Agriculture

New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023

New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2023 This bill allows meat and poultry products inspected by State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs to be sold in interstate commerce. Under the inspection programs, the Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service allows states that meet certain requirements to inspect meat and poultry. The state-inspected products are currently limited to intrastate commerce, unless a state opts into a separate Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program.

ACE Agriculture Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023

Advancing Cutting Edge Agriculture Act of 2023 or the ACE Agriculture Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) and expands the program's environmental sustainability goals. (The program supports innovative research and development of technology, research tools, and products to address long-term and high-risk challenges related to food and agriculture.) The bill expands the program's goals to include water conservation and responding to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as resilience to (1) drought, (2) infectious diseases, and (3) plant and animal pathogens and pests. The bill also removes the current pilot program designation and requires the Department of Agriculture to establish and maintain an AGARDA staff.

Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expedite the environmental review of hazardous fuel or insect and disease risk reduction projects on certain National Forest System land and prioritize reducing the risks of insect infestations and wildfires over other objectives in forest plans. In addition, the bill directs states to retain good neighbor agreement timber sale revenues and use them for certain restoration services.

A resolution recognizing the importance of maple syrup production to Maine and designating March 26, 2023, as "Maine Maple Sunday".

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

This resolution designates March 26, 2023, as Maine Maple Sunday. It also recognizes the contribution and importance of maple syrup producers and their families in the state of Maine.

Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to revise its regulations to allow certain packers to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a market agency selling livestock on a commission basis. The bill applies to packers that have a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animal per day or 700,000 animals per year with respect to cattle or sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year with respect to hogs.

A resolution recognizing the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

This resolution expresses that the Senate recognizes the importance of rural and agricultural programming and the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.

Plant Biostimulant Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Plant Biostimulant Act of 2023 This bill excludes plant biostimulants (i.e., a substance, micro-organism, or mixture thereof that supports a plant's natural processes independently of the biostimulant's nutrient content) from regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to study the types of plant biostimulants and practices of plant biostimulant use that best achieve certain results, such as increasing organic matter content.

Healthy H2O Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act or the Healthy H2O Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program under which USDA awards grants for improving the quality of drinking water in certain rural areas. Grants may be given to individuals or entities, such as home owners, renters, and licensed child-care facilities, that have demonstrated the presence of one or more health contaminants in their drinking water. Grants may also be given to nonprofit organizations to help individuals and entities test their water, analyze the results of the tests, and reduce the contamination.

Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to discharge a fire retardant, a chemical, or water for fire suppression, control, or prevention activities. No National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit shall be required for such activities or for similar activities conducted by the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a state or political subdivision thereof, or a tribal government.

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act This bill designates specified segments of rivers and creeks of the Gila River system in New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and transfers 440 acres of land from the Gila National Forest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture must consult with tribal governments, applicable political subdivisions of states, and the public when preparing the comprehensive management plan for such segments pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Any nonfederal land within or adjacent to such a segment that is acquired by the United States shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable segment. No land or interest in land shall be acquired without the owner's consent. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture may authorize the construction of a native fish habitat restoration project (including any necessary fish barriers) within a covered segment if the project would enhance the recovery of a threatened or endangered species, a sensitive species, or a species of greatest conservation need, including the Gila Trout; and would not unreasonably diminish the free-flowing nature or outstandingly remarkable values of the covered segment. A native fish habitat restoration project located within an area designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System shall be constructed consistent with the Wilderness Act and the applicable wilderness management plan.

U.S.A. Beef Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

U.S.A. Beef Act This bill modifies label requirements for meat food products of cattle. Specifically, the bill prohibits the label of cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle from bearing the phrase Product of U.S.A. unless such meat or meat food product is exclusively derived from one or more cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States. The requirement does not apply to cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle that is intended and offered for export to a foreign country.

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act This bill designates specified segments of rivers and creeks of the Gila River system in New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and transfers 440 acres of land from the Gila National Forest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture must consult with tribal governments, applicable political subdivisions of states, and the public when preparing the comprehensive management plan for such segments pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Any nonfederal land within or adjacent to such a segment that is acquired by the United States shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable segment. No land or interest in land shall be acquired without the owner's consent. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture may authorize the construction of a native fish habitat restoration project (including any necessary fish barriers) within a covered segment if the project would enhance the recovery of a threatened or endangered species, a sensitive species, or a species of greatest conservation need, including the Gila Trout; and would not unreasonably diminish the free-flowing nature or outstandingly remarkable values of the covered segment. A native fish habitat restoration project located within an area designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System shall be constructed consistent with the Wilderness Act and the applicable wilderness management plan.

FILM Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Federal Interior Land Media Act or the FILM Act This bill rewrites provisions for commercial filming activities or similar projects in National Park System units and on other federal lands. Specifically, the bill provides exceptions from permitting and fee requirements for content creation, including still photography, digital or analog video, or digital or analog audio recording activities, on land under the jurisdiction of the Departments of Agriculture or the Interior.

America Works Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

America Works Act of 2023 This bill expands applicability of the work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). (SNAP recipients who are ABAWDs have work-related requirements in addition to the general SNAP work registration and employment and training requirements.) Specifically, this bill applies the work requirements for ABAWDs to adults who are not over 65 years old, whereas these requirements currently apply to adults who are not over 50 years old. Further, the ABAWD exemption for a parent or household member with responsibility for a dependent child is restricted to a dependent child under the age of seven. Currently, the child must be under the age of 18. The bill also amends an ABAWD waiver program that allows state exemptions based on an area having an unemployment rate of over 10% or an insufficient number of jobs. Specifically, the bill repeals the second basis for a state exemption, which applies to areas that have an insufficient number of jobs. Under current law, a state agency may exempt up to 12% of SNAP recipients from the ABAWD work requirements for each fiscal year; unused exemptions may be carried over and used in a subsequent fiscal year. Under the bill, unused exemptions may not be carried over.

Expressing support for the designation of the third week of March 2023 as "National CACFP Week".

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This resolution recognizes the role of the child and adult care food program (commonly referred to as CACFP) in improving the health of the country's most vulnerable children and adults in child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school care by providing nutritious meals and snacks. It also supports the designation of National CACFP Week.

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023 This bill expands access to free and reduced school meals in tribal areas. Specifically, the bill makes a child who is an enrolled member (or who has one or more parents who are enrolled members) of an Indian tribe categorically eligible for free school breakfasts or lunches. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adjust reimbursement rates for breakfasts, lunches, suppers, and supplements served in Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools and elementary and secondary schools on or near an Indian reservation. The bill also directs USDA to establish a pilot program to award grants to 10 tribal entities for operating and implementing the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program in Bureau-funded schools, schools on or near an Indian reservation, and early care and education facilities.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to complete an interagency report on the effects of special recreation permits on environmental justice communities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to complete an interagency report on the use of special recreation permits by recreation service providers serving environmental justice communities. The bill defines an environmental justice community as a community with significant representation of communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities, that experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, higher or more adverse human health or environmental effects than other communities. Interior and USDA (1) shall contact all existing or prospective special recreation service providers to request a voluntary estimate of the number of user days used by, or, in the case of a prospective recreation service provider, expected to be used by, individuals from environmental justice communities; (2) shall request from recreation service providers and interested members of the public any other information required for the report; and (3) shall not use participation or the provision of information to Interior and USDA by a recreation service provider as a condition of a special recreation permit.

Agricultural Management Assistance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Agricultural Management Assistance Act of 2023 This bill expands and revises the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) programs, which help agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing, or natural resource conservation practices. (AMA is available in 16 designated states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low.) Specifically, the bill expands the eligible uses for financial assistance funds for producers to include soil health improvements, the development of sustainable water sources and irrigation, composting, and other conservation practices determined to reduce the risk to a farm of financial loss due to the regional impacts of climate change. The bill also specifies that funds provided to mitigate financial risk through production or marketing diversification may be used for food safety certification. The bill provides additional funding for the program and changes the payment limitation for farmers to $200,000 over five years (currently $50,000 per year). The bill also expands those eligible for assistance under AMA programs to include federal crop insurance providers, in particular providers of Whole-Farm Revenue Protection plans.

ACRES Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions Act or the ACRES Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to submit accurate reports regarding hazardous fuels reduction activity. Hazardous fuels reduction activity means any vegetation management activity to reduce the risk of wildfire but excludes a wildland fire managed for resource benefits and the award of contracts to conduct hazardous fuels reduction activities. Specifically, USDA and Interior must include in the materials submitted in support of the President's budget each fiscal year a report on the number of acres on which such activities were carried out during the preceding year, and implement standardized procedures for tracking data related to such activities. The standardized procedures must include regular, standardized data reviews of the accuracy and timely input of data used to track hazardous fuels reduction activities; verification methods that validate whether such data accurately correlates to such activities; an analysis of the short- and long-term effectiveness of such activities on reducing the risk of wildfire; and for hazardous fuels reduction activities that occur partially within the wildland-urban interface, methods to distinguish which acres are located within and which located outside the wildland-urban interface. The Government Accountability Office shall (1) conduct a study on this bill's implementation, and (2) submit a report to Congress with the results of the study.

CLAMP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

CCP Lease Abolishment for Minerals and Petroleum Act of 2023 or the CLAMP Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture from issuing or renewing a lease, issuing a permit, or recording a claim for any federal lands under any provision of law relating to the production, refining, harvesting, or extraction of minerals, timber, oil or natural gas, or any other natural resource or the production of energy, to China or specified entities or individuals affiliated with the Chinese Community Party. The bill prohibits transferring a title, lease, permit, recorded claim, or other interest to such entities or individuals.

Jobs and Opportunities for SNAP Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

Jobs and Opportunities for SNAP Act This bill expands applicability of the work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). (SNAP recipients who are ABAWDs have work-related requirements in addition to the general SNAP work registration and employment and training requirements.) Specifically, this bill applies the work requirements for ABAWDs to adults who are not over 65 years old, whereas these requirements currently apply to adults who are not over 50 years old. Further, the ABAWD exemption for a parent or household member with responsibility for a dependent child is restricted to a dependent child under the age of seven. Currently, the child must be under the age of 18. The bill repeals COVID-19 public health emergency waivers issued for ABAWD work requirements. The bill also repeals an ABAWD waiver program that allows state exemptions based on an area (1) having an unemployment rate of over 10%, or (2) not having a sufficient number of jobs. Under current law, a state agency may exempt up to 12% of SNAP recipients from the ABAWD work requirements for each fiscal year; unused exemptions may be carried over and used in a subsequent fiscal year. The bill reduces the percentage of exemptions a state agency may provide to up to 3% of SNAP recipients and unused exemptions may not be carried over.

SOAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act or the SOAR Act This bill addresses access to public lands for outdoor recreation, including through special recreation permits and annual entrance passes. The bill sets forth and revises provisions regarding special recreation permits for use by individuals and groups to engage in recreational activities on federal recreational lands and waters. The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to sell online the America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management shall (1) enhance private-sector volunteer programs; (2) actively promote private-sector volunteer opportunities; and (3) provide outreach to, and coordinate with, the private sector for such purposes.

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools to provide fluid milk substitutes upon request of a student or the parent or guardian of such student, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023

This bill requires schools to substitute a nondairy beverage for fluid milk in the National School Lunch Program upon the request of a student or their parent or guardian. Under current law, schools participating in the program may provide a substitute at the request of a medical authority or the student's parent or guardian. The bill also removes current requirements that (1) the substitute request be based on an identified medical or other special dietary need that restricts the student's diet, and (2) the school food authority pay for any additional expenses resulting from providing the substitute that exceed the covered reimbursement amounts.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2024

United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 March 2023

Beagle Brigade Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Beagle Brigade Act of 202 3 This bill provides statutory authority for the National Detector Dog Training Center that is operated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture. The center trains dogs to inspect passenger baggage, cargo, mailed packages, and vehicles to detect foreign pests and diseases that threaten domestic agriculture and natural resources. The bill also requires APHIS to report to Congress on (1) current and emerging threats to domestic agricultural and natural resources from foreign pests and diseases, and (2) recommendations to improve the center's capabilities and procedures.

Beagle Brigade Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Beagle Brigade Act of 202 3 This bill provides statutory authority for the National Detector Dog Training Center that is operated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture. The center trains dogs to inspect passenger baggage, cargo, mailed packages, and vehicles to detect foreign pests and diseases that threaten domestic agriculture and natural resources. The bill also requires APHIS to report to Congress on (1) current and emerging threats to domestic agricultural and natural resources from foreign pests and diseases, and (2) recommendations to improve the center's capabilities and procedures.

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes and provides specified funds for the Department of Agriculture's Healthy Food Financing Initiative through FY2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter. (This program provides capacity building and financial resources to eligible healthy food retailers and food supply chain enterprises to assist them in overcoming the high costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas.)

Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 202 3 This bill establishes a loan program within the Farm Service Agency to assist agricultural producers in purchasing precision agriculture equipment and technology, such as geospatial mapping, data management and analytics software, and network connectivity products and solutions. Precision agriculture refers to 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 to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.

Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program to help states and other entities address contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, on agricultural land and commercial farms. Specifically, the USDA program must provide an eligible government (e.g., a state, territory, or Indian tribe) a grant for purposes that include providing financial assistance to a person whose commercial farm is affected by PFAS contamination; assisting the producers on agricultural land and commercial farms contaminated by PFAS in developing an enterprise budget for alternative production, remediation strategies, transitioning to an alternative revenue stream, or relocating farming operations; expanding the capacity of PFAS testing and data management; and conducting research on soil and water remediation systems and food safety relating to PFAS contamination. At least 30% of the program's total annual funding is set aside for one or more eligible governments with a population of less than 3 million people. The bill also requires USDA to establish a task force to provide (1) advice regarding whether addressing PFAS contamination should be added as an eligible activity for each USDA program, (2) evaluations of necessary actions for farms already enrolled in a USDA program where PFAS is detected, and (3) technical assistance to eligible governments in addressing PFAS contamination.

Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 20 2 3 This bill repeals certain work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The requirements apply to able-bodied adults who are ages 18-49 and have no dependent children. Individuals who do not meet certain work requirements are generally prohibited from receiving more than 3 months of SNAP benefits over a 36-month period. Under current law, some of the work requirements under SNAP are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.

MATCH Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2023 or the MATCH Act of 202 3 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) identify a list of emergency watershed protection measures the cost of which may be incurred by a state, local government, or Indian tribe prior to entering into an agreement with USDA under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program; and (2) develop procedures, including appropriate deadlines, to be implemented at the state level, through which such entities may request and incur the cost for additional emergency watershed protection measures. USDA must consider any applicable pre-agreement costs incurred by a state, local government, or Indian tribe for undertaking emergency watershed protection measures as meeting part of its contribution towards the project costs.

Virginia Wilderness Additions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Virginia Wilderness Additions Act of 2023 This bill adds specified additional lands in the George Washington National Forest (a part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky) to the Rough Mountain Wilderness, and designates specified land in the forest as a potential wilderness area for incorporation into the Rich Hole Wilderness. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may use motorized equipment and mechanized transport in the potential wilderness area until it is incorporated into the Rich Hole Wilderness in order to enhance natural ecosystems by implementing certain activities to improve water quality and aquatic passage, as described in the Forest Service document titled Decision Notice for the Lower Cowpasture Restoration and Management Project and dated December 2015. In carrying out such water quality and aquatic passage improvement activities, USDA must use the minimum tool or administrative practice that has the least amount of adverse impact on wilderness character and resources.

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes and provides specified funds for the Department of Agriculture's Healthy Food Financing Initiative through FY2028 and for each fiscal year thereafter. (This program provides capacity building and financial resources to eligible healthy food retailers and food supply chain enterprises to assist them in overcoming the high costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas.)

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act This bill incorporates mental health promotion and education into guidelines for school wellness policies that are used by local educational agencies participating in school meal programs. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must issue further regulations for local educational agencies to (1) incorporate goals for mental health promotion and education, and (2) include reducing eating disorders as part of the nutrition guidelines for foods available on school campuses. The bill also requires that local educational agencies establish multidisciplinary teams of school personnel to lead the development, periodic review, and updating of local school wellness policies. Further, the bill requires the involvement of registered dietitians and school-based mental health services providers (in addition to those already required to be involved) in the periodic review and updating of the local policy. USDA must also provide technical assistance to promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.

Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program to help states and other entities address contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, on agricultural land and commercial farms. Specifically, the USDA program must provide an eligible government (e.g., a state, territory, or Indian tribe) a grant for purposes that include providing financial assistance to a person whose commercial farm is affected by PFAS contamination; assisting the producers on agricultural land and commercial farms contaminated by PFAS in developing an enterprise budget for alternative production, remediation strategies, transitioning to an alternative revenue stream, or relocating farming operations; expanding the capacity of PFAS testing and data management; and conducting research on soil and water remediation systems and food safety relating to PFAS contamination. At least 30% of the program's total annual funding is set aside for one or more eligible governments with a population of less than 3 million people. The bill also requires USDA to establish a task force to provide (1) advice regarding whether addressing PFAS contamination should be added as an eligible activity for each USDA program, (2) evaluations of necessary actions for farms already enrolled in a USDA program where PFAS is detected, and (3) technical assistance to eligible governments in addressing PFAS contamination.

Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop voluntary standards for precision agriculture (i.e., 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 to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality). USDA, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), must develop voluntary, consensus-based, private sector-led interconnectivity standards and best practices for precision agriculture to promote economies of scale and ease the burden of adoption. USDA must (1) coordinate with relevant public and trusted private sector stakeholders and relevant industry organizations, and (2) consult with sector-specific agencies and state and local governments. Further, in developing the standards, USDA must, in consultation with NIST and the Federal Communications Commission, consider the connectivity needs of precision agriculture equipment, cybersecurity challenges facing precision agriculture, and the impact of artificial intelligence on this area. The Government Accountability Office must periodically assess and report on the standards.

Biochar Research Network Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Biochar Research Network Act of 2023 This bill directs the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to establish a biochar research network of not more than 20 research sites or facilities to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods, and climates to learn more about its potential to benefit agriculture, forestry, and the environment. Eligible entities for the research network include (1) state agriculture and forestry experiment stations, and (2) research facilities of the ARS, the Forest Service, and the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and the Interior. Biochar is created by heating biomass (e.g., wood, grass, and manure) in a low-oxygen environment and can be applied to soil to sequester carbon and improve soil health.

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 This bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take certain actions against black vultures to protect livestock. (Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.) Specifically, livestock producers and their employees may (1) take (i.e., capture, kill, disperse, or transport) a black vulture that they reasonably believe will cause death, injury, or destruction to livestock; or (2) in the course of taking or attempting to take the black vulture, cause injury to the bird. Livestock producers and their employees must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on black vultures taken under this bill. The FWS must make this reporting form available on its website. Currently, the FWS has a permit process under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the taking of black vultures.

Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act This bill revises the Good Neighbor Authority program to modify the treatment of revenue from timber sale contracts under good neighbor agreements with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior. (The Good Neighbor Authority permits USDA and Interior to enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with states, counties, and Indian tribes to perform forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services on federal land managed by the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management.) Specifically, the bill (1) requires Indian tribes and counties to retain revenue generated from timber sales under a good neighbor agreement; and (2) allows states, counties, and Indian tribes to use such revenue for authorized restoration projects on nonfederal lands under a good neighbor agreement. (Under current law, only a state is permitted to retain the revenues, and the revenues must be used for restoration projects on federal land.)

Coastal Seaweed Farm Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Coastal Seaweed Farm Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to (1) establish the Indigenous Seaweed Farming Fund, (2) prepare a joint study of coastal seaweed farming, and (3) issue regulations addressing seaweed farming. The Indigenous Seaweed Farming Fund must provide grants to tribes, Native villages, tribal reservations, and specified Native people to support coastal seaweed farming, including for creating and maintaining coastal seaweed farms, purchasing equipment, and identifying and mitigating adverse impacts. The joint study must analyze best practices for coastal seaweed farming that maximize potential benefits and avoid adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Within one year of the publication of the joint study, USDA and NOAA must issue regulations that ensure that systems of coastal seaweed farming maximize potential benefits and avoid potential adverse effects on the marine ecosystem, wildlife, fisheries, and surrounding communities; establish evaluation metrics to measure the impact and benefits of coastal seaweed farming on the marine ecosystem and surrounding communities; and establish related monitoring and reporting requirements. The bill also requires the Food and Drug Administration to report to Congress on recommendations for improving the regulation of seaweed for human consumption. The recommendations must focus on standards and testing methods to identify, address, and prevent contamination by bacteria, heavy metals, and pathogens.

Plantain and Banana Plant Health Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Plantain and Banana Plant Health Initiative Act This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a plantain and banana plant health initiative. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants for studying potential resistance and tolerance to nonnative diseases and insect pests; increasing research for treatment of pests that affect plantains and bananas; conducting field studies to evaluate plantain and banana cultivars with enhanced resistance to diseases and pests, and adaptability to tropical soils; educating growers on best practices to promote safe production of plantains and bananas; and establishing area-wide integrated pest management programs in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, specified pests.

Cacao Tree Health Initiative Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Cacao Tree Health Initiative Act of 202 3 This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a cacao tree health initiative. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests that affect cacao trees; establishing an integrated pest management programs for cacao trees in areas affected by or at risk of being affected by such pests; surveying and collecting data on cacao tree production, health, and markets; investigating cacao tree biology, ecology, genomics, and production systems; conducting research on factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, resilient cacao production systems; and conducting research on factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, serious threats to cacao trees, including the sublethal effects of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on beneficial insects and cacao tree growth.

PRECISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act or the PRECISE Act This bill incorporates support for precision agriculture into various programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Precision agriculture refers to 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 to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality. Precision agriculture technology includes any technology and equipment that directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or livestock production. Specifically, the bill makes changes to eligibility criteria, administrative procedures, and other aspects of the Conservation Loan Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These changes include allowing the programs to support the adoption of precision agriculture practices and acquisition of precision agriculture technologies. In addition, the bill expands a program through which USDA makes and insures loans to for-profit and nonprofit organizations that invest in rural areas by allowing the loans to be used for precision agriculture practices. Also, USDA must emphasize the use of third-party providers when providing technical assistance on matters related to soil health for participants in certain USDA conservation programs.

Plant Biostimulant Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Plant Biostimulant Act This bill excludes plant biostimulants (i.e., a substance, micro-organism, or mixture thereof that supports a plant's natural processes independently of the biostimulant's nutrient content) from regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to study the types of plant biostimulants and practices of plant biostimulant use that best achieve certain results, such as increasing organic matter content.

To provide additional funding for scholarships for students at 1890 institutions.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

This bill provides specified funds to the 1890 Scholarships Program for FY2025 and each succeeding year for student scholarships. The bill also permanently reauthorizes the 1890 Scholarships Program. This National Institute of Food and Agriculture program provides grants to 1890 Institutions (i.e., historically Black colleges and universities that belong to the U.S. land-grant university system) for students who intend to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences.

Expressing support for the 88th Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, its cultural significance to the State of Florida, and the contributions of Plant City's strawberry industry to American agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

This resolution expresses support for the 88th Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, and the contributions of Plant City's strawberry industry to Florida's agriculture.

Supporting the designation of December 5 of each year as "National Soil Health Day".

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Soil Health Day and calls upon this celebration and its related activities to improve the awareness of U.S. farmers and agribusiness toward the importance of the air and water quality environment for all U.S. citizens.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives and ranking a Member on a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

This resolution elects designated Members of the House of Representatives to the Committee on Agriculture; the Committee on Armed Services; the Committee on Foreign Affairs; the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; and the Committee on the Budget.

Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act This bill revises the Good Neighbor Authority program to modify the treatment of revenue from timber sale contracts under good neighbor agreements with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior. (The Good Neighbor Authority permits USDA and Interior to enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with states, counties, and Indian tribes to perform forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services on federal land managed by the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management.) Specifically, the bill (1) requires Indian tribes and counties to retain revenue generated from timber sales under a good neighbor agreement; and (2) allows states, counties, and Indian tribes to use such revenue for authorized restoration projects on nonfederal lands under a good neighbor agreement. (Under current law, only a state is permitted to retain the revenues, and the revenues must be used for restoration projects on federal land.)

Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 202 3 This bill establishes a loan program within the Farm Service Agency to assist agricultural producers in purchasing precision agriculture technology, such as geospatial mapping, data management and analytics software, and network connectivity products and solutions. Precision agriculture refers to 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 to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.