[Report No. 119–620]
February 13, 2026
Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
April 21, 2026
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on February 13, 2026
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes.
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 Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
.
(b) Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Department
The term Department means the Department of Agriculture.
(2) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
Title I Commodities
Sec. 1001. Suspension of permanent price support authority
Section 1602 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9092) is amended by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 1002. Tree assistance program
(a) Definitions
Section 1501(e)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting or biennial
after annual
; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting or pest
after insect
.
(b) Economic viability
Section 1501(e)(2)(A) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(2)(A)) is amended—
(1)
by striking clauses (i) and (ii); and
(2)
by striking to provide assistance—
and inserting to provide assistance under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees or the trees no longer produce an economically viable crop as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary.
.
(c) Assistance
Section 1501(e)(3) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(3)) is amended in the matter before subparagraph (A) by striking and (5)
and inserting , (5), (6), and (7)
.
(d) Requirements with respect to assistance
Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(6) Timing requirements
An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall agree, as a condition on receipt of assistance under this subsection, to carry out any replacement and rehabilitation activities for which such assistance is provided not later than—
(A)
2 years after the application for such assistance is approved; or
(B)
if the period specified in subparagraph (A) is not adequate for tree survival, at such time as is necessary to ensure tree survival.
(7) Alternatives used in replanting
(A) In general
An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower receiving assistance under this subsection with respect to tree loss may use such assistance to replant using—
(i)
an alternative variety from the variety used prior to the loss;
(ii)
an alternative stand density from the stand density used prior to the loss; and
(iii)
an alternative location than was used prior to the loss.
(B) Cost share limitations with respect to alternatives
The assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers—
(i)
for losses described in subparagraph (A)(i), shall be an amount that is not greater than the amount the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower would receive if the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower planted the variety lost;
(ii)
for losses described in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be an amount that is not greater than the amount the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower would receive if the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower planted the stand density lost; and
(iii)
for losses described in subparagraph (A)(iii), shall be an amount that is not greater than the amount the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower would receive if the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower planted the location in which the loss occurred.
(e) Deadline for notice regarding application status
Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9801(e)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(8) Deadline for notice regarding application status
Not later than 120 days after receiving an application for assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall—
(A)
approve or deny such application; and
(B)
notify the applicant of such approval or denial.
(f) Initial payments under tree assistance program
Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(9) Initial payments
(A) In general
An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower may opt to receive an initial assistance payment with respect to losses described in paragraph (2) before incurring the costs described in paragraph (3) relating to such losses.
(B) Amount
An initial assistance payment under subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount that is equal to the fair market value of the estimated costs described in paragraph (3) that the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower is likely to incur with respect to losses described in paragraph (2), as determined by the Secretary.
(C) Subsequent payment
(i) In general
In the case of an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower that opts to receive an initial payment under subparagraph (A) with respect to losses described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable after providing such initial payment, provide a subsequent payment to the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower in an amount equal to—
(I)
the payment amount the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower would have received with respect to such losses under paragraph (3) or pursuant to paragraph (5); minus
(II)
the initial payment amount provided to such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower under subparagraph (B) with respect to such losses.
(ii) Overpayment
If an initial payment under subparagraph (B) with respect to losses described in paragraph (2) is greater than the amount an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower would have received under paragraph (3) or pursuant to paragraph (5) for such losses, such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall repay the Secretary the excess amount.
(D) Sunset
The authority to make payments under this paragraph shall terminate on September 30, 2035.
Sec. 1003. Specialty crop emergency assistance framework
(a) In general
The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 is amended by inserting after section 196 (7 U.S.C. 7333) the following:
196A. Specialty crop emergency assistance framework
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a framework to provide direct assistance to producers of specialty crops the production of which was impacted by an adverse event (including an economic crisis or market disruption), as determined by the Secretary, in accordance with this section.
(b) Payment calculation
In determining a payment calculation for purposes of direct assistance to a producer of specialty crops under subsection (a), the Secretary shall calculate payments based on—
(1)
the producer’s sales of specialty crops for a calendar year that precedes the year in which the adverse event described in such subsection occurred or the average of such sales over a set of consecutive calendar years that precedes the year in which such adverse event occurred, as determined by the Secretary; multiplied by
(2)
a payment factor the Secretary determines, subject to the availability of funds, to address losses of such specialty crops from such adverse event.
(c) Special rules
Subject to subsection (d), in providing direct assistance pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall consider—
(1)
the higher value of specialty crops;
(2)
the greater input costs required to grow specialty crops; and
(3)
diverse types of legal entities and structures used by specialty crop producers.
(d) Limitations
(1) Total amount
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a qualified pass-through entity) (as such terms are defined in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a))) for any crop year under this section may not exceed the amount specified in subsection (b) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308), as adjusted pursuant to subsection (i) of such section 1001.
(B) Exception
In the case of a person or legal entity with an average gross income (as calculated under section 1001D(b)(4)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)(4)(B))) for which greater than or equal to 75 percent of the average derives from farming, ranching, or silviculture activities—
(i)
subparagraph (A) shall not apply; and
(ii)
the total maximum amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by such person or legal entity for any crop year under this section shall be set by the Secretary, except such amount may not be less than $900,000.
(2) Notification of interests; eligibility; denials
Sections 1001A(a), 1001B, and 1001C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–1(a); 1308–2; 1308–3) shall apply to a producer of a specialty crop under this section in the same manner as such sections apply to a person or legal entity with respect to a covered commodity, except to the extent such sections relate to the application of subsections (b) through (d) of section 1001A.
(b) Payment limitation conforming amendment
Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)(E), by inserting or 196A
after section 196
; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)(A)(i)(II), by inserting or 196A
after section 196
.
Sec. 1004. Assistance in the form of block grants
(a) In general
Subtitle E of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
1502. Assistance in the form of block grants
(a) In general
In the case additional funds made available after the date of the enactment of this section for covered losses, the Secretary may make assistance for such losses available in the form of block grants.
(b) Covered losses
In this section, the term covered losses means losses—
(1)
of revenue, quality, or production of crops, trees, bushes, vines, poultry or livestock as a consequence of a natural disaster (as determined by the Secretary); and
(2)
for which assistance is not available pursuant to any other Federal law.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of contents for the Agricultural Act of 2014 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1501 the following:
Sec. 1005. Dairy-related extensions
(a) Forward pricing
Section 1502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772) is amended by striking subsection (e).
(b) Indemnity program
Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 (7 U.S.C. 4553) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(c) Promotion and research
Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 1006. Mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs
Section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1637b) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(C)
for each manufacturer required to report under subparagraph (A) for any product, require that manufacturer to report production cost and product yield information, as determined by the Secretary, for all products processed in the same facility or facilities.;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting products and
after those
;
(2)
in subsection (c)(3)(B), by inserting , subject to subsection (b)(1),
after of information
;
(3)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking Electronic reporting
and inserting Reporting
;
(B)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the heading, by striking Electronic reporting
and inserting Reporting
; and
(ii)
by striking this section
and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1)
;
(C)
in paragraph (2), by striking this section
and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1)
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Dairy product processing costs
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall publish a report containing the information obtained under subparagraph (C) of subsection (b)(1), subject to the conditions described in subsection (b)(2).;
(4)
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(5)
by adding after subsection (d) the following:
(e) Regulation
Any actions taken by the Secretary under this section shall not be subject to review under Executive Order 12866 (58 Fed. Reg. 51735) or any successor order.
Sec. 1007. Dairy reports
Paragraph (4) of section 301 of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4514) is amended by striking Not later
and all that follows through an annual report
and inserting With respect to each calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a report (which shall be submitted not later than 18 months after the last day of such calendar year)
.
Sec. 1008. Processing of certain loans
(a) Marketing assistance loans
Section 1204 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9034) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(j) Effect of lapse in appropriations
The servicing of a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 by an officer or employee of the Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.
(b) Loans under sugar program
Section 156(d) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(4) Effect of lapse in appropriations
The servicing of a loan under this section by an officer or employee of the Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.
Sec. 1009. Storage facility loans
Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8789(a)) is amended—
(1)
by striking funds for producers
and inserting the following:
funds for—
(1)
producers; and
(2)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production (as such term is defined in section 4279.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this paragraph)).
Sec. 1010. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains
(a) In general
Subtitle C of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–79) is amended by adding at the end the following:
1302. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains
(a) In general
With respect to any Federal policy that would impact the administration of the programs described in this subtitle or any rule, policy, or guidance issued pursuant to such programs, the preservation and strengthening of the domestic production described in subsection (b) shall be a priority objective of the President.
(b) Domestic production described
The domestic production described in this subsection is the production of an agricultural commodity—
(1)
described in this subtitle; and
(2)
from which a food ingredient that serves an important function throughout the domestic food production supply chain is derived.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of contents for the Agricultural Act of 2014 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1301 the following:
Sec. 1011. Regulations
(a) Administration
Section 1601(c) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9091(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking this title, sections 11003 and 11017, title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section 10109 of that Act
and inserting a covered provision of law
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Covered provision of law defined
In this subsection, the term covered provision of law means—
(A)
this title and sections 11003 and 11017;
(B)
title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section 10109 of that Act; and
(C)
title I of the Farm Food and National Security Act of 2026 and the amendments made by that title.
(b) Loan implementation
Section 1614(d) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking subtitle B
the first place it appears and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting a covered provision of law.
;
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking of subtitles B or C
; and
(B)
by striking under subtitles B or C
and inserting under the repayment provisions
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Covered provision of law
The term covered provision of law means—
(i)
subtitle B or C or the amendments made by subtitle B or C;
(ii)
the amendments made by subtitle B or C of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, except with respect to the assistance provided under sections 1207(c) and 1208; and
(iii)
section 156 of the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272).
(B) Repayment provisions
The term repayment provisions means the repayment requirements under—
(i)
subtitle B or C; or
(ii)
section 156 of the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272).
Sec. 1012. Restoration of tobacco as agricultural commodity in Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act
Section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714c) is amended by striking (other than tobacco)
each place such term appears.
Title II Conservation
Subtitle A Definitions
Sec. 2001. Definitions
Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking subtitles A through I:
and inserting subtitles A through J:
;
(2)
in paragraph (14), by striking term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term
and inserting terms Indian tribe and Indian Tribe have the meaning given those terms
;
(3)
by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (27) as paragraphs (22) through (29), respectively;
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
(20) Precision agriculture
The term precision agriculture means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity and biological targeting to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.
(21) Precision agriculture technology
The term precision agriculture technology means any technology (including targeted inputs and the equipment that is necessary for the deployment of such technology) that directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or livestock production, including—
(A)
Global Positioning System-based or geospatial mapping technology;
(B)
satellite or aerial imagery technology;
(C)
yield monitors;
(D)
soil mapping technology;
(E)
sensors for gathering data on crop, soil, or livestock conditions;
(F)
Internet of Things and telematics technologies;
(G)
data management software and advanced analytics;
(H)
network connectivity products and solutions;
(I)
Global Positioning System guidance or auto-steer systems;
(J)
variable rate technology for applying inputs, such as section control; and
(K)
any other technology, as determined by the Secretary, that directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, the use of crop or livestock production inputs, which may include seed, feed, fertilizer, soil amendments, chemicals, water, and time.; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(30) Wildlife habitat connectivity
The term wildlife habitat connectivity means the degree to which landscape or habitat elements facilitate native species movement among seasonal habitats.
Sec. 2002. Mitigation banking
Section 1222(k)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(k)(1)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
(B) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Subtitle B Conservation Reserve Program
Sec. 2101. Conservation reserve
(a) In general
Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Eligible land
Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
and inserting the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
; and
(2)
in paragraph (7)(A), by striking September 30, 2017, or September 30, 2018
and inserting September 30, 2025, or September 30, 2026
.
(c) Enrollment
(1) Maximum acreage enrolled
Section 1231(d)(1)(E) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(1)(E)) is amended by striking fiscal year 2023
and inserting each of fiscal years 2023 through 2031
.
(2) Grasslands
Section 1231(d)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(3) State enrollment rates
Section 1231(d)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(4)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2026 through 2031
each place it appears.
(4) Continuous enrollment procedure
Section 1231(d)(6)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(6)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
(B) Limitation
For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, enroll and maintain not fewer than 8,600,000 acres of land under subparagraph (A) by September 30, 2031.
Sec. 2102. Farmable wetland program
Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Subtitle C Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Sec. 2201. Definitions
Section 1240A(6)(B)(v) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–1(6)(B)(v)) is amended by inserting (including the adoption of precision agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture technology)
after planning
.
Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration
(a) Payments
(1) Special rule involving payments for foregone income
Section 1240B(d)(3)(F) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(d)(3)(F)) is amended by inserting and wildlife habitat connectivity
before ; or
.
(2) Other payments
Section 1240B(d)(6) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(d)(6)) is amended—
(A)
by striking A producer shall
and inserting the following:
(A) Payments under this subtitle
Except as provided in paragraph (9), a producer shall; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(B) Conservation loan and loan guarantee program payments
(i) In general
A producer receiving payments for practices on eligible land under the program may also receive a loan or loan guarantee under section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to cover costs for the same practices on the same land.
(ii) Notice to producer
The Secretary shall inform a producer participating in the program in writing that they may apply to receive a loan or loan guarantee under section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act as it relates to costs of implementing practices under this program.
(3) Increased payments for high-priority practices
Section 1240B(d)(7) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(d)(7)) is amended—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by inserting state-determined
before high-priority
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in clause (iii), by striking or
at the end;
(ii)
in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(v)
addresses the conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat, including wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration corridors; or
(vi)
increases carbon sequestration or reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions of methane and nitrous oxide.
(4) Increased payments for precision agriculture
Section 1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(8) Increased payments for precision agriculture practices
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may increase the amount that would otherwise be provided for a practice under this subsection to not more than 90 percent of the costs associated with adopting precision agriculture practices and acquiring precision agriculture technology for the purpose of implementing conservation practices.
(5) Cost-share payments for grassland
Section 1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(d)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(9) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the conservation reserve program
(A) In general
The Secretary may provide payments under the program for costs associated with planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training, for the purpose of a wildlife corridor, with respect to eligible land that is—
(i)
enrolled in the conservation reserve program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
(ii)
of ecological significance, as described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
(B) Limitation
A producer shall not be eligible for payments under subparagraph (A) for a practice if the producer receives payments or other benefits for the same practice on the same land under this title.
(b) Allocation of funding
Section 1240B(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(f)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(c) Water conservation or irrigation efficiency practice
Section 1240B(h)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(h)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; or
and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting ; or
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(D)
the adoption of precision agriculture practices or the acquisition of precision agriculture technology to achieve water conservation and energy efficiency.
(d) Payments for conservation practice related to organic production
Section 1240B(i)(3)(A)(ii) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(i)(3)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023, $140,000
and inserting 2027 through 2031, $200,000
.
(e) Conservation incentive contracts
Section 1240B(j)(2)(A)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(j)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by inserting (which may include the adoption of precision agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture technology)
after incentive practices
.
(f) Southern Border Initiative
Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(k) Southern Border Initiative
(1) In general
The Secretary shall provide payments under the program to producers to implement conservation practices on covered lands of such producers that address and repair covered damage that may contribute to a natural resource concern or problem.
(2) Contract term
In the case of a contract under the program entered into for the implementation of practices described in paragraph (1), such contract shall have a term of 1 year.
(3) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Covered damage
The term covered damage means damage to agricultural land or farming infrastructure.
(B) Covered land
The term covered land means eligible land in a county at or near the southern border of the United States, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 2203. Limitation on payments
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 2204. Conservation innovation grants and payments
(a) Competitive grants for innovative conservation approaches
Section 1240H(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8(a)) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1) Grants
Out of the funds made available to carry out this subchapter, the Secretary may award competitive grants that are intended to stimulate development and evaluation of new and innovative approaches to leveraging the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production or forest resource management, through the program, including grants for the development and evaluation of new and innovative technologies that may be incorporated into conservation practice standards.; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)(H), by inserting before the period (including precision agriculture practices and precision agriculture technologies)
.
(b) On-Farm conservation innovation trials
Section 1240H(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8(c)(1)(B)(i)) is amended—
(1)
in subclause (VI), by striking and
at the end; and
(2)
by inserting after subclause (VII) the following:
(VIII)
perennial production systems, including agroforestry and perennial forages and grain crops; and
(c) Reporting and database
Section 1240H(d)(2)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8(d)(2)(A)) is amended—
(1)
in clause (i)—
(A)
by inserting , including both management and structural conservation practices,
after conservation practices
; and
(B)
by striking and
at the end;
(2)
by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(3)
by inserting after clause (i) the following:
(ii)
data that may be used to evaluate new and emerging technologies and recommendations for State and regional applications of such new and emerging technologies; and; and
(4)
in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by inserting for consideration under the streamlined process developed under section 1242(h)(3)
before the period at the end.
Subtitle D Conservation Stewardship Program
Sec. 2301. Conservation stewardship program
Section 1240J(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–22(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting and except as provided in paragraph (3),
after paragraph (2),
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the conservation reserve program
(A) In general
The Secretary may provide payments under the program for costs associated with planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training, for the purpose of a wildlife corridor, with respect to eligible land that is—
(i)
enrolled in the conservation reserve program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
(ii)
of ecological significance, as described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
(B) Limitation
A producer shall not be eligible for payments under subparagraph (A) for a conservation activity if the producer receives payments or other benefits for the same conservation activity on the same land under this title.
(C) Emergency grazing and haying access preserved
No priority resource concern, practice, or incentive pertaining to restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration corridors on the acres described above will prevent or alter emergency grazing and haying access for grassland acres enrolled in the conservation reserve program.
Sec. 2302. Duties of the Secretary
(a) Conservation stewardship payments
Section 1240L(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–24(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting before the period (including increased costs associated with planning and adopting precision agriculture conservation activities and acquiring precision agriculture technology)
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(6) Minimum payment
The amount of an annual payment under the program shall be not less than $4,000.
(b) Supplemental payments for resource-Conserving crop rotations and advanced grazing management
Section 1240L(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–24(d)) is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by striking and advanced grazing management
and inserting , advanced grazing management, and precision agriculture
;
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking ; or
and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(C)
precision agriculture conservation activities.; and
(3)
in paragraph (3), by striking or advanced grazing management
and inserting , advanced grazing management, or precision agriculture conservation activities
.
(c) Payment limitations
Section 1240L(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–24(f)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 2303. State assistance for soil health
Subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–21 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
1240L–2. State assistance for soil health
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible Indian Tribe
The term eligible Indian Tribe means an Indian Tribe that is—
(A)
implementing a soil health program for the area over which the Indian Tribe has jurisdiction; and
(B)
meeting or exceeding performance measures established by the Indian Tribe for the soil health program.
(2) Eligible State
The term eligible State means a State that is—
(A)
implementing a soil health program for the State; and
(B)
meeting or exceeding performance measures established by the State for the soil health program.
(3) Soil health program
The term soil health program means a program to improve soil health on agricultural land that—
(A)
is broadly consistent with the soil health principles of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
may include—
(i)
technical assistance;
(ii)
financial assistance;
(iii)
on-farm research and demonstration;
(iv)
education, outreach, and training;
(v)
monitoring and evaluation; or
(vi)
such other components as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(b) Availability and purpose of grants
For fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall make grants to eligible States and eligible Indian Tribes for the purpose of improving soil health on agricultural lands through the implementation of State and Tribal soil health programs.
(c) Applications
(1) In general
To receive a grant under this section, an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such a manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall require, which shall include—
(A)
a description of performance measures to be used to evaluate the State or Tribal soil health program and the results of any activities carried out using grant funds received under this section; and
(B)
an assurance that grant funds received under this section will supplement the expenditure of State or Tribal funds in support of soil health, rather than replace such funds.
(2) Tribal option
An Indian Tribe shall have the option, at the sole discretion of the Indian Tribe, to be incorporated into the application of an eligible State.
(d) Grants
(1) Amount
The amount of a grant to an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe under this section for a fiscal year may not exceed the lower of—
(A)
$5,000,000; or
(B)
as applicable—
(i)
50 percent of the cost of implementing the State soil health program in the fiscal year; or
(ii)
75 percent of the cost of implementing the Tribal soil health program in the fiscal year.
(2) Term
A grant under this section shall be for 1 year, and may be renewed annually.
(e) Audits and reviews
An eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary—
(1)
for each year for which the State or Indian Tribe receives such a grant, the results of an audit of the expenditures of the grant funds; and
(2)
at such intervals as the Secretary shall establish, a review and evaluation of the State or Tribal soil health program.
(f) Effect of noncompliance
If the Secretary, after reasonable notice to an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this section, finds that the State or Indian Tribe has failed to comply with the terms of the grant, the Secretary may disqualify, for 1 or more years, the State or Indian Tribe from receipt of future grants under this section.
(g) Funding
Of the funds made available to carry out this subchapter, $100,000,000 shall be available in each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.
(h) Administration
(1) Department
The Secretary may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
(2) States or Indian Tribes
An eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 7 percent of the granted funds for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
Subtitle E Other Conservation Programs
Sec. 2401. Conservation of private grazing land
Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 2402. Feral swine eradication and control program
(a) Feral swine eradication and control program
Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1240M the following:
1240N. Feral swine eradication and control program
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a feral swine eradication and control program (in this section referred to as the
program) to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health.(b) Duties of the Secretary
In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall—
(1)
study and assess the nature and extent of damage to the threatened areas caused by feral swine;
(2)
develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine in the threatened areas;
(3)
develop methods to restore damage caused by feral swine; and
(4)
provide financial assistance to agricultural producers in threatened areas.
(c) Assistance
The Secretary may provide financial assistance to agricultural producers under the program to implement methods to—
(1)
eradicate or control feral swine in the threatened areas; and
(2)
restore damage caused by feral swine.
(d) Coordination
The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this section through State technical committees established under section 1261(a).
(e) Cost Sharing
(1) Federal share
The Federal share of the costs of activities under the program may not exceed 75 percent of the total costs of such activities.
(2) In-kind contributions
The non-Federal share of the costs of activities under the program may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.
(f) Threatened area defined
In this section, the term threatened area means an area of a State in which feral swine have been identified as a threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, or human and animal health, as determined by the Secretary.
(g) Funding
(1) Mandatory funding
Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $75,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $150,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2031.
(2) Distribution of funds
Of the funds made available under paragraph (1)—
(A)
40 percent shall be allocated to the Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry out the program, including the provision of financial assistance to producers for on-farm trapping and technology related to capturing and confining feral swine; and
(B)
60 percent shall be allocated to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to carry out the program, including the use of established, and testing of innovative, population reduction methods.
(3) Limitation on administrative expenses
Not more than 10 percent of funds made available under this section may be used for administrative expenses of the program.
(h) Coordination and cooperation with a land-grant college or university
(1) In general
The Secretary shall direct the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to enter into a contract with 1 or more land-grant colleges or universities to assist with the program in achieving its goals.
(2) Eligible land-grant colleges and universities
A land-grant college or university is eligible to enter into a contract under paragraph (1) if such college or university—
(A)
has developed and implemented a system of evaluating damages from feral swine and effectiveness of control efforts in response to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334);
(B)
shows evidence of a strong working relationship with Wildlife Services in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and
(C)
has maintained a State-funded, non-Federal Wildlife Services program that has an active cooperative agreement with Wildlife Services in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within the structure of the Land Grant University System.
(3) Role of the land-grant college or university
A land-grant college or university that enters into a contract under paragraph (1) shall, as a condition on entering into such a contract, assist the program by acting as a strategic, neutral entity that is able to advance the program beyond the expertise of the Department to achieve the stated goals of the program by—
(A)
identifying and carrying out research on novel methods of feral swine control and land remediation;
(B)
assisting in establishing strategic areas for feral swine control based on data collected in response to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018;
(C)
coordinating and collaborating between field staff, programmatic staff, and research staff within the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and
(D)
establishing and consulting with the Department on research goals and priorities in the program.
(4) Funding
Funding made available under (g)(2) shall be available to fund activities under this subsection, as determined by the Secretary.
(5) Land-grant college or university defined
In this subsection, the term land-grant college or university has the meaning given the term land-grant colleges and universities in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
(b) Repeal
Section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351 note) is repealed.
(c) Clerical amendment
The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 is amended by striking the item relating to section 2408.
Sec. 2403. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act
(a) Assistance to local organizations
(1) In general
Section 3(a) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003(a)) is amended by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7) and inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
(6)
to provide technical and financial assistance for remedial actions in accordance with subsection (c); and
(2) Assistance for remedial actions; Streamlining
Section 3 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(c) Assistance for remedial actions
(1) In general
In carrying out subsection (a)(6), the Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance to local organizations for remedial actions for a completed work of improvement installed under this Act with respect to which—
(A)
deterioration of a structural component of the work of improvement is occurring at an abnormal rate, including situations in which such deterioration is due to a design deficiency or to site conditions that were unknown at the time of installation of the work of improvement;
(B)
the planned service life of the work of improvement exceeds the service life of a structural component of such work of improvement; or
(C)
structural damage to such work of improvement, or to a structural component of such work of improvement, was caused by a storm event that exceeded the maximum storm event for which the work of improvement was designed.
(2) Cost share
Financial assistance provided under this subsection shall be provided in accordance with the cost-share rate established in the agreement with the local organization for the work of improvement.
(d) Streamlining
The Secretary shall, on an ongoing basis—
(1)
engage with relevant Federal agencies to reduce or eliminate regulatory, policy, or procedural barriers to timely provision of assistance under this Act;
(2)
provide for streamlined procedures relating to coordination with other Federal or State agencies for required reviews and permitting of projects pursuant to this Act, and ensure such procedures are commensurate with the size and scale of the projects;
(3)
conduct an assessment of internal Department of Agriculture planning, technical support, and approvals to determine best practices to be used for the purpose of maximizing the decisionmaking authority of State conservationists with respect to approvals required for projects under this Act; and
(4)
prioritize the use of agreements and contracting authorities under this Act to provide funding to local organizations for the planning, design, and construction of works of improvement.
(b) Data
Section 13 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1010) is amended to read as follows:
13. Data
(a) In general
The Secretary shall collect and maintain, and make publicly available—
(1)
data, on a national and State-by-State basis, concerning—
(A)
expenditures for the individual flood control and conservation measures for which assistance is provided under this Act; and
(B)
the expected flood control or environmental (including soil erosion) benefits that will result from the implementation of such measures; and
(2)
data, with respect to each project for which assistance is provided under this Act, concerning—
(A)
total allocated and expended funds for planning, design, construction, remedial actions, and rehabilitation; and
(B)
contracts and agreements entered into by the Secretary with a local organization to provide services, including—
(i)
the services provided through such contracts and agreements;
(ii)
the total funds allocated to such contracts and agreements; and
(iii)
any modifications or adjustments made to such contracts and agreements.
(b) Prohibition
The Secretary may not make publicly available under this section an agreement entered into with an individual landowner, operator, or occupier under this Act, or any disaggregated information that identifies such individual landowner, operator, or occupier.
(c) Rehabilitation of structural measures near, at, or past their evaluated life expectancy
(1) Cost share assistance for rehabilitation
Section 14(b) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(b)) is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking 65 percent
and inserting 90 percent
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Relation to requirements of authorized projects
A rehabilitation project for which assistance is provided under this section shall not be subject to—
(A)
the requirement under section 2 that a project contain benefits directly related to agriculture, including rural communities, that account for at least 20 percent of the total benefits of the project; or
(B)
section 4(5).
(2) Funding
Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 2404. Emergency conservation program
Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by inserting and other emergency conservation measures
after fencing
;
(B)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1) In general
With respect to a payment to an agricultural producer under subsection (a) for the repair or replacement of fencing, or for other emergency measures to rehabilitate farmland or to repair or replace a farmland or conservation structure, the Secretary shall give the agricultural producer the option of receiving—
(A)
before carrying out such replacement or rehabilitation, not more than 75 percent of the payment for such replacement or rehabilitation, which shall be based on the fair market value of the replacement or rehabilitation, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
before carrying out such repair, not more than 50 percent of the payment for such repair, which shall be based on the fair market value of the repair, as determined by the Secretary.; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) New or emerging technologies
Repair or replacement of fencing under this section may include updating of fencing to new or emerging technology if such updating does not increase the cost of the repair or replacement.; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(c) Wildfires
A wildfire that causes damage with respect to which a payment may be made under subsection (a) includes any wildfire that is not caused naturally, including a wildfire that is caused by the Federal Government, if the damage is caused by the spread of the fire due to natural causes.
Sec. 2405. Emergency watershed program
(a) Floodplain easements
Section 403(b) of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203(b)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively;
(2)
by inserting before paragraph (5), as so redesignated, the following:
(1) Easement restoration
The Secretary is authorized to restore appropriate vegetative cover, hydrological functions, and other functions and values of the land subject to a floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a).
(2) Easement maintenance
The Secretary is authorized to monitor, maintain, and enhance appropriate vegetative cover, hydrological restoration measures, and other restoration measures on land subject to a floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a).
(3) Contracts and agreements
In carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary may—
(A)
enter into contracts with landowners; and
(B)
enter into agreements with States, nongovernmental organizations, and Indian Tribes.
(4) Compatible use authority
The Secretary may authorize a landowner to carry out activities on land subject to a floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a) that are—
(A)
compatible uses necessary to carry out paragraph (1) or (2); or
(B)
compatible economic uses (including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, water management, or periodic haying or grazing) if such uses are consistent with the long-term protection of the floodplain functions and values for which the easement was acquired.; and
(3)
in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking paragraph (1)
and inserting paragraph (5)
each place it appears.
(b) Level of restoration
Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(c) Level of restoration
In carrying out this section, the Secretary may undertake measures that increase the level of protection above that which would be necessary to address the immediate impairment of the watershed if the Secretary determines that such restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health of the watershed and the long-term protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments.
Sec. 2406. National agriculture flood vulnerability study
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a national agriculture flood vulnerability report containing the results of a Conservation Effects Assessment Project assessment of flood risk on agricultural lands, including—
(1)
an analysis of economic losses of crops and livestock resulting from flooding under different recurrence scenarios;
(2)
an analysis of the downstream effects of mitigation activities carried out as part of a watershed management approach;
(3)
an analysis of available Federal and State data relating to flood risk, as applicable to agricultural land, including data relating to riverine flooding, coastal flooding, storm surge, extreme precipitation, and flash flooding; and
(4)
a description of ongoing producer-level conservation practices and broader government initiatives to manage the effects of flooding and flood risk within and across watersheds, and recommendations for additional practices and initiatives to further address such effects and risk.
Sec. 2407. Study on environmental benefits of winter wheat as a cover crop
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives the results of a study on the environmental benefits of using winter wheat as a cover crop, including use as a cover crop that is removed during harvest.
Subtitle F Funding and Administration
Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation
(a) Annual funding
Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
;
(2)
in paragraph (3)(A), by striking clauses (i) through (vi) and inserting the following:
(i)
$2,530,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
(ii)
$2,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
(iii)
$3,130,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
(iv)
$3,175,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
(v)
$3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2031; and; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(5)
The forest conservation easement program under subtitle I, using, to the maximum extent practicable—
(A)
$25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
(B)
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
(C)
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
(D)
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
(E)
$65,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
(6)
The regional conservation partnership program under subtitle J, to the maximum extent practicable—
(A)
$450,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
(B)
$450,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
(C)
$450,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
(D)
$450,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
(E)
$450,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
(b) Regional equity
Section 1241(e)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(e)(1)) is amended by striking subtitle I
and inserting subtitle J
.
(c) Acceptance and use of contributions for public-Private partnerships
Section 1241(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (6)(A)(ii), by inserting of
before any terms
; and
(2)
in paragraph (9)—
(A)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
subtitle D (except for subchapter B of chapter 1 of such subtitle), subtitle H, subtitle I, or subtitle J;;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the semicolon and inserting ; or
;
(C)
by striking subparagraph (C); and
(D)
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C).
(d) Report on program enrollments and assistance
Section 1241(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(i)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)(E), by striking section 1265B(b)(2)(B)(ii)
and inserting section 1265B(b)(2)(A)(iii)
.
Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance
(a) Definitions
Section 1242(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(a)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2) Non-Federal certifying entity
The term non-Federal certifying entity means a non-Federal entity, an Indian Tribe, or a State agency described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of subsection (e)(4) that has entered into an agreement under subsection (e)(5)(D).
(b) Purpose of technical assistance
Section 1242(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(b)) is amended by inserting timely,
after consistent,
.
(c) Non-Federal assistance
Section 1242(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(d)) is amended by inserting (including private sector entities)
after Department or non-Federal entities
.
(d) Certification of third-Party providers
Section 1242(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
and inserting Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
;
(2)
by amending paragraph (3)(A) to read as follows:
(A)
ensure that persons (including commercial entities, nonprofit entities, State or local governments or agencies, and other Federal agencies) with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation planning, watershed planning, environmental engineering, conservation practice design, implementation, and evaluation, and any other technical skills determined appropriate by the Secretary, are eligible to become approved providers of the technical assistance;; and
(3)
by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and inserting the following:
(4) Certification
A third-party provider may be certified to provide technical assistance under this section only—
(A)
through a certification process administered by the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
(B)
by a non-Federal entity (other than a State agency or an Indian Tribe) approved by the Secretary under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider;
(C)
by an Indian Tribe approved by the Secretary under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider; or
(D)
by a State agency that—
(i)
has statutory authority to certify, administer, or license professionals in one or more fields of natural resources, agriculture, or engineering; and
(ii)
is approved by the Secretary under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider.
(5) Non-Federal certifying entity
(A) Establishment of approval process
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish a process to approve a non-Federal entity (including a State agency and an Indian Tribe), to become a non-Federal certifying entity.
(B) Approval
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives an application by a non-Federal entity to certify third-party providers under this section, the Secretary shall make a decision on whether to approve such application.
(C) Eligibility
In carrying out subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall take into consideration—
(i)
the ability of the applicable non-Federal entity to assess the qualifications of a third-party provider and to certify third-party providers at scale;
(ii)
the experience of the applicable non-Federal entity in working with third-party providers and eligible participants;
(iii)
the expertise of the applicable non-Federal entity in the technical skills described in paragraph (3)(A); and
(iv)
such other qualifications as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(D) Agreement
Upon approving an application under this paragraph, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the non-Federal entity to become a non-Federal certifying entity.
(E) Duties of non-Federal certifying entities
In certifying third-party providers under this section, a non-Federal certifying entity shall—
(i)
assess the ability of a third-party provider to appropriately provide technical assistance to eligible participants for specified practices and conservation activities;
(ii)
provide training to ensure that a third-party provider is qualified to provide technical assistance upon certification by the non-Federal certifying entity; and
(iii)
submit to the Secretary, in a timely manner, information on—
(I)
each third-party provider certified by the non-Federal certifying entity, for inclusion on the registry of certified third-party providers maintained by the Secretary; and
(II)
each third-party provider the certification of which is withdrawn by the non-Federal certifying entity.
(6) Timely decisions
(A) Certification by Secretary
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives an application from a third-party provider to be certified under the process described in paragraph (4)(A) for particular practices and conservation activities, the Secretary shall—
(i)
make a final decision with respect to such application; and
(ii)
if the final decision is to certify the third-party provider, include the name of the certified third-party provider on the registry of certified third-party providers maintained by the Secretary.
(B) Certification by non-Federal certifying entity
Not later than 10 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a notification from a non-Federal certifying entity that a third-party provider was certified, pursuant to subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (4), for particular practices and conservation activities, the Secretary shall include the name of the certified third-party provider on the registry of certified third-party providers maintained by the Secretary.
(7) Streamlined certification
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish a streamlined process for the Secretary and non-Federal certifying entities to use to certify under this section a third-party provider that has a relevant professional certification for particular practices and conservation activities, as determined by the Secretary.
(e) Administration
Section 1242(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking each of the programs specified in section 1241
and inserting conservation programs administered by the Secretary
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting or a non-Federal certifying entity
before under this section
;
(3)
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
(3) Update of certification process by the Secretary
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall—
(A)
review the certification processes under paragraphs (4)(A) and (7) of subsection (e);
(B)
make any adjustments considered necessary by the Secretary to—
(i)
increase the number of third-party providers delivering technical assistance; and
(ii)
improve the quality of technical assistance delivered by third-party providers;
(C)
conduct outreach to, and receive input on the barriers for third-party providers to become certified under this section from—
(i)
third-party providers that are, or have been, certified under this section; and
(ii)
other interested parties associated with eligible participants; and
(D)
set a target rate of utilization of third-party providers to deliver technical assistance across all conservation programs administered by the Secretary. ;
(4)
in paragraph (4)(A)(i), by inserting (including maintenance)
after implementation
;
(5)
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
(5) Payment amount
(A) In general
For payments provided by the Secretary under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c), the Secretary shall determine payment amounts for technical assistance provided by third-party providers, which shall be at rates equivalent to, but that do not exceed, the cost to the Secretary of providing technical assistance directly to an eligible participant.
(B) Considerations
In determining payment amounts under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider specialized equipment, frequency of site visits, training, travel and transportation, and such other factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(C) Exclusion
A payment provided under subsection (c)(3) shall be excluded from calculations relating to any cost-sharing requirements of the applicable conservation program under which the payment was provided.
(6) Transparency
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall make publicly available information on—
(A)
funds obligated to third-party providers through—
(i)
contracts entered into between eligible participants and individual third-party providers; and
(ii)
agreements with public and private sector entities to secure third-party technical assistance;
(B)
the certification process under this section, including—
(i)
the number of third-party providers certified by the Secretary;
(ii)
the number of non-Federal certifying entities approved by the Secretary;
(iii)
the number of third-party providers certified by non-Federal certifying entities (other than State agencies and Indian Tribes);
(iv)
the number of third-party providers certified by Indian Tribes;
(v)
the number of third-party providers certified by State agencies; and
(vi)
the number of third-party providers certified through the streamlined certification process described in subsection (e)(7);
(C)
how third-party providers contribute to the quality and effectiveness of conservation practices implemented and adopted through conservation programs administered by the Secretary, and what improvements are needed; and
(D)
the target rate of utilization of third-party providers set under paragraph (3)(D) and how actual rate of utilization compares to the target rate.; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following:
(7) Soil health planning
The Secretary shall emphasize the use of third-party providers in providing technical assistance for soil health planning, including planning related to the use of cover crops, precision agriculture practices, comprehensive nutrient management planning, and other innovative plans.
(f) Review of conservation practice standards
Section 1242(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(h)) is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by striking Review
and inserting Establishment and review
;
(2)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and at least every 5 years thereafter, complete a review of each conservation practice standard, including engineering design specifications;;
(B)
in subparagraph (C), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
(D)
evaluate opportunities to increase flexibility in conservation practice standards in a manner that integrates new and innovative technologies that provide equivalent or improved natural resource benefits compared to the standards in effect at the time of the review;; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(E)
provide a process for public input on each conservation practice standard under such review, including a process for consideration of State and local input;
(F)
publicly post a summary of any input received under subparagraph (E) and any decisions made relating to such input; and
(G)
revise any conservation practice standard based on the results of such review, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, and publish any such revised standard.;
(3)
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
(3) Process for establishment of interim and new conservation practice standards
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall develop a streamlined process under which the Secretary shall establish interim conservation practice standards and new conservation practice standards.
(B) Development
In developing the streamlined process under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—
(i)
ensure that the public can engage with the Department of Agriculture, including by recommending interim conservation practice standards; and
(ii)
establish—
(I)
the types of data, metrics, and other relevant information that are necessary for the establishment of interim conservation practice standards and new conservation practice standards;
(II)
the process by which an interim conservation practice standard may become a new conservation practice standard; and
(III)
specific requirements for an expedited review of a new conservation practice for the purpose of establishing a new conservation practice standard for such practice.
(C) Considerations
In establishing an interim conservation practice standard or a new conservation practice standard under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider—
(i)
input from State technical committees on recommendations that identify innovations or advancements in conservation practices;
(ii)
technological advancements, including advancements from projects developed under section 1240H;
(iii)
State and local input in the form of—
(I)
recommendations for interim conservation practice standards; and
(II)
partnership-led proposals for new and innovative techniques to facilitate implementing agreements and grants under this title; and
(iv)
input from native entities in the form of information relating to native traditional ecological knowledge that can inform conservation practice standards.
(D) Innovative technology priority
In reviewing conservation practice standards under this subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize the review of interim conservation practice standards and new conservation practice standards that integrate innovative technologies, including—
(i)
precision agriculture technologies;
(ii)
biological fertilizers, biostimulants, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and other tools determined by the Secretary to reduce nutrient loss;
(iii)
animal feed additives;
(iv)
perennial production systems, including agroforestry and perennial forages and grain crops; and
(v)
any other innovative technology, as determined by the Secretary.
(E) Transparency
The Secretary shall make available on a public website a detailed description of the process for recommending, reviewing, and establishing interim conservation practice standards and new conservation practice standards under this paragraph.;
(4)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by striking Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
and inserting Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
; and
(ii)
by striking a report on
and inserting a report detailing
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A), by striking administrative
and inserting streamlined
;
(C)
in subparagraph (B), by striking and
at the end;
(D)
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(E)
by adding at the end the following:
(D)
any other information the Secretary determines useful to improve such streamlined process for reviewing and establishing conservation practice standards.; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(5) Office of Conservation Innovation
(A) In general
The Secretary shall establish within the Office of the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service an Office of Conservation Innovation (referred to in this paragraph as the
Office) which shall be under the direct supervision of the Chief.(B) Duties
The Office shall—
(i)
provide support to the Chief in meeting the requirements of this subsection; and
(ii)
encourage innovation in conservation practices through—
(I)
revisions of existing conservation practice standards;
(II)
recommendations of interim conservation practice standards; and
(III)
recommendations of new conservation practice standards.
(C) Staff
The Chief shall detail to the Office not more than 6 employees of the Department of Agriculture who are technical specialists that possess an understanding of conventional, organic, and other production techniques, representing—
(i)
agronomy and agroecology (including soil health, biological nutrient sources, and compatible cover cropping systems);
(ii)
grazing lands ecology (including rangeland, pastureland, and grazed forest land);
(iii)
animal husbandry (including animal nutrition and feed management);
(iv)
water conservation, drainage water management, and irrigation engineering technology;
(v)
agricultural engineering (including animal waste management, energy, and structural measures); and
(vi)
forest ecology and agroforestry.
(6) Funding
The Secretary shall use funding from the annual appropriations for conservation operations of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry out this subsection.
(g) Direct hire authority
Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(j) NRCS direct hire authority
(1) In general
The Secretary may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such title), qualified candidates, as described in paragraph (2), directly to positions within the Natural Resources Conservation Service that provide technical assistance under conservation programs administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
(2) Qualifications
Paragraph (1) applies to a candidate who—
(A)
is qualified to provide the technical assistance described in paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
meets qualification standards established by the Office of Personnel Management.
(h) Addressing barriers to wildlife habitat connectivity
Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(k) Addressing barriers to wildlife habitat connectivity
(1) In general
The Secretary shall—
(A)
to the maximum extent practicable, fully incorporate nonstructural methods to control livestock distribution, such as virtual fencing, into the conservation practice standards; and
(B)
provide for the appropriate range of conservation practices and resource mitigation measures available to landowners using nonstructural methods described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Availability of adequate technical assistance
The Secretary shall ensure that adequate technical assistance is available for the implementation of—
(A)
nonstructural methods described in paragraph (1)(A); and
(B)
other practices that support wildlife habitat connectivity through Federal conservation programs.
Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs
(a) Tenant protections
Section 1244(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(d)) is amended by striking I.
and inserting J.
.
(b) Acreage limitations
Section 1244(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(f)) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1) Limitation
The Secretary shall not enroll more than 25 percent of the cropland in any county in the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland reserve easements under section 1265C.;
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (1)(A)
and inserting paragraph (1)
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
at the end and inserting or
;
(3)
in paragraph (3), by striking paragraph (1)(A)
and inserting paragraph (1)
; and
(4)
in paragraph (4)(B), by striking classes IV
and inserting classes III
.
(c) Review and guidance for practice costs and payment rates
(1) In general
Section 1244(j)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)(1)) is amended—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and not later than October 1 of each year thereafter, the Secretary shall
and inserting The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary shall annually
;
(B)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
review, with respect to each State, the actual practice costs and rates of payments (or, where actual practice costs and rates of payments are not available, estimates of such practice costs and rates) made to producers pursuant to programs under this title for practices on eligible land; and ; and
(C)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
in clause (ii), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv);
(iii)
by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
(iii)
accounts for the variability in costs of implementing practices on eligible land under this title; and ; and
(iv)
in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by striking regional, State, and
and inserting State and
.
(2) Guidance; review
Section 1244(j)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)(2)) is amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking estimates for
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
in clause (i), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(iii)
by inserting after clause (i) the following:
(ii)
monitoring for and identifying significant variability in practice costs in each year; and; and
(iv)
in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by inserting and, when appropriate, adopting any recommendations made by such State technical committee
after that State
.
(3) Effect on existing contracts
Section 1244(j) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(3) Effect on existing contracts
In order to provide rates of payments that are commensurate with the costs of implementing practices pursuant to programs under this title, the Secretary shall establish processes and procedures for updating rates of payments under a contract or agreement in effect under this title to reflect the appropriate practice costs and rates of payments determined under paragraph (2)(B) for the year in which the practice is implemented.
(d) Source water protection through targeting of agricultural practices
Section 1244(n) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(n)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(ii)
in clause (i), by striking the and
at the end; and
(iii)
by inserting after clause (i) the following:
(ii)
identify in each State a source water protection coordinator who shall be responsible for coordinating such collaboration with community water systems under this subsection; and; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking under subparagraph (A)(ii)
and inserting under subparagraph (A)(iii)
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Publicly available information
Beginning on the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall make publicly available—
(A)
an annual report that details—
(i)
for each local priority area identified under paragraph (2)(A)(i)—
(I)
the conservation programs under which assistance is provided pursuant to paragraph (1);
(II)
the practices implemented pursuant to paragraph (1); and
(III)
the number of contracts and acres devoted to such practices;
(ii)
for each conservation program administered by the Secretary—
(I)
the amount of funds obligated and expended for practices implemented pursuant to paragraph (1); and
(II)
information regarding the status of compliance with paragraph (3); and
(iii)
the practices, by State, that are receiving increased incentives and higher payment rates under paragraph (2)(A)(iii); and
(B)
through an interactive map, aggregated data detailed under subparagraph (A).
(e) Encouragement of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors
Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(q) Encouragement of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors
In carrying out any conservation program administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may, as appropriate, encourage the use of conservation practices that support the development, restoration, and maintenance of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors.
Subtitle G Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2601. Definitions
Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (2);
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively; and
(3)
in paragraph (3)(A), as so redesignated, by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
(i)
that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity;
Sec. 2602. Agricultural land easements
(a) Availability of assistance
Section 1265B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking in eligible land;
and inserting on eligible land; and
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking (iv); and
and inserting (iii).
; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (3).
(b) Cost-Share assistance
(1) Scope of assistance available
Section 1265B(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(2)) is amended—
(A)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A) Federal share
(i) In general
An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 65 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement, as determined by the Secretary using—
(I)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
(II)
an areawide market analysis or survey; or
(III)
another industry-approved method.
(ii) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers exception
In the case of eligible land with respect to which a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher holds an ownership interest of not less than 50 percent, the Secretary may provide an amount not to exceed 90 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.
(iii) Grasslands exception
In the case of grassland of special environmental significance, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may provide an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.;
(B)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
(i) In general
Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a non-Federal share that is equivalent to the remainder of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement not provided by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).;
(ii)
by striking clause (ii);
(iii)
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii); and
(iv)
in clause (ii), as so redesignated, in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking subparagraph
and inserting paragraph
; and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
(C) Lower cost-share option
(i) In general
Notwithstanding paragraph (4)(C)(v), an eligible entity may elect to enter into an agreement under paragraph (4) in which the terms and conditions of an agricultural land easement funded under the agreement do not include a right of enforcement for the Secretary if the eligible entity agrees to a Federal share that does not exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement, as determined by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
(ii) Minimum terms and conditions
Under an agreement described in clause (i), an eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions—
(I)
are consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(II)
permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements.
(iii) Entity enforcement
Under an agreement described in clause (i), the Secretary shall require the terms and conditions for the agricultural land easement to include a right of enforcement for the eligible entity.
(iv) Cash contribution
Under an agreement described in clause (i), the eligible entity shall provide cash resources in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement, as determined by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
(2) Evaluation and ranking of applications
Section 1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(F) Pooling of applications
The Secretary may evaluate and rank applications submitted by eligible entities for the purchase of agricultural land easements from landowners who are socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately from applications submitted for the purchase of agricultural land easements from other landowners.
(3) Agreements with eligible entities
Section 1265B(b)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (42 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(4)) is amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (C)—
(i)
by striking clause (iii);
(ii)
by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively;
(iii)
in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by striking the and
at the end;
(iv)
in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ;
; and
(v)
by adding at the end the following:
(v)
include a right of enforcement for the Secretary that—
(I)
may be used only if the terms and conditions of the easement are not enforced by the eligible entity; and
(II)
does not extend to a right of inspection unless—
(aa)
(AA)
the holder of the easement fails to provide monitoring reports in a timely manner; or
(BB)
the Secretary has a reasonable and articulable belief that the terms and conditions of the easement have been violated; and
(bb)
prior to the inspection, the Secretary notifies the eligible entity and the landowner of the inspection and provides a reasonable opportunity for the eligible entity and the landowner to participate in the inspection; and
(vi)
include a right of the Secretary to require the transfer of the easement to a different eligible entity if the eligible entity that holds the easement ceases to exist or is no longer eligible to participate in the program, as determined by the Secretary.; and
(B)
in subparagraph (D)—
(i)
in clause (ii)—
(I)
in subclause (I)(ff), by striking (v)
and inserting (iv)
; and
(II)
in subclause (II), by striking the and
at the end;
(ii)
in subclause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iii)
by inserting at the end the following:
(iv)
do not conflict with any minimum terms or conditions under subparagraph (C) that may be required.
(4) Certification of eligible entities
Section 1265B(b)(5) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(5)) is amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking under which the Secretary may
and inserting , to minimize administrative burdens on the Secretary and recognize the ability of experienced eligible entities to administer easements with minimal oversight by the Secretary, under which the Secretary shall
; and
(ii)
in clause (iv), by inserting , and modify,
after entity to use
;
(B)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
in clause (ii)—
(I)
in subclause (II), by striking 10
and inserting 5
; and
(II)
in subclause (III), by striking the or
at the end;
(ii)
in clause (iii)—
(I)
in subclause (I), by striking 10
and inserting 5
; and
(II)
in subclause (II), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
;
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(iv)
is an eligible entity not described in clause (ii) or (iii) that has—
(I)
acquired not fewer than 10 agricultural land easements under the program or any predecessor program; and
(II)
successfully met the responsibilities of the eligible entity under the applicable agreements with the Secretary, as determined by the Secretary, relating to agricultural land easements that the eligible entity has acquired under the program or any predecessor program.; and
(C)
in subparagraph (C)—
(i)
in the header, by striking Review and revision
and inserting Review and revocation
;
(ii)
in the header of clause (i) by striking Review
and inserting Certified entity review
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(iii) Easement review
The Secretary shall establish and conduct an annual quality review process to—
(I)
review a sample set of easements acquired by certified eligible entities;
(II)
ensure the integrity of the easement acquisition process under this section;
(III)
establish and enforce a process for corrective actions; and
(IV)
provide for a waiver of successive easement reviews based on demonstrated compliance.
Sec. 2603. Wetland reserve easements
(a) Easements
Section 1265C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(D), by striking tribes
and inserting Tribes and landowners who are socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers
; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (3)(C) the following:
(D) Pooling of applications
The Secretary may evaluate and rank offers from landowners who are socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately from offers from other landowners.
(b) Easement restoration
Section 1265C(c)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(c)(1)) is amended by striking subsection (f)
and inserting subsection (g)
.
(c) Easement stewardship
Section 1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as subsections (e) through (h), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (c), the following:
(d) Easement stewardship
(1) In general
The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land enrolled under this section for the repair, necessary maintenance, and enhancement activities described in the wetland reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (g)(1).
(2) Evaluation of stewardship need
The Secretary shall—
(A)
regularly assess land enrolled under this section to identify maintenance and management needs, including any needed repair or enhancement of existing structural practices, in accordance with the applicable wetland reserve easement plan;
(B)
consistent with the purposes of the program, create, execute, and update as necessary based on the assessments carried out under subparagraph (A), a stewardship strategy for—
(i)
prioritizing and addressing the needs identified under subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
projecting the amount of annual funding needed for financial and technical assistance to address such needs; and
(C)
establish a 5-year schedule to address such needs.
(3) Payments
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make payments in an amount that is not more than 100 percent of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary.
(4) Report
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes—
(A)
an inventory of the existing stewardship needs of all wetland reserve easements, based on the assessments carried out under paragraph (2);
(B)
the stewardship strategy created under paragraph (2)(B);
(C)
the amounts the Secretary plans to allocate to address such stewardship needs, based on projections made pursuant to paragraph (2)(B)(ii); and
(D)
the planned use of compatible uses under subsection (b)(5)(C), contracts or agreements under subsection (e)(2), or wetland reserve easement plans under subsection (g)(1) to ensure that each such stewardship need is addressed.
(d) Assistance
Subsection (e) of section 1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so redesignated, is amended—
(1)
in the header, by striking Technical assistance
and inserting Assistance
; and
(2)
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2) Contracts or agreements
The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts or agreements with a Federal, State, or local agency, a nongovernmental organization, an Indian Tribe, or a private entity to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, maintenance, repair, assessment, or monitoring of a wetland reserve easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.
(e) Wetland reserve enhancement option
Subsection (f) of section 1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so redesignated, is amended—
(1)
by striking The Secretary
and inserting the following:
(1) In general
The Secretary; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(2) Funding
Of the funds made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 15 percent to carry out this subsection.
Sec. 2604. Administration
(a) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination
Section 1265D(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(c)) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2) Modification and exchange of interest in land
(A) Modification
(i) Authority
The Secretary may approve a modification of any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program if the Secretary determines that the modification—
(I)
will support the long-term agricultural viability of the applicable farm or ranch operation and the conservation values of the applicable easement;
(II)
will result in equal or increased conservation values;
(III)
is consistent with the original intent of the easement;
(IV)
is consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(V)
is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program, including correcting errors, exercising reserved rights, and increasing flexibility to recognize changes in water availability or administration.
(ii) Limitation
In modifying an interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not, except in the case of a modification that includes a change to an easement to add acreage, increase any payment to an eligible entity.
(iii) NEPA compliance
An action taken pursuant to this subparagraph may not be considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
(B) Exchange
(i) Authority
The Secretary may approve an exchange of any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program if the Secretary determines that—
(I)
no reasonable alternative exists and the effect on the interest in land is avoided or minimized to the extent practicable; and
(II)
the exchange—
(aa)
results in equal or increased conservation values;
(bb)
results in equal or greater economic value to the United States;
(cc)
is consistent with the original intent of the easement;
(dd)
is consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(ee)
is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program.
(ii) Limitation
In exchanging an interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not increase any payment to an eligible entity.; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(6) De minimis adjustments
(A) In general
An eligible entity may make de minimis adjustments to any interest in land, or a portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program if the adjustment—
(i)
furthers the practical administration of the program; and
(ii)
is not a subordination, modification, exchange, or termination, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Types of de minimis adjustments
De minimis adjustments made under this paragraph may include title corrections and other minor adjustments, including—
(i)
typographical error corrections;
(ii)
minor changes in legal descriptions as a result of survey or mapping errors;
(iii)
the transfer of an interest of an eligible entity to another eligible entity;
(iv)
changes to a building envelope boundary;
(v)
relocation of easement access;
(vi)
authorization of temporary work areas not associated with other easement administration actions; and
(vii)
other adjustments determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(7) Modification of eligible entity terms and conditions
An eligible entity shall be authorized to modify a term or condition of an agricultural land easement that is the subject of an agreement entered into under section 1265B(b)(4)(A) if such modification does not conflict with any minimum term or condition required by the Secretary under such section.
(b) Adjusted gross income
(1) Exemption
Section 1265D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865D) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Adjusted gross income exemption
The adjusted gross income limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to any payment or other assistance under this subtitle.
(2) Calculation
Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(5) Exception for compensation under ACEP
For purposes of this subsection, the adjusted gross income of a person or legal entity that is a landowner of eligible land (as defined in section 1265A) shall not include any income received as compensation for the acquisition of an agricultural land easement or a wetland reserve easement on that eligible land under subtitle H of title XII.
Subtitle H Forest Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2701. Forest conservation easement program
Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) as subtitle J; and
(2)
by inserting after subtitle H (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.) the following:
I Forest Conservation Easement Program
1267. Establishment and purposes
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a forest conservation easement program for the conservation and restoration of eligible land and natural resources through the acquisition of conservation easements or other interests in land.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of the program are—
(1)
to protect the viability and sustainability of working forest land, and related conservation values of eligible land, by limiting the negative effects of nonforest land uses of such land;
(2)
to protect and enhance forest ecosystem and landscape functions and values;
(3)
to promote the restoration, protection, and improvement of habitat of species that are threatened, endangered, or otherwise at risk; and
(4)
to carry out the purposes and functions of the healthy forests reserve program established under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this section.
1267A. Definitions
In this subtitle:
(1) Acreage owned by an Indian Tribe
The term acreage owned by an Indian Tribe means—
(A)
land that is held in trust by the United States for Indian Tribes or individual Indians;
(B)
land, the title to which is held by Indian Tribes or individual Indians subject to Federal restrictions against alienation or encumbrance;
(C)
land that is subject to rights of use, occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian Tribes;
(D)
land that is held in fee title by an Indian Tribe;
(E)
land that is owned by a native corporation formed under—
(i)
section 17 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (commonly known as the
Indian Reorganization Act) (25 U.S.C. 5124); or(ii)
section 8 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607); and
(F)
a combination of 1 or more types of land described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(2) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(A)
an agency of State or local government or an Indian Tribe (including a land resource council established under State law); or
(B)
an organization that is—
(i)
organized for, and at all times since the formation of the organization has been operated principally for, 1 or more of the conservation purposes specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(ii)
an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; or
(iii)
described in—
(I)
paragraph (1) or (2) of section 509(a) of that Code; or
(II)
section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code.
(3) Eligible land
The term eligible land means private land or acreage owned by an Indian Tribe—
(A)
that is—
(i)
forest land; or
(ii)
being restored to forest land;
(B)
in the case of a forest land easement—
(i)
the enrollment of which would protect working forests and related conservation values by conserving land; or
(ii)
the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(C)
in the case of a forest reserve easement, the enrollment of which will maintain, restore, enhance, or otherwise measurably—
(i)
increase the likelihood of recovery of a species that is listed as endangered or threatened under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
(ii)
improve the well-being of a species that is—
(I)
not listed as endangered or threatened under that section; and
(II)
(aa)
a candidate for that listing, a State-listed species, or a special concern species; or
(bb)
designated as a species of greatest conservation need by a State wildlife action plan.
(4) Forest land easement
The term forest land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that—
(A)
is conveyed to an eligible entity for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the forest nature of the eligible land; and
(B)
permits the landowner the right to continue working forest production and related uses, consistent with an applicable forest management plan.
(5) Forest management plan
The term forest management plan means—
(A)
a forest stewardship plan described in section 5(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a(f));
(B)
another plan approved by the applicable State forester or State forestry agency;
(C)
a plan developed under a third-party certification system determined appropriate by the Secretary; or
(D)
another plan determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(6) Forest reserve easement
The term forest reserve easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that—
(A)
is conveyed to the Secretary for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the forest nature of the eligible land; and
(B)
permits the landowner the right to continue working forest production and related uses consistent with the applicable forest reserve easement plan developed under section 1267C(c)(1)(A).
(7) Program
The term program means the forest conservation easement program established under this subtitle.
(8) Socially disadvantaged forest landowner
The term socially disadvantaged forest landowner means a forest landowner who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).
1267B. Forest land easements
(a) Availability of assistance
The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for—
(1)
the purchase by eligible entities of forest land easements on eligible land;
(2)
the development of a forest management plan; and
(3)
technical assistance to implement this section.
(b) Cost-Share assistance
(1) In general
The Secretary shall protect working forests, and related conservation values of eligible land, through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing forest land easements.
(2) Scope of assistance available
(A) Federal share
(i) In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), an agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share of 50 percent of the fair market value of the forest land easement, as determined by the Secretary.
(ii) Exception
An agreement described in paragraph (4) may provide for a Federal share of not more than 75 percent of the fair market value of a forest land easement in the case of eligible land that is—
(I)
a forest of special environmental significance, as determined by the Secretary; or
(II)
owned by a socially disadvantaged forest landowner.
(B) Non-Federal share
(i) In general
Under an agreement described in paragraph (4), the eligible entity shall provide a non-Federal share that is equivalent to the remainder of the fair market value of the forest land easement not provided by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
(ii) Permissible forms
The non-Federal share provided by an eligible entity under this paragraph may comprise—
(I)
cash resources;
(II)
a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined in section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private forest landowner from which the forest land easement will be purchased;
(III)
costs associated with securing a deed to the forest land easement, including the cost of appraisal, survey, inspection, and title; and
(IV)
other costs, as determined by the Secretary.
(C) Determination of fair market value
For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall determine the fair market value of a forest land easement using—
(i)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
(ii)
an areawide market analysis or survey; or
(iii)
another industry-approved method.
(3) Evaluation and ranking of applications
(A) Criteria
The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program.
(B) Priority
In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to an application for the purchase of a forest land easement—
(i)
that maintains the viability of a working forest, as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii)
on eligible land for which a forest management plan has been developed at the time of application.
(C) Considerations
In establishing the criteria under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall emphasize support for—
(i)
protecting working forests and related conservation values of eligible land;
(ii)
reducing fragmentation of forest land; and
(iii)
maximizing the areas protected from conversion to nonforest uses.
(4) Agreements with eligible entities
(A) In general
The Secretary shall enter into agreements with eligible entities to stipulate the terms and conditions under which the eligible entity is permitted to use cost-share assistance provided under this section.
(B) Length of agreements
An agreement under subparagraph (A) shall be for a term that is not less than 3, but not more than 5, years, unless the Secretary determines that a longer term is justified.
(C) Minimum terms and conditions
An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for forest land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions—
(i)
are consistent with—
(I)
the purposes of the program; and
(II)
the forestry activities to be conducted on the eligible land;
(ii)
permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of the forest land easements;
(iii)
include a requirement to implement a forest management plan on eligible land subject to a forest land easement;
(iv)
include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the forestry activities to be conducted; and
(v)
include a right of enforcement for the Secretary that—
(I)
may be used only if the terms and conditions of the forest land easement are not enforced by the eligible entity; and
(II)
does not extend to a right of inspection unless—
(aa)
(AA)
the holder of the forest land easement fails to provide monitoring reports in a timely manner; or
(BB)
the Secretary has a reasonable and articulable belief that the terms and conditions of the forest land easement have been violated; and
(bb)
prior to the inspection, the Secretary notifies the eligible entity and the landowner of the inspection and provides a reasonable opportunity for the eligible entity and the landowner to participate in the inspection.
(D) Additional permitted terms and conditions
An eligible entity may include terms and conditions for a forest land easement that—
(i)
are intended to keep the eligible land subject to the forest land easement in active forest management, as determined by the Secretary;
(ii)
allow subsurface mineral development on the eligible land subject to the forest land easement and in accordance with applicable State law if, as determined by the Secretary—
(I)
the subsurface mineral development—
(aa)
has a limited and localized impact;
(bb)
does not harm the forest use and conservation values of the eligible land subject to the forest land easement;
(cc)
does not materially alter or affect the existing topography;
(dd)
complies with a subsurface mineral development plan that—
(AA)
includes a plan for the remediation of impacts to the forest use and conservation values of the eligible land subject to the forest land easement; and
(BB)
is approved by the Secretary prior to the initiation of mineral development activity;
(ee)
is not accomplished by any surface mining method;
(ff)
is within the impervious surface limits of the forest land easement under subparagraph (C)(iv); and
(gg)
uses practices and technologies that minimize the duration and intensity of impacts to the forest use and conservation values of the eligible land subject to the forest land easement; and
(II)
each area impacted by the subsurface mineral development is reclaimed and restored by the holder of the mineral rights at cessation of operation; and
(iii)
include other relevant activities relating to the forest land easement, as determined by the Secretary.
(E) Substitution of qualified projects
An agreement under subparagraph (A) shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution.
(F) Effect of violation
If a violation of a term or condition of an agreement under subparagraph (A) occurs—
(i)
the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and
(ii)
the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the eligible entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(5) Forest management plan
(A) In general
If the eligible land does not have a forest management plan at the time of application, prior to the acquisition of the forest land easement the landowner shall develop, in partnership with the eligible entity, a forest management plan for the land subject to the forest land easement.
(B) Reimbursement
The Secretary may reimburse the landowner for the cost of the development of a forest management plan for eligible land enrolled under this section.
(c) Method of enrollment
The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of—
(1)
permanent easements; or
(2)
easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws.
(d) Technical assistance
The Secretary may provide technical assistance, on request, to assist in compliance with the terms and conditions of forest land easements.
1267C. Forest reserve easements
(a) Availability of assistance
The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance eligible land through—
(1)
forest reserve easements and related forest reserve easement plans; and
(2)
technical assistance to implement this section.
(b) Easements
(1) Method of enrollment
(A) Authorized methods
The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section—
(i)
through the use of—
(I)
permanent easements;
(II)
30-year easements; and
(III)
easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; and
(ii)
in the case of acreage owned by an Indian Tribe, through the use of—
(I)
30-year contracts (the compensation for which shall be equivalent to the compensation for 30-year easements); or
(II)
permanent easements.
(B) Limitation
Not more than 10 percent of amounts made available to carry out this section in a fiscal year may be used for 30-year easements under this section.
(2) Evaluation and ranking of offers
(A) Criteria
The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria for offers from landowners under this section.
(B) Priority
The Secretary shall give priority to the enrollment of eligible land under this section that provides the greatest conservation benefit to—
(i)
primarily, species listed as endangered or threatened under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
(ii)
secondarily, species that are—
(I)
not listed as endangered or threatened under that section; and
(II)
(aa)
candidates for that listing, State-listed species, or special concern species; or
(bb)
designated as species of greatest conservation need by a State wildlife action plan.
(C) Other considerations
The Secretary may give additional consideration to eligible land the enrollment under this section of which will—
(i)
improve biological diversity;
(ii)
restore native forest ecosystems;
(iii)
conserve forest land that provides habitat for species described in subparagraph (B);
(iv)
reduce fragmentation of forest land; and
(v)
increase carbon sequestration.
(3) Terms and conditions of easements
(A) In general
A forest reserve easement shall include terms and conditions that—
(i)
are consistent with the purposes of the program and the forestry activities to be conducted on the eligible land;
(ii)
are consistent with the management objectives of the owner of the eligible land and the implementation of the forest reserve easement plan developed under subsection (c)(1)(A);
(iii)
permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of the forest reserve easements;
(iv)
provide for the efficient and effective establishment or enhancement of forest ecosystem functions and values; and
(v)
include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration of the program.
(B) Requested terms and conditions
An owner of eligible land may request that a term or condition be included in a forest reserve easement, and the Secretary may include such term or condition, if it—
(i)
is consistent with the management objectives of the owner of the eligible land and the implementation of the forest reserve easement plan developed under subsection (c)(1)(A); and
(ii)
does not conflict with any terms or conditions included under subparagraph (A).
(4) Compensation
(A) Permanent easements
In the case of eligible land enrolled in a permanent easement under this section, the Secretary shall pay the owner of the eligible land an amount equal to the difference between, as determined by the Secretary—
(i)
the fair market value of the eligible land before the enrollment in the permanent easement; and
(ii)
the fair market value of the eligible land as encumbered by the permanent easement.
(B) Other
The Secretary shall pay the owner of eligible land enrolled under this section in a 30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an easement for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws, not less than 50 percent, and not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid under subparagraph (A) if the land were being enrolled in a permanent easement.
(C) Determination of fair market value
The Secretary shall determine the fair market value of eligible land for purposes of this paragraph using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or another industry-approved method.
(c) Easement restoration and management
(1) Forest reserve easement plan
(A) In general
Land enrolled in a forest reserve easement shall be subject to a forest reserve easement plan, to be developed jointly by the landowner and the Secretary, that describes such activities to be carried out on the land as are necessary to restore, maintain, and enhance habitat for species described in subsection (b)(2)(B).
(B) Practices and measures
A forest reserve easement plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall require implementation of such practices and measures as are necessary to accomplish the activities described in the plan under such subparagraph, which may include—
(i)
vegetative management and silviculture practices;
(ii)
structural practices and measures;
(iii)
practices to increase carbon sequestration;
(iv)
practices to improve biological diversity; and
(v)
other practices and measures, as determined by the Secretary.
(2) Financial assistance
(A) In general
The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the activities, practices, and measures described in the forest reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land under paragraph (1).
(B) Payments
With respect to financial assistance provided under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall pay—
(i)
in the case of a forest reserve easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a permanent easement, an amount that is not more than 100 percent of the eligible costs described in subparagraph (C), as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii)
in the case of a forest reserve easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a 30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an easement for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws, an amount that is not less than 50 percent, and not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs described in subparagraph (C), as determined by the Secretary.
(C) Eligible costs
Costs eligible for payments under this paragraph are the costs of activities, practices, and measures referred to in subparagraph (A) that are associated with the restoration or enhancement of the habitat conditions specified for the applicable species in the forest reserve easement plan.
(D) Timing of payments
Payments under this paragraph shall be made—
(i)
only on a determination by the Secretary that an activity, practice, or measure described in subparagraph (C) has been established in compliance with appropriate standards and specifications, which determination shall be made as soon as practicable after establishment; and
(ii)
as soon as possible after such determination is made.
(E) Limitations
Financial assistance provided by the Secretary under this paragraph to an owner of eligible land may not exceed $500,000 per easement or contract.
(d) Technical assistance
(1) In general
The Secretary shall provide to owners of eligible land technical assistance to assist the owners in—
(A)
developing a forest reserve easement plan; and
(B)
complying with the terms and conditions of a forest reserve easement, including the implementation of a forest reserve easement plan.
(2) Contracts or agreements
The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, nongovernmental organization, or Indian Tribe to provide technical assistance described in paragraph (1), if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.
(e) Protections and measures
(1) Protections
In the case of a landowner who enrolls eligible land in a forest reserve easement, and whose conservation activities under the forest reserve easement plan developed for such land result in a net conservation benefit for a species described in subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary shall make available to the landowner safe harbor or similar assurances and protection under—
(A)
section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or
(B)
section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1539(a)(1)).
(2) Measures
If protection under paragraph (1) requires the taking of measures that are in addition to the measures covered by the forest reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land, the cost of the additional measures, and the cost of any permit, shall be considered costs eligible for payments under subsection (c)(2).
(f) Administration
(1) Delegation of easement administration
(A) Federal and State agencies
The Secretary may delegate any of the management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under this section to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out those delegated responsibilities.
(B) Conservation organizations
The Secretary may delegate any of the management responsibilities of the Secretary under this section to a nonprofit conservation organization if the Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate expertise and resources necessary to carry out those delegated responsibilities.
(2) Involvement by other agencies and organizations
In carrying out this section, the Secretary may consult with—
(A)
private forest landowners;
(B)
other Federal agencies;
(C)
State forestry agencies;
(D)
State fish and wildlife agencies;
(E)
State environmental quality agencies;
(F)
other State conservation agencies; and
(G)
nonprofit conservation organizations.
1267D. Administration
(a) Ineligible land
The Secretary shall not use amounts made available to carry out the program for the purposes of acquiring an easement on—
(1)
land owned by a Federal agency, other than such land that is acreage owned by an Indian Tribe;
(2)
land owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government;
(3)
land subject to an easement or deed restriction that, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or
(4)
land the enrollment in the program of which would undermine the purposes of the program due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, permitted or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
(b) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination
(1) Subordination
The Secretary may subordinate any interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest, administered by the Secretary (including for the purposes of utilities and energy transmission services) directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that the subordination—
(A)
increases conservation values or has a limited negative effect on conservation values;
(B)
minimally affects the acreage subject to the interest in eligible land; and
(C)
is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program.
(2) Modification and exchange of interest in land
(A) Modification
(i) Authority
The Secretary may approve a modification of any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program if the Secretary determines that the modification—
(I)
will support the viability and sustainability of working forests and the conservation values of the applicable easement;
(II)
will result in equal or increased conservation values;
(III)
is consistent with the original intent of the easement;
(IV)
is consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(V)
is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program, including correcting errors and exercising reserved rights.
(ii) Limitation
In modifying an interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not, except in the case of a modification that includes a change to an easement to add acreage, increase any payment to an eligible entity.
(B) Exchange
(i) Authority
The Secretary may approve an exchange of any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program if the Secretary determines that—
(I)
no reasonable alternative exists and the effect on the interest in land is avoided or minimized to the extent practicable; and
(II)
the exchange—
(aa)
results in equal or increased conservation values;
(bb)
results in equal or greater economic value to the United States;
(cc)
is consistent with the original intent of the easement;
(dd)
is consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(ee)
is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program.
(ii) Limitation
In exchanging an interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not increase any payment to an eligible entity.
(3) Termination
The Secretary may approve a termination of any interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that—
(A)
termination is in the interest of the Federal Government;
(B)
the United States will be fully compensated for—
(i)
the value of the interest in the land, as determined by the Secretary;
(ii)
any costs relating to the termination; and
(iii)
any damages determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
(C)
the termination will—
(i)
address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative even with avoidance and minimization; and
(ii)
further the practical administration of the program.
(4) Consent
The Secretary shall obtain consent from the landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of an interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest, under this subsection.
(5) Notice
Not fewer than 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall provide written notice of that action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
(c) Land enrolled in other programs
In accordance with the provisions of section 2702 of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program established under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) on the day before the date of enactment of this section shall be considered enrolled in the program.
Sec. 2702. Healthy Forests Reserve Program
(a) Repeal
(1) In general
Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendment
The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–148; 117 Stat. 1887) is amended by striking the items relating to title V.
(b) Transitional provisions
(1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and easements
The repeal made by subsection (a) shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) before the date of enactment of this Act, or any payments or technical assistance required to be made in connection with the contract, agreement, or easement.
(2) Funding
(A) Use of prior year funds
Notwithstanding the repeal made by subsection (a), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the healthy forests reserve program established under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) for any of fiscal years 2019 through 2025 shall be made available to carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in paragraph (1), subject to the condition that no such contract, agreement, or easement may be modified so as to increase the amount of any payment received.
(B) Other
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the forest conservation easement program established under subtitle I of the Food Security Act of 1985 to continue to carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law (including regulations) applicable to those contracts, agreements, and easements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
Subtitle I Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Sec. 2801. Establishment and purposes
Section 1271(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
(2)
To address natural resource concerns on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale, including through—
(A)
the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of soil;
(B)
the conservation and protection of water, including sources of drinking water and groundwater;
(C)
the prevention and mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought, and the improvement or expansion of flood resiliency; and
(D)
the conservation of wildlife, agricultural land, and related natural resources.
Sec. 2802. Definitions
Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871a(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following:
(D)
The forest conservation easement program established under subtitle I.
Sec. 2803. Regional conservation partnerships
(a) Partnership agreements authorized
Section 1271B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(a)) is amended to read as follows:
(a) Partnership agreements authorized
(1) In general
The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land.
(2) Streamlining required
The Secretary shall ensure that a partnership agreement under paragraph (1)—
(A)
is entered into not later than 180 days after the date on which an application is selected under subsection (e); and
(B)
contains only—
(i)
the information, described under subsection (e)(3), necessary to fund and initiate the project to be implemented under the partnership agreement; and
(ii)
any adjustments to the requirements of a covered program determined necessary by the Secretary under paragraph (2) of section 1271E(f), and any waiver provided under paragraph (3) of such section.
(3) Process for requesting waivers and adjustments
The Secretary shall make available information on the process for requesting a waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of a covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f).
(b) Duties of Secretary
Section 1271B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(d)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (4)(B), by striking how the Secretary used amounts reserved by the Secretary for that year for technical assistance under section 1271D(f); and
and inserting the use of funds for technical assistance under section 1271D(c);
;
(2)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
ensure payments to eligible partners under a partnership agreement are made not later than 30 days after the date on which the eligible partner submits to the Secretary a request for payment.
(c) Applications
Section 1271B(e)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(e)(3)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (D), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); and
(3)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
(E)
any requests by an eligible partner for a waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of a covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f); and
Sec. 2804. Assistance to producers
Section 1271C(d)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c(d)(3)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(2)
in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking the and
at the end; and
(3)
by inserting after subparagraph (A)(iv) the following:
(B)
provide, under section 1271B(c)(2), not less than 50 percent of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of a partnership agreement funded pursuant to paragraph (1) in direct funding; and
Sec. 2805. Funding
(a) Allocation of funding
Section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (a) and (b);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and
(3)
in subsection (a), as so redesignated, by striking subsection (a)
and inserting section 1241(a)(6)
.
(b) Limitation on administrative expenses
Subsection (b) of section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows:
(b) Limitation on administrative expenses
(1) In general
Of the funds made available to implement a project under a partnership agreement, the Secretary may use not more than ten percent to reimburse the eligible partner for administrative expenses relating to the project.
(2) Consideration
Any amounts expended by an eligible partner for administrative expenses that are not reimbursed under paragraph (1) may be considered to be a part of the contribution of the eligible partner under section 1271B(c)(2).
(c) Technical assistance
Subsection (c) of section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows:
(c) Technical assistance
(1) In general
The Secretary shall, through a partnership agreement, identify—
(A)
the total amount of funds that will be used for technical assistance; and
(B)
the share of such funds that will be provided to eligible partners under paragraph (2).
(2) Provision of assistance
(A) Reimbursement
Under a partnership agreement that is not funded through an alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement under section 1271C(d), the Secretary may reimburse eligible partners for the costs of technical assistance provided through such partnership agreement, including—
(i)
the costs of technical assistance needed to facilitate the maximum conservation benefit of the applicable project;
(ii)
the costs of providing outreach and education to producers for potential participation in the applicable project;
(iii)
the costs of establishing baseline metrics to support the development of the assessment required under section 1271B(c)(1)(E); and
(iv)
other costs necessary to support the implementation of eligible activities, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Advancement of funds
The Secretary may advance to eligible partners reasonable amounts of funds for costs that may be reimbursed under subparagraph (A), as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Limitation
The Secretary shall limit costs of the Secretary for technical assistance to costs necessary to carry out the objectives of the program.
(4) Reduction of administrative barriers
The Secretary shall provide a single, simplified process for reimbursements or advancements to eligible partners for the costs of technical assistance under this subsection.
(5) Third-party providers
The Secretary shall develop and implement strategies to encourage third-party technical service providers to provide technical assistance to eligible partners pursuant to a partnership agreement.
Sec. 2806. Administration
(a) Reporting
Section 1271E(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e(b)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting make publicly available and
after the Secretary shall
.
(b) Consistency with covered program rules
Section 1271E of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Consistency with covered program requirements
(1) In general
Except as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a program contract are consistent with the requirements of the applicable covered program to be used as part of the applicable partnership agreement.
(2) Adjustments
(A) In general
The Secretary may, if the Secretary determines necessary, adjust a regulatory requirement of a covered program to be used as a part of a partnership agreement, or related guidance, as it applies to an eligible activity carried out under a program contract entered into pursuant to the partnership agreement—
(i)
to provide a simplified process; or
(ii)
to better reflect unique local circumstances.
(B) Limitation
The Secretary shall not adjust the application of statutory requirements for a covered program to be used as a part of a partnership agreement, including requirements governing appeals, payment limits, and conservation compliance.
(3) Waiver
With respect to a program contract for an eligible activity under the agricultural conservation easement program, the Secretary may, in the applicable partnership agreement, waive the application of clauses (ii) or (iii)(III) of section 1265A(4)(A) for purposes of determining the eligibility of land.
(4) Certification applicability
With respect to a partnership agreement entered into for acquisition of easements, the Secretary shall apply the authorities applicable to the eligible partner under section 1265B(b)(5)(A) if the eligible partner is an eligible entity certified under such section.
(5) Exemption
With respect to a program contract that includes an eligible activity under the environmental quality incentives program to be installed and maintained in a State in which irrigation has not been used significantly for agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may not consider prior irrigation history when determining the eligibility of land.
(6) Application
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to partnership agreements funded pursuant to section 1271C(d).
Sec. 2807. Critical conservation areas
(a) Definitions
Section 1271F(a)(2)(C) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(a)(2)(C)) is amended by inserting , including restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration corridors
before the semicolon at the end.
(b) Applications
Section 1271F(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(b)) is amended by striking funds under section 1271D(d)(2)
and inserting funds allocated under section 1271D(a)(2)
.
Title III Trade
Subtitle A Food for Peace Act
Sec. 3101. Transfer of authorities to the Secretary of Agriculture
(a) In general
Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is amended by striking (to be implemented by the Administrator)
and inserting (to be implemented by the Secretary)
.
(b) Conforming amendments
(1) Emergency and private assistance programs
Sections 202, 203, 205, 207, and 208 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722, 1723, 1725, 1726a, and 1726b) are each amended by striking Administrator
each place it appears and inserting Secretary
.
(2) Food for development
Title III of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1727 et seq.) is amended by striking Administrator
each place it appears and inserting Secretary
.
(3) Definitions
Section 402 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1732) is amended—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1); and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as paragraphs (1) through (8), respectively.
(4) General provisions
Sections 403 and 404 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733 and 1734) are each amended—
(A)
by striking or the Administrator, as appropriate,
each place it appears;
(B)
in section 403(h), by striking or Administrator
; and
(C)
in section 404(d), by striking or the Administrator
.
(5) Consultation
Section 405 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1735) is repealed.
(c) Transfer of assets and liabilities
The Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title:
VII Transfer provisions
701. Transfer of assets and liabilities from USAID to Secretary of Agriculture
On and after the date of the enactment of this title, the assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, and licenses of the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, pursuant to any authority under this Act on or after January 1, 2026, shall be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture.
702. Transfer of other authorities
On and after the date of the enactment of this title, any authority or responsibility provided by any other provision of law that was or could have been used by the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, prior to such date of enactment to carry out any function, duty, or responsibility under this Act may be exercised by the Secretary of Agriculture. A reference to such Administrator or to such Agency in any provision of law or regulation relating to any authority or responsibility described in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture, respectively.
703. Rules and regulations
Beginning on the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate or amend such rules and regulations (including by issuing or re-issuing interim final rules) as the Secretary may determine appropriate, including by amending such rules and regulations issued by the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development with respect to the authorities and responsibilities provided by this Act and as in effect on the day before such date of enactment, in order to effectuate and complete the transfer of all functions and duties previously carried out by that Administrator to the Secretary.
704. Consultation
The Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of State from time to time in carrying out the authorities under this Act.
Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance
Section 202 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722), as amended by section 3101(b)(1), is further amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking any other provision of law
and inserting any other provision of this Act
;
(2)
in subsection (b)(1), by inserting assistance, including in the form of
before agricultural commodities
;
(3)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking Agency for International Development
and inserting Department of Agriculture
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking Agency
and inserting Department
;
(4)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking or
at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
a nongovernmental organization, as determined by the Secretary.;
(5)
in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5) Limitation on diversion of funds
Of the funds made available in each fiscal year under this title to the Secretary, not more than 50 percent may be made available for expenses other than the procurement of United States-grown agricultural commodities and ocean transportation of such commodities.; and
(6)
in subsection (h)(3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3103. Repeal of minimum levels of assistance
Section 204 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724) is repealed.
Sec. 3104. Food aid consultative group
Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725), as amended by section 3101(b)(1), is further amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(3), by striking the Agency for International Development
and inserting the Department of Agriculture
;
(2)
in subsection (b)(4), by striking Agency
and inserting Secretary
;
(3)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (2); and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (8), as amended, as paragraphs (2) through (7), respectively; and
(4)
in subsection (f), by striking December 31, 2023
and inserting December 31, 2031
.
Sec. 3105. Issuance of regulations; oversight, monitoring, and evaluation
Section 207 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a), as amended by section 3101(b)(1), is further amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(1), by striking the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
and inserting the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
;
(2)
in subsection (d), by striking , in consultation with the Secretary,
; and
(3)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking , in consultation with the Secretary,
; and
(B)
in paragraph (4), by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3106. International food relief partnership
Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is amended to read as follows:
(f) Availability of appropriations
In addition to amounts otherwise made available to carry out this section, of the funds made available in each fiscal year under this title to the Secretary, not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available in each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section, to remain available until expended.
Sec. 3107. Use of commodity credit corporation
Subsection (b) of section 406 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736) is amended to read as follows:
(b) Included expenses
With respect to commodities made available under titles II and III, the Commodity Credit Corporation may pay all associated and incidental costs of such commodities.
Sec. 3108. Pre-positioning of agricultural commodities and annual report regarding food aid programs and activities
Section 407 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a) is amended—
(1)
by amending subsection (c)(1) to read as follows:
(1) Acquisition
The Secretary shall transfer, arrange for the transportation, and take other steps necessary to make available agricultural commodities to be provided under title II and title III.;
(2)
in subsection (c)(2), by striking Administrator
and inserting Secretary
;
(3)
in subsection (c)(3), by striking Agency for International Development
and inserting Secretary
;
(4)
in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
;
(5)
in subsection (c)(4), by striking Administrator
each place it appears and inserting Secretary
;
(6)
in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking or the Administrator, as appropriate,
;
(7)
by amending subsection (f)(1) to read as follows:
(1) Annual report
Not later than April 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding each program and activity carried out under this Act during the prior fiscal year.;
(8)
in subsection (f)(2)—
(A)
by striking subparagraph (I);
(B)
by amending subparagraph (H) to read as follows:
(H)
A statement of the amount of funds provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act and the manner in which those funds were used, including whether such use was for commodity transportation or administrative costs.;
(C)
by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (H) (as amended) as subparagraphs (F) through (I), respectively; and
(D)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph:
(E)
An assessment of activities specifically targeting women and girls and the impact of those activities in addressing the unique needs of women and girls.; and
(9)
by striking subsection (f)(3).
Sec. 3109. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance
Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3110. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance
Section 412 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f) Minimum levels of funding To address child wasting
(1) Minimum level
For each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, in addition to amounts otherwise made available, not less than $200,000,000 of the amounts made available to carry out emergency food assistance programs under title II shall be expended for the procurement and distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods.
(2) Applicability
The minimum expenditure requirement under paragraph (1) shall only apply with respect to a fiscal year if—
(A)
the most recent Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates, published annually by the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the United Nations Children’s Fund, report a rate of children under 5 years of age affected by child wasting above 5 percent for the year covered by such report; and
(B)
the total amount made available to carry out programs under title II in the fiscal year is greater than $1,200,000,000.
(3) Rule of construction
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit on the authority of the Secretary to purchase or distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods in a fiscal year.
Sec. 3111. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs
Section 415 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.1736g–2) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(1)—
(A)
by striking Administrator, in consultation with the
; and
(B)
by striking the comma after Secretary
; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3112. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer program
Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended—
(1)
by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
in subsection (f)(1), by striking Administrator of the Agency for International Development
and inserting Secretary
.
Sec. 3113. Food for Peace Act administration
(a) In general
During fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the Secretary may use funds made available for the salaries and expenses of the Foreign Agricultural Service under an appropriations Act or any other provision of law, including such funds otherwise obligated as of the date of the enactment of this Act, to pay the administrative expenses of the Department of Agriculture in the implementation of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.), as amended by this subtitle.
(b) Carryover
For fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the balance of any funds provided to carry out subsection (a) for a fiscal year that remains unexpended at the end of that fiscal year may be carried over for use during the following fiscal year.
Subtitle B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
Sec. 3201. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation
(a) Modification to foreign market development cooperator program
Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(4) Technical assistance to improve infrastructure in foreign markets for united states agricultural commodities
(A) In general
As part of the program established under this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into contracts or other agreements, with eligible trade organizations or with nonprofit organizations with expertise in supply chain infrastructure, to provide needs assessments, training, and other technical assistance to enhance the capabilities of infrastructure in new and developing foreign markets, including infrastructure relating to cold chain capacity, port improvements, and other developments, to ensure that United States agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to deficiencies of such infrastructure.
(B) Limitation
Of the amounts made available to carry out the program established under this subsection, not more than $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2027 and not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter may be made available to carry out this paragraph.
(b) Report on competitiveness of united states specialty crops
Section 203(e)(7) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(e)(7)) is amended to read as follows:
(7) Biennial report
(A) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit every two years to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the competitiveness of United States specialty crops.
(B) Elements
The report required by subparagraph (A) shall—
(i)
identify and analyze acts, policies, or practices of foreign countries that constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of, United States exports of specialty crops, including the imposition of—
(I)
tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs) or quotas (including tariff-rate quotas); and
(II)
nontariff barriers, including technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, import licensing procedures, and subsidies;
(ii)
identify and analyze acts, policies, or practices of foreign countries that enhance the competitiveness of imported specialty crops with domestic specialty crop producers, including—
(I)
the subsidization of exports from the producing country; and
(II)
the impact of any lack or circumvention of labor and environmental laws in the producing country;
(iii)
identify and analyze any differences in applicable food safety regulations of foreign countries that may result in imported specialty crops posing a risk to United States consumers;
(iv)
make an estimate of the impacts on the competitiveness of United States specialty crops of any act, policy, or practice identified under clauses (i) and (ii);
(v)
assess the extent to which each act, policy, or practice identified under clauses (i) and (ii) are subject to international agreements to which the United States is a party;
(vi)
include information with respect to any action taken by the executive or legislative branches during the two years preceding submission of the report, or expected to be taken after submission of the report, to eliminate any act, policy, or practice identified under clauses (i) and (ii), including—
(I)
any action under section 301;
(II)
negotiations or consultations with foreign governments, which may include engagement through the standing committee on sanitary and phytosanitary matters established under a free trade agreement to which the United States is a party; and
(III)
action at the World Trade Organization, including dispute settlement actions, consultations, or negotiations; and
(vii)
a description of—
(I)
any funds provided under subsection (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not obligated in the fiscal year preceding submission of the report; and
(II)
the reason such funds were not obligated.
(C) Comment period
In preparing the report required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Trade Representative, shall seek and consider comments from the public and from the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.
(D) Form of report
The report required by subparagraph (A) shall be made available to the public in machine-readable format.
(E) Appropriate congressional committees defined
In this paragraph, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
(i)
the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives; and
(ii)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Finance of the Senate.
(c) Modification and extension of funding
Section 203(f) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(f)) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2) Funding amount
Of the funds of, or an equal value of commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section the following amounts, to remain available until expended:
(A)
For fiscal year 2026, $255,000,000.
(B)
For fiscal year 2027, $500,000,000.
(C)
For each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031, $533,000,000.; and
(2)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)(i), by striking For each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the Secretary
and inserting The Secretary
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in clause (i), by striking not less than
and all that follows through the end and inserting:
not less than—
(I)
$200,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
(II)
$400,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
(III)
$410,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031.;
(ii)
in clause (ii), by striking not less than
and all that follows through the end and inserting:
not less than—
(I)
$34,500,000 for fiscal year 2026;
(II)
$70,500,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
(III)
$82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031.;
(iii)
in clause (iii), by striking not more than
and all that follows through the end and inserting:
not more than—
(I)
$8,000,000 for each of fiscal year 2026 and 2027; and
(II)
$16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031.;
(iv)
in clause (iv), by striking Corporation
and all that follows through the end and inserting:
Corporation—
(I)
$9,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
(II)
$18,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.; and
(v)
in clause (v)(I), by striking commodities,
and all that follows through the end and inserting commodities, $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031
.
(d) Repeals
The following provisions of law are repealed:
(1)
Section 718 of title VII of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as enacted by section 101(a) of division A of Public Law 105–277; 7 U.S.C. 5623 note).
(2)
Section 10602 of Public Law 119–21 (7 U.S.C. 5623a).
Sec. 3202. Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names
(a) Definitions
Section 102 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking As used in this Act—
and inserting In this Act:
;
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as paragraphs (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (4), respectively, and reordering such paragraphs in numerical sequence;
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2) Common name
(A) In general
The term common name means a name that, as determined by the Secretary—
(i)
is ordinarily or customarily used for an agricultural commodity or food product;
(ii)
is typically placed on the packaging and product label of the agricultural commodity or food product;
(iii)
with respect to wine—
(I)
is—
(aa)
ordinarily or customarily used for a wine grape varietal name; or
(bb)
a traditional term or expression that is typically placed on the packaging and label of the wine; and
(II)
does not mean any appellation of origin for wine listed in subpart C of part 9 of title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); and
(iv)
the use of which is consistent with standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
(B) Examples
The following names, among others, shall be considered as common names as such term is defined for purposes of carrying out subparagraph (A):
(i)
With respect to food products: american, asiago, basmati, black forest ham, blue, blue vein, bologna, bologne, bratwurst, brie, burrata, camembert, capicola and capocollo, cheddar, chevre, chorizo, colby, cottage cheese, coulommiers, cream cheese, danbo, edam, emmental, feta, fontina, gorgonzola, gouda, grana, gruyere, havarti, kielbasa, limburger and limburgo, mascarpone, monterey jack, mortadella, munster and muenster, neufchatel, parmesan, pancetta, pecorino, pepper jack, prosciutto, provolone, ricotta, romano, saint-paulin, salame, salami, samso, and swiss, tilsiter, and tomme.
(ii)
With respect to wine:
(I)
The list of grape varietal terms in section 4.91 of title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(II)
The grape variety designations administratively approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
(III)
The following nonvarietal descriptors: chateau, classic, clos, cream, crusted and crusting, noble, ruby, sur lie, tawny, vintage, and vintage character.
(iii)
With respect to beer: bitter, pale ale, india pale ale, mild, porter, stout, barleywine, dubbel, quadrupel, witbier, saison, biere de garde, oud red, altbier, weisse, gose, hefeweizen, dunkel, helles, rauchbier, pilsener, maerzen, schwarzbier, doppelbock, bock, kellerbier, munchener and munich style, oktoberfest, dortmunder, kolsch and koelsch, cream, grodziskie, lager.
(C) Considerations
In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may take into account—
(i)
competent sources, such as dictionaries, newspapers, professional journals and literature, and information posted on websites that are determined by the Secretary to be reliable in reporting market information;
(ii)
the use of the common name in a domestic, regional, or international product standard, including a standard promulgated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, for the agricultural commodity or food product; and
(iii)
the ordinary and customary use of the common name in the production or marketing of the agricultural commodity or food product in the United States or in other countries.
(D) Rule of construction
The enumeration of certain names under subparagraph (B) may not be construed to limit or restrict the ability of the Secretary to determine, consistent with subparagraph (A), that any other name is a common name for purposes of this section.; and
(4)
in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in clause (v), by striking ; or
at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in clause (vi), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(vii)
prohibits or disallows the use of a name determined or considered to be a common name pursuant to paragraph (2).
(b) Negotiations To defend use of common names
Title III of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5652 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
303. Negotiations to defend the use of common names
(a) In general
The Secretary shall coordinate efforts with the United States Trade Representative to secure the right of United States agricultural producers, processors, and exporters to use common names for agricultural commodities or food products in foreign markets through the negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral agreements, memoranda of understanding, or exchanges of letters that assure the current and future use of each common name identified by the Secretary in connection with United States agricultural commodities or food products.
(b) Briefing
The Secretary and the United States Trade Representative shall jointly provide to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a briefing, twice annually, on efforts and successes in carrying out subsection (a).
Sec. 3203. Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable working group
Subtitle B of title IV of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5671 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
418. Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables working group
(a) In general
The Secretary (acting through the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs), the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other Federal agencies or entities as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, shall jointly establish an interagency working group (referred to in this section as the
working group) composed of representatives from each agency to monitor and assess, on an ongoing basis, seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables trade data and related information.(b) Consultation
The working group shall consult with the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee, relevant seasonal or perishable agricultural producers, and other relevant trade associations to identify threats that imports pose to domestic producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.
(c) Trade actions and investigations
The working group shall coordinate as appropriate regarding potential additional trade actions and investigations with respect to any seasonal or perishable fruits and vegetables, as determined to be advisable by the working group.
(d) Recommendations to the secretary
The working group shall recommend programs or assistance that the Secretary could provide to producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to address market impacts.
Subtitle C Other Agricultural Trade Laws
Sec. 3301. Growing American food exports
Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679) is amended in subsection (d), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3302. Food for Progress Act of 1985
Section 1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (commonly referred to as the Food for Progress Act of 1985
; 7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking enter into
and inserting annually enter into two or more
; and
(B)
by inserting two or more
before eligible entities
;
(2)
in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(3)
in subsection (g), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(4)
in subsection (k), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(5)
in subsection (l)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
in the heading of paragraph (4), by striking Humanitarian or development
and inserting Development
;
(6)
in subsection (m)(2), by striking humanitarian and
; and
(7)
in subsection (n)(2)(C), by striking Committee on International Relations
and inserting Committee on Foreign Affairs
.
Sec. 3303. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act
Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f–1) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
;
(2)
in subsection (c)(1)(C), by striking the Administrator
and inserting the Secretary
;
(3)
by striking subsection (c)(1)(D);
(4)
in subsection (f)(2)(A), by inserting by the Secretary
after reimbursed
; and
(5)
in subsection (h),
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2026
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3304. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets
Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note; Public Law 101–624) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3305. International agricultural education fellowship program
Section 3307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 3295) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (g)(1), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
(g) Program continuity
To assist eligible countries in the long-term development of enduring, school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(1)
implement the fellowship program in each participating host country for not fewer than 3 consecutive years; and
(2)
ensure that contracts awarded to outside organizations are multiyear.
Sec. 3306. International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange program
Title III of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334) is amended by adding at the end the following new section (and by conforming the table of contents in section 1(b) accordingly):
3313. International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange program
(a) Definition
In this section:
(1) Eligible candidate
The term eligible candidate means an individual that—
(A)
is between the ages of 19 and 30 years;
(B)
has demonstrated experience in agricultural sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition education;
(C)
is prepared to live in 1 or more host countries for at least 2 months or up to 6 months; and
(D)
is a resident of the United States.
(2) Eligible country
The term eligible country means a country that has agricultural trade relations with the United States, as recognized by the Foreign Agriculture Service.
(3) Program
The term Program means the International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program established under subsection (b).
(4) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(b) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish an international cultural immersion and exchange program, to be known as the
International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program, under which the Secretary shall—(1)
provide eligible candidates with international cultural exchange and immersion experiences focused on agricultural sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition education through placement with host families in eligible countries; and
(2)
place in the United States with host families individuals that meet the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(A) and are residents of eligible countries to experience United States agriculture, trade relations, and culture.
(c) Purposes
The purposes of the Program are—
(1)
to develop globally minded citizens of the United States; and
(2)
to strengthen and enhance trade between eligible countries and the United States in agricultural, food, nutrition, and environmental industries.
(d) Cooperative agreement
(1) In general
To administer the Program, the Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with a nonprofit organization that has experience in implementing international cultural exchange programs focused on agricultural sciences, food and nutrition education, and cultural understanding through placement with host families.
(2) Priority
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to a nonprofit organization with which the Secretary has a memorandum of understanding dated not earlier than January 1, 2019.
(3) Matching funds
As a condition of entering into a cooperative agreement under this subsection, a nonprofit organization shall provide equal matching funds from non-Federal sources.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.
Sec. 3307. International food security technical assistance
Section 1543B(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3308. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program
Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting or lower middle
before income
;
(2)
in subsection (h)(2), by striking Committee on International Relations
and inserting Committee on Foreign Affairs
;
(3)
in subsection (l)(2), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(4)
in subsection (l)(4), by striking not more than 10 percent
and inserting not less than 8 percent, but not more than 15 percent
.
Sec. 3309. Global crop diversity trust
Section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (22 U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110–246) is amended—
(1)
by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as follows:
(1) In general
For the period of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the aggregate contributions of funds of the Federal Government provided to the Trust under this section shall not exceed 33 percent of the total amount of funds contributed to the Trust from all sources and for all purposes.;
(2)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
by inserting under this section
after Trust
; and
(B)
by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(3)
in subsection (c), by striking fiscal years 2014 through 2023
and inserting fiscal years 2023 through 2031
.
Sec. 3310. Local and regional food aid procurement projects
Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3311. Agricultural trade enforcement task force
(a) Establishment
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall establish a joint task force, to be known as the Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force
(referred to in this section as the Task Force
).
(b) Duties
(1) In general
The Task Force shall—
(A)
identify trade barriers to United States agricultural exports that are vulnerable to dispute settlement under the World Trade Organization (WTO
) or other trade agreements;
(B)
develop and implement a strategy for enforcing violations of trade agreements related to these trade barriers;
(C)
identify like-minded trading partners for specific trade barriers that could act as co-complainants or primary complainants on disputes that are systemically or economically important to the United States; and
(D)
report quarterly to Congress on progress toward resolving cases or filing disputes.
(2) Consultation
In carrying out its duties under this subsection, the Task Force shall regularly consult, to the extent necessary and appropriate, with the following:
(A)
Relevant stakeholders in the private sector, including the agricultural trade advisory committees.
(B)
Federal departments and agencies that are not represented on the Task Force.
(C)
Like-minded trading partners that are similarly concerned with trade barriers and are potential participants in the dispute settlement process.
(c) Membership
(1) In general
The Task Force shall be comprised of the following members:
(A)
One or more employees of the Foreign Agricultural Service, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
(B)
One of more employees of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, who shall be appointed jointly by the General Counsel for the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the Chief Agricultural Negotiator.
(C)
One or more employees of other Federal agencies as needed, who shall be appointed jointly by the officials specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(2) Qualification
Employees of the Federal agencies specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) may be appointed as members of the Task Force only if such employees have appropriate expertise in agricultural trade policy and trade enforcement.
(d) Report
(1) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to Congress a report on its progress in identifying and addressing trade barriers to United States agricultural exports.
(2) Matters to be included
The report required by this subsection shall include the following:
(A)
A description of the systemic and economically significant trade barriers that have been identified.
(B)
A justification for including the identified trade barriers.
(C)
A description of the progress that has been made in developing dispute settlement cases and further information that is required.
(D)
The current status of ongoing disputes at the WTO and implementation of panel, arbitration, or appellate body decisions.
(3) Additional matters to be included in initial report
The initial report required by this subsection shall, in addition to the matters described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of paragraph (2), include a plan to file a request under the WTO dispute settlement process for consultations to address India’s minimum price supports. The plan shall include—
(A)
an identification of like-minded trading partners that could act as co-complainants or primary complainants with respect to the request;
(B)
a description of specific claims the United States intends to make with respect to the request; and
(C)
a timeline to—
(i)
request consultations; and
(ii)
request the establishment of a panel not later than 60 days after the date of the request for consultations if India does not provide assurances that it will address its minimum price supports.
(e) Congressional briefings
The United States Trade Representative and the Secretary of Agriculture shall provide briefings on the Task Force to appropriate Members of Congress and congressional staff.
Sec. 3312. Report on international shrimp trade
(a) Report required
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that examines policy options available to the Secretary of Agriculture to boost the competitiveness of domestic shrimp in global and domestic markets.
(b) Contents
The report required by subsection (a) shall—
(1)
include an analysis of—
(A)
the Secretary’s authority with regard to shrimp and other seafood products;
(B)
domestic shrimp and other seafood producers’ access to financial support programs; and
(C)
ways to facilitate interagency coordination under existing authorities around common goals for shrimp and other seafood commodities with respect to tariffs, market access policies, and other nontariff barriers; and
(2)
identify trade or other legal barriers to United States shrimp and seafood production that are vulnerable to dispute settlement through the World Trade Organization or otherwise under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
(c) Appropriate congressional committees
In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
(1)
the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
(2)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
Subtitle D Other Trade Matters
Sec. 3401. Report on modifications to USMCA
(a) Report required
The Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and concurrently make publicly available, prior to July 1, 2026, a report on how any expected or implemented modification or revocation of any part of the USMCA (as such term is defined in section 3 of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 4502(9))) in any manner will affect the importation or exportation of any article that is a covered agricultural commodity, including—
(1)
the anticipated effects on relevant product prices and projections as a result of such revocation or modification, including—
(A)
the short- and long-term impacts on domestic pricing;
(B)
changes in consumer food prices;
(C)
expected or anticipated shifts in input costs for domestic producers; and
(D)
regional or sector-specific variations in pricing impacts; and
(2)
the forecasted shifts in farm revenue and profitability for domestic farmers, foresters, ranchers, and other producers as a result of such revocation or modification, including—
(A)
impacts on net farm income and debt-to-asset ratios;
(B)
sector-specific effects on crops, livestock, and specialty crops;
(C)
effects on small, medium, and large farm operations;
(D)
impacts on agricultural exports, market access, and global competitiveness; and
(E)
estimated effects on rural employment and economies.
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
(A)
the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(B)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(2) Covered agricultural commodity
The term covered agricultural commodity has the meaning given the term agricultural commodity under section 102(1) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602(1)).
Sec. 3402. Sense of Congress and report on Argentine beef imports
(a) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress as follows:
(1)
Congress finds that United States ranchers and cattle producers produce the healthiest and highest quality beef on the planet.
(2)
Any official trade agreement between the United States and Argentina—including the United States of America—Argentine Republic Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment—that allow Argentina to export ship fresh and frozen beef into the United States market under expanded quotas is detrimental to domestic ranchers, cattle producers, and cattle markets.
(3)
Congress recognizes that many Americans enjoy eating beef and recognizes that many Americans want their beef raised domestically.
(4)
Congress further concludes that any agreement to allow increased beef from Argentina into United States markets introduces unfair competition into an already volatile market as this imported beef could depress cattle prices at United States sale barns and have a ripple effect throughout the domestic economy affecting feed suppliers, equipment dealers, veterinarians, and other rural businesses.
(5)
Congress additionally concludes that United States beef production is the safest in the world and that inconsistent enforcement abroad could put American consumers at risk and create an uneven regulatory playing field.
(b) Report
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the United States signs any formal trade agreement with Argentina that includes a change to the tariff rate quotas or other duties on fresh and frozen beef imported from Argentina the Secretary of Agriculture and the United States Trade Representative shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the effect of such imported beef on domestic beef and cattle markets, including—
(A)
American consumer sentiment about the quality of beef in the United States;
(B)
impacts on domestic cattle prices;
(C)
effects on domestic beef prices;
(D)
changes to the domestic cattle herd size; and
(E)
rancher sentiments toward expanding their herds.
(2) Appropriate congressional committees defined
In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
(A)
the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(B)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Title IV Nutrition
Subtitle A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Sec. 4101. Declaration of policy
Section 2 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011) is amended—
(1)
by inserting (a)
before It
, and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(b)
Congress recognizes the supplemental nutrition assistance program allows low-income households to obtain supplemental food for an active, healthy life that supports the prevention of—
(1)
diet-related chronic disease, including—
(A)
obesity;
(B)
diabetes;
(C)
hypertension;
(D)
heart disease; and
(E)
cancer;
(2)
disability;
(3)
premature death;
(4)
unsustainable health care costs; and
(5)
undermining of military readiness.
(c)
Accordingly, it is also the policy of the Congress that the Secretary should administer the supplemental nutrition assistance program in a manner that will provide participants, especially children, access to a variety of foods essential to optimal health and well-being.
Sec. 4102. Prohibited fees
Section 7(h)(13)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(13)(B)) is amended by striking Effective through fiscal year 2023, neither
and inserting Neither
.
Sec. 4103. SNAP staffing flexibility
Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(y) SNAP staffing flexibility
(1) In general
Notwithstanding section 11(e)(6)(B), a State agency (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008) may, by contract with the State agency at a reasonable cost in accordance with the State agency’s standard contracting rules, hire a contractor to undertake supplemental nutrition assistance program certification or carry out any other function of the State agency under such program so long as—
(A)
the contract does not provide incentives for the agency or contractor to delay eligibility determinations or to deny eligibility for individuals otherwise eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; and
(B)
the contractor has no direct or indirect financial interest in an approved retail store.
(2) Use
A State agency may use the authority provided in paragraph (1) when—
(A)
the State experiences an inability to timely process supplemental nutrition assistance program applications from causes that include but are not limited to—
(i)
pandemics and other health emergencies;
(ii)
seasonal workforce cycles;
(iii)
temporary staffing shortages; and
(iv)
weather or other natural disasters;
(B)
the State’s payment error rate, as defined in section 16, is greater than or equal to 6 percent based on the most recent available Department of Agriculture data; or
(C)
the State experiences an increase in supplemental nutrition assistance program applications.
(3) Requirements
A State agency that hires a contractor under paragraph (1) shall ensure such action—
(A)
is consistent with all principles under section 900.603 of title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations; and
(B)
is part of a blended workforce and does not supplant existing merit-based personnel in the State.
(4) Notification
A State agency shall notify the Secretary of its intent to use the authority provided in this section and shall provide any information or data supporting State agency increases in supplemental nutrition assistance program applications or any inability to timely process such applications.
(5) Public availability
Not later than 10 days after the date of the receipt of a notification submitted by a State agency under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall make publicly available on the website of the Department of Agriculture the notification submitted by such State agency and any accompanying information or data supporting such notification so submitted.
(6) Program design
Any action taken by a State agency under paragraph (1) shall not be—
(A)
considered to be a major change in the operations of such State agency for purposes of section 11(a)(4) of this Act, or
(B)
subject to any requirement specified in such section.
(7) Annual report
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, an annual report that contains—
(A)
a description of measures taken to address increases in supplemental nutrition assistance program applications and any inability to timely process such applications;
(B)
information or data supporting State agency notifications provided pursuant to paragraph (4); and
(C)
recommendations for changes to the Secretary’s authority under this Act to assist the Secretary, States, and local governments of States in preparing for any future increases in supplemental nutrition assistance program applications or inability to timely process such applications.
(8) Temporary staffing shortages
In cases of temporary staffing shortages, the authority provided to State agencies under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
expire when the backlog of supplemental nutrition assistance program applications has been eliminated;
(B)
not override any collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding in effect between the State and employees of the State or of a local government of such State; and
(C)
expire when the error rate, as defined in section 16, is less than 6 percent.
Sec. 4104. Updates to administrative processes for SNAP retailers
The 2d sentence of section 9(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is amended by inserting , on two consecutive occasions within a 3-year-period,
after does not meet
.
Sec. 4105. Report on all identified payment errors
Section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
(9) Report on all identified payment errors
(A) In general
The Secretary shall include all identified payment errors, including small errors under paragraph (1)(A)(ii), regardless of dollar amount, in a supplemental section of the annual payment error rate measurement report for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
(B) Rule of construction
The information reported under subparagraph (A) shall not alter, modify, or affect the calculation of the tolerance level for excluding small errors under paragraph (1)(A)(ii).
Sec. 4106. Authorization of appropriations
The 1st sentence of section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting "2031
.
Sec. 4107. Retail food store and recipient trafficking
Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036b) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 4108. EBT card security regulations
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate, in the form of a proposed rule, regulations through notice and comment rulemaking to enhance EBT Card (as defined in section 3(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act; 7 U.S.C. 2012(i)) security measures.
Sec. 4109. Report on SNAP administrative expenses
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, a report that—
(1)
examines the causes of State variation in supplemental nutrition assistance program administrative costs and identifies the factors most likely to contribute to an increase in these costs; and
(2)
provides recommendations on how the Department of Agriculture and Congress can improve oversight of administrative costs in the program.
Sec. 4110. Animal protein an eligible incentive food
Section 9(j)(1)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018(j)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting animal protein,
after whole grain,
.
Sec. 4111. Permanent authority for supplemental nutrition assistance program online purchasing
Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(l) Online purchasing program
(1) Permanent authority
Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall begin transitioning the supplemental nutrition assistance program online purchasing initiative from pilot or demonstration status to permanent nationwide program operations, with the completion of the regulations marking the end of the transition.
(2) Regulations
The Secretary shall issue such regulations and guidance as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (1), including provisions related to program integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access in rural areas. Such regulations shall be issued not later than 2 years after the effective date of this subsection.
(3) Stakeholder consultation
The Secretary shall establish a formal process for consultation with State agencies, authorized retailers, electronic benefit transfer processors, consumer advocates, and other relevant stakeholders to incorporate lessons learned from online purchasing operations during the period of 2014 through 2025.
(4) Report to Congress
Not later than 120 days after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the consultation process and recommendations received.
Sec. 4112. Emergency food assistance programs
(a) Emergency food program infrastructure grants
Section 209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7511a(d)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Availability of commodities for the emergency food assistance program
Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(c) Option for purchasing through DoD Fresh
Section 214(c) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(3) Option for purchasing through DoD Fresh
At the request of a State agency, the Secretary may allow the State agency to use not more than 20 percent of the cost of the commodities allocated to that State agency under this section to order commodities through the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Sec. 4113. Food distribution program on Indian reservations
Section 4(b)(6)(E) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(6)(E)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Subtitle B Commodity Distribution Programs
Sec. 4201. Commodity distribution program
(a) Expansion of the seniors farmers’ market nutrition program
Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(1), by striking and herbs
and inserting herbs, maple syrup, and tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts)
.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
The 1st sentence of section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 4202. Commodity supplemental food program
Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1) by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
, and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
,
(2)
in subsection (d)(2), in the 1st sentence, by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(n) Commodity supplemental food program delivery pilot program
(1) Purpose
The purpose of this subsection is to award grants for the operation of projects that increase the access of low-income elderly persons to commodities through home delivery or other means and to evaluate such projects.
(2) In general
The Secretary shall award, on a competitive basis, grants directly to State agencies, or to State agencies on behalf of eligible entities, to carry out the activities described in paragraph (5).
(3) Maximum grant award
A grant awarded to a State agency under this subsection shall not exceed—
(A)
the greater of—
(i)
the State’s commodity supplemental food program caseload at time of application multiplied by 60; or
(ii)
$10,000; or
(B)
$4,000,000;
whichever is less.
(4) Application
A State agency seeking a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(5) Grant uses
A State agency awarded a grant under this subsection shall distribute grant funds to eligible entities to operate projects that facilitate delivery of commodities to participants in the commodity supplemental food program, including with respect to costs associated with—
(A)
transportation and distribution of commodities to participants in the commodity supplemental food program, including transportation and distribution services provided by a third party;
(B)
staffing required to operate delivery services; and
(C)
outreach to participants or potential participants in the commodity supplemental food program with respect to home delivery.
(6) Priority
A State agency awarded a grant under this subsection must prioritize eligible entities that serve participants in the commodity supplemental food program who reside in a rural area.
(7) Report to the Secretary
Not later than 180 days after the end of the fiscal year in which a State agency is awarded a grant under this subsection and has distributed grant funds to eligible entities, and in each succeeding fiscal year until grant funds are expended, a State agency shall submit a report to the Secretary that includes—
(A)
a summary of the activities carried out under the project, including the quantity of commodities delivered, number of participants in the commodity supplemental food program served, and total number of deliveries;
(B)
an assessment of the effectiveness of the project, including a calculation of the average cost per delivery, and an evaluation of any services provided by a third party; and
(C)
best practices regarding use of home delivery to improve the effectiveness of the commodity supplemental food program.
(8) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Terms in regulations
The term State agency, local agency, and subdistributing agency have the meanings given such terms in section 247.1 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).
(B) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(i)
a local agency; or
(ii)
a subdistributing agency.
(C) Rural area
The term rural area has the meaning given such term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
(9) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to remain available until expended.
Sec. 4203. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects
Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (7 U.S.C. 1431e(2)(A)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 4204. Commodity supplemental food program demonstration project for Tribal organizations
(a) Demonstration project for tribal organizations
(1) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Demonstration project
The term demonstration project means the demonstration project established under paragraph (2).
(B) Food distribution program
The term food distribution program means the commodity supplemental food program identified in section 4 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86).
(C) Indian reservation
The term Indian reservation has the meaning given the term reservation in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
(D) Indian tribe
The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(E) Self-determination contract
The term self-determination contract has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304) with modification as determined by the Secretary.
(F) Tribal organization
The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
(2) Establishment
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a demonstration project under which 1 or more Tribal organizations may enter into self-determination contracts to purchase agricultural commodities under the food distribution program for the Indian reservation of that Tribal organization.
(3) Eligibility
(A) Consultation
The Secretary shall consult with Indian Tribes to determine the process and criteria under which a Tribal organization may participate in the demonstration project.
(B) Criteria
The Secretary shall select for participation in the demonstration project Tribal organizations that—
(i)
are successfully administering the food distribution program of the Tribal organization under section 4(b)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(2)(B));
(ii)
have the capacity to purchase agricultural commodities in accordance with paragraph (4) for the food distribution program of the Tribal organization; and
(iii)
meet any other criteria determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and Indian Tribes.
(4) Procurement of agricultural commodities
Any agricultural commodities purchased by a Tribal organization under the demonstration project shall—
(A)
be domestically produced;
(B)
not result in a material increase in the amount of food in the food package of that Tribal organization compared to the amount of food that the Secretary authorized to be provided through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program Guide Rate;
(C)
be of similar or higher nutritional value as the type of agricultural commodities that would be supplanted in the existing food package for that Tribal organization or be an agricultural commodity with Tribal significance to that Indian Tribe; and
(D)
meet any other criteria determined by the Secretary.
(5) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date on which funds are appropriated under paragraph (6) and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the activities carried out under the demonstration project during the preceding year.
(6) Funding
(A) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000, to remain available until expended.
(B) Appropriations in advance
Only funds appropriated under subparagraph (A) in advance specifically to carry out this subsection shall be available to carry out this subsection.
(b) Administration of tribal self-Determination contracts
(1) Administration
The Secretary shall appoint an existing office of the United States Department of Agriculture to administer Tribal self-determination contracts to include but not limited to:
(A)
awarding of Food and Nutrition Service nutrition program self-determination contracts to selected Tribal organizations; and
(B)
hiring contract officers and program staff in order to manage the selection of Tribal organizations and execution of self-determination contracts.
(2) Staffing minimum funding
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the payment of Department contract officers and program staff salaries and benefits.
Subtitle C Miscellaneous
Sec. 4301. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions
Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c–4(b)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 4302. Buy American requirements for certain school meals
(a) In general
Section 12(n)(2)(A) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(n)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
(A) Requirements
(i) Purchase expenditures by category
Subject to clause (ii) and subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require that a school food authority purchase, with respect to each food purchase category designated by the Agricultural Marketing Service, at least 95 percent domestic products and commodities in each such category.
(ii) Domestically unavailable products and commodities
Domestically unavailable products and commodities included on a list issued pursuant to clause (iii) with respect to a school year and purchased by a school food authority during such school year shall not be used to calculate whether such school food authority meets the requirements under clause (i).
(iii) Updated list
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall make available to school food authorities a list of domestically unavailable products and commodities.
(iv) Limited waiver authority
Except with respect to a domestically unavailable product or commodity included on a list pursuant to clause (iii), the Secretary may not waive or make accommodations for any of the requirements of this subparagraph.
(v) Prohibition on certain products from China or Russia
The Secretary shall prohibit school food authorities from purchasing raw or processed poultry products or seafood imported into the United States from the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation.
(b) Application
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to school food authorities beginning on the first day of the first school year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 4303. Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program
Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
(C) Federal share
(i) In general
Except as provided in clause (ii) and subparagraph (D)(iii), the Federal share of the cost of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the activity.
(ii) Waiver for persistent poverty areas
The Secretary may waive the application of clause (i) in the case of an activity carried out—
(I)
in a county that, during the preceding 30-year period has had a population of which greater than or equal to 20 percent of such population are living in poverty (as measured by the most recent decennial censuses and most recent Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates of the Bureau of the Census); or
(II)
in a census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent during the preceding 30-year period, as measured by the most recent 5-year data series available from the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the Census.; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B)—
(i)
by redesignating clauses (ix) and (x) as clauses (x) and (xi); and
(ii)
by inserting after clause (viii) the following:
(ix)
increase year-round availability of incentives by offering all forms of fruits or vegetables;;
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking fresh fruits and vegetables
and inserting all forms of fruits, vegetables, and legumes
each place it appears; and
(3)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 4304. Food loss and waste reduction liaison annual report
Section 224(e)(2) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924(e)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in the heading, by inserting Annual
before Report
;
(2)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting and annually thereafter,
before the Secretary shall
;
(3)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
at the end;
(4)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(C)
a general description of each project and activity implemented pursuant to this section;
(D)
a summary of the cooperative agreements entered into pursuant to subsection (c);
(E)
a detailed account of how the Secretary avoided, managed, or will manage market disruption; and
(F)
a summary of coordinated activities with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, including interagency communication and coordination related to the promotion or exclusion of practices and technologies to limit food waste.
Sec. 4305. Dairy nutrition incentives projects
Section 4208 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 2026a) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking Healthy fluid milk
and inserting Dairy Nutrition
(and by conforming the item of such section in the table of contents accordingly);
(2)
by striking healthy fluid milk
and inserting dairy nutrition
each place it appears;
(3)
by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered dairy products
The term covered dairy products means—
(A)
cheese (including nonstandardized cheese) that is—
(i)
made from pasteurized cow’s milk;
(ii)
a good source of protein, as determined by the Secretary; and
(iii)
sold as a block, chunk, shred, slice, stick, string or in snack-size form; and
(B)
yogurt (or other cultured dairy product) that—
(i)
is made from pasteurized cow’s milk;
(ii)
is a good source of protein, as determined by the Secretary; and
(iii)
contains limited amounts of added sugars.
(2) Fluid milk
The term fluid milk means all varieties of pasteurized cow’s milk that—
(A)
is packaged in liquid form; and
(B)
contains vitamins A and D at levels consistent with the Food and Drug Administration, State, and local standards for fluid milk.;
(4)
in subsection (b), by inserting and covered dairy products
after of fluid milk
each place it appears;
(5)
in subsection (c)(3), by inserting and covered dairy products
after purchase of fluid milk
; and
(6)
in subsection (e)(1), by striking $20,000,000
and inserting $50,000,000
.
Sec. 4306. Local farmers feeding our communities program
(a) In general
The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a program under which the Secretary will enter into cooperative agreements (on a noncompetitive basis) with eligible entities—
(1)
to help support covered local producers through building and expanding economic opportunities;
(2)
to establish and broaden partnerships with such covered local producers and the food distribution community to ensure distribution of fresh (including fresh frozen) and nutritious foods; and
(3)
to strengthen such entity’s local and regional food security and systems.
(b) Use of funds
An eligible entity selected to enter into a cooperative agreement under this section shall use funds received through such agreement—
(1)
to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed local foods (including seafood, meat, milk and dairy products, eggs, produce, and poultry) from covered producers;
(2)
to ensure that at least 25 percent of the total annual value of products purchased by the eligible entity comprises purchases from small-size producers, mid-size producers, beginning farmers or ranchers, or veteran farmers or ranchers;
(3)
to provide technical assistance supporting—
(A)
covered local producers, including in obtaining food safety training and certifications; and
(B)
efforts to grow the local agricultural value chain;
(4)
to distribute such local foods to organizations, including nonprofit organizations, that have experience in food distribution to improve access to healthy and nutritious food; and
(5)
to build and expand economic opportunity for covered local producers.
(c) Limitation on use of funds
(1) In general
Of the amount made available to an eligible entity through a cooperative agreement under this section, an eligible entity may use not more than 15 percent of such amount—
(A)
to cover administrative expenses; and
(B)
to provide technical assistance described in subsection (b)(3);
(2) Allocation for technical assistance
Of the amount described in paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall use not less than 50 percent to provide technical assistance described in subsection (b)(3).
(d) Technical assistance to eligible entities
The Secretary shall provide to eligible entities entering into a cooperative agreement under this section guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement.
(e) Amount of allocation
Of the amounts made available to carry out this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall—
(1)
allocate 10 percent to Tribal Governments, to be allocated using a funding formula determined by the Secretary; and
(2)
of the amounts remaining after making the allocation under paragraph (1), allocate 1 percent to each State (other than Tribal Governments); and
(3)
after making the allocations under paragraphs (1) and (2), allocate the remaining amounts to each eligible entity (other than Tribal Governments) by applying the formula described in section 214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515).
(f) Funding
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(g) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Beginning farmer or rancher; veteran farmer or rancher
The terms beginning farmer or rancher and veteran farmer or rancher have the meanings given such terms in section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279).
(2) Covered producer
The term covered producer means a fisherman, farmer, producer, rancher, processor, or cooperative processor that is—
(A)
within the geographic boundaries of the eligible entity in which the food will be delivered; or
(B)
not more than 400 miles from the delivery destination of the food.
(3) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means a State agency, commission, or department that is responsible for agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency response, or other similar activities within the State.
(4) Mid-size producer
The term mid-sized producer means an individual whose annual gross cash farm income is equal to or exceeds $350,000 and is less than $999,999.
(5) Small-size producer
The term small-sized producer means one whose annual gross cash farm income is less than $350,000.
(6) State
The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, each territory or possession of the United States, and each federally recognized Indian Tribe.
(7) Unprocessed or minimally processed local foods
The term unprocessed or minimally processed local foods means food products means only those agricultural products that retain their inherent character. Such term includes—
(A)
fruits and vegetables (including 100 percent juices);
(B)
grain products, such as pastas and rice;
(C)
meats (including whole carcasses, pieces thereof, or ground meat);
(D)
protein sources that are meat alternatives (such as beans or legumes) and fluid milk and other dairy foods (such as cheese and yogurt); and
(E)
foods in a wide variety of minimal processing states (such as whole, cut, or pureed) or forms (such as fresh, frozen, canned, or dried).
Sec. 4307. Healthy food financing initiative
Section 243(d) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953(d)) is amended by striking $125,000,000
and inserting $135,000,000
.
Sec. 4308. Dietary guidelines
(a) In general
Section 301(a) of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking At least every five years
and inserting Beginning with the 2030 report and at least every 10 years thereafter,
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following: Rulemaking requirements under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the development of each report under this paragraph.
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking shall be based on the preponderance of the scientific and medical knowledge which is current at the time the report is prepared.
and inserting
shall—
(A)
be based on significant scientific agreement that is determined by evidence-based review (as defined in paragraph (8)(A));
(B)
be current at the time the report is prepared;
(C)
be derived from questions generated under paragraph (5)(E);
(D)
address high-priority areas of concern to advance health outcomes;
(E)
be designed to achieve nutritional adequacy and promote health, as specified by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, from the consumption of food, including nutrients and bioactive food components occurring naturally and in fortified foods;
(F)
include nutritional and dietary information relevant to individuals with nutrition-related common chronic diseases, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
(G)
include recommendations that are affordable, available, and accessible for the general population.;
(3)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (7);
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
(3) Frequency
The Secretaries may publish the report required under paragraph (1) more frequently than required under that paragraph if the Secretaries determine that more frequent publication is necessary to promote health, based on the updated dietary reference intake values specified by—
(A)
the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine; and
(B)
other relevant scientific advancements based on continuous monitoring of the totality of publicly available scientific evidence.
(4) Notification of update
(A) In general
Not later than 90 days before the Secretaries plan to update a report under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall submit notification of that plan, in writing, to the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
(B) Justification
The notification under subparagraph (A) shall include a justification for updating the report.
(5) Independent advisory board
(A) In general
Not later than 90 days after the Secretaries submit a notification under paragraph (4)(A), the Secretaries shall establish an Independent Advisory Board (referred to in this paragraph as the
Board).(B) Members
The Board shall be comprised of at least 4 members and not more than 8 members, of which—
(i)
4 shall be appointed by the Secretaries, 2 of whom shall not be Federal employees; and
(ii)
1 may be appointed by each of the highest ranking Member of Congress on each Committee described in paragraph (4)(A) of the opposite political party of the President of the United States at the time of the appointment.
(C) Expertise
Each member appointed to the Board shall have expertise in nutrition science or food science, including academic and applied experience.
(D) Meetings
(i) In general
The first meeting of the Board—
(I)
may only take place on or after the date that 4 members are appointed to the Board under subparagraph (B); and
(II)
shall take place on or after the date that is 90 days after the Secretaries submit a notification under paragraph (4)(A).
(ii) Quorum
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board.
(E) Duties
Not later than 1 year after the establishment of the Board, the Board shall submit to the Secretaries and the Committees described in paragraph (4)(A) a list of scientific questions relating to the report for purposes of paragraph (2)(C).
(F) Termination
The authority of the Board shall terminate, and the Board shall disband, immediately after carrying out subparagraph (E).
(6) Exclusion
The information and guidelines contained in each report required under paragraph (1) shall not be based on or include topics that are not relevant to dietary guidance, as determined by the Secretaries, in consultation with the Independent Advisory Board established under paragraph (5), including taxation, social welfare policies, purchases under Federal feeding programs, food and agricultural production practices, food labeling, socioeconomic status, race, religion, ethnicity, culture, or regulations relating to nutrition.; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(8) Evidence-based review
(A) Definition
In this paragraph, the term evidence-based review means a process under which—
(i)
the totality of the scientific evidence relevant to a question of interest is collected, analyzed, and evaluated;
(ii)
scientific studies, conclusions, and recommendations are rated, adhering strictly to standardized, generally accepted evidence-based review methods; and
(iii)
external peer review is conducted by nongovernment experts with recognized expertise in quality of evidence evaluation.
(B) Strength of evidence
Each guideline contained in a report published under paragraph (1) shall be assigned a rating by the Secretaries for the strength of evidence used, including to the extent by which the guideline will improve the Healthy Eating Index.
(9) Transparency
(A) Disclosure
Any individual appointed to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an Independent Advisory Board established under paragraph (5) shall—
(i)
be appointed as a special government employee;
(ii)
comply with financial disclosure requirements applicable to such a special government employee under subpart I of part 2634 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), including the requirement to file the Office of Government Ethics Form 450 (or successor Form); and
(iii)
prior to such an appointment, provide a report to the Secretaries regarding, for the 10-year period preceding such report, any research funding or professional affiliation relating to a report under paragraph (1).
(B) Publication
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 30 days after the date on which a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an Independent Advisory Board is established, the Secretaries shall make publicly available—
(i)
a summary of the financial disclosures reported by members of such Committee or Board;
(ii)
the research funding and professional affiliations reported by such members under subparagraph (A)(iii), categorized by the name of the individual; and
(iii)
a detailed plan for managing any disclosed conflicts of interest, including financial or ethical conflicts of interest, preferences, values, and beliefs.
(b) Controlling report
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the Secretaries under subsection (a)(1) of section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)(1)) shall be controlling and considered to be the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans until the publication of the first report under such subsection in accordance with the amendments made to such section by this Act.
Title V Credit
Subtitle A Farm Ownership Loans
Sec. 5101. Persons eligible for real estate loans
Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended—
(1)
in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by striking a majority
each place it appears and inserting at least a 50 percent
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:
(A) Eligibility of qualified operators
Qualified operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall be considered to meet the operator requirement of paragraph (1).
(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities
An applicant that is or will become only the operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or supported with funds under this subtitle shall be considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who is an owner of the farm real estate owns at least 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the applicant.
(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities
An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more other entities, shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the total ownership interests of the embedded entity, or of the other entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified operators of the farm acquired, improved, or supported with funds under this subtitle.
Sec. 5102. Experience requirements
Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 3 years
and inserting 2 years
; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in the matter preceding clause (i)—
(I)
by striking 3-year
and inserting 2-year
; and
(II)
by striking 1 or 2 years
and inserting 1 year
;
(ii)
in clause (iii), by inserting or operational
before responsibilities
;
(iii)
in clause (vii), by striking or
; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
(ix)
met any other criteria established by the Secretary; or; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking 3-year
and inserting 2-year
.
Sec. 5103. Refinancing of indebtedness into direct loans
Section 303 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1923) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(d) Refinancing of guaranteed loans into direct loans
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the
Secretary), shall promulgate regulations allowing certain loans guaranteed by the Farm Service Agency to be refinanced into direct loans issued by the Farm Service Agency, in accordance with this subsection.(1) Requirements
(A) In general
A guaranteed loan may be refinanced into a direct loan pursuant to this subsection only if the Secretary determines that—
(i)
the guaranteed loan is distressed due to its status as a nonperforming loan that does not have a positive cash flow at rates and terms available from the lender;
(ii)
the borrower on the guaranteed loan is in monetary default and subject to liquidation or foreclosure action;
(iii)
a reasonable chance for the success of the operation financed by the guaranteed loan exists; and
(iv)
all other criteria established by the Secretary for purposes of this subsection to protect taxpayer funds and the loan programs of the Farm Service Agency have been satisfied.
(B) Reasonable chance of success
For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary may determine that a reasonable chance for the success of an operation exists if the Secretary determines that—
(i)
all relevant problems with the operation financed by the guaranteed loan—
(I)
have been identified; and
(II)
can be corrected; and
(ii)
on correction of the problems, the operation can achieve, or be returned to, a sound financial basis.
(2) Loan programs
In making direct loans pursuant to the regulations promulgated under this subsection, the Secretary may refinance a loan guaranteed under 1 program of the Farm Service Agency into a direct loan issued under another program of the Farm Service Agency, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate and in accordance with the laws applicable to the program under which the direct loan is issued.
(3) Refinanced guaranteed loans
A direct loan issued by the Farm Service Agency pursuant to the regulations promulgated under subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to any otherwise applicable limitation on the maximum amount of a direct loan issued by the Farm Service Agency, including, if applicable, the limitations described in sections 305 and 313.
Sec. 5104. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program
Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking 1985.
and inserting 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812); and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(4)
producers who use the loans to adopt precision agriculture practices or acquire precision agriculture technologies, including adoption or acquisition for the purpose of participating in the environmental quality incentives program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.).; and
(2)
in subsection (h), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 5105. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans
Section 305(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1925(a)(2)) is amended by striking $600,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year 2019
and inserting $850,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,500,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year 2026
.
Sec. 5106. Inflation percentage
Section 305(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1925(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking of the Prices Paid By Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department of Agriculture) for the 12-month period ending on July 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year
and inserting of the per acre average United States farm real estate value, the per acre average United States cropland value, and the per acre average United States pasture value for the preceding year (as published in the applicable Agricultural Land Values report of the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department of Agriculture), weighted equally
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking of such index (as so defined) for the 12-month period that immediately precedes the 12-month period described in paragraph (1)
and inserting of the per acre average United States farm real estate value, the per acre average United States cropland value, and the per acre average United States pasture value for the year immediately preceding the year described in paragraph (1) (as so published), weighted equally
.
Sec. 5107. Authority of Farm Credit System institutions to provide financial support for essential rural community facilities projects
(a) In general
The Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended by inserting after section 4.18A (12 U.S.C. 2206a) the following:
4.18B. Essential community facilities
(a) In general
A Farm Credit Bank, direct lender association, or bank for cooperatives chartered under this Act may, for the purpose of making available capital to develop, build, maintain, improve, or provide related equipment or other support for essential community facilities in rural areas, make and participate in loans and commitments, and extend other technical and financial assistance for projects for essential community facilities eligible for financing under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
(b) Eligibility
Only an entity eligible for financing under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may receive financing or any other assistance under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Limitations
(1) Financing
A Farm Credit System institution described in subsection (a) shall not provide financing or assistance under this section in an aggregate amount that exceeds 15 percent of the total of all outstanding loans of the institution.
(2) Offer requirement
(A) In general
A Farm Credit System institution shall not provide financing or assistance under this section unless the institution—
(i)
has offered, under reasonable terms and conditions acceptable to the borrower involved, an interest in the financing to at least 1 domestic lending institution not referred to in subsection (a) other than the Department of Agriculture; and
(ii)
has reported the offer to the Farm Credit Administration.
(B) Rural community bank priority
In offering an interest in a financing to a domestic lending institution described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Farm Credit System institution shall give priority to community banks located in the service area of the essential community facility being financed.
(d) Annual report to Congress
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the Farm Credit Administration shall provide a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the activities undertaken pursuant to this section by Farm Credit System institutions during the period covered by the report, including through partnerships between such an institution and other lending institutions, which shall also be posted on the website of the Farm Credit Administration.
(b) Effective date
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
Sec. 5108. Down payment loan program
Section 310E(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking exceed 45 percent of the least
and inserting exceed, subject to section 305(a), 45 percent of the lesser
;
(2)
in subparagraph (A), by adding or
after the semicolon;
(3)
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; or
and inserting a period; and
(4)
by striking subparagraph (C).
Sec. 5109. Heirs property
(a) Reauthorization of the heirs property intermediary relending program
Section 310I(g) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1936c(g)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Cooperative agreements for heirs property resolution through direct public interest legal services
Section 310I of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1936c) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (g) and (h), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
(f) Cooperative agreements for heirs property resolution through direct public interest legal services
(1) In general
The Secretary shall enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities to provide legal or accounting services to underserved heirs, at no cost to the underserved heirs, to assist in resolving undivided ownership interests on farmland or forest land, or land transitioning to farmland or forest land, that has multiple owners. Such a cooperative agreement must be for any of the following purposes:
(A)
To assist with transitioning land to agricultural production.
(B)
To maintain land in agricultural production.
(C)
To increase access to programs administered by the Secretary through the resolution of real property claims in order to allow real property owners to meet land ownership eligibility requirements for participation in a program administered by the Secretary.
(2) Administration of cooperative agreements
(A) Duration
(i) In general
A cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) shall be in effect for not more than 4 years, subject to clause (ii).
(ii) Special rule
The Secretary may extend a cooperative agreement or re-enter into a cooperative agreement with the same or a different eligible entity to provide continued services for heirs if—
(I)
property ownership is not resolved within the initial term of the original cooperative agreement; and
(II)
the entity certifies that the entity understands that the cooperative agreement is not guaranteed to be funded for more than 4 years after the commencement of the original cooperative agreement.
(B) Management of performance
(i) Annual reports
An eligible entity must provide annual reports to the Secretary summarizing the progress made during each fiscal year towards achieving the goals of the cooperative agreement for the heirs for whom services are provided under the cooperative agreement.
(ii) Information and data
The Secretary may require an eligible entity to provide the Secretary with such information or data as the Secretary deems necessary to determine that the eligible entity is making acceptable progress. The data may not include personally identifiable information.
(iii) Effect of failure to demonstrate success
If an eligible entity providing services under such a cooperative agreement does not demonstrate success, as determined by the Secretary, in resolving or reasonably attempting to resolve the property claims of an heir, the Secretary may terminate the agreement.
(C) Implementation
The Secretary may utilize requests for public input or the formal rulemaking process to effectuate this subsection. At a minimum, the Secretary shall make publicly available the criteria for selecting an eligible entity to enter into an agreement to provide services, the administrative and performance requirements for cooperative agreements under this subsection, as well as codify within its internal policy its implementation process.
(D) Heirs property not in farming
On a limited basis, and when determined by the Secretary to meet the purposes of a program administered by the Secretary and to expand access to such a program, the Secretary may allow an eligible entity to provide services at no cost to an heir who is not an underserved heir if—
(i)
the land with respect to which the services are to be provided is not farmland or in agricultural production, but could be viably productive for agricultural, conservation, or forestry purposes;
(ii)
the heir satisfies all other requirements of the definition of
underserved heir;(iii)
the heir can provide proof to substantiate that the heir is in control of the real property; and
(iv)
the heir certifies to the Secretary that the heir intends to apply for, and make a good faith effort to enroll the land in, a program administered by the Secretary once property claims to the land are resolved through services provided under a cooperative agreement entered into under this subsection.
(3) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means a nonprofit organization that—
(i)
provides legal or accounting services to an underserved heir at no cost to the underserved heir to resolve property ownership issues; and
(ii)
has demonstrated experience in resolving issues related to ownership and succession on farmland or forest land that has multiple owners.
(B) Limited resource heir
An heir shall be considered a limited resource heir for purposes of this subsection if—
(i)
the total household income of the heir is at or below the national poverty level for a family of 4, or less than 50 percent of the county median household income for the 2 immediately preceding calendar years, as determined annually using data of the Department of Commerce; or
(ii)
the property of the heir for which legal services are provided pursuant to a cooperative agreement entered into under this subsection is in a persistent poverty community, as determined annually on the basis of data from the Department of Commerce, or a socially vulnerable area, as designated by the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention.
(C) Underserved heir
The term underserved heir means an heir with an undivided ownership interest in farmland or forest land that has multiple owners, who is—
(i)
a limited resource heir;
(ii)
a member of a socially disadvantaged group (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990); or
(iii)
a veteran (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States Code).
(4) Annual reports to Congress
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare, make public, and submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report on the activities carried out under this subsection in the year covered by the report.
(5) Limitations on authorization of appropriations
To carry out this subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(c) Annual report on operations and outcomes under the relending program To resolve ownership and succession on farmland
Section 310I(g) of such Act, as so redesignated by subsection (b) of this section, is amended by striking Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
and inserting The Secretary shall annually
.
Sec. 5110. Prompt approval of loans and loan guarantees
Section 333A of the of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
(1) Real estate and operating guaranteed loans
(A) In general
The Secretary shall provide to lenders a short, simplified application form for real estate and operating guaranteed loans under this title, for loans of not more than $1,000,000.
(B) Notice
Within 5 business days after receipt of a complete application to guarantee a farm ownership or operating loan that meets the requirements under subparagraph (A) originated by a Preferred Certified Lender or Certified Lender, the Secretary shall notify the lender as to whether the application is approved or disapproved.
(C) Maximum guarantee
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the percentage of the principal amount of a loan which may be guaranteed pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed—
(i)
90 percent, in the case of a loan not exceeding $125,000;
(ii)
75 percent, in the case of a loan of more than $125,000 and not more than $500,000; or
(iii)
50 percent, in the case of a loan of more than $500,000 and not more than $1,000,000.; and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively, and inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2) Business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural entities
(A) In general
The Secretary shall develop an application process that accelerates, to the maximum extent practicable, the processing of applications for business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural entities, as described under section 310B(a)(2)(A), for loans not exceeding $400,000.
(B) Exception
The accelerated application process, as provided under subparagraph (A), shall apply to loans not exceeding $600,000 if there is not a significant increased risk of a default on the loan, as determined by the Secretary. ; and
(2)
by striking subsection (h).
Sec. 5111. Expedited approval pilot program
(a) In general
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by inserting after section 333D (7 U.S.C. 1983d) the following:
333E. Expedited approval pilot program
(a) In general
Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall carry out a pilot program to establish an expedited qualification and approval process for borrowers seeking—
(1)
a direct farm ownership loan under this Act; or
(2)
a guaranteed farm ownership loan under this Act that is serviced by a Preferred Certified Lender under section 339(d) and provided to a creditworthy borrower, as determined by the Preferred Certified Lender.
(b) Loan assessments
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consider streamlining the process for making—
(1)
determinations necessary to make the certifications and assessments referred to in section 339(c)(5); and
(2)
determinations under section 360(b).
(c) Rule of interpretation
Except as otherwise provided in subsections (a) and (b), this section shall not be interpreted to authorize the waiver or modification of any requirement, other than an application process timing requirement, imposed by or under this Act.
(d) Report
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report examining the actions undertaken under, and the results of, the pilot program.
(e) Termination of effectiveness
The authority provided by this section shall terminate effective September 30, 2031.
(b) Conforming amendments
Section 346(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)(i)(II), by inserting , to the extent practicable
after April 1 of the fiscal year
;
(2)
in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting , to the extent practicable
after September 1 of the fiscal year
; and
(3)
in subparagraph (B)(iii), in the text, by inserting , to the extent practicable
after April 1 of the fiscal year
.
Subtitle B Operating Loans
Sec. 5201. Persons eligible for operating loans
Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended—
(1)
in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by striking a majority
each place it appears and inserting at least a 50 percent
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking (2) Special rule.—An entity
and inserting the following:
(2) Special rules
(A) Eligibility of qualified operators
Qualified operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall be considered to meet the operator requirement of paragraph (1).
(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities
An entity; and
(B)
by striking ownership interests of each embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm
and inserting total ownership interests of the embedded entity, or of the other entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified operators of the farm improved or supported with funds under this subtitle
.
Sec. 5202. Limitations on amount of operating loans
Section 313(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(a)(1)) is amended by striking $400,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year 2019
and inserting $750,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,000,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year 2026
.
Sec. 5203. Limitation on microloan amounts
Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended by striking $50,000
and inserting $100,000
.
Sec. 5204. Cooperative lending pilot projects
Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Subtitle C Emergency Loans
Sec. 5301. Persons eligible for emergency loans
Section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the 1st sentence—
(i)
by striking (A)
and inserting (i)
;
(ii)
by striking (B)
and inserting (ii)
;
(iii)
by striking (1)
and inserting (A)
;
(iv)
by striking (2)
and inserting (B)
; and
(v)
by striking a majority
each place it appears and inserting at least a 50 percent
;
(B)
in the 2nd sentence, by striking this subsection
and inserting this paragraph
;
(C)
by striking the 5th sentence; and
(D)
by adding after and below the end the following:
(2) Special rules
(A) Eligibility of qualified operators
Qualified operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall be considered to meet the operator requirement of paragraph (1).
(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities
An applicant that is or will become only the operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or supported with funds under this subtitle shall be considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who is an owner of the real estate owns at least 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the applicant.
(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities
An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more other entities, shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the total ownership interests of the embedded entity, or of the other entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified operators of the farm acquired, improved, or supported with funds under this subtitle.; and
(2)
by striking all that precedes shall make and insure
and inserting the following:
321. Eligibility for loans
(a) In general
(1) Eligibility requirements
The Secretary
Subtitle D Administrative Provisions
Sec. 5401. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program
Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 5402. Loan authorization levels
Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 5403. Loan fund set-asides
Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 5404. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans under certain conditions
Section 346(b)(5)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(5)(C)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Subtitle E Miscellaneous
Sec. 5501. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to producers or harvesters of aquatic products
(a) Eligibility for credit and financial services
Section 1.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2017) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking or
at the end;
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
(3)
persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of aquatic products services directly related to their operating needs; or
(b) Purposes for extensions of credit
Section 1.11(c)(1) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2019(c)(1)) is amended by inserting and to persons furnishing services directly related to the operating needs of producers or harvesters of aquatic products
after needs
.
(c) Production credit associations
Section 2.4(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2075(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(4)
persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of aquatic products services directly related to their operating needs.
Sec. 5502. Export finance authority
Section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended—
(1)
by striking 50 percent of the bank’s capital
and inserting 15 percent of the total assets of the bank
; and
(2)
by striking an amount equal to 50 percent of the bank’s capital
and inserting 15 percent of the total assets of the bank
.
Sec. 5503. Support for rural water and waste systems
Section 3.7(f) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(f)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(2)
by striking The banks
and inserting (1) The banks
;
(3)
striking For purposes
and inserting (3) For purposes
;
(4)
in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by inserting , or in the case of such loans, commitments, and assistance that are guaranteed, the term rural area means an area described in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))
before the period at the end; and
(5)
by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following:
(2)
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a bank for cooperatives may make and participate in loans and commitments and provide technical and other financial assistance to cooperatives and any other public or private entity (except for the Federal Government) for the purpose of installing, maintaining, expanding, improving, or operating facilities in a rural area for the processing or disposal of waste from any source, the provision of telecommunication services, and producing electricity from any source for use or sale by the borrower.
Sec. 5504. Farm credit system regulation
(a) In general
The Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 4.20 the following:
4.21. Farm credit system regulation
(a)
The Farm Credit Administration shall be the sole and independent regulator of the Farm Credit System with respect to activities subject to this Act.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall limit or affect any regulatory or other authority granted to the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation under this Act.
(c)
A law enacted or rule promulgated after the date of the enactment of this section shall not be held to modify or supersede the exclusive authority provided by subsection (a), except to the extent that the enacted law does so expressly.
(b) Effective date
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 5505. Loan guarantees
Section 8.0(7)(B) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa(7)(B)) is amended by inserting or section 9007(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(c)(1))
before the 1st comma.
Sec. 5506. Standards for qualified loans
Section 8.8 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa–8) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(3), by striking mortgage investors
and inserting investors in those types of loans
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
(c) Qualified loan limitation for single borrowers
(1) In general
The Corporation shall not treat a loan secured by agricultural real estate as a qualified loan when the cumulative principal amount of all loans to a single borrower or related borrowers exceeds 10 percent of the Corporation’s tier 1 capital, as defined by the Farm Credit Administration.
(2) Regulator determination
The Farm Credit Administration may issue regulations establishing a single borrower concentration limit lower than the percentage specified in paragraph (1) if the Farm Credit Administration determines that such a lower limit is necessary for the safe and sound operation of the Corporation.
Sec. 5507. State agricultural mediation programs
(a) Matching grants to States
Section 502 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5102) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking $500,000
and inserting $700,000
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(e) Carryover of financial assistance
The Secretary shall permit a State that receives financial assistance under subsection (a) for a fiscal year to carry over not more than 25 percent of the financial assistance that is not expended by the end of the fiscal year, for use during the next fiscal year without deducting the amount from any assistance provided under this Act in subsequent fiscal years.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 5508. Technical corrections
(a) Elimination of obsolete references to county committees
(1)
Section 333A(a)(2)(B)(vi) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(a)(2)(B)(vi)) is amended by striking by the county committee
and inserting of the application
.
(2)
Section 336 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1986) is amended—
(A)
by striking the last sentence of subsection (b); and
(B)
by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(3)
Section 339 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1989) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking county committee certification that the borrower of the loan meets the eligibility requirements and
and inserting the borrower meeting
; and
(B)
in subsection (d)(4)(A), by striking county committee certification that the borrower meets the eligibility requirements or
and inserting the borrower meeting
.
(4)
Section 359(c)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(1)) is amended by striking (as determined by the appropriate county committee during the determination of eligibility for the loan)
.
(b) Revision of loan assessment requirements
Section 360(d)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2006b(d)(1)) is amended by striking annual review of direct loans, and periodic review (as determined necessary by the Secretary) of guaranteed loans
and inserting periodic review (as determined by the Secretary) of direct and guaranteed loans
.
(c) Updating of outdated references to the Farmers Home Administration and the Rural Development Agency
(1)
Section 309(e) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1928(e)) is amended by striking Farmers Home Administration and the Rural Development Administration
and inserting Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
.
(2)
Section 331(b)(4) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(4)) is amended by striking Consolidated
.
(3)
Section 331(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)) is amended in each of paragraphs (5) and (7) by striking Farmers Home Administration
each place it appears and inserting Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
.
(4)
Section 331(b)(8) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(8)) is amended by striking Rural Development Administration or by the Farmers Home Administration
and inserting Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
.
(5)
Section 331A(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)) is amended by striking Farmers Home Administration or by the Rural Development Administration
and inserting Farm Service Agency or by Rural Development
.
(6)
Section 335(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(a)) is amended by striking Farmers Home Administration or the Rural Development Administration
and inserting Farm Service Agency or Rural Development
.
(7)
Section 335(f)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)(1)) is amended—
(A)
by striking Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service payments
and inserting Farm Service Agency farm program
;
(B)
by striking Farmers Home Administration liens
and inserting liens for a farmer program loan
; and
(C)
by striking Farmers Home Administration farmer
and inserting Farm Service Agency farmer
.
(8)
Section 338(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1988(a)) is amended by striking Farmers Home Administration or the Rural Development Administration
and inserting Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
.
(9)
Section 347 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1995) is amended by striking Farmers Home Administration
and inserting Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
.
(10)
Section 356 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2004) is amended—
(A)
by striking Farmers Home Administration may
and inserting Farm Service Agency and Rural Development may
; and
(B)
by striking the inventory of the Farmers Home Administration
and inserting inventory
.
(11)
Section 370(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2008e(a)) is amended by striking the Rural Development Administration, the Farmers Home Administration, the Rural Electrification Administration
and inserting Rural Development, the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service
.
(12)
Each of the following provisions of such Act is amended by striking Farmers Home Administration
each place it appears and inserting Farm Service Agency
:
(A)
Section 309(g)(1) (7 U.S.C. 1929(g)(1)).
(B)
Section 331A(a) (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)).
(C)
Section 333A(e)(1) (7 U.S.C. 1983a(e)(1)).
(D)
Section 335(d) (7 U.S.C. 1985(d)).
(E)
Section 353A (7 U.S.C. 2001a).
(F)
Section 349(e)(1)(B) (7 U.S.C. 1997(e)(1)(B)).
(G)
Section 361 (7 U.S.C. 2006c).
(d)
Section 335(c)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(c)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by striking 15
and inserting 60
;
(2)
in subparagraph (B)(i)—
(A)
by striking 135
and inserting 180
; and
(B)
by inserting suitable for farming and ranching, as determined by the Secretary
before the comma; and
(3)
in subparagraph (C), by striking not later than 135 days after acquiring the real property, the Secretary shall, not later than 30 days after the 135-day period,
and inserting or if the property is not suitable for farming and ranching as determined by the Secretary, not later than 60 days after the 180-day period, the Secretary shall
.
(e) Correction of infeasible inventory property disposition framework
(1)
Section 331(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(1)) is amended by striking , and until January
and all that follows through fit)
.
(2)
Section 335(f) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)) is amended—
(A)
by striking paragraphs (3) through (5) and redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (3); and
(B)
by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
(4)
The Secretary shall issue regulations consistent with this section that ensures the release of funds to each borrower.
(f) Replacement of references to district office with references to District Director
Section 333A(a)(2)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking district office
each place it appears and inserting District Director
.
(g) Correction of obsolete reference to former trust territories
Section 343(a)(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(6)) is amended by striking the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
and inserting the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands
.
(h) Revision of farmer program loan definition
Section 343(a)(10) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(10)) is amended by inserting before June 18, 2008, conservation loan (CL) under section 304 on or after June 18, 2008,
before emergency loan (EM)
.
(i) Elimination of inconsistency between rules applicable to beginning farmers
Section 343(a)(11)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(C)) is amended by striking related to one another by blood or marriage
and inserting qualified beginning farmers
.
(j) Updating of provisions To reflect repurposing of conservation loan provisions
(1)
Section 303(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a)) is amended in each of paragraphs (1)(D) and (2)(D) by striking described in section 304
.
(2)
Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended by striking , or paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 304(a),
and inserting section 304(a)
.
(k) Updating of notice provision requirement and lifetime debt forgiveness limit
Section 353(i)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2001(i)(1)) is amended by striking registered or certified mail
and inserting any method that provides documentation of delivery
.
(l) Updating of obsolete reference to the Soil Conservation Service
Section 306(a)(13) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(13)) is amended by striking Soil Conservation Service
and inserting Natural Resources Conservation Service
.
(m) Clarification of interest rate requirements
(1)
Section 307(a)(3)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1927(a)(3)(B)) is amended by striking not be—
and all that follows and inserting be equal to the interest rate for direct farm ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent per year.
.
(2)
Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is amended by striking not be—
and all that follows and inserting be equal to the interest rate for direct farm ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent per year.
.
(n) Correction of heading
Section 309(h)(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1929(h)(6)) is amended in the paragraph heading by striking Beginning farmer loans
and inserting Down payment loan program participant
.
(o) Elimination of superfluous restrictions
Section 312 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1942) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
(p) Elimination of confusing references to loan guarantees
Section 319 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1949) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking or guarantees
; and
(2)
by striking or with respect to whom there is an outstanding guarantee under this subtitle
.
(q) Elimination of obsolete reporting requirements
Section 346 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1994) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d).
(r) Correction of obsolete appeals provisions
(1)
Section 352(c)(3) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2000(c)(3)) is amended by striking section 333B
and inserting subtitle H of title II of Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
.
(2)
Section 353 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2001) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (h), by striking under section 333B
; and
(B)
in subsection (j)—
(i)
by striking filed with the appeals division under section 333B
and inserting to the National Appeals Division
;
(ii)
by striking appeals division shall
and inserting Secretary shall
; and
(iii)
by striking county supervisor
and inserting Secretary
.
(s) Elimination of unnecessary constraint on pilot projects
Section 333D(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983d(a)) is amended by striking that are consistent with subtitle A through this subtitle
.
(t) Correction of heading
The paragraph heading in section 8.8(a)(3) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa–8(a)(3)) is amended by striking Mortgage loans
and inserting Loan quality
.
Sec. 5509. Report on improving creditworthiness of direct and guaranteed loan borrowers
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report evaluating the feasibility of requiring the adoption of certain risk management practices as a condition for approving certain direct and guaranteed farm loans.
(b) Requirement
In the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall evaluate the feasibility of requiring, as a condition for approving certain direct and guaranteed farm loans, the adoption of 1 or more of the following risk management practices:
(1)
Hedging and marketing price or revenue risk management strategies.
(2)
Insurance coverage optimization or coordination.
(3)
Periodic financial reporting or financial management practices.
(4)
Cash management services to facilitate timely disbursement of funds and structured collection of operating revenues.
(5)
The use of integrated monitoring and analytics tools to align risk management and financial decisions with observed environmental and production conditions.
(6)
Other risk mitigation practices as determined by the Secretary.
(7)
Voluntary lender incentives to promote integrated risk management support without increasing costs or burdens for applicants.
(c) Certification
In completing the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall also evaluate the feasibility of establishing a certification program that identifies loans approved contingent on the adoption of enhanced risk management practices, including through voluntary lender incentives to promote integrated risk management support without increasing costs or burdens for applicants.
(d) Applicability
The requirements and evaluations under this section shall apply only to operating, production, and working capital loans made for agricultural production purposes and shall not apply to real estate loans, rural development loans, housing loans, business and industry loans, or other non-operating credit programs administered by the Secretary.
Sec. 5510. Farm Credit Administration option to examine low-risk Farm Credit System institutions on a 24-month cycle
(a) In general
Section 5.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2254(a)) is amended in the 1st sentence—
(1)
by striking in no event
and inserting not
; and
(2)
by inserting , except that the Farm Credit Administration, in its sole discretion, may extend the time period between mandatory examinations of institutions deemed by the Farm Credit Administration to be small, low-risk institutions to not more than 24 months
before the period.
(b) Effective date
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
Title VI Rural Development
Subtitle A Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America
Sec. 6101. Prioritizations for distance learning and telemedicine and community facilities program
Section 6101(a) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (132 Stat. 4726; Public Law 115–334) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 2025
and inserting 2027
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in clause (i)—
(I)
in the heading, by striking Substance use disorder set-aside
and inserting Set-aside
;
(II)
by inserting at rural health facilities
before that provide
; and
(III)
by inserting , mental health, behavioral health, or maternal health
before treatment
; and
(ii)
in clause (ii), by inserting mental health, behavioral health, maternal health, or
before substance
;
(C)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
in clause (i)—
(I)
in the heading, by striking Substance use disorder selection
and inserting Selection
;
(II)
in subclause (I), by inserting mental health, behavioral health, maternal health, or
before substance
the first place it appears; and
(III)
in subclause (II), by inserting mental health concerns, behavioral health concerns, maternal health concerns, or
before substance
; and
(ii)
in clause (ii), by inserting , behavioral health treatment, mental health treatment, or maternal health, respectively
before the period; and
(D)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting behavioral health, mental health, maternal health, or
before substance
the first place it appears; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2025
and inserting 2027
.
Sec. 6102. Distance learning and telemedicine loans and grants
Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5) is amended by striking $82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023
and inserting $82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available for 2 fiscal years after the fiscal year for which appropriated
.
Subtitle B Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband
Sec. 6201. Rural broadband program loans and grants
(a) In general
Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas
and inserting ReConnect Rural Broadband Program
;
(2)
in subsection (a), by striking The purpose
and all that follows through provide funds for
and inserting The Secretary shall establish a program, which shall be known as the
;ReConnect Rural Broadband Program
, to provide grants, loans, and loan guarantees to finance
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
(1) In general
The Secretary shall make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to eligible entities described in subsection (d) for the purpose of financing the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment necessary for delivering broadband service in rural areas.;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:
(A) In general
In making grants, making loans, and guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give the highest priority to applications for projects to provide broadband service to unserved rural communities that do not have any residential broadband service of at least—
(i)
a 25–Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and
(ii)
a 3–Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
(B) Other
After giving priority to the applications described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall then give priority to applications—
(i)
for projects to provide broadband service to rural communities—
(I)
with a population of less than 10,000 inhabitants; or
(II)
in geographically underserved and distressed areas, including—
(aa)
a socially vulnerable community (as determined by the Secretary);
(bb)
a persistent poverty county (as determined by the Secretary); or
(cc)
in an economically distressed area (as determined by the Secretary);
(ii)
that were developed with the participation of, and will receive a substantial portion of the funding or in-kind assistance for the project from, 2 or more stakeholders, including—
(I)
State, local, and Tribal governments;
(II)
nonprofit institutions;
(III)
community anchor institutions, such as—
(aa)
public libraries;
(bb)
elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
(cc)
institutions of higher education (including 1862 Land-Grant Institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities);
(dd)
health care facilities; and
(ee)
facilities essential for local or regional commerce or for the movement of goods;
(IV)
private entities;
(V)
philanthropic organizations; and
(VI)
cooperatives; or
(iii)
that are submitted by an eligible entity or is owned by an entity that has provided broadband service or other utility service for at least 5 years in rural areas in the State in which the project would be carried out.
(C) Affordability
In determining whether a household is unserved for purposes of this section, the Secretary shall consider the affordability of broadband service.;
(C)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B)—
(I)
by striking and
at the end of clause (i);
(II)
by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting ; and
; and
(III)
by adding at the end the following:
(iii)
shall be subject to a grant agreement of not less than 10 years.;
(ii)
by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the following:
(C) Applications
(i) Grant-only applications
The Secretary shall establish an application process that permits an application for a grant-only award.
(ii) Combined applications
The Secretary shall establish an application process that—
(I)
permits a single application for a grant and a loan under title I or II, or this title, that is associated with the grant; and
(II)
provides a single decision to award the grant and the loan.;
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D); and
(iv)
by striking subparagraph (F); and
(D)
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
(4) Fees
(A) Initial guarantee fee
The Secretary may assess an initial guarantee fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
(B) Periodic retention fee
The Secretary may assess a periodic retention fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section in an amount that does not exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the guarantee loan.
(C) Disclosure
In altering any fee charged for any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section, the Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any fee change, shall provide a public disclosure, of the financial data, economic and behavioral assumptions, calculations, and other factors used to determine the new fee rates.;
(4)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in clause (i), by adding and
at the end; and
(II)
by striking require; and
and all that follows through agree
and insert require, and agree
;
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (E) and inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B) Inclusions
An entity eligible to obtain assistance under subsection (c) may include—
(i)
a State or local government, including any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision of a State or local government;
(ii)
a territory or possession of the United States;
(iii)
an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
(iv)
a cooperative or mutual organization;
(v)
an organization of 2 or more incorporated areas that have established an intermunicipal legal agreement for the purposes of delivering communication services to residents;
(vi)
a corporation; or
(vii)
a limited liability company or limited liability partnership.
(C) Ineligible entities
An individual or legal general partnership that is formed with individuals shall not be eligible to obtain a grant, loan, or grant and loan combination under subsection (c).
(D) Affiliated owned and operated networks
Under this subsection, the Secretary may fund the construction of networks owned and operated by an affiliate of an eligible entity receiving the grant, loan, or loan guarantee, if the eligible entity, the affiliate, or both, as determined necessary by the Secretary, furnishes adequate security for the grant, loan, or loan guarantee.; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated by clause (ii) of this subparagraph), by inserting , directly or in conjunction with any combination of affiliates,
before may not
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C)
and inserting subparagraph (B)
;
(II)
by striking is submitted—
and all that follows through (i) not less than 50
and inserting is submitted not less than 75
; and
(III)
by striking (e); and
and all that follows and inserting (e).
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking (A)(i)
and inserting (A)
; and
(iii)
by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
(C) Affordability
In deciding whether a proposed service territory is unserved for purposes of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the affordability of broadband service in the service territory.; and
(C)
by striking paragraphs (4) and (5);
(5)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking Subject to paragraph (2), for
and inserting For
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (A), by striking 25
and inserting 50
; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking 3
and inserting 25
;
(B)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2) Adjustments
The Secretary may adjust, through a 30-day public notice and comment period published in the Federal Register, an increase in the minimum level of broadband service under paragraph (1) of no more than 50 percent from the preceding year, if less than 95 percent of the funds of the program are obligated in the preceding 2 funding rounds.; and
(C)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in the paragraph heading, by striking buildout
and inserting project agreement
; and
(ii)
by striking subparagraphs (B) through (D) and inserting the following:
(B) Broadband buildout standards defined
A project must meet the following applicable broadband standard in order to be considered for assistance;
(i)
A project with an award term of less than 8 years must provide service at 2 times the minimum broadband speed established in subsection (e)(1).
(ii)
A project with an award term of at least 8 years and less than 14 years must provide service at 5 times the minimum broadband speed established in subsection (e)(1).
(iii)
A project with an award term of 14 or more years must provide service at 10 times the minimum broadband speed established in subsection (e)(1).
(C) Network upgrade planning
The Secretary may prioritize an applicant seeking to meet the broadband buildout standards under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B) if the applicant submits information regarding the potential for the physical infrastructure of the network to be upgraded to meet the broadband buildout standards under subparagraph (B)(iii) at the time of the application, assuming reasonable progress in relevant networking technologies.;
(6)
by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
(j) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $350,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until expended.; and
(7)
in subsection (k), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Regulations
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate rules to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a) of this section, and complete the biennial review process required by section 601(e)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
(c) Sunset
The authorities provided by section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141) shall have no force or effect beginning 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Transition rules
(1) Availability of funds for administrative costs
Not more than 1 percent of the unobligated balances of amounts made available, as of the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, to carry out the pilot program described in section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141) may be used for the costs of transitioning from the pilot program to the program under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended by this Act.
(2) Consolidation of funds
(A) In general
The unobligated balances of all amounts made available on or before June 30, 2025, to carry out the pilot program described in section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141) that are in excess of the amount described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph are hereby transferred to and merged with amounts made available to carry out the program authorized under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
(B) Unfunded approvals
The amount described in this subparagraph is the amount required to fully fund each project approved as of the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, under the pilot program described in such section 779 for which amounts were not obligated or partially obligated as of such date.
Sec. 6202. Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas
Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb–1(g)) is amended by striking 2018 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6203. Innovative broadband advancement program
Section 603 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb–2) is amended to read as follows:
603. Innovative broadband advancement program
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the
Innovative Broadband Advancement Program, under which the Secretary may provide a grant, a loan, or both to an eligible entity for the purpose of demonstrating innovative broadband technologies or methods of broadband deployment that significantly decrease the cost of broadband deployment, and provide substantially faster broadband speeds than are available, in a rural area.(b) Terrestrial broadband demonstration projects
(1) In general
The Secretary shall provide grants or loans to eligible entities for the purpose of deploying innovative broadband technologies to qualified consumers who subscribe to terrestrial broadband service in rural areas.
(2) Eligibility
To be eligible to obtain assistance under this subsection for a project, an entity shall—
(A)
submit to the Secretary an application—
(i)
that describes a terrestrial broadband demonstration project designed to decrease the cost of broadband deployment, and substantially increase broadband speed to not less than the maximum broadband project agreement requirements established under section 601(e)(4), to qualified consumers in a rural area to be served by the project; and
(ii)
at such time, in such manner, and containing such other information as the Secretary may require;
(B)
demonstrate that the entity is able to carry out the project; and
(C)
agree to complete the project build-out within 5 years after the date the assistance is first provided for the project.
(3) Prioritization
In awarding assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals for projects that—
(A)
involve partnerships between or among multiple entities;
(B)
would provide broadband service to the greatest number of rural entities at or above the broadband requirements referred to in paragraph (2)(A)(i);
(C)
the Secretary determines could be replicated in rural areas described in paragraph (2); and
(D)
are located in States and territories selected by the Secretary to be diverse on the basis of geography, topography, and demographics.
(4) Qualified consumer
In this subsection, the term qualified consumer means—
(A)
an individual or member of a household who lives in a rural area;
(B)
a rural small business; or
(C)
an essential community facility, as defined pursuant to section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)).
(5) Rural area
In this subsection, the term rural area has the meaning provided in section 601(b)(3).
(c) Satellite broadband demonstration projects
(1) Purpose
The purpose of this subsection is to reduce or eliminate the costs to access satellite broadband service for remote subscribers.
(2) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means a broadband service provider that provides Internet access directly to qualified consumers in remote areas via satellite technology.
(B) Qualified consumer
The term qualified consumer means a consumer served by an eligible entity that receives a grant under paragraph (3), who is—
(i)
an individual or a member of a household at or below the poverty line (as defined in section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, including any revision required by such section, applicable to a family of the size involved); or
(ii)
an essential community facility, as defined pursuant to section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)).
(C) Satellite broadband equipment
The term satellite broadband equipment means user terminals, Wi-Fi routers, power supplies, mounts, and any other equipment necessary to connect a qualified consumer to satellite broadband service.
(D) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.
(E) Remote
The term remote means a region classified within level 3 or level 4 of the frontier and remote ZIP Code areas published by the Economic Research Service of the Department of Agriculture.
(3) Grants to eligible entities
(A) In general
Subject to paragraph (B), the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of reducing or eliminating the cost associated with the purchase or installation, or both, of satellite broadband equipment to qualified consumers to subscribe to satellite broadband service in remote areas.
(B) Requirements
As a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall—
(i)
provide retail broadband service delivered via satellite technology to qualified consumers, that—
(I)
enables a qualified consumer to the service to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, video; and
(II)
has a latency which does not exceed 250 milliseconds;
(ii)
submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such other information as the Secretary may require;
(iii)
agree to reduce or eliminate the cost associated with the purchase, installation, or both, of satellite broadband equipment for qualified consumers; and
(iv)
agree to provide qualified consumers with the reduction or elimination of that cost within 1 year of the assistance being obligated to the eligible entity.
(C) Eligibility map of qualified consumers
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall publish a map of the remote areas of qualified consumers that do not have access to terrestrial broadband service of at least—
(i)
a 25–Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and
(ii)
a 3–Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
(d) Report
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a comprehensive report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that shall provide the outcomes, effectiveness, and impact of the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program, including—
(1)
an assessment of the broadband infrastructure funded, including the scope, scale, nature and geographic locations of each award;
(2)
the broadband access and speeds achieved, including the download and upload speeds, latency, and overall network reliability;
(3)
any technical or logistical challenges encountered by the eligible entities; and
(4)
any recommendations for future innovative broadband deployment initiatives in rural areas.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Sec. 6204. Community connect grants
Section 604 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb–3) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking 10
and inserting 25
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking 1
and inserting 3
;
(2)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(3)
provides broadband speeds not less than the broadband project agreement requirements established under section 601(e)(4)(B)(ii) to the eligible entity within the proposed eligible service area.; and
(3)
in subsection (g), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6205. Rate regulation
Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb–5) is amended by adding at the end the following:
607. Rate regulation
Nothing in this title authorizes the Secretary to regulate rates charged for broadband service.
Sec. 6206. Public notice, assessments, technical assistance, and reporting requirements
Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950cc) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting technical assistance,
before and
;
(2)
in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), by inserting , including a complete shapefile map
before the semicolon;
(3)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B)
validate the information submitted by service providers under subparagraph (A) through procedures established by the Secretary, which shall include an agency determination provided to the submitter, an opportunity of the submitter to respond, and a final non-appealable determination of the Secretary; and; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated by clause (ii) of this subparagraph), by striking paragraph (1)
and inserting subparagraph (A)
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking all that precedes subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
(2) Assessment of eligibility
In making any determination to award a loan, loan guarantee, or grant for any retail broadband project provided assistance or for which assistance is sought that is administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall confirm that each unserved rural community identified in the application is eligible for funding by—
(A)
utilizing the map created by the Federal Communications Commission under section 802(c)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 and the Deployment Locations Map established under section 60104(b) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (47 U.S.C. 1704(b));; and
(4)
by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
(e) Broadband technical assistance program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall make grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide or receive eligible entities broadband technical assistance and training to expand access to broadband service in rural communities through the broadband programs of the Department of Agriculture including—
(A)
preparing applications for grants, loans and loan guarantees under this section;
(B)
identifying resources to finance broadband facilities from public and private sources, including other Federal agencies;
(C)
preparing feasibility studies, financial forecasts, market surveys, environmental studies, and technical design information to support broadband services;
(D)
preparing reports and surveys necessary to support the need for broadband services, the price range, and request financial assistance;
(E)
analyzing and improving operations related to the management, including financial management, of broadband facilities and to the efficiency of the entity;
(F)
collecting broadband infrastructure data; or
(G)
assisting with other areas of need identified by the Secretary.
(2) Eligible entities
To be eligible to obtain assistance under this subsection, an entity shall be—
(A)
a federally recognized Tribe or Tribal entity;
(B)
a State or local government, including any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof;
(C)
a territory or possession of the United States;
(D)
an institution of higher education (including a 1862 Land-Grant Institution, 1890 Land-Grant Institution, 1994 Land-Grant Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institution, or Historically Black College or University);
(E)
a nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(F)
a cooperative or mutual organization;
(G)
a corporation; or
(H)
a limited liability company or limited liability partnership.
(3) Selection priority
In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.
(4) National applications
The Secretary shall allow applications for grants under this paragraph from qualified organizations for the sole purpose of providing on-site community technical assistance and training on a national or multi-State regional basis.
(f) Assistance for community broadband mapping
(1) In general
The Secretary may make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of collecting broadband service data to assist the Secretary in—
(A)
establishing the availability of broadband service or middle mile infrastructure in a rural area;
(B)
determining the eligibility of a community for assistance under any broadband program administered by the Secretary;
(C)
undertaking a service area assessment under this section; or
(D)
collecting information to submit a challenge to the National Broadband Map created by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)).
(2) Application
To apply for a grant under this section, an entity shall submit an application which identifies—
(A)
the data collection area;
(B)
the purpose of the data collection;
(C)
the types of broadband service data to be collected;
(D)
the survey and data collection methods utilized; and
(E)
any other information the Secretary determines necessary to promote the integrity of broadband service collected under this section.
(3) Limitation of grant amount
The amount of a grant made available under this subsection shall not exceed $50,000.
(4) Broadband service data usage
The Secretary shall ensure that any broadband service data collected under this section is—
(A)
measured or assessed in accordance with such standards as are established by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to section 802(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(a)(1)(A));
(B)
accurate and verifiable in accordance with such standards as are established by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to section 802(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(a)(1)(A));
(C)
included in any broadband maps or data sets maintained by the Secretary; and
(D)
made available to the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission and the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for inclusion in any broadband maps or data sets either may maintain.
(5) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Broadband service
The term broadband service has the same meaning given the term in section 601.
(B) Broadband service data
(i) In general
The term broadband service data means information related to—
(I)
the location and type of broadband service;
(II)
the location and type of broadband infrastructure;
(III)
the advertised, maximum, and average speed of broadband service;
(IV)
the average price of the most subscribed tier of broadband service;
(V)
the speed tiers of broadband service available in the area; or
(VI)
any additional metric the Secretary deems appropriate.
(ii) Further definition
The Secretary shall further define the term broadband service area to ensure that data is measured and collected in a manner consistent with the reporting requirements under this section, and any broadband coordination or data-sharing obligations.
(C) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(i)
a unit of local government in a rural area;
(ii)
a Tribal Government or unit of Tribal Government;
(iii)
an economic development or other community organization;
(iv)
an eligible entity under title I or II that serves persons in rural areas;
(v)
an internet service provider that has not more than 100,000 subscribers; or
(vi)
any other entity eligible under a title VI program that is not an internet service provider.
(D) Middle mile infrastructure
The term middle mile infrastructure has the meaning given the term in section 602.
(E) Rural area
The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 601.
(6) Limitation on amount made available for grants
The Secretary may not expend more than 1 percent of the amounts made available under subsection (g) for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection.
(g) Limitations on reservation of funds
Not less than 3 but not more than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated to the program to carry out title VI shall be set aside to be used for—
(1)
conducting oversight under such title;
(2)
implementing accountability measures and related activities authorized under such title; or
(3)
carrying out this section.
Sec. 6207. Limitation on overbuilding
Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
608. Limitation on overbuilding
Any area in a proposed service area under this title shall not be considered unserved if an applicant in another Federal or State broadband program has received an obligation of funding to offer retail broadband service in the area not more than 5 years from the date of the obligation of funds, at a speed of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
Subtitle C Miscellaneous
Sec. 6301. Rural energy savings program
Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting , if the entity continues to serve rural areas (as defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))
before the semicolon;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking or
at the end; and
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E) and inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
(C)
any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
(D)
any public, quasi-public, or nonprofit entity that uses innovative financing techniques and market development tools to accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency technology; or;
(B)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2) Energy efficiency measures
The term energy efficiency measures means, with respect to any property service by an eligible entity—
(A)
a structural improvement or investment in a cost-effective, commercial technology to increase energy efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-grid renewable energy or energy storage system); and
(B)
the replacement of a manufactured housing unit or large appliance with a substantially similar manufacturing housing unit or appliance, respectively, if that replacement is a cost-effective option with respect to energy savings.;
(2)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by inserting and grants
before to
;
(B)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
(1) In general
Subject to this subsection, the Secretary shall provide—
(A)
loans to eligible entities that agree to use the loan funds to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing energy efficiency measures; and
(B)
at the election of any eligible entity that receives a loan under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a grant in accordance with paragraph (11).;
(C)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as paragraphs (3) through (10), respectively, and inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2) Prioritization
The Secretary shall give priority to applications from eligible entities serving at least 80 percent of their ratepayers residing in rural areas, as defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)).;
(D)
in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)—
(i)
in the paragraph heading, by inserting for loans
before the period; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking that is
;
(E)
by striking paragraph (6) (as so redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) and inserting the following:
(6) Repayment
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, with respect to a loan under paragraph (1)(A)—
(i)
the term shall not exceed 20 years from the date on which the loan is closed; and
(ii)
except as provided in paragraph (8), the repayment of each advance shall be amortized for a period not to exceed 10 years.
(B) Extensions
The Secretary may extend the term of a loan under subparagraph (A)(i), or the deadline for repayment of an advance under subparagraph (A)(ii), as the Secretary determines appropriate.;
(F)
in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B), by striking (1)
and inserting (1)(A)
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (C), by striking Repayment
and inserting Subject to an applicable extension under paragraph (6)(B), repayment
;
(G)
by striking paragraph (9) (as so redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) and inserting the following:
(9) Limitations
(A) Special advances
All special advances shall be made under a loan described in paragraph (1) during the first 10 years of the term of the loan.
(B) Replacement of manufactured housing units or large appliances
Not more than 10 percent of the total annual amount of budget authority for loans described in paragraph (1) may be used for the replacement of manufactured housing units or large appliances.; and
(H)
by adding at the end the following:
(11) Grants
(A) In general
At the election of an eligible entity that receives a loan under this subsection, the Secretary may provide to the eligible entity a grant to pay for a portion of the costs incurred in—
(i)
making repairs to the property of a qualified consumer that facilitates the energy efficiency measures for the property financed through a loan provided to the qualified consumer under subsection (d); or
(ii)
providing technical assistance, outreach, and training.
(B) Amount
(i) In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), the amount of a grant provided to an eligible entity under this paragraph shall be equal to not more than 5 percent of the amount of the loan provided to the eligible entity under this subsection.
(ii) Persistent poverty counties
The amount of a grant provided under this paragraph to an eligible entity that will use the grant to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified consumers located in a persistent poverty county (as determined by the Secretary) shall be equal to 10 percent of the amount of the loan provided to the eligible entity under this subsection.;
(3)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting or grant
before funds
; and
(ii)
by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the following:
(B)
(i)
may have a term and amortization schedule the length of which is the useful life of the energy efficiency measures implemented using the loan, if the loan term does not exceed 20 years; and
(ii)
shall finance energy efficiency measures for the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, that the applicable loan term described in clause (i) will not pose an undue financial burden on the qualified consumer, as determined by the eligible entity;
(C)
shall not be used to fund purchases of, or modifications to, personal property unless the personal property—
(i)
is a manufactured housing unit or large appliance described in subsection (b)(2)(B); or
(ii)
is or becomes attached to real property as a fixture;; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Clarification of eligibility
Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), an eligible entity may make a loan under this subsection to any qualified consumer located within the service territory of the eligible entity, regardless of whether the qualified consumer is located in a rural area.;
(4)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by inserting outreach,
before and technical assistance
;
(B)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and technical assistance of the program
and inserting outreach, and technical assistance relating to the program under this section
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting , outreach,
before and training
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Funding
Not less than 3 but not more than 5 percent of amounts appropriated under subsection (i) may be used to provide outreach, training, and technical assistance under this subsection.; and
(5)
in subsection (i), by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6302. Promoting precision agriculture
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Advanced wireless communications technology
The term advanced wireless communications technology means advanced technology that contributes to mobile (5G or beyond) networks, next-generation Wi-Fi networks, or other future networks using other technologies, regardless of whether the network is operating on an exclusive licensed, shared licensed, or unlicensed frequency band.
(2) Artificial intelligence
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given the term in section 238(g) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).
(3) Foreign adversary
The term foreign adversary means any foreign government or foreign nongovernment person engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States, or security and safety of United States persons.
(4) Precision agriculture; precision agriculture technology
The terms precision agriculture and precision agriculture technology have the meanings given the terms in section 1201 of the Food Security Act of 1985.
(5) Trusted
The term trusted means, with respect to a provider of advanced communications service or a supplier of communications equipment or service, that the Secretary has determined that the provider or supplier is not owned by, controlled by, or subject to the influence of, a foreign adversary.
(6) Voluntary consensus standards development organization
The term voluntary consensus standards development organization means an organization that develops standards in a process that meets the principles for the development of voluntary consensus standards (as defined in the document of the Office of Management and Budget entitled Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities
(OMB Circular A–119)).
(b) Purposes
The purposes of this section are—
(1)
to enhance the participation of precision agriculture in the United States; and
(2)
to promote United States leadership in voluntary consensus standards development organizations that set standards for precision agriculture.
(c) Interconnectivity standards for precision agriculture
(1) In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Communications Commission, shall—
(A)
develop voluntary, consensus-based, private sector-led interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and best practices for precision agriculture that will promote economies of scale and ease the burden of the adoption of precision agriculture; and
(B)
in carrying out subparagraph (A)—
(i)
coordinate with relevant public and trusted private sector stakeholders and other relevant industry organizations, including voluntary consensus standards development organizations; and
(ii)
consult with sector-specific agencies, other appropriate agencies, and State and local governments.
(2) Considerations
The Secretary, in carrying out paragraph (1), shall, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, consider—
(A)
the evolving demands of precision agriculture;
(B)
the connectivity needs of precision agriculture technology;
(C)
the cybersecurity challenges facing precision agriculture, including cybersecurity threats for agriculture producers and agriculture supply chains;
(D)
the impact of advanced wireless communications technology on precision agriculture; and
(E)
the impact of artificial intelligence on precision agriculture.
(d) GAO assessment of precision agriculture standards
(1) Study
Not later than 1 year after the Secretary develops standards under subsection (c), and every 2 years thereafter for the following 8 years, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study that assesses those standards, including the extent to which those standards, as applicable—
(A)
are voluntary;
(B)
were developed in coordination with relevant industry organizations, including voluntary consensus standards development organizations; and
(C)
have successfully encouraged the adoption of precision agriculture.
(2) Report
The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that summarizes the findings of each study conducted under paragraph (1).
Sec. 6303. Food supply chain guaranteed loans
Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932) is amended by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
(f) Food supply chain capacity and resilience guaranteed loans
(1) Definition of food supply chain guaranteed loan
In this subsection, the term food supply chain guaranteed loan means a business and industry guaranteed loan that is made or guaranteed by the Secretary under subsection (a)(2)(A), including a guarantee described in subsection (a)(3).
(2) Purpose
A food supply chain guaranteed loan may be made for the purpose of financing new investments in the start-up or expansion of projects in the United States that will increase the capacity of the food supply chain in the United States to aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food, agricultural products, or agricultural inputs.
(3) Limitations
The maximum amount of a food supply chain guaranteed loan shall not exceed $40,000,000.
(4) Loan guarantees in nonrural areas
The Secretary may guarantee a food supply chain guaranteed loan to an eligible entity for a facility that is not located in a rural area if—
(A)
the primary purpose of the loan guarantee is for a facility to aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food agricultural products, or agricultural inputs for agricultural producers or processors that are located within 80 miles of the facility;
(B)
the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary that the primary benefit of the loan guarantee will be to provide employment for residents of a rural area; and
(C)
the total principal amount of food supply chain guaranteed loans guaranteed for a fiscal year under this paragraph does not exceed 10 percent of the total principal amount of food supply chain guaranteed loans made for the fiscal year under subsection (a)(2)(A).
(5) Quarterly reports to Congress
Within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains—
(A)
an evaluation of the outcomes achieved through use of the assistance, and the ability of the recipient of the assistance to meet performance goals;
(B)
a description of any debt recovery made with respect to a loan guaranteed under this subsection, and agency projections for activities for which the assistance is provided; and
(C)
any recommendations of the Secretary regarding the implementation of this subsection.
(6) Reservation of funds
(A) In general
For each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the Secretary shall reserve not more than 5 percent of the funds made available to carry out subsection (a) to carry out this subsection.
(B) Availability of funds
Funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be reserved until April 1 of the fiscal year.
Sec. 6304. New, mobile, and expanded meat processing and rendering grants
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(A)
a public, private, or cooperative organization organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis, including a small establishment and very small establishment;
(B)
an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
(C)
a land-grant college or university (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
(D)
a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in that section); and
(E)
a State department of agriculture or other applicable State office with authority over meat and poultry processing and rendering.
(2) Small establishment; very small establishment
The terms small establishment and very small establishment have the meanings given the terms smaller establishment and very small establishment, respectively, in the final rule entitled Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems
(61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or successor regulations).
(b) Purposes
The purposes of this section are—
(1)
to create more resilient local and regional food systems;
(2)
to expand, diversify, and increase resilience in meat and poultry processing and rendering activities;
(3)
to increase farmer and rancher access to animal slaughter options;
(4)
to improve compliance of processors with livestock and poultry processing statutes (including regulations), including the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
(5)
to reduce barriers to entry for new meat and poultry processors and renderers;
(6)
to establish new, or update, expand, or otherwise improve existing, meat and poultry processing and rendering facilities; and
(7)
to support the processing and slaughtering of niche production methods such as halal, kosher, and other specific cultural methods.
(c) Grants
(1) In general
The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to use in accordance with subsection (d).
(2) Maximum amount
The maximum amount of a grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $500,000.
(3) Duration
The term of a grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 3 years.
(4) Priority
In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to small establishments and very small establishments.
(d) Use of funds
An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant to carry out activities in support of the purposes described in subsection (b), including activities—
(1)
to identify and analyze business opportunities, including feasibility studies required for credit worthiness;
(2)
to achieve compliance with applicable Federal, State, or local regulations;
(3)
to conduct regional, community, and local economic development planning and coordination and leadership development;
(4)
to incentivize new, innovative, or mobile enterprises for increasing or improving local and regional meat or poultry processing and rendering;
(5)
to implement humane handling infrastructure, including holding space for livestock prior to slaughter, shade structures, and structures and equipment for humane slaughter;
(6)
to develop a feasibility study or business plan for, or carry out any other activity associated with, establishing or expanding a small meat or poultry slaughter, processing, or rendering facility;
(7)
to purchase equipment that enables the further use or value-added sale of coproducts or byproducts; and
(8)
to purchase cold storage and related equipment.
(e) Federal share
The Federal share of the activities carried out using a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed—
(1)
90 percent in the case of a grant in the amount of $100,000 or less; or
(2)
75 percent in the case of a grant in an amount greater than $100,000.
(f) Quarterly reports to Congress
Within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains—
(1)
an evaluation of the outcomes achieved through use of the grant, and the ability of the grantee to meet performance goals;
(2)
an evaluation of the compliance of the grantee with the terms and conditions of the grant;
(3)
a determination as to whether the grant recipient maintains adequate financial capacity to carry out the activities for which the grant is provided; and
(4)
any recommendations of the Secretary regarding the implementation of this section.
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Sec. 6305. Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Childcare
(A) In general
The term childcare means any program that—
(i)
provides quality care and early education for children who have not yet entered first grade; and
(ii)
is operated by—
(I)
an eligible childcare provider described in section 658P(6)(A) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n(6)(A)); or
(II)
a childcare provider that, on the date of enactment of this Act—
(aa)
is licensed, regulated, or registered in the State, territory, or Indian Tribe in which the provider is located; and
(bb)
meets applicable State, Tribal, territorial, and local health and safety requirements.
(B) Inclusions
The term childcare includes—
(i)
a school-based program described in subparagraph (A);
(ii)
a program described in subparagraph (A) that is a Head Start program, including a migrant and seasonal Head Start program, or an American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start program carried out under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);
(iii)
a facility used for a program described in subparagraph (A); and
(iv)
a service provided under a program described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Initiative
The term Initiative means the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative established under subsection (b).
(3) Rural area
The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
(b) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish an initiative, to be known as the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative
, under which the Secretary shall provide, for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029, priority in accordance with subsection (c) to address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in rural areas.
(c) Childcare priorities
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in selecting recipients of loans and grants under a program described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall give priority to any qualified applicant that proposes to use the loan or grant to address the availability, quality, or cost of childcare.
(2) Description of programs
The programs referred to in paragraph (1) are the following:
(A)
The essential community facilities loan and grant programs authorized under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)).
(B)
The business and industry direct and guaranteed loan program authorized under section 310B(g) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)).
(C)
The rural microentrepreneur assistance program authorized under section 379E of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s).
(D)
The intermediary relending program authorized under the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1936b).
(d) Requirements
In providing funding in accordance with the Initiative, the Secretary shall ensure a balanced geographical distribution of the benefits under the Initiative.
(e) Evaluation; report
(1) Evaluation
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the projects carried out using assistance provided under the Initiative, including—
(A)
a description of—
(i)
the types of projects carried out;
(ii)
the communities in which the projects are carried out;
(iii)
the organizations and entities participating in the projects; and
(iv)
the types of partnerships developed to carry out the projects; and
(B)
the economic and social impacts of the investments in the projects.
(2) Report
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report describing the evaluation conducted under paragraph (1), including a thorough analysis of the outcomes of the evaluation.
Sec. 6306. Technical assistance for geographically underserved and distressed areas
(a) In general
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall directly, or through cooperative agreements, provide technical assistance and strengthen local capacity to improve access to rural development programs administered by the Secretary for local partners (including local governments, cooperatives, businesses, and community anchor institutions) in geographically underserved and distressed areas.
(b) Reports
Beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall annually publish, make available to the public, and submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on how the provision of technical assistance under subsection (a) has affected geographically underserved and distressed areas in the year covered by the report.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Geographically underserved and distressed area
The term geographically underserved and distressed area means a rural area (as defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)))—
(A)
in a socially vulnerable community (as determined by the Secretary);
(B)
in a persistent poverty county (as determined by the Secretary);
(C)
in an economically distressed area (as determined by the Secretary); or
(D)
in a colonia.
(2) Community anchor institution
The term community anchor institution means—
(A)
a public library;
(B)
an elementary or secondary school;
(C)
an institution of higher education;
(D)
a health care facility; or
(E)
any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization.
Sec. 6307. Establishment of the Rural Development Innovation Center
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
379J. Rural Development Innovation Center
(a) Definition of rural development mission areas
In this section, the term Rural Development Mission Areas means the agencies under the Rural Development Agency at the Department of Agriculture, including the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Housing Service.
(b) Establishment
There is hereby established within the Rural Development Mission Areas a Rural Development Innovation Center (the
Innovation Center) to promote and facilitate innovation in the administration and implementation of rural development programs and initiatives.(c) Functions
The Innovation Center shall—
(1)
review all processes for Rural Development Mission Area programs to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and barriers to access, including—
(A)
unnecessary delays in loan and grant applications processing and approvals;
(B)
high application costs; and
(C)
deficiencies in technical assistance for programs;
(2)
establish and maintain an ongoing public process for public and private stakeholders to provide perspectives on the challenges faced when applying for, utilizing, or participating in Rural Development Mission Area programs;
(3)
identify and assess any innovative strategies and collaborative models to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rural development programs and initiatives;
(4)
foster and maintain partnerships with public and private stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for the Rural Development Mission Areas;
(5)
promote cross-agency collaborations and identify best practices in rural economic development;
(6)
identify and implement technological solutions and software applications to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Rural Development Mission Area programs, including enhancing data management systems;
(7)
conduct research, analysis, and evaluation to modernize, simplify, and improve Rural Development Mission Area programs, and ensure that the programs are accessible, transparent, and user-friendly; and
(8)
disseminate information, guidance, and training materials to Rural Development Mission Area personnel and stakeholders on innovative rural development practices and opportunities.
(d) Modernization plan
The Innovation Center shall develop, and periodically update, a modernization plan to facilitate innovation in administering and implementing rural development programs and initiatives that—
(1)
outlines strategies aimed at harnessing the potential of emerging technologies for program delivery and overall service;
(2)
enhances program efficiencies by identifying and implementing measures to streamline program and administrative processes, reduce redundancies, and optimize resource allocation;
(3)
expands the availability and accessibility of digital services, leveraging digital platforms and tools to broaden the reach of the programs and improve the overall user experience for rural stakeholders;
(4)
integrates data-driven solutions to optimize program delivery and maximize impact and effectiveness of the efforts in rural development; and
(5)
establishes periodic milestones and goals to track the progress of the modernization plan.
(e) Report
The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on—
(1)
the activities and accomplishments of the Innovation Center, including progress in advancing rural development innovation and the outcome achieved;
(2)
a comprehensive working plan designed to actively engage public and private stakeholders, as described in subsection (c)(2); and
(3)
the progress on the modernization plan described in subsection (d).
Sec. 6308. Rural Health Liaison report
Section 236 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6946) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (8), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (9), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(10)
coordinate with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in implementation of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provided for in section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936).; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(c) Report
The Rural Health Liaison shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate outlining the activities conducted under subsection (b).
Subtitle D Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
Sec. 6401. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants
Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6402. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program
Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)) is amended to read as follows:
(22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program
(A) Establishment
The Secretary, through the Rural Utilities Service, shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this Act, and with this section, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Purpose
The Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program shall provide a network of expert rural water Circuit Riders located in all 50 States, including United States territories and Freely Associated States, which work one-on-one with eligible rural water and wastewater systems in major assistance categories described in subparagraph (D). The program is intended to help rural water systems operate effectively and efficiently and achieve long-term sustainability and compliance with certain Federal laws and requirements, including the Safe Water Drinking Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) and the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).
(C) Eligible entities
In selecting recipients of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to be made available for activities listed under subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall select nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience providing technical assistance and disaster and recovery assistance for water and wastewater utilities nationwide. Awardees shall rely on personnel that possess active water and wastewater operators’ licenses or overall knowledge of water utilities necessary to carry out eligible activities under subparagraph (D).
(D) Eligible uses of funds
An eligible entity shall use funds under the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider program for a rural water, wastewater, or wastewater disposal facility for—
(i)
technical assistance, including—
(I)
Board training;
(II)
managerial and financial operations with the effort to enhance the long-term sustainability of rural water and wastewater systems, including partnerships, consolidation, and regionalization;
(III)
physical operation and maintenance of rural water and wastewater infrastructure;
(IV)
water treatment;
(V)
regulatory compliance;
(VI)
facility security;
(VII)
loan application and reporting;
(VIII)
cybersecurity;
(IX)
implementation of cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies to protect against cyberthreats; or
(X)
other areas the Secretary deems appropriate;
(ii)
disaster and recovery assistance including—
(I)
direct on-site personnel and equipment to eligible utilities;
(II)
coordinating in statewide emergency response networks;
(III)
facilitating the development of action plans between utilities, local governments, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State emergency management agencies;
(IV)
resiliency and mitigation planning;
(V)
GIS mapping;
(VI)
updating vulnerability assessments, preparation of emergency response plans, communication protocols, hazard recognition and evaluation skills;
(VII)
conducting preliminary damage assessments of critical infrastructure;
(VIII)
addressing outstanding deficiencies focused on resolving health-based regulatory, operational, financial, and managerial deficiencies that impact the sustainability of the affected utilities;
(IX)
application and reporting assistance for Federal and State requirements including Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurance recovery claims;
(X)
providing for disaster readiness, support, and response activities targeted to disadvantaged communities that lack the financial resources and human capital necessary to adequately address significant health, safety, or sanitary concerns; and
(XI)
other areas the Secretary deems appropriate.
(iii) Additional uses
In response to activities under subparagraph (B) related to natural disasters and emergencies, not more than 5 percent of each award may be used to purchase or reimburse the rental costs of appropriate emergency equipment, as determined by the Secretary.
(E) Eligible project areas
To receive assistance under the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program and carry out activities, an eligible entity must serve—
(i)
an area with a population of—
(I)
10,000 or fewer inhabitants for technical assistance under subparagraph (D)(i); or
(II)
50,000 or fewer inhabitants for disaster and recovery assistance under subparagraph (D)(ii); and
(ii)
a public body, nonprofit corporation, or Indian tribe with legal authority to own and operate the water facility.
(F) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2031.
Sec. 6403. Zero and low interest loans for distressed water systems
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (22) the following:
(23) Assistance for distressed water systems
(A)
To promote the long-term sustainability and financial viability of eligible rural community waste disposal and water facilities as described in subparagraph (B), for any entity described in subparagraph (C), the Secretary may—
(i)
make a zero percent interest loan or a 1 percent interest loan pursuant to paragraph (1);
(ii)
forgive the principal or interest, or modify any term or condition of a new or existing loan made pursuant to paragraph (1);
(iii)
refinance all or part of any other loan made for an eligible purpose under paragraph (1) of this subsection or section 306C; or
(iv)
waive any fee required to insure or guarantee a loan pursuant to paragraph (1) or (24).
(B)
To promote the long-term sustainability and financial viability of the services provided by eligible entities, the Secretary shall—
(i)
provide assistance to an eligible entity for the purpose of—
(I)
ensuring the entity has necessary resources to maintain public health, safety, or order;
(II)
addressing financial hardships of the eligible entity, its customers, and the community it serves;
(III)
improving the financial stability of the eligible entity, including changes to—
(aa)
operational practices;
(bb)
revenue enhancements;
(cc)
policy revisions; and
(dd)
contract services; and
(IV)
supporting a partnership, regionalization, or consolidation of the entity with another water system; and
(ii)
require an applicant to—
(I)
receive financial planning assistance and prepare a long-term financial plan; or
(II)
partner, regionalize, or consolidate with another water system.
(C)
An entity shall be eligible for assistance under this paragraph if the entity—
(i)
is a rural water, wastewater, or wastewater disposal system with respect to which assistance may be provided under a water or wastewater, or waste disposal program under this subsection or section 306A, 306C, or 306D, and
(ii)
is—
(I)
located in a socially disadvantaged community, a persistent poverty county, colonia, or distressed tribal area, as determined by the Secretary; or
(II)
facing an economic hardship as defined by the Secretary.
(D)
An entity eligible under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) may designate a water and wastewater utility provider to apply for a loan under this paragraph and carry out the loan application on behalf of the eligible entity.
(E)
(i)
The Secretary shall evaluate such a loan application on the basis of the needs of the eligible entity and the beneficiaries of the eligible entity rather than the needs of the applicant water and wastewater utility provider.
(ii)
A water and wastewater utility provider to whom a loan is made under this paragraph on the basis of an application submitted on behalf of an eligible entity may use the loan only for the benefit of the residents of the eligible area for which the loan is provided.
Sec. 6404. Tribal college and university essential community facilities
Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6405. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program
Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6406. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska
Section 306D(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926d(d)(1)) is amended by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6407. Rural decentralized water systems
Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926e) is amended to read as follows:
306E. Rural decentralized water systems
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible individual
The term eligible individual means an individual who is a member of a household the members of which have a combined income (for the most recent 12-month period for which the information is available) that is not more than 80 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income for the State or territory in which the individual resides, according to the most recent decennial census of the United States.
(2) Eligible grant recipient
The term eligible grant recipient means a private nonprofit organization that uses a grant provided under this section for the purposes described in subsection (b)(1).
(3) Qualified water quality testing
The term qualified water quality testing means a baseline analysis of the bacterial and chemical characteristics of concern from a drinking water sample collected at the point of consumption and tested by a laboratory certified to conduct water quality testing that is provided to—
(A)
the Secretary; and
(B)
the eligible grant recipient receiving a grant under this section and any eligible individual served by the eligible grant recipient.
(b) Grants
(1) In general
The Secretary may make grants to an eligible grant recipient for the purpose of—
(A)
providing loans and subgrants to eligible individuals for—
(i)
the construction, refurbishing, and servicing of individual household water well systems and individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems in rural areas that are or will be owned by the eligible individuals; or
(ii)
in the event of ground well water contamination, the installation or replacement of water treatment, where needed as determined by a qualified water quality test or other third-party documentation to the satisfaction of the Secretary;
(B)
performing qualified water quality testing of individual household water well systems and individually utilized household decentralized wastewater systems in rural areas that are or will be utilized by the eligible individuals; or
(C)
providing technical assistance to eligible individuals for—
(i)
the installation or replacement of individual household water well systems and individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems in rural areas that are or will be owned by the eligible individuals;
(ii)
interpreting qualified water quality tests; or
(iii)
addressing ground well water contamination.
(2) Terms and amounts for loans and subgrants
(A) Terms of loans
A loan made with grant funds under this section—
(i)
shall have an interest rate of 1 percent; and
(ii)
shall have a term not to exceed 20 years.
(B) Amounts
A loan or subgrant made with grant funds under this section shall not exceed $20,000 for each water well system or decentralized wastewater system described in paragraph (1).
(3) Administrative expenses
A recipient of a grant made under this section may use grant funds to pay administrative expenses associated with providing the assistance described in paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.
(4) Water treatment standards
Water treatment provided under this section shall—
(A)
incorporate components that are third-party certified as compliant with relevant consensus-based standards for drinking water treatment units or systems, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B)
be installed, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, by a qualified, certified, or licensed water treatment professional, including a professional credentialed through a manufacturer or third-party.
(c) Priority in awarding grants
In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to an applicant that has substantial expertise and experience in promoting the safe and effective use of individually owned household water well systems, individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems, and ground water.
(d) Limitation
An eligible grant recipient cannot use more than 10 percent of a grant awarded under this section for the activities described under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (b)(1).
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Sec. 6408. Assistance to rural entities
Section 310B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
(C) Precision agriculture; precision agriculture technology
The terms precision agriculture and precision agriculture technology have the meanings given those terms in section 1201 of the Food Security Act of 1985.; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking and
at the end of subparagraph (C);
(B)
by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(E)
expanding the adoption of precision agriculture practices, including by financing the acquisition of precision agriculture technology, in order to promote best practices, reduce costs, and improve the environment.
Sec. 6409. Solid waste management grants
Section 310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking governments and related agencies
and inserting governments, related agencies, and Indian tribes
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6410. Rural business development grants
Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6411. Rural cooperative development grants
Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
(C) Cooperative development
The term cooperative development means activities including education, training, and technical assistance, to support the start-up, expansion, or ongoing sustainability of new and existing cooperatives.;
(2)
in paragraph (5)—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by striking underserved and economically distressed areas in rural areas of the United States
and inserting socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities
; and
(B)
in subparagraph (F)—
(i)
by inserting at least
before a 25 percent
; and
(ii)
by inserting , and all applications that satisfy this subparagraph shall be given the same priority for the scoring criterion based on satisfying this subparagraph
before the period;
(3)
in paragraph (6), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
(B) Award renewals for qualified nonprofit institutions
The Secretary shall award a grant under this subsection to a nonprofit institution on the same terms and for the establishment or operation of the same center or centers for cooperative development for which the nonprofit institution was awarded a grant in the current fiscal year, if the nonprofit institution—
(i)
is a recipient of an award under this subsection;
(ii)
requests a renewal under this subparagraph;
(iii)
has submitted a complete application under this subsection in the preceding 2 fiscal years; and
(iv)
has operated the center or centers for cooperative development in a manner which successfully meets the parameters described in paragraph (5), as determined by the Secretary.;
(4)
in paragraph (10), by adding at the end the following: The Secretary shall analyze the data resulting from the research, and include the data and the analysis in the annual report submitted by the interagency working group under paragraph (12).
;
(5)
in paragraph (12), by adding at the end the following: Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this sentence and annually thereafter, the interagency working group shall submit to the Congress a report describing the activities carried out by the working group.
; and
(6)
in paragraph (13), by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6412. Lender fees in guaranteed loan programs
(a) In general
Section 333 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended—
(1)
by inserting (a) In general.—
before In connection
;
(2)
in paragraph (5), by adding and
at the end;
(3)
in paragraph (6)(E), by striking ; and
and inserting a period;
(4)
by striking paragraph (7); and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(b) Fees
(1) Initial guarantee fee
The Secretary may assess an initial guarantee fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
(2) Periodic retention fee
The Secretary may assess a periodic retention fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does not exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the guaranteed loan.
(3) Disclosure
In altering any fee charged for any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section 306(a), the Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any fee change, shall provide a public disclosure of the financial data, economic and behavioral assumptions, calculations, and other factors used to determine the new fee rates.
(b) Conforming amendment
Section 310B(g)(5) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
(5) Fees
(A) Initial guarantee fee
The Secretary may assess an initial guarantee fee for any guaranteed business and industry loan in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
(B) Periodic retention fee
The Secretary may assess a periodic retention fee for any guaranteed business and industry loan in an amount that does not exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the guaranteed loan.
(C) Disclosure
In altering any fee charged for any guaranteed business and industry loan, the Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any fee change, shall provide a public disclosure of the financial data, economic and behavioral assumptions, calculations, and other factors used to determine the new fee rates.
Sec. 6413. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products
Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6414. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program
Section 310B(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(i)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking and
at the end of subparagraph (C);
(B)
by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(E)
provides training opportunities and resources for veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States Code) who actively are or are seeking to become agricultural producers, which shall be known as the
Armed to Farm Initiative.; and
(2)
in paragraph (4), by striking 2008 through 2023.
and inserting the following:
2027 through 2031, of which—
(A)
$3,500,000 shall be made available for each fiscal year for activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (2); and
(B)
$1,500,000 shall be available for each fiscal year for activities described in paragraph (2)(E).
Sec. 6415. Rural economic area partnership zones
Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 6416. Intermediary relending program
Section 310H(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1936b(i)) is amended by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6417. Rural health care facility assistance
(a) In general
Section 342 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1990a) is amended—
(1)
by striking Assistance
and inserting the following:
(a) Refinancing of certain rural health care facility debt
(1) In general
Assistance;
(2)
by striking rural hospital
and inserting an eligible health care facility
;
(3)
by striking a community
and inserting an area
;
(4)
by striking hospital,
and inserting eligible health care facility,
; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(2) Requirements
To promote the long-term sustainability and financial viability of an eligible health care facility, the Secretary shall—
(A)
provide assistance to an eligible health care facility for the purpose of—
(i)
ensuring the facility has necessary resources to maintain public health, safety, or order;
(ii)
addressing financial hardships of the facility, its patients, and the area it serves; and
(iii)
identifying the financial stability of the facility, including—
(I)
operational practices;
(II)
revenue enhancements;
(III)
policy revisions;
(IV)
partnerships, regionalization, or consolidation of rural health systems; and
(V)
contract services; and
(B)
require an applicant to—
(i)
receive financial planning assistance; and
(ii)
prepare a long-term financial plan.
(3) Waiver
In the case of an application for refinancing pursuant to this section, the Secretary may waive the requirement of section 302(a)(1)(D) if the eligible health care facility is insolvent.
(b) Rural health care facility technical assistance program
(1) In general
In lieu of any other authority under which the Secretary may provide technical assistance to any eligible health care facility, the Secretary shall establish, and maintain, directly or by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, a Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program (in this section referred to as the
Program) to provide technical assistance and training, tailored to the capacity and needs of each eligible health care facility, to help eligible health care facilities in rural areas—(A)
identify development needs for maintaining essential health care services, and support action plans for operational and quality improvement projects to meet the development needs;
(B)
better manage their financial and business strategies, including providing financial planning assistance and preparing long-term financial plans; and
(C)
identify, and apply for assistance from, loan and grant programs of the Department of Agriculture for which the facilities are eligible.
(2) Goals
The goals of the Program shall be to—
(A)
improve the long-term financial position and operational efficiency of the eligible health care facilities;
(B)
prevent the closure of eligible health care facilities;
(C)
strengthen the delivery of health care in rural areas;
(D)
help eligible health care facilities better access and compete for loans and grants from programs administered by the Department of Agriculture; and
(E)
continue the activities of the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program in effect as of the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(3) Program participation
(A) In general
The Secretary shall engage in outreach and engagement strategies to encourage eligible health care facilities to participate in the Program.
(B) Eligible health care facility selection
In selecting eligible health care facilities to participate in the Program, the Secretary shall give priority to borrowers and grantees of the Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. The Secretary may also consider—
(i)
the age and physical state of the health care facility involved;
(ii)
the financial vulnerability of the eligible health care facility, and the ability of the eligible health care facility to meet debt obligations;
(iii)
the electronic health record implementation needs of the health care facility;
(iv)
whether the eligible health care facility is located in a health professional shortage area or a medically underserved area;
(v)
whether the eligible health care facility serves a medically underserved population; and
(vi)
such other criteria and priorities as are determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(C) Reporting requirements
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report describing the progress and results of the program conducted under this section, which should include—
(i)
a brief description of each project to provide technical assistance to an eligible health care facility under this section, including—
(I)
the name and location of the facility;
(II)
a description of the assistance provided;
(III)
a description of the outcomes for completed projects;
(IV)
the cost of the technical assistance; and
(V)
any other information the Secretary deems appropriate;
(ii)
a summary of the technical assistance projects completed;
(iii)
a summary of the outcomes of the technical assistance projects;
(iv)
an assessment of the effectiveness of the Program; and
(v)
recommendations for improving the Program.
(D) Limitations on authorization of appropriations
To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Rural area
The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)).
(2) Development needs
The term development needs includes—
(A)
constructing, expanding, renovating or otherwise modernizing health care facilities;
(B)
increasing telehealth capabilities;
(C)
acquiring or upgrading health care information systems such as electronic health records;
(D)
providing financial planning assistance and preparing a long-term financial plan; and
(E)
such other needs as the Secretary deems critical to maintaining health care services in the community in which an eligible health care facility is located.
(3) Eligible health care facility
The term eligible health care facility means a facility that is located in a rural area and is—
(A)
a hospital (as defined in section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act;
(B)
a psychiatric hospital (as defined in section 1861(f) of such Act);
(C)
a long-term care hospital (as defined in section 1861(ccc) of such Act);
(D)
a critical access hospital (as defined in section 1861(mm)(1) of such Act);
(E)
a rural health clinic (as defined in section 1861(aa)(2) of such Act);
(F)
a religious nonmedical health care institution (as defined in section 1861(ss)(1) of such Act);
(G)
a sole community hospital (as defined in section 1886(d)(5)(C)(iii) of such Act);
(H)
a rural emergency hospital (as defined in section 1861(kkk)(2) of such Act);
(I)
a home health agency (as defined in section 1861(o) of such Act); or
(J)
a community health center (as defined in section 330 of the Public Health Service Act).
(4) Health professional shortage area
The term health professional shortage area has the meaning given the term in section 332(a)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act.
(5) Medically underserved area
The term medically underserved area has the meaning given the term in section 330I(a)(5) of the Public Health Service Act.
(6) Medically underserved population
The term medically underserved population has the meaning given the term in section 330(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act.
(b) Effective date
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the completion of a rulemaking carrying out such amendments.
Sec. 6418. Prohibition on use of loan or grant for certain purposes
Section 363 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006e) is amended to read as follows:
363. Prohibition on use of loan or grant for certain purposes
(a) In general
The Secretary shall not approve any loan or grant under this title to drain, dredge, fill, or level, or otherwise manipulate a wetland (as defined in section 1201(a)(16) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(16))), or to engage in any activity that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, or reach of water, except in the case of activity related to the maintenance of previously converted wetlands, or in the case of such activity that commenced before November 29, 1990.
(b) Exclusions
(1) Utilities lines
This section shall not apply to a loan made or guaranteed under this title for a utility line.
(2) Permitted activities and projects
This section shall not apply to a rural development loan made or guaranteed under section 306 or 306C of this Act for an activity or project for which the applicant or borrower has obtained or is required to obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, under section 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403; 30 Stat. 1151, chapter 425), or section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344).
Sec. 6419. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical assistance and training
Section 368(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008c(d)(1)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6420. National Rural Development Partnership
Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008m) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (g)(1), by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
; and
(2)
in subsection (h), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 6421. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters
Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6422. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program
Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(4), by striking $50,000
and inserting $75,000
;
(2)
in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking shall not exceed 75 percent
and inserting may be up to 100 percent, and a loan under this section for a project may be used to cover not more than 50 percent of any renovation, construction, or related costs of real estate improvements under the project
;
(3)
in subsection (c)(1)(B), by inserting (or 5 percent, in the case of a microenterprise development organization serving a persistent poverty county, as determined by the Secretary)
before of the total amount
; and
(4)
in subsection (d), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6423. Health care services
Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6424. Strategic economic and community development
Section 379H(d)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v(d)(4)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6425. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program
Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008w) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A)—
(i)
in clause (iii)—
(I)
by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following:
(I)
an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101, and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 102(a)(1), of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002(a)(1)));;
(II)
by redesignating subclauses (II) and (III) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively, and inserting after subclause (I) the following:
(II)
an area career and technical education school (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302));; and
(III)
in subclause (IV) (as so redesignated by subclause (II) of this clause), by striking and
;
(ii)
in clause (iv)—
(I)
by striking subclause (IV) and inserting the following:
(IV)
an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101, and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 102(a)(1), of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002(a)(1)));; and
(II)
by redesignating subclause (V) as subclause (VI) and inserting after subclause (IV) the following:
(V)
an area career and technical education school (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)); or; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(v)
in the case of a career pathway program, includes 1 or more members of the local workforce development board established under section 107 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and serving the region to ensure the program is integrated with the activities carried out by the local workforce development board; and; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(6) Career pathway
The term career pathway has the meaning given the term in section 3(7) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(7)).
(7) Industry or sector partnership
The term industry or sector partnership has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting or carry out career pathway training programs or industry or sector partnerships aligned with industry sectors in rural communities
before , including
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (A), by striking and
after the semicolon;
(iii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
(C)
address workforce challenges, including worker displacement, faced by specific industry sectors in rural communities; and
(D)
promote targeted skills development and training initiatives to stimulate innovation and enhance economic development in rural regions.;
(B)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in clause (i), by inserting , career pathway programs, or industry or sector partnerships
before the semicolon; and
(II)
in clause (ii)—
(aa)
by inserting , career pathway programs, or industry or sector partnerships
before to provide
; and
(bb)
by inserting leadership development,
before customized training
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(G)
the ability of the eligible entity to carry out activities to address the issues of worker displacement, an aging workforce, and youth migration.; and
(C)
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
(5) Geographic distribution
The Secretary shall ensure regional diversity of recipients of grants or participants in providing grants under paragraph (1) for jobs accelerators, career pathway programs, and related programming.;
(3)
in subsection (d)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B)(xi), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(C)
to support career pathway programs or industry or sector partnerships to be carried out within industries in rural communities, including—
(i)
telecommunications or broadband services;
(ii)
water, waste water, or disposal services;
(iii)
electric supply services;
(iv)
forestry and logging operations;
(v)
conservation practices and management;
(vi)
health care and child care;
(vii)
manufacturing;
(viii)
agribusiness related to production, processing, and distribution;
(ix)
veterinarian services; and
(x)
any other sectors identified by the local workforce development board serving the region to be an in-demand industry sector or occupation, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.;
(4)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking and
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B)—
(i)
in clause (xvii), by striking or
;
(ii)
by redesignating clause (xviii) as clause (xix) and inserting after clause (xvii) the following:
(xviii)
the number of individuals who have completed skills development, recognized postsecondary credentials, or gained specialized education through career pathways programs or industry or sector partnerships; or; and
(iii)
in clause (xix) (as so redesignated by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(3)
in the case of a career pathway program or industry or sector partnership, report to the Secretary the employment and earnings outcomes for individuals who participate in the program on the indicators described in subclauses (I) through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.; and
(5)
in subsection (f), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6426. Limitation on rural business investment companies controlled by Farm Credit System institutions
Section 384J(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–9(c)) is amended by striking 50
and inserting 75
.
Sec. 6427. Rural business investment program
Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18) is amended by striking 2014 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6428. Technical corrections
Each of the following provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are amended by striking urbanized
and inserting urban
:
(1)
Section 343(a)(13)(A)(ii) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)(ii)).
(2)
Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(I) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)), in the matter preceding item (aa).
(3)
Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)(bb) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)(bb)).
(4)
Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(II) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(II)).
(5)
Section 343(a)(13)(E) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(E)).
(6)
Section 343(a)(13)(F)(i)(II) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(F)(i)(II)).
(7)
Section 384I(c)(4)(C) (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–8(c)(4)(C)).
Sec. 6429. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training programs
Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
by striking technical assistance and training to—
and inserting for—
;
(B)
in clause (v), by striking the period and inserting ; or
; and
(C)
by redesignating clauses (i) through (v) as subclauses (I) through (V), respectively, and moving each such provision 2 ems to the right; and
(D)
by inserting before the matter so redesignated the following:
(i)
technical assistance and training to—; and
(E)
by adding after and below the end the following:
(ii)
disaster and recovery assistance.; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting or disaster and recovery assistance
before described
.
Subtitle E Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
Sec. 6501. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for utility infrastructure purposes
Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 6502. Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant program
Section 313B of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–2) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
(b) Repayments
(1) In general
In the case of zero interest loans, the Secretary shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as will encourage borrower participation.
(2) Letters of credit
The Secretary shall not require a letter of credit or other similar guarantee from a recipient of a zero-interest loan under this section if the borrower assigns the Secretary a security interest in any collateral provided to secure a loan made with funds loaned under this section, or makes other similar arrangements to the satisfaction of the Secretary.; and
(2)
in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 6503. Expansion of 911 access
Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940e(d)) is amended by striking 2008 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Title VII Research, Extension, and Related Matters
Subtitle A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
Sec. 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 15
and inserting 16
;
(B)
in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following:
(E)
1 member representing the industry, consumer, or rural interests of insular areas. ; and
(C)
in paragraph (5), by striking 7
and inserting 3
; and
(2)
in subsection (h), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7102. Specialty crop committee
Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking Not later than
and all that follows through initial members of
and inserting The Secretary shall continue to implement, and appoint the members of
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (C), by adding a period at the end; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (D), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking executive committee
and inserting Secretary
.
Sec. 7103. Veterinary medicine loan repayment
Section 1415A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151a) is amended—
(1)
by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
(b) Determination of veterinarian shortage situations
In determining
veterinarian shortage situations, the Secretary—(1)
may consider—
(A)
geographical areas that the Secretary determines have a shortage of veterinarians;
(B)
areas of veterinary practice that the Secretary determines have a shortage of veterinarians, such as food animal medicine, public health, epidemiology, and food safety; and
(C)
areas described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) identified by appropriate State agencies; and
(2)
shall—
(A)
develop quantitative mechanisms for predicting the emergence of new veterinarian shortage situations in the short-term and long-term; and
(B)
make available to State agencies described in paragraph (1)(C) the quantitative mechanisms developed under subparagraph (A).; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
(9) Eligibility
The Secretary shall not make a veterinarian ineligible for the program under this section based on a veterinarian's participation in a comparable Federal, State, or local program.
(10) Application process
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish streamlined application procedures and guidelines for entering into agreements with veterinarians under this section.
Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program
Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by striking , as defined in
and all that follows through 1991(a))
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Rural area
The term “rural area” has the meaning given such term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).;
(2)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B)
expand, retain, or attract additional veterinary practices in rural areas;;
(3)
in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
(5) Application process
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 the Secretary shall establish a streamlined application process.; and
(4)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking To Relieve Veterinarian Shortage Situations and Support Veterinary Services
; and
(B)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking situations and support
and inserting situations, to expand, retain, or attract additional veterinary practices in rural areas, and to support
; and
(ii)
by adding at the end the following:
(G)
To cover expenses associated with starting a new veterinary practice or attracting new veterinarians to existing practices, including—
(i)
relocation expenses;
(ii)
the purchase of necessary startup equipment; and
(iii)
housing or living stipends for veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students.
Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education
Section 1417(m)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7106. Agricultural and food policy research centers
Section 1419A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7107. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions
Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: The term of such grants may be for a period of more than 1 year, but not more than 5 years.
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: The term of such grants may be for a period of more than 1 year, but not more than 5 years.
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7108. Nutrition education program
Section 1425(g) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(g)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7109. Continuing animal health and disease research programs
Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
(4) Carryover
The balance of any annual funds provided to an eligible institution for a fiscal year under this subsection that remains unexpended at the end of that fiscal year may be carried over for use during the following fiscal year.; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7110. Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University
(a) Extension
Section 1444(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(a)(2)) is amended by striking 20 percent
and inserting 40 percent
.
(b) Research
Section 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2), by striking 30 percent
and inserting 40 percent
;
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking the research director
each place it appears and inserting the agricultural research director
; and
(3)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
by striking a research director
and inserting an agricultural research director
; and
(B)
by striking or other officer
.
Sec. 7111. Scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions
Section 1446 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222a) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting (commonly known as the David A. Scott Scholarship Program for Students at 1890 Institutions)
before the period at the end; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University
Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and equipment and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research at insular area land-grant colleges and universities
Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7114. Matching funds requirement for research and extension activities at eligible institutions
Section 1449 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222d) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking Not later than September 30, 1999
and inserting Beginning on September 30, 2026, and not later than September 30 of each fiscal year thereafter
; and
(B)
by striking fiscal year 1999
and inserting the fiscal year ending on that September 30
; and
(2)
by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) State matching funds requirement
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, for each fiscal year, a State shall provide to each eligible institution located in the State matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to the amounts provided to the eligible institution under sections 1444 and 1445 for the purposes described in subsection (b)(1).
Sec. 7115. New beginning for Tribal students
Section 1450 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222e) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (4), by striking land-grant college or university
and inserting land-grant college or university (except for a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)))
; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (5); and
(2)
in subsection (d), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7116. Education grants programs for Hispanic-serving institutions
Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7117. Binational agricultural research and development
Section 1458(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking entered into
and inserting , as entered into in 1977,
;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking United States and Israel
and inserting United States, Israel, or other signatories of the Abraham Accords Declaration
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) BARD Fund Accelerator
The BARD Fund shall establish an accelerator program that supports mid-stage research, as determined by the technology readiness level, in priority areas established by the BARD Fund that—
(A)
fast-tracks cooperative research between scientists participating in activities described in paragraph (2);
(B)
accelerates the successful development of agricultural research through resources and services developed or orchestrated by the BARD Fund;
(C)
provides management guidance, technical assistance, and consulting to scientists participating in activities described in paragraph (2); or
(D)
advances cooperative agricultural research projects of mutual interest to the United States, Israel, or other signatories of the Abraham Accords Declaration.
Sec. 7118. Grants and partnerships for international agricultural research, extension, and education
(a) In general
Section 1458A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292) is amended—
(1)
by amending the section heading to read as follows Grants and partnerships for international agricultural research, extension, and education
;
(2)
by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Developing country
The term developing country means a country that meets such criteria as determined by the Secretary, established using a gross national income per capita test selected by the Secretary.
(2) Eligible institution
The term eligible institution means—
(A)
a land-grant colleges or university;
(B)
a non-land-grant college of agriculture;
(C)
a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university; and
(D)
a cooperating forestry school.
(3) International partner institution
The term international partner institution means a higher education institution in a developing country that is performing, or desiring to perform, activities similar to agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out through eligible institutions in the United States.
(b) Grants and partnerships
(1) Grants
The Secretary may make competitive grants to eligible institutions in order to strengthen United States economic competitiveness and to promote international market development through—
(A)
enhancing the international content of the curricula in colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States students acquire an understanding of the international dimensions and trade implications of their studies;
(B)
ensuring that United States scientists, extension agents, and educators involved in agricultural research and development activities outside of the United States have the opportunity to convey the implications of their activities and findings to their peers and students in the United States and to the users of agricultural research, extension, and teaching;
(C)
enhancing the capabilities of colleges and universities to do collaborative research with other countries, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, on issues relevant to United States agricultural competitiveness;
(D)
enhancing the capabilities of colleges and universities to provide cooperative extension education to promote the application of new technology developed in foreign countries to United States agriculture; and
(E)
enhancing the capability of United States colleges and universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to provide leadership and educational programs that will assist United States natural resources and food production, processing, and distribution businesses and industries to compete internationally, including through the use of product market identification, international policies limiting or enhancing market production, the development of new or enhancement of existing markets, and production efficiencies.
(2) Partnerships
The Secretary may promote cooperation and coordination between eligible institutions and international partner institutions through—
(A)
improving extension by—
(i)
encouraging the exchange of research materials and results between eligible institutions and international partner institutions;
(ii)
facilitating the broad dissemination of agricultural research through extension;
(iii)
assisting with efforts to plan and initiate extension services in developing countries; and
(iv)
developing self-sustaining regional agricultural markets and promoting the application of new agricultural technologies and techniques;
(B)
improving agricultural research by—
(i)
in partnership with international partner institutions, encouraging research that addresses problems affecting food production and security, human nutrition, agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fisheries, including local challenges; and
(ii)
supporting and strengthening national agricultural research systems in developing countries;
(C)
improving agricultural teaching and education by—
(i)
in partnership with international partner institutions, supporting education and teaching relating to food and agricultural sciences, including technical assistance, degree training, research collaborations, classroom instruction, workforce training, and education programs; and
(ii)
assisting with efforts to increase student capacity, including to encourage equitable access for women and other underserved populations, at international partner institutions by promoting partnerships with, and improving the capacity of, eligible institutions;
(D)
assisting eligible institutions in strengthening their capacity for food, agricultural, and related research, extension, and teaching programs relevant to agricultural development activities in developing countries to promote the application of new technology to improve education delivery;
(E)
providing support for the internationalization of resident instruction programs of eligible institutions;
(F)
establishing a program, to be coordinated by the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service, to place interns from eligible institutions in, or in service to benefit, developing countries; and
(G)
establishing a program to provide fellowships to students at eligible institutions to study at foreign agricultural colleges and universities.;
(3)
in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking covered Institutions
and inserting eligible institutions
; and
(4)
in subsection (d), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Conforming amendment
Section 1459A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b) is repealed.
Sec. 7119. Research equipment grants
Section 1462A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a(e)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7120. University research
Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended by striking 2023
each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7121. Extension service
Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops
Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(2)
in subsection (c)(3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (E), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
(F)
to examine potential benefits and opportunities for supplemental and alternative crops (including winter-planted rapeseed and winter-planted canola crops); and; and
(3)
in subsection (e)(3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7123. Grants for community college agriculture and natural resources programs
Section 1473E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e) is amended—
(1)
by amending the section heading to read as follows: Grants for community college agriculture and natural resources programs
;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(3)
by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting the following:
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(A)
a junior or community college (as defined in section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058)) supporting agriculture advancement;
(B)
a consortium or alliance of 2-year public colleges supporting agriculture advancement; or
(C)
an area career and technical education school (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)) that offers a program of study in agriculture.
(2) Work-based learning
The term work-based learning has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
(b) Competitive grants
The Secretary shall make competitive grants to eligible entities to conduct workforce training, education, research, and outreach activities relating to food and agricultural sciences.
(c) Priority
In making grants under subsection (b), the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity coordinating with a local agriculture industry operator or conservation district to provide work-based learning, experiential training, and other opportunities for students.
(d) Use of funds
An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (b) may use the funds made available through the grant—
(1)
to offer educational programming on agricultural industry jobs, including farm business management-related subjects, such as accounting, paralegal studies, finance, and soil, water, and related resource conservation;
(2)
to develop apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities; and
(3)
other services that would increase workforce training, education, research, and outreach activities relating to food and agricultural sciences, as determined by the Secretary.; and
(4)
in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7124. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions
Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7125. Agriculture advanced research and development authority
Section 1473H of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319k) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by inserting , including precision agriculture,
after equipment
; and
(ii)
by striking relating to the research and development of qualified products and projects
;
(B)
in paragraph (5)—
(i)
in the paragraph heading, by striking Person
and inserting Eligible entity
;
(ii)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking person
and inserting eligible entity
;
(iii)
by striking subparagraph (E); and
(iv)
by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (H) as subparagraphs (E) through (G), respectively;
(C)
in paragraph (6)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(D)
any other product or project, as determined by the Secretary.; and
(D)
in paragraph (7), by striking that is developed to assist in the discovery, development, or manufacture of a qualified product or project
;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
(B)
to overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of agricultural technologies, research tools, and qualified products and projects that enhance export competitiveness, environmental sustainability, water conservation, and resilience to extreme weather, drought, infectious diseases, plant and animal pathogens, and plant and animal pests; ;
(B)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in subparagraph (C), by striking persons
and inserting eligible entities
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (G), by striking persons
and inserting eligible entities
; and
(C)
in paragraph (7)(A)—
(i)
by striking a person
and inserting an eligible entity
; and
(ii)
by striking the person
and inserting the eligible entity
;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking persons
and inserting eligible entities
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Use of strategic plan
The Secretary shall use the strategic plan developed under paragraph (1) to inform the administration of AGARDA under this section.;
(4)
in subsection (d)(3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(5)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 5 years
and inserting 13 years
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B), by striking 5-year
and inserting 13-year
.
Sec. 7126. Aquaculture assistance programs
Section 1477(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324(a)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and insert 2031
.
Sec. 7127. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response
Section 1484(a)(3) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a)(3)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7128. Agriculture and food protection grant program
(a) In general
Section 1485 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3352) is amended—
(1)
by amending the section heading to read as follows: Agriculture and food protection grant program
;
(2)
by striking subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) and inserting the following:
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program under which the Secretary will award grants to eligible entities to support research, extension, and education activities that improve the capability of the United States to protect the food and agricultural system from any chemical, biological, cybersecurity, or bioterrorism attack.
(b) Use of funds
Grants made under this section shall be used to—
(1)
encourage basic and applied research and development of agricultural countermeasures;
(2)
promote the development and expansion of teaching programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other disciplines closely allied to the food and agriculture system to increase the number of trained individuals with an expertise in agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity;
(3)
expand or upgrade facilities to meet biosafety and biosecurity requirements necessary to protect facility staff, members of the public, and the food supply while carrying out agricultural biosecurity research;
(4)
costs associated with the acquisition of equipment and other capital costs related to expansion of food, agriculture, and veterinary medicine teaching programs in agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity; or
(5)
otherwise improve the capacity of the United States to respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing threats.
(c) Eligible entities
Entities eligible to receive a grant under this section include—
(1)
State agricultural experiment stations;
(2)
State departments of agriculture;
(3)
colleges and universities;
(4)
university research foundations;
(5)
other research institutions and organizations;
(6)
Federal agencies;
(7)
national laboratories; or
(8)
any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7). ;
(3)
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (d); and
(4)
in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking for each fiscal year.
and inserting for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
.
(b) Conforming amendments
Chapters 1 and 2 of subtitle B of title XIV of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912, 8913, 8921, and 8922) are repealed.
Sec. 7129. Distance education grants for insular areas
Section 1490(f)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7130. Resident instruction grants for insular areas
Section 1491(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7131. Repeals
(a)
Section 1410 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ((7 U.S.C. 3125) is repealed.
(b)
Section 1419C of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3158) is repealed.
(c)
Section 1447A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–1) is repealed.
(d)
Subtitle M of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3331 et seq.) is repealed.
Subtitle B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
Sec. 7201. Sustainable agriculture research and education
Subtitle B of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) is amended by striking 2023
each place it appears in sections 1624 (7 U.S.C. 5814), 1627(d) (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)), 1628(f)(2) (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)(2)), and 1629(i) (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)), and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7202. National Genetics Resources Program
Section 1635(b)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7203. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative
Section 1671(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924(g)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7204. High-priority research and extension initiatives
Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
by striking paragraphs (5), (6), (9), (10), (11), (13), and (18);
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), (12), (14), (15), (16), (17), (19), and (20) as paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13), respectively;
(C)
in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by inserting and harmful algal blooms
after macro-algae systems
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(14) Fertilizer and nutrient management initiative
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out research to improve fertilizer use efficiency in crops and examining nutrient management based on the source, rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients.
(15) Tropical plant health initiative
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of—
(A)
developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact tropical plants, including—
(i)
coffee plants;
(ii)
macadamia trees;
(iii)
cacao trees;
(iv)
plantains and bananas;
(v)
mangos;
(vi)
vanilla plants;
(vii)
tropical floriculture and nursery crops; and
(viii)
any other tropical plant as determined by the Secretary;
(B)
establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds;
(C)
surveying and collecting data on tropical plant production and health;
(D)
investigating tropical plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
(E)
conducting research on various factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, tropical plant immune systems and other serious threats to tropical plants.
(16) Biochar research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of testing the full range of biochar types across soil types, soil health and soil management conditions, application methods, and climatic and agronomic regions, including through the establishment of a national biochar research network, to—
(A)
assess the soil carbon sequestration potential of various biochars and management systems integrating biochar use;
(B)
understand how to use biochar productively to contribute to climate mitigation, crop production, resilience to extreme weather events, ecosystem and soil health, natural resource conservation, and farm profitability; and
(C)
deliver science-based, region-specific, cost-effective, and practical information to farmers, ranchers, foresters, land reclamation managers, urban land managers, and other land and natural resource managers and businesses on sustainable biochar production and application.
(17) Wildfire smoke exposure research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of studying the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on specialty crops, including wine grapes, hops, stone fruit, and apples, by—
(A)
conducting research—
(i)
to identify the compounds responsible for smoke exposure; and
(ii)
to establish standard methodologies for sampling and testing smoke-exposed specialty crops and smoke-affected products, including fast and inexpensive screening methods;
(B)
establishing a reliable database of background levels of smoke exposure compounds that occur naturally in specialty crops;
(C)
developing risk assessment tools or mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke exposure; and
(D)
studying compounds that can act as a barrier between specialty crops and smoke compounds.
(18) Invasive species research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to manage or eradicate (including through methods of biocontrol and sterile insect techniques) invasive species of plants and animals, such as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).
(19) Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on farmland
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including structural firefighting foam, in land-applied biosolids or compost on farmland, including by—
(A)
conducting surveys and collecting data on concentration, particle size, and chemical composition of such substances in land-applied biosolids on farmland;
(B)
the development or analysis of techniques, including wastewater treatment and composting, to filter out or biodegrade such substances from biosolids intended to be used for agricultural purposes;
(C)
conducting an analysis of the impact on agricultural crops and soil health of such substances in land-applied biosolids on farmland, including the uptake of such substances by various crops or livestock;
(D)
conducting research to better understand how wastewater processing impacts such substances;
(E)
conducting research to better understand the fate, residence time, and transport of such substances on farmland; and
(F)
conducting research on how to remediate soil and water systems contaminated with such substances.
(20) Agricultural byproducts research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of converting agricultural byproducts or forest residuals into valuable materials and products, including innovations in production processes for easily deployable refining facilities, developing alternatives to agricultural burning, and fostering energy production through recycling animal byproducts, wet waste, and plant-based waste.
(21) Soil health research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of—
(A)
developing management practices that improve soil health, including establishing tools that aid soil preservation or improve composition of soil organic compounds that are beneficial to soil quality and the environment; and
(B)
disseminating such practices through methods such as innovative coursework and work-based learning.
(22) White oak research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of white oak research, including conducting research on—
(A)
white oak genes with resistance and stress tolerance;
(B)
white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the purpose of increasing survival and growth;
(C)
establishing a diverse white oak seed bank capable of responding to stressors;
(D)
providing a sustainable supply of white oak seedlings and genetic resources;
(E)
reforestation of white oak through natural and artificial regeneration; and
(F)
the best methods for reforesting abandoned mine land sites.
(23) Alternative growing media research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of developing and enhancing research on the characterization, utilization, and evaluation of alternative growing media, including science-based techniques that maximize functions in the growth of plants and harvest yields.
(24) Rangeland research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the development of forage production and improved grazing and range management, including the adoption of virtual fencing technology that simultaneously enhance wildlife habitat, protect watersheds, and reduce hazards of erosion and flooding.
(25) Specialty crop mechanization and automation research
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing and evaluating mechanization and automation technologies for specialty crops.;
(2)
in subsection (e)(5), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(3)
in subsection (f)(5), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(4)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(C)
in paragraph (3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(5)
by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
(6)
by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
(h) Report
Not later than February 1, 2028, and not less frequently than once every other year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing how the Department carried out research and extension activities specified in subsections (d) through (f) for the previous two fiscal years, including the amount of funding allocated to each high-priority research and extension initiative, through—
(1)
amounts made available under appropriations Acts to the Agricultural Research Service;
(2)
amounts made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under capacity and infrastructure programs (as defined in section 251 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971));
(3)
amounts made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under competitive programs (as defined in such section); and
(4)
amounts made available through other agencies within the Department.; and
(7)
in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7205. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative
Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(2)
by striking subsection (e);
(3)
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e); and
(4)
in subsection (e), as so redesignated—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (3).
Sec. 7206. Farm business management
Section 1672D(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7207. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production research, education, and extension initiative
Section 1672E(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925g(a))—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee established under section 222(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
and inserting the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee and the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production established under section 222 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923)
; and
(B)
by striking emerging agricultural production
and inserting emerging agricultural production practices (as described in subsection (a)(3) of such section)
;
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking emerging agricultural production
and inserting emerging agricultural production practices
;
(3)
in paragraph (7), by striking or
at the end;
(4)
in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(9)
managing waste streams to improve the environmental footprint; or
(10)
advising land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), minority-serving institutions (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a))), junior or community colleges (as defined in section 312(f) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1058(f))), and vocational schools, with respect to career and technical education.
Sec. 7208. Centers of excellence
Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting the following:
(a) Centers of excellence
(1) In general
The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish at least one center of excellence for the purpose of carrying out research, extension, or education activities for each of the areas of focus described in paragraph (3).
(2) Host institutions
(A) In general
Institutions eligible to host or co-host a center of excellence established under this subsection include—
(i)
1862 Institutions, as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601);
(ii)
1890 Institutions, as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601);
(iii)
1994 Institutions, as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note);
(iv)
non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103);
(v)
Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges or universities, as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103); and
(vi)
accredited schools of veterinary medicine.
(B) Distribution
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the geographic diversity of institutions selected to host or co-host a center of excellence established under this subsection.
(C) Limitation
An institution may host or co-host only one center of excellence under this subsection at a time.
(D) Duties
The institution or institutions selected to host or co-host a center of excellence established under this subsection shall partner with the Agricultural Research Service, other Federal agencies, State governments, other institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), agricultural industry groups, or other relevant entities to—
(i)
reduce duplicative efforts and focus on filling gaps across research, extension, or education activities by enhancing coordination and improving cost-effectiveness;
(ii)
leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships;
(iii)
implement training and educational initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities;
(iv)
increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues;
(v)
rapidly respond to emerging issues that threaten any sector of the United States agricultural industry;
(vi)
focus on workforce development for employers to recruit and retain high-quality employees in rural areas; and
(vii)
engage in assistance for administrative management and education regarding potentially valuable intellectual property derived from federally-supported research, extension, or education activities.
(3) Areas of focus
(A) Aquaculture
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on developing and applying aquaculture methods, including through the propagation and rearing of economically and ecologically valuable aquatic and marine species.
(B) Beginning farmers and ranchers
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension or education activities focused on training beginning farmers and ranchers, including farm and agribusiness management, mentoring and technical assistance, and access to capital.
(C) Biosecurity and cybersecurity
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity efforts to defend the United States food supply from any attacks.
(D) Biosystems and agricultural engineering
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on biosystems and agricultural engineering, including precision agriculture technologies and mechanization and automation technologies for specialty crops.
(E) Biotechnology
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on development of animal and plant biotechnologies that will increase agricultural productivity.
(F) Crop production, protection, and resilience
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on crop production and protection, including the development, manufacture, and use of fertilizer, crop protection tools, and adjuvants in increasing productivity and protecting crops from damaging pests and diseases.
(G) Digital agriculture
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on developing, evaluating, and deploying digital agriculture, including artificial intelligence and remote sensing systems.
(H) Farm business and financial management
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on farm business and financial management activities, including marketing plans, production diversification, and cash forward contracting.
(I) Food quality
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on improving food quality, including research on the uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food, the presence of microplastics in biosolids, and the efficacy and feasibility of reducing levels of inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, or mercury in food.
(J) Foreign animal disease
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on foreign animal diseases, including the ecology and etiology of emerging diseases, control methods, and implementation strategies to enhance preparedness and response efforts to protect the livestock and poultry industry.
(K) Forestry
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on forest productivity and forest health, including invasive species control, biochar and pyrolysis development and commercialization, reforestation and restoration of damaged landscapes, and new wood-based materials.
(L) Invasive species
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on the control and eradication of invasive species that pose a persistent and growing threat to United States agricultural production, forest resources, global food security, and rural economies.
(M) Livestock and poultry
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on issues impacting livestock (including equines) and poultry production in the United States, including economic research to understand policy implications for producers.
(N) Veterinary medicine
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on developing additional veterinarians, including large animal veterinarians, to address the veterinarian shortage in rural areas.
(O) Water quality and quantity
A center of excellence established under this subsection may engage in research, extension, or education activities focused on water quality and quantity efforts, including drought, water management, natural resource benefits, and the health and resilience of the water supply in the United States.
(4) Terms
(A) Duration
The term of an award under this subsection shall be for a five-year period, and may be renewed for not more than one additional five-year period.
(B) Construction prohibited
Funds made available under this subsection shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees).
(5) Annual report
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this subsection, and every year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing—
(A)
the projects initiated by each center of excellence established under this subsection in the preceding year;
(B)
the amount of funding for each such project and the funding source;
(C)
the institutions participating in each such project and their shares of the overall funding for each project;
(D)
the level of cost sharing for each such project;
(E)
any technology transfer and intellectual property management actions taken by each such center of excellence, such as the number of relevant invention disclosures, any provisional patents filed, any non-provisional patents filed and issued, the number of licenses executed, and any start-up companies registered; and
(F)
any additional information deemed necessary.;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b);
(3)
in subsection (b), as so redesignated—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking The Secretary
and inserting In addition to the centers of excellence established under subsection (a), the Secretary
; and
(ii)
by striking not less than 3 centers of excellence
and inserting not less than 8 centers of excellence
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
in the subparagraph heading, by striking and workforce development
and inserting , workforce development, and rural studies
; and
(II)
by inserting economics, psychology, rural sociology, data sciences,
after mathematics,
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (E), by inserting and nature-based solutions to improve the composition of soil organic compounds, including carbon, that are beneficial to soil quality and the environment
before the period at the end; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(G) Forest health and conservation
A center of excellence established under paragraph (1) may focus on forest health, sustainable forest management, agroforestry, enhancing forest resilience to catastrophic wildfire, supporting rural infrastructure, and urban and community forestry programs to promote healthy forest ecosystems and resilient communities.
(H) Food safety, bioprocessing, and value-added agriculture
A center of excellence established under paragraph (1) may focus on food safety, bioprocessing, value-added agriculture enterprise development, and innovative food and agriculture product development.; and
(C)
in paragraph (3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7209. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities
Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(F)
provide education and support to youth and young adults with disabilities interested in farming and farm-related occupations.; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7210. Farming opportunities training and outreach
Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by striking Secretary of Agriculture
and inserting Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
; and
(ii)
by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in subparagraph (F), by inserting and organizations that provide training and technical assistance in budgeting, business planning, and similar financial and management skills that focus on the ongoing economic viability of beginning farm and ranch enterprises
after veteran farmers and ranchers
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (I)(ii), by striking shall include a broad representation of peers of the eligible entity
and inserting shall include a broad representation of individuals with demonstrated expertise in farm business management
; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (J), by striking to the eligible entities providing that technical assistance
and inserting to the needs of farmers and ranchers’ ongoing economic viability
;
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking subparagraph (J); and
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraphs (K), (L), (M), (N), and (O) as subparagraphs (J), (K), (L), (M) and (N), respectively;
(C)
in paragraph (8), by striking to partnerships and collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental, community-based organizations and school-based educational organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach
and inserting to programs that provide training and technical assistance in budgeting, business planning, and similar financial and management skills that focus on the ongoing economic viability of beginning farm and ranch enterprises
; and
(D)
in paragraph (12)(B), by striking a broad representation of peers of the applicant for the grant or cooperative agreement
and inserting a broad representation of the United States agriculture industry and individuals with demonstrated expertise in farm business management
; and
(3)
in subsection (l)(2), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7211. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse
Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7212. Repeal
Subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) is repealed.
Sec. 7213. Researching the transition to organic
Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1673 (7 U.S.C. 5926) the following:
1674. Researching the transition to organic
(a) Competitive specialized research and extension grants authorized
The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the
Secretary), in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, may make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities relating to the transition of nonorganic production systems into organic agricultural production systems for the purposes of—(1)
overcoming barriers to transitioning to organic agricultural production;
(2)
documenting and understanding the effects of organic practices on ecosystem services, including soil health and fertility, greenhouse gas mitigation and sequestration, water management, biodiversity-related services, and pest management; and
(3)
developing improved technologies, methods, models, and metrics to document, describe, and optimize ecosystem services of transitioning agricultural production into organic management.
(b) Grant administration
Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter.
Subtitle C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998
Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance program
Section 405 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (d);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (e) through (j) as subsections (d) through (i), respectively; and
(3)
in subsection (i), as so redesignated, by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program
Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(f)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by fusarium graminearum or by tilletia indica
Section 408(e)(3) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)(3)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations
Section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative
Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (f)(3), by striking subsection (d) and (j)
and inserting subsections (d), (j), and (k)
;
(2)
in subsection (g)(3), by adding at the end the following:
(C) Waiver
The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect to a grant if the Secretary determines that—
(i)
the results of the grant are of a particular benefit to a specific specialty crop, but such results are likely to be applicable to specialty crops or agricultural commodities, generally; or
(ii)
(I)
the grant—
(aa)
involves a minor commodity; and
(bb)
deals with scientifically important research; and
(II)
the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.;
(3)
in subsection (j)(5), by striking subsection (k)(1)(C)
and inserting subsection (l)(1)(C)
;
(4)
by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l);
(5)
by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
(k) Specialty crop mechanization and automation research and extension program
The Secretary shall establish a competitive research and extension grant program to award grants to eligible entities to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops in the United States through the advancement and acceleration of mechanization and automation, including projects that—
(1)
create or improve cost-effective mechanization and automation technologies to—
(A)
reduce the manual labor requirements of a specialty crop grower; or
(B)
increase the efficiency of—
(i)
crop production;
(ii)
resource management;
(iii)
harvesting;
(iv)
processing;
(v)
post-harvest technologies; or
(vi)
packing;
(2)
increase adoption of mechanization and automation technologies by—
(A)
emphasizing adoption drivers, including—
(i)
connectivity;
(ii)
autonomy;
(iii)
reliability;
(iv)
durability;
(v)
in-field validation; or
(vi)
cost-effectiveness; or
(B)
investing in, and developing human capital to, increase the capacity to—
(i)
utilize new technologies; or
(ii)
manage a more tech-focused farm workforce; or
(3)
accelerate automation and mechanization through—
(A)
prototype development;
(B)
in-field trial testing;
(C)
ongoing industry engagement; or
(D)
rapid commercialization.; and
(6)
in subsection (l), as redesignated by paragraph (4)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
(C) Reservation for specialty crop mechanization and automation research and extension program
For each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall reserve not less than $30,000,000 of the funds made available under subparagraph (B) to carry out the program established under subsection (k).; and
(ii)
by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
(D) Reallocation
Notwithstanding paragraph (4), any funds reserved under subparagraph (C) that remain unobligated at the end of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which such funds are first made available shall be reallocated to carry out activities of the specialty crop research initiative established under subsection (b).;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in the paragraph heading, by striking for fiscal years 2014 through 2023
; and
(ii)
by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(C)
by striking paragraph (3); and
(D)
by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively.
Sec. 7306. Agriculture grants for veteran education and training services
Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7624 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
414. Agriculture grants for veteran education and training services
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary will award competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching opportunities for veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States Code).
(b) Eligible entities
An entity is eligible for a grant under this section if such entity is—
(1)
a cooperative extension service;
(2)
a land-grant college or university (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
(3)
a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in such section);
(4)
a Hispanic-serving agricultural college and university (as defined in such section);
(5)
a State department of agriculture;
(6)
a nonprofit organization;
(7)
a community-based organization; or
(8)
a combination of 2 or more eligible entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).
(c) Use of funds
An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the funds received through the grant—
(1)
to provide training and classroom education that leads to a comprehensive understanding of farm and ranch business operations and management practices;
(2)
to develop or identify curriculum that veteran farmers and ranchers can adopt to help manage their enterprise;
(3)
to offer education, workshops, tours, and instructor-supervised field experiences; or
(4)
to support any other activity, as identified by the Secretary, to increase the number of veterans pursuing knowledge and skills development in agriculture.
(d) Matching funds
An entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide non-Federal matching funds for the purposes of carrying out this section in an amount equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031.
Sec. 7307. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program
Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7308. Office of Pest Management Policy
Section 614(f)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7309. Forestry products advanced utilization research
Section 617(f)(1) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7655b(f)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7310. Repeals
The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
by striking section 404 (7 U.S.C. 7624); and
(2)
by striking section 411 (7 U.S.C. 7631).
Subtitle D Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Sec. 7401. Grazinglands research laboratory
Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking , or otherwise be conveyed or transferred in whole or in part, for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2026
and inserting , beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act
.
Sec. 7402. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
Section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting , including crisis hotlines
after websites
;
(2)
in subsection (d), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(3)
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
(4)
by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
(f) Referrals to providers
As part of the efforts of the recipient of a grant under subsection (a) to connect individuals to behavioral health counseling and wellness support and to ensure individuals have access to a comprehensive scope of mental health and substance use treatments and supports, when applicable, the grant recipient may establish referral relationships with—
(1)
certified community behavioral health clinics described in section 223 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. 1396a note; Public Law 113–93);
(2)
health centers (as defined in section 330(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(a)));
(3)
rural health clinics (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)));
(4)
Federally qualified health centers (as defined in that section); and
(5)
critical access hospitals (as defined in section 1861(mm) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(mm))).
Sec. 7403. Sun grant program
Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by inserting and bioproduct
before technologies
;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking product
and inserting bioproduct
; and
(C)
in paragraph (3), by striking product
and inserting bioproduct
;
(2)
in subsection (c)(2), by striking 4 percent
and inserting 30 percent
; and
(3)
in subsection (g), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7404. Repeals
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
by striking section 7521 (7 U.S.C. 3202); and
(2)
by striking section 7525 (7 U.S.C. 5937).
Subtitle E Amendments to Other Laws
Sec. 7501. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994
The Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended—
(1)
in section 533(b), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(2)
in section 534(a)(1), by striking equal to
and inserting that is not less than
;
(3)
in section 535, by striking 2023
each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2031
; and
(4)
in section 536—
(A)
in subsection (a), by inserting before the period at the end the following: and to acquire, alter, repair, maintain, and operate relevant equipment necessary for strengthening the capacity of the Institution to conduct research in the food and agricultural sciences
;
(B)
by striking subsection (b);
(C)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(D)
in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7502. Research Facilities Act
Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7503. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
Subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)(iii)—
(i)
by inserting regionally adapted
before cultivar
; and
(ii)
by inserting breeding for environmental resilience,
before and participatory breeding
;
(B)
in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting , including methods of increasing survival rate and adaptability of shellfish
after aquaculture
;
(C)
in subparagraph (E)—
(i)
in clause (iv), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
in clause (v), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(vi)
hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, and other production technologies used in controlled-environment agriculture production.; and
(D)
in subparagraph (F)—
(i)
in clause (i), by inserting , including supply chain coordination and capacity building
after overseas markets
;
(ii)
in clause (vii), by striking ; and
at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(iii)
in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
(ix)
workforce training and development, including meat and poultry processing (including rendering) and precision agriculture; and
(x)
reducing food loss and food waste.;
(2)
in paragraph (7)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (I) as subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively;
(B)
by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
(D)
area career and technical education schools;; and
(C)
in subparagraph (J), as so redesignated, by striking (H)
and inserting (I)
; and
(3)
in paragraph (11)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7504. Extension design and demonstration initiative
Subsection (d)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(d)(6)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7505. Biomass research and development
Section 9008(h)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108(h)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7506. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978
The Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 6 (16 U.S.C. 1675), in the first sentence, by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
in section 8 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7507. National Aquaculture Act of 1980
The National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 4 (16 U.S.C. 2803)—
(A)
in subsection (a)(2), by striking acquaculture
and inserting aquaculture
;
(B)
in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , not less than once every 3 years,
after periodic reviews
; and
(C)
in subsection (e)—
(i)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , not less than once every 3 years,
after undertake a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States
;
(ii)
in paragraph (5), by striking and
at the end;
(iii)
in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
(7)
a catalog of new and existing capital constraints, as described in the capital requirements plan formulated under section 8(b), that affect the development of the aquaculture industry in the United States; and
(8)
a catalog of new and existing Federal or State regulatory barriers, as described in the regulatory constraints plan formulated under section 9(b), to the initiation and operation of commercial aquaculture ventures.;
(2)
in section 5 (16 U.S.C. 2804), by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
(d) Aquaculture advisory committee
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the Aquaculture Advisory Committee (referred to in this subsection as the
Committee), to advise the Secretary on—(A)
oversight of programs of the Department and other members of the coordinating group to support development of, and to advance, aquaculture best practices using the best available science, in consultation with farmers and industry partners;
(B)
providing technical assistance to aquaculture farmers and businesses, including technical assistance that pertains to shellfish, algae, and land-based aquaculture systems, using the best available science; and
(C)
any other aspects of the implementation of this Act.
(2) Membership
(A) In general
The Committee shall be composed of 14 members, who are not officers or employees of the Federal Government.
(B) Initial appointments
The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Committee not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section.
(C) Period of initial appointment; vacancies
(i) In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), a member of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
(ii) Initial appointments
Of the members first appointed to the Committee—
(I)
5 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 3 years;
(II)
5 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and
(III)
4 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 1 year.
(iii) Vacancies
Any vacancy in the Committee—
(I)
shall not affect the powers of the Committee; and
(II)
shall be filled as soon as practicable in the same manner as the original appointment.
(D) Consecutive terms
An initial appointee of the Committee may serve an additional consecutive term if the member is reappointed by the Secretary.
(3) Meetings
(A) Frequency
The Committee shall meet not fewer than 3 times per year.
(B) Initial meeting
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the members are appointed under paragraph (2)(B), the Committee shall hold the first meeting of the Committee.
(4) Duties
The Committee shall—
(A)
develop recommendations and advise the Secretary on aquaculture policies, initiatives, and outreach administered by the Department;
(B)
evaluate and review ongoing research and extension activities relating to aquaculture practices;
(C)
identify new and existing barriers to successful aquaculture practices; and
(D)
provide additional assistance and advice to the Secretary as appropriate.
(5) Personnel matters
(A) Compensation
A member of the Committee shall serve without compensation.
(B) Travel expenses
A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
(6) Termination
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Committee shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date on which the members are appointed under paragraph (2)(B).
(B) Extensions
Before the date on which the Committee terminates, the Secretary may renew the Committee for 1 or more 2-year periods.
(e) Annual report
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and each year thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the coordinating group and in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior, shall prepare on an annual basis, and submit to Congress, a report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Such report shall contain—
(1)
a description and evaluation of the actions undertaken with respect to the Plan during the reporting period;
(2)
an explanation of any revisions made to the Plan during the reporting period;
(3)
the results of the continuing assessment established under section 4(e);
(4)
an evaluation of the role each Federal department or agency has in supporting the aquaculture industry;
(5)
the total amount and value of expenditures of Federal departments or agencies on—
(A)
aquaculture purchases;
(B)
aquaculture promotion and outreach supporting the aquaculture industry;
(C)
grants made to the aquaculture industry; and
(D)
grants to facilitate aquaculture research and the subject matter of such research;
(6)
a summary of the activities and recommendations of the Aquaculture Advisory Committee established under subsection (d);
(7)
a summary of the activities and recommendations of the coordinating group; and
(8)
such other comments and recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate.; and
(3)
in section 10 (16 U.S.C. 2809), by striking 2023
each place it appears in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7508. Reports on disbursement of funds for agricultural research and extension at 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University
Section 7116 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 2207d) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Not later than
and inserting the following:
(a) In general
Not later than; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(b) Outreach
Not later than February 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide information relating to each matching requirement applicable to the State under the programs referred to in subsection (a) to the Governor and legislature of each State in which an 1862 Institution or 1890 Institution (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)) is located.
(c) Attestations
(1) In general
Not less frequently than once each calendar year, the Governor of each State described in subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an attestation that describes if the State is able to fulfill each matching requirement with respect to which information is provided by the Secretary under such subsection for such State and calendar year.
(2) Reports
Not later than December 31 of each calendar year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available on the website of the Department of Agriculture, an annual report describing the attestations received under paragraph (1) during that calendar year.
Sec. 7509. Repeal
Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (title XIV of Public Law 99–198; 99 Stat. 1556) is repealed.
Sec. 7510. Amendment to Smith-Lever Act
Section 3(b)(3) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)) is amended by inserting after for the purposes set forth in section 2
the following: , and for 1994 Institutions to acquire, alter, repair, maintain, and operate relevant equipment necessary to strengthen the capacity of such 1994 Institutions to achieve the purposes set forth in section 2
.
Subtitle F Other Matters
Sec. 7601. Foundation for food and agriculture research
Section 7601 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5939) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
in clause (ii), by striking of Agriculture; and
and inserting a semicolon; and
(ii)
by striking clause (iii); and
(B)
in subparagraph (C), by striking the roadmap for agricultural research, education, and extension authorized by section 7504 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7614a)
and inserting the national research policies and priorities set forth in section 1402 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101)
;
(2)
in subsection (e)(2)(C)(i)—
(A)
in subclause (I), by striking National Academy of Sciences
and inserting National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board established under section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123)
; and
(B)
in subclause (II), by striking industry
and inserting national farm, producer, or research organizations
; and
(3)
in subsection (f)(3)(B)(i)—
(A)
in subclause (I)—
(i)
in the matter preceding item (aa), by striking and post online
and inserting online and submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
;
(ii)
in item (bb), by striking and
at the end;
(iii)
in item (cc), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
(dd)
the source and a description of all gifts to the Foundation of real or personal property;
(ee)
the source and amount of each gift to the Foundation of money, including a specification of any restrictions on the purposes for which a gift to the Foundation may be used;
(ff)
the source and amount of any Federal or State grant, contract, or cooperative agreement awarded to the Foundation;
(gg)
an accounting of the use of funds made available under subsection (g)(1);
(hh)
a description of the Foundation’s outreach activities to agricultural stakeholders and potential research partners; and
(ii)
a description of the Foundation’s consultation process with the Department under subsection (d)(1)(B).;
(B)
by striking subclauses (II) and (III); and
(C)
by redesignating subclause (IV) as subclause (II).
Sec. 7602. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program
Section 6402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking Each Agriculture Innovation Center
and inserting Subject to paragraph (3), each Agriculture Innovation Center
; and
(ii)
by striking following::
and inserting following:
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Waiver
The Secretary may waive the requirement described in paragraph (2) with respect to an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that the eligible entity has a board of directors adequate for the purpose of carrying out this section.; and
(2)
in subsection (g), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 7603. Livestock insects laboratory
Public Law 100–208 (101 Stat. 1439) is amended by striking Knipling-Bushland Research Laboratory
each place it appears and inserting Knipling-Bushland Research Center
.
Sec. 7604. U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center
(a) Designation
The U.S. National Poultry Research Center of the Department of Agriculture located in Athens, Georgia shall be known and designated as the U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center
.
(b) References
Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center
.
Sec. 7605. Hatch Act of 1887
Section 5 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is amended—
(1)
in the second sentence—
(A)
by striking known as a director
and inserting known as an experiment station director
; and
(B)
by striking or other officer appointed by the government board of the station
;
(2)
in the third sentence, by striking or other officer
; and
(3)
in the fourth sentence, by striking the authorized receiving officer
and inserting the experiment station director
.
Sec. 7606. Commission on national agricultural statistics service modernization
(a) Establishment
There is established a commission to be known as the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization (referred to in this section as the Commission
).
(b) Study
The Commission shall conduct a study of the National Agricultural Statistics Service and provide recommendations on—
(1)
how data collection can be modernized and streamlined to—
(A)
improve the quality of statistics reported;
(B)
account for differences of national, regional, and local production;
(C)
accelerate adoption of new and innovative technologies to reduce the number of surveys needed;
(D)
improve producer response rates in statistical surveys and identifying ways to reduce survey fatigue;
(E)
increase transparency and confidence in statistical reports through improved collaboration with agricultural stakeholders;
(F)
use more real-time statistical and environmental data to complement existing survey-based data and reporting; and
(G)
improve collection and generation of timely data on the specialty crop industry; and
(2)
how the recommendations under paragraph (1) with respect to modernizing and streamlining data collection can be implemented and the estimated costs of such implementation.
(c) Membership
(1) Composition
The Commission shall be composed of 11 members, as follows:
(A)
The Administrator of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
(B)
The Administrator of the Economic Research Service.
(C)
The Chief Economist of the Department.
(D)
The Chair of the World Agricultural Outlook Board of the Department.
(E)
A representative from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(F)
3 members appointed by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, of which—
(i)
1 shall be appointed by the chair of the Committee;
(ii)
1 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee; and
(iii)
1 shall be appointed jointly by the chair and ranking member of the Committee.
(G)
3 members appointed by the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, of which—
(i)
1 shall be appointed by the chair of the Committee;
(ii)
1 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee; and
(iii)
1 shall be appointed jointly by the chair and ranking member of the Committee.
(2) Date of appointments
The appointment of all members of the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Term; vacancies
(A) Term
A member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.
(B) Vacancies
A vacancy on the Commission—
(i)
shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and
(ii)
shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
(4) Initial meeting
Not later than 60 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.
(d) Quorum
A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(e) Chair
The Chair of the Commission shall be selected by a majority of the members of the Commission.
(f) Report
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President, the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report containing the results of the study required by subsection (b), including—
(1)
an inventory of surveys conducted by the Commission, and the frequency with which they are conducted; and
(2)
such recommendations for administrative, regulatory, and legislative changes as the Commission considers appropriate.
(g) Hearings
The Commission shall hold such hearings, meet and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this section.
(h) Stakeholder engagement
The Commission shall establish a process to collect feedback from agricultural stakeholders to inform the results of the study required under subsection (b) and the report required under subsection (f).
(i) Information from Federal agencies
The Commission may secure directly from a Federal agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this section. On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall provide the information to the Commission.
(j) Postal services
The Commission may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government.
(k) Assistance from secretary
The Secretary shall provide to the Commission appropriate office space and such reasonable administrative and support services as the Commission may request.
(l) Compensation of members
(1) Non-Federal employees
A member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission.
(2) Federal employees
A member of the Commission who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(3) Travel expenses
A member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Commission.
(m) Federal advisory committee act
Sections 1009 and 1013 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Commission or any proceeding of the Commission.
(n) Termination
The Commission shall terminate on September 30, 2031.
(o) Funding
Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended.
Sec. 7607. Restoration of 4–H name and emblem authority
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) 4–H club
(A) In general
The term 4–H club means a 4–H club recognized under the 4–H Program.
(B) Inclusion
The term 4–H club includes an authorized agent of a 4–H club.
(2) 4–H emblem or name
The term 4–H emblem or name means the 4–H sign or emblem, consisting of a green four-leaf clover with stem and the letter H
in white or gold on each leaflet, and the words 4–H
, 4–H Club
, and 4–H Clubs
, used to identify and distinguish the 4–H Program and the activities, clubs, members, goods, and services of the 4–H Program.
(3) 4–H program
The term 4–H Program—
(A) In general
The term 4–H Program means the youth development program of the land-grant colleges or universities, the Cooperative Extension System (as defined by the Secretary), and the Department.
(B) Inclusion
The term 4–H Program includes an authorized agent of the 4–H Program.
(4) Land-grant college or university
The term land-grant college or university—
(A) In general
The term land-grant college or university means an 1862 Institution, an 1890 Institution, or a 1994 Institution (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)).
(B) Inclusion
The term land-grant college or university includes an authorized agent of a land-grant college or university.
(b) Effect of repeal; ratification
(1) Civil acts
Any civil act or action of the 4–H Program, a 4–H club, the Secretary, or a land-grant college or university taken with respect to the use of the 4–H emblem or name, or the recognition of any 4–H club, during the period beginning on May 8, 1914, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, is deemed to be of legal force and effect and ratified as if section 1002(3) of the Clean Up the Code Act of 2019 (title X of division O of Public Law 116–260; 134 Stat. 2155) had not been enacted into law.
(2) Effect on criminal law
Nothing in this subsection affects the effect on criminal law of the repeal made by section 1002(3) of the Clean Up the Code Act of 2019 (title X of division O of Public Law 116–260; 134 Stat. 2155).
(c) Authorizations for use of 4–H emblem or name; fees; deposits
(1) Authorization
The Secretary may—
(A)
use the 4–H emblem or name; and
(B)
grant authorizations to use the 4–H emblem or name, as provided by regulations issued by the Secretary.
(2) Fees
An authorization under paragraph (1) may be granted—
(A)
without a fee or other consideration; or
(B)
for a fee or other consideration.
(3) Use of fees
The Secretary shall deposit into a special account any fees collected under paragraph (2)(B), the amounts in which shall remain available to the Secretary until expended, without further appropriation, for furthering the 4–H Program.
(d) Unauthorized use of 4–H emblem or name
(1) Prohibition
Whoever, other than the 4–H Program, a 4–H club, the Department, a land-grant college or university, and those authorized by them, uses in commerce the 4–H emblem or name or any reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation of the 4–H emblem or name to indicate membership in an association, organization, or other collective group, or in connection with the sale, offering for sale, distribution, or advertising of goods or services, on or in connection with which that use is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive as to membership or participation in, an affiliation, connection, or association with, or authorization or approval by, a 4–H club or the 4–H Program, shall be subject to the civil action under paragraph (2).
(2) Civil action
The Attorney General, on behalf of the Secretary, or contract counsel procured by the Secretary, may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States against whoever engages in any of the prohibited acts described in paragraph (1) for the remedies provided in the Act of July 5, 1946 (commonly known as the Trademark Act of 1946
or the Lanham Act
) (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.).
(e) Savings clauses
(1) Prior authorized uses
Nothing in this section makes unlawful the use of any emblem, name, sign, symbol, insignia, or words that was lawful on December 26, 2020.
(2) Delegation
Nothing in this section limits the authority of the Secretary to delegate the authority of the Secretary as otherwise authorized by law.
Sec. 7608. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics
Section 251 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(3)
be responsible for the coordination of research activities with other Federal agencies.;
(2)
in subsection (e)(3)(C), by striking not less than 3 years
and inserting not less than 1 year
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(h) Interagency coordination
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities focused on the joint advancement of the mission requirements and priorities of the Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies.
(2) Memoranda of understanding
(A) Department of Energy
(i) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy(referred to in this subparagraph as the
Secretaries) shall coordinate the activities under paragraph (1) through the establishment of memoranda of understanding or other appropriate interagency agreements. Such a memorandum or such an agreement shall require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process as appropriate. Activities may include components proposed by Federal agencies, National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other entities deemed appropriate under the memorandum or agreement.(ii) Coordination
In carrying out the activities under paragraph (1), the Secretaries may—
(I)
conduct collaborative research in a variety of focus areas;
(II)
develop methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information with variable accuracy and scale;
(III)
promote collaboration and open community-based development between—
(aa)
Federal agencies;
(bb)
National Laboratories;
(cc)
institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001));
(dd)
nonprofit institutions;
(ee)
industry partners; and
(ff)
other entities deemed appropriate under the memorandum or agreement involved;
(IV)
support research infrastructure, including new facilities and equipment, and workforce development as the Secretaries determine necessary;
(V)
conduct collaborative research, development, and demonstration of methods and technologies; and
(VI)
facilitate relations between public and private entities to carry on the activities of this clause upon the termination of any agreement established under this subparagraph.
(iii) Agreements
In carrying out the activities under this subparagraph, the Secretaries are authorized to—
(I)
carry out reimbursable agreements between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, and other entities in order to maximize the effectiveness of research and development; and
(II)
collaborate with other Federal agencies, as appropriate.
(B) National Science Foundation
(i) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary and the Director of the National Science Foundation (referred to in this subparagraph as the “Director”) shall coordinate the activities under paragraph (1) through the establishment of memoranda of understanding or other appropriate interagency agreements. Such a memorandum or such an agreement shall require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process as appropriate. Activities may include components proposed by Federal agencies, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other entities deemed appropriate under the memorandum or agreement.
(ii) Coordination
In carrying out the activities under paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Director may—
(I)
conduct collaborative research in a variety of focus areas;
(II)
promote collaboration and open, community-based development between—
(aa)
Federal agencies;
(bb)
institutions of higher education;
(cc)
community colleges (as defined in section 3167B of the Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381c–3));
(dd)
area career and technical education schools (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302));
(ee)
nonprofit institutions;
(ff)
industry partners; and
(gg)
other entities deemed appropriate under the memorandum or agreement;
(III)
support research infrastructure, including new facilities, equipment and broadband deployment, as the Secretary and Director determine necessary;
(IV)
develop translational technologies for commercial utilization;
(V)
organize education, training, and research initiatives relating to STEM education and workforce development, which may include—
(aa)
activities supported by the Cooperative Extension System;
(bb)
industrial partnership programs;
(cc)
workshops for educating kindergarten through grade 12 teachers on how to increase agricultural literacy;
(dd)
development of agricultural-based science curricula for kindergarten through grade 12 students; and
(ee)
distribution of resources for educators to implement curricula; and
(VI)
facilitate relationships between public and private entities to carry on the activities under this clause upon the termination of any agreement established under this subparagraph.
(iii) Agreements
In carrying out the activities under this subparagraph, the Secretary and the Director are authorized to—
(I)
carry out reimbursable agreements between the Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, and other entities in order to maximize the effectiveness of research and development; and
(II)
collaborate with other Federal agencies as appropriate.
(C) Department of Defense
(i) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (referred to in this subparagraph as the
Secretaries) shall coordinate the activities under paragraph (1) through the establishment of memoranda of understanding or other appropriate interagency agreements. Such a memorandum or such an agreement shall require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process as appropriate. Activities may include components proposed by Federal agencies, National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, industry, and other entities deemed appropriate under the memorandum or agreement.(ii) Coordination
In carrying out the activities under paragraph (1), the Secretaries may—
(I)
conduct collaborative research in a variety of focus areas, including the areas specified in clause (iv);
(II)
develop methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information with variable accuracy and scale;
(III)
promote collaboration and secure information sharing with stakeholders that are capable of increasing market-based adoption of technologies developed pursuant to the memoranda of understanding or other appropriate interagency agreements entered into under this subparagraph;
(IV)
promote collaboration and open community-based development between—
(aa)
Federal agencies;
(bb)
National Laboratories;
(cc)
institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001));
(dd)
nonprofit institutions;
(ee)
industry partners; and
(ff)
other entities deemed appropriate under the memorandum or agreement involved;
(V)
support research infrastructure, including new facilities and equipment, and workforce development as the Secretaries determine necessary;
(VI)
conduct collaborative research, development, and demonstration of methods and technologies; and
(VII)
facilitate relations between public and private entities to carry on the activities of this clause upon the termination of any agreement established under this subparagraph.
(iii) Agreements
In carrying out the activities under this subparagraph, the Secretaries are authorized to—
(I)
carry out reimbursable agreements between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, and other entities in order to maximize the effectiveness of research and development; and
(II)
collaborate with other Federal agencies, as appropriate.
(iv) Focus areas described
The focus areas described in this clause are the following:
(I)
Management strategies for water, energy, soil, forests, and food to reduce scarcity risks to civilian and military operations.
(II)
Innovations applicable to defense objectives and beneficial to rural agricultural economies, including—
(aa)
precision agriculture technologies;
(bb)
drones;
(cc)
remote sensing; and
(dd)
positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities.
(III)
Mitigation of the impacts of chemicals, specifically perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly referred to as PFAS), released through activities carried out by the Department of Defense, to farmland contiguous to military bases.
(D) Other Federal agencies
In addition to the memoranda of understanding with Federal agencies described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary shall, as appropriate, enter into memoranda of understanding with the heads of other Federal agencies to coordinate the activities under paragraph (1).
(3) Report
Not later than two years after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing—
(A)
interagency coordination between each Federal agency involved in the research and development activities carried out under this section;
(B)
potential opportunities to expand the technical capabilities of each Federal agency involved in the research and development activities carried out under this section;
(C)
collaborative research achievements;
(D)
areas of future mutually beneficial successes;
(E)
continuation of coordination activities between each Federal agency involved in the research and development activities carried out under this section;
(F)
potential opportunities for additional memoranda of understanding with other Federal agencies; and
(G)
any additional information as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(4) Research security
The activities authorized under this section shall be applied in a manner consistent with subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.)).
Sec. 7609. Agricultural Innovation Corps
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish an Agricultural Innovation Corps (referred to in this section as the Ag I–Corps
) to promote technology transfer and increase the economic impact of federally-funded research through—
(1)
supporting agricultural researchers, students, and institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), in exploring the commercial potential of technologies developed in laboratories through a standardized entrepreneurial training program; and
(2)
bringing together Agriculture Research Service researchers and institutions of higher education within a distinct geographical region to collaborate and deliver a standardized entrepreneurial training curriculum.
(b) Eligibility
Agricultural researchers, students, and institutions of higher education receiving funds from the Department shall be eligible to participate in Ag I–Corps.
(c) Follow-on grants
(1) In general
The Secretary may make funds available from the Small Business Innovation Research Program for competitive grants to Ag I–Corps participants to help support—
(A)
prototype or proof-of-concept development; and
(B)
such activities as the Secretary considers necessary to build local, regional, and national infrastructure for agricultural entrepreneurship.
(2) Limitation
Grants under paragraph (1) shall be limited to participants in Ag I–Corps with innovations that, because of the early stage of development of such innovations, are not eligible to participate in a Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program (as defined in section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)).
(d) Partnerships
The Secretary may engage in partnerships with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, economic development organizations, and nonprofit organizations to provide access to Ag I–Corps to support entrepreneurship education and training for agricultural researchers, students, and institutions of higher education under this section.
(e) Report
Not later than September 30, 2027, and not less frequently than once every other year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the efficacy of Ag I–Corps, including metrics on the effectiveness of the program.
Sec. 7610. Study on technical assistance with respect to transfer of agricultural land and assets
(a) In general
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a study on, and submit to Congress a report on, ways to increase opportunities for 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)) to conduct educational programs and provide technical assistance with respect to issues relating to the transfers of agricultural land and assets, including heirs property, to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
(b) Heirs property defined
In this section, the term heirs property
means real property held in tenancy in common which, as of the date on which a partition action is filed, satisfies all of the following requirements:
(1)
There is no recorded agreement binding all the co-tenants which governs the partition of the property.
(2)
One or more of the co-tenants acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased.
(3)
Any of the following applies:
(A)
20 percent or more of the interests are held by co-tenants who are relatives.
(B)
20 percent or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased.
(C)
20 percent or more of the co-tenants are relatives.
Title VIII Forestry
Subtitle A Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
Sec. 8101. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest resources
Section 2A(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(f)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking to carry out this section,
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: the Secretary may use any other funds made available under this Act to develop and implement the State-wide assessment and State-wide strategy required by subsection (a), except that the total amount of combined funding used to develop and implement such assessment and strategy may not exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year.
.
Sec. 8102. Forest legacy program technical correction
Section 7(l)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103c(l)(3)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by striking the State of Vermont
and inserting a State
; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B)(ii), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking of Vermont
and inserting involved
.
Sec. 8103. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration program
Section 13A(l)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a(l)(3)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8104. Rural fire prevention and control
Section 10 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C 2106) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (e)(2)(B), by striking in kind contributions.
and inserting in-kind contributions. The Secretary may waive the Federal share requirements of this subparagraph with respect to any such funds made available to rural volunteer fire departments.
; and
(2)
in subsection (g)(1)—
(A)
by striking any organized, not for profit, fire protection organization
and inserting any fire protection organization that is organized as a not for profit organization or by the authority of a local government and
;
(B)
by striking 10,000
and inserting 15,000
; and
(C)
by striking 80
and inserting 70
.
Subtitle B Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
Sec. 8201. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation
Section 103(e)(5) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6513(e)(5)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8202. Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction on Federal land
Section 108 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6518) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8203. Water source protection program
Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6542) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as paragraphs (2) through (8), respectively;
(B)
by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following:
(1) Adjacent land
The term adjacent land means non-Federal land, including State, local, and private land, that is adjacent to, and within the same watershed as, National Forest System land on which a watershed protection and restoration project is carried out under this section.; and
(C)
in paragraph (2), as so redesignated—
(i)
by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as subparagraphs (K) and (L), respectively; and
(ii)
by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
(G)
an acequia association;
(H)
a local, regional, or other public entity that manages stormwater or wastewater resources or other related water infrastructure;
(I)
a land-grant mercedes;
(J)
a local, regional, or other private entity that has water delivery authority;;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking The Secretary shall
and inserting the following:
(1) In general
The Secretary shall; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(2) Requirements
A watershed protection and restoration project under the Program shall be designed to—
(A)
protect and restore watershed health, water supply and quality, a municipal or agricultural water supply system, and water-related infrastructure;
(B)
protect and restore forest health from insect infestation and disease or wildfire; or
(C)
advance any combination of the purposes described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(3) Priorities
In selecting watershed protection and restoration projects under the Program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that—
(A)
provide risk management benefits associated with drought; wildfire; post-wildfire conditions; extreme weather; flooding; resilience to climate change; and watershed and fire resilience, including minimizing risks to watershed health, water supply and quality, and water-related infrastructure, including municipal and agricultural water supply systems;
(B)
support aquatic restoration and conservation efforts that complement existing or planned forest restoration or wildfire risk reduction efforts; or
(C)
provide quantifiable benefits to water supply or quality and include the use of nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetland and riparian ecosystems.
(4) Conditions for projects on adjacent land
(A) In general
No project or activity may be carried out under this section on adjacent land unless the owner of the adjacent land agrees in writing that the owner is a willing and engaged partner in carrying out that project or activity.
(B) Effect
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any change in—
(i)
the ownership of adjacent land on which a project or activity is carried out under this section; or
(ii)
the management of adjacent land on which a project or activity is carried out under this section, except during the carrying out of that project or activity.;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking watersheds that provide water to the end water users
and inserting
watersheds, and lands adjacent to any such watershed, that provide water—
(A)
to the end water users subject to the agreement; or
(B)
for the benefit of another end water user.;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (C), by striking or
at the end;
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and
(iii)
by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
(D)
a good neighbor agreement entered into under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); or; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Cooperation with non-federal partners
The Secretary shall cooperate with non-Federal partners in carrying out assessments, planning, project design, and project implementation under this section.;
(4)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2) Requirements
A water source management plan shall be—
(A)
designed to protect and restore ecological integrity (as defined in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subparagraph));
(B)
based on the best available scientific information; and
(C)
conducted in a manner consistent with the forest plan applicable to the National Forest System land on which the watershed protection and restoration project is carried out.; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Reducing redundancy
An existing watershed plan, such as a watershed protection and restoration action plan developed under section 304(a)(3), or other applicable watershed planning documents as approved by the Secretary may be used as the basis for a water source management plan under this subsection.;
(5)
in subsection (e)(1), by striking primary purpose of
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting primary purpose of advancing any of the purposes described in subsection (b)(2).
;
(6)
in subsection (g), by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2) Matching funds required
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require the contribution of funds or in-kind support from non-Federal partners to be in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of the amount of Federal funds.
(B) Waiver
The requirement in subparagraph (A) may be waived at the discretion of the Secretary.; and
(7)
in subsection (g)(4)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(D) Set-aside for partner participation in planning and technical assistance
Of the amounts made available under subparagraph (B) to carry out this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary may not use more than 10 percent for non-Federal partner planning and technical assistance efforts in developing or implementing a water source management plan under subsection (d).
Sec. 8204. Watershed condition framework technical corrections
Section 304(a) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6543(a)) is amended in paragraphs (3) and (5) by striking protection and
.
Sec. 8205. Authorization of appropriations to combat insect infestations and related diseases
Section 406 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6556) is amended by striking October 1, 2023
and inserting October 1, 2031
.
Sec. 8206. Insect and disease infestation
Section 602(d)(2) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8207. Stewardship end result contracting projects
Section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b), by inserting , including retaining and expanding existing forest products infrastructure necessary to carry out an agreement or contract under this subsection
before the period at the end;
(2)
in subsection (d)(3)(B), by striking 10 years
and inserting 20 years
; and
(3)
in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:
(4) Special rule for long-term stewardship contracts
(A) Definition of multiyear contract
In this paragraph, the term multiyear contract means a contract entered into under subsection (b) that—
(i)
has a term of at least 5 years; and
(ii)
is entered into on or after the date of enactment of this paragraph.
(B) Special rule
A multiyear contract entered into under subsection (b) by the Chief or the Director with an entity shall provide that, in the case of cancellation or termination of the multiyear contract by the Chief or the Director, the Chief or the Director, as applicable, shall provide to the entity a cancellation or termination payment equal to the lesser of—
(i)
an amount equal to 10 percent of the multiyear contract; or
(ii)
the amount of unrecovered costs that would have been recouped through amortization over the full term of the contract (including the term canceled).
Subtitle C Other Forestry Programs
Sec. 8301. National and regional agroforestry centers
Section 1243 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 101–624) is amended—
(1)
by striking the section heading and inserting National and Regional Agroforestry Centers
;
(2)
by redesignating subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (b), (d), (e), and (h), respectively;
(3)
by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated) the following:
(a) Definition of agroforestry
In this section, the term agroforestry means a management system that intentionally integrates trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to build more profitable and weather-resilient farms, ranches, and communities, address natural resource concerns and conservation needs, and establish productive and sustainable land use practices, including—
(1)
riparian forest buffers;
(2)
alley cropping;
(3)
silvopasture;
(4)
forest farming and multistory cropping; and
(5)
windbreaks, shelterbelts, hedgerows, and, where applicable, field borders, and living snow fences.;
(4)
in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking Semiarid
and inserting National
;
(B)
by inserting (referred to in this section as the
after Secretary
)Secretary of Agriculture
;
(C)
by striking Semiarid Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration Center (hereafter referred to in this section as the
and inserting Center
)National Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration Center
; and
(D)
by striking at the Center under subsection (b)
and inserting under subsection (d)
;
(5)
by inserting after subsection (b) (as so redesignated) the following:
(c) Regional agroforestry centers
(1) Establishment
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service and in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, establish 1 or more regional agroforestry centers to advance agroforestry research, outreach, technical assistance, and adoption.
(2) Director
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service and in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall appoint a Director to manage and coordinate the 1 or more regional agroforestry centers established under paragraph (1).
(3) Location
In selecting the locations for the 1 or more regional agroforestry centers under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize locations at which the Department of Agriculture has, on the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, at least 1 employee providing coordination among a diverse group of research institutions and other partners.
(4) Administration
Regional agroforestry centers established under paragraph (1) shall by administered by the National Agroforestry Center.;
(6)
in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking the Center
and inserting each of the centers established under subsections (b) and (c) (referred to in this section as the
;Centers
)
(ii)
by inserting and organizations
after nonprofit foundations
; and
(iii)
by inserting demonstration projects,
after studies,
;
(B)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking on semiarid lands that
and inserting that build soil health and
; and
(ii)
by inserting , including agroforestry systems on semiarid land and other fragile agroecosystems where permanent woody perennial plant communities can enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
before the semicolon;
(C)
in paragraph (3), by striking forestry products for commercial sale from semiarid land
and inserting agroforestry products for commercial sale
;
(D)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
by striking in semiarid regions
; and
(ii)
by striking the Great Plains region
and inserting particular regions
;
(E)
in paragraph (5), by inserting technical assistance, demonstration projects, and
before technology
;
(F)
by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (11) as paragraphs (8) through (12), respectively;
(G)
by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following:
(6)
develop improved silvopasture, alley cropping, forest farming, multistory cropping, riparian buffer, windbreak and shelterbelt, and other perennial production and conservation systems and technologies to improve soil health, carbon sequestration, drought preparedness, soil and water conservation, environmental quality, and biological diversity;
(7)
address barriers to the adoption of agroforestry practices, including—
(A)
insufficient access to plant material;
(B)
insufficient infrastructure to contain equipment and plant material;
(C)
insufficient machinery to implement agroforestry practices;
(D)
insufficient technical service assistance; and
(E)
insufficient research related to agroforestry systems, including silvopasture and alley cropping;;
(H)
in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking on semiarid lands
;
(I)
in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated), by striking on semiarid lands worldwide
and inserting worldwide, including on semiarid land
; and
(J)
in paragraph (10) (as so redesignated)—
(i)
by striking on semiarid lands
; and
(ii)
by inserting and extreme weather
after pollution
;
(7)
in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking the Center
and inserting each of the Centers
;
(B)
in paragraph (1), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking forestry
and inserting forestry, agroforestry,
; and
(ii)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(3)
facilitate agroforestry adoption by disseminating comprehensive information on Federal, State, local, and Tribal programs that provide support for agroforestry.;
(8)
by inserting after subsection (e) (as so redesignated) the following:
(f) Regional support
The Secretary shall provide targeted regional support for agroforestry projects, including demonstration sites.
(g) Survey
Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a National Agroforestry Producers Survey.; and
(9)
in subsection (h) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking There are
and inserting In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is
; and
(B)
by striking $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023
and inserting $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 8302. National Forest Foundation Act
(a) Matching funds
Section 405(b) of the National Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j–3(b)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) White oak restoration fund
Section 409 of the National Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j–7) is amended—
(1)
by striking The activities
and inserting the following:
(a) In general
The activities; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(b) White oak restoration fund
(1) In general
Funds described in paragraph (2) shall be made available for activities—
(A)
on national forests that are approved by the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service; and
(B)
to—
(i)
re-establish white oak forests where appropriate;
(ii)
improve management of existing white oak forests to foster natural regeneration of white oak;
(iii)
improve and expand white oak nursery stock; and
(iv)
adapt and improve white oak seedlings.
(2) Fund
The National Forest Foundation may accept gifts, devises, or bequests for the purposes of carrying out the activities specified in paragraph (1).
(3) Summary
Beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the National Forest Foundation shall include in the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of each such Foundation for each fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a summary of the activities carried out under paragraph (1) and the funds accepted under paragraph (2) that includes—
(A)
the amount—
(i)
accepted under paragraph (2) in the preceding fiscal year; and
(ii)
described in clause (i) that is unobligated on the date of the report; and
(B)
a description of the activities under paragraph (1) funded during the preceding fiscal year.
(c) Authorization of appropriations
Section 410(b) of the National Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-8(b)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8303. Conveyances and leases of forest service administrative sites
(a) Conveyance of forest service administrative sites
Section 503(f) of the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 109–54) is amended by striking September 30, 2019
and inserting September 30, 2031
.
(b) Authorization for lease of Forest Service sites
Section 8623(i) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 115–334) is amended by striking 2023
each place it appears and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8304. Forest inventory and analysis
(a) In general
Section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking their resources
and inserting the resources of those forests, including forest carbon,
;
(B)
by striking In compliance
and inserting the following:
(A) In general
In compliance; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(B) Additional methods
Under the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall carry out, as a data collection method—
(i)
a national timber products output survey; and
(ii)
a national woodland owner survey.;
(2)
in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting including with respect to available forest carbon data,
after 2 decades,
;
(3)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in the second sentence, by striking The standards
and inserting the following:
(B) Inclusions
The standards described in subparagraph (A);
(B)
by striking (4) National Standards and Definitions.—To ensure
and inserting the following:
(4) National consistency
(A) Standards and definitions
To ensure; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(C) Terminology
The Secretary shall include a clear description of the definition of
forestused for purposes of reporting data from inventories and analyses of forests and the resources of forests under this subsection with—(i)
any data or report provided under the program under this subsection;
(ii)
Renewable Resource Assessments prepared under section 3(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601(a)); and
(iii)
any data or report provided to an entity outside the United States.;
(4)
in paragraph (6)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection,
and inserting In accordance with paragraph (7),
; and
(B)
by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following:
(D)
the organization and procedures necessary to understand and report on changes in land cover and use;
(E)
the organization and procedures necessary to sample and evaluate carbon-related data variables, including soil carbon, collected from forest inventory and analysis plots, timber products output surveys, and national woodland owner surveys to ensure that carbon accounting information needs can be met; and; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(7) Updates to strategic plan
(A) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall prepare an update to the strategic plan under paragraph (6) to include—
(i)
a plan to implement nationally consistent data collection protocols and procedures to improve the statistical precision of base program estimates;
(ii)
pathways to integrate and report on status and trends in forest carbon pools, including below-ground carbon;
(iii)
plans, including the identification of challenges, to collaborate with other Federal agencies, non-Federal partners, and the private sector to integrate existing nationally available data sets and best available commercial technologies, such as remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies;
(iv)
a plan to increase transparency and clarity in reporting in accordance with paragraph (4)(C);
(v)
a plan to expand current data collection, further integrate remote sensing technology, or both, to include procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level;
(vi)
a plan to expand current data collection, further integrate remote sensing technology, or both, to include information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national levels, including by ownership type; and
(vii)
such other matters as the Secretary determines to be appropriate based on recommendations of the Forest Inventory and Analysis National User Group.
(B) Submission
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives the update to the strategic plan prepared under subparagraph (A).
(C) Further updates
Not later than 5 years after the date on which the update is submitted under subparagraph (B), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall—
(i)
prepare an additional update to the strategic plan; and
(ii)
submit the additional update to the committees described in subparagraph (B).
(8) Accessibility
The Secretary shall ensure that data collected under this subsection is—
(A)
easily accessible to all public- and private-sector entities; and
(B)
collected and made accessible using means that ensure the confidentiality, in accordance with section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276), of—
(i)
plot locations;
(ii)
nonaggregated data of woodland owners; and
(iii)
nonaggregated data from timber product output survey.
(9) Biennial compilations
Biennially, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available a compilation of national forest inventory and analysis forest statistics, which shall be similar to the tables contained in the Renewable Resource Assessments prepared under section 3(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601(a)), accompanied by relevant geospatial products.
(10) External complex data requests
(A) In general
The Secretary shall establish an office, a data platform, or team to process and respond to complex data requests submitted by external organizations relating to the program under this subsection.
(B) Fees
(i) In general
To cover the costs of processing of and responding to complex data requests described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may impose fees on external organizations submitting the requests.
(ii) Fees collected
Fees collected under clause (i) may only be used for the purposes described in such clause.
(11) Reports
Each year, the Secretary shall publish as part of the forest inventory and analysis business report a detailed description of the progress of the Secretary in implementing the programmatic elements of the strategic plan described in paragraph (6), including—
(A)
the costs and priorities of the strategic plan; and
(B)
how the program under this subsection leverages new technology, improves and standardizes collection protocols, and increases workforce capacity.
(b) Remote sensing technologies
Section 8632(1) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 115–334) is amended by striking technologies
and inserting technologies, such as microwave, LiDAR, hyperspectral, and high-resolution remote sensing data, and advanced computing technologies for improved modeling to provide tabular statistical estimates and geospatial products,
.
Sec. 8305. Reforestation, nursery, and seed orchard support
(a) Partnerships, collaboration, and other assistance in support of nurseries and seed orchards
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall—
(1)
partner with Federal and State agencies, Indian Tribes, private nurseries, and other relevant entities to provide training, technical assistance, and research to nursery and tree establishment programs that support natural regeneration, reforestation, agroforestry, and afforestation;
(2)
promote information sharing to improve the technical knowledge, practices, and understanding of the demands, climate change impacts, and other issues necessary to address all facets of the reforestation pipeline;
(3)
provide technical and financial assistance to international nursery and tree establishment programs through—
(A)
international programs conducted by the Forest Service pursuant to the International Forestry Cooperation Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.);
(B)
the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry of the Forest Service; and
(C)
the International Institute of Tropical Forestry of the Forest Service;
(4)
collaborate with other relevant Federal departments and agencies, including the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior, and international organizations to provide technical and financial assistance related to nurseries and reforestation;
(5)
coordinate the efforts of the Department to—
(A)
address the challenges associated with the reforestation pipeline; and
(B)
leverage economic development assistance for work with private nurseries; and
(6)
expand science-based reforestation supply chains through research, seed collection and storage, and nursery infrastructure and operations in coordination with the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service.
(b) Nursery and seed orchard financial assistance
(1) In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible recipients to support nurseries and seed orchards.
(2) Eligible projects
The Secretary may make a grant under this subsection to an eligible recipient for a project to carry out at least one of the following:
(A)
Develop, expand, enhance, or improve nursery production capacity or other infrastructure to—
(i)
improve seed collection, processing, and storage;
(ii)
increase seedling production, storage, and distribution; or
(iii)
enhance seedling survival and properly manage tree genetic resources.
(B)
Establish, improve, or expand a nursery or seed orchard, including by acquiring equipment for such nursery or seed orchard.
(C)
Develop or implement quality control measures at nurseries or seed orchards.
(D)
Promote workforce development within any facet of the reforestation pipeline.
(E)
Carry out such other activity as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible recipient
The term eligible recipient means—
(A)
a State forestry agency;
(B)
an Indian Tribe;
(C)
a private nursery that has experience growing high-quality native trees of appropriate genetic sources in bareroot or container stock types specific for reforestation, restoration, or conservation, including native plants and seeds that are of cultural significance to Indian Tribes;
(D)
an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); and
(E)
a county or local government with a nursery or seed orchard.
(2) Nursery
The term nursery means a tree or native plant nursery.
(3) Seed orchard
The term seed orchard means a tree or native plant seed orchard.
(4) State
The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Subtitle D Forest Management
Part I National Forest System Management
Sec. 8401. Categorical exclusion for high priority hazard trees
(a) Categorical exclusion
(1) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a categorical exclusion (as defined in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) for high-priority hazard tree activities.
(2) Administration
In developing and administering the categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(A)
comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
(B)
apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures under section 220.6 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), in determining whether to use the categorical exclusion.
(3) Project size limitation
A project carried out using the categorical exclusion developed under paragraph (1) may not exceed 6,000 acres.
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) High-priority hazard tree
The term high-priority hazard tree means a standing tree that—
(A)
presents a visible hazard to people or property due to conditions such as deterioration of, or damage to, the root system, trunk, stem, or limbs of the tree, or the direction or lean of the tree, as determined by the Secretary;
(B)
is determined by the Secretary to be highly likely to fail and, on failure, would be highly likely to cause injury to people or damage to Federal property; and
(C)
is located—
(i)
within 300 feet of a National Forest System road with a maintenance level of 3, 4, or 5;
(ii)
along a National Forest System trail; or
(iii)
in a developed recreation site—
(I)
that is operated and maintained by the Secretary; and
(II)
on National Forest System land.
(2) High-priority hazard tree activity
(A) In general
The term high-priority hazard tree activity means a forest management activity that mitigates the risks associated with high-priority hazard trees, including pruning, felling, and disposal of a high-priority hazard tree.
(B) Exclusions
The term high-priority hazard tree activity does not include any activity—
(i)
conducted in a wilderness area or wilderness study area;
(ii)
for the construction of a permanent road or permanent trail;
(iii)
conducted on Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited;
(iv)
conducted in an area in which activities described in subparagraph (A) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan; or
(v)
conducted in an inventoried roadless area.
Sec. 8402. Collaborative restoration projects
Section 603(c)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(c)(1)) is amended by striking 3000 acres
and inserting 10,000 acres
.
Sec. 8403. Wildfire resilience project size
Section 605(c)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591d(c)(1)) is amended by striking 3000 acres
and inserting 10,000 acres
.
Sec. 8404. Fuel breaks in forests and other wildland vegetation
Section 40806(d)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16 U.S.C. 6592b(d)(1)) is amended by striking 3,000 acres
and inserting 10,000 acres
.
Sec. 8405. Greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat
Section 606 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591e) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(1)(A)—
(A)
by striking clause (ii);
(B)
by redesignating clauses (iii) through (vii) as clauses (ii) through (vi), respectively; and
(C)
in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by striking in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem
;
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking concurrently for both greater sage-grouse and
and inserting for greater sage-grouse or
; and
(3)
by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
(g) Limitation
A covered vegetation management activity that is covered by the categorical exclusion under subsection (b) may not exceed 4,500 acres in a forested ecosystem or 7,500 acres in a rangeland ecosystem.
Sec. 8406. Categorical exclusion for electric utility lines rights-of-way
(a) Categorical exclusion established
Forest management activities described in subsection (b) are a category of activities designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest management activities designated for categorical exclusion
The forest management activities designated as being categorically excluded under subsection (a) are—
(1)
the development and approval of a vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan submitted under section 512(c)(1) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(c)(1)) to the Secretary; and
(2)
the implementation of routine activities conducted under the plan referred to in paragraph (1).
(c) Availability of categorical exclusion
On and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
(d) Exclusion of certain areas
The categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) shall not apply to any forest management activity conducted—
(1)
in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; or
(2)
on National Forest System lands on which, by Act of Congress, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited.
(e) Permanent roads
(1) Prohibition on establishment
A forest management activity designated under subsection (b) shall not include the establishment of a permanent road.
(2) Existing roads
The Secretary may carry out necessary maintenance and repair on an existing permanent road for the purposes of conducting a forest management activity designated under subsection (b).
(3) Temporary roads
The Secretary shall decommission any temporary road constructed for a forest management activity designated under subsection (b) not later than 3 years after the date on which the action is completed.
(f) Applicable law
A forest management activity designated under subsection (b) shall not be subject to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) or section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Sec. 8407. Forest management activities on National Forest System lands
(a) In general
The Secretary may conduct forest management activities on National Forest System land.
(b) Coordination
In carrying out forest management activities, the Secretary shall, as appropriate, coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across National Forest System lands.
(c) Objectives
(1) In general
The Secretary shall conduct forest management activities on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including.—
(A)
reducing forest fuels;
(B)
maintaining the diversity of plant and animal communities;
(C)
improving soil, streams, lakes, wetlands, and water quality, including in riparian areas; and
(D)
increasing resilience to changing water temperature and precipitation regimes.
(d) Ground disturbance
Consistent with applicable Federal law and any applicable forest plan, the Secretary shall—
(1)
establish criteria for ground conditions following a forest management activity carried out under a forest plan that results in ground disturbances; and
(2)
monitor such ground conditions to determine whether desired outcomes or conditions are achieved.
(e) Availability of categorical exclusion for certain forest management activities
A forest management activity conducted on National Forest System land for the purpose of reducing forest fuels is categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the forest management activity—
(1)
does not exceed 10,000 acres, including not more than 3,000 acres of mechanical thinning;
(2)
is developed—
(A)
in coordination with impacted parties, specifically including representatives of local governments, such as county supervisors or county commissioners; and
(B)
in consultation with other entities, as determined by the Secretary/any other entity determined relevant by the Secretary; and
(3)
is consistent with any applicable forest plan.
(f) Cooperative authorities
The Secretary may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with an impacted party to provide for fuel reduction, soil restoration, erosion control, reforestation, riparian restoration, revegetation, and similar management activities on Federal land and non-Federal land.
(g) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Forest management activity
The term forest management activity means a project or activity that is carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System land and is consistent with any applicable forest plan.
(2) Forest plan
The term forest plan means a land and resource management plan under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1406).
(3) Impacted parties
The term impacted parties includes—
(A)
State, local, and Tribal governments;
(B)
local fire departments;
(C)
other relevant volunteer groups.
(4) National Forest System
The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
Sec. 8408. Suppression of wildfires
(a) In general
With respect to National Forest System lands described in subsection (b), the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service—
(1)
shall—
(A)
use available resources to carry out wildfire suppression with the purpose of containing wildfires detected on such lands not later than 24 hours after such a wildfire is detected; and
(B)
carry out wildfire suppression under subparagraph (A) in a manner that is consistent with interagency agreements and applicable standards of firefighter safety;
(2)
shall not inhibit the suppression efforts of State or local firefighting agencies that are authorized to respond to wildfire on such lands;
(3)
may only use fire as a resource management tool if the fire is a prescribed fire that complies with applicable law and regulations;
(4)
may only initiate a backfire or burnout during a wildfire—
(A)
by order of the responsible incident commander, in consultation with the appropriate Forest Service line officer; or
(B)
in instances that are necessary to protect the health and safety of firefighting personnel;
(5)
shall use available resources to control any such initiated backfire or burnout until contained;
(6)
shall use available resources, including infrared technologies, to ensure prescribed fires are contained; and
(7)
shall update the prescribed fire policies of the Forest Service to reflect the findings and recommendations included in the report entitled National Prescribed Fire Program Review
published in September 2022 by the Forest Service.
(b) Limitations on scope
For purposes of subsection (a), the National Forest System lands described in this subsection are National Forest System lands that—
(1)
the National Interagency Fire Center has established as a National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level of 5;
(2)
contain areas that the U.S. Drought Monitor has rated as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity, D3 (extreme drought) intensity, or D4 (exceptional drought) intensity; or
(3)
the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, has identified as being located in a fireshed ranked in the top 10 percent of wildfire exposure, as determined using the most recent published models of fireshed risk exposure published by the Forest Service.
(c) National Forest System defined
In this section, the term National Forest System has the meaning given such term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
Part II Forest Management Activities
Sec. 8411. No additional consultation required
(a) Forest service plans
Section 6(d)(2) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
(2) No additional consultation required under certain circumstances
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on a land management plan approved, amended, or revised under this section when—
(A)
a new species is listed or critical habitat is designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
(B)
new information reveals effects of the land management plan that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated under that Act in a manner or to an extent not previously considered.
(b) Bureau of land management plans
Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(g) No additional consultation required under certain circumstances
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on a land use plan approved, amended, or revised under this section when—
(1)
a new species is listed or critical habitat is designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
(2)
new information reveals effects of the land use plan that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated under that Act in a manner or to an extent not previously considered.
Sec. 8412. Good neighbor authority
(a) Good neighbor authority
Section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(6), by striking or Indian tribe
;
(2)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
(11) Special district
The term special district means a political subdivision of a State that—
(A)
has significant budgetary autonomy or control;
(B)
was created by or pursuant to the laws of the State for the purpose of performing a limited and specific governmental or proprietary function; and
(C)
is distinct from any other local government unit within the State.
(3)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting , Indian Tribe, special district,
after Governor
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(C)—
(i)
in clause (i)—
(I)
by inserting special district,
after Indian Tribe,
each place it appears;
(II)
in subclause (I)—
(aa)
by striking on
; and
(bb)
by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
(III)
in subclause (II)(bb), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(IV)
by adding at the end the following:
(III)
to construct new permanent roads on Federal lands that are—
(aa)
necessary to implement authorized restoration activities; and
(bb)
approved by the Federal agency through environmental analysis or categorical exclusion decision;
(IV)
to complete new permanent road construction to replace and decommission an existing permanent road that is adversely impacting forest, rangeland, or watershed health; and
(V)
if there are funds remaining after carrying out subclauses (I) through (IV), to carry out authorized restoration services under other good neighbor agreements and for the administration of a good neighbor authority program by a Governor, Indian Tribe, special district, or county.; and
(ii)
in clause (ii), by striking 2028
and inserting 2030
;
(C)
in paragraph (3), by inserting , Indian Tribe, special district,
after Governor
; and
(D)
by striking paragraph (4).
(b) Conforming amendments
Section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , Indian Tribe, special district,
after Governor
; and
(2)
in paragraph (5), by inserting , Indian Tribe, special district,
after Governor
.
(c) Effective date
The amendments made by this section apply to any project initiated pursuant to a good neighbor agreement (as defined in section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)))—
(1)
before the date of enactment of this Act, if the project was initiated after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334; 132 Stat. 4490); or
(2)
on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 8413. Collaborative forest landscape restoration program
Section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by inserting or pathogens
after species
;
(B)
in subparagraph (G), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
in subparagraph (H), by adding and
after the semicolon at the end; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(I)
address standardized monitoring questions and indicators;;
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (E), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ;
; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(G)
proposals that seek to use innovative implementation mechanisms, including good neighbor agreements entered into under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a), and similar implementation mechanisms;
(H)
proposals that seek to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire or increase ecological restoration activities—
(i)
within areas across land ownerships, including State, Tribal, and private land; and
(ii)
within the wildland-urban interface; and
(I)
proposals that seek to enhance watershed health and drinking water sources.; and
(B)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
4 proposals in any 1 region of the National Forest System to be funded during any fiscal year; and;
(ii)
by striking subparagraph (B); and
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); and
(3)
in subsection (f)(6), by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 8414. Public-private wildfire technology deployment and testbed partnership
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees
The term appropriate committees means—
(A)
the Committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives; and
(B)
the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Energy and Natural Resources, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(2) Covered agency
The term covered agency means—
(A)
the National Park Service;
(B)
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
(C)
the Bureau of Land Management;
(D)
the Bureau of Reclamation;
(E)
the Forest Service;
(F)
the Department of Defense;
(G)
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(H)
the United States Fire Administration;
(I)
the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(J)
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(K)
the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and
(L)
any other Federal agency involved in wildfire response.
(3) Covered entity
The term covered entity means—
(A)
a private entity;
(B)
a nonprofit organization; or
(C)
an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)).
(4) Pilot program
The term Pilot Program means the deployment and testbed pilot program developed under subsection (b).
(5) Secretaries
The term Secretaries means the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, acting jointly.
(b) Deployment and testbed pilot program established
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in coordination with the heads of the covered agencies, shall establish a deployment and testbed pilot program for new and innovative wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and mitigation technologies.
(c) Functions
In carrying out the Pilot Program, the Secretaries shall—
(1)
incorporate the Pilot Program into an existing interagency coordinating group on wildfires;
(2)
in consultation with the heads of covered agencies, identify key technology priority areas with respect to the deployment of wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and mitigation technologies, including—
(A)
hazardous fuels reduction treatments or activities;
(B)
dispatch communications;
(C)
remote sensing and tracking;
(D)
safety equipment; and
(E)
common operating pictures or operational dashboards; and
(3)
partner with each covered entity selected to participate in the Pilot Program with the appropriate covered agency to coordinate real-time and on-the-ground testing of technology during wildland fire mitigation activities and training.
(d) Applications
To participate in the Pilot Program, a covered entity shall submit to the Secretaries an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretaries may require, which shall include a proposal to test technologies specific to key technology priority areas identified under subsection (c)(2).
(e) Prioritization of emerging technologies
In selecting covered entities to participate in the Pilot Program, the Secretaries shall give priority to covered entities developing and applying emerging technologies that address issues identified by the Secretaries, including artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, computing and quantum-hybrid applications, augmented reality, and 5G private networks and device-to-device communications supporting nomadic mesh networks, for wildfire mitigation.
(f) Outreach
The Secretaries, in coordination with the heads of the covered agencies, shall make publicly available the key technology priority areas identified under subsection (c)(2) and invite covered entities to apply to test and demonstrate their technologies to address those priority areas.
(g) Reports and recommendations
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter for the duration of the Pilot Program, the Secretaries shall submit to the appropriate committees a report that includes the following with respect to the Pilot Program:
(1)
A list of participating covered entities.
(2)
A brief description of the technologies tested by such covered entities.
(3)
An estimate of the cost of acquiring the technology tested in the program and applying it at scale.
(4)
Outreach efforts by Federal agencies to covered entities developing wildfire technologies.
(5)
Assessments of, and recommendations relating to, new technologies with potential adoption and application at-scale in Federal land management agencies’ wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and mitigation efforts.
(h) Termination
The Pilot Program shall expire on September 30, 2031.
Sec. 8415. Forest service participation in experienced services program
Section 8302 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 3851a) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking aces
and inserting experienced services
(and by conforming the item relating to such section in the table of sections accordingly);
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking (a) In General.—
;
(B)
by striking Agriculture Conservation
; and
(C)
by inserting , professional, or administrative
after technical
; and
(3)
by striking subsection (b).
Sec. 8416. Timber sales on National Forest System land
Section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d), by striking $10,000
and inserting $55,000
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(j)
In the event of extreme risks to a unit of National Forest System land, including catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease outbreak, wind, hurricane, flood, drought, or to avoid impacts from such extreme events, the Secretary may, without an appraisal and under such rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary, dispose of by sale or otherwise, portions of trees or forest products located on such unit of National Forest System land.
Sec. 8417. Permits and agreements with electrical utilities
(a) In general
In any special use permit or easement on National Forest System lands provided to an electric utility company (as defined in section 1262 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16451)), the Secretary may provide permission to cut and remove trees or other vegetation from within the vicinity of distribution lines or transmission lines, including hazardous vegetation that increases fire risk, without requiring a separate timber sale if that cutting and removal is consistent with the applicable land management plan.
(b) Use of proceeds
A special use permit or easement that includes permission for the cutting and removal of trees or other vegetation described in subsection (a) shall include a requirement that, if the applicable electrical utility sells any portion of the material removed under the permit or easement, the electrical utility shall provide to the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, any proceeds received from the sale, less any transportation costs incurred in the sale.
(c) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the sale of any material removed under a special use permit or easement that includes permission for the cutting and removal of trees or other vegetation described in subsection (a).
Sec. 8418. Utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction
(a) Strategy
(1) In general
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall develop and implement a strategy to utilize livestock grazing as a wildfire risk reduction tool on Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.
(2) Inclusions
The strategy under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
the completion of any reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to allow a permittee with a grazing permit in effect to graze on vacant grazing allotments during instances of drought, wildfire, or other natural disaster that disrupt grazing on the allotments covered by such grazing permit;
(B)
the use of targeted grazing to reduce hazardous fuels;
(C)
an increase in the use of temporary grazing permits to promote targeted fuels reduction and reduction of invasive annual grasses;
(D)
an increase in the use of livestock grazing—
(i)
to eradicate invasive annual grasses; and
(ii)
as a restoration strategy and for post-fire recovery, as appropriate;
(E)
the integrated use of advanced technologies to dynamically adjust livestock placement on Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned;
(F)
an increase in the use of any authorities applicable to livestock grazing, including modifications to grazing permits or leases to allow variances; and
(G)
the use of grazing on Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned in a manner that—
(i)
avoids conflicts with other uses of such land; and
(ii)
is consistent with any applicable land management plan.
(b) Effect on Existing Grazing Programs
Nothing in this section affects—
(1)
any livestock grazing program carried out by the Secretary concerned as of the date of enactment of this Act; or
(2)
any statutory authority for any program described in paragraph (1).
(c) Secretary concerned defined
In this section, the term Secretary concerned means—
(1)
the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands; and
(2)
the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands.
Sec. 8419. Joint chiefs landscape restoration partnership program
Section 40808 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is amended—
(1)
in subsection (g)(2), by inserting and at least once every 2 fiscal years thereafter
after and 2023
; and
(2)
in subsection (h)(1), by striking and 2023
and inserting through 2031
.
Sec. 8420. Tribal forest management program technical correction
Section 8703 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 is amended—
(1)
in the heading, by striking demonstration project
and inserting program
(and by conforming the item relating to such section in the table of contents accordingly); and
(2)
in subsection (a), by striking demonstration projects by
and inserting a program under
.
Part III Timber Innovation
Sec. 8431. Community wood facilities program
Section 9013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113) is amended—
(1)
in the heading, by striking Community Wood Energy And Wood Innovation Program
and inserting Community Wood Facilities Program
;
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A)(iii), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking woody biomass, including residuals
and inserting primarily forest biomass, including processing or manufacturing residuals
; and
(B)
in paragraph (4), by striking Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program
and inserting Community Wood Facilities Program
;
(3)
in subsection (b), by striking to be known as
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting to be known as the
;Community Wood Facilities Program
.
(4)
in subsection (d), by striking exceed—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting exceed $5,000,000.
;
(5)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1);
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as (1) through (7), respectively; and
(C)
in paragraph (1), as so redesignated, by inserting or market competitiveness
after cost effectiveness
;
(6)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (2);
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
(C)
in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill
and inserting construction, use or retrofitting of forest products manufacturing
;
(7)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 5 megawatts of thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy
and inserting 15 megawatts of thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking 25 percent
and inserting 50 percent
; and
(8)
in subsection (h), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8432. Wood innovation grant program
(a) Application to transportation costs
Section 8643(b)(1) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 7655d(b)(1)) is amended by inserting , including the construction of new facilities that advance the purposes of the program and for the hauling of material removed to reduce hazardous fuels to locations where that material can be utilized
before the period at the end.
(b) Targeting To support economic development, enhanced building design, and impact assessment
Section 8643(c) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 7655d(c)) is amended to read as follows:
(c) Targeting To support economic development, enhanced building design, and impact assessment
In selecting among proposals of eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary may give priority to proposals for projects that—
(1)
include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill facilities located in counties in which the average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the previous calendar year;
(2)
recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies in building design and interior wood products, including forest impacts, which can be improved by North American manufacturing; or
(3)
include in the proposal of the entity an analysis of the benefits that forest management under the proposal will have on the resilience and economy of the community, including benefits associated with—
(A)
wood products from anticipated wood supply areas;
(B)
wildfire risk reduction;
(C)
increased fiber flow;
(D)
the increase of forest or mill jobs; and
(E)
support for forested communities.
(c) Matching requirement
Section 8643(d) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 7655d(d)) is amended by inserting 50 percent of
before the amount
.
Sec. 8433. Forest and wood products data tracker
(a) In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, in collaboration with the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes, State foresters, and private sector partners, shall establish a publicly available platform to provide measurement, monitoring, verification, and reporting data regarding the carbon emissions, sequestration, storage, and related atmospheric impacts of forest management and wood products.
(b) Activities
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall source data, information, and data analysis from Department programs and interagency programs, including—
(1)
the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, including the Timber Products Output survey;
(2)
Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service soil carbon estimations;
(3)
the Forest Products Laboratory;
(4)
the Federal Life Cycle Assessment Commons;
(5)
Department entity-level guidelines; and
(6)
other relevant programmatic data and information sources, as published and made available.
(c) Priorities
The platform established by subsection (a) shall provide tools that calculate—
(1)
the above- and below-ground forest carbon stocks and stock changes associated with species composition, forest management regime, and landowner types (including small area estimations for regional and localized geographies across the United States) made available through Forest Inventory and Analysis updates and annual reports;
(2)
the embodied carbon involved in the manufacture of products, using data from published environmental product declarations and life cycle assessments, updated as new and more refined data becomes available;
(3)
the long-term stored carbon in manufactured timber products; and
(4)
the carbon displacement of wood products, compared to other materials, using substitution factors.
(d) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section may be construed to provide authority with respect to the generation, consumption, or trading of carbon or environmental credits from National Forest System lands in any voluntary or compliance environmental markets.
Sec. 8434. Biochar application demonstration project
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Biochar
The term biochar means carbonized biomass produced by converting feedstock through reductive thermal processing for nonfuel uses.
(2) Covered Secretaries
The term covered Secretaries means—
(A)
the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service;
(B)
the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and
(C)
the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Director of the Office of Science.
(3) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
(A)
a private, nonprivate, or cooperative entity or organization;
(B)
a State, local, special district, or Tribal government;
(C)
an eligible institution;
(D)
a National Laboratory (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)); or
(E)
a partnership or consortium of two or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(4) Eligible institution
The term eligible institution means land-grant colleges and universities, including institutions eligible for funding under—
(A)
the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.);
(B)
the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 417, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University;
(C)
Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962
); or
(D)
the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382).
(5) Feedstock
The term feedstock means excess biomass in the form of plant matter or materials that serves as the raw material for the production of biochar.
(b) Demonstration projects
(1) Establishment
(A) In general
Subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purpose, not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the covered Secretaries shall establish a program to enter into partnerships with eligible entities to carry out demonstration projects to support the development and commercialization of biochar in accordance with this subsection.
(B) Location of demonstration projects
In carrying out the program established under subparagraph (A), the covered Secretaries shall, to the maximum extent practicable, enter into partnerships with eligible entities such that not fewer than one demonstration project is carried out in each region of the Forest Service and each region of the Bureau of Land Management.
(2) Proposals
To be eligible to enter into a partnership to carry out a biochar demonstration project under paragraph (1)(A), an eligible entity shall submit to the covered Secretaries a proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the covered Secretaries may require.
(3) Use of funds
In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1)(A), the covered Secretaries may enter into partnerships and provide funding to such partnerships to carry out demonstration projects to—
(A)
acquire and test various feedstocks and their efficacy;
(B)
develop and optimize commercially and technologically viable biochar production units, including mobile and permanent units;
(C)
demonstrate—
(i)
the production of biochar from forest residue; and
(ii)
the use of biochar to restore forest health and resiliency;
(D)
build, expand, or establish biochar facilities;
(E)
conduct research on new and innovative uses of biochar;
(F)
demonstrate cost-effective market opportunities for biochar and biochar-based products;
(G)
carry out any other activities the covered Secretaries determine appropriate; or
(H)
do any combination of the activities specified in subparagraphs (A) through (F).
(4) Priority
In selecting proposals under paragraph (2), the covered Secretaries shall give priority to entering into partnerships with eligible entities that submit proposals to carry out biochar demonstration projects that—
(A)
have the most potential to create new jobs and contribute to local economies, particularly in rural areas;
(B)
have the most potential to demonstrate—
(i)
new and innovative uses of biochar;
(ii)
market viability for cost-effective biochar-based products;
(iii)
the restorative benefits of biochar with respect to forest health and resiliency, including forest soils and watersheds; or
(iv)
any combination of the purposes specified in clauses (i) through (iii);
(C)
are located in areas that have a high need for biochar production, as determined by the covered Secretaries, due to—
(i)
nearby lands identified as having high or very high or extreme risk of wildfire;
(ii)
availability of sufficient quantities of feedstocks; or
(iii)
a high level of demand for biochar or other commercial byproducts of biochar; or
(D)
satisfy any combination of the purposes specified in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(5) Feedstock requirements
To the maximum extent practicable, an eligible entity that carries out a biochar demonstration project under this subsection shall, with respect to the feedstock used under such project, derive at least 50 percent of such feedstock from forest thinning and management activities, including mill residues, conducted on National Forest System lands or public lands.
(6) Review of biochar demonstration
(A) In general
The covered Secretaries shall conduct regionally specific research, including economic analyses and life-cycle assessments, on any biochar produced from a demonstration project carried out under the program established in paragraph (1)(A), including—
(i)
the effects of such biochar on—
(I)
forest health and resiliency;
(II)
carbon capture and sequestration, including increasing soil carbon in the short term and long term;
(III)
productivity, reduced input costs, and water retention in agricultural practices;
(IV)
the health of soil and grasslands used for grazing activities, including grazing activities on National Forest System land and public land; and
(V)
environmental remediation activities, including abandoned mine land remediation;
(ii)
the effectiveness of biochar as a coproduct of biofuels or in biochemicals; and
(iii)
the effectiveness of other potential uses of biochar to determine if any such use is technologically and commercially viable.
(B) Coordination
The covered Secretaries shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide data, analyses, and other relevant information collected under subparagraph (A) with recipients of a grant under subsection (c).
(7) Limitation on funding for establishing biochar facilities
If the covered Secretaries provide to an eligible entity that enters into a partnership with the covered Secretaries under paragraph (1)(A) funding for establishing a biochar facility, such funding may not exceed 35 percent of the capital cost of establishing such biochar facility.
(c) Biochar research and development grant program
(1) Establishment
The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish or expand an existing applied biochar research and development grant program to make competitive grants to eligible institutions to carry out the activities described in paragraph (3).
(2) Applications
To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary a proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(3) Use of Funds
An eligible institution that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to conduct applied research on—
(A)
the effect of biochar on forest health and resiliency, accounting for variations in biochar, soil, climate, and other factors;
(B)
the effect of biochar on soil health and water retention, accounting for variations in biochar, soil, climate, and other factors;
(C)
the long-term carbon sequestration potential of biochar;
(D)
the best management practices with respect to biochar and biochar-based product that maximize—
(i)
carbon sequestration benefits; and
(ii)
the commercial viability and application of such products in forestry, agriculture, environmental remediation, water quality improvement, and any other similar uses, as determined by the Secretary;
(E)
the regional uses of biochar to increase productivity and profitability, including—
(i)
uses in agriculture and environmental remediation; and
(ii)
use as a coproduct in fuel production;
(F)
new and innovative uses for biochar byproducts; and
(G)
opportunities to expand markets for biochar and create related jobs, particularly in rural areas.
(d) Reports
(1) Report to congress
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the covered Secretaries shall submit to Congress a report that—
(A)
includes policy and program recommendations to improve the widespread use of biochar;
(B)
identifies any area of research needed to advance biochar commercialization; and
(C)
identifies barriers to further biochar commercialization, including permitting and siting considerations.
(2) Materials submitted in support of the president’s budget
Beginning with the second fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until the date described in subsection (e), the covered Secretaries shall include in the materials submitted to Congress in support of the President’s budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report describing, for the fiscal year covered by the report, the status of each demonstration project carried out under subsection (b) and each research and development grant carried out under subsection (c).
(e) Sunset
The authority to carry out this section shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
Subtitle E Other Matters
Sec. 8501. Rural revitalization technologies
Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 8502. Resource advisory committees
Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
(6) Appointments by applicable regional foresters
In making appointments under this subsection, the Secretary concerned may act through the applicable regional forester so long as before the applicable regional forester makes an appointment, the applicable regional forester conducts the review and analysis that would otherwise be conducted for an appointment to a resource advisory committee, including any review and analysis with respect to civil rights, budgetary requirements, vetting, and reporting, as the Secretary concerned determines appropriate.;
(2)
in subsection (d)(6), by striking October 1, 2026
and inserting October 1, 2031
; and
(3)
by striking subsection (g).
Sec. 8503. Accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports
(a) Materials submitted in support of President’s budget
(1) In general
Beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary concerned shall include in the materials submitted to Congress in support of the President’s budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report describing the number of acres of Federal land on which the Secretary concerned carried out hazardous fuels reduction activities during the preceding fiscal year, as determined using—
(A)
the methodology of the Secretary concerned in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; and
(B)
the methodology described in paragraph (2).
(2) Requirements
For purposes of a report required under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall—
(A)
in determining the number of acres of Federal land on which the Secretary concerned carried out hazardous fuels reduction activities during the period covered by the report—
(i)
record acres of Federal land on which hazardous fuels reduction activities were completed during that period; and
(ii)
record each acre described in clause (i) once in the report, regardless of whether multiple hazardous fuels reduction activities were carried out on that acre during the applicable period; and
(B)
with respect to the acres of Federal land recorded in the report, include information relating to—
(i)
which acres are located in the wildland-urban interface;
(ii)
the level of hazard potential of the acres on the first and last day of the period covered by the report;
(iii)
the types of hazardous fuels reduction activities completed with respect to the acres, including a description of whether those hazardous fuels reduction activities were conducted—
(I)
in a wildfire managed for resource benefits; or
(II)
through a planned hazardous fuels reduction project;
(iv)
the cost per acre of the hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out during the period covered by the report;
(v)
the region or System unit in which the acres are located; and
(vi)
the effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction activities with respect to reducing the risk of wildfire.
(3) Transparency
The Secretary concerned shall make each report submitted under paragraph (1) publicly available on the website of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior, as applicable.
(b) Accurate data collection
(1) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall implement standardized procedures for tracking data related to hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out by the Secretary concerned.
(2) Elements
The standardized procedures required under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
regular, standardized data reviews of the accuracy and timely input of data used to track hazardous fuels reduction activities;
(B)
verification methods that validate whether those data accurately correlate to the hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out by the Secretary concerned;
(C)
an analysis of the short- and long-term effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction activities on reducing the risk of wildfire; and
(D)
for hazardous fuels reduction activities that occur partially within the wildland-urban interface, methods to distinguish which acres are located within the wildland-urban interface and which acres are located outside the wildland-urban interface.
(3) Report
Not later than 45 days after implementing the standardized procedures required under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report that describes—
(A)
the standardized procedures; and
(B)
any programmatic or policy recommendations to Congress to address limitations in tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities under this subsection.
(c) GAO study
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
conduct a study regarding the implementation of this section, including any limitations with respect to—
(A)
reporting hazardous fuels reduction activities under subsection (a); or
(B)
tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities under subsection (b); and
(2)
submit to Congress a report that describes the results of the study under paragraph (1).
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Federal land
The term Federal land means any land under the jurisdiction of—
(A)
the Secretary; or
(B)
the Secretary of the Interior.
(2) Hazardous fuels reduction activity
(A) In general
The term hazardous fuels reduction activity means any vegetation management activity to reduce the risk of wildfire, including mechanical treatments, grazing, and prescribed burning.
(B) Exclusion
The term hazardous fuels reduction activity does not include the awarding of a contract to conduct an activity described in subparagraph (A).
(3) Secretary concerned
The term Secretary concerned means—
(A)
the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands; and
(B)
the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands.
(e) No additional funds authorized
(1) In general
No additional funds are authorized to carry out this section.
(2) Subject to appropriations
The activities authorized by this section are subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for those purposes.
Sec. 8504. Special use authorization rental fee waiver
All or part of the programmatic administrative fee, and any fees related to the special use authorization, as appropriate, may be waived by the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, when equitable and in the public interest as determined by the Chief of the Forest Service, for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land in the following circumstances:
(1)
The holder of the special use authorization is a State or local government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, excluding municipal utilities and cooperatives whose principal source of revenue is customer charges.
(2)
The holder is—
(A)
an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
(B)
not controlled or owned by a profit-making corporation or business enterprise; and
(C)
is engaged in a public or semipublic activity to further public health, safety, or welfare.
(3)
The holder is an amateur station, amateur operator, or provides amateur radio services, as those terms are defined in section 97.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(4)
Other circumstances the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, determines appropriate.
Sec. 8505. Charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products
(a) Recovery of fair market value for products
(1) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish and carry out a program to charge and collect fees under subsection (b) for forest botanical products harvested on National Forest System lands.
(2) Appraisal methods; bidding procedures
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a fee system based on fair market value for forest botanical products harvested on National Forest System lands.
(b) Fees
(1) Imposition and collection
The Secretary shall charge and collect fees from persons who harvest forest botanical products on National Forest System lands.
(2) Amount of fee
The fees collected under paragraph (1) shall be based on the fair market value of the harvested forest botanical products and the costs incurred by the Secretary associated with granting, modifying, or monitoring the authorization for harvest of the forest botanical products, including the costs of any environmental or other analysis.
(3) Security
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may require a person assessed a fee under this subsection to provide security to ensure that the Secretary receives the fees imposed under this subsection from the person.
(c) Sustainable harvest levels for forest botanical products
(1) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall—
(A)
conduct appropriate analyses to determine whether and how the harvest of forest botanical products on National Forest System lands can be conducted on a sustainable basis; and
(B)
establish procedures and timeframes to monitor and revise the harvest levels established for forest botanical products.
(2) Prohibition on harvest in excess of sustainable levels
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may not permit under the program under this section the harvest of forest botanical products on National Forest System lands at levels in excess of sustainable harvest levels, as defined under section 4 of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 531).
(d) Waiver authority
(1) Personal use
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a personal use harvest level for each forest botanical product, and the harvest of a forest botanical product below that level by a person for personal use shall not be subject to charges and fees under subsections (a) and (b).
(2) Other exceptions
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may also waive the application of subsection (a) or (b) pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
(e) Deposit and use of funds
(1) Deposit
Funds collected under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) shall be deposited into a special account in the United States Treasury.
(2) Funds available
Funds deposited into the special account in accordance with paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended without further appropriation.
(3) Authorized uses
The funds made available under paragraph (2) shall be expended at units of the National Forest System in proportion to the charges and fees collected at that unit under the program under this section to pay for—
(A)
the costs of conducting inventories of forest botanical products, determining sustainable levels of harvest, monitoring and assessing the impacts of harvest levels and methods, and for restoration activities, including any necessary revegetation; and
(B)
the costs described in subsection (b)(2).
(4) Treatment of fees
Funds collected under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) shall not be taken into account for the purposes of the following laws:
(A)
The sixth paragraph under the heading forest service
in the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Act; 16 U.S.C. 500).
(B)
The fourteenth paragraph under the heading forest service
in the Act of March 4, 1913 (16 U.S.C. 501).
(C)
Section 33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1012).
(D)
The Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) and the Act of May 24, 1939 (43 U.S.C. 2621 et seq.).
(E)
Section 6 of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869–4).
(F)
Chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code.
(G)
Section 401 of the Act of June 15, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 715s).
(H)
Section 100904 of title 54, United States Code.
(I)
Any other provision of law relating to revenue allocation.
(f) Reporting requirements
As soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year in which the Secretary collects charges and fees under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) or expends funds from the special account under subsection (e), the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall submit to the Congress a report summarizing the activities of the Secretary under the program under this section, including the funds collected under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b), the expenses incurred to carry out the program under this section, and the expenditures made from the special account during that fiscal year.
(g) Definitions
For purposes of this section:
(1) Forest botanical product
The term forest botanical product—
(A)
means any naturally occurring mushroom, fungus, flower, seed, root, bark, leaf, berry, bough, bryophyte, bulb, burl, cone, epiphyte, fern, forb, grass, moss, nut, pine straw, sedge, shrub, transplant, tree sap, or other vegetation (or portion thereof) that grows on National Forest System lands; and
(B)
does not include trees, or portions of trees, except as provided in regulations issued under section 339 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 528 note) by the Secretary before the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) National forest system
The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
Sec. 8506. Forest service legacy road and trail remediation program transparency
Section 8 of Public Law 88–657 (16 U.S.C. 538a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(2)—
(A)
by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
(B)
solicit and consider public input regionally in selecting projects for funding under the Program by—
(i)
publishing annually, for each region, a list of projects considered for funding under the Program;
(ii)
accepting public comment on the projects described in clause (i); and
(iii)
considering public comments in selecting projects for funding under the Program;; and
(B)
in subparagraph (D)—
(i)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting annually, for each region,
before publish
; and
(ii)
by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
(ii)
a list that includes a description of—
(I)
each project considered for funding under the Program;
(II)
public comments received on each project described in subclause (I);
(III)
the ranking within the applicable region of each project described in subclause (I); and
(IV)
the proposed outcome of each project funded under the Program for the applicable fiscal year.; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(f) Definition of region
In this section, the term region means one of the 9 regions of the Forest Service.
Sec. 8507. Direct hire authority
For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a Job Corps graduate (as defined in section 142(5) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3192(5))) to a position in the competitive service in the Forest Service for which the graduate meets the qualification standards.
Sec. 8508. Improving the emergency forest restoration program
Section 407 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2206) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
(e) Advance payments
(1) In general
The Secretary shall give an owner of nonindustrial private forest land the option of receiving, before the owner carries out emergency measures under this section, not more than 75 percent of the cost of the emergency measures, as determined by the Secretary based on the fair market value of the cost of the emergency measures using the estimated cost of the applicable practice published in the Field Office Technical Guide of each State by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
(2) Return of funds
If the funds provided under paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the owner of nonindustrial private forest land receives those funds, the funds shall be returned to the Secretary within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 8509. Exemption for previously analyzed areas of National Forest System Lands
(a) In general
The requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or division A of subtitle 54, United States Code, shall not apply to an application for a communications use authorization on National Forest System lands, including National Forest System lands on which authorized utilities, communications facilities, powerline facilities, or roads have been installed, if—
(1)
the communications equipment is located in or on existing infrastructure; or
(2)
the communications facility is located on previously analyzed areas of National Forest System lands.
(b) No additional consultation required under certain circumstances
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation of the requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or division A of subtitle 54, United States Code, for an application for a communications use authorization on previously analyzed areas of National Forest System lands if new information concerning a previously analyzed area of National Forest System lands becomes available.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Communications facility; communications use authorization
The terms communications facility and communications use authorization have the meanings given the terms, respectively, in section 8705 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 1761a).
(2) Previously analyzed areas of national forest system lands
The term previously analyzed areas of National Forest System lands means any National Forest System lands with respect to which the Secretary has—
(A)
granted, issued, and executed a communications use authorization; and
(B)
conducted sufficient environmental or historical reviews.
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
Sec. 8510. Release of reversionary interest in Black River State Forest
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Deli, inc
The term Deli, Inc. means Deli, Inc., a sphagnum moss production business located in Millston, Wisconsin.
(2) Deli land
The term Deli land means the approximately 37.27 acres of land owned or optioned to acquire, subject to the approval of the land exchange by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, and the Governor of Wisconsin, in 2 separate parcels, by Deli, Inc., and located in Millston, Wisconsin, as depicted on the map and as described as follows:
(A)
A parcel of real property containing approximately 31.3 acres (which includes land within the road right-of-way), together with any improvements—
(i)
comprising the NE¼NE¼ sec. 29, T. 20 N., R. 2 W., Town of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin;
(ii)
excluding—
(I)
land lying north of the railroad right-of-way; and
(II)
a parcel 150 feet wide, with 50 feet lying to the northeast, and 100 feet to the southwest, of a line commencing at a point 5 feet east of the northwest corner of the quarter-quarter section described in clause (i), thence south 56° east 39″ a distance of 222 feet, thence south 57° east 31″ a distance of 1359 feet; and
(iii)
subject to—
(I)
any public water use or easements on Lee Lake; and
(II)
any easements or restrictions of record, public roadways, zoning and use ordinances, and the railroad right-of-way.
(B)
A parcel of real property containing approximately 5.97 acres located in the SW¼SW¼ sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 4 W., Town of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, comprising lot 7 of Certified Survey Map No. 4483, as recorded in volume 19S of the certified survey maps, page 334, as Document No. 413440 in the Jackson County Register of Deeds.
(3) Map
The term map means the map entitled Black River State Forest–Deli, Inc.
and dated June 26, 2023.
(4) State
The term State means the State of Wisconsin.
(5) State forest land
The term State forest land means the approximately 31.83 acres of land located in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, as depicted on the map and as described as follows:
(A)
A parcel containing 23.13 acres—
(i)
comprising the portion of the E½SE¼ sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying south of the Interstate Highway 94 southern right-of-way; and
(ii)
excluding a triangular parcel in the southwest corner described as commencing at the southwest corner, thence east 260 feet, thence northwesterly to a point on the west boundary thereof 200 feet north of the southwest corner, thence south to the place of beginning.
(B)
A parcel containing 8.70 acres comprising the portion of the NE¼NE¼ sec. 29, T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying north of the railroad right-of-way, forming a triangular piece and described as commencing at the northeast corner of that quarter-quarter section, thence west 1010 feet to the north line of the railroad right-of-way, thence southeasterly along the boundary of the railroad to the east line of that quarter-quarter section, thence north on the east line 750 feet to the place of beginning.
(b) Conditional release
(1) Findings
Congress finds that—
(A)
the State forest land is subject to a reversionary interest of the United States pursuant to section 32(c) of The Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(c)), requiring that the State forest land be used for public purposes in perpetuity; and
(B)
the State and Deli, Inc., have agreed that the State will convey the State forest land in exchange for the Deli land, and the Deli land will be added to Black River State Forest in the State.
(2) Conditional release
If the State offers in a written agreement to convey the State forest land to Deli, Inc., in exchange for the conveyance of the Deli land to the State—
(A)
the reversionary interest of the United States in the State forest land shall be released; and
(B)
the Secretary shall provide, as expeditiously as possible, recordable evidence of the release under subparagraph (A) in the form of a quitclaim deed, which shall—
(i)
convey any interest of the United States in the State forest land without consideration; and
(ii)
be provided to the State for recording before the exchange deeds are recorded.
(3) Corrections
The Secretary, in consultation with the State, may make any necessary corrections to the legal description of the State forest land for purposes of the quitclaim deed described in paragraph (2)(B).
Sec. 8511. Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act
Section 1 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 note) is amended by inserting or the
before the period at the end. Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act
Sec. 8512. Minor range improvements under Forest Service grazing permits
(a) Minor range improvements by permittees
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations allowing a permittee to carry out a minor range improvement on the lands with respect to which the permittee holds a grazing permit if—
(1)
the permittee notifies the applicable Forest Service district ranger at least 30 days prior to carrying out such minor range improvement; and
(2)
such applicable district ranger—
(A)
approves the minor range improvement; or
(B)
does not respond to notification regarding the minor range improvement.
(b) Range improvements by the secretary
The Secretary, acting through the applicable district ranger, shall—
(1)
respond to a covered request not later than 30 days after the date on which such request is submitted; and
(2)
if such response confirms that the Secretary, acting through the applicable district ranger, will carry out the range improvement requested—
(A)
notify the district office that serves the area in which such range improvement will occur; and
(B)
expedite the carrying out of such range improvement using any available administrative tools or authorities, including categorical exclusions.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) CFR terms
The terms grazing permit, permittee, and range improvement have the meanings given those terms, respectively, in section 222.1 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).
(2) Covered request
The term covered request means a request submitted by a permittee to the Secretary requesting that the Secretary carry out a range improvement.
(3) Minor range improvement
The term minor range improvement includes improvements to existing fences and fence lines, wells, water pipelines, and stock tanks.
Subtitle F White Oak Resilience
Sec. 8601. Short title
This subtitle may be cited as the White Oak Resilience Act
.
Sec. 8602. White oak restoration initiative coalition
(a) In general
The White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition shall be established—
(1)
as a voluntary collaborative group of Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments and private and nongovernmental organizations to carry out the duties described in subsection (b); and
(2)
in accordance with the charter titled White Oak Initiative Coalition Charter
adopted by the White Oak Initiative Board of Directors on March 21, 2023 (or any successor charter).
(b) Duties
In addition to the duties specified in the charter described in subsection (a)(2), the duties of the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition are—
(1)
to coordinate Federal, State, Tribal, local, private, and nongovernmental restoration of white oak in the United States; and
(2)
to make program and policy recommendations, consistent with applicable forest management plans, with respect to—
(A)
changes necessary to address Federal and State policies that impede activities to improve the health, resiliency, and natural regeneration of white oak;
(B)
adopting or modifying Federal and State policies to increase the pace and scale of white oak regeneration and resiliency of white oak;
(C)
options to enhance communication, coordination, and collaboration between forest landowners, particularly for cross-boundary projects, to improve the health, resiliency, and natural regeneration of white oak;
(D)
research gaps that should be addressed to improve the best available science on white oak;
(E)
outreach to forest landowners with white oak or white oak regeneration potential; and
(F)
options and policies necessary to improve the quality and quantity of white oak in tree nurseries.
(c) Administrative support, technical services, and staff support
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall make such personnel available to the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition for administrative support, technical services, and development and dissemination of educational materials as the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary, as applicable, determines necessary to carry out this section.
Sec. 8603. Forest service pilot program
(a) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish and carry out 5 pilot projects in national forests to restore white oak in such forests through white oak restoration and natural regeneration practices that are consistent with applicable forest management plans.
(b) National forests reserved or withdrawn from public domain
At least 3 pilot projects required under subsection (a) shall be carried out on national forests reserved or withdrawn from the public domain.
(c) Authority To enter into cooperative agreements
The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects required under subsection (a).
(d) Sunset
The authority under this section shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 8604. White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat
(a) Establishment
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a nonregulatory program to be known as the White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program
(in this section referred to as the Program
).
(b) Duties
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall—
(1)
draw upon the best available science and management plans for species of white oak to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration and conservation activities that will improve the growth of white oak within the United States;
(2)
collaborate and coordinate with the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition to prioritize white oak restoration initiatives;
(3)
adopt a white oak restoration strategy that—
(A)
supports the implementation of a shared set of science-based restoration and conservation activities developed in accordance with paragraph (1);
(B)
targets cost-effective projects with measurable results; and
(C)
maximizes restoration outcomes with no net gain of Federal full-time equivalent employees; and
(4)
establish the voluntary grant and technical assistance programs in accordance with subsection (e).
(c) Coordination
In establishing the Program, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall consult with—
(1)
the heads of Federal agencies, including—
(A)
the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and
(B)
the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
(2)
the Governor of each State in which restoration efforts will be carried out pursuant to the Program.
(d) Purposes
The purposes of the Program include—
(1)
coordinating restoration and conservation activities among Federal, State, Tribal, and local entities and conservation partners to address white oak restoration priorities;
(2)
improving and regenerating white oak and upland oak forests and the wildlife habitat such forests provide;
(3)
carrying out coordinated restoration and conservation activities that lead to the increased growth of species of white oak in native white oak regions on Federal, State, Tribal, and private land;
(4)
facilitating strategic planning to maximize the resilience of white oak systems and habitats under changing climate conditions;
(5)
engaging the public through outreach, education, and citizen involvement to increase capacity and support for coordinated restoration and conservation activities for species of white oak; and
(6)
increasing scientific capacity to support the planning, monitoring, and research activities necessary to carry out such coordinated restoration and conservation activities.
(e) Grants and assistance
(1) In general
To the extent that funds are available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall establish a voluntary grant and technical assistance program (in this section referred to as the grant program
) to achieve the purposes of the Program, as described in subsection (d).
(2) Administration
(A) In general
The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (in this subsection referred to as the Foundation
) to manage and administer the grant program.
(B) Funding
Subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purpose, after the Secretary enters into a cooperative agreement with the Foundation under subparagraph (A), the Foundation shall, for each fiscal year, receive amounts to carry out this subsection in an advance payment of the entire amount on October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, of that fiscal year.
(3) Application of National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act
Amounts received by the Foundation to carry out the grant program shall be subject to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), excluding section 10(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3709(a)).
(f) Sunset
The authority under this section shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 8605. Tree nursery shortages
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall—
(1)
develop and implement a national strategy to increase the capacity of Federal, State, Tribal, and private tree nurseries to address the nationwide shortage of tree seedlings; and
(2)
coordinate such strategy with—
(A)
the national reforestation strategy of the Forest Service; and
(B)
each regional implementation plan for national forests.
(b) Elements
The strategy required under subsection (a) shall—
(1)
be based on the best available science and data; and
(2)
identify and address—
(A)
regional seedling shortages of bareroot and container tree seedlings;
(B)
regional reforestation opportunities and the seedling supply necessary to fulfill such opportunities;
(C)
opportunities to enhance seedling diversity and close gaps in seed inventories; and
(D)
barriers to expanding, enhancing, or creating new infrastructure to increase nursery capacity.
Title IX Energy
Sec. 9001. Definition of advanced biofuel
Section 9001(3)(B)(iv) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101(3)(B)(iv)) is amended by inserting and sustainable aviation fuel
after diesel-equivalent fuel
.
Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program
Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
(G) Procurement resources
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in coordination with the Secretary, shall provide educational materials to procuring agencies to consider the longevity of a product, economic savings, and the efficacy and performance of a product when making procurement decisions under this subsection.; and
(B)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (ii) and redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as clauses (ii) and (iii), respectively;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B)(i)—
(I)
in the matter preceding subclause (I)—
(aa)
by inserting and the Secretary
after Policy
; and
(bb)
by striking information concerning—
and inserting a report that describes, for the year covered by the report—
;
(II)
in subclause (I), by inserting , including the actions taken by the procuring agency to establish and implement the biobased procurement program of the procuring agency under that paragraph
before the semicolon;
(III)
in subclause (IV), by striking and
at the end;
(IV)
in subclause (V), by striking and
at the end; and
(V)
by adding at the end the following:
(VI)
(aa)
the specific categories of biobased products that are unavailable to meet procurement needs of the procuring agencies; and
(bb)
the desired performance characteristics and other relevant specifications for those products; and
(VII)
if applicable, an explanation of the procurement requirement or updated procurement requirement established under paragraph (2)(A)(i) that procuring agencies failed to meet and reasons for the failure; and; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(D) Accountability
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in consultation with the Secretary, shall annually—
(i)
collect the information required to be reported under subparagraph (B) and make the information publicly available;
(ii)
using the information collected under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, document relevant procuring agencies under paragraph (2)(A)(i) that, as applicable, have established a procurement program in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i)(I); and
(iii)
make the information publicly available, subject to the exemptions from disclosure under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.;
(2)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the heading, by inserting and NAPCS
before codes
;
(ii)
by inserting and North American Product Classification System codes
before for—
; and
(iii)
by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:
(A)
renewable chemicals manufacturers and biobased products manufacturers; and
(B)
renewable chemicals and biobased products.; and
(B)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3) and inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2) Report
To inform the development of codes under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, a report that provides—
(A)
the Federal statistical collections of information related to the North American Industry Classification System codes and the North American Product Classification System codes that utilize bioeconomy-specific data;
(B)
recommendations to implement any bioeconomy-related changes as part of the 2027 revisions of the North American Industry Classification System codes and the North American Product Classification System codes; and
(C)
an assessment of the impacts that bioeconomy-specific North American Industry Classification System codes and North American Product Classification System codes would have on the measurement by the agency of the economic contributions of the bioeconomy.; and
(3)
in subsection (k)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2024
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance
(a) In general
Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1)—
(A)
by inserting or innovative
before commercial-scale
; and
(B)
by inserting , renewable chemicals, or biobased products
after end-user products
;
(2)
in subsection (d)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
by striking all that precedes a loan guarantee
and inserting the following:
(B) Feasibility
(i) In general
In approving; and
(ii)
by adding after and below the end the following:
(ii) Waiver
The Secretary may waive the requirement that the applicant must demonstrate commercial viability for projects adopting commercially available technology.;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
(C) Technical review agreement
(i) In general
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with each project applicant that clearly outlines the specific objectives, outcomes, and conditions by which the Secretary determines successful technical feasibility of the project under this section.
(ii) Conditions of agreement
The agreement provided under clause (i) shall include clear guidelines and expectations for the methodologies, protocols, and procedures, and what the eligible technology must demonstrate, for the Department to determine technical feasibility from an integrated demonstration unit, including—
(I)
a set timeline for the integrated demonstration unit campaign and final technical report to show reliable evidence of continuous, steady-state production;
(II)
criteria and methods for evaluating the project’s success, including any third-party assessments or evaluations that may be conducted during the demonstration period and at the conclusion of the set timeline;
(III)
criteria and methods to prove the ability of the integrated demonstration unit to use project-specific feedstock for the production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, or biobased products at a yield and quality consistent with the design basis of the project;
(IV)
required information and conditions that demonstrate operation duration, quality, and quantity specifications; and
(V)
any other information that, if supplied to the Secretary, would assist the eligible entity in sufficiently demonstrating a project’s technical feasibility.
(iii) Failure to comply with agreement
(I) Noncompliance notification
If a project applicant fails to comply with the technical feasibility requirements as provided under clause (ii), the Secretary shall issue a written notice to the project applicant detailing the specific deficiencies and providing a reasonable timeframe for the project applicant to rectify the issues.
(II) Corrective action period
The project applicant shall have a period of not more than 90 days from the date of issuance of the noncompliance notice to address the identified deficiencies and submit a revised technical feasibility assessment for reconsideration.
(iv) Technical feasibility approval
Upon fulfillment of the conditions of agreement established under clause (ii) or approval of the revised technical feasibility assessment under clause (iii)(II), the Secretary shall determine the project to be technically feasible.; and
(3)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
by striking all that precedes is authorized
and inserting the following:
(g) Funding
There; and
(B)
by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Rescission
Of the unobligated balances of amounts made available under section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, $18,000,000 are rescinded.
Sec. 9004. Bioproduct labeling terminology
Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101–8115) is amended by inserting after section 9003 the following:
9004. Bioproduct labeling terminology
(a) Uniform standards
(1) In general
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue rules implementing national uniform labeling standards for, and ensuring the proper use of, the following terms in the labeling and marketing of bioproducts:
(A)
Bio-attributed plastic.
(B)
Bio-attributed product.
(C)
Biobased plastic.
(D)
Plant-based product.
(2) Inclusion of certain defined terms
In implementing the national uniform labeling standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following terms, as defined in section 9001:
(A)
Biobased product.
(B)
Intermediate ingredient or feedstock.
(C)
Renewable biomass.
(D)
Renewable chemical.
(b) Consultation
In defining terms under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with—
(1)
biomanufacturers;
(2)
entities engaged in research and development of bioproducts;
(3)
feedstock growers; and
(4)
other industry stakeholders.
Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels
Section 9005(g)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(g)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
Section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106) is repealed.
Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program
(a) In general
Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by inserting (referred to in this section as the
after Program
)Program
;
(2)
in subsection (b)(3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by inserting , cost savings,
after savings
;
(B)
in subparagraph (E), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(G)
the potential of the proposed program to meaningfully improve the financial conditions of the agricultural producer or rural small business.;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by inserting , agricultural cooperatives with less than 2,500 employees,
before and rural
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (F), by striking and
at the end;
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (H); and
(iii)
by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
(G)
the potential improvements to the financial conditions of the agricultural producer or rural small business; and; and
(C)
in paragraph (3)(B), by striking $25,000,000
and inserting $50,000,000
;
(4)
by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (e), (f), and (g), respectively, and inserting after subsection (c) the following:
(d) Streamlined application process
The Secretary shall develop a streamlined application process, including within each tier described in subsection (c)(4), under which an entity may apply for a grant under subsection (b), financial assistance under subsection (c), or a bundled application for a project with components eligible under clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (c)(1)(A).;
(5)
in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking Outreach
and inserting Outreach, technical assistance, and education
;
(B)
by striking that adequate
and inserting the following:
that—
(1)
adequate;
(C)
in paragraph (1) (as inserted by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
technical assistance is provided to entities seeking to apply for a grant or financial assistance under the Program; and
(3)
outreach, technical assistance, and education is provided to recipients of grants and other financial assistance under the Program relating to integrating renewable energy projects on land shared with crops or livestock.;
(6)
in subsection (g), (as so redesignated by paragraph (4) of this section)—
(A)
in paragraph (3), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Reserve fund
(A) In general
Of the funds obligated under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year , not less than 10 percent shall be deposited in a reserve fund in the Treasury and reserved for use in accordance with this subparagraph.
(B) Use of funds
(i) In general
The Secretary shall use amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) to provide grants to support projects using underutilized renewable energy technologies.
(ii) Costs
The amount of the grant for such a project shall not exceed 25 percent of the installation or maintenance costs of the project for the year in which the grant is awarded.
(C) Frequency of solicitations to fund
The Secretary shall carry out at least 2 solicitations for applications for grants from the reserve fund in each fiscal year.
(D) Reallocation
Any funds reserved under subparagraph (A) that remain unobligated 1 year after the end of the fiscal year in which made available under subparagraph (A) shall be reallocated to carry out the program established under this section.
(E) Definition of underutilized renewable energy technologies
The term underutilized renewable energy technologies means renewable energy technologies for which have been expended not more than 20 percent of the average of the total amounts made available under this section for the 5 fiscal years most recently ending before the date of the enactment of this paragraph.; and
(7)
by adding at the end the following:
(h) Project diversity
In approving grant or loan guarantee applications under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, there is diversity in the types of projects approved for grants or loan guarantees to ensure that as wide a range as possible of technologies, products, and approaches are assisted.
(b) Conforming amendments
Section 9007 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended by striking subsection (f)
each place it appears and inserting subsection (g)
.
Sec. 9008. Feedstock flexibility
Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2026
and inserting 2031
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2026
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 9009. Biomass Crop Assistance Program
Section 9011(f)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111(f)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 9010. Carbon utilization and biogas education program
Section 9014 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8115) is repealed.
Sec. 9011. Study on effects of solar panel installations on covered farmland
Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101–8115) is amended by adding at the end the following:
9014. Study on effects of solar panel installations on covered farmland
(a) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall conduct a study on the effects of solar panel installations on the conversion of covered farmland out of agricultural production in accordance with this section.
(b) Content
In conducting the study under this section, the Secretary shall—
(1)
analyze the economic effects of solar panel installations on covered farmland, including the effects on—
(A)
crop yields;
(B)
land values, including adjacent properties;
(C)
land access and tenure;
(D)
local economies; and
(E)
food security;
(2)
investigate impacts of solar panel installation, operation, and decommissioning on covered farmland, and suggest best practices to protect—
(A)
soil health;
(B)
water resources;
(C)
wildlife;
(D)
vegetation;
(E)
water drainage; and
(F)
air quality;
(3)
assess the impacts of shared solar energy and agricultural production on covered farmland, including best practices to—
(A)
maintain or increase agricultural production;
(B)
increase agricultural resilience;
(C)
retain covered farmland;
(D)
increase economic opportunities in farming and rural communities, including new revenue streams and job creation;
(E)
reduce nonfarmer ownership of covered farmland; and
(F)
enhance biodiversity;
(4)
assess the types of agricultural land best suited and worst suited for shared solar energy and agricultural production;
(5)
study the compatibility of different species of livestock with different solar panel system designs, including—
(A)
the optimal height of and distance between solar panels for livestock grazing and shade for livestock;
(B)
manure management considerations;
(C)
fencing requirements; and
(D)
other animal-handling considerations;
(6)
study the compatibility of different crop types with different solar panel system designs, including—
(A)
the optimal height of and distance between solar panels for plant shading and farm equipment use; and
(B)
the impact on crop yield;
(7)
evaluate the degree to which existing Federal, State, or local tax incentives result in the development of covered farmland under study;
(8)
recommend effective incentives that could shift solar panel installations toward the built environment, brownfield sites, and other contaminated sites;
(9)
evaluate the effectiveness of programs administered by the Federal Government related to solar energy development that—
(A)
result in the development of contaminated lands, the built environment, and other preferred sites; and
(B)
discourage solar panel installations that would convert covered farmland out of agricultural production; and
(10)
estimate the loss of agricultural production on covered farmland due to solar panel installations.
(c) Consultation with relevant stakeholders
In addition to consultation with the Secretary of Energy, while conducting the study under this section, the Secretary shall consult with—
(1)
farmers;
(2)
ranchers;
(3)
landowners;
(4)
agricultural organizations;
(5)
State departments of agriculture and energy;
(6)
units of local government;
(7)
conservation organizations;
(8)
land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
(9)
solar developers.
(d) Report
Within 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a written report on the findings of the study and recommendations under this section.
(e) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered farmland
The term covered farmland includes—
(A)
farmland, as defined in section 1540(c)(1) of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C. 4201(c)(1)); and
(B)
nonindustrial private forest land, as defined in section 201(a)(18) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(18)).
(2) Brownfield site
The term brownfield site has the meaning given that term in section 101(39) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601(39)).
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
Sec. 9012. Limitation on USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy systems
Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101–8115) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
9015. Limitation on USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy systems
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered farmland
The term covered farmland includes—
(A)
farmland, as defined in section 1540(c)(1) of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C. 4201(c)(1)); and
(B)
nonindustrial private forest land, as defined in section 201(a)(18) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(18)).
(2) Conversion
The term conversion means, with respect to covered farmland, any activity that results in the covered farmland failing to meet the requirements of a State (as defined in section 343 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991)) for agricultural production, activity, or use or timber harvest.
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(b) In general
The Secretary may not provide financial assistance for a project that would result in the conversion of covered farmland for solar energy production.
(c) Exception
Subsection (b) shall not apply to a project if the project—
(1)
results in the conversion of less than 5 acres of covered farmland; or
(2)
results in the conversion of less than 50 acres of covered farmland with—
(A)
the majority of the energy produced being for on-farm use; and
(B)
receipt of a resolution of approval or support, or other similar instrument, from each county and municipality in which the project is sited.
(d) Covered farmland protection
(1) Farmland conservation plan required
A person who has applied to the Secretary for financial assistance for a project to which subsection (c)(2) applies shall—
(A)
develop a farmland conservation plan for the project to—
(i)
implement best practices to protect future soil health and productivity, and mitigate soil erosion, compaction, and other effects of solar energy production during construction, operation, and decommissioning; and
(ii)
remediate and restore the soil health of the farmland to that of the farmland before the solar energy production project construction; and
(B)
ensure that sufficient funds, as determined by the Secretary, are provided for the decommissioning of the solar energy production system and the remediation and restoration of covered farmland to carry out the farmland conservation plan described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Obligation and disbursement of funds
The Secretary may obligate financial assistance for a project described in paragraph (1), but shall not disburse the financial assistance until the Secretary has determined that the applicant for the financial assistance has complied with paragraph (1).
(3) Farmland conservation plan implementation
A person referred to in paragraph (1) shall carry out—
(A)
the provisions of the plan that are described in paragraph (1)(A)(i), on the receipt by the project of financial assistance from the Secretary and for the duration of solar energy production under the project; and
(B)
the provisions of the plan that are described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), on the cessation of solar energy production under the project.
(4) Compliance
A person who fails to comply with paragraph (3) with respect to a project shall repay to the Secretary the full amount of the financial assistance provided by the Secretary to the person for the project.
(e) Additional limitations
The Secretary may not provide financial assistance for a project that procures a solar energy component (as defined in section 45x(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) produced, manufactured, or assembled—
(1)
in a foreign country of concern (as defined in section 10638(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. 19237(2))); or
(2)
by—
(A)
an entity domiciled or controlled by such a foreign country; or
(B)
a foreign entity of concern (as defined in section 10638(3) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. 19237(3))).
Sec. 9013. Sustainable aviation fuels strategy
The Secretary shall establish a Departmentwide strategy to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuels by—
(1)
facilitating the collaboration between relevant Department mission areas to encourage the advancement of the sustainable aviation fuels supply chain, including utilization of agricultural crops grown for sustainable aviation fuels production;
(2)
identifying opportunities to maximize sustainable aviation fuels development, deployment, and commercialization;
(3)
leveraging the capabilities of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers to capture opportunities in the sustainable aviation fuels market;
(4)
supporting rural economic development through sustainable aviation fuels production; and
(5)
promoting public-private partnerships for the development, deployment, and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels.
Sec. 9014. Leveraging efficiency awareness for pumping systems
(a) Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
There are over 600,000 pumping systems used for irrigation on agricultural land in the United States, many of which still rely on fossil fuels.
(2)
Improving the efficiency of agricultural irrigation pumping systems can save up to 22,000,000,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year and eliminate 8,300,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
(3)
Energy savings from electrifying agricultural irrigation pumping systems can save farmers and ranchers more than $1,800,000,000 annually in energy costs.
(4)
Pumping systems play a central role in the watering of livestock and the management of animal waste in every State.
(5)
Pumping systems are a critical component of the Nation’s $2,300,000,000 aquaculture industry.
(6)
Improving the efficiency of pumping systems used in raising livestock and fish can significantly reduce energy use, save producers millions of dollars annually, and provide meaningful reductions in carbon emissions.
(7)
Agricultural irrigation pumping systems utilizing plastic piping can provide significant drought relief benefits, dramatically reducing water losses from evaporation and seepage; agriculture uses 37 percent of the Nation’s surface and ground water, 30 percent of which is lost to seepage and evaporation.
(8)
Reducing the friction in piping used for agricultural irrigation and livestock watering can provide meaningful energy and cost savings; there are potentially 2,500 kWh of energy savings for every 10 miles of plastic piping utilized in delivering water for crops and livestock.
(9)
Solar pumping systems can play an important role in protecting riparian habitat and improving water quality in streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries through providing alternative watering options for livestock.
(b) Information on energy-Efficient pumping systems
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with pumping system experts, in order to educate farmers on the benefits of energy-efficient pumping systems, shall develop and make publicly available on the website of the Department easily accessible information on cost savings, energy savings, water conservation, and carbon emissions reductions that can be realized through the use of energy-efficient pumping systems.
(2) Contents
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include information on—
(A)
pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls that can provide energy savings and cost savings, conserve water, and reduce carbon emissions; and
(B)
Department programs that provide farmers resources for acquiring energy-efficient pumping systems and drought management infrastructure, including the environmental quality incentives program, the Rural Energy for America Program, and the conservation stewardship program.
(c) Energy efficiency preassessment tool
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with pumping system experts, in order to raise awareness of the benefits of energy-efficient pumping systems and increase participation in Department programs that promote energy efficiency, shall develop and make publicly available on the website of the Department a user-friendly tool to—
(A)
assist farmers in making a preliminary assessment of the energy efficiency of existing pumping systems; and
(B)
provide an estimate of potential energy savings, cost savings, and carbon emissions reductions that may be realized through pumping system improvements.
(2) Requirements
(A) Ease of use
The Secretary shall ensure that the tool made available under paragraph (1) provides a user with projected energy savings, projected cost savings, and projected carbon emissions reductions through the input by the user of the following data relating to an existing pumping system:
(i)
Pump type.
(ii)
Flow rating and actual flow.
(iii)
Pressure rating and actual pressure.
(iv)
Speed rating and actual speed.
(B) Considerations
The Secretary shall ensure that the tool made available under paragraph (1)—
(i)
in assessing the energy efficiency of a pumping system, takes into consideration pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls associated with the pumping system; and
(ii)
in projecting the energy savings, cost savings, and carbon emissions reductions that may be realized through pumping system improvements, takes into consideration the cost of electricity and the profile of the existing pumping system.
(d) Energy auditor education
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with pumping system experts, in order to increase the effectiveness of Department of Agriculture energy efficiency programs, shall establish a process to educate persons performing energy efficiency audits for the Department of Agriculture on energy use and energy efficiency in pumping systems.
(2) Implementation
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the use of existing education and training programs focused on energy use and energy efficiency in pumping systems.
(e) Conservation stewardship program activities
Section 1240I(2)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–21(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting and energy-efficient pumping systems
before , as determined
.
(f) Definition of pumping system
In this section, the term pumping system means any pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls used to move water and other fluids on farms, ranches, and aquaculture operations.
Sec. 9015. Adding waste energy recovery to the Rural Energy for America Program
Section 9001(15)(A) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101(15)(A)) is amended by striking or hydroelectric
and inserting hydroelectric, or waste energy recovery
.
Title X Horticulture, Marketing, and Regulatory Reform
Subtitle A Horticulture
Sec. 10001. Specialty crop block grants
Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
by striking specialty crops, including—
and inserting specialty crops through priorities established annually by State program administrators in consultation with specialty crop producers and producer groups, including—
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (e), and inserting the following:
(e) Plan requirements
The State plan shall identify the lead agency charged with the responsibility of carrying out the plan and indicate—
(1)
how the grant funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops; and
(2)
how outreach to, and consultation with, specialty crop producers and producer groups will be achieved.
Sec. 10002. Specialty crops market news allocation
Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 10003. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Section 222 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(3)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting production
after emerging agricultural
;
(B)
in subparagraph (D)—
(i)
by inserting controlled-environment agriculture, including
before hydroponic
; and
(ii)
by striking and
at the end;
(C)
by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (H); and
(D)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
(E)
using the resources of the Department and of State, Tribal, and local agencies to provide technical assistance for business incorporation, navigating local zoning, and managing farm tract numbers for smaller, noncontiguous parcels to growers implementing activities described in this paragraph;
(F)
using the resources of the Department and of State, Tribal, and local agencies to promote conservation techniques unique to urban agriculture and innovative production, including techniques that address stormwater runoff and the impacted nature of urban land and the subsurface of the land;
(G)
assisting urban and innovative producers in navigating Federal, State, Tribal, and local policies and regulations that impact business or operations; and;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (5)(B), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(B)
in paragraph (7)(A), by striking the date that is 5 years after the date on which the members are appointed under paragraph (2)(B)
and inserting September 30, 2031
;
(3)
by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) Grants and cooperative agreements
(1) Grants
(A) In general
The Director shall award competitive grants to support the development of urban and innovative agricultural production and technical or financial assistance to producers.
(B) Subgrants
An eligible entity may use funds from a grant under subparagraph (A) to provide subgrants to urban and innovative producers to support the growth of the farm or farm business of the urban and innovative producers.
(C) Eligible entities
An entity eligible to receive a grant under subparagraph (A) is—
(i)
a nonprofit organization;
(ii)
a unit of local government;
(iii)
a Tribal organization;
(iv)
an agricultural cooperative or other agricultural business entity or a producer network or association; or
(v)
a school that serves any of grades kindergarten through grade 12.
(2) Cooperative agreements
(A) In general
The Director may enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities to support the development of urban and innovative agricultural production.
(B) Eligible entities
An entity eligible to enter into cooperative agreements under subparagraph (A) is—
(i)
a nonprofit organization;
(ii)
a unit of local government;
(iii)
a Tribal organization; or
(iv)
an agricultural cooperative or other agricultural business entity or a producer network or association.;
(4)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking pilot
;
(B)
by striking pilot
each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (2);
(C)
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program for not fewer than 5 years that
and inserting The Secretary shall continue to implement a program that
;
(D)
in paragraph (1)(C), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
; and
(E)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting and construct at-scale composting, food-to-feed, or anaerobic digestion food waste-to-energy projects
before the period at the end; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B)—
(I)
in the subparagraph heading, by striking PILOT
;
(II)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting Tribal governments,
after local governments,
;
(III)
by redesignating clauses (vi) through (viii) as clauses (vii) through (ix), respectively; and
(IV)
by inserting after clause (v) the following:
(vi)
develop food waste-to-energy operations;; and
(5)
in subsection (e), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 10004. National Plant Diagnostics Network
Section 12203(c)(5) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8914(c)(5)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 10005. Hemp production
(a) State and tribal plans
Section 297B of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639p) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
by redesignating clauses (ii) through (vii) as clauses (iii) through (viii), respectively;
(II)
by inserting after clause (i) the following:
(ii)
a procedure under which a hemp producer shall be required to designate the type of production of the hemp producer as—
(I)
only industrial hemp; or
(II)
hemp grown for any purpose other than industrial hemp;; and
(III)
in clause (iii), as redesignated by clause (i) of this subparagraph—
(aa)
by inserting except as provided in subparagraph (B)(i),
before a procedure
; and
(bb)
by striking delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration
and inserting total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking include any other practice
and inserting the following:
include—
(i)
notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(iii), a procedure for the use of visual inspections, performance-based sampling methodologies, certified seed, or a similar procedure when developing sampling plans for any producer who elects to be designated as a producer of only industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii)(I);
(ii)
notwithstanding subsection (e)(3)(B)(i), a procedure for eliminating the 10-year period of ineligibility following the date of conviction for a felony related to a controlled substance for producers who elect to be designated as producers of only industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
(iii)
any other practice; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Inspection of industrial hemp producers
(A) In general
If a State or Tribal plan referred to in paragraph (1) includes procedures for reducing or eliminating sampling or testing requirements under paragraph (2)(B)(i) for a producer of industrial hemp, the State or Indian tribe shall require the producer to provide documentation that demonstrates a clear intent to produce, and use in-field practices consistent with production of, only industrial hemp, such as a seed tag, sales contract, Farm Service Agency report, harvest technique, or harvest inspection.
(B) Testing
If a producer fails to provide the documentation required under subparagraph (A), the State or Indian tribe involved shall require the producer to conduct the testing described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii).;
(2)
in subsection (e)(2)(A)(iii), by striking delta-9
and all that follows through percent
and inserting the following: total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) of not more than 0.3 percent in the plant
; and
(3)
in subsection (e)(3)—
(A)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A) Reporting
(i) In general
In the case of a State department of agriculture or a Tribal Government with respect to which a State or Tribal plan is approved under subsection (b), such State department of agriculture or Tribal Government (as applicable) shall immediately report a hemp producer to the Attorney General and, as applicable, the chief law enforcement officer of the State or Indian tribe, if the State department of agriculture or Tribal Government (as applicable) determines that the hemp producer has—
(I)
violated the State or Tribal plan with a culpable mental state greater than negligence; or
(II)
violated the State or Tribal plan by producing a crop that is inconsistent with the designation of only industrial hemp under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii).
(ii) Exception
Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to—
(I)
a violation described in subclause (I) of clause (i); or
(II)
the production of a crop inconsistent with its designation, as described in subclause (II) of such clause.;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by amending clause (ii) to read as follows:
(ii) Exception
Clause (i) shall not apply to any person growing hemp that designates the type of production as only industrial hemp under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) if—
(I)
the State or Tribal plan approved under subsection (b) includes a procedure described in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii); or
(II)
the plan established by the Secretary under section 297C includes a procedure described in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii) of such section.; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(D) Production inconsistent with industrial hemp designation
Any person who knowingly produces a crop that is inconsistent with the designation of only industrial hemp under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) shall be ineligible to participate in the program established under this section for a period of 5 years beginning on the date of the violation.
(b) Department of agriculture
Section 297C of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639q) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking paragraph (1) shall
and all that follows through practice to maintain
and inserting the following:
paragraph (1)—
(A)
shall include—
(i)
a practice to maintain;
(ii)
in subparagraph (C), by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and moving the margins of such subclauses (as so redesignated) two ems to the right;
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as clauses (iii) through (vi), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses (as so redesignated) two ems to the right;
(iv)
by inserting after clause (i) (as designated by clause (i) of this subparagraph) the following:
(ii)
a procedure under which the Secretary shall require a hemp producer to designate the type of production of the hemp producer as—
(I)
only industrial hemp; or
(II)
hemp grown for any purpose other than industrial hemp;;
(v)
in clause (iii) (as redesignated by clause (iii) of this subparagraph)—
(I)
by inserting except as provided in subparagraph (B)(i),
before a procedure
; and
(II)
by striking delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration
and inserting total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration (including tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
;
(vi)
in clause (v) (as redesignated by clause (iii) of this subparagraph), by inserting and
after the semicolon at the end;
(vii)
by striking subparagraph (F); and
(viii)
by adding at the end the following:
(B)
may include—
(i)
notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(iii), a procedure for the use of visual inspections, performance-based sampling methodologies, certified seed, or a similar procedure when developing sampling plans for any producer who elects to be designated as a producer of only industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii);
(ii)
notwithstanding section 297B(e)(3)(B)(i), a procedure for eliminating the 10-year period of ineligibility following the date of conviction for a felony related to a controlled substance for producers who elect to be designated as producers of only industrial hemp under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
(iii)
such other practices or procedures as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, to the extent that the practice or procedure is consistent with this subtitle.; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Inspections of industrial hemp producers
(A) In general
If a plan referred to in paragraph (1) includes procedures for reducing or eliminating sampling or testing requirements under paragraph (2)(B)(i) for a producer of only industrial hemp, the Secretary shall require the producer to provide documentation that demonstrates a clear intent to produce, and use in-field practices consistent with production of, industrial hemp, such as a seed tag, sales contract, Farm Service Agency report, harvest technique, or harvest inspection.
(B) Testing
If a producer fails to provide the appropriate documentation required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall require the producer to conduct the testing described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii).; and
(2)
in subsection (d)(2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in subparagraph (C)—
(i)
by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as clauses (ii) and (iii), respectively;
(ii)
by inserting before clause (ii) (as so redesignated), the following:
(i)
the designation of the type of production of the hemp producers under section 297B(a)(2)(A)(ii) or under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii) of this section;; and
(iii)
in clause (iii), (as so redesignated), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(D)
the laboratory certificate of analysis for hemp disposed of under section 297B(a)(2)(A)(iv) or subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv) of this section.
(c) Regulations and guidelines; effect on other law
Section 297D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639r) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES
and inserting ADMINISTRATION, REGULATIONS, AND GUIDELINES
; and
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES
and inserting ADMINISTRATION, REGULATIONS, AND GUIDELINES
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Laboratory accreditation
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, shall establish a process by which the Department of Agriculture can issue certificates of accreditation to laboratories for the purposes of testing hemp in accordance with this subtitle.
Sec. 10006. Pilot program for the intra-organizational movement of genetically engineered microorganisms by certain authorized parties
Subtitle A of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
420A. Pilot program for the intra-organizational movement of genetically engineered microorganisms by certain authorized parties
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered microorganism
The term covered microorganism—
(A)
means a genetically engineered microorganism that is a plant pest or may pose a plant pest risk; and
(B)
does not include listed agents or toxins (as defined in section 212(l) of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8401(l))).
(2) Covered unauthorized release
The term covered unauthorized release means an unauthorized release of a covered microorganism, including such a release that a responsible party suspects took place.
(3) Pilot program
The term pilot program means the pilot program established under subsection (b).
(4) Plant pest risk
The term plant pest risk has the meaning given such term in section 340.3 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(5) Responsible party
The term responsible party means a partnership, corporation, association, joint venture, or other legal entity that—
(A)
has a physical address in the United States;
(B)
is not owned by or otherwise affiliated with the government of a country of concern (as defined in section 10638 of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. 19237));
(C)
has more than 1 responsible party biocontainment facility;
(D)
employs quality control personnel that are capable of overseeing the movement and control of covered microorganisms;
(E)
has, in each of the 3 years preceding enrollment in the pilot program, moved plant pests pursuant to permits granted by the Secretary under this Act;
(F)
has the ability and resources to ensure compliance with the requirements under subsection (e) for the duration of the pilot program;
(G)
has implemented the precautions specified in subsection (e) to prevent the unauthorized release of covered microorganisms; and
(H)
has not, during the 5-year period preceding the date on which the relevant application is submitted under subsection (c)—
(i)
caused an unauthorized release of a plant pest;
(ii)
materially failed to comply with a permit granted by the Secretary for the interstate movement of plant pests; or
(iii)
violated any provision of this section (including regulations promulgated thereunder).
(6) Responsible party biocontainment facility
The term responsible party biocontainment facility—
(A)
means a physical structure or portion thereof, constructed and maintained in order to contain plant pests, that is under the control of, or operated by, a responsible party within the contiguous United States; and
(B)
includes sites under the control of, or operated by, any parent organization, subsidiary, or affiliate of the responsible party.
(b) Establishment
Not later than 100 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall authorize not more than 75 responsible parties—
(1)
to move covered microorganisms in interstate commerce between responsible party biocontainment facilities without a permit; and
(2)
to maintain control over and dispose of such covered microorganisms.
(c) Application
(1) In general
The Secretary shall accept applications from responsible parties for enrollment in the pilot program during a 45-day application period, beginning on the date on which the pilot program is established under subsection (b), using a web-based application process established by the Secretary.
(2) Contents
An application submitted by a responsible party for enrollment in the pilot program shall include the following:
(A)
The name and contact information of the responsible party and any agent of the responsible party that will be involved in the movement of a covered microorganism.
(B)
The methods by which a covered microorganism will be moved and the measures taken to ensure that there is no unauthorized release of the covered microorganism.
(C)
The manner in which a shipping container, packaging material, or any other material accompanying the covered microorganism will be disposed of to prevent the unauthorized release of a covered microorganism.
(D)
A list of responsible party biocontainment facilities to which the responsible party intends to move covered microorganisms.
(E)
A list of the predominant covered microorganism chassis strains that, at the time of the application, the responsible party intends to move.
(F)
A sworn certification that the responsible party meets each criterion specified in subsection (a)(5).
(3) Supplemental applications
(A) In general
A responsible party may submit a supplemental application to the Secretary to update a list under subparagraph (D) or (E) of paragraph (2) at any time during such enrollment. The Secretary shall make a determination with respect to such supplemental application not later than 30 days after the date on which such supplemental application is submitted to the Secretary.
(B) Denials
The Secretary may only deny a supplemental application if the Secretary has made the determination set forth in subsection (d)(2)(B). A denial of a supplemental application shall be subject to appeal in accordance with the terms specified in subsection (d)(3).
(d) Selection process
(1) Timing
The Secretary shall—
(A)
evaluate applications received under subsection (c)(1) in the order in which the applications are received; and
(B)
approve or deny all applications received during the period described in that subsection not later than 45 days after the end of that period.
(2) Denial
The Secretary shall deny an application received under subsection (c)(1) if—
(A)
the Secretary has already selected 75 responsible parties for enrollment in the pilot program; or
(B)
the Secretary determines that the responsible party submitting the application does not meet each criterion specified in subsection (a)(5).
(3) Appeal
(A) In general
A responsible party seeking to enroll in the pilot program whose application has been denied under paragraph (2) may submit to the Secretary a written appeal within—
(i)
the 10-day period beginning on the date on which the responsible party receives written notification of the denial; or
(ii)
a longer period, if the responsible party makes a request for additional time to submit such appeal and the Secretary grants such request.
(B) Decision
The Secretary shall, within a reasonably prompt period, grant or deny an appeal under subparagraph (A) in writing, which shall include the reasons for the decision.
(e) Requirements
A responsible party shall, as a condition of enrollment in the pilot program, agree to—
(1)
maintain, move, and dispose of covered microorganisms in a manner that prevents unauthorized release, spread, dispersal, or persistence of those covered microorganisms in the environment;
(2)
unless otherwise authorized under a permit under this Act, only move a covered microorganism between sites that are responsible party biocontainment facilities;
(3)
maintain, move, and dispose of each covered microorganism separately from other organisms;
(4)
ensure that each covered microorganism is maintained, moved, and disposed of in a manner commensurate with the plant pest risk posed by that covered microorganism;
(5)
use, at a minimum, a package for movement—
(A)
that consists of a securely sealed inner and outer container, each of which is an effective barrier to the escape or unauthorized dissemination of the covered microorganism;
(B)
the inner container of which—
(i)
contains all of the applicable covered microorganism; and
(ii)
is cushioned and sealed in such a manner as to remain sealed during any shock, impact, or change in pressure; and
(C)
the outer container of which is rigid and strong enough to withstand typical shipping conditions (such as dropping, stacking, and impact from other freight) without opening;
(6)
on request, grant the Secretary access—
(A)
to sample materials associated with the interstate movement of covered microorganisms under the pilot program;
(B)
to observe and inspect the interstate movement of those covered microorganisms; and
(C)
to audit records of the activities of the responsible party under the pilot program;
(7)
maintain detailed and accurate records of all activities carried out under the pilot program to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements;
(8)
on request, grant the Secretary access to each responsible party biocontainment facility for inspection in relation to a responsible party’s enrollment in the pilot program; and
(9)
comply with any additional requirement for the containment of covered microorganisms in interstate commerce that the Secretary may require if—
(A)
the Secretary determines that such an additional requirement is reasonable; and
(B)
the sole purpose of such additional requirement is to avoid a covered unauthorized release.
(f) Prohibition on certain preferences
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall take no action or promulgate any regulation that—
(1)
treats genetically engineered covered microorganisms less favorably than nongenetically engineered covered microorganisms; or
(2)
limits the quantity or type of covered microorganisms that may be moved under the pilot program between responsible party biocontainment facilities.
(g) Reporting by responsible parties
A responsible party shall submit to the Secretary a quarterly report that describes the activities of the responsible party under the pilot program during the period covered by the report, including—
(1)
a description of each covered microorganism moved in interstate commerce, including—
(A)
the 1 or more countries or localities at which the covered microorganism was collected, developed, manufactured, reared, cultivated, or cultured, as applicable;
(B)
the genus, species, and any relevant subspecies and common name information of the covered microorganism; and
(C)
when applicable, a brief description of the genetic modifications made in the microorganism, including—
(i)
the intended phenotype that the 1 or more modifications are expected to confer;
(ii)
any targeted deletions, insertions, or base pair substitutions; and
(iii)
the genetic elements used in imparting the modification, including the name, donor organism, and a brief description of the function;
(2)
each method by which the covered microorganism was moved in interstate commerce;
(3)
the quantity of the covered microorganism moved in interstate commerce; and
(4)
the specific responsible party biocontainment facilities between which the covered microorganism was moved in interstate commerce.
(h) Unauthorized release
In the case of a covered unauthorized release, a responsible party shall—
(1)
contact the applicable office within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within 48 hours of discovery of the covered unauthorized release; and
(2)
submit to the Secretary a statement of facts pertaining to such release, in writing, not later than 5 business days after the date of that discovery.
(i) Disenrollment from pilot program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall terminate the enrollment of a responsible party in the pilot program if the Secretary has a sound factual basis to determine that—
(A)
the responsible party no longer meets the eligibility criteria of a responsible party described in subsection (a)(5);
(B)
the responsible party has materially failed to comply with the requirements under subsection (e); or
(C)
as a result of a failure by a responsible party under subparagraph (B), the responsible party caused a covered unauthorized release during the pilot program.
(2) Disenrollment decision
If the Secretary terminates the enrollment of a responsible party under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit that decision in writing to the responsible party.
(3) Appeal
The appeal process described in subsection (d)(3) shall apply in the case of a responsible party that seeks to appeal a termination of enrollment under paragraph (1).
(j) Termination
The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date on which the Secretary completes the application selection process under subsection (d)(1)(B).
(k) Report
Not later than 6 months after the date of termination of the pilot program described in subsection (j), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes—
(1)
the activities carried out under the pilot program, including—
(A)
the quantities and identities of covered microorganisms that were moved; and
(B)
a description of any unauthorized release of covered microorganisms that were moved, including a description of the cause and consequence of any unauthorized release; and
(2)
recommendations on—
(A)
whether the pilot program should become a permanent program; and
(B)
whether, as a permanent program, changes should be made to the criteria for a responsible party under subsection (a)(5) or to the requirements under subsection (e).
Subtitle B Marketing
Sec. 10101. Marketing orders
Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e–1(a)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, is amended—
(1)
by inserting mandarin oranges,
after oranges,
;
(2)
by inserting almonds,
after onions,
; and
(3)
by striking , other than dates for processing,
each place it appears.
Sec. 10102. Local agriculture market program
Section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (13) as paragraphs (6) through (14), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
(5) Food hub
The term food hub means a business or organization that actively manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products to multiple buyers from multiple producers, who are primarily local and regional producers, to strengthen the ability of such producers to satisfy local and regional wholesale, retail, and institutional demands.;
(2)
in subsection (b)(4), by inserting , regional food chain coordination,
after collaboration
;
(3)
in subsection (c)(4), by striking stakeholders
and inserting stakeholders before and after providing grants under the program
;
(4)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (I), by striking or
;
(ii)
in subparagraph (J)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(iii)
by inserting at the end the following:
(K)
to support the purchase of special purpose equipment.; and
(C)
in paragraph (6)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B)—
(I)
by redesignating clauses (vii) and (viii) as clauses (viii) and (ix), respectively; and
(II)
by inserting after clause (vi) the following:
(vii)
a food hub;;
(ii)
in subparagraph (C)—
(I)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking applications that
and inserting applications, outreach, and technical assistance that would
;
(II)
in clause (i), by striking or
at the end;
(III)
by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(IV)
by inserting after clause (i) the following:
(ii)
provide greater geographic balance relative to the benefits of the Program; or; and
(V)
in clause (iii) (as so redesignated), by striking are used
and inserting be used
;
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
(iv)
by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
(D) Simplified applications
(i) In general
The Secretary shall establish a simplified application form for eligible entities described in subparagraph (B) that—
(I)
request less than $100,000; and
(II)
choose from the project categories described in clause (ii), which shall include a specific, limited set of key activities with predefined requirements established by the Secretary.
(ii) Project categories
The Secretary shall establish a simplified application form for the following project categories but may include additional project categories as necessary:
(I) Direct-to-consumer projects
In the case of a direct-to-consumer project, an application form described in clause (i) may be available for the following categories of projects:
(aa)
An outreach and promotion project.
(bb)
A project to provide funding for farmers market manager staff time.
(cc)
A project to provide vendor training.
(dd)
A planning and design project.
(ee)
A data collection and evaluation project.
(II) Local and regional food markets and enterprise projects
In the case of a local and regional food market and enterprise project, an application form described in clause (i) may be available for the following categories of projects:
(aa)
A food hub feasibility study project.
(bb)
A project to provide funding for regional food chain coordination staff time.
(cc)
A project to provide technical assistance.
(dd)
A data collection and evaluation project.
(ee)
A project to support the purchase of special purpose equipment.;
(5)
in subsection (e)(2)(A), by striking 2019 through 2023
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:
2026 through 2031 to support partnerships—
(i)
to plan a local or regional food system;
(ii)
to implement a local or regional food system plan;
(iii)
to develop and implement a regional food chain coordination project; and
(iv)
to develop and implement a regional outreach, technical assistance, and evaluation project.;
(6)
in subsection (f)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d); or
and inserting subsection (d)(5);
;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B)
are eligible to submit an application in accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D); or; and
(7)
in subsection (i)(3)(B)—
(A)
by striking Of the funds
and inserting the following:
(i) In general
Of the funds; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(ii) Simplified applications
Of the funds made available for grants under subsection (d)(6) for a fiscal year, not less than 10 percent, and not more than 50 percent, shall be used to provide grants to eligible entities that submit an application in accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D).
Sec. 10103. Acer access and development program
Section 12306 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 1632c) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively;
(2)
by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
(e) Consultations
(1) In general
Beginning with the first request for applications under this section that occurs at least 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, not later than 6 months before such a request for applications, the Secretary shall solicit input from maple syrup industry stakeholders with respect to the research and education priorities of the maple syrup industry.
(2) Consideration
The Secretary shall consider the information provided through the consultation required under paragraph (1) when making grants under this section.; and
(3)
in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 10104. Organic production and market data initiative
Section 7407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925c) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(4)
collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk, through support from regional and national programs, including regularly reported data related to—
(A)
the costs of major organic feedstuffs, including—
(i)
the prices for major organic feedstuffs produced domestically;
(ii)
the prices for imported major organic feedstuffs; and
(iii)
all other costs relating to the production of organic milk;
(B)
the establishment of an Organic All Milk Prices Survey, which shall be analogous to the existing All Milk Prices Survey conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, to gather and report monthly data about the amounts organic dairy farmers are being paid for organic milk and prices received for organic dairy cows, including—
(i)
national data; and
(ii)
data relating to, at a minimum, the 6 regions with the greatest quantity of organic dairy production; and
(C)
periodic organic milk reporting under which the Secretary, using data collected by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Economic Research Service, or the Agricultural Marketing Service, publishes new periodic reports that include, or add to existing periodic reports relating to, data for organic milk, which shall be equivalent to data reported for conventionally produced milk.; and
(2)
in subsection (d)(2), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 10105. Organic certification
(a) Reports
Section 2122(d)(1) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521(d)(1)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Organic technical assistance
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122A (7 U.S.C. 6521a) the following:
2122B. Organic technical assistance
(a) In general
In carrying out this title, the Secretary may provide technical assistance, outreach, and education to support organic production through existing programs implemented by a covered agency.
(b) Covered agency
For the purposes of this section, the term covered agency means—
(1)
the Agricultural Marketing Service;
(2)
the Agricultural Research Service;
(3)
the National Institute of Food and Agriculture;
(4)
the Farm Service Agency;
(5)
the Risk Management Agency;
(6)
the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
(7)
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service;
(8)
the Food and Nutrition Service; and
(9)
other agencies, as determined by the Secretary.
(c) Funding
Section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6)) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2023
and inserting for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2031
.
Sec. 10106. Report on procurement
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that examines—
(1)
the process by which domestic commodities or products (as defined in section 220.16 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)) are procured by the Secretary, including the solicitation process used to procure such commodities or products;
(2)
barriers to entry into such procurement process that are for nontraditional, culturally relevant, or local and regional commodities or products;
(3)
the diet quality and accessibility of commodities or products that are so procured; and
(4)
the Secretary’s recommendations for administrative, regulatory, and legislative changes to improve such procurement process.
Sec. 10107. Definitions of risk to organic integrity and oversight protocols
Section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (22) as paragraphs (22) through (24), respectively;
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (16) through (19) as paragraphs (17) through (20), respectively;
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (15) the following:
(16) Oversight protocols
The term oversight protocols means the regulations, policies, and procedures issued by the Secretary under the authorities provided in sections 2104, 2107, 2114, 2115, 2116, and 2120.; and
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (20), as so redesignated, the following:
(21) Risk to organic integrity
The term risk to organic integrity means the likelihood that a product marketed as organically produced is, or contains, an agricultural product that was not produced using a system of organic farming in compliance with this title, not processed in compliance with this title, or both.
Sec. 10108. Modernization of inspection requirements
Paragraph (5) of section 2107(a) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506(a)) is amended to read as follows:
(5)
provide for annual inspections by the certifying agent of each farm and handling operation that has been certified under this title, which inspections shall be—
(A)
in the case of a farm or handling operation site located outside of the United States, conducted on-site;
(B)
in the case of a farm or handling operation site located in the United States, conducted on-site once every three years with intervening annual inspections being conducted on-site or virtually based on the farm’s or handling operation’s risk to organic integrity, as determined by the Secretary; and
(C)
in the case of a handling operation that acquires but does not physically receive, process, package, or store organic products, conducted through inspection methods, including virtual methods, that provide sufficient assurance of compliance, as determined by the Secretary;
Sec. 10109. Study and reform of National Organic Program oversight protocols
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), as amended by section 10105, is further amended by inserting after section 2122B (as added by such section 10105) the following:
2122C. Study and reform of National Organic Program oversight protocols
(a) Study
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive study for the purpose of determining whether the establishment of oversight protocols based on risk to organic integrity and the implementation of related reforms are necessary and appropriate.
(b) Elements
(1) In general
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall examine the feasibility, opportunities, and implications of implementing oversight protocols that—
(A)
are based on risk to organic integrity;
(B)
include differential treatment of non-compliance that increases the risk to organic integrity versus non-compliance that does not;
(C)
adopt standardized organic plans under section 2114 aligned with the risk to organic integrity;
(D)
include a multi-tiered approach to certification aligned with the risk to organic integrity and the scale of the organic operation; and
(E)
provide increased guidance and interpretations of standards and criteria established under this title given by the National Organic Program to certifying agents and to certified organic farms and handling operations.
(2) Consideration of relevant factors
In administering paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, with respect to certified organic farms, certified organic handling operations, and certifying agents, take into account—
(A)
the scope of certification or accreditation of each entity;
(B)
the scale and complexity of each entity;
(C)
the domestic or international location of each entity;
(D)
the history of compliance of each entity; and
(E)
other relevant factors.
(c) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, and make publicly available on the websites of the Department of Agriculture, a report describing the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).
(d) Consultation
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with—
(1)
the National Organic Standards Board;
(2)
certifying agents;
(3)
certified organic farms and handling operations;
(4)
organic consumers; and
(5)
other relevant organic stakeholders.
(e) Authority to establish additional terms and conditions
(1) Issuance of regulations
Based on the findings described in the report under subsection (c), and after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, the Secretary may issue regulations to establish or modify oversight protocols under this title that the Secretary determines are necessary and appropriate, provided such regulations maintain strong organic integrity, support a resilient domestic organic sector, and are consistent with the requirements of this title.
(2) Reducing oversight costs; prioritization
In issuing the regulations under paragraph (1), the Secretary may seek to—
(A)
reduce oversight costs and administrative burdens for certified organic farms, certified organic handling operations, and certifying agents that present a lower risk to organic integrity; or
(B)
prioritize oversight resources for activities that present a higher risk to organic integrity.
(f) Appropriate congressional committees defined
In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
(1)
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; and
(2)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
(g) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the Secretary’s authority to enforce compliance with this title to protect organic integrity.
Subtitle C Regulatory Reform
Part I Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Sec. 10201. Exclusion of certain substances
(a) Definitions
Section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136) is amended—
(1)
by amending subsection (v) to read as follows:
(v) Plant regulator
(1) In general
The term plant regulator means any substance or mixture of substances intended, through physiological action, for accelerating or retarding the rate of growth or rate of maturation, or for otherwise altering the behavior of plants or the produce thereof.
(2) Exclusions
Such term shall not include—
(A)
substances to the extent that they are—
(i)
intended to be produced and used within a plant; or
(ii)
intended as plant nutrients, trace elements, nutritional chemicals, plant inoculants, soil amendments, or vitamin hormone products; or
(B)
plant biostimulants that—
(i)
have a low-risk profile in relation to humans and other organisms, as determined by the Agency; and
(ii)
are of biological origin or include chemical compounds that are synthetically derived, but structurally-similar and functionally identical to, substances of biological origin.;
(2)
in subsection (hh)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking or
;
(B)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking substances.
and inserting substances
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B)—
(I)
by striking volatilization urease
and inserting volatilization, or urease
;
(II)
by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
(4)
a plant biostimulant; or
(5)
a nutritional chemical.; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(pp) Plant biostimulant
The term plant biostimulant means any substance or mixture of substances that, when applied to seeds, plants, the rhizosphere, or soil or other growth media, acts to support a plant’s natural nutrition processes independently of the nutrient content of that substance or mixture of substances, and that thereby improves—
(1)
nutrient availability, uptake, or use efficiency;
(2)
tolerance to abiotic stress; or
(3)
consequent growth, development, quality, or yield.
(qq) Nutritional chemical
The term nutritional chemical means any substance or mixture of substances that interacts with plant nutrients in a manner that improves nutrient availability or aids the plant in acquiring or utilizing plant nutrients.
(rr) Vitamin hormone product
The term vitamin hormone product means a product that—
(1)
consists of a mixture of plant hormones, plant nutrients, plant inoculants, soil amendments, trace elements, nutritional chemicals, plant biostimulants, or vitamins that is intended for the improvement, maintenance, survival, health, and propagation of plants;
(2)
is nontoxic and nonpoisonous in the undiluted packaged concentrations of the product; and
(3)
is not intended for use on food crop sites and is labeled accordingly.
(ss) Plant-incorporated protectant
(1) In general
The term plant-incorporated protectant means a pesticide that is—
(A)
intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest; and
(B)
a substance or mixture of substances intended to be produced and used within a living plant, or in the produce thereof, and the genetic material necessary for its production.
(2) Inclusions
Such term includes any inert ingredient (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)).
(b) Exemption from regulation
Section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w(b)) is amended to read as follows:
(b) Exemption of pesticides
(1) Exemption by rule
The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this Act by regulation any pesticide which the Administrator determines either—
(A)
to be adequately regulated by another Federal agency; or
(B)
to be of a character which is unnecessary to be subject to this Act in order to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(2) Exemption for certain plant-incorporated protectants
(A) Exemption
(i) In general
Upon the issuance of guidance as described in subparagraph (B), plant-incorporated protectants resulting from endogenous genetic material found within or that could arise from the plant’s gene pool are exempt from the requirements of this Act.
(ii) Exception
A specific plant-incorporated protectant arising from endogenous genetic material found within or that could arise from the plant’s gene pool shall not be exempt from the requirements of this Act if the Administrator determines that such plant-incorporated protectant is of a character which is necessary to be subject to this Act in order to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(B) Guidance
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Administrator shall issue guidance for the implementation of subparagraph (A). The Administrator may update such guidance, as the Administrator determines to be appropriate.
(C) Order
(i) In general
If the Administrator makes a determination described in subparagraph (A)(ii) with respect to a plant-incorporated protectant, the Administrator shall issue an order explaining the basis for such determination, which may be issued directly to any person who owns, controls, or has custody of such plant-incorporated protectant or published in the Federal Register.
(ii) Effect of order
After receipt or publication of an order described in clause (i), the plant-incorporated protectant described in the order will no longer be exempt from the requirements of this Act.
(D) Tolerance exemption
The residue of a plant-incorporated protectant that is exempt under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be exempt from the requirement for a tolerance under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a) unless, and until such time as, the Administrator issues or publishes an order under subparagraph (C)(i).
(c) Conforming amendments
Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136o(c)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation))
;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking or
at the end;
(C)
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(D)
that plant-incorporated protectant is exempt under section 25(b)(2) or part 174 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).; and
(2)
in paragraph (3)(A), by striking (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation))
.
Sec. 10202. Coordination
Section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(i) Coordination
(1) Risk mitigation measures
If any risk mitigation measures are required for any pesticide registered under this Act, the Administrator shall—
(A)
develop such measures in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(B)
conduct, and publish in the docket, with the corresponding action, an economic analysis determining the cost of implementation of such measures.
(2) Data and information
(A) Coordination of data and information
With regard to the registration or registration review of a pesticide under this Act and for making a determination under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a) with respect to any action that impacts the sale, distribution, or use of a pesticide, the Administrator shall coordinate with the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy, so that the Administrator has for the Administrator’s use and consideration for such processes—
(i)
agronomic use data from—
(I)
the Department of Agriculture; and
(II)
industry; and
(ii)
any information relating to the availability and economic viability of alternatives to such pesticide.
(B) Data and information
When issuing any decision resulting from the processes referred to in subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall publish—
(i)
a description of the use by the Administrator of any data or information provided by the Secretary of Agriculture under subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
the determination of the Administrator on whether to use such data or information, including, as applicable, the reasons that the data or information was not used.
(3) Reasonable and prudent actions and measures
For implementation of reasonable and prudent actions and measures with respect to the use of a pesticide registered under this Act, the Administrator shall coordinate with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Commerce—
(A)
to review the development of any such actions and measures that are a result of consultations relating to actions under this Act;
(B)
to fully consider the risks and benefits of any such actions and measures in a manner consistent with practices established to evaluate the risks and benefits of a pesticide registered under this Act; and
(C)
to provide feedback to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce on decisions relating to any such actions and measures that may affect end users of a pesticide registered under this Act.
(4) Waiver
The coordination requirements imposed by this subsection may be waived or modified for a specific action to the extent agreed upon by the Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the registrant so long as such agreement is published by the Administrator in the docket for the corresponding action.
Sec. 10203. Interagency working group
Section 3(c)(11) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(11)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (B)—
(A)
by striking The Administrator shall
and inserting the following:
(i) In general
The Administrator shall; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(ii) Participation
The Secretary of Agriculture shall include the Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy in all meetings of the interagency working group.;
(2)
in subparagraph (D)—
(A)
in clause (iv)—
(i)
by striking every 180 days thereafter
and inserting each year thereafter
; and
(ii)
by striking during the 5-year period beginning on that date
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(v) Availability
All reports required under this subparagraph shall be published on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency.; and
(3)
by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
(E) Consultation
(i) Working group with private sector
In carrying out the duties under this paragraph, the working group shall, as appropriate—
(I)
consult, including through public meetings, with representatives of interested industry stakeholders and nongovernmental organizations not less than once every year; and
(II)
take into consideration factors, such as actual and potential differences in interest between, and the views of, those stakeholders and organizations.
(ii) Administrator with working group
Before the Administrator implements any policy, strategy, workplan, or pilot program regarding the application of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) to the processes for the registration or registration review of a pesticide under this Act, the Administrator shall—
(I)
consult with the covered agencies on the policy, strategy, workplan, or pilot program and take into consideration input received; and
(II)
publish the input received from the covered agencies in the docket with the corresponding policy, strategy, workplan, or pilot program.
Sec. 10204. Registration review
(a) Extension of deadline
Section 3(g)(1)(A)(iii) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(g)(1)(A)(iii)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking the registration review of
and inserting the interim registration review decision of
; and
(2)
in subclause (I), by striking 2022
and inserting 2031
.
(b) Interim Registration Review Decision Requirements
Section 3(g)(1)(A) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(g)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(vi) Interim Registration Review Decision Requirements
(I) Requirements
Any covered interim registration review decision shall include, where applicable, measures to reduce the effects of the applicable pesticide on—
(aa)
species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
(bb)
any designated critical habitat.
(II) Consultation
In developing measures described in subclause (I), the Administrator shall take into account the input received from the Secretary of Agriculture and other members of the interagency working group established under subsection (c)(11).
(III) Covered interim registration review decision
In this subsection, the term covered interim registration review decision means an interim registration review decision—
(aa)
that is associated with an initial registration review described in clause (iii);
(bb)
that is noticed in the Federal Register during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this clause and ending on October 1, 2031; and
(cc)
for which the Administrator has not, as of the date on which the decision is noticed in the Federal Register, made effects determinations or completed any necessary consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)).
(c) Conforming repeal
Section 711 of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (title VI of division HH of Public Law 117–328) is repealed.
Sec. 10205. Uniformity of pesticide labeling requirements
(a) In general
Section 24(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136v(b)) shall be applied to require uniformity in pesticide labeling nationally, and to prohibit any State, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof, or a court from directly or indirectly imposing or continuing in effect any requirements for, or penalize or hold liable, any entity for failing to comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the Administrator
) under such Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), including any requirements relating to warnings on such labeling or packaging, provided that the entity is not in material violation of subparagraph (M), (Q), or (R) of section 12(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)), for which the entity has been penalized pursuant to section 14 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136l).
(b) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or diminish the authority of States under subsections (a) and (c) of section 24 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136v).
Sec. 10206. Authority of States
Section 24 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136v) is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting AND LOCALITIES
after STATES
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(d) Local regulation
A political subdivision of a State shall not impose, or continue in effect, any requirement relating to the sale, distribution, labeling, application, or use of any pesticide or device that is subject to regulation—
(1)
by a State pursuant to this section; or
(2)
by the Administrator under this Act.
Sec. 10207. Lawful use of authorized pesticides
Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(6) Lawful use of registered pesticides
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the use, application, or discharge of a registered pesticide consistent with its labeling approved under this Act shall be permitted and considered lawful, without further permitting or approval requirements.
Part II Other Regulatory Reform Provisions
Sec. 10211. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey
Section 10109(b) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334; 132 Stat. 4906) is amended to read as follows:
(b) Administration
(1) Submission
The Secretary shall submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and make publicly available, the survey described in subsection (a).
(2) Commercial data
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy, shall obtain commercial data on pesticide use to inform the conduct of, and enhance the results of, the survey described in subsection (a).
(3) Rulemaking procedure
The administration of this section shall be made without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act).
Sec. 10212. Safe harbor for certain discharges of wildland fire chemicals
(a) In general
Subject to subsection (b), no court may enjoin under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) a covered entity from conducting an aerial application of a covered fire retardant and water enhancer for wildfire suppression, control, or prevention activities that results in a discharge, if such aerial application is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Facility Compliance Agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service, as agreed to on February 16, 2023.
(b) Period of application
Subsection (a) shall apply to any aerial application described in such subsection that is conducted before the effective date of a permit issued by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or a State, as applicable, under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) that authorizes the discharge, from such aerial application, of a covered fire retardant and water enhancer for wildfire suppression, control, or prevention activities.
(c) Effect
Nothing in this section affects the authority of any court under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to any discharge resulting from an aerial application not conducted in accordance with the requirements described in subsection (a).
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered entity
The term covered entity means—
(A)
any Federal agency, agency of a State or political subdivision thereof, or Tribal agency authorized by law to conduct an aerial application of fire retardants and water enhancers for wildfire suppression, control, or prevention activities; and
(B)
any contractor, subcontractor, or other agent of an agency described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Covered fire retardant and water enhancer
The term covered fire retardant and water enhancer means a fire retardant and water enhancer that—
(A)
has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Secretary; and
(B)
appears on the most current Forest Service Qualified Products List.
(3) Discharge; state
The terms discharge and State have the meanings given those terms in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362).
(e) Sunset
This section shall cease to be effective on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section.
Sec. 10213. Office of Biotechnology Policy
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 220 (7 U.S.C. 6920) the following:
220A. Office of Biotechnology Policy
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish in the Department an Office of Biotechnology Policy to provide for the effective coordination of policies and activities within the Department of Agriculture related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and related emerging technologies, while taking into account the effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies.
(b) Director
The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall be under the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary.
(c) Duties
The Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall—
(1)
develop and coordinate Department policy on biotechnology and related topics;
(2)
coordinate activities and services of the Department on biotechnology and related topics, including—
(A)
research and development;
(B)
extension and education;
(C)
communication;
(D)
regulation and labeling; and
(E)
commercialization, use, and trade;
(3)
assist other offices and agencies of the Department in fulfilling their responsibilities related to biotechnology under applicable Federal law; and
(4)
perform such other functions as may be required under Federal law or prescribed by the Secretary.
(d) Interagency coordination
In carrying out the duties under subsection (c), the Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall provide leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal and State agencies.
(e) Outreach
The Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall consult with biotechnology developers, academics, agricultural producers, and other entities that may be affected by biotechnology-related activities or actions of the Department or other Federal and State agencies as necessary in carrying out the Office’s responsibilities under this section.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Title XI Crop Insurance
Sec. 11001. Specialty Crop Advisory Committee
(a) In general
Section 505 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1505) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H), respectively;
(ii)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
(E)
The Chairperson of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee established by subsection (f).; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (H), as so redesignated, by striking specialty crop
and inserting livestock
;
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of paragraph (2)
and inserting subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H) of paragraph (2) and the members of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee described in subsection (f)(2)
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(f) Specialty crop advisory committee
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall—
(A)
establish a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee (in this subsection referred to as
the Committee); and(B)
appoint to the Committee in accordance with paragraph (2) the initial members that will assist the Corporation in the research, creation, and improvement of policies or plans of insurance for specialty crops.
(2) Composition
(A) Chairperson
The Chairperson of the Committee shall be an individual with experience in crop insurance and the unique nature of the specialty crop industry.
(B) Members
The Committee shall consist of—
(i)
individuals with an understanding of the production methods, markets, and risks (including losses due to weather, trade damages, and supply chain disruptions) unique to specialty crop production;
(ii)
not less than 5 producers and not more than 10 total members; and
(iii)
not less than 1 producer from each of the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions of the United States (as identified by the Bureau of the Census).
(3) Duties
The Committee established by this subsection shall—
(A)
advise the Manager of the Corporation on issues relating to specialty crop insurance policies;
(B)
provide input, through the Chairperson of the Committee, to the Board on decisions relating to specialty crop insurance policies;
(C)
review available educational programs and make recommendations to the Manager of the Corporation on how to enhance the effectiveness of such programs for specialty crop producers;
(D)
provide recommendations to the Manager of the Corporation regarding the presentation of policies to the Board required by section 508(a)(6);
(E)
advise the Manager of the Corporation on entering into partnerships to carry out subsections (d) and (e)(2)(B) of section 522; and
(F)
meet not less than 2 times each year to carry out these duties.
(b) Specialty crops coordinator
Section 507(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(g)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
(2) Responsibilities
(A) In general
The Specialty Crops Coordinator shall have primary responsibility for addressing the needs of specialty crop producers, and for providing information and advice, in connection with the activities of the Corporation to improve and expand the insurance program for specialty crops.
(B) Other duties
In carrying out this paragraph, the Specialty Crops Coordinator shall—
(i)
act as the liaison of the Corporation with representatives of specialty crop producers and the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee; and
(ii)
assist the Corporation with the knowledge, expertise, and familiarity of the producers with risk management and production issues pertaining to specialty crops.
(c) Annual review of new and specialty crops
Section 508(a)(6)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(6)(A)) is amended by inserting (in consultation with the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee)
after Corporation
.
Sec. 11002. Identification of holders of substantial interests
Section 506(m) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506(m)) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
(3) Identification of holders of substantial interests
(A) In general
The Manager of the Corporation may require each policyholder to provide to the Manager, at such times and in such manner as prescribed by the Manager, the name of each individual or other entity that acquires or holds a substantial beneficial interest in such policyholder.
(B) Extension available
(i) In general
In the case of a policyholder that does not provide the information required pursuant to subparagraph (A) to the Manager at the time prescribed by the Manager, the Manager shall allow such policyholder to provide to the Manager such information at any time during the applicable crop year.
(ii) Exception
Clause (i) shall not apply to a policyholder that an approved insurance provider determines—
(I)
would receive disproportionate benefits under a crop insurance program as a result of failing to provide the information required pursuant to subparagraph (A) to the Manager at the time prescribed by the Manager; or
(II)
failed to provide such information to avoid an obligation or requirement under any State or Federal law.; and
(2)
in paragraph (4), by striking 5 percent
and inserting 10 percent
.
Sec. 11003. Actuarial soundness of certain new products
Section 506(n) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506(n)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(4) Actuarial soundness of certain new products
The Corporation shall—
(A)
review each policy or product developed under section 508(h) periodically for actuarial soundness; and
(B)
take such actions, in consultation with persons described in paragraph (1)(A) of such section, as are necessary to improve the actuarial soundness of such policies and products.
Sec. 11004. Coverage of revenue losses
Section 508(a)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(1)) is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting or a decline in the market price of the insured commodity, so long as such decline was not directly caused by the producer (as determined by the Secretary)
before the period at the end.
Sec. 11005. Limitation on farm program participation
(a) In general
The Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 508(c)(4)(C)(iv) in the heading, by striking crops and
; and
(2)
in section 508B(f), by striking Effective beginning with the 2019 crop year
and inserting Effective for the 2019 through 2025 crop years
.
(b) Conforming amendment
Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9015) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(j) Limitation
Beginning with the 2026 crop year, in the case of a farm for which a producer obtains coverage under the Stacked Income Protection Plan for upland cotton under section 508B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508b) for a crop year, such farm shall not be eligible to receive payments for seed cotton for such crop year under—
(1)
price loss coverage under section 1116; or
(2)
agriculture risk coverage under section 1117.
Sec. 11006. Limitation on interest accrual
Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)) is amended by inserting at the end the following new paragraph:
(5) Limitation on interest accrual
Effective beginning with the 2026 reinsurance year, in the case of a producer that is delinquent in paying a premium or administrative fee, an approved insurance provider may charge such producer with respect to such delinquency an amount less than or equal to 1 percent of the simple interest of the amount for which such producer is delinquent, for each month (not to exceed 60 consecutive months) the producer is so delinquent.
Sec. 11007. Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers
(a) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher
Section 502(b)(14)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)(14)(B)) is amended—
(1)
in clause (ii), by striking 5 years
and inserting 10 years
; and
(2)
in clause (iii), by striking 5-year
and inserting 10-year
.
(b) Increase in assistance
Section 508(e)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)) is amended by inserting or veteran farmer or rancher
after beginning farmer or rancher
each place it appears.
Sec. 11008. Marketability
Section 508(h)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h)(4)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
(iii) Application
(I) In general
Except as provided in subclause (II), this subparagraph shall apply with respect to a proposal only during the period preceding any approval of the proposal by the Board.
(II) Exception
An approved insurance provider that submits a letter of support for a concept proposal, a policy, or plan of insurance shall—
(aa)
not be considered the public for purposes of clause (ii);
(bb)
have access to data and other product development information submitted to the Board during its review under this subsection; and
(cc)
be subject to the confidentiality requirements as applicable to the Board pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii).;
(2)
in subparagraph (D), by adding at the end the following:
(iv) Marketability deadline
Any new policy, plan of insurance, or other material approved by the Board under this subsection during a reinsurance year and after the Standard Reinsurance Agreement closing date of July 1 shall not be implemented for such reinsurance year unless at least 90 days prior to the sales closing date for such policy, plan of insurance, or other material, the Board makes available to the approved insurance providers all necessary, as determined by the Board, handbooks, training materials, and other resources associated with such policy, plan of insurance, or other material.; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(F) Marketability determination
(i) Submission to the board
Prior to the approval of a product, any approved insurance provider that submitted a letter of support for the product shall provide information and analysis to the Board on the marketability of such product.
(ii) Deemed marketable
In reviewing a policy, plan of insurance, or other material submitted to the Board under this subsection, such product shall be deemed marketable in accordance with paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(I) if at least one approved insurance provider, in its submission pursuant to clause (i), expresses support for such policy, plan, or material.
(iii) Evaluation by the board
In evaluating whether a product is marketable in accordance with paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(I), the Board shall take into consideration any information and analysis submitted pursuant to clause (ii).
(iv) AIP participation
The Board shall not require the submission of a letter of support from an approved insurance provider in order to review and approve any policy, plan of insurance, or other material submitted pursuant to this subsection.
Sec. 11009. Reimbursement rates for administrative and operating costs
Section 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A)—
(A)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking not exceed
;
(B)
in clause (i)—
(i)
by inserting not exceed
before for the
; and
(ii)
by striking and
after the semicolon;
(C)
in clause (ii)—
(i)
by striking and subsequent
and inserting through 2026
;
(ii)
by inserting not exceed
before for each
; and
(iii)
by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(iii)
for each of the 2027 and subsequent reinsurance years, be determined in accordance with subparagraph (F). ; and
(2)
by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
(F) Reimbursement rates for reinsurance year 2027 and subsequent reinsurance years
Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (E), for each of the 2027 and subsequent reinsurance years, the rate established by the Board to reimburse approved insurance providers and agents for the administrative and operating costs of the providers and agents with respect to each policy made available under this Act shall be equal to the rate applicable to the policy in effect for the 2026 reinsurance year.
Sec. 11010. Quality loss adjustment coverage
Section 508(m)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(m)(3)) is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
(A) Periodic review
Beginning in calendar year 2027 and once every 5 years thereafter, the Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a review, which shall be completed within 1 year of initiation, of the quality loss adjustment procedures of the Corporation.;
(2)
in subparagraph (B), by striking Effective beginning not later than the 2004 reinsurance year, based on the review, the Corporation
and inserting Based on each review conducted under subparagraph (A), the Corporation
;
(3)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(4)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B) Stakeholder engagement
Each review under subparagraph (A) shall include engagement from regionally diverse industry stakeholders for each agricultural commodity for which a quality loss adjustment is offered.; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
(D) Report
On the completion of each review under subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report that describes—
(i)
the findings from that review;
(ii)
the changes to the quality loss adjustment procedures;
(iii)
the stakeholder engagement for that review conducted pursuant to subparagraph (B); and
(iv)
plans for establishing specific quality loss adjustment procedures for unique regions, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 11011. Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty
The Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is further amended by inserting after section 508D the following:
508E. Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty
(a) In general
Effective beginning with the 2027 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall establish a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction in benefits applied to corn and other crops, as determined by the Corporation, planted during the late planting period (as defined in section 457.8 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation)).
(b) Location and duration of pilot
The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall—
(1)
be conducted in not less than 10 counties located within or adjacent to the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District or the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District in the State of Texas; and
(2)
operate for a period of not less than 4 crop years.
(c) Evaluation
In carrying out the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall—
(1)
suspend any reduction to the insurance guarantee applied to an insurance policy for a crop that is planted during the late planting period;
(2)
gather and analyze data to determine if the number of days beyond the final plant date in which a crop was planted during the late planting period correlates with a decrease in crop yields; and
(3)
determine if planting a crop after the final plant date results in reduced usage of irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer.
(d) Report required
Not later than 90 days after the last day of crop year 2031, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Nutrition of the Senate a report that includes—
(1)
a summary of the results of the pilot program established under subsection (a);
(2)
an analysis of the correlation between planting date and final yields; and
(3)
any changes to existing policies that the Corporation intends to make as a result of the information obtained during the pilot program.
(e) Partnerships
Of the amounts made available in section 522(e)(2)(A)(ii), the Corporation may use not more than $200,000 to enter into a partnership or cooperative agreement with a nonprofit organization, State agency, or public university that is familiar with agricultural production in the region described in subsection (b)(1) to conduct the research and evaluation required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c).
Sec. 11012. Whole farm improvements
Section 522(c)(7)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)(7)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(iii) Additional review
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this clause and annually thereafter, the Corporation shall—
(I)
review any limitations on insurable revenue (including the overall limitation and limitations specific to animals, animal products, greenhouse and nursery, and aquaculture) to ensure such limitations are adequate to cover the financial risks associated with the production of high-value agricultural products; and
(II)
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes a summary of the most recent review conducted and any expected changes to the policy for the following reinsurance year.
Sec. 11013. Program compliance and integrity
Section 515(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(b)) is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by inserting , response, and final determination
after Notification
;
(2)
in paragraph (1), by striking shall notify in writing
and inserting shall, through an initial finding in writing, notify (unless such notification is pursuant to the responsibilities to conduct reviews and make corrections)
;
(3)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking Time for notification
and inserting Required timing
;
(B)
by striking Notice
and inserting the following:
(A) Initial finding
Notice; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(B) Response
During the 90-day period beginning on the date the Corporation notifies an approved insurance provider through an initial finding under paragraph (1), such approved insurance provider may appeal such initial finding in writing.
(C) Final finding
Not later than 90 days after the date on which an approved insurance provider appeals pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Corporation shall issue a final finding in writing to such approved insurance provider.
(D) Request for final administrative determination
An approved insurance provider shall have not more than 90 days after the receipt of the Corporation’s final finding under subparagraph (C) to request, in writing, a final administrative determination, if such approved insurance provider has reason to believe that the Corporation’s final finding under subparagraph (C) is not in accordance with—
(i)
the applicable laws, regulations, custom, or practice of the crop insurance industry; or
(ii)
the approved policy and procedure of the Corporation.
(E) Final determination
The Corporation shall have not more than 90 days after the receipt of a request for a final administrative determination under subparagraph (D) to provide such final administrative determination, unless substantial new information, as determined by the Corporation, is provided by the approved insurance provider.
(F) Appeal to Civilian Board of Contract Appeals
An approved insurance provider shall have not more than 90 days after receipt of a final administrative determination provided pursuant to subparagraph (E) to appeal such determination to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.; and
(4)
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
(3) Effect of failure to timely notify
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), failure of the Corporation to comply with the requirements under paragraph (2) shall relieve the approved insurance provider from the debt owed to the Corporation.
(B) Exception
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any matters referred to the Office of the Inspector General or the Department of Justice.
Sec. 11014. Research and development priorities
(a) Expansion of revenue policies
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(20) Expansion of revenue policies
(A) In general
The Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, to expand the availability of policies that provide coverage against losses of revenue for—
(i)
oilseeds, including camelina, carinata, and pennycress;
(ii)
alfalfa;
(iii)
pulse crops (including dry edible beans);
(iv)
sugarbeets;
(v)
sugarcane;
(vi)
blueberries; and
(vii)
other crops for which only individual yield-based insurance policies are available.
(B) Availability of policy
Notwithstanding the last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy described in subparagraph (A) available if the requirements of section 508(h) are met.
(C) Determination of projected price
In developing a policy described in subparagraph (A), the Corporation may utilize alternative methods of determining a projected price for a crop, including the correlation of actual prices received for such crop to the futures markets prices of other commodities.
(D) Pricing library
In developing a policy described in subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall determine the feasibility of creating a pricing library for agents and approved insurance providers using data from alternative sources, as determined by the Secretary.
(E) Discount factor
For purposes of developing a policy described in subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall determine the feasibility of—
(i)
establishing a State or regional discount factor as an endorsement policy to provide coverage against losses of revenue due to quality discounts in soybeans; and
(ii)
an alternative to applying the term zero-market value in the case of an available salvage market.
(F) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—
(i)
the crops for which research and development has been carried out under subparagraph (A);
(ii)
the results of the research and development carried out under subparagraph (A);
(iii)
any recommendations with respect to those results; and
(iv)
additional crops for which research and development under this paragraph is planned to be carried out.
(b) Wine grape losses due to smoke exposure
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(21) Wine grape losses due to smoke exposure
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding a policy to insure wine grapes (including wine grapes produced in the States of California, Oregon, and Washington) against losses due to wildfire smoke exposure.
(B) Availability of policy
Notwithstanding the last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall make available a policy described in subparagraph (A) if the requirements of section 508(h) are met.
(C) Report
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes—
(i)
the results of the research carried out under subparagraph (A);
(ii)
a description of the policies made available under this paragraph; and
(iii)
the feasibility of a product that allows producers of wine grapes to claim an indemnity through post-harvest, post-vinification testing, if such testing demonstrates smoke damage that was not detectable prior to harvest.
(c) Mushrooms
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(22) Mushrooms
(A) In general
The Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding a policy to insure—
(i)
the production of mushroom growing media; and
(ii)
the production of mushrooms.
(B) Availability of policy
Notwithstanding the second sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy described in subparagraph (A) available if the requirements of section 508(h) are met.
(C) Research and development
Research and development described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of policies described in that subparagraph, including policies that—
(i)
are based on the risk of—
(I)
pests, including mushroom phorid flies and sciarid flies;
(II)
fungal pathogens; and
(III)
viral pathogens;
(ii)
consider other causes of loss applicable to mushroom compost and mushroom production, such as—
(I)
loss of electricity due to weather; and
(II)
loss of growing media due to excessive 5-year, 10-year, or 20-year rainfall events;
(iii)
consider appropriate best practices to minimize the risk of loss;
(iv)
consider whether to provide coverage for mushrooms under 1 policy or to provide coverage for various phases of production;
(v)
have streamlined reporting and paperwork requirements that take into account short propagation schedules, variable crop years, and the variety of mushrooms that may be produced in a single facility; and
(vi)
provide protection for revenue losses.
(D) Report
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—
(i)
the results of the research and development carried out under subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
any recommendations with respect to those results.
(d) Study on hurricane insurance
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(23) Standalone policy for hurricanes and tropical storms
(A) In general
The Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of offering insurance against tropical storms and hurricanes made available regardless of an underlying crop insurance policy (or lack thereof).
(B) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A).
(e) Frost or cold weather insurance
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(24) Frost or cold weather insurance
(A) In general
The Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding an index-based policy to insure crops (including table grapes, wine grapes, juice grapes, tomatoes, peppers, sugarcane, strawberries, melons, citrus, peaches, blueberries, and any other crop) on a nationally available basis against losses due to a frost or cold weather event.
(B) Research and development
Research and development under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i)
evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools, such as the use of an index, with respect to low frequency and catastrophic loss weather events; and
(ii)
result in a policy that provides protection for at least 1 of the following:
(I)
Production loss.
(II)
Revenue loss.
(C) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—
(i)
the results of the research and development carried out under subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
any recommendations with respect to those results.
(f) Study of inclusion of certain oilseed crops under double and rotational cropping policies
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(25) Double cropping and rotational cropping of certain oilseed crops
(A) Definition of covered oilseed crops
In this paragraph, the term covered oilseed crops means rapeseed, canola, camelina, and other oilseed crops, as determined by the Corporation.
(B) Research and development
The Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, with respect to insurance policies for covered oilseed crops under double cropping and rotational cropping practices.
(C) Requirements
The research and development carried out pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be conducted in consultation with stakeholders to evaluate—
(i)
the factors impacting availability and cost of crop insurance when incorporating covered oilseed crops into double cropping and rotational cropping policies; and
(ii)
the potential risk management benefits associated with incorporating covered oilseed crops into double cropping and rotational cropping policies, specifically with respect to winter-planted covered oilseed crops, including risk management benefits to soil health, biodiversity, and the profitability of farming operations.
(D) Emphasis
In awarding contracts under subparagraph (B), the Corporation may give priority to awarding contracts to qualified persons that—
(i)
have previous research experience with covered oilseed crops; and
(ii)
have access to a facility with the capacity to carry out the applicable research.
(E) Report
Not later than 13 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes—
(i)
the results of the research and development carried out under subparagraph (B); and
(ii)
any recommendations with respect to those results.
(g) Harvest incentives
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(26) Harvest incentives
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding harvest incentives for policies that provide coverage against losses of revenue.
(B) Availability of policy
Notwithstanding the last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall make available a policy described in subparagraph (A) if the requirements of section 508(h) are met.
(C) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes—
(i)
the results of the research carried out under subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
a description of the policies made available under this paragraph.
(h) Prevented planting
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(27) Prevented planting
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding prevented planting coverage for insurance policies for specialty crops that are not planted on a perennial basis.
(B) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes—
(i)
the results of the research carried out under subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
any recommendations with respect to those results.
(i) Policy for swine producers for catastrophic events
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(28) Policy for swine producers for catastrophic events
(A) In general
For purposes of updating any conclusions contained in the final report for the study on swine catastrophic disease published by the Risk Management Agency in 2015, the Corporation shall carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and development, regarding a policy to insure swine producers with respect to financial losses due to a catastrophic event.
(B) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the research and development carried out under subparagraph (A).
Sec. 11015. Report on Standard Reinsurance Agreement
(a) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the Standard Reinsurance Agreement that includes an analysis of any modifications to such Agreement that are necessary to expand the availability of policies and plans of insurance that meet the risk management needs of agricultural producers, States, regions, and commodities.
(b) Contents
The analysis required under subsection (a) shall—
(1)
take into account the requirements under section 508(k)(8)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(F)) related to budget neutrality of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement; and
(2)
include an analysis of—
(A)
any benefit related to establishing—
(i)
at least one additional reinsurance fund for States that have experienced consistently high loss ratios; and
(ii)
at least one additional reinsurance fund to provide alternative risk-sharing terms for approved insurance providers that sell insurance contracts offering area plan coverage;
(B)
with respect to any funds reimbursed for administrative and operating costs under section 507(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(c)), the best method for ensuring that approved insurance providers obligate such funds for—
(i)
the delivery of risk management tools to producers; and
(ii)
agent workforce assistance for producers, in an amount that is not less than the historical percentage of such reimbursement; and
(C)
with respect to each policy and plan of insurance, compensation amounts for agents that—
(i)
are consistent with historical norms; and
(ii)
provide a reasonable return considering workload and the critical service across programs that the agents provide.
(c) Consultation
In carrying out the analysis required under subsection (a), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall consult with—
(1)
representatives of producers—
(A)
from each State and region; and
(B)
with respect to each commodity;
(2)
representatives of agents and approved insurance providers;
(3)
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; and
(4)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
Sec. 11016. Hurricane insurance protection-wind index report
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the hurricane insurance protection-wind index that includes an analysis of any events in the 5-year period preceding the date of the enactment of this section that caused an outage of a weather radio station operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(b) Contents
The analysis required under subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
data on events where a producer lost crop insurance coverage as a result of an outage of a weather radio station operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that occurred during the period described in subsection (a) and the cause of such outage; and
(2)
a contingency plan that evaluates the feasibility of obtaining data from land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) or other third-party sources, as determined by the Secretary.
(c) Consultation
In carrying out the analysis required under subsection (a), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall consult with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Sec. 11017. Risk management study for lamb
(a) In general
The Secretary shall conduct a study that includes an analysis of any modifications to existing livestock protection and risk management programs that may enhance risk management protection to domestic lamb producers.
(b) Content
In conducting the study under this section, the Secretary shall take into account the various factors affecting risk management, including—
(1)
market access;
(2)
sources of feed;
(3)
costs of, and fluctuation of costs of, feed;
(4)
imports;
(5)
consumer demand and trends;
(6)
labor costs; and
(7)
availability and accuracy of market data.
(c) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the findings of the study under this section.
(d) Definition
In this section, the term existing livestock protection and risk management programs includes—
(1)
dairy margin coverage;
(2)
livestock risk protection; and
(3)
any other program designed to protect producers from market volatility, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 11018. Study on livestock risk protection policy with respect to producers of feeder cattle affected by adverse weather events
(a) In general
The Secretary shall conduct a study on potential modifications to the livestock risk protection policy offered under section 523(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523(b)) to improve the flexibility of such policy with respect to producers of feeder cattle affected by adverse weather events, as determined by the Secretary, including drought and wildfires.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study under this section, the Secretary shall, with respect to producers of feeder cattle, evaluate—
(1)
any impact drought, wildfire, and other adverse weather events have on decisions made by such producers related to the marketing of feeder cattle;
(2)
in the case an adverse weather event occurs more than 60 days prior to the end date of a specific coverage endorsement under the livestock risk protection policy described in subsection (a), whether the requirements or endorsement structures of such policy (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section) cause such producers not to market feeder cattle so as to avoid a penalty under such policy;
(3)
any option to provide additional flexibility or an exemption to such producers that market feeder cattle more than 60 days prior to such end date due to an adverse weather event; and
(4)
any other recommendation to improve the effectiveness of such policy for such producers.
(c) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the findings of the study.
Title XII Miscellaneous Provisions
Subtitle A Livestock and Other Animals
Part I Animal Health and Production
Sec. 12001. Animal disease prevention and management
(a) NADPRP program activities
Section 10409A(b)(2) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308A(b)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (F)—
(A)
by striking including training additional emergency response personnel.
and inserting the following:
including—
(i)
training additional emergency response personnel; and; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(ii)
improving animal disease traceability.; and
(2)
in subparagraph (I), by inserting before the period at the end the following: , including activities approved by the Secretary as of the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
(1) National animal health laboratory
Section 10409A(d)(2)(A) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a(d)(2)(A)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
(2) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program; National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank
Section 10409A(d)(2)(B) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a(d)(2)(B)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
(3) Administrative costs
Section 10409A(d)(3)(B) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a(d)(3)(B)) is amended—
(A)
by striking carry out the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program under subsection (b)
and inserting carry out the National Animal Health Laboratory Network under subsection (a) and the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program under subsection (b)
; and
(B)
by striking 10 percent
and inserting 15 percent
.
(4) Availability and purpose of funding
Section 10409A(e)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a(e)(1)) is amended by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2027 through 2031
.
Sec. 12002. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program review and report
(a) Program review
(1) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract with a covered institution under which the covered institution shall conduct a review of the Program.
(2) Review elements
The review conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation of—
(A)
the effectiveness of the Program with respect to preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne illnesses in cattle, including a review of places from which the cattle fever tick has been eradicated and the resulting economic impact;
(B)
with respect to cattle producers—
(i)
the benefits of the Program; and
(ii)
the burden of compliance with the Program;
(C)
the treatment protocols developed and implemented under the Program; and
(D)
the Federal and State funds allocated to support the Program for the most recent fiscal year, including the funds allocated to each research project associated with the Program.
(b) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary and a covered institution enter into a contract pursuant to subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes—
(1)
the results of the review conducted pursuant to subsection (a); and
(2)
recommendations for improvements to the Program, including recommendations for reducing the burden of compliance with the Program with respect to cattle producers.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered institution
The term covered institution means—
(A)
a land-grant college or university (as defined in section 1404(13) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(13))); or
(B)
a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404(14) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14))).
(2) Program
The term Program means the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department in coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission.
(d) Funding
The Secretary shall use funds made available for the agricultural and food policy research centers under section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) to carry out this section.
Sec. 12003. Additional training facilities for National Detector Dog Training Center
The Beagle Brigade Act of 2023 (Public Law 118–191) is amended by adding at the end the following:
4. Additional training facilities
(a) In general
In addition to the Center established under section 2(a), the Secretary may—
(1)
establish other dog training facilities, which shall have the same duties as are specified in section 2(b) for the Center; and
(2)
enter into a cooperative agreement with the department of agriculture of a State (or political subdivision thereof) to establish an off-site training program for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance in the training of dogs, as described in section 2(b).
(b) Considerations
When determining the need for additional training facilities under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider—
(1)
the location of international ports of entry;
(2)
the volume of international passengers and cargo; and
(3)
regional agricultural production trends and associated pest and disease threats.
Sec. 12004. Regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization agreements
(a) In general
Section 10405 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8304) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
(d) Engagement with key export markets
To reduce the impact of animal disease outbreaks on United States exports, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and the Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, is authorized to negotiate in advance, to the extent practicable, regionalization, zoning, compartmentalization, and other agreements regarding outbreaks of known animal disease threats of trade significance with the governments of countries with export markets for livestock animals or animal products from the United States.
(b) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section may be construed—
(1)
to limit the ability of the United States Trade Representative to negotiate trade agreements; or
(2)
to require the United States Trade Representative to condition other trade agreements on the inclusion of language relating to reducing the impact of animal disease outbreaks on United States exports, as described in subsection (d) of section 10405 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8304) (as inserted by subsection (a)(2)).
Sec. 12005. Importation of live dogs
(a) In general
The Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 10404 (7 U.S.C. 8303) the following:
10404A. Importation of live dogs
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Compensation
The term compensation means any act, consideration, or thing of value received by a person directly, including cash or noncash benefits, cost-avoidance, obtaining positive or avoiding negative publicity, an exchange of services, or maintaining a license issued under any local, State, or Federal government authority.
(2) Importer
The term importer means any person who transports or causes the transportation of a dog into the United States from a foreign country.
(3) Import transporter
The term import transporter means any person or entity that—
(A)
receives an imported dog from any importer, dealer, research facility, exhibitor, operator of an auction sale, or department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or of any State or local government; and
(B)
receives compensation for moving such dog in commerce.
(4) Transfer
The term transfer means a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person, including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation.
(b) Requirements
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall import a dog into the United States unless prior to transport to the United States, the Secretary receives electronic documentation necessary, as determined by the Secretary, to demonstrate that the dog—
(A)
is in good health;
(B)
has received all necessary vaccinations and internal and external parasite treatment, and demonstrated negative test results, as required by the Secretary and evidenced by a certificate that—
(i)
is issued by a licensed veterinarian accredited by a competent veterinary authority recognized by the Secretary; and
(ii)
is endorsed by that authority in a manner representing that the veterinarian issuing the certificate was authorized to do so;
(C)
is officially identified by a permanent method approved by the Secretary; and
(D)
in the case that the dog is intended for transfer—
(i)
is at least 6 months old; and
(ii)
is accompanied by an import permit issued by the Secretary under this Act.
(2) Exceptions
The Secretary, by regulation, shall provide an exception to any requirement under this Act in any case in which a dog is imported for purposes of transfer—
(A)
as a personal pet of United States origin returning to the United States;
(B)
as a United States military working dog or contracted working dog supporting a military mission or tasking;
(C)
for research purposes;
(D)
for veterinary treatment which is paid for by the importer, subject to the condition that the dog—
(i)
is taken directly to a veterinary facility for treatment with appropriate quarantine until the dog meets the criteria described in paragraph (1); and
(ii)
is then exported to its country of origin; or
(E)
in the case of a dog that is less than 6 months old, for lawful importation into the State of Hawaii from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand in compliance with the regulations of the State of Hawaii and the other requirements of this section, if the dog is not transported out of the State of Hawaii for transfer at less than 6 months of age.
(c) Implementation and regulations
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation, shall promulgate such regulations as the Secretary determines necessary to implement and enforce this section, including regulations—
(1)
to facilitate electronic submission and interagency sharing of all documentation required prior to the importation of a dog into the United States under subsection (b)(1);
(2)
to establish any necessary post-arrival verification processes for imported dogs;
(3)
to ensure the denial of entry into the United States of any dog attempted to be imported into the United States in violation of subsection (b)(1);
(4)
to provide that each importer, import transporter, intermediate handler, or carrier receiving a certificate of veterinary inspection required under this section shall submit a copy of the certificate to the Secretary, who shall, upon receipt—
(A)
record and maintain the information in a centralized database; and
(B)
upon request by a State veterinarian, share the information with such State veterinarian not later than 3 days after such request is received by the Secretary;
(5)
to require the Secretary to annually aggregate and publicly report the data submitted under paragraph (4), including information on the countries of origin of the imported dogs and the purposes for the importation of such dogs; and
(6)
to determine and establish such fees for the verification of documentation and issuance of permits required under subsection (b)(1) as may be necessary to fund the implementation and enforcement of this section.
(d) Rule of construction
Nothing in subsection (c)(5) shall be construed as limiting the availability of funding made available under section 10417 to carry out this section.
(e) Enforcement
(1) Authority
The Secretary shall have the authority granted under section 10414 to enforce this section.
(2) Penalties
An importer or import transporter that fails to comply with this section shall—
(A)
be subject to penalties under section 10414; and
(B)
provide, as the Secretary may determine, at the expense of the importer or import transporter, for—
(i)
the care (including appropriate veterinary care), forfeiture, quarantine, and removal from the United States of each applicable dog; and
(ii)
the return of each applicable dog to its place of export, with due care for the welfare of each applicable dog.
(b) Transition period
(1) In general
During the transition period, regulations promulgated under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) shall continue to apply to the extent that such regulations do not conflict with section 10404A of the Animal Health Protection Act (as inserted by subsection (a)).
(2) Transition period defined
In this subsection, the term transition period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which final regulations are promulgated under such section 10404A.
(c) Conforming amendment
Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148) is repealed.
Sec. 12006. Ensuring the free movement of livestock-derived products in interstate commerce
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to—
(1)
protect the free movement in interstate commerce of products derived from covered livestock;
(2)
encourage a national market of such products;
(3)
ensure that producers of covered livestock are not subject to a patchwork of State laws restricting access to a national market; and
(4)
ensure that the United States continues to uphold its international trade obligations.
(b) In general
Producers of covered livestock have a Federal right to raise and market their covered livestock in interstate commerce and therefore no State or subdivision thereof may enact or enforce, directly or indirectly, a condition or standard on the production of covered livestock other than for covered livestock physically raised in such State or subdivision.
(c) Protecting interstate commerce
Producers of covered livestock have a Federal right to raise and market their covered livestock in interstate commerce and therefore no State or subdivision thereof may enact or enforce, directly or indirectly, as a condition for sale or consumption, any condition or standard of production on products derived from covered livestock not physically raised in such State or subdivision that is in addition to, or different from, the conditions or standards of production in the State in which the production occurs.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered livestock
The term covered livestock—
(A)
means any domestic animal raised for the purpose of—
(i)
slaughter for human consumption; or
(ii)
producing products manufactured for human consumption which are derived from the processing of milk, including fluid milk products; and
(B)
does not include domestic animals raised for the primary purpose of egg production.
(2) Production
The term production—
(A)
means the raising (including breeding) of covered livestock; and
(B)
does not include the movement, harvesting, or further processing of covered livestock.
Sec. 12007. Report on support for livestock and poultry producers during a foreign animal disease outbreak
(a) In general
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the Department’s preparedness to support livestock producers and poultry growers facing economic losses in the event of an outbreak of a foreign animal disease.
(b) Contents
The report submitted under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the Department’s ability to protect producers and growers from significant economic losses as a result of a foreign animal disease—
(1)
an assessment of—
(A)
existing Federal programs, including catastrophic risk management tools, indemnity, direct payments, biosecurity assistance, and herd buyouts; and
(B)
the Department’s capacity to utilize such programs to provide benefits to producers and growers experiencing economic losses as a result of having to sell livestock and poultry at a reduced price, having to quarantine, treat, destroy, or dispose of animals, having to implement additional biosecurity measures or as a result of catastrophic market conditions;
(2)
a determination of gaps that exist in the Department’s ability to provide economic support for producers and growers suffering such losses; and
(3)
recommendations of the Secretary for modifications to Federal law (including regulations) relating to protecting producers and growers from significant economic losses related to a foreign animal disease outbreak.
(c) Provision of information
(1) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, for purposes of facilitating the preparation of the report submitted under subsection (a), the relevant Department officials described in paragraph (2) shall inform the Secretary of the information described in subsection (b).
(2) Relevant Department officials described
The relevant Department officials described in this paragraph are the following:
(A)
The Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation.
(B)
The Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.
(C)
The Under Secretary for Rural Development.
(D)
The Under Secretary for Food Safety.
(E)
The Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
(F)
The Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
(G)
Other officials, as specified by the Secretary.
Sec. 12008. Protection of greyhounds
(a) In general
The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
30. Protection of greyhounds
(a) In general
It shall be unlawful—
(1)
for any person to knowingly engage in commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, or open field coursing events in which any greyhound is moved in interstate or foreign commerce;
(2)
to conduct any commercial greyhound racing or racing meeting where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of greyhounds occurs;
(3)
to conduct open field coursing or live lure training with the use of any bait that is not an inanimate object;
(4)
to engage in or facilitate simulcast betting or wagering on greyhound races in interstate or foreign commerce; and
(5)
for any person to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive any greyhound for purposes of having the greyhound participate in commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, or open field coursing events.
(b) Investigations
The Secretary, or any other person authorized by the Secretary, shall make such investigations as the Secretary determines necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is violating any provision of this section. The Secretary may obtain the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of the Treasury, or other law enforcement agencies of the United States, and State and local governmental agencies, in the conduct of such investigations, under cooperative agreements with such agencies.
(c) Penalties
Any person who violates any of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a) shall be fined under this Act, imprisoned for not more than 7 years, or both, for each such violation. Each instance of a violation of any such paragraph shall be considered a single violation.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Commercial greyhound racing
The term commercial greyhound racing means any event involving the participation of greyhounds in which betting or wagering on the speed or ability of such greyhounds occurs.
(2) Simulcast
The term simulcast means the simultaneous audio or visual transmission from one location of foreign or domestic greyhound races taking place at a different location and gambling on the results of such races.
(b) Definition of animal
Section 2(g) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2132(g)) is amended by inserting hare,
after rabbit,
.
(c) Applicability
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to conduct occurring on or after October 1, 2027.
(d) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be construed—
(1)
to preempt any State law prohibiting gambling or protecting the welfare of animals, including greyhounds, jackrabbits, and hares; or
(2)
to alter, limit, or extend the relationship between the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) as it relates to horse racing and other Federal laws in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 12009. Animal fighting
Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) is amended—
(1)
by striking the section designation and all that follows through It shall be unlawful
in subsection (a)(2) and inserting the following:
26. Sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in, attending, causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend, or gambling on, an animal fighting venture
(a) Sponsoring or exhibiting
(1) In general
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture.
(2) Attending or causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend
It shall be unlawful; and
(2)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
(3) Animal venture gambling
It shall be unlawful for any person to gamble on an animal fighting venture, including an in-person or broadcast event.
Part II Meat and Poultry Processing and Inspection
Sec. 12111. Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A–PLUS)
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise section 201.67 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2024, to specify that—
(1)
market agencies may have an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of, a packer, so long as such packer—
(A)
with respect to cattle and sheep, has a cumulative slaughter capacity of less than—
(i)
2,000 animals per day; or
(ii)
700,000 animals per year; and
(B)
with respect to hogs, has a cumulative slaughter capacity of less than—
(i)
10,000 animals per day; or
(ii)
3,000,000 animals per year; and
(2)
market agencies that have an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of, a packer shall disclose to sellers of livestock the existence of such ownership interest, financial relationship, or participation.
(b) Savings clause
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as a limitation on the authority of the Secretary to adopt or enforce rules or regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) related to the protection of producers, competition, market integrity, or the prevention of conflicts of interest.
Sec. 12112. Hazard analysis and critical control point guidance and resources for small and very small poultry and meat establishments
(a) Meat establishments
The Federal Meat Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 25 (21 U.S.C. 625) the following:
26. Small and very small establishment guidance and resources
(a) Studies; model plans
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make publicly available—
(1)
a list of scientific studies (which the Secretary shall update as necessary) for use by small establishments and very small establishments in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan;
(2)
guidelines relating to best practices and techniques by small establishments and very small establishments in the production of raw or further processed meat and meat food products; and
(3)
scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for small establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for—
(A)
slaughter-only establishments;
(B)
processing-only establishments; and
(C)
slaughter and processing establishments.
(b) Guidance
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for small establishments and very small establishments to develop, pursuant to this Act, a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan.
(c) Data confidentiality
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information of any meat processing establishment, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of a meat processing establishment.
(d) Small establishment and very small establishment defined
In this section, the terms small establishment and very small establishment have the meanings given the terms smaller establishment and very small establishment, respectively, in the final rule entitled
Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems(61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or successor regulations).
(b) Poultry establishments
The Poultry Products Inspection Act is amended by inserting after section 14 (21 U.S.C. 463) the following:
14A. Small and very small establishment guidance and resources
(a) Studies; model plans
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make publicly available—
(1)
a list of scientific studies (which the Secretary shall update as necessary) for use by small establishments and very small establishments in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan;
(2)
guidelines relating to best practices and techniques used by small establishments and very small establishments in the production of raw or further processed poultry products; and
(3)
scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans for small establishments and very small establishments, including model plans for—
(A)
slaughter-only establishments;
(B)
processing-only establishments; and
(C)
slaughter and processing establishments.
(b) Guidance
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on the requirements that need to be met for small establishments and very small establishments to develop a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan pursuant to this Act.
(c) Data confidentiality
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall not publish confidential business information of any poultry processing establishment, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan of a poultry processing establishment.
(d) Small establishment and very small establishment defined
In this section, the terms small establishment and very small establishment have the meanings given the terms smaller establishment and very small establishment, respectively, in the final rule entitled
Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems(61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or successor regulations).
Sec. 12113. Outreach on cooperative interstate shipment
(a) Meat
Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 683) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(k) Federal outreach
In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to States that—
(1)
have a State meat inspection program in effect pursuant to section 301; and
(2)
do not have a selected establishment.
(b) Poultry
Section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 472) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(j) Federal outreach
In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall conduct outreach to States that—
(1)
have a State poultry product inspection program in effect pursuant to section 5; and
(2)
do not have a selected establishment.
(c) Report
At the conclusion of each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall submit a report detailing the activities and results of the outreach conducted during that fiscal year under subsection (k) of section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 683) and subsection (j) of section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 472), as added by subsections (a) and (b), to—
(1)
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;
(2)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;
(3)
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(4)
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
Sec. 12114. Pilot program to support custom slaughter establishments
(a) In general
(1) State operated pilot program
Upon the receipt of an application from a custom exempt facility and subject to the requirements specified in subsection (c), a State department of agriculture may operate a pilot program to allow such custom facility to sell slaughtered meat and meat food products (referred to in this section as meat products
) directly to consumers within the State in which the facility is located in accordance with the pilot program.
(2) Lack of a state pilot program
If a State department of agriculture does not elect to operate a pilot program, the Secretary shall, upon request from a custom exempt facility in such a State, operate a pilot program administered by the Secretary for that State in accordance with this section.
(b) Allowable number of facilities
(1) Initial approval
Except as provided in paragraph (2)—
(A)
a State department of agriculture may approve not more than 5 facilities in such State for participation in a pilot program established under subsection (a)(1); and
(B)
the Secretary may approve not more than 10 facilities to participate in all pilot programs established under subsection (a)(2).
(2) Subsequent approval of facilities
Not less than 2 years after the establishment of a pilot program, a State department of agriculture or the Secretary may, if no product produced at a facility that was initially approved under paragraph (1) for participation in such pilot program has been subject to an emergency action under subsection (f) during the 2-year period following such establishment, approve—
(A)
in the case of a State department of agriculture, not more than 5 additional facilities in the respective State; and
(B)
in the case of the Secretary, not more than 10 additional facilities in all States.
(c) Pilot program requirements
A pilot program established under this section shall, at a minimum, require—
(1)
that meat products sold under the pilot program are—
(A)
sold directly to consumers within the State from—
(i)
the owner of the animals from which such meat products are derived; or
(ii)
the custom exempt facility at which the meat products were processed;
(B)
not eligible for re-sale; and
(C)
clearly labeled to indicate—
(i)
the name and address of the facility at which the meat products were processed;
(ii)
the name and address of the owner of the animals from which such meat products are derived;
(iii)
the location where animals from which such meat products are derived were raised;
(iv)
the date of slaughter of such animals and the period of time over which the owner raised such animals;
(v)
that such meat products were not subject to Federal inspection; and
(vi)
that such meat products shall not be resold;
(2)
that custom exempt facilities participating in the pilot program comply with—
(A)
Public Law 85–765 (7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.; commonly known as the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958
);
(B)
applicable State and local laws;
(C)
section 23(d) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 623(d)); and
(D)
Federal regulations pertaining to—
(i)
sanitation standards and record-keeping requirements for custom exempt facilities; and
(ii)
the handling and disposition of specified risk materials;
(3)
that custom exempt facilities participating in the pilot program be subject to onsite inspection by the Secretary to ensure compliance with the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(4)
that custom exempt facilities participating in the pilot program be subject to onsite inspection at least annually by the local authority responsible for restaurant inspections or the State department of agriculture.
(d) Implementation
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue, and make publicly available, guidance for participation in a pilot program established pursuant to this section.
(e) Ineligibility
An establishment subject to inspection by the Secretary under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or operating pursuant to a State meat inspection program authorized under section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661) shall not be eligible to participate in a pilot program established pursuant to this section.
(f) Authority for emergency action
If the Secretary has credible evidence that a meat product produced at a custom exempt facility participating in a pilot program established pursuant to this section is adulterated, the Secretary—
(1)
shall, pursuant to the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), take such actions as may be necessary to address the risk to public health posed by such products; and
(2)
may terminate the participation of a custom exempt facility in a pilot program established pursuant to this section.
(g) Report required
(1) Reports by State departments of agriculture to Secretary
Beginning September 30, 2026, and each fiscal year thereafter until September 30, 2031, each State department of agriculture operating a pilot program pursuant to this section shall submit to the Secretary a report detailing, with respect to each such pilot program within the relevant State for the preceding fiscal year—
(A)
the number and location of persons or custom exempt facilities selling meat products under each such pilot program;
(B)
the outcomes of each such pilot program;
(C)
any instances in which a meat product was subject to an emergency action under subsection (f); and
(D)
aggregated data on the volume of meat being processed under such pilot program.
(2) Report by Secretary to Congress
Not later than 2 years after initiating a pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report detailing—
(A)
the information received from participating State departments of agriculture under paragraph (1); and
(B)
for any custom exempt facilities participating in a pilot program established by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (a)(2)—
(i)
the number and location of persons or custom exempt facilities selling products pursuant to such pilot program;
(ii)
the outcomes of such pilot program; and
(iii)
any instances in which a meat product was subject to an emergency action under subsection (f).
(h) Custom exempt facility defined
In this section, the term custom exempt facility means an establishment engaged in the slaughter of animals and the preparation of the carcasses, parts thereof, meat, and meat food products for commerce that is not subject to the Federal inspection requirements under title I of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
(i) Sunset
A State and the Secretary may not operate a pilot program under this section on or after September 30, 2031, and no facility that is exempt from inspection under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) pursuant to this section shall be exempt from that inspection on or after September 30, 2031.
Subtitle B Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
Sec. 12201. Office of Homeland Security
Section 221 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6922) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (7), by striking and
at the end;
(B)
by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); and
(C)
by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
(8)
conducting annual cross-sector crisis simulation exercises related to a food-related emergency or disruption; and; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(f) Detailees
The Secretary may detail employees of the Department of Agriculture to, and accept employees detailed from, the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947) to assist in carrying out the duties of the Office of Homeland Security.
(g) Risk assessments and reports
(1) Risk assessments
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and not less than every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct an assessment of risks and security vulnerabilities to the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector, including—
(A)
naturally occurring, unintentional, or intentional threats, including chemical, biological, cybersecurity, or bioterrorism attacks;
(B)
influence of state-owned enterprise;
(C)
control of and access to agricultural data;
(D)
foreign acquisition of intellectual property, agricultural assets, and land;
(E)
agricultural input shortages and dependence on foreign-sourced inputs;
(F)
supply chain and trade disruptions;
(G)
science and technology cooperation;
(H)
unequal investments in research, development, and commercialization;
(I)
incongruent regulatory policies; and
(J)
any other vulnerabilities identified by the Secretary.
(2) Briefing and report
(A) In general
Not later than 180 days after the completion of a risk assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide a briefing on the results of the risk assessment and submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that includes—
(i)
an assessment of any gaps or limitations in national security efforts related to the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector;
(ii)
any actions taken by the Secretary to address any gaps or limitations identified under clause (i), including through interagency coordination, threat information sharing, and stakeholder outreach;
(iii)
any recommendations for administrative, regulatory, or legislative actions that can be taken to reduce any gaps or limitations identified under clause (i), including—
(I)
recommendations to reduce the dependence on foreign-source inputs necessary for the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector; and
(II)
recommendations to address the cybersecurity threats to, and security vulnerabilities in, the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector; and
(iv)
resources the Secretary requires to address current and future national security vulnerabilities related to the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector.
(B) Exemption from Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act
A report required under subparagraph (A) shall be exempt from the requirements of the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act (subtitle D of title VII of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 3677).
Sec. 12202. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
Section 226B(f)(3)(B) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)(3)(B)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 12203. Burden of proof for national appeals division hearings
Section 277(c)(4) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6997(c)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
(4) Burden of proof
The agency shall bear the burden of proving by substantial evidence that the adverse decision of the agency was valid.
Sec. 12204. Termination of authority
Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(11)
The authority of the Secretary to carry out the amendments made to this title by the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
Sec. 12205. Functions of the Office of Tribal Relations
Section 309 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking shall advise
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting shall—
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(1)
advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes;
(2)
oversee—
(A)
each self-determination contract (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) entered into between the Secretary and a tribal organization; and
(B)
each self-governance compact (as defined in section 401 of such Act (25 U.S.C. 5361)) entered into between the Secretary and an Indian tribe; and
(3)
carry out such other functions as the Secretary considers appropriate.; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(1), by striking this subsection
and inserting this section
.
Subtitle C National Security
Sec. 12301. Agricultural foreign investment disclosure improvements
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) AFIDA
The term AFIDA means the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
(2) FPAC–BC
The term FPAC–BC means the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center of the Department of Agriculture.
(b) MOU with CFIUS
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into 1 or more memoranda of understanding with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States under which the Secretary shall provide the Committee with all relevant information relating to reports on foreign ownership of United States agricultural land submitted to the Secretary under section 2 of AFIDA (7 U.S.C. 3501), including information on—
(1)
each report submitted to the Secretary; and
(2)
with respect to each such report, the identity of the foreign persons included in the report and the date of submission.
(c) AFIDA handbook updates
(1) First update
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
(A)
update the most recent version of the Farm Service Agency handbook titled Foreign Investment Disclosure
as determined necessary by the Secretary for the effective implementation of AFIDA; and
(B)
incorporate in such update the recommendations made by the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Foreign Investments in U.S. Agricultural Land: Enhancing Efforts to Collect, Track, and Share Key Information Could Better Identify National Security Risks
and dated January 18, 2024.
(2) Subsequent updates
After updating the handbook described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) under that paragraph, the Secretary shall carry out an update of that handbook every 10 years thereafter, including by incorporating any recommendations of the Government Accountability Office.
(d) Civil penalties
Section 3 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3502) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(2)
by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through Any such civil penalty shall be recoverable
and inserting the following:
3. Civil penalties
(a) In general
A person shall be subject to a civil penalty imposed by the Secretary if the Secretary determines that the person—
(1)
has failed to submit a report in accordance with the provisions of section 2; or
(2)
has knowingly submitted a report under section 2 that—
(A)
does not contain all the information required to be in such report; or
(B)
contains information that is misleading or false.
(b) Civil action
Any civil penalty imposed by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall be recoverable; and
(3)
in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through The amount
and inserting the following:
(c) Amount of penalty
The amount;
(B)
by striking of this section
; and
(C)
by striking shall not exceed 25 percent
and inserting for violations under subsection (a)(1) shall not exceed 25 percent, and for violations under subsection (a)(2) shall be not less than 5 percent, but not more than 25 percent,
.
(e) Public disclosure of enforcement actions
Section 3 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3502) (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(d) Public disclosure of enforcement actions
The Secretary shall publicly disclose the name of each person who paid to the Secretary a civil penalty imposed under subsection (a), including, if applicable, after the completion of an appeal of a civil penalty.
(f) Publication of reporting requirements
Section 3 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3502) (as amended by subsection (c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Outreach
Using existing resources and efforts to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall carry out a nationwide outreach program directed primarily toward landlords, operators, owners, persons, producers, and tenants (as those terms are defined in section 718.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026)) of agricultural land and county property appraiser offices, land appraisal companies, and real estate auction companies to increase public awareness and provide education regarding the reporting requirements under this Act.
Sec. 12302. Report on agricultural land purchasing activities in the United States by countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism and certain other countries
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Agricultural land
The term agricultural land has the meaning given the term in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508).
(2) Appropriate committees of Congress
The term appropriate committees of Congress means—
(A)
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;
(B)
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(C)
the Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;
(D)
the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives;
(E)
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; and
(F)
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.
(3) Covered foreign country
The term covered foreign country means a foreign country of concern (as defined in section 10638 of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. 19237)).
(4) Covered foreign person
The term covered foreign person means a foreign person (as defined in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508)) that is a citizen of, or headquartered in, as applicable, a covered foreign country.
(5) State
The term State has the meaning given the term in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508).
(6) State sponsor of terrorism
The term state sponsor of terrorism means a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, for purposes of—
(A)
section 1754(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)(1)(A)(i));
(B)
section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371);
(C)
section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780(d)); or
(D)
any other provision of law.
(b) Report
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the head of any other appropriate Federal agency, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the national security risks of the purchase and management of agricultural land by covered foreign persons.
(2) Contents
A report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following with respect to the year covered by the report:
(A)
A description of—
(i)
the number of acres of agricultural land owned, leased, or managed by covered foreign persons, organized by State; and
(ii)
for each State, the percentage of land owned or managed by covered foreign persons compared to the total acreage of the State.
(B)
An analysis of the possible threat to food security, food safety, biosecurity, or environmental protection due to the ownership of agricultural land by each covered foreign country through covered foreign persons.
(C)
An analysis of the annual and total cost of support for agricultural land owned by covered foreign persons through farm programs administered by the Farm Service Agency.
(D)
An analysis of the use of agricultural land for industrial espionage or intellectual property transfer by covered foreign persons.
(E)
An analysis of the potential use by covered foreign persons of agricultural land in close proximity to manufacturing facilities, water sources, and other critical infrastructure to monitor, interrupt, or disrupt activities critical to the national and economic security of the United States.
(F)
An analysis of other threats to the agricultural industry or national security of the United States due to the ownership of agricultural land by covered foreign persons.
(3) Unclassified form
A report submitted under this subsection shall—
(A)
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex; and
(B)
be consistent with the protection of intelligence sources and methods.
Sec. 12303. Investigative actions
(a) Investigative actions
Section 4 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3503) is amended to read as follows:
4. Investigative actions
(a) In general
The Secretary shall appoint an employee in the Senior Executive Service (as described in section 3131 of title 5, United States Code) of the Department of Agriculture to serve as Chief of Operations of Investigative Actions (referred to in this section as the
Chief of Operations), who shall hire, appoint, and maintain additional employees to monitor compliance with the provisions of this Act.(b) Chief of Operations
The Chief of Operations may serve in such position simultaneously with a concurrent position within the Department of Agriculture.
(c) Security
The Secretary shall—
(1)
provide classified storage, meeting, and other spaces, as necessary, for personnel of the Chief of Operations; and
(2)
assist such personnel in obtaining security clearances.
(d) Duties
The Chief of Operations shall—
(1)
monitor compliance with this Act;
(2)
refer noncompliance with this Act to the Secretary, the Farm Service Agency, and any other appropriate authority;
(3)
conduct investigations, in coordination with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the Treasury, the National Security Council, and State and local law enforcement agencies, on malign efforts—
(A)
to steal agricultural knowledge and technology; or
(B)
to disrupt the United States agricultural base;
(4)
conduct an annual audit of the database developed under section 12304(b) of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026;
(5)
seek to enter into memoranda of agreement and memoranda of understanding with the Federal agencies described in paragraph (3)—
(A)
to ensure compliance with this Act; and
(B)
to prevent the malign efforts described in that paragraph;
(6)
refer to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States transactions that—
(A)
raise potential national security concerns; and
(B)
result in agricultural land acquisition by a foreign person that is a citizen of, or headquartered in, as applicable, a foreign entity of concern; and
(7)
publish annual reports that summarize the information contained in every report received by the Secretary under section 2 during the period covered by the report.
(e) Administration
The Chief of Operations shall report to—
(1)
the Secretary; or
(2)
if delegated by the Secretary, to—
(A)
the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency; or
(B)
the Director of the Department of Agriculture Office of Homeland Security.
(b) Definition of foreign entity of concern
Section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking For purposes of this Act—
and inserting In this Act:
;
(2)
in each of paragraphs (1) through (6)—
(A)
by striking the term
and inserting The term
; and
(B)
by inserting a paragraph heading, the text of which comprises the term defined in that paragraph;
(3)
in each of paragraphs (1) through (4), by striking the semicolon and inserting a period;
(4)
in paragraph (5), by striking ; and
and inserting a period;
(5)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs (3), (4), (6), (7), and (8), respectively;
(6)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2) Foreign entity of concern
The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given the term in section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).; and
(7)
by inserting after paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) the following:
(5) Malign effort
The term malign effort means any hostile effort undertaken by, at the direction of, on behalf of, or with the substantial support of the government of a foreign entity of concern.
Sec. 12304. Digitization and consolidation of foreign land ownership data collection and publication
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Agricultural land
The term agricultural land has the meaning given the term in section 781.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
(2) Database
The term database means the database developed under subsection (c).
(3) Foreign person
The term foreign person has the meaning given the term in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508).
(b) Database
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a database of agricultural land owned by foreign persons, using data that are collected pursuant to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
(c) Contents
Each entry in the database for each registration or updated registration of agricultural land owned or leased by a foreign person shall include pertinent information, as determined by the Secretary, in the applicable filing, except it shall not publicly disclose the name of the filer and the purchase or lease price of such transaction for a period of at least 30 days following such filing.
(d) Audit
Not later than 180 days after the database is operational, and annually thereafter, the Chief of Operations for Investigative Actions appointed under section 4 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (as amended by section 12303(a)) shall—
(1)
conduct an audit of the database; and
(2)
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report—
(A)
evaluating the accuracy of the database; and
(B)
describing recommendations for improving compliance with the reporting required under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
(e) Repeal
Section 773 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117–328) is repealed.
Sec. 12305. CFIUS consideration of certain agricultural land transactions
(a) Inclusion of the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
Section 721(k) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(k)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(8) Inclusion of the Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Agriculture shall be a member of the Committee with respect to a covered transaction that involves—
(A)
agricultural land;
(B)
agriculture biotechnology; or
(C)
the agriculture industry, including agricultural transportation, storage, and processing.
(b) Consideration of certain agricultural land transactions
Section 721(b)(1) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(I) Consideration of certain agricultural land transactions
(i) In general
After receiving notification from the Secretary of Agriculture of a reportable agricultural land transaction, the Committee shall determine—
(I)
whether the transaction is a covered transaction; and
(II)
if the Committee determines that the transaction is a covered transaction, whether the Committee should initiate a review pursuant to subparagraph (D), or take another action authorized under this section, with respect to the reportable agricultural land transaction.
(ii) Reportable agricultural land transaction
In this subparagraph, the term reportable agricultural land transaction means a transaction—
(I)
that the Secretary of Agriculture has reason to believe is a covered transaction, based on information from or in cooperation with the intelligence community;
(II)
that involves the acquisition of an interest in agricultural land by a foreign person of the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, or the Islamic Republic of Iran; and
(III)
with respect to which a person is required to submit a report to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 2(a) of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978.
(iii) Sunset
The requirements under this subparagraph shall terminate, with respect to a foreign person of the respective foreign country, on the date that the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, or the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the case may be, is removed from the list of foreign adversaries in section 791.4 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations.
Subtitle D Other Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 12401. Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050
Section 12609 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334; 132 Stat. 5009) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking There is established
and inserting Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish
;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by inserting and recommendations
after Study
;
(B)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , and make recommendations relating to,
after study on
;
(C)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting and timely
after affordable
; and
(ii)
by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following:
(D)
apprenticeships, mentoring programs, business training, and technical assistance programs;;
(D)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking existing and new Federal tax policies
and inserting existing and new State and Federal policies, including tax policies
; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting or impede
after facilitate
;
(E)
in paragraph (4), by striking and
at the end;
(F)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(G)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
heirs’ property and succession of agricultural land;
(7)
any unique barriers faced by historically underserved and women farmers and ranchers in the ability to transfer, inherit, or purchase agricultural assets, including land; and
(8)
leasing and ownership trends, including leasing and ownership trends by foreign persons or entities.;
(3)
in subsection (f), by striking 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act
and inserting 2 years after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
;
(4)
by amending subsection (l) to read as follows:
(l) Federal advisory committees
Sections 1008 and 1013 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Commission or any proceeding of the Commission.; and
(5)
in subsection (m), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 12402. Report on personnel
Section 12506 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 12403. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor
Section 12512(d)(2) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 5856(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 12404. Reports on land access and farmland ownership data collection
Section 12607 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 2204i) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting and not less frequently than once every 2 years thereafter,
before the Secretary of Agriculture
;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking and
at the end;
(C)
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(4)
a catalog of existing Federal, State, or private programs that facilitate access to land, capital, and markets, including programs providing assistance relating to—
(A)
acquiring of real property (including air rights, water rights, and other interests therein), including closing costs;
(B)
subsidizing interest rates and mortgage principal amounts for intended beneficiaries;
(C)
providing down payment assistance to decrease farm mortgages;
(D)
securing clear title on heirs’ property farmland;
(E)
conducting surveys and assessments of agricultural land;
(F)
improving or remediating land, water, and soil;
(G)
constructing or repairing infrastructure;
(H)
supporting land use planning;
(I)
acquiring legal or financial planning assistance;
(J)
carrying out Tribal consultation;
(K)
supporting acquisition of a Department of Agriculture farm number; and
(L)
any other activities as determined by the Secretary.; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 12405. Increasing transparency regarding detention of imported plants
(a) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall issue guidance to clarify the process by which an importer of plants that have been denied entry into the United States and detained under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) may obtain additional information on such denial and detention.
(b) Information provided
The process referred to in subsection (a) shall ensure that the Secretary shall provide to an importer described in such subsection, upon the detention of any plants of such importer, the following information:
(1)
The specific reasons for which the detention of the plants was initiated, including the date on which the plants were presented to the Secretary for examination.
(2)
The anticipated length of the detention of such plants.
(3)
The nature of the tests or inquiries to be conducted on the plants, which the importer shall be able to replicate.
(4)
The nature of any information that, if supplied to the Secretary, would accelerate the disposition of the detention.
Sec. 12406. Enhancement of pet protections
(a) Report
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act (or later, if the Secretary determines appropriate after taking into consideration any ongoing programmatic review of the Animal Care program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a report with respect to companion animals that—
(1)
evaluates the enforcement of standards under, and requirements of, the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) by the Secretary for both effectiveness and efficiency;
(2)
evaluates the efforts by the Secretary to educate and advise dealers of all standards under, and requirements of, such Act;
(3)
evaluates the capacity of the Secretary to enforce the standards established by such Act;
(4)
makes recommendations for the improvement of—
(A)
all standards (including animal welfare standards) under, and requirements of, such Act; and
(B)
education efforts of the Secretary with respect to such standards and requirements; and
(5)
considers the impact and associated costs of any recommended improvements or amendments to the standards under, and requirements of, such Act.
(b) Veterinary care
(1) In general
Section 13(a)(2)(A) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting (which shall include visual dental examinations, whenever practicable)
after adequate veterinary care
.
(2) Technical amendment
Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143) is amended by redesignating the second subsection (f) (prohibiting delivery of certain animals without certificate of inspection), subsection (g), and subsection (h) as subsections (g) through (i), respectively.
Sec. 12407. Protecting animals with shelter
Section 12502(b)(8) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334) is amended by striking 2023
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 12408. Report on available assistance to agricultural producers in the State of Texas that have suffered economic losses due to the failure of Mexico to deliver water
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that lists all existing authorities of the Secretary and programs within the Department that are or could be made available to provide assistance to agricultural producers in the State of Texas that have suffered economic losses due to the failure of Mexico to deliver water to the United States in accordance with the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande signed at Washington on February 3, 1944, and the Supplementary Protocol signed at Washington November 14, 1944.
Sec. 12409. Qualified renewable biomass
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Agency action
The term agency action has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Qualified renewable biomass
(A) In general
The term qualified renewable biomass means—
(i)
forest products manufacturing bioenergy feedstocks, including from—
(I)
forest products manufacturing residuals, including spent pulping liquors, pulping by-products, bark, woody manufacturing residuals, paper recycling residuals, wastewater and process water treatment plant residuals, and anaerobic digester biogas;
(II)
harvest residues, including portions of harvested trees that are too small or of too poor quality to be utilized for wood products or paper products;
(III)
downed wood from extreme weather events and natural disasters, nonhazardous landscape or right-of-way trimmings and municipal trimmings, and plant material removed for purposes of invasive or noxious plant species control;
(IV)
biowaste, including landfill gas; and
(V)
non-chemically treated used wood products, such as crates or pallets; and
(ii)
forest biomass derived from residues created as a by-product of timber harvesting, including treetops, tree limbs, and bark, but excluding stumps, roots, and round wood suitable for industrial purposes.
(B) Exclusion
Such term does not include paper of a type that is commonly recycled.
(b) In general
(1) Consideration as renewable energy source
With respect to any agency action of the Department related to qualified renewable biomass, the Secretary shall consider qualified renewable biomass to be a renewable energy source and assign it (and a facility, to the extent it uses qualified renewable biomass as fuel) a greenhouse gas emission rate, and a carbon intensity, of not greater than zero, if the use of such qualified renewable biomass as fuel does not cause the conversion of forests to non-forest use.
(2) Petitions
Not later than 1 year after receiving a petition requesting a change to a rule, policy, or program of the Department in order to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take such action as may be necessary to comply with such requirements with respect to such rule, policy, or program.
(c) Guidance
(1) Establishment
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish guidance for purposes of carrying out subsection (b).
(2) Modification
The Secretary may periodically update the guidance established under paragraph (1) as the Secretary may determine necessary.
(3) Consultation
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with—
(A)
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
(B)
the Secretary of Energy; and
(C)
any other relevant entities, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 12410. Whole milk under the school breakfast program
Section 9(a)(2) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(a)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking Act—
and inserting Act and breakfasts served by schools participating in the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)—
;
(2)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting or the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)
after Act
; and
(3)
in subparagraph (D), by striking section 210.10
and inserting sections 210.10 and 220.8
.
Sec. 12411. Spotted lanternfly awareness campaign
(a) In general
The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of the public with respect to spotted lanternflies.
(b) Required activities
In carrying out the national campaign under this section, the Secretary shall—
(1)
place public service announcements on television, radio, and billboards in areas of high incidence of spotted lanternflies that—
(A)
inform individuals of the fact that spotted lanternflies are an invasive pest that threaten local agriculture; and
(B)
encourage individuals to kill any spotted lanternflies that such individuals encounter; and
(2)
use such other awareness tools as the Secretary determines appropriate to provide the information described in paragraph (1).
Sec. 12412. Rio Grande Valley agricultural water interagency working group
(a) Establishment
The Secretary, in coordination with the heads of the agencies described in subsection (c), shall establish an interagency working group to coordinate a whole-of-government strategy to protect the economic interests of United States agricultural producers impacted by water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.
(b) Duties
The Working Group shall—
(1)
analyze the economic impact of water delivery deficits under the 1944 Water Treaty on the United States agricultural sector in the area affected by such water delivery deficits, including specific assessments of damages to perennial crops;
(2)
develop and implement a multi-agency strategy to—
(A)
secure annual and predictable water deliveries in accordance with the 1944 Water Treaty through the coordinated use of Federal diplomatic and operational authorities;
(B)
enhance the resilience of the domestic agricultural water supply through improved conservation and infrastructure;
(C)
assess trade-related mechanisms available to address agricultural supply chain disruptions caused by such water delivery deficits;
(D)
ensure that water resources and infrastructure in South Texas are efficiently managed and operational for the beneficial use of agricultural producers and municipal users; and
(E)
support Federal officials in securing annual and predictable water deliveries in accordance with the 1944 Water Treaty;
(3)
facilitate coordination among Federal agencies and with the State of Texas to align diplomatic, trade, and infrastructure efforts with the critical needs of the agricultural community in South Texas; and
(4)
provide a forum for public engagement and transparency regarding—
(A)
the status of water deliveries from Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty; and
(B)
the findings of the Working Group and the strategy developed under paragraph (2).
(c) Composition
The Working Group shall be composed of—
(1)
the Secretary of Agriculture (who shall serve as Chair);
(2)
the Secretary of State;
(3)
the Secretary of the Interior;
(4)
the Commissioner of the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico;
(5)
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
(6)
the United States Trade Representative;
(7)
the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and
(8)
the Assistant to the President of the United States for National Security Affairs.
(d) Meetings
(1) Frequency
The Working Group shall meet not less frequently than annually.
(2) Public access
The Working Group shall—
(A)
hold the meetings described in paragraph (1) in a manner open to the public; and
(B)
provide an opportunity for interested stakeholders, including agricultural producers and irrigation districts, to provide oral and written comments to the Working Group.
(e) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Working Group shall submit to the Committees on Agriculture, Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Appropriations, Energy and Natural Resources, Foreign Relations, and Finance of the Senate, a report describing—
(1)
the findings resulting from the analysis under subsection (b)(1);
(2)
the status of diplomatic and operational efforts to secure compliance with the annual water delivery requirements of the 1944 Water Treaty;
(3)
an assessment of potential trade or administrative actions to secure long term water reliability under treaties with Mexico; and
(4)
recommendations for projects, resources, and legislative authorities needed to fully implement the strategy developed under subsection (b)(2).
(f) Definitions
In this section:
(1) 1944 Water Treaty
The term 1944 Water Treaty means the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande signed at Washington on February 3, 1944, and the Supplementary Protocol signed at Washington November 14, 1944.
(2) Working Group
The term Working Group means the interagency working group established under subsection (a).
Sec. 12413. Cost-share grants for rollover protection structures
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Approved rollover protection structure
The term approved rollover protection structure means a rollover protection structure that the Program Administrator determines—
(A)
may be installed on eligible equipment;
(B)
includes a seatbelt; and
(C)
meets or exceeds the rollover protection structure standards.
(2) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means, as determined by the Secretary—
(A)
an agricultural producer; and
(B)
an eligible school.
(3) Eligible equipment
The term eligible equipment means an agricultural tractor that the Program Administrator determines to be eligible for installation of an approved rollover protection structure.
(4) Eligible school
The term eligible school means—
(A)
a vocational school that provides agricultural instruction or training;
(B)
an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that provides direct, practical agricultural instruction or training; and
(C)
a public or private secondary school (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8107)) the curriculum of which includes an agricultural instruction or training component.
(5) Program Administrator
The term Program Administrator means the organization selected by the Secretary under subsection (c)(1)(B).
(6) Rollover protection structure standards
The term rollover protection structure standards includes the following:
(A)
The SAE J2194 and SAE J1194 standards issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers (and successor standards).
(B)
Any other relevant national or international rollover protection structure manufacturing or testing standards.
(b) Cost-share grants
(1) In general
The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities for the cost of purchasing, transporting, and installing on eligible equipment approved rollover protection structures.
(2) Limitations
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amount of a grant under this section shall equal 70 percent of the costs of the eligible entity to purchase, transport, and install the approved rollover protection structure.
(B) Exception
If, for an eligible entity that is the recipient of a grant under this section, the costs to purchase, transport, and install an approved rollover structure (as documented by the eligible entity) exceed $500, the amount of the grant shall be increased to cover an increased percentage (as determined by the Secretary) of such costs.
(c) Administration
(1) Program Administrator
The Secretary shall—
(A)
seek competitive bids from nongovernmental organizations seeking to serve as the Program Administrator under this section;
(B)
select 1 organization from among the organizations that submit bids under subparagraph (A); and
(C)
enter into a cooperative agreement with that organization to carry out the activities described in paragraph (2).
(2) Duties
The Program Administrator shall—
(A)
identify—
(i)
approved rollover protection structures; and
(ii)
eligible equipment;
(B)
administer the application process under subsection (d); and
(C)
establish and administer a public website and phone hotline with information necessary—
(i)
to inform eligible entities, as described in subsection (a)(2), of the grant opportunities made available by this Act, and
(ii)
to administer the application process under subsection (d).
(d) Applications
(1) In general
To apply for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Program Administrator an application, including documentation of the cost described in subsection (b)(2)(A).
(2) Approval or denial
On receipt of an application under paragraph (1), the Program Administrator shall—
(A)
determine—
(i)
whether the applicant is eligible for a grant under this section; and
(ii)
the amount of a grant under this section for which the applicant is eligible; and
(B)
submit to the Secretary a notification of the determinations under subparagraph (A).
(e) Disbursement
On receipt of a notification under subsection (d)(2)(B), if an applicant is eligible for a grant under this section, the Secretary shall disburse to the eligible entity the amount of the grant described in subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii).
(f) Funding
(1) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $725,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(2) Allocation
Of the amounts made available to carry out this section for each fiscal year—
(A)
the Secretary shall use 70 percent of such amounts for grants under this section; and
(B)
the Secretary shall transfer to the Program Administrator—
(i)
15 percent of such amounts for the promotion of, and upgrades to the website referred to in subsection (c)(2)(C); and
(ii)
15 percent of such amounts for the telephone hotline referred to in such subsection.