
Corporation on an annual basis, in compliance with
applicable privacy laws, a report--
``(i) describing activities undertaken to
promote access to crop insurance for socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and
``(ii) containing demographic information
regarding the producers being served, including
information by race and gender.''.
Subtitle B--Expansion of Whole Farm Crop Insurance
SEC. 121. EXPANSION OF WHOLE FARM CROP INSURANCE OPTION FOR FARMS THAT
GROW MULTIPLE CROPS.
(a) Elimination of Liability Limitation.--Section 522(c)(19)(A) of
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)(19)(A)) is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``, with no liability limitation,''.
(b) Administration.--Section 522(c)(19) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)(19)) is amended by adding at the end
the following new subparagraphs:
``(D) Administrative and operating expenses.--Not
withstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the
Corporation shall allow approved insurance providers to
utilize alternate compensation structures for the
administration of the plan developed under subparagraph
(A) that--
``(i) compensate agents based on the actual
time it takes to write and administer a policy
under the plan; or
``(ii) another method approved by the
Corporation that proportionally compensates
agents for any increased time commitments
required by the plan.
``(E) Paperwork reduction.--The Corporation shall
seek to ensure that the paperwork requirements of
agents and producers associated with the plan developed
under subparagraph (A) are minimized to the maximum
extent possible, while still meeting actuarial
soundness standards.
``(F) Expanding operations.--To the maximum extent
possible, the Corporation shall ensure that all
producers, including rapidly expanding operations, are
able to obtain coverage under the plan developed under
subparagraph (A).
``(G) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this subparagraph, the
Corporation shall submit to Congress a report that,
with respect to this paragraph, includes information
relating to--
``(i) the burden to agents and farmers;
``(ii) recommendations to streamline; and
``(iii) compliance.''.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Strengthening Conservation Compliance
SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3801(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``highly
erodible'' and inserting ``covered''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the highly
erodible'' and inserting ``covered'';
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
follows:
``(B) are designed to, in a cost effective and
technically practicable manner--
``(i) achieve a substantial improvement in
water quality and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions;
``(ii) achieve a rate of soil erosion no
greater than the soil loss tolerance level, as
determined by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service;
``(iii) prevent ephemeral gully erosion;
and
``(iv) establish and maintain a minimum of
50 feet of perennial vegetation between covered
cropland and intermittent or perennial
waterways; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) are based on the most recent and technically
accurate soil erosion prediction models to determine if
soil erosion by wind and water exceed the Soil Loss
Tolerance Level on covered cropland subject to subtitle
B.'';
(3) in paragraph (6), by striking ``highly erodible'' and
inserting ``covered'';
(4) by amending paragraph (7)(A)(ii) to read as follows:
``(ii) before such action, such land was
wetland.'';
(5) in paragraph (9), by striking ``Any highly erodible
land on which an agricultural commodity is produced after
December 23, 1985, and that is not exempt under section 1212,
shall be considered as part of the field in which the land was
included on December 23, 1985, unless the owner and Secretary
agree to modification of the boundaries of the field to carry
out this title.''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(28) Covered cropland.--The term `covered cropland' means
cropland, as defined in section 718.2 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations, that is planted to a row crop.''.
SEC. 202. COVERED CROPLAND PROGRAM INELIGIBILITY.
(a) In General.--Section 1211 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3811) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``a field on which highly erodible land'' and
all that follows through ``shall be ineligible for''
and inserting ``covered cropland shall be ineligible
for'';
(B) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``or income''
after ``any type of price''; and
(C) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ``excessive
erosion of highly erodible land'' and inserting
``substantial erosion or degradation of water
quality''; and
(2) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking ``Highly
Erodible Land'' and inserting ``Compliance Determination''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subtitle B of title XII of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.) is amended in the heading
by striking ``Highly Erodible Land'' and inserting ``Covered
Cropland''.
SEC. 203. EXEMPTIONS.
Section 1212 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812) is
amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Eligibility Based on Compliance With Conservation Plan.--
``(1) In general.--If, as of January 1, 2024, or 2 years
after the Natural Resources Conservation Service has completed
a conservation plan for the farm, whichever is later, a person
is actively applying the approved conservation plan, such
person shall have until January 1, 2028, to comply with the
plan without being subject to program ineligibility.
``(2) Minimization of documentation.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, and local soil conservation districts shall minimize
the quantity of documentation a person must submit to comply
with this paragraph.
``(3) Expiration.--On the expiration of a contract entered
into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, the
provisions of this subtitle shall apply to the acreage that was
the subject of such contract.'';
(2) by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d);
(3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as
subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by amending
paragraph (4)(A)(i) to read as follows:
``(i) a person has failed to comply with
section 1211, and has acted in good faith and
without an intent to violate section 1211;
or''.
SEC. 204. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSERVATION PLANS AND
CONSERVATION SYSTEMS.
Section 1213 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812a) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and
economically''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``undue'' and
inserting ``serious'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and redesignating
subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (b), (c),
(d), and (e), respectively;
(3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``If a person makes a
certification under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall not be required to'' and
inserting ``The Secretary shall annually''; and
(ii) by inserting ``on not less than 5
percent of the covered cropland subject to this
subtitle'' after ``being applied''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the last sentence
and inserting ``The Secretary may revise the person's
conservation plan if the Secretary determines the
conservation plan is not meeting the standards in
section 1201(a)(4).''; and
(4) by amending subsection (d) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) to read as follows:
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) provide technical assistance to a person throughout
the development, revision, and application of the conservation
plan and any conservation system of the person; and
``(2) make available annually an amount equal to 0.02
percent of the funding otherwise provided for programs
specified in section 1211(a), not to exceed $350 million, to
provide technical assistance, conduct status reviews and other
tasks required to fully implement the provisions of this
subtitle.''.
SEC. 205. WETLAND PROGRAM INELIGIBILITY.
Section 1221(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3821)
is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (2)(B) to read as follows:
``(B) New conversions.--In the case of a wetland
that the Secretary determines was converted after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the
person shall be ineligible to receive crop insurance
premium subsidies in subsequent reinsurance years
unless the Secretary determines that an exemption
pursuant to section 1222 applies.'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraph (E); and
(3) in paragraph (4), by inserting at the end the
following:
``(D) Funding.--The Secretary shall make available
annually an amount equal to 0.01 percent of the funding
otherwise made available for programs specified in
1221(b), not to exceed $200 million, to provide
technical assistance, conduct status reviews and carry
out other tasks needed to fully implement the
provisions of this subtitle.
``(E) Status reviews.--The Secretary shall annually
carry out a review of the status of compliance of the
person with the conservation plan under which the
conservation system is being applied on no less than 5
percent of the covered cropland subject to this
subtitle.''.
SEC. 206. DELINEATION OF WETLANDS; EXEMPTIONS.
Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822) is
amended in subsection (f)(2)--
(1) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.
Subtitle B--Enhancing Environmental Quality Incentives
SEC. 211. PURPOSES.
Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa) is
amended by inserting at the end the following:
``(5) improving water quality, with special emphasis on
reducing nutrient pollution and protecting sources of drinking
water;
``(6) conserving ground and surface water to sustain or
improve in-stream flows;
``(7) enhancing the quality of soil fertility and health;
``(8) controlling invasive species;
``(9) enhancing critical aquatic and terrestrial wildlife
habitat for at-risk species;
``(10) reducing the amount and toxicity of pesticides and
other agricultural chemicals found on food and in water or the
air;
``(11) reducing the nontherapeutic use of medically
important antibiotics in food-producing animals in order to
preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics used in the treatment
of human and animal disease; and
``(12) reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping
producers adapt to a changing and unpredictable climate and
increase resiliency to climate change impacts, including rising
temperatures and extreme weather events, while reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.''.
SEC. 212. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Organic System Plan.--Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and
redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as paragraphs (2) through (4),
respectively.
(b) Practice.--Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-1) is further amended in paragraph (3)(B) (as
redesignated by subsection (a))--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
(3) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:
``(ii) comprehensive conservation planning;
and''.
SEC. 213. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Establishment.--Section 1240B(a) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(a)) is amended by striking ``2015'' and
inserting ``2028''.
(b) Term.--Section 1240B(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-2(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``10 years'' and
inserting ``5 years''.
(c) Priority.--Section 1240B(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Priority.--If the Secretary determines that the environmental
values of two or more applications for payments are comparable, the
Secretary shall assign a higher priority to a program application which
will achieve the environment and conservation values using practices
and systems the assessed cost of which is lower.''.
(d) Payments.--
(1) Limitation on substantial and primary benefits.--
Section 1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-2(d)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``; or'';
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) 50 percent of the cost of a practice that
substantially benefits the producer, as determined by
the Secretary.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Primary benefit to producer.--A producer shall not be
eligible for payments for a practice on eligible land under the
program that primarily benefits the producer, as determined by
the Secretary.''.
(2) Increased payments for certain practices.--Section
1240B(d)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
2(d)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(H) contour farming;
``(I) cover cropping;
``(J) nutrient management;
``(K) stream corridor improvement;
``(L) contour buffer strips;
``(M) riparian herbaceous and forest buffers;
``(N) filterstrips;
``(O) stream habitat improvement and management;
``(P) grassed waterways;
``(Q) wetland restoration and enhancement;
``(R) conservation crop rotation; or
``(S) other management practices which reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
(3) Limitation on payments for certain practices.--Section
1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
2(d)) is further amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(9) Limitation on payments for certain practices.--A
producer who owns or operates a large confined animal feeding
operation (as defined by the Secretary) shall not be eligible
for payments under this chapter to construct an animal waste
management facility or any associated waste transport or
transfer device.''.
(e) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1240B(f) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Allocation of Funding.--Of the funds made available for
payments for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 not less than 5
percent shall be provided to producers who participate in an
independent animal welfare certification program, as defined in section
801 of the Food and Farm Act.''.
(f) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--Section
1240B(h)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(h)(1))
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) water-conserving practices such as dryland
farming;
``(E) improvement of the storage of water through
measures such as water banking and groundwater
recharge; or
``(F) enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat
associated with irrigation systems, including pivot
corners and areas with irregular boundaries.''.
(g) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Organic
Production.--
(1) Payments authorized.--Section 1240B(i)(1) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(1)) is amended by
striking ``subsection'' and inserting ``chapter''.
(2) Eligibility requirements.--Section 1240B(i)(2) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(2)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(2) Eligibility requirements.--As a condition for
receiving payments under this subsection, a producer shall
agree to develop and implement conservation practices for
certified organic production that are consistent with the
regulations promulgated under the Organic Foods Production Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and the purposes of this
chapter.''.
(3) Payment limitations; coordination with organic
certification; planning.--Section 1240B(i) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating
paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6),
respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
new paragraphs:
``(3) Coordination with organic certification.--The
Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which
producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) while
participating in a contract under this chapter.
``(4) Planning.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
planning assistance to producers transitioning to
certified organic production consistent with the
requirements of the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and the purposes of this
chapter.
``(B) Avoidance of duplication.--The Secretary
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, eliminate
duplication of planning activities for a producer
participating in a contract under this chapter and
initiating or maintaining organic certification
consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).''.
(h) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Antibiotic
Use.--Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
2) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Antibiotic
Use.--
``(1) Payments authorized.--The Secretary shall provide
payments under this chapter to livestock producers for three
years, to assist in a transition to modified animal management
and production systems, for practices leading to the reduction
in the need for antibiotics, including modification of systems
and spaces to--
``(A) improve sanitation;
``(B) improve ventilation; or
``(C) support the implementation of improved animal
management techniques at the operation.
``(2) Duty of producer.--The Secretary shall not make
payments under this chapter for practices related to antibiotic
use unless the producer agrees to provide information to the
Secretary documenting the resulting reduction in antibiotic use
in the operation of the producer.''.
(i) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Pasture-Based
Production Systems.--Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-2), as amended by subsection (h), is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(l) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Pasture-Based
Production Systems.--
``(1) Payments authorized.--The Secretary shall provide
payments under this subsection for conservation practices, on
some or all of the operations of a producer, related--
``(A) to pasture-based, production systems; or
``(B) to the transition to pasture-based production
systems managed under an approved prescribed grazing
plan in which animals are regularly and systematically
moved to fresh pasture in such a way as to--
``(i) maximize the quantity and quality of
forage growth;
``(ii) maximize the quality of soil
fertility and tilth;
``(iii) improve manure distribution and
nutrient cycling;
``(iv) increase the sequestration of carbon
dioxide;
``(v) improve the quality and quantity of
cover for wildlife and pollinators;
``(vi) provide permanent cover to protect
the soil from erosion; and
``(vii) improve water quality and
infiltration.
``(2) Eligibility requirements.--As a condition for
receiving payments under this subsection, a producer shall
agree to implement at least 3 practices and either--
``(A) develops and carries out a grazing management
plan that includes intensive management rotational
grazing; or
``(B) develops and implements conservation
practices that are consistent with intensive rotational
grazing practices for pasture-based systems.
``(3) Payment priorities.--In determining the amount and
rate of payments under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary may
accord great significance to practices that--
``(A) improve the quality of soil fertility and
tilth;
``(B) protect water quality;
``(C) increase the sequestration of carbon dioxide;
``(D) accelerate water infiltration;
``(E) expand pollinator habitat and protection; and
``(F) reduce greenhouse gas emissions.''.
SEC. 214. EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS.
(a) Evaluation Criteria.--Section 1240C(a) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3(a)) is amended by striking ``national,
State, and local conservation priorities'' and inserting ``priority
resource concerns identified under subsection (d)''.
(b) Prioritization of Applications.--Section 1240C(b) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``achieving the
anticipated conservation benefits of the project'' and
inserting ``addressing priority resource concerns identified
under subsection (d)''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``designated resource
concern or resource concerns'' and inserting ``priority
resource concerns identified under subsection (d), including,
in the case of applications from nutrient-impacted watersheds,
the degree to which nutrient loadings would be reduced as a
result of the proposed project''.
(c) Grouping of Applications.--Section 1240C(c) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3(c)) is amended by striking
``for evaluation purposes or otherwise evaluate applications relative
to other applications for similar farming operations'' and inserting
``proposing to address the same priority resource concerns for
evaluation purposes''.
(d) Priority Resource Concerns.--Section 1240C of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(d) Priority Resource Concerns.--For the purposes of this
section, the Secretary shall identify priority resource concerns in a
particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a
State.''.
SEC. 215. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM PLAN.
Section 1240E(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-5(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Plan of Operations.--To be eligible to receive payments under
the program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary for approval a
plan of operations that--
``(1) specifies the priority resource concerns to be
addressed;
``(2) specifies the type, number, and sequencing of
conservation systems, practices, or activities to be
implemented to address the priority resource concerns;
``(3) includes such terms and conditions as the Secretary
considers necessary to carry out the program, including a
description of the purposes to be met by the implementation of
the plan and a statement of how the plan will achieve or take
significant steps toward achieving the relevant resource
management system quality criteria, as determined by the
Secretary;
``(4) in the case of a confined livestock feeding
operation, provides for development and implementation of a
comprehensive nutrient management plan, if applicable;
``(5) in the case of a producer located within a nutrient-
impacted watershed, identifies methods by which the producer
will limit nutrient loss; and
``(6) in the case of forest land, is consistent with the
provisions of a forest management plan that is approved by the
Secretary, which may include--
``(A) a forest stewardship plan described in
section 5 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a);
``(B) another practice plan approved by the State
forester; or
``(C) another plan determined appropriate by the
Secretary.''.
SEC. 216. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
Section 1240F(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-6(2)) is amended by striking ``information'' and inserting
``technical assistance, information,''.
SEC. 217. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1240G. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.
``(a) Limitation on Total Payments.--Subject to subsection (b), a
person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-
share or incentive payments under this chapter, in the aggregate, for
all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or entity
(excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes under this chapter),
regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter
by the person or entity, that--
``(1) during any fiscal year exceed $30,000; and
``(2) during any five-year period exceed $150,000.
``(b) Waiver Authority.--In the case of contracts under this
chapter for projects of special environmental significance, as
determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may waive the limitation
otherwise applicable under subsection (a)(1).
``(c) Prevention of Duplication.--The Secretary shall not approve a
contract or provide payments to any individual for a practice that has
already been paid for as part of a previously approved and completed
contract for any particular parcel of land.''.
Subtitle C--Reforming the Conservation Stewardship Program
SEC. 221. DEFINITIONS.
Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
21) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking clause (i) and
inserting the following:
``(i) vegetative measures and land
management measures, including integrated pest,
nutrient, crop residue, crop rotation, and
managed rotational grazing management measures,
as determined by the Secretary;'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``designated'' before ``priority''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``new and
existing conservation activities'' and inserting
``conservation activities needed to comprehensively
address the designated priority resource concerns'';
(3) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'';
(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at
the end and adding ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end a new subparagraph (D):
``(D) otherwise threatens--
``(i) public health or quality of life
through degradation of air or water quality; or
``(ii) natural resources, including soil,
fish, and wildlife.'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs
(7) and (8), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) Designated priority resource concern.--The term
`designated priority resource concern' means 1 to 5 priority
resource concerns identified by the Secretary that must be
addressed by the program within a local watershed or specific
natural resource boundary.''; and
(6) by amending paragraph (8), as redesignated by paragraph
(4), to read as follows:
``(8) Stewardship threshold.--The term `stewardship
threshold' means the conservation activities, as determined by
the Secretary, to comprehensively address a priority resource
concern using--
``(A) conservation measurement tools;
``(B) the resource management system quality
criteria for the particular priority resource concerns;
``(C) data from past and current program
enrollments; and
``(D) other similar means to measure improvement
and conservation of the priority resource concern.''.
SEC. 222. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 1240J of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
22) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``fiscal years 2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 2028'';
(B) by striking ``to address priority'' and
inserting ``to comprehensively address designated
priority''; and
(C) by striking ``comprehensive manner--'' and all
that follows through ``managing existing conservation
activities'' and inserting ``comprehensive manner'';
and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``December 20, 2018'' and
inserting ``December 20, 2023''.
SEC. 223. STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS.
Section 1240K of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``2 priority resource
concerns'' and inserting ``2 designated priority resource
concerns'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking the
period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) the level of conservation treatment
on all applicable designated priority resource
concerns at the time of application;
``(v) the number of designated priority
resource concerns that meet or exceed the
stewardship threshold at the end of the
contract period;
``(vi) the degree to which the proposed
conservation activities effectively,
efficiently, and comprehensively address the
designated priority resource concerns and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions;
``(vii) the extent to which the contract
offer will meet or exceed the stewardship
threshold for one or more designated priority
resource concerns at a lower cost relative to
other similarly beneficial contract offers;
``(viii) the extent to which priority
resource concerns will be addressed when
transitioning from the conservation reserve
program to agricultural production; and
``(ix) the extent to which the contract
will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not assign a higher
priority to any application because the applicant is willing to
accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be
eligible to receive.
``(3) Additional criteria.--The Secretary may develop and
use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are
necessary to ensure that designated priority resource concerns
are effectively and efficiently treated to meet or exceed the
stewardship threshold.'';
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Entering Into Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--After a determination that a producer is
eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a
determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high
under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract
with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by
the contract.
``(2) Financial obligation.--Consistent with section
1240K(c), a contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall not
create an obligation for financial assistance until the first
October 1 after the contract is entered into.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 years'' and
inserting ``10 years''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting ``that
comprehensively address a designated priority resource
concern'' after ``conservation activities''; and
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``fifth year'' and inserting ``tenth year'';
and
(B) by amending paragraph (3)(A) to read as
follows:
``(A) has met or exceeded, or agrees to meet or
exceed, the stewardship threshold of all designated
priority resource concerns identified for the region or
area in which the land that is subject to the contract
is located; or''.
SEC. 224. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
(a) In General.--Section 1240L of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-24) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting
the following:
``(a) In General.--To achieve the conservation goals of a contract
under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall--
``(1) make the program available to eligible producers on a
continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods,
of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year;
``(2) identify not more than 5 designated priority resource
concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region
or area within a State;
``(3) for any region or area that includes any part of a
nutrient-impacted watershed (as determined by the Secretary),
ensure that one of the priority resource concerns identified
under paragraph (2) is greenhouse gas emission reductions;
``(4) develop reliable conservation measurement tools for
purposes of carrying out the program; and
``(5) ensure that conservation measurement tools are
transparent and available to producers by--
``(A) making interactive, user-friendly
conservation measurement tools publically available
online;
``(B) making conservation activity natural resource
and environmental benefit scores available in an easy
to understand format for study both before and during
application; and
``(C) taking other steps, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(b) Allocation to States.--The Secretary shall allocate acres to
States for enrollment, based on each State's proportion of eligible
land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States as follows:
``(1) Source water protection.--At least 20 percent of the
funds made available for financial and technical assistance
under the program shall be for contracts addressing designated
priority resource concerns related to enhancing the quality and
quantity of source water (as that term is used in the Safe
Drinking Water Act).
``(2) Pest management.--At least 20 percent of the funds
made available for financial and technical assistance under the
program shall be for contracts addressing designated priority
resource concerns related to reducing the need for pesticides
in agricultural production including organic farming systems
and intensive integrated pest management.
``(3) Soil conservation.--At least 20 percent of the funds
made available for financial and technical assistance under the
program shall be for contracts addressing designated priority
resource concerns related to reducing soil erosion and
improving soil fertility and tilth.
``(4) Greenhouse gas reduction.--At least 20 percent of the
funds made available for financial and technical assistance
under the program shall be for contracts addressing greenhouse
gas emissions.
``(c) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--
``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall
provide annual payments under the program to compensate the
producer for--
``(A) installing and adopting additional
conservation activities that will meet or exceed the
stewardship threshold for a designated priority
resource concern; and
``(B) improving, maintaining, and managing
conservation activities in place on the agricultural
operation of the producer at the time the contract
offer is accepted by the Secretary.
``(2) Payment amount.--The amount of the annual payment
shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum
extent practicable, on the following factors:
``(A) Costs incurred by the producer associated
with planning, design, materials, installation, labor,
management, maintenance, or training.
``(B) Income forgone by the producer.
``(C) Expected conservation benefits, based to the
maximum extent possible on conservation measurement
tools.
``(D) The extent to which designated priority
resource concerns will be addressed through the
installation and adoption of conservation activities on
the agricultural operation.
``(E) The level of stewardship in place at the time
of application and maintained over the term of the
contract.
``(F) The degree to which the conservation
activities will be integrated across the entire
agricultural operation for all designated priority
resource concerns over the term of the contract.
``(G) Such other factors as are determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(3) Exclusions.--A payment to a producer under this
subsection shall not be provided for--
``(A) the design, construction, or maintenance of
animal waste storage or treatment facilities or
associated waste transport or transfer devices for
animal feeding operations; or
``(B) conservation activities for which there is no
cost incurred or income forgone to the producer.
``(4) Delivery of payments.--In making payments under this
subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable--
``(A) prorate conservation performance over the
term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the
extent practicable, producers earning equal annual
payments in each fiscal year; and
``(B) make such payments as soon as practicable
after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities
carried out in the previous fiscal year.
``(5) Minimum payment.--If a contract requires a
comprehensive conservation plan the implementation of which
will, by the end of the contract term, meet or exceed the
stewardship threshold for all designated priority resource
concerns, the minimum payment shall be not less than $3,000.'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C)--
(i) in clause (v), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (vi), by striking the period
and inserting ``; and'';
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) prevents pollution of surface water
or groundwater;''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Transition to organic crop or livestock
systems.--In this subsection, the term `transition to
organic crop or livestock systems' means adoption of
conservation activities for certified organic
production on land or for herds not previously
certified organic that meet all the requirements of the
program and that are consistent with the regulations
promulgated under the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) improve, maintain, and manage or adopt and
maintain--
``(i) resource-conserving crop rotations to
achieve beneficial crop rotations as
appropriate for the eligible land of the
producers; or
``(ii) managed intensive rotational
grazing; or
``(D) transition to organic crop or livestock
systems.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Data.--The Secretary shall maintain detailed and segmented
data on contracts and payments under the program to allow, at a
minimum, with respect to each contract--
``(1) quantification of the type and extent of conservation
activities for which payments were made;
``(2) quantification of the amount of payments made for--
``(A) the installation and adoption of additional
conservation activities and improvements to
conservation activities in place on the operation of a
producer at the time the conservation stewardship offer
is accepted by the Secretary; and
``(B) the maintenance of existing conservation
activities; and
``(3) identification of the watershed and county in which
the agricultural operation receiving payments is located.''.
Subtitle A--Building on the Regional Conservation Partnership
SEC. 231. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM.
(a) Program Purposes.--Section 1271(b) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding the following subparagraphs at the
end:
``(C) enhancing and protecting the quality and
quantity of source water (as that term is used in the
Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.));
``(D) reducing the use of antibiotics and
pesticides in crop and livestock production;
``(E) enhancing opportunities for natural-resource-
based recreation by improving water quality and fish
and wildlife habitat;
``(F) addressing other opportunities to improve
public health and quality of life, as determined by the
Secretary; and
``(G) reducing greenhouse gas emissions.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) To avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, the need
for statutory and regulatory programs related to the
conservation of natural resources by assisting producers in
protecting soil, water, air, and related natural resources and
in meeting environmental quality criteria established by
Federal, State, tribal, and local governmental agencies.''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 1271A of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3871a) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting
the following:
``(2) Eligible activity.--The term `eligible activity'
means water quality restoration or enhancement projects
relating to the quality of surface water and groundwater used
to supply drinking water by community water systems and
domestic wells, including projects that--
``(A) improve the management of crops and livestock
production systems to avoid or control runoff and
leaching of farm chemicals and manure;
``(B) change (including through diversifying) the
agricultural practices, including crop rotations; and
``(C) trap or capture pollutants before the
pollutants enter surface water or ground water.''; and
(c) Program Agreements.--Section 1271B of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking ``5'' and
inserting ``15'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by striking ``5'' and
inserting ``10''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (F)
as subparagraphs (B) through (G);
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as so
redesignated) the following new subparagraph:
``(A) complete natural resource and watershed
assessments to effectively support planning and
implementation of the proposed project that is the
subject of the agreement;''; and
(C) in subparagraph (F) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A)), by inserting ``monitor results and''
before ``conduct''.
(d) Assistance to Producers.--Section 1271C of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``assistance to'' and
all that follows through ``with the Secretary.'' and inserting
the following: ``assistance, under the programs under this
subtitle, to producers proposing to implement conservation
activities that meet the objectives of the partnership
agreement entered into under section 1271B.'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``5 years'' and
inserting ``at least 10 years, but that does not exceed 15
years''; and
(3) in subsection (d)(2)(B), by striking ``15'' and
inserting ``20''.
(e) Funding.--Section 1271D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3871d(a)) is amended by striking ``$300,000,000 of the funds of
the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2031'' and inserting ``$300,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation for fiscal year 2024 and $500,000,000 for each of
the fiscal years 2025 to 2031''.
(f) Critical Conservation Areas.--
(1) In general.--Section 1271F of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f) is amended in subsection (a)(2)(A), by
striking ``sediment control'' and all that follows through the
period at the end and inserting ``sediment control, and
enhancing the quality of surface water and groundwater used to
supply drinking water by community water systems (as defined in
the Safe Drinking Water Act) and domestic wells;''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this section
shall apply with respect to partnership agreements entered into
on or after October 1, 2023.
Subtitle B--Establishing Innovative Grants for Conservation and Loans
for Structural Improvements
SEC. 241. REPEAL AND REESTABLISHMENT OF EQIP CONSERVATION INNOVATION
GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-8) is repealed.
(b) Conservation Innovation Grant Program.--Chapter 5 of subtitle D
of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb et
seq.) is amended in subsection (a)(2) by adding at the end the
following:
``(I) provide payments to producers to implement
cost-effective and innovative technologies to address
priority resource concerns related to air quality from
agricultural operations; and
``(J) provide environmental and resource
conservation benefits through increased participation
by beginning farmers and ranchers and socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.''.
SEC. 242. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) how and to what extent the conservation
project will support the implementation of a
comprehensive conservation plan and improve the
conditions of identified priority resource concerns.'';
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Conservation loan plan.--In order to be eligible to
receive a loan or loan guarantee under this section, an entity
described in paragraph (1) shall have a conservation loan
plan.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) projects that will do the most to address priority
resource concerns, as specified in a conservation loan plan;
and
``(5) projects that are designed to help producers comply
with, or avoid the need for, local, State, or Federal
regulation.''; and
(4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
``(f) Administrative Provisions.--
``(1) Geographic distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure,
to the maximum extent practicable, that qualified conservation
loans made or guaranteed under this section are distributed
across diverse geographic regions, while still prioritizing
qualified conservation projects with the greatest conservation
or environmental benefit.
``(2) Agency cooperation.--The Secretary shall ensure
proper cooperation between the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, which shall review and approve comprehensive loan
plans and provide technical assistance for qualified
conservation projects, and the Farm Service Agency, which will
approve and issue loans and loan guarantees under this section.
``(3) Interest rates.--The Secretary shall ensure that a
loan made under this section is made at or below market
rate.''.
Subtitle C--Ensuring Greenhouse Gas Reporting for Agriculture
SEC. 251. GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING.
(a) Reporting Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2026, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the
Interior, shall establish and implement a program to identify
all major source categories of associated emissions and collect
data on associated emissions from the production of
agricultural commodities and their food products in the United
States, including--
(A) emissions of greenhouse gases from the
livestock industry, including from concentrated animal
feeding operations, as defined by the Secretary; and
(B) emissions of greenhouse gases from the
production of commodity and specialty crops, including
the tilling of soil, and the use of synthetic
fertilizer.
(2) Annual report.--Not later than 12 months after the date
that the Secretary implements the program described in
paragraph (1), and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
issue a report, to be made available to the public and the
appropriate committees of Congress, on associated emissions,
including--
(A) identification of all major source categories
of associated emissions;
(B) the total amount, expressed in tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent, of--
(i) carbon dioxide, methane, and other
greenhouse gases emitted through transportation
of agriculture products to market within the
United States during the preceding calendar
year;
(ii) carbon dioxide, methane, and other
greenhouse gases emitted through the rearing,
raising, slaughter, and processing of poultry
and livestock products in the United States,
including those carbon dioxide, methane, and
other greenhouse gases emitted by manure
management systems;
(iii) carbon dioxide, methane, and other
greenhouse gases emitted by the use of
fertilizer in the production of commodity and
specialty crops; and
(iv) carbon dioxide, methane, and other
greenhouse gases emitted by the tillage of soil
in the production of commodity and specialty
crops; and
(C) identification of all major agricultural
practices that can reduce the emission of carbon
dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases,
including--
(i) the use of cover crops;
(ii) the reduction and elimination of soil
tillage, the successive planting of different
crops on the same land, and other soil
management practices;
(iii) the use of rotational grazing on
pasture for livestock;
(iv) the use of anaerobic digesters to
process organic material;
(v) the use of buffer crops to reduce soil
erosion; and
(vi) other practices that can yield
significant reductions in the emission of
carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse
gases by producers of agricultural commodities
and their food products.
(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Greenhouse gas.--The term ``greenhouse gas'' has the
meaning given such term under section 211(o)(1)(G) of the Clean
Air Act, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Food
and Farm Act.
(2) United states.--The term ``United States'' has the
meaning given such term under section 5911(a)(4) of title 5,
United States Code, as in effect on the date of the enactment
of the Food and Farm Act.
SEC. 252. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle
such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028.
Subtitle D--Administration and Funding
SEC. 261. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.
(a) In General.--Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Annual Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028,
the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the
Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under
this title (including the provision of technical assistance):
``(1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B
of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent
practicable--
``(A) $20,000,000 for the period of fiscal years
2024 through 2028 to provide payments under section
1234(c); and
``(B) $66,000,000 for the period of fiscal years
2024 through 2028 to carry out section 1235(f) to
facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts
from retired or retiring owners and operators to
beginning farmers or ranchers and socially
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
``(2) The agricultural conservation easement program under
subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable,
$810,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
``(3) The conservation security program under subchapter A
of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to
administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008.
``(4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter
B of chapter 2 of subtitle D.
``(5) The environmental quality incentives program under
chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent
practicable, $3,200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 20124
through 2028.
``(6) The conservation innovation grant program under
section 1240S, using, to the maximum extent practicable,
$100,000,000 for each fiscal year.
``(7) The conservation loan and loan guarantee program
under section 1246, using, to the maximum extent practicable,
for each fiscal year--
``(A) $200,000,000 for direct loans; and
``(B) $150,000,000 for loan guarantees.''.
(b) Guaranteed Availability of Funds.--Section 1241 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (i) as
subsections (c) through (j), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Availability of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the
Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such
subsection for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 and shall remain
available until expended. Amounts made available for the
programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year
through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other
related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal
year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent
fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds
made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal
to the amount remaining unobligated.
``(2) Conservation innovation grant program.--Amounts made
available by subsection (a)(6) for a fiscal year and not
obligated in that fiscal year shall be made available for the
environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of
subtitle D, and shall remain available until expended.''.
(c) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for Conservation
Access.--Section 1241(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as
redesignated by subsection (b)) is amended, in paragraph (1), in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2027''.
TITLE III--FOOD ASSISTANCE
SEC. 301. ELIMINATION OF DOMESTIC PROCUREMENT RESTRICTION FOR EMERGENCY
AND PRIVATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UNDER THE FOOD FOR PEACE
ACT.
Title II of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is amended--
(1) in section 201 (7 U.S.C. 1721), in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking ``agricultural commodities'' and
inserting ``assistance, including agricultural commodities,'';
and
(2) in section 202 (7 U.S.C. 1722)--
(A) in the section heading, by striking
``agricultural commodities'' and inserting
``assistance'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``agricultural
commodities'' and inserting ``assistance, including
agricultural commodities,'';
(C) in subsection (b)(1)--
(i) by striking ``agricultural
commodities'' and inserting ``assistance,
including agricultural commodities,''; and
(ii) by striking ``the commodities'' and
inserting ``the assistance'';
(D) in subsection (c), by striking ``Agricultural
commodities'' and inserting ``Assistance, including
agricultural commodities,''; and
(E) in subsection (f)--
(i) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Commodities'' and inserting ``Assistance'';
(ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``agricultural commodities'' and
inserting ``assistance, including agricultural
commodities,'';
(iii) in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``such commodities'' and
inserting ``such assistance''; and
(iv) in paragraph (5), by striking
``commodities'' and inserting ``assistance''.
SEC. 302. ELIMINATION OF CAP ON SUPPORT FOR ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS FOR
CERTAIN PURPOSES.
Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722) is
amended by striking ``not more than 20 percent''.
SEC. 303. ELIMINATION OF MINIMUM LEVEL OF LOCAL SALES REQUIREMENT UNDER
THE FOOD FOR PEACE ACT.
Section 203 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1723) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting before the period at
the end the following: ``to generate proceeds to be used as
provided in this section'';
(2) by striking subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(b) and (c), respectively.
SEC. 304. FOOD FOR PEACE ACT EXTENSIONS.
(a) Food Aid Quality Assurance.--Section 202(h)(3) of the Food for
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h)(3)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2028''.
(b) Minimum Levels of Assistance.--Section 204(a) of the Food for
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a)) is amended in paragraphs (1) and (2) by
striking ``2018'' both places it appears and inserting ``2028''.
(c) Food Aid Consultative Group Termination.--Section 205(f) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(f)) is amended by striking ``2018''
and inserting ``2028''.
(d) Deadline for Issuance of Regulations.--Section 207(c)(1) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``the
Agricultural Act of 2014'' and inserting ``the Food and Farm Act''.
(e) Program Oversight, Monitoring, and Evaluation.--Section
207(f)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(f)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``2018'' both places
it appears and inserting ``2028''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2028''.
(f) Assistance for Stockpiling and Rapid Transportation, Delivery,
and Distribution of Shelf-Stable Prepackaged Foods.--Section 208(f) of
the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2028''.
(g) Prepositioning of Agricultural Commodities.--Section
407(c)(4)(A) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4)(A)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' the both places it appears and inserting
``2028''.
(h) Agreements To Finance Sales or To Provide Other Assistance.--
Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2028''.
(i) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--Section
412(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(e)(1)) is amended
by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2028''.
(j) Micronutrient Fortification Programs.--Section 415(c) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g-2(c)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2028''.
(k) Farmer-to-Farmer Program.--Section 501 of the Food for Peace
Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended in subsections (d) and (e)(1) by
striking ``2018'' both places it appears and inserting ``2028''.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION
Subtitle A--Increasing Access to Healthy Foods
SEC. 401. EXPANDING HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.
(a) Inclusion of Investments in Mid-Tier Value Chain
Coordination.--Section 243 of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``, to build and sustain mid-tier
value chain coordination'' after ``quality jobs''; and
(B) by inserting ``and local and regional food
supply networks'' after ``healthy food retailers''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``and'' at the end of
clause (i);
(ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause
(iii); and
(iii) by inserting after clause (ii) the
following new clause:
``(ii) to link farmers, ranchers, and
fisheries with local and regional food supply
networks moving agricultural products of mid-
tier value chains to consumers in underserved
areas with moderate- and low-income
populations; and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--
(i) by redesignating subclause (VI) as
subclause (VII); and
(ii) by inserting after subclause (V) the
following new subclause:
``(VI) The project creates or
strengthens a mid-tier value chain.''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 243(b) of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as
paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Mid-tier value chain.--The term `mid-tier value
chain' has the meaning given the term in section 231 of the
Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a).''.
(c) Availability of Mandatory Funding.--Subsection (d) of section
243 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 6953) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation,
the Secretary shall use to carry out the Initiative $25,000,000, to
remain available until expended, for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028..''.
SEC. 402. HELPING SCHOOLS SERVE HEALTHIER MEALS.
Section 6(f) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1755(f)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Pilot Project
for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables'' and
inserting ``Program for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and
Vegetables'';
(2) by striking ``pilot project'' each place it appears and
inserting ``program'';
(3) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall facilitate the
procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables in not fewer
than 15 States receiving funds under this Act.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Funding.--
``(A) Mandatory funding.--There is appropriated to
carry out this section, including through the provision
of technical assistance, outreach, and other
implementation assistance, $15,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
``(B) Reservation.--Of the funds appropriated under
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, $6,000,000 shall be
used to carry out technical assistance to eligible
vendors to become certified to participate in the
program under this section.''.
SEC. 403. STRENGTHENING THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SERVICE LEARNING
PROGRAM.
Section 413 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7633) is amended--
(1) subsection (b)(4), by inserting ``, to promote
agricultural education, and raise awareness about the
consequences of wasted food and encourage the implementation of
food recovery initiatives to reduce the quantity of wasted
food'' before the semicolon;
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and
where food comes from; and'' and inserting
``where food comes from, the consequences of
food waste, and food recovery initiatives;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(E) have the capacity to execute regional or
national projects that include 2 or more States.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Reservation.--The majority of the funds made
available to carry out this subsection shall be reserved for
projects that--
``(A) are larger in scale as compared to other
proposed projects;
``(B) are national or regional in scope; and
``(C) include 2 or more States.''; and
(3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking the paragraph and
inserting in its place the following new paragraph:
``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds available to the
Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry
out the Initiative. Amounts made available under this
subsection shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 404. GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
Section 4405(b)(1)(B)(vii) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517(b)(1)(B)(vii)) is amended by adding, after
``farmers' market'', the following: ``, community supported agriculture
entity, cooperative, local public benefit corporation, nonprofit
organization, retail food store authorized under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program''.
Subtitle B--Improving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SEC. 411. CONTINUING THE FARMERS' MARKETS SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SUPPORT GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to support the participation of farmers' markets in the
supplemental nutrition assistance program by providing
equipment and support grants to new markets and those currently
participating in the program;
(2) to increase access to the supplemental nutrition
assistance program and participation at farmers' markets by
households that receive program benefits; and
(3) to support the establishment, expansion, and promotion
of electronic benefits transfer services at farmers' markets
for the acceptance of program benefits.
(b) Establishment of Grant Program.--To carry out the purposes of
this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a program to
make grants each fiscal year to eligible entities to conduct tasks that
are necessary for the supplemental nutrition assistance program to
operate at farmers' markets, and to increase the frequency and
effectiveness of farmers' market participation in the supplemental
nutrition assistance program.
(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a Native American tribal organization nonprofit
organization;
(B) a Native American tribal government;
(C) a State or unit of general purpose local
government of a State;
(D) a farmers' market association;
(E) a public benefit corporation;
(F) an economic development corporation;
(G) a regional farmers' market authority; or
(H) a nonprofit organization engaged in farmers'
market management.
(2) Supplemental nutrition assistance program.--The term
``supplemental nutrition assistance program'' means the
supplemental nutrition assistance program as defined in section
3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the several
States or the District of Columbia.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
SEC. 412. EXPANDING AND INCREASING SUPPORT FOR THE FOOD INSECURITY
NUTRITION INCENTIVES PROGRAM.
Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``$5,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2014 through 2023'' and inserting ``$20,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2023 and each fiscal year
thereafter''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(2), by amending subparagraph (G) to
read as follows:
``(G) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
fiscal year thereafter.''.
SEC. 413. CLOSING THE MEAL GAP.
(a) Calculation of Program Benefits.--The Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 3 (7 U.S.C. 2012)--
(A) by striking subsection (u);
(B) by redesignating subsections (n) through (t) as
subsections (o) through (u), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after subsection (m) the
following:
``(n) `Low-cost food plan' means the diet required to feed a family
of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman nineteen through
fifty, a child six through eight, and a child nine through eleven years
of age, determined in accordance with the Secretary's calculations. The
cost of such diet shall be the basis for uniform allotments for all
households regardless of their actual composition, except that the
Secretary shall--
``(1) make household-size adjustments (based on the
unrounded cost of such diet) taking into account economies of
scale;
``(2) make cost adjustments in the low-cost food plan for
Hawaii and the urban and rural parts of Alaska to reflect the
cost of food in Hawaii and urban and rural Alaska;
``(3) make cost adjustments in the separate low-cost food
plans for Guam, and the Virgin Islands of the United States, to
reflect the cost of food in those States, but not to exceed the
cost of food in the 50 States and the District of Columbia; and
``(4) on October 1, 2024, and each October 1 thereafter,
adjust the cost of the diet to reflect the cost of the diet in
the preceding June, and round the result to the nearest lower
dollar increment for each household size.'';
(2) in section 8(a) (7 U.S.C. 2017(a))--
(A) by striking ``thrifty food plan'' each place it
appears, and inserting ``low-cost food plan''; and
(B) by striking ``8 percent'' and inserting ``10
percent'';
(3) in section 16(c)(1)(A)(ii) (7 U.S.C.
2025(c)(1)(A)(ii))--
(A) in subclause (I) by striking ``for fiscal year
2014, at an amount not greater than $37'' and inserting
``for fiscal year 2024, at an amount not greater than
$50''; and
(B) in subclause (II)--
(i) by striking ``June 30, 2013'' and
inserting ``June 30, 2024''; and
(ii) by striking ``thrifty food plan'' and
inserting ``low-cost food plan''; and
(4) in section 19(a)(2)(A) (7 U.S.C. 2028(a)(2)(A))--
(A) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) for fiscal year 2024,
$2,650,000,000; and
``(iv) subject to the availability of
appropriations under section 18(a), for fiscal
year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the
amount determined under clause (iii), as
adjusted by the percentage by which the low-
cost food plan has been adjusted under section
3(n)(4) between June 30, 2024, and June 30 of
the immediately preceding fiscal year.''.
(b) Standard Medical Expense Deduction.--Section 5(e)(5) of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``an excess medical''
and all that follows through the period at the end, and
inserting ``a standard medical deduction or to a medical
expense deduction of actual costs for the allowable medical
expenses incurred by the elderly or disabled member, exclusive
of special diets.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) The standard medical expense deduction shall
be equal to $140 for fiscal year 2024, and for each
subsequent fiscal year shall be equal to the applicable
amount for the preceding fiscal year as adjusted to
reflect changes for the 12-month period ending the
preceding June 30 in the Consumer Price Index for All
Urban Consumers: Medical Care published by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, except
that for any such fiscal year the State agency may
establish a greater standard medical expense deduction
that satisfies cost neutrality standards established by
the Secretary for such fiscal year.''.
(c) Elimination of Cap of Excess Shelter Expenses.--Section 5(e)(6)
of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)) is
amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.
(d) Work Requirement.--Section 6(o)(3) of the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (E) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at end the following:
``(F) not offered a position in a program described
in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (2).''.
(e) Funding of Employment and Training Programs.--Section
16(h)(1)(E)(ii)(II) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2025(h)(1)(E)(ii)(II)) is amended by inserting ``subparagraphs (A)
through (E) of'' after ``under''.
(f) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Food and nutrition act of 2008.--The Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended--
(A) in section 10 (7 U.S.C. 2019) by striking
``3(p)'' and inserting ``3(q)'';
(B) in section 11 (7 U.S.C. 2012)--
(i) in subsection (a)(2) by striking
``3(t)(1)'' and inserting ``3(u)(1)''; and
(ii) in subsection (d)--
(I) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' each
place it appears and inserting
``3(u)(1)''; and
(II) by striking ``3(t)(2)'' each
place it appears and inserting
``3(u)(2)'';
(C) in section 19(a)(2)(A)(ii) (7 U.S.C.
(a)(2)(A)(ii)) by striking ``3(u)(4)'' and inserting
``3(n)(4)''; and
(D) in section 27(a)(2) (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(2))--
(i) in subparagraph (C) by striking
``3(u)(4)'' and inserting ``3(n)(4)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (E) by striking
``3(u)(4)'' and inserting ``3(n)(4)''.
(2) Low-income home energy assistance act of 1981.--Section
2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of
1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)'' and inserting
``5(e)(6)(B)(iv)(1)''; and
(B) by striking ``(7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I))''
and inserting ``(7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(B)(iv)(I))''.
(g) Technical Corrections.--The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 5(a) (7 U.S.C. 2014(a)) by striking
``3(n)(4)'' each place it appears and inserting ``3(m)(4)'';
(2) in section 8(f)(1)(A)(i) (7 U.S.C. 2017(f)(1)(A)(i)) by
striking ``3(n)(5)'' and inserting ``3(m)(5)''; and
(3) in section 17(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(aa) (7 U.S.C.
2016(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(aa)) by striking ``3(n)'' and inserting
``3(m)''.
SEC. 414. FOOD AS MEDICINE.
Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (e)(3)(A) to read as follows:
``(A) To carry out paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall, on a competitive basis, enter into cooperative
agreements with 1 or more organizations with expertise
in developing outcome-based reporting, at least 1 of
which has expertise in the food insecurity nutrition
incentive program and at least 1 of which has expertise
in produce prescription projects, in each state and
territory.''; and
(2) by amending subsection (f)(2) to read as follows:
``(2) Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
Secretary shall use to carry out this section $560,000,000 for
fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
TITLE V--FUTURE OF AMERICAN FARMERS
Subtitle A--Defining Beginning Farmer or Rancher
SEC. 501. BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER DEFINED.
In this title, the term ``beginning farmer or rancher'' means an
individual or entity who--
(1) has not operated a farm or ranch, or who has operated a
farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years; and
(2) will materially and substantially participate in the
operation of the farm or ranch.
Subtitle B--Providing Resources for Beginning, Retiring, and Socially
Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
SEC. 511. REAUTHORIZATION AND INCREASED FUNDING FOR OUTREACH AND
ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND
RANCHERS AND VETERAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
(a) Mandatory Funding.--Subparagraph (A) of section 2501(a)(4) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
2279(a)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
``(A) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make
available to carry out this section--
``(i) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(ii) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2025 through 2028.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2501(a)(4)(E) of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
2279(a)(4)(E)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2028''.
SEC. 512. ENSURING PERMANENT FUNDING FOR BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
Section 7405(h)(1)(C) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f(h)(1)(C)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
``$50,000,000''; and
(2) by striking ``through 2018'' and inserting ``and each
fiscal year thereafter''.
SEC. 513. SUPPORTING BEGINNING FARMER PARTICIPATION IN CERTAIN
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1241(h)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841(h)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``5 percent'' and
inserting ``20 percent''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``5 percent'' and
inserting ``15 percent''.
SEC. 514. CREATING A PRIORITY FOR PARTICIPATION OF BEGINNING FARMERS
AND RANCHERS IN FARMERS' MARKET AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION
PROGRAM.
Subsection (e) of section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct
Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Priorities.--In providing grants under the Program, priority
shall be given to applications that include--
``(1) projects that will benefit underserved communities,
including communities that are located in areas of concentrated
poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally
grown food; and
``(2) with respect to beginning farmers and ranchers,
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and veteran
farmers, projects in which such farmers and ranchers are
participants.''.
SEC. 515. SUPPORTING BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS THROUGH FARM
SERVICE AGENCY LIAISONS.
Section 226 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6932) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(i) Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Liaison.--
``(1) Position established.--The Secretary shall establish
within each State office of the Consolidated Farm Service
Agency the position of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Liaison
to carry out the duties described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Duties.--The Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Liaison
shall--
``(A) provide technical assistance to beginning
farmers and ranchers to direct such farmers and
ranchers toward appropriate Federal resources and
opportunities, including available Federal grant
programs; and
``(B) promote coordination among Federal programs
available to beginning farmers and ranchers.''.
SEC. 516. FACILITATING SUCCESSION PLANNING THROUGH THE CREATION OF FARM
SERVICE AGENCY REGIONAL PLANNERS.
Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new
subsection:
``(h) Regional Planners.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
regional planner for each of the 12 regions identified by the
National Agricultural Statistics Service.
``(2) Duties.--The regional planners established under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) establish and maintain one accurate, current,
and unbiased database of resources to help farmers
undertaking succession planning; and
``(B) coordinate with Federal, State, and private
stakeholders, including land-grant colleges and
universities and extension service, to understand
farmer and rancher needs in each state within the
respective regions, and to work with these stakeholders
to provide farmers and ranchers information regarding
relevant succession planning resources and
opportunities based on those needs.''.
SEC. 517. ENSURING A VIBRANT AGRICULTURAL SECTOR THROUGH THE CREATION
OF A LAND TENURE COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a
commission to be known as the Land Tenure Commission (in this section
referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) Total membership.--The Commission shall be comprised of
10 members who shall be appointed by the Secretary for a term
of 3 years in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Members.--The Commission members shall include one
representative from each the following categories:
(A) The Farm Service Agency.
(B) The Natural Resources Conservation Service.
(C) State programs focused on land tenure.
(D) Private nonprofit organizations with active
land tenure programs.
(E) The Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service.
(F) Community colleges or other institutions of
higher education with demonstrated experience in land
tenure issues.
(G) Other entities or persons providing lending
for, or technical assistance regarding, land tenure.
(H) Beginning farmers and ranchers.
(I) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
(J) Veteran farmers and ranchers.
(K) Retiring or retired farmers and ranchers.
(3) Reappointment.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
reappoint members of the Commission to a subsequent 3-year
term.
(4) Compensation.--Members of the Commission may not
receive any compensation.
(5) Vacancies.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall make
appointments to fill vacancies on the Commission as soon as
practicable after the vacancy has occurred.
(c) Duties.--The Commission shall--
(1) advise the Secretary of Agriculture on issues involving
access to land, farm business transition, and land tenure,
including trends in ownership and the status of farmland
ownership;
(2) with respect to the Commission's activities, coordinate
and consult with entities involved with farmland ownership and
operation;
(3) appoint technical advisors, comprised of
representatives from the National Agricultural Statistics
Service of the Department of Agriculture, not-for-profit
organizations that assist farmers and ranchers transitioning in
and out of agricultural business, and farm succession planners
with expertise in the field; and
(4) focus efforts of Federal agency staff and programs
toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agriculture
sector.
(d) Reports.--The Commission shall submit an annual report to
Congress that includes--
(1) a summary of the activities of the Commission; and
(2) recommendations with respect to access to land, farm
business transition, and land tenure, including recommendations
for Federal policy changes.
Subtitle C--Creating Financial Incentives to Benefit Beginning Farmers
and Ranchers
SEC. 521. REMOVING BARRIERS TO FARMING THROUGH AN ELIGIBLE FARMER TAX
CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 30E. ELIGIBLE FARMER CREDITS.
``(a) Eligible Farmer Property Sale Credit.--In the case of a
taxpayer who sells qualified farming property to an eligible farmer
during the taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit against the
tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year an amount equal to 10
percent of the sales price of such property.
``(b) Eligible Farmer Property Purchase Credit.--In the case of a
taxpayer who is an eligible farmer and purchases qualified farming
property during the taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount
equal 10 percent of the purchase price of such property.
``(c) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible farmer.--For purposes of this section--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible farmer'
means--
``(i) any socially disadvantaged farmer or
rancher, as defined in section 2501(e)(2) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)(2)),
``(ii) any veteran farmer or rancher (as
defined in section 2501(e)(7) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 2279(e)(7))), or
``(iii) any beginning farmer or rancher.
``(B) Beginning farmer or rancher.--
``(i) In general.--The term `beginning
farmer or rancher' means an individual or
entity who--
``(I) has not operated a farm or
ranch, or who has operated a farm or
ranch for not more than 10 consecutive
years, and
``(II) will materially and
substantially participate in the
operation of the farm or ranch.
``(ii) Material and substantial
participation.--For purposes of clause (i), the
term `material and substantial participation'
means--
``(I) in the case of an individual,
that the individual provides
substantial day-to-day labor and
management of the farm or ranch,
consistent with the practices in the
county or State where the farm is
located, and
``(II) in the case of an entity,
that all shareholders, holders of a
capital or profits interest in the case
of a partnership, or holders of a
beneficial interest in the case of a
trust or cooperative provide some
amount of the management or labor
necessary for day-to-day activities
such that if each of the members did
not provide these inputs, operation of
the farm or ranch would be seriously
impaired.
``(iii) Predecessor.--Any predecessor of
any entity shall be treated as such entity for
purposes of clause (i)(I).
``(iv) Aggregation rules.--All persons
which are treated as a single employer under
subsections (a) and (b) of section 52 shall be
treated as a single employer for purposes of
this subparagraph.
``(2) Qualified farming property.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified farming
property' means any property--
``(i) which is used in the trade or
business of farming or ranching in the United
States, and
``(ii) which is--
``(I) property of a character
subject to an allowance for
depreciation, or
``(II) land used for the production
of crops, fruits, or other agricultural
products or for the sustenance of
livestock.
In the case of any tree, vine, or livestock
which is not subject to an allowance for
depreciation solely by reason of not having
reached the income-producing stage or age of
maturity, as the case may be, such tree, vine,
or livestock shall be treated as property of a
character subject to an allowance for
depreciation for purposes of this section.
``(B) Land use must be restricted agricultural
use.--Such term shall not include any land which is not
subject to a State agricultural land preservation
program, permanent agricultural conservation easement,
is not valued as agricultural land using special use
valuation requirements, or is not under another long-
term or permanent protection.
``(d) Special Rules.--
``(1) Reporting requirements.--No credit shall be allowed
to a taxpayer under this section unless, at such time and in
such form and manner as the Secretary shall prescribe--
``(A) there is submitted to the Secretary a
description of the qualified farming property with
respect to which the credit under this section is
determined,
``(B) the eligible farmer submits to the Secretary
an attestation of intent to treat such property as
qualified farming property during the 8-year period
beginning on the date of the sale or purchase to which
this section applies, and
``(C) the taxpayer who sells such property in the
case of any credit determined under subsection (a), and
the eligible farmer who purchases such property in the
case of any credit determined under subsection (b),
submits to the Secretary an agreement consenting to the
application of paragraph (2).
``(2) Recapture.--
``(A) In general.--If any property with respect to
which a credit is allowed under this section ceases to
be qualified farming property during the 8-year period
beginning on the date of the sale or purchase to which
this section applies, the tax imposed by this chapter
for the taxable year during which such property so
ceases shall be increased by the applicable percentage
of the amount of credit allowed under this section with
respect to such property.
``(B) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of this
paragraph, in the case of property which ceases to be
qualified farming property during the 8-year period,
the applicable percentage shall be determined under the
following table:
``For property which so The applicable
ceases during: percentage is:
The first or second year..................... 100 percent
The third or fourth year..................... 75 percent
The fifth or sixth year...................... 50 percent
The seventh or eighth year................... 25 percent.
``(C) Property beyond actual useful life.--For
purposes of this paragraph, property which, during such
8-year period, is no longer capable of being used in
the trade or business of farming shall be treated as
ceasing to be qualified farming property.
``(3) Related party rules.--
``(A) In general.--A sale or purchase shall only be
taken into account under this section if the property
is not acquired from a person related to the person
acquiring such property (or, if married, such
individual's spouse).
``(B) Related persons.--A person shall be treated
as related to another person if the relationship
between such persons would result in the disallowance
of losses under section 267 or 707(b).
``(4) Application with other credits.--
``(A) Business credit treated as part of general
business credit.--So much of the credit which would be
allowed under this section for any taxable year
(determined without regard to this paragraph) that is
attributable to property that is land used in a trade
or business of the taxpayer, or that in the hands of
the taxpayer is of a character subject to an allowance
for depreciation, shall be treated as a credit listed
in section 38(b) for such taxable year (and not allowed
under this section).
``(B) Personal credit.--The credit allowed under
subsection (a) (after the application of paragraph (1))
for any taxable year shall be treated as a credit
allowable under subpart A for such taxable year.
``(5) Reduction in basis.--For purposes of this subtitle,
the basis of any property for which a credit is allowable under
this section shall be reduced by the amount of such credit so
allowed.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by
striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(37) the portion of the eligible farmer credit to which
section 30E(d)(3)(A) applies.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 30E. Eligible farmer credits.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
SEC. 522. ENSURING FARM SERVICE FACILITY LOANS CAN SERVE AGRICULTURAL
COOPERATIVES.
Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 8789(a)) is amended by inserting ``(including agricultural
cooperatives)'' after ``for producers''.
SEC. 523. LOANS TO COOPERATIVES.
Section 316(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1946(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Loans to cooperatives.--Notwithstanding subtitle A or
this subtitle, the liability for a farm ownership loan or farm
operating loan under such subtitles to a cooperative of family
farm farmers shall be required to attach to the individual
members of the cooperative, as determined by the Secretary.''.
TITLE VI--FOOD WASTE
SEC. 601. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING REDUCING FOOD WASTE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Up to 40 percent of food in the United States is
wasted, the equivalent of 1,250 calories per person, per day,
and more than 400 pounds of food per person, per year.
(2) Growing, processing, transporting, and disposing of
uneaten food is a significant burden on the United States
economy, costing approximately $218,000,000,000 annually.
(3) Considerable resources in the United States are
invested in the production of food that is eventually wasted,
including an estimated 18 percent of fertilizer used in
agricultural production, 19 percent of crop land, and 21
percent of agricultural water usage.
(4) Growing, processing, transporting, and disposing of
food that is eventually wasted contributes to greenhouse gas
emissions.
(5) Disposing of uneaten food costs the average household
of four in the United States an estimated $1,800 annually.
(b) Sense of Congress.--In light of the findings made in subsection
(a), it is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should
invest in programs, methodologies, and actions to reduce food waste
across the United States at the Federal, State, and local levels,
including by--
(1) providing targeted funding for food waste solutions;
(2) improving and standardizing the measurement and
reporting of food waste data;
(3) standardizing food date labels;
(4) removing barriers to food donation;
(5) supporting and encouraging local and regional efforts
to reduce food waste; and
(6) engaging and educating the American public on how to
reduce food waste.
SEC. 602. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF FOOD WASTE.
Subtitle D of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 244. OFFICE OF FOOD WASTE.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish within the
executive operations of the Department an office to be known as the
`Office of Food Waste'.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Office of Food Waste shall be
responsible--
``(1) for coordinating Federal programs to measure and
reduce the incidence of food waste in the United States by
serving as the central office within the Department for food
waste reduction efforts, including food waste prevention, food
donation, recovery of surplus food for commercial purposes, and
food scrap recycling;
``(2) for providing information about and raising awareness
of food waste issues across sectors of the United States
economy and across Federal agencies; and
``(3) for serving as the primary point of contact for food
waste reduction and food recovery issues within the Department
and across Federal agencies.
``(c) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation,
the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $100,000,000 for the
period of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''.
SEC. 603. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION TASK FORCE.
Subtitle D of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq.) is further amended by inserting after
section 244, as added by section 602, the following new section:
``SEC. 245. FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION TASK FORCE.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary of Agriculture, in
consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency, shall establish, in the office of the Under Secretary for Food,
Nutrition, and Consumer Services, a task force--
``(1) to advise and support the Secretary and the
Administrator in meeting the national food waste reduction goal
of 50 percent by 2030, as specified in the announcement made on
September 16, 2015, by the Secretary and the Administrator;
``(2) to provide strategic direction for efforts to meet
the national food waste reduction goal;
``(3) to monitor progress toward meeting the national food
waste reduction goal;
``(4) to support effective public reporting in the United
States regarding progress toward meeting the national food
waste reduction goal and any relevant benchmarks in meeting
such goal;
``(5) to raise public awareness and visibility of the
national food waste reduction goal in the United States; and
``(6) to recommend improvements to Federal efforts to meet
the national food waste reduction goal.
``(b) Composition.--The task force shall be composed of 15 members,
appointed jointly by the Secretary and the Administrator. The task
force shall include a representative from each of the following
industries and interest groups:
``(1) The agriculture industry.
``(2) The food processing and manufacturing industry.
``(3) The food distribution industry.
``(4) The retail and grocery industry.
``(5) The restaurant industry.
``(6) The institutional food service industry.
``(7) Government, private, and nonprofit entities focused
on nutrition.
``(8) Government, private, and nonprofit entities focused
on consumer education.
``(9) Government, private, and nonprofit entities focused
on food waste entrepreneurship.
``(10) Nonprofit entities focused on food waste prevention.
``(11) Government, private, and nonprofit entities focused
on food donation.
``(12) Government, private, and nonprofit entities focused
on food scrap recycling.
``(13) Educational institutions focused on food systems and
food waste.
``(14) A State or local government with a food waste
reduction program.
``(15) A scientist who specializes in the science of food
scrap recycling and other relevant scientific processes.
``(c) Terms.--A member of the task force shall serve on the task
force for a single term of 3 years. A member may not be reappointed.
Any vacancy shall be filled within 60 days in the same manner as the
original appointment.''.
SEC. 604. STANDARDIZING, AGGREGATING, AND PUBLISHING FOOD WASTE DATA.
(a) Methodology for Measuring Food Waste.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall establish, through a rule made in accordance with
section 553 of title 5, United States Code, a standardized methodology
for consistently measuring food waste in the United States economy,
such as--
(1) on-farm losses during agricultural production and
harvesting;
(2) losses during processing and distribution;
(3) kitchen waste and post-consumer waste from the
restaurant and hospitality industries;
(4) food waste occurring in schools and other institutions;
and
(5) food waste occurring in other industries.
(b) Methodology for Aggregating and Disseminating Data.--The
methodology established under subsection (a) shall include aggregating
and disseminating any data or information collected with respect to
food waste. The methodology shall incorporate tools for describing why
food waste occurs and the type of food wasted and take into account
existing protocols and tools that may serve as resources.
(c) Public Availability of Data.--Information collected with
respect to food waste shall be made available through a publicly
accessible internet website of the Department of Agriculture, which may
be disaggregated by private sector and State or local government data.
(d) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out
this section in consultation with the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--Investing in Sustainable Agriculture
SEC. 701. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION
PROGRAMS.
(a) Federal-State Grant Program.--Section 1623 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5813) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``matching'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``matching''; and
(B) by inserting ``and centers'' after ``education
programs'';
(3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``, and shall
identify the sources of matching State funds for the same
fiscal year''; and
(4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Duration.--The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible
States for a period not to exceed 5 years.''.
(b) Mandatory Funding.--Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5814) is amended to read
as follows:
``SEC. 1624. MANDATORY FUNDING.
``Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary
shall make available to carry out this chapter $75,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''.
SEC. 702. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Mandatory Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this
section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''.
Subtitle B--Supporting Research to Help Farmers Adapt to a Disrupted
Climate
SEC. 711. COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES GRANTS.
Section 2 of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(G) Plant and animal breeding.--
``(i) In general.--Classical animal and
plant breeding--
``(I) intended to deliver public
plant cultivars and animal breeds;
``(II) to achieve germplasm
conservation; and
``(III) to improve public access
and use of such cultivars and breeds.
``(ii) Priority.--With respect to the
breeding described in clause (i), the Secretary
shall give priority to--
``(I) regionally adapted cultivars
and breeds; and
``(II) breeds that perform well in
organic and sustainable production
systems.'';
(B) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``, including
nonprofit organizations, private laboratories, Federal
research entities, and other research entities not
affiliated with a university'' after ``organizations'';
(C) by striking paragraph (9); and
(D) in paragraph (11)(A)--
(i) by striking ``$700,000,000'' and
inserting ``$900,000,000''; and
(ii) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2028''; and
(2) in subsection (k)--
(A) in the heading, by inserting ``and Climate
Change Mitigation and Adaptation'' after
``Agriculture''; and
(B) by inserting ``and climate change mitigation
and adaptation'' after ``systems of sustainable
agriculture''.
SEC. 712. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
(a) Elements of Initiative.--Section 412(b) of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7632(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``and improve the resiliency of
such crops towards global climate change'' after ``crop
characteristics''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, with
priority given to responses and tolerances to global
climate change'' after ``tolerances''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and threats due to
global climate change'' after ``pollinators''.
(b) Mandatory Funding.--Section 412(k)(1)(B) of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7632(k)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``$80,000,000 for fiscal year
2014 and each fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting ``$100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter''.
TITLE VIII--ANIMAL WELFARE
Subtitle A--Ensuring Animal Welfare in Farming
SEC. 801. DEFINITIONS FOR HUMANELY RAISED LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Independent animal welfare certification program.--The
term ``independent animal welfare certification program'' means
an entity approved by the Secretary of Agriculture that uses
qualified third-party on-farm auditors to routinely assess a
producer's 100 percent compliance with specific animal welfare
standards exceeding industry standards (based on industry
guidelines), subject to the following conditions:
(A) The standards' protocols are made public.
(B) The standards include, at a minimum, provisions
for space allowance, environmental enrichment and
ability to engage in natural behaviors, pain control
and physical alternations, handling, and responsible
antibiotic use.
(C) Routine caging, crating or tethering of animals
is prohibited.
(D) Auditors have no vested or financial interest
in audit outcomes.
(E) Auditors possess a background in animal welfare
science or have received equivalent training, and are
able to recognize, review, and apply established farm
animal welfare standards and protocols.
(2) Eligible costs.--The term ``eligible costs'' means
costs associated with application fees, inspections, labeling,
shipment and marketing.
SEC. 802. INCREASING MARKET ACCESS FOR HUMANELY RAISED LIVESTOCK AND
POULTRY CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the
Agricultural Marketing Service, shall establish a cost-share program to
assist producers and handlers of livestock and poultry products in
obtaining and maintaining animal welfare certifications through an
independent animal welfare certification program.
(b) Federal Share.--The Secretary may cover not more than 75
percent of the eligible costs, but not to exceed $750, incurred by a
producer or handler in obtaining and maintaining an animal welfare
certification through an independent animal welfare certification
program.
(c) Reporting Requirements.--Not later than March 1 of each year,
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the requests by,
disbursements to, and expenditures for each State under the program
during the current and previous fiscal year, including the number of
producers and handlers served by the program in the previous fiscal
year.
(d) Funding.--
(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry
out this section $1,250,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
through 2028, to remain available until expended.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $22,000,000 for fiscal years 2024 through
2028 to carry out this section.
SEC. 803. ANIMAL WELFARE TAX INCENTIVES.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 45U. INDEPENDENT ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION CREDIT.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an
eligible taxpayer, the independent animal welfare certification credit
determined under this section for any taxable year is an amount equal
to 25 percent of the qualified independent animal welfare certification
expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year,
and not exceeding $150,000.
``(b) Qualified Independent Animal Welfare Certification
Expenditures.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified independent animal
welfare certification expenditures' means amounts paid or
incurred for the purpose of complying with the animal welfare
standards and protocols of an independent animal welfare
certification, including--
``(A) any amounts so paid or incurred for
infrastructure improvements for the purpose of
complying with such standards and protocols related to
providing animals with access to the outdoors,
pastures, or enriching indoor environments, including--
``(i) fencing to enable pasture access,
``(ii) mobile or permanent housing or
shelter on pasture,
``(iii) water lines and irrigation
structures for watering animals,
``(iv) infrastructure to enable free
movement of animals indoors,
``(v) enrichment materials to encourage
animals to carry out natural behaviors like
rooting, pecking, and perching, and
``(vi) infrastructure to improve
ventilation and provide natural light, and
``(B) certification, including--
``(i) the cost of initial certification,
and
``(ii) the cost of certification auditing
during the recapture period.
``(2) Expenditures must be directly related to
certification.--The term `qualified independent animal welfare
certification expenditures' shall only include amounts directly
related to complying with animal welfare standards and
protocols of an independent animal welfare certification.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Eligible taxpayer.--The term `eligible taxpayer'
means any taxpayer which carries on a trade or business of
farming livestock or poultry who has an adjusted gross income
of less than $900,000.
``(2) Independent animal welfare certification.--The term
`independent animal welfare certification' means a
certification issued pursuant to a value-added certification
program which has been approved by the Secretary of Agriculture
as meeting each of the following requirements:
``(A) Such program uses qualified, independent, on-
farm auditors to assess, at least once in a 15 month
period, a producer's compliance with specific farm
animal welfare standards.
``(B) Such program uses a certification protocol
and standards that are publicly available.
``(C) The standards used in such program exceed
conventional industry standards, based on industry
guidelines published by animal trade associations,
prohibit routine caging, crating, and tethering of
animals, and include, at a minimum, provisions for
daily free access to an outdoor vegetated range area
for a majority of animals' lives, indoor and outdoor
space allowance, environmental enrichment, ability to
engage in natural behaviors, pain control and physical
alterations, animal handling and transport, and
responsible antibiotic use.
``(D) The auditors used in such program have no
vested or financial interest in audit outcomes and
possess a background in animal welfare science, or have
received equivalent training, and are able to recognize
and apply established farm animal welfare standards and
protocols.
``(E) Such program requires producers to comply
with 100 percent of standards to receive certification.
``(d) Recapture.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any taxpayer with respect
to which a credit of $75,000 or more is determined under this
section for any taxable year and which ceases to be in
compliance with an independent animal welfare certification at
any time during the recapture period, the taxpayer may be
subject to recapture of some or all of the credit, at the
discretion of the Internal Revenue Service.
``(2) Recapture period.--For purposes of this section, the
term `recapture period' means the 5-taxable-year period
beginning with the taxable year two years after the taxable
year for which a credit of $75,000 or more is determined under
this section.''.
(b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of
such Code is amended--
(1) by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (32);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (33) and
inserting ``, plus''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(34) in the case of an eligible taxpayer (as defined in
section 45U(c)(1), the independent animal welfare certification
credit determined under section 45U.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45U. Independent animal welfare certification credit.''.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to amounts paid or incurred during taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2023.
Subtitle B--Reforming Animal Welfare in Agricultural Research Endeavors
SEC. 811. ANIMAL WELFARE.
Section 14 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2144) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``Any'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any Federal
research facility or any other'';
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Any'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Animal exhibition.--Any''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Exclusions not applicable.--For purposes of the
application of standards and other requirements described in
paragraph (1) to a Federal research facility or any other
department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States
having laboratory animal facilities, the exclusions contained
in section 2(g)(3) shall not apply.''.
SEC. 812. ESTABLISHING A RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PROGRAM FOR HUMANELY
RAISED LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY CERTIFICATIONS.
(a) Consumer Demand for Animal Welfare and Environmentally
Sustainable Products.--Section 1402(6) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101(6))
is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``, and
meet growing consumer demand for animal welfare, environmental
sustainability, pasture-based rearing, and compliance with independent
animal welfare certifications''.
(b) Independent Animal Welfare Certification Program Defined.--
Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(21) Independent animal welfare certification program.--
The term `Independent animal welfare certification program' has
the meaning given that term in section 801(1) of the Food and
Farm Act.''.
(c) Federal-State Partnership and Coordination.--Section 1409A of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3124a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``and
environmental'' and inserting ``environmental, animal welfare,
and marketplace demand'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``pasture-based
rearing systems,'' after ``cooperatives,''; and
(3) in subsection (d), by inserting ``improving animal
well-being, facilitating enrollment in independent animal
welfare certification programs,'' after ``marketing systems,''.
(d) Animal Well-Being Research.--The heading of subtitle E of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (title XIV of Public Law 93-113) is amended to read as follows:
``Animal Health, Well-Being, and Disease Research''.
(e) Authorizing the Secretary To Act.--Section 1431(b)(2) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3193(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C),
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) improve the flow of information to producers
regarding enrollment in, compliance with, and marketing
benefits of independent animal welfare certification
programs.''.
(f) Small Farm Research and Extension.--
(1) Small farm extension program.--Section 502 of the Rural
Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2662) is amended--
(A) in subsection (d), by inserting ``, improved
animal husbandry techniques including enrollment in
independent animal welfare certification programs,''
after ``marketing techniques''; and
(B) in subsection (h)(1)--
(i) by striking ``and'' at the end of
subparagraph (E);
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as
subparagraph (H); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (E)
the following new subparagraphs:
``(F) opportunities for enrollment in independent
animal welfare certification programs;
``(G) animal husbandry; and''.
(2) Definition.--Section 506 of the Rural Development Act
of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2666) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (a), (b), and (c)
as subsections (b), (c), and (d) respectively; and
(B) by inserting before subsection (b), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(a) `independent animal welfare certification program' has the
meaning given that term in section 801(1) of the Food and Farm Act.''.
TITLE IX--REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS
Subtitle A--Expanding Support for Local and Regional Food Systems
SEC. 901. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.
It is the sense of the Congress that:
(1) Local and regional food systems provide jobs and
economic opportunity for farmers and ranchers, businesses,
entrepreneurs, and employees across the United States who
cultivate, harvest, store, process, market, and distribute
food, particularly in rural areas.
(2) Local and regional food systems provide meaningful
access to healthy, fresh, and affordable foods that are grown
and processed closer to markets, especially in food deserts and
other underserved areas.
(3) Local and regional food systems lower the carbon
footprint of America's food system by growing, processing,
distributing, and consuming products locally and reducing the
use of fossil fuels.
(4) Local and regional food systems foster American
resiliency and independence by helping communities become less
dependent on external food sources.
(5) Local and regional food systems increase accountability
for farmers, ranchers, and others employed in the field to
engage in sustainable and ethical practices.
(6) By supporting the growth and advancement of local and
regional food systems, the people of the United States are
investing in an environmentally and economically resilient food
and agriculture system that provides opportunity and
livelihoods for farmers, ranchers, businesses, and employees
throughout the economy.
SEC. 902. EXPANDING THE FOOD LEVERAGING INVESTMENT FOR NETWORK
COORDINATION (LINC) PROGRAM.
(a) Increase in Number of Value Chain Coordinators.--The Secretary
of Agriculture shall expand Rural Development Agency participation in
the Food Leveraging Investment for Network Coordination (LINC) program,
a public-private partnership to enhance regional food-value chains, to
deploy during each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 at least 25 full-
time value chain coordinators to provide local food sector coordination
services.
(b) Location of Value Chain Coordinators.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall ensure that at least 5 value chain coordinators
deployed under subsection (a) are located in each of the following:
(1) The Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
(2) The Northeast region of the United States.
(3) The Western region of the United States.
(4) The Midwest region of the United States.
(5) The Southern region of the United States.
(c) Coordination Services Described.--The duties of a value chain
coordinator include the following:
(1) Identifying and connecting interested persons through
short-term engagement, helping to build relationships across
the food value chain by engaging interested persons,
maintaining communication channels, and fostering a trusting
environment among interested persons.
(2) Identifying and pursuing resources, such as grants,
loans, and services to support value-chain collaborators as
they develop their enterprises.
(3) Raising policy issues and partnering with interested
persons to address policies and procurement requirements.
(4) Working with food chain members to build capacity
through education and training programs in such areas as
organics and other sustainable production practices, food
safety, marketing, and branding.
(5) Utilizing grants and other external resources to test
new business models to help lower the financial risk of
businesses engaged in the value chain.
(d) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
Secretary of the Agriculture shall use to carry out this section
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
SEC. 903. ENSURING SUCCESS OF REGIONAL FOOD PROJECTS UNDER THE BUSINESS
AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) Use of Funds.--Section 310B(g)(9)(B) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(v) Outreach and technical assistance.--
Not more than 5 percent of the amounts reserved
under clause (iv) for each fiscal year shall be
used for outreach, and to provide marketing and
technical assistance through Federal entities,
and through State and private universities and
nonprofit entities (including by contract), to
potential recipients of a loan or loan
guarantee under this subparagraph, to ensure
the full utilization of any such loan or loan
guarantee.''.
(b) Increase in Funding.--Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of such Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking ``5'' and
inserting ``10''.
SEC. 904. INCREASING SUPPORT FOR THE SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM.
Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7
U.S.C. 1621 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2028''; and
(2) in subsection (l)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'';
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and each
fiscal year thereafter.'' and inserting a semicolon;
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(G) $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and each
fiscal year thereafter.''.
Subtitle B--Enhancing Regional Food Infrastructure
SEC. 911. SUPPORTING REGIONAL FOOD INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT AND
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING.
(a) Support for Region-Wide Assessment and Collaborative Planning
Projects.--Section 6(b) of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act
of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) full value chain assessments at the local and
regional levels, as well as projects by entities described in
subsection (c) that maximize efficient use of existing food
related infrastructure, identify gaps in that infrastructure,
and address such gaps.''.
(b) Mandatory Funding.--Paragraph (1) of section 6(g) of the
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005(g)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
section $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028.''.
(c) Distribution of Funds.--Paragraph (4) of section 6(g) of the
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005(g)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(4) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made available
to carry out this section for a fiscal year after fiscal year
2024--
``(A) at least 40 percent of the funds shall be
used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of
subsection (b);
``(B) at least 40 percent of the funds shall be
used for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of
such subsection; and
``(C) not more than 20 percent of the funds may be
used for the purposes described in paragraph (3) of
such subsection.''.
SEC. 912. LIVESTOCK, DAIRY, AND POULTRY SUPPLY CHAIN INFRASTRUCTURE
GRANTS AND LOANS.
Subtitle D of title III of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 379I. LIVESTOCK, DAIRY, AND POULTRY SUPPLY CHAIN INFRASTRUCTURE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to provide grants or
make or insure loans under any of the programs authorized by this Act,
the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.), or the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate, to assist farmers and rural
businesses and cooperatives to maintain or increase the production,
aggregation, processing, distribution, and marketing of value-added,
niche, or regionally marketed meat, dairy, and poultry products.
``(b) Priority.--In implementing subsection (a), the Secretary
shall give priority to grants or loans that will help increase or
enhance the availability and geographic distribution of State- and
Department of Agriculture-inspected small processing facilities.
``(c) Small Processing Facility Defined.--In this section, the term
`small processing facility' means--
``(1) with respect to an establishment that is subject to
the requirements of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.
601 et seq.), a certain small establishment that is eligible to
be selected under section 501(b) of such Act; or
``(2) a selected establishment (as defined in section 31(a)
of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 472(a))).''.
Subtitle C--Expanding Accessibility of Federal Grant Programs
SEC. 921. PUBLISHING INFORMATION ABOUT FUNDED FARMERS' MARKET AND LOCAL
FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM PROJECTS.
Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7
U.S.C. 3005) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(h) Project Database.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, shall
publish, and update on an annual basis, on the Internet website
of the Department of Agriculture a database, in a machine-
readable format, that contains information with respect to any
project with respect to which a grant was awarded under this
section in the previous fiscal year.
``(2) Information included.--The database under paragraph
(1) shall include, with respect to each project for which a
grant was awarded under this section in the previous fiscal
year--
``(A) a general overview of such project, including
a summary of, the timeline, goals, and objectives for,
and key partners and other stakeholders involved in,
such project;
``(B) the steps taken to carry out such project;
``(C) any materials used to carry out such project;
``(D) the delivery area of the project;
``(E) the total project cost and any non-Federal
funding sources for such project costs;
``(F) a general description of project
beneficiaries; and
``(G) the results of such project.''.
SEC. 922. STREAMLINING OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD PROGRAM APPLICATION
PROCEDURES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall, not later than
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, identify
procedures that coordinate and streamline the application process for
local and regional food programs without compromising program or
application quality. The Secretary shall identify such procedures with
respect to each of the following:
(1) Streamlining application forms.
(2) Removing repetition from forms and the online toolkit
used to complete such applications.
(3) To the extent possible, accepting applications
electronically (including through email).
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
Subtitle D--Leveling the Playing Field for Small Farmers
SEC. 931. ENSURING FAIR PRACTICES IN AGRICULTURE.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Agriculture shall implement, without amendment, the
final rule entitled ``Unfair Practices and Undue Preferences in
Violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act'' and published in the
Federal Register by the Department of Agriculture on December 20, 2016
(81 Fed. Reg. 92703).
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E271)
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, 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 Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, 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 Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, 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 Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs, 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 Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.
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